How formal is formal night on the Ectasy (Carnival) 4 night cruise to Cozumel?

Question

My husband and I are going on our first cruise. I want to experience the Captain's dinner (formal night), but I don't want to be embarrassed by being underdressed. My husband does own a dark suit, but we are both (him especially) fairly casual people. Does he really need to wear a suit? If no, does he have to wear a tie? What about me? How formal does my dress really need to be? My understanding is that some ships are (unofficially) more casual than others. Is that true of the Ectasy? (Carnival line, sailing to Cozumel)

Answer 1

I have been on 11 cruises.  The whole point of "formal" nights is a prom for adults.

You don't have to dress like a king and queen, but your husband should at least wear a sport coat and tie (a suit would be prefered)

Answer 2

We took the Carnival in June 2006.

You will see every type of dress from tux and evening gown to simple sun dress and slacks and button down shirt without a tie.

If you are going to attend the Captain's dinner, I would recommend a suit and tie for your husband.  A little black dress is always in vogue for the formal nights.

This is a great opportunity to get your picture taken by the ship's photographer.

Answer 3

I have been on 4 cruises and the formal nights are fairly formal. Some people wear wedding clothing, but it is not that formal. You could just wear a black dress or a martini dress. Your husband can wear a suite or a dress shirt, pants and shoes. Some people on the cruises I went on wore a brides maid dress. (Don't be fooled.)

Answer 4

oddly enough...i just took this exact cruise in november.  dont worry too much about the attire that night.  i've been on two cruises, and this ship is not known for being upscale when it comes to that stuff.  its still a nice cruise...but i think since the ship is a little older (and cheaper ticket wise) than most cruises, that it brings in a varied clientele.   as for dressing though...

for your husband, i'd recommend a dark suit....tie optional if he is wearing a button up.  otherwise....he could probably get away with kacky slacks and a dark blazer ..... with a button up shirt.  

as for the women on board???  it really varied a lot.  some ladies were in evening gowns, sunday dresses, pantsuits, etc.  the girls in my group stuck with black cocktails dresses because they are always a safe bet.

it all comes down to.....it would take a LOT for them to turn your away at the door for being too casual.  black is safe, and throw on some pearls to jazz it up.  

hope this helps.  have fun!

Answer 5

There will be all types on that night...my self it's a dark suit and black tee shirt and many Lady's are in nice pants and tops...wear something you like and besides you don't know any of them people...and none of them care any way

Answer 6

I went on a similar cruise about a year ago.  Some people go all out with tuxedos and ultra formal dresses, but others wear nice pants and sundresses.  I would recommend a nice cocktail dress for you and a dark suit or nice shirt and black pants for your husband.  The most important thing is that you feel comfortable;either way you won't be embarrassed.  Formal night is meant to be a fun time where you get to dress up and go to a nice dinner.  Have fun...I'm jealous!

Answer 7

He should at least wear a suit coat or jacket and nice pants. You should wear a nice dress. You shouldnt dress like the beverly hillbilly's.

Answer 8

I see many very good answers here. Basically, a dark suit and tie for your husband and a cocktail dress for you (probably black).