formal nights | Debbie's Caribbean Resort Reviews Forums

TIA

On formal nights you can go fully formal, if you so wish, but most don’t as it normally involves buying tuxedos and long gowns. Generally, most men wear dark business suits and the women long or short cocktail dresses. For other dress up evenings a sports coat, collared shirt and dress pants for men and cocktail dress or dressy skirt/pants and top for women; casual would be similar to business casual. If you really want to go full formal and not spend the money on a tux, you can usually rent from the ship. Ask your TA, if necessary. We’ve done it this way. One of the things I love about cruising is the "dressing up" and putting on the bling I wouldn’t go out and spend a lot of money on clothes that won’t get much use after the cruise but, as I mentioned, you can’t go wrong with a dark business suit for hubby and the go anywhere "little black dress" for you. Generally, cruise lines that cater to younger guests tend to be less dressy than those catering to an older clientele.

We have cruised on Celebrity, Princess and Royal Caribbean, all of which are more upscale than Carnival. Steffie is right on; you can go for the full glamour if that appeals to you or simply wear the type of thing you would wear to the office Christmas party. Of our group of 60+ people, only 1 of the guys wore a tux. Many of the ladies took the opportunity to visit the costume jewelry store at the mall before the trip to buy tiaras, boas, chandelier earrings, etc – totally "formal" for about $20. But if you want to buy a gorgeous ballgown, you certainly won’t be out of place. I do recommend that you don’t go for really high, stilleto heels though; if the sea’s not calm that night, it’s a little dicey walking without looking like you are hammered.

Passengers who are members of the Armed Forces who choose to wear their dress uniform on formal nights are often requested to join the Captain’s table for the evening.