What is appropriate dress for dinner on a Carnival Cruise?

Question

My husband is not a dress up person, but I would really like for both him and my children to experience the dinners on the cruiseship. We probably will not attend formal night, but if we do what is appropriate?

Answer 1

Your husband sounds just like me - not a dress up formally kind of guy. And with that in mind, I've always gone to them in a nice pair of dress slacks and a polo or button up business-style shirt (no tie) and been just fine.

You will see or hear about people dressing up in a sport jacket or at least a tie, but don't worry about that. It's not neccessary to get all dressed up to the hilt to be just fine. They don't bother you what-so-ever and certainly don't let it bother you if the people seated at your table have jackets or ties on. As I always say - I'm on vacation and the last thing I want to do is dress up like I do when I'm working.

The basic rule that Carnival goes by (as told to me when I first went by the wait staff) was no shorts, t-shirts or jogging suits, but what you'd wear to a nice relaxed dinner at a friends house at home is appropiate. They're just happy to see you and have you at the dinners. Just remember, a lot of people LIKE to dress up to go to the dinners, but that's just because they choose to, not required.

Keep in mind that it's passengers that talk about a jacket and tie, not Carnival when you talk to the wait staff.

With formal night, it is more formal than that, but I've actually went with nice slacks, dress shirt and just put a tie on and was fine. You're on vacation and they know that! Don't worry about how others would judge you. I've walked around the ship in the middle of the afternoon in my shorts and just sandels and seen people dressed up and couldn't ever figure that out either. And besides, why take the extra room up in your luggage packing a suit or dress jacket?

A dress code also goes for your children. Don't make them wear a jacket or nice dress when they're on vacation just to eat.

Answer 2

My huband and I went on Carnival Glory last year. It was 7 nights. We ate dinner each night in the main dining room. We had 2 formal nights and 5 regular nights. On the regular nights we wore just church clothes. My husband normally wore chakis and a polo shirt or button up shirt, and I wore skirts and capris. On the formal nights we dressed up. My husband just wore a jacket and pants(with white shirt) and the other night he wore a vest with the white shirt and pants(also ties). I wore 2 mini formal dresses. On arnival they will not kick you out of the dining room if you are not dressed way up. As long as you look nice you all should be okay. You definatly want to go to the main dining room for the meals at night because they are unbelievable! Good luck and happy sailing!

Answer 3

I went on a carnival cruise last may.. and I am getting ready to go on another one this may. AT dinner last year we just wore regular clothes -- By the end of the cruise we actually wore jeans to dinner... real dark jeans. They dont look at you funny at alll... However, they do not allow shorts or tank tops in the dining room. Most people just wore nicer clothes -- some did dress up a lot for dinner. Most guys that were with us just wore khakis and polo shirts and the girls wore black pants or skirts and a nice top. For formal night there were some couples that were dressed for a black tie wedding and some that were just normally dressed in their sunday best. "The formal night was fun, id encourage you to just go and have fun if you can. And definitely hit up the dinners -- the food is awesome there and the wait staff was wonderful on our cruise... most of all ... HAVE FUN!!

Answer 4

Your husband can wear a jacket and dress pants. The girls can wear a nice skirt and top the boys can wear pants and nice shirt . I would ask your travel agent or the carnival reservationist what is appropriate for your family who isn't into formal wear. Hate for you to miss formal night because of clothing.

Good Luck.

Answer 5

On the normal dinner night he can wear regular pants (no jeans) and a polo shirt or something casual like that.  On formal night he would wear more dress pants and a button down shirt with possibly a tie.  People wear from "Church like" clothes to very formal evening gowns.  You will see a variety of types of clothes.  Carnival is Not as formal as other cruise ships.  It is a nice experience to just watch what other people are wearing and is a lot of fun.  You should experience every part of the cruise including formal night.  The children should also dress in church-like clothes.  I would have the family go to at least the Captains night so that the children can meet the Captain in person--they will get a thrill out of it.

Answer 6

Dress pants and a dress shirt is plenty good for formal night.  If you don't mind a tie, go with it too.   Any other night they just ask that you not wear shorts or tank tops.  Have a great time!!!

Answer 7

I went on a Carnival cruise to Mexico, a couple of years ago. On formal night some men wore dinner jackets or a tux, but most people just dressed about like they would for church on Sunday. The men in a good suit, the women in their best dresses, rather than evening gowns. Carnival isn't the most upscale cruise, but I had a good time :-)  Bon voyage!

Answer 8

My husband does not like to dress up either. On every night but formal night he wore polo shirt and dress pants. On formal night he does wear a suit and tie. He could get by with just a button down shirt and tie if he did not want to wear the jacket. I hope you have fun.

Answer 9

Carnival cruises are a little more casual on formal nights.  Men can usually wear nice slacks with a jacket.  The children can wear nice church-type outfits.  

On a 7 day cruise, you will only have 2 formal days at most.  If your husband is not comfortable with the slacks and jacket, then you can always opt to have dinner at the buffet or order room service.  Have a great time!