royal princess cruise formal night

Princess Cruise Formal Nights: Dress Code, Etiquette & More!

Embarking on a Princess Cruise is a ticket to a world filled with majestic experiences, a realm where elegance meets the endless horizon.

Among the bouquet of cherished memories you’ll collect, the cruise formal nights stand as glittering jewels, reflecting an ambiance laced with sophistication and celebratory spirit.

This guide aims to be your companion, unraveling the tapestry of Princess Cruise formal nights. So grab your free cruise planner and let’s go!

Princess Cruises Formal Night Dress Code

Sailing through the gentle waves under a starlit sky, the Princess Cruises formal nights invite you to a realm where elegance is the dress code.

Stepping into this grand affair requires a finesse adorned in attire that resonates with the night’s royal essence.

This section aims to unfurl the fabric of dress code etiquette, ensuring you glide through the evening with grace and ease.

Overview of Princess Cruise Dress Code

Princess Cruises advocates a dress code that balances sophistication with comfort.

The atmosphere on formal nights is one of refined elegance, where every guest is a jewel in the crown of the night. Here’s a glimpse into the attire guidelines:

• Men : Traditionally, a suit or tuxedo encapsulates the desired look. A dark suit paired with a crisp dress shirt and a tie or bow tie is a classic choice.
• Women : Evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or elegant pantsuits echo the night’s elegance. The length of dresses can vary, though a knee-length or longer is often preferred.
• Children : While there’s a touch of leniency for the younger guests, dressing them in formal or semi-formal attire complements the evening’s atmosphere.

Men’s Dress Code

Dressing for a formal night is an ode to elegance. Here’s a more detailed insight into men’s attire:

• Suits and Tuxedos : A well-fitted suit or a tuxedo is a timeless choice. While black is a classic, feel free to explore navy or charcoal grey for a touch of uniqueness.
• Dress Shirts and Ties : A crisp dress shirt, coupled with a tie or bow tie, polishes the look. A light-colored shirt contrasting with a dark suit often creates a sharp ensemble.
• Footwear : Leather dress shoes or other formal footwear complete the outfit. Remember, comfort is key as you may find yourself dancing the night away!

Women’s Dress Code

The night beckons women to flaunt their style with an array of attire choices of dresses for cruise formal night :

• Evening Gowns : An evening gown is a quintessential choice for a royal soiree. The flow of the fabric, a tasteful neckline, and a flattering silhouette are elements to consider.
• Cocktail Dresses : For those who prefer a shorter length, cocktail dresses offer a blend of formal with a dash of playful.
• Elegant Pantsuits : A well-tailored, elegant pantsuit is also a fitting choice, embodying a modern yet refined look.
• Accessories : Complement your outfit with subtle accessories. A string of pearls, a delicate bracelet, or a pair of chandelier earrings can be the perfect finishing touches.

Children’s Dress Code

The younger royals are not left behind in this grandiose affair:

• Boys : A suit or a dress shirt with formal trousers reflects the evening’s formal tone. A tie can be a whimsical addition.
• Girls : Dresses or formal skirts paired with a nice top can be delightful choices. The attire can range from semi-formal to formal, allowing room for comfort and movement.

Where to Shop

Preparation for the formal night can commence well before you set sail:

• Online Retailers : Websites like Amazon , Nordstrom , or specialized formal wear outlets are great platforms to explore.
• Rental Services : Consider rental services like The Black Tux or Rent the Runway for a budget-friendly alternative.
• Onboard Shops : Once onboard, the cruise shops also offer a selection of formal wear, though it’s advisable to have your attire sorted out beforehand to avoid last-minute rushes.

Dressing for Princess Cruises formal nights is an invitation to partake in a tradition of elegance.

As you prepare to honor the dress code, remember, the essence of the night is to celebrate together the splendid journey across the seas.

Schedule of Princess Formal Nights

Amidst the tranquil days and gentle evenings of your journey, the Princess Cruise Formal Nights shimmer on the horizon as events steeped in elegance.

Knowing when these special nights occur aids in shaping your cruise experience to its fullest. Let’s delve into how these nights are scheduled and how you can uncover the details specific to your voyage.

Typical Schedule

The formal nights are thoughtfully interspersed through your cruise itinerary. Though the schedule may vary based on the length and nature of your voyage, here’s a general outline:

• Short Cruises (1-4 days) : Typically, one formal night is scheduled.
• Medium Cruises (5-9 days) : Usually, two formal nights are featured.
• Long Cruises (10+ days) : Expect at least two, and possibly more formal nights, spaced out throughout the voyage.

