Table Of Content
- Latest Fashion Trends in Formal Wear Suitable for Cruises
- What should I do if I’m unsure about the appropriateness of my selected attire?
- Formal night dress code for women:
- Tips Cruise Lines DON’T Want You to Know (But They Aren’t Against the Rules)
- Royal Caribbean Blog is your ultimate source for Royal Caribbean coverage.
- Women's Casual Boat Neck A-Line Midi Dress with Asymmetrical Hems

Wearing this cold shoulder flare sleeves flowy formal dress, you will experience unparalleled elegance and confidence on the cruise night. The dress features a flowing design, with a cold shoulder neckline and a floor-length skirt with a thigh-high slit, showcasing your charming curves and captivating allure. The lightweight and flowing skirt dances in the sea breeze, making you feel like an elegant dancer gracefully moving under the moonlight.
Latest Fashion Trends in Formal Wear Suitable for Cruises
Cunard is one of the most formal and you’ll want to be prepared with proper formal attire. Norwegian Cruise Line does not have a formal dress code, however do have optional dress up nights. If you don’t feel like wearing a suit or tuxedo on formal night, there are alternative options that still adhere to the dress code.
What should I do if I’m unsure about the appropriateness of my selected attire?
This elegant long lantern sleeve dress features a V-neckline that accentuates your neckline beautifully, exuding confidence and grace. The flowing long lantern sleeves sway gently like satin dancing in the sea breeze, adding a touch of softness and elegance. Additionally, this dress is equipped with sun protection elements, ensuring your comfort and safety during your cruise. These 100% wool tuxedo separates are perfect for an elegant look on formal night.
Formal night dress code for women:
That should give you a little time to head back to the room and dress up if you want to join in. This section will unravel practical cruise packing tips to safeguard your formal night ensemble from any voyage-related mishaps. Since flip flops are not allowed in the evening, make sure to bring comfortable shoes or sandals to wear during dinner in the main room. Welcome to High Seas Cruising, your resource for exploring the exciting world of cruise ship travel.

This bracelet-sleeve lace cocktail dress features eyelash lace at the scalloped hem and an elegant v-neck at the back, making it perfect for a formal night updo. Add gold chain link earrings and kitten heel pumps for a polished evening ensemble. On more traditional cruise lines like Holland America or Cunard, you’ll notice the general level of dressiness to be a bit higher. But as long as you’re within your cruise line’s dress code, feel free to be as dressy or as casual as you prefer.
This pretty knee-length fit and flare dress with lace overlay would be perfect for formal night—and it comes in burgundy and black options as well! Pair it with some neutral sandals and gold-plated drop earrings for a simple yet elegant outfit. You’ll often see people dressed to both ends of the “formal” spectrum on many ships—some wear tuxedos and full-length gowns, and others will wear chinos and a dress shirt or a more casual dress.
Women's Casual Boat Neck A-Line Midi Dress with Asymmetrical Hems
As we mentioned above, if you don’t want to change out of your shorts and t-shirt on formal night (or any other night of the cruise), the buffet is a great dinnertime option. Expect two on a six to eight-day voyage, and two or three on a voyage that’s nine to 13 days long. If you’re on a two-week cruise or longer, plan for at least three to four formal nights or more. Though some guests will dress up in tuxedos and evening gowns, this is not the standard and you certainly don’t have to be that fancy. Each cruise line has its own definition of what formal night attire entails, so to give you an idea here’s what a few cruise lines say you should wear.
Clothes you should not wear:
Remember, cruise formal dresses should make you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to enjoy the special events onboard. By following these reviews and guides, you'll be well-prepared to select the perfect dress for your cruise experience. Some cruise lines do require a jacket and tie to enter the main dining room on formal night. Most popular cruise lines have a formal night, or a version of it by a different name, during each cruise. In recent years, cruises are becoming more casual and dress codes are changing, however, having a special “dress up” night is still very common.
Guests may also choose to get their hair styled or get a manicure prior to formal night. The salon onboard in the Vitality Spa has services including updos, blowouts, shampoo and style dry, manicures, and pedicures. Women should pack dress shoes like flats, heels, wedges, or dressy sandals to wear on formal night. Statement jewelry, from pearl necklaces to diamond earrings, can accentuate the overall look, while elegant clutches serve as both a fashion statement and a practical item for carrying essentials. Choosing the right heels that offer comfort and style is crucial, as they can enhance the outfit's elegance while ensuring that the night can be enjoyed to the fullest. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone anniversary or simply want to feel like a Hollywood starlet for a night, formal night is the perfect opportunity to shine.
Did you find this guide to what to wear on cruise formal night helpful? Drop us an anchor below to share your thoughts on formal night on a cruise. During the golden age of ocean liners, guests staying in first class cabins were required to wear formal attire after 6 PM in all public areas of the ship. In the early decades of modern cruise travel, women wore evening gowns and men donned white tie in the evenings. Do you enjoy cruise formal nights and if so, what traditions do you enjoy most? Do you have questions about how formal nights, or “chic evenings”, work?
Disney Cruise Formal Night Guide - WDW Magazine
Disney Cruise Formal Night Guide.
Posted: Tue, 11 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The delicate ruffles create a soft and romantic appearance, ensuring you look charming and attractive during your cruise formal events. Men should wear pants or designer jeans with a dress shirt, button-down shirt, and the optional sport coat or blazer. Suggestions for women include a skirt, pants, cocktail dress, or designer jeans with an elegant top. Many cruise lines don’t extend the formal dress code to their specialty dining restaurants. Consider making a reservation if you prefer to be served and dress comfortably. If you’re tired after a long day of cruising or you’re just not feeling in the mood to dress up, there are always alternatives for passengers, and you won’t be alone.
Usually, you will see people wearing anything from tuxedos and ballgowns to slacks and a button-up shirt and sundress. It’s easy to wear a bra with this dress and it’s flowy around the middle so you don’t feel squeezed in. Nothing would stop you in your tracks like heading down to dinner in a pair of shorts and then realizing everyone else is dressed up!
In addition, shorts and flip-flops are not permitted during the evening hours. It was common for men to be dressed in tuxedos and ladies in long evening gowns. It's vital to note that dress codes can vary significantly between different cruise lines and even among ships within the same fleet. Luxury cruises might lean towards a more traditional definition of formal wear, expecting tuxedos and gowns as standard attire. In contrast, mainstream cruises could offer a more relaxed interpretation, where a nice dress or a shirt and trousers would suffice. On formal nights, men are asked to wear a suit, tuxedo, or slacks with a jacket, while women are requested to wear a cocktail dress, evening gown, or pantsuit.
For most women, cocktail dresses and evening gowns are the go-to choices. Cocktail dresses are perfect for those who prefer something a little less formal but still want to adhere to the night's elegant theme. Typically, these dresses are knee-length or midi, offering a balance between formal and semi-formal. When a cruise line has a “formal” dress code requirement, it typically means men wear suits or tuxedos and women wear gala dresses and evening gowns.