On the formal night of cruises... do people really get THAT dressy?

Question

I have never been on a cruise and I am going this Sunday. There are two formal nights and I am planning on bringing some of my old "promish" dresses... they are really pretty but do people really get dressed up like that? I dont want to be out of place...

Answer 1

Not at all. Most people wear clothes that one might see on a Monday morning at the office. Also, keep in mind that some cruise lines are more formal than others. If you are going on Holland America or Celebrity, I would suggest that you dress to impress, as this is an older, more affluent clientele. If you are going on carnival or Royal Caribbean, I would just go for something semi-formal or dressy casual.

Answer 2

Much excitement and mystery surrounds the "formal nights" on cruises. It's customary to have one formal night on a 5-day cruise, more in proportion on longer cruises. On my first cruise, I wondered what it would be like, how dressed-up people got, and what I would feel comfortable in. Let me fill you in! I speak on cruise lines, and I've been on the Royal Caribbean, Costa and Carnival cruise lines lately.

Formal wear is officially defined as a tux or dark suit, white shirt and tie for men, and evening wear, cocktail dresses, fancy pantsuits or evening gowns for women.

Opportunity to go formal, if you like to, but not an obligation. Many gentlemen do not wear tuxes. I've seen men in the dining room without jackets or ties, too. (Read your particular cruise line materials to see if a tie is required for gentlemen.)

If you consider it fun to go formal, this is your chance to shine and you can go as ñformalî as you like.

You can make it a full-meal deal, pampering yourself with a massage, a beauty treatment, a facial and then having your hair done that day. But book early, appointments go fast.

Even if you're cruising in the Caribbean in the summertime, the temperature is always cool in the dining rooms.

Answer 3

We've been on 2 Royal Caribbean Cruises. Formal nights are fun & a great way to get some professional photos done. They ussually have 3 or 4 stations set up near the main dinning room where you can get great shots done. If you don't like them then you don't have to buy them.

I have some in my 360 page if you would like to see.

Answer 4

Some people get all dolled up evening gown tux the whole nine while others do not.......It nice because I know I never really get dressed up just to go to dinner.

Have fun!!!!

Answer 5

A lot of people get dressed up.  Then there are some who are hardly dressed up at all.  To be on the safe side I would go with something in the middle.  A little dressier than a  sundress is always good.

Answer 6

Yes they do.  People have different definitions of "formal"...  you'll see at dinner those nights.

Answer 7

Oh yes!

If you wear your prom dresses, you will NOT be out of place.  

You will see a variety outfits on formal night.  From people who look like the spent the ENTIRE day getting ready with the hair, makeup, tux, heels.....to the people who have khakis and a polo shirt on, and ladies with a skirt and a T-shirt....then there is the group (which sometimes I'm in) who doesnt even get dressed up sometimes, and goes to the Windjammer in her shorts or bathing suit cover up!  LOL

I think you're going to fit in just fine.  You will not be out of place.  Remember, this is your cruise - your VACATION.  Relax, and I dont need to tell you to have fun, because you'll have a BLAST on your cruise!  

I'm so jealous!  If you get a chance to get into the casino, go to the roulette table and bet on 17 and 0/00 for me!  :)

Answer 8

Some do.  I usually just wear a dark suit and tie.  My wife wears a nice dress.  A lot just go "casual"

Answer 9

it depends what the occation is!

Answer 10

Oh yes! i go on Holland, and people where in Tox and nice dress. But me i don't want to bring all that in vacation...

Answer 11

Yeah they do tux and all the whole nine but i went to relax on the cruise so i was always in short's and a t

Answer 12

Oh yes, many get their finest on men in tux and women in gowns. Some go more relaxed but we have seen everthing.

Your gowns will be perfect!!