How to Find the Schedule

Being privy to the schedule beforehand allows for impeccable planning. Here’s how you can ascertain the formal night schedule for your cruise:

• Cruise Personalizer : By logging into the Cruise Personalizer on the Princess Cruises website, you can access a detailed itinerary, which includes the schedule for formal nights.
• Daily Patter : Once onboard, the ‘Daily Patter’, a newsletter delivered to your stateroom, will have the schedule for each day’s events, including the formal nights.
• Guest Services : You can also inquire at the guest services desk onboard for the formal night schedule.

Special Themed Formal Nights

Sometimes, Princess Cruises infuses a thematic essence into the formal nights. Here’s a peek into these special editions:

• Themes : Themes such as ‘Black and White Ball’ or ‘Captain’s Gala’ bring a vibrant layer to the formal evenings.
• Attire : While the base dress code remains elegant, the theme may invite additional color schemes or accessories.
• Activities : Themed nights may feature special activities, dance routines, or contests that echo the theme’s spirit.

These themed formal nights are a mélange of creativity and elegance, where tradition waltzes with whimsical fun.

Preparing for Princess Formal Nights

The allure of Princess Cruise Formal Nights blossoms with a touch of preparation.

As the stars align to light up your evenings at sea, a few orchestrated steps can escort you into the heart of these majestic nights with ease and elegance.

Let’s set sail through the pre-cruise and onboard preparations that frame your formal nights in a glow of seamless enjoyment.

Pre-Cruise Preparations

A stitch in time, as they say, here’s how you can weave your preparations into the fabric of an unforgettable formal night:

• Explore sales or rentals for formal attire well ahead of your cruise.
• Pack a blend of options to suit your mood and the potential themes.
• Include comfortable formal shoes, as the night holds promises of dance and delightful wanderings.
• Pre-book hair and makeup appointments if you prefer a professional touch.
• Alternatively, consider packing your favorite beauty products to style yourself.
• Browse through forums, blogs, and Princess Cruises’ official guidelines to gather insights on what to expect.
• Engage with past cruisers to glean tips and recommendations.

Onboard Preparations

As the cruise sails towards the horizon of formal nights, here’s how you can prepare on board:

• The ship’s salon offers hair, makeup, and nail services. It’s advisable to book your appointments early to secure your preferred time slot.
• Check the spa/salon’s opening hours and services offered to plan your day.
• Ensure your formal wear is pressed and ready. The onboard laundry services include pressing services to have your attire looking pristine.
• Assemble your accessories, shoes, and any other items you’ll need.
• Formal nights are photo-worthy moments. Booking a session with the onboard professional photographers ensures you have timeless mementos of the evening.

Your preparation, both pre-cruise and onboard, lays down a red carpet, leading you into the glamour and cheer of Princess Formal Nights. It’s a voyage through a starlit evening, where every detail you’ve orchestrated plays a note in the melody of unforgettable memories.

The Formal Night Experience

The aura of elegance, a gentle breeze, the subtle murmur of waves kissing the hull – the scene is set for a night of majestic experiences.

As the sun casts a golden farewell to the day, the allure of the formal night unfolds, sweeping you into a realm of high-class dining, soulful music, and congenial company.

Let’s voyage through the facets that craft the essence of Princess Cruise Formal Nights.

The Dinner Affair

A culinary voyage lies at the heart of the formal night:

• Your table awaits at the ship’s sophisticated dining rooms. Reserved seating ensures a place amidst the evening’s elegance.
• A menu curated for the formal night promises a gourmet journey through appetizers, entrées, and desserts.
• For a touch of flexibility, Anytime Dining allows you to dine at your leisure between the designated hours.
• Advance reservations at the specialty restaurants usher you into a realm of culinary artistry.

Dancing and Entertainment

As dinner fades into a memory, the night blooms with music and laughter:

• The gentle strains of a live orchestra invite you to the dance floor. Whether a seasoned dancer or stepping to the tune for the first time, the ballroom beckons.
• A schedule of live entertainment ranging from musical shows to magic acts enlivens the night.
• Engage in theme-specific contests or activities, amplifying the joy of the night.

Socializing and Networking

Amidst the sparkle, connections blossom:

• Formal nights often host Captain’s welcome parties or other meet-and-greet events, opening doors to mingle with fellow cruisers and the ship’s crew.
• The professional photographers capture moments as you socialize, leaving you with memories framed in elegance.
• Retire to the sophisticated lounges or bars to continue the conversations over fine wines or crafted cocktails.

The Night’s Closure

As the night matures, the gentle return to your stateroom:

• A stroll on the deck under a starlit sky is a serene closure to the formal night.
• Your stateroom awaits to cocoon you in comfort as you reminisce about the night’s splendors, perhaps with a nightcap delivered via room service.

