Formal Nights

[ESR24]

We are going on our first cruise (for our Honeymoon!) in April and are wondering how formal these nights are? I know people have different ideas of formal so is it gowns and tuxes or dresses and suits? Any help would be appreciated!

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

It would help if we knew the ship or cruise line. On RCI, on the first formal night, my guess is about 85% of the passengers are in gowns, tuxes, cocktail dresses and dark suits. On the second formal night maybe 60% are in gowns and tuxes and 30% are in cocktail dresses or even Sunday dress up outfits and the men are in dark suits. As a whole, both formal nights are noticeably very dressy throughout the entire ship.

 

The first formal night, passengers tend to remain in their formal attire throughout the evening. By the second formal night, many change into more casual clothing for the shows, lounges and casino as soon as they have eaten.

 

Some cruiselines are less formal; some are more formal. If you are on premium lines such as Crystal or Celebrity or Cunard, there will be stricter adherence to the standards for formal nights.

[caviargal]

It would help if we knew the ship or cruise line.ship.

 

The first formal night, passengers tend to remain in their formal attire throughout the evening. By the second formal night, many change into more casual clothing for the shows, lounges and casino as soon as they have eaten.

 

Some cruiselines are less formal; some are more formal. If you are on premium lines such as Crystal or Celebrity or Cunard, there will be stricter adherence to the standards for formal nights.

 

I agree that you will see a difference depending on cruise line.

 

Personally, I have found that the # of passengers who change after dinner is based on the line/ship, not the night. I have never understood getting dressed up and then changing, but my formal clothes are as comfortable as my other outfits.

 

On RCI, Carnival there were a good number that changed after dinner. On my HAL and X cruises, it was very rare indeed.

[Jane110]

I agree that you will see a difference depending on cruise line.

 

Personally, I have found that the # of passengers who change after dinner is based on the line/ship, not the night. I have never understood getting dressed up and then changing, but my formal clothes are as comfortable as my other outfits.

 

 

Agree 100%.

 

I'll also add that on my Princess, Celebrity and HAL cruises both formal nights were equally as formal.

[Gocruzin]

I have only been on Carnival (twice) and NCL (once) and have always worn floor length gowns. I never felt over-dressed or out of place except for one night on the last cruise (Carnival) after dinner in the casino. I went looking for DH and it seemed as though everyone had changed or those people skipped formal night altogether. DH does change immediately after dinner but I feel since I went to all the effort I would like to wear my dress for more than just two hours or so.

[Happy ks]

I looked at her prior posts, it looks like she is going to be on Valor next spring. I'm not sure if Valor is a short cruise or a 7 day, so I'll just assume it's a 7 day cruise.

 

Formal is long dresses or gowns, cocktail dresses or dressy evening pant suits for women. For men, it is tuxedo or dark suit and tie. This is what the cruise line very politely asks of its passengers.

 

It's actually fun to dress up and be a part of the festivities. You can have a formal shot done on those evenings (although you may be tired of that after going through a wedding :) ).

 

Look through so many of the posts where women are asking opinions of their dresses of choice for formal nights. Remember, be true to your age and wear what is flattering to you, not just what you think other people will be wearing. If you do have those phtos done, you will have to look at them forever.

 

Have fun with your wedding and cruise planning!