Cruise: what color formal dress is approriate?

Question

Im going on a cruise in April, I have never been before. I heard someone comment once while looking at cruise photos that it was inapproriate to wear red to a formal dinner on a cruise. Is this true? Also, how many formal dresses should I bring on a 7 day cruise? thanks

Answer 1

For a cruise you usually have two formal nights. One of them being the captains night. You should bring two formal dresses to wear to these nights. Save the nicest one for the captains night which usually has dinner and dancing and awesome buffets throughout the night. You can pick whatever colors u want, colors dont make a difference. My favorite colors for a dress are like a champagne beige-ish color and silver. To me they are the prettiest.

Hope I helped.

Answer 2

Many cruises I have been on...my ex-husband was ship security. I have worn whatever color I felt like wearing. The predominate color of formal is usually black. There is no "rule". Just remember to wear what YOU feel gorgeous in, and will photograph well. As others have answered, most cruises have 2 formal nights, but you most ships have alternate dining for travelers that don't want to attend formal night. When you receive your itinerary from the company/travel agent, it should tell you what to expect, and most will make suggestions.

Answer 3

Wear red if you're single. Black if you're married.

Answer 4

Shades of Scarlett O'Hara and her red dress in Gone With The Wind!  While 19th century mores may have considered red to be inappropriate for a lady, no one would consider it so 200 years later.  The person you overheard had to be kidding ... or, was a throwback.

Wear what makes you feel and look good.  Enjoy!

Answer 5

For a 7-day cruise, there are usually 2 formal nights.

Select cocktail dresses that travel well and if possible, a single pair of shoes that will match both dresses.  Closet space in the cabins is very limited.

The guests will be dressed in a broad range of dresses from simple little black dress to very gilttery gowns.

Wear something that expresses your personality and style and you are comfortable in.  Not too tight....you want to be able to enjoy all of the yummy food!

If you are traveling with a gentlemen, a dark coat and tie is suitable.  While a tux is not required, some gentlemen do opt to wear them for formal night(s).

We are cruise veterans.  I am taking a black slinky and a red halter dress for this year's formal nights.

Have a great time!

Answer 6

On a two day cruise it is average to have 2 formal nights.  You are also welcome to wear any color you like.  I have seen red, Yellow, purple.  Many and I work for a cruise line.  Wear what you like.  Red will stand out though because most people wear earth tones.

Answer 7

Where something springy like a nice tank top dress maybe a halter, you can always wear a pretty shawl. Go maybe patterned or solid. dont go to crazy though or to showy. I went on a cruiise in august. I wore a black and gold outfit. Really whatever you and whoever yor gonig whith think is nice will be fine.

Answer 8

My experience has been 7 day cruises have two formal nights.  I've worn champagne, black, white, blue, red, etc.  There is no color limitation except what looks good on you!  You can wear dressy pants and tops and cut down on what you bring if you would like.  Some of my gowns are rather bulky and so I wear palazzo pants instead.  It all depends on your taste and what you feel comfortable wearing.  Any long dress would be appropriate.

Answer 9

If it's a formal dress (and in a servicable condition), it will do.  I've seen red dresses at formal dinners (7 cruises so far), and the fashion police didn't cart them off to fashion prison.

Remember, you're taking the cruise to enjoy yourself, not please anyone.

Answer 10

Any color is fine. Typically for a 7-day cruise, they will have 2 formal nights (the captain's dinner and another night). No jeans or shorts are allowed in the dining room. I wore sundresses on the non-formal days. For my formal dresses, I wore a gold bridesmaid dress that I wore in my cousin's wedding and a cocktail dress that I got on sale at the Macy's Junior Dept for $15.

Answer 11

Your seven day cruise will have two formal nights and you can wear any color dress you want.  People do not wear just black or dark colors.

Answer 12

I've been on dozens of cruises (literally) and the color of your dress does not matter. The only thing inappropriate would be not to dress formal. There are usually two formal nights on a 7-day cruise and it's so wonderful to see people all decked out! You will see all kinds of dresses from short but beaded to the long flowing formal. All are beautiful! Enjoy!!!

Answer 13

Every 7-day cruise I've been on has had 2 formal nights.  Ask your travel agent to be sure.  I've never heard anything about wearing red.  Some people get really dressed up, others don't.  Just remember that the ship's photographer will be taking the "Formal" pictures those nights, and you'll probably want to look really nice.  And if you look good in red, by all means wear it.  Everyone else will be more concerned about how THEY look.        LOL ;-)

Have fun!

Answer 14

April is spring. Pastels.