The orchestrated blend of gourmet dining, engaging entertainment, and congenial company shape the tapestry of Princess Formal Nights.

As the soft strains of music fade into the ocean’s lullaby, the memory of a majestic night at sea finds a harbor in your heart.

Common Mishaps and How to Avoid Them

A voyage into the regal realms of Princess Formal Nights is often smooth sailing. However, unforeseen ripples could attempt to cloud the elegance of your evening.

Awareness and a dash of preparation are your compass and anchor through these minor mishaps. Let’s navigate through common misadventures and how to steer clear of them.

Dress Code Missteps

A misinterpretation of the dress code can lead to discomfort. Here’s how to avoid such a situation:

• Thoroughly read through the dress code guidelines provided by Princess Cruises.
• Seek insights from seasoned cruisers on forums or social media groups.
• Confirm the dress code with guest services once onboard.
• If in doubt, opt for a slightly more formal attire to blend well with the evening’s tone.

Overbooking

A Princess cruise formal night can turn hectic if overbooked with reservations and activities. Balance is key:

• Choose the experiences that matter most to you – be it a special dinner, a show, or dancing.
• Avoid back-to-back reservations to ensure you have enough time to relish each experience.

Missed Reservations

Missing a dining or spa reservation can be disappointing:

• Ensure you check the timings and arrive a bit earlier to avoid any mishaps.
• Use your smartphone or the stateroom’s alarm clock to set reminders for your reservations.

Photographic Faux Pas

An unflattering or missed photo op can be a small regret:

• Have a brief consultation with the onboard photographers about your preferred poses or settings.
• Schedule your photo sessions at a comfortable time, ensuring you are not rushed.

Dietary Restrictions

A smooth dining experience hinges on addressing dietary needs:

• Notify Princess Cruises of any dietary restrictions or allergies before embarking.
• Confirm with the dining staff to ensure your dietary needs are well-addressed.

The voyage through possible mishaps prepares you to circumvent minor bumps, ensuring your evening sails smoothly into the horizon of memorable experiences.

As our guide sails towards the conclusion, the upcoming section encapsulates the quintessence of Princess Formal Nights, rounding off your preparation for an elegant and enjoyable experience under the starlit canopy of the open sea.

With this conclusion, we wrap up the folds of preparation and insight, opening the gateway to the awaiting elegance of Princess Cruise Formal Nights.

This guide aims to be your companion in ensuring that the experience resonates with splendor, joy, and smooth sailing, shaping your cruise into a narrative of unforgettable evenings under the starlit canopy of the vast, tranquil sea.

FAQs on Princess Cruise Formal Nights

In the crescendo towards the elegant evenings of Princess Cruise Formal Nights, several queries may dance across your mind.

This section is tailored to waltz through some of the commonly asked questions, providing a soft landing into the realm of clarity as you prepare for your voyage into elegance.

1. What Exactly Constitutes Formal Attire?

• Formal attire typically refers to suits with ties, or tuxedos for men, and evening dresses or elegant pantsuits for women. It’s the attire you would wear to a very upscale event or a high-end restaurant.

2. How Strict is the Dress Code?

• While Princess Cruises encourages adherence to the dress code to maintain the elegant ambiance, a modest degree of flexibility is often observed. It’s always a good idea to check with guest services for the specific expectations on your cruise.

3. Can I Rent Formal Wear Onboard?

• Yes, Princess Cruises often offers formal wear rental services onboard. It’s advisable to inquire about this service and make your selections early on in the cruise.

4. Are Children Expected to Adhere to the Formal Dress Code?

• While children are welcome to dress formally, the dress code is often more relaxed for young cruisers. Nice, clean, smart casual attire is generally accepted.

5. What if I Prefer Not to Participate in Formal Nights?

• If formal nights aren’t your cup of tea, there are alternative dining venues like the buffet or casual eateries where the dress code is relaxed.

6. Are There Professional Photographers Available?

• Absolutely! Professional photographers are available to capture your elegant moments. It’s a wonderful opportunity for a portrait against the ship’s stunning backdrops.

7. Can I Book a Specialty Restaurant for Formal Night?

• Yes, you can! It’s advisable to make your reservations well in advance as specialty restaurants are quite popular, especially on formal nights.

8. Is There Any Extra Cost Associated with Formal Nights?

• The cost of the formal nights is usually included in your cruise fare. However, certain extras like professional photos, specialty dining, or spa and beauty services would incur additional charges.

9. What Kind of Entertainment Can I Expect?

• Expect a bouquet of entertainment from live orchestral music, ballroom dancing, live shows, to themed activities that resonate with the elegance of the evening.

10. How Can I Find Out About the Theme of Formal Nights?

• Information about themed formal nights can often be found in the daily planner delivered to your stateroom, or by checking with guest services.

