Are any of these okay for formal night on Carnival cruise?

Question

Do any of these dresses look acceptable for a formal dinner on Carnival? I'm only 22 so I don't own anything too fancy.

http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse/category.do?cid=5023

I really like this one:

http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse/product.do?cid=35666&pid=547430

Thanks!

Answer 1

I have been on three Carnival cruises and I have two more booked.  Carnival is a little less formal than the luxury lines (Crystal, Seabourn, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas ...).  Thus, you don't have to wear a "formal" dress on formal night.  Just a nice looking dress is good enough.  Something like you would wear to church on Sunday would be fine.

The solid color dresses would be fine on Carnival.  The dress with the prints would be okay, but it is less formal looking than the solid color dresses.  

This is from Carnival's website ...

Is there a dress code for the dining room?

Depending on the length of the cruise, either formal dress or casual resort wear is required in the Dining Room. The dress requirement for children is the same. For those not wanting to dress up, the Lido restaurants are open nightly (with the exception of the last evening of the cruise), and have a casual dress code. Formal Wear: tuxedo (optional); suit and tie; sport coat, tie and slacks; evening gown; cocktail dress; pantsuit Casual Resort Wear: sport shirts and slacks; dresses; skirts; pantsuit NOTE: Shorts, t-shirts and bathing attire are not permitted in the Dining Room during dinner.

http://www.carnival.com/CMS/FAQs/Dining_...

Answer 2

They are both fine.  I live/work on carnival cruise ships and i see formal wear every week and either of these would be fine.  you will see very fancy wedding type dresses and you will see casual pants and short sleeved tops and you will also see shorts.  its formal night but everything is allowed.

Answer 3

i just went on a carnival cruise some people come in big prom dresses and others wear like nice skirts so those dresses are fine...i wore a big dress and it was great for the night...the causual nights just wear like skirts becaues i dressed up and was like the only one lol..

Answer 4

I have been on carnival many times and I love formal night but I do not wish to be so dressed up I am uncomfortable, the dress you said you liked best would be fine but you may find most will be a little dressier than that, a few in formal too, but not too many, you will also see a few more casual than you.

the first thing is this is all part of the fun and if you would have more fun in the dress you like go for it, but if you would rather be dressier the do so, it is really up to you,

but Have FUN

Answer 5

The second is better than the first, but they're both a bit iffy.  I doubt you'd get kicked out of the dining room, but you might feel a little under-dressed.

While Carnival's version of formal is relatively relaxed -- my husband got away with no tie/jacket -- a lot of women will be in gowns or cocktail dresses.

I find a little black dress is generally the most versatile.  This one is my current favorite:

http://www.kennethcole.com/scripts/shop/...

It's totally flattering -- hard to tell in the picture, but try it on and you'll go up a cup size and any tummy disappears.  OK, maybe it's a touch conservative, but you get the idea.  =)

BTW, if you pick a short-sleeved dress, you might want to bring a wrap. The dining room can get a little chilly.

Answer 6

The second one would be fine, there's a bunch of different levels of formality that people wear on Carnival's formal night. I've worn a gown and I've also worn dress pants and a nice blouse. The first one may make you feel underdressed, but the second one is really beautiful, you'd be great. I'm 18.

Answer 7

I don't think they are formal. Think more of like what you would wear to prom. I went on a Royal Caribbean cruise, and those dresses were more like what women wore on the semi-formal nights. Formal night was more like sequins and fancy dresses. Think glitz and glamour.

Answer 8

Stay with black, you will always be able to wear anywhere again and is common in the formal dining rooms aboard ship.  The styles you listed were great but why don't you try your local Salvation Army!!  You may find the lasted styles and brands for a fraction of new..... 5 bucks , believe it .....pending on the economics of your area...its worth it to drive to another city for value.....

Answer 9

Those dresses are to casual. Think Cinderella or the red carpet. Here are some examples.

http://www.froxylady.com/dresses/pageant...