What EXACTLY is Formal night

[robnz]

Ok Im getting ready to go on my first cruise. Can anyone be really specific on formal night? That is for guys and girls. Formal to some people is different for others, I dont want to look like a dork!! Is there somewhere that I can look at pics of what formal night looks like? Thanks!!!:))):)

[cb at sea]

Formal means tux or suit for men. Evening gown or cocktail dress for women. That's what FORMAL means.....some choose not to dress according to the dress suggestion, however, and will wear non-formal clothing, like a sportscoat or sunday dress. They look nice, but aren't considered "formalwear".

 

If you would wear it in the daytime, it's not formal!!!

[Andee]

What line are you sailing? That can make a difference.

 

On Princess & Celebrity, my husband wears his tux. He looks so handsome in it--no wonder James Bond always gets the girl!

 

I wear either a very dressy knee length cocktail dress or something long and dressy.

[robnz]

We are going to cruise Carnival

[robnz]

Oh and thank you for your replies... sorry

[chipmaster]

On Carnival you'll find some in tux, most in suits or coat and tie. Its a guess as I haven't sailed recently but some also in khakis and a nice shirt too. As for the ladies similar mix between gowns, nice dress, and less dressed.

 

The clothing policie will for sure tell you that the only acceptible wear is what is printed in the cruise book. Honestly things are more casual these days, but its fun to get a little more dressed up, just like you'd for a really nice resturant.

 

Enjoy your first cruise

[Host Faith]

We are going to cruise Carnival

 

We sailed Carnival a few months ago. For ladies, we saw a lot of cocktail dresses, and a handful of formal gowns. Most men wore suits. :)

[kitty9]

According to Carnival's website, they no longer have formal nights, per se. They call it Elegant Night. Here's the Q&A from Carnival's website about their Elegant Nights:

 

Casual attire is the order of the day. We suggest shorts, sundresses, tank tops, etc. for the ladies, and for men; shorts, polo shirts, T-shirts, etc. will do. We suggest you wear rubber-soled, low heeled or flat shoes for extra traction while onboard. The use of any footwear with wheels, including but not limited, to Heelys© shoes, is prohibited on board our ships. For dining you may want to dress up a bit and/or bring along a light sports jacket or cardigan.

 

Most evenings we have a Cruise Casual dress code, but there are those Cruise Elegant evenings one or two nights throughout your “Fun Ship” voyage, where you will have the opportunity to showcase your more elegant attire. For those who want casual attire for dinner time, the Lido Restaurant is open nightly, and has a more relaxed theme. However, shirts and shoes/footwear (flip-flops) must be worn at all times inside the Lido Restaurant.

 

Both dress codes for the dining rooms are described below.

 

Cruise Casual Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Sport slacks, khakis, jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long), collared sport shirts; Ladies - Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs).

 

Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Casual dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, gym shorts, basketball shorts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men and baseball hats.

 

Cruise Elegant Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Dress slacks, dress shirts. We also suggest a sport coat. If you wish to wear suits and ties or tuxedos, by all means we invite you to do so. Ladies - Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; if you‘d like to show off your evening gowns, that's great too!

 

Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Elegant dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, gym shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball hats.

 

Special Sailings

 

For Canada/New England/Alaska cruises: Sweaters, lightweight jackets and raincoats are suggested. Casual clothes that can be layered easily are highly recommended. Bring a heavier sweater if you are traveling to the glaciers, along with a raincoat and umbrella, because it is often cold and windy in such areas.

 

For South America and Europe cruises: Comfortable shoes and a just-in-case raincoat. Bring a sweater if you are traveling to the glaciers, along with a raincoat and umbrella, because it is often cold and windy in such areas. Special note: It is essential that you wear the proper apparel when visiting the Vatican and other religious sites (no bare legs or shoulders).

 

So as you see, it appears that you don't even need a suit or sport coat on Carnival for their Elegant Nights.

[robnz]

Thank you that helps alot!! My 15 year old will be happy he doesnt have to wear a suit!! haha