11. Are Special Diets Catered For During Formal Nights?

• Absolutely! Princess Cruises takes pride in accommodating a variety of dietary requirements. It’s advisable to notify the cruise line of any special dietary needs before embarking, and confirm with the dining staff once onboard.

12. Will There Be Dance Lessons Available Prior to Formal Nights?

• Often, there are dance lessons available on board in the days leading up to formal nights. It’s a fun way to prepare for the ballroom dancing in the evening.

13. Can I Choose My Dining Companions on Formal Nights?

• While seating arrangements vary, you can certainly request to be seated with particular guests. It’s advisable to speak with the maitre d’ early on to make any special seating arrangements.

14. Is There a Formal Night Every Night?

• No, formal nights are special evenings that occur once or twice during a cruise, depending on the length of the voyage.

15. What is the Typical Schedule for Formal Nights?

• The schedule for formal nights can vary, but it often includes a formal dinner, followed by dancing, live shows, and other themed activities. Check the daily planner delivered to your stateroom for the schedule on your cruise.

16. Are There Any Age Restrictions on Formal Nights?

• Formal nights are a celebration for all ages. However, certain venues or events during the evening may have age restrictions, so it’s always a good idea to check in advance.

17. What Kind of Music Can I Expect?

• The music on formal nights often includes a blend of classic ballroom tunes, contemporary hits, and live orchestral performances, catering to a variety of musical tastes.

18. Is There an Opportunity to Meet the Captain During Formal Nights?

• Indeed, formal nights often include a Captain’s welcome party where you have the opportunity to meet the captain and some other senior officers.

19. Do I Need to Make Reservations for Dinner on Formal Nights?

• It’s a good practice to make dinner reservations especially if you prefer to dine at a specific time or at a specialty restaurant.

20. Where Can I Find More Information About Princess Formal Nights Once Onboard?

• More information can be found in the daily planner, through the interactive TV system in your stateroom, or by checking with guest services.

Princess Cruises Theme Nights: 2024 Schedule for all Ships!

March 5, 2024

Hello cruise lovers, welcome back to another article of our “ Theme Nights ” series. After exploring the theme nights on Royal Caribbean , Carnival , MSC , and Norwegian , it’s finally time to delve into what you can expect on Princess Cruises (a topic someone even requested on Facebook).

I must confess, not many passengers dress up for theme nights on Princess Cruises .

If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you already know how much I enjoy these special nights and that I always make an effort to dress up. So it brings me joy to see other passengers who share my enthusiasm .

However, in my opinion, Princess Cruises doesn’t heavily promote various dress codes , making theme nights not as prominent as on other cruise lines.

Nonetheless, there are still some intriguing theme nights . Let’s dive in and discover what they have to offer.

Table of Contents

Gold and white night

One of the most famous theme nights on Princess Cruises is the gold and white one .

I personally love it. White clothes are really easy to find and everyone has something in their closets .

What I do for the gold and white night is to dress in a full white outfit and use gold for all the accessories .

For example, women can consider white dresses, ranging from cocktail to elegant styles, paired with gold accessories.

Men can simply wear white trousers and a white shirt, paired with gold watches, bracelets, necklaces, or hats.

Formal night (dress to impress)

The other famous one, that we see on almost every ship, is the formal night .

Last time I was on Princess, it was also called the “ Dress to Impress ” night.

What is it about? Well, it’s the traditional cruising one, emphasizing glamour, sophistication, and chic outfits. These evenings often are a showcase of elegance where you can wear your best dresses .

Women can wear floor-length gowns, cocktail dresses, or sophisticated dressy pantsuits. While men can opt for suits or tuxedos, paired with a tie, and polished dress shoes.

NOTE: The number of formal nights varies with the length of the cruise.

• There is no formal night for cruises that are 1 to 4 days long .
• There is one formal night for cruises that are 5 to 6 days long .
• There are two formal nights for cruises that are 7 to 13 days long .
• There are three formal nights for cruises that are 14 to 20 days long .

Holidays and festive theme nights

One thing I particularly enjoy about Princess Cruises is the variety of holiday and festive theme nights .

On board, you can find a theme party for all the major festive occasions like Halloween , Mardi Gras , or Christmas .

If you sail during a festive period, remember to bring something to wear that matches the spirit of the celebration .

I once went on a Halloween cruise and lots of people dressed up!

’60s, ’70s, or ’80s night

These nights are perfect to relive the iconic fashion, music, and vibe of the ’60s, ’70s, or ’80s . These theme nights are usually followed by a party where a lot of people dress in period-specific attire.

As far as I know, the decade depends on the ship . The one that I’ve seen more often is the ’80s night but I have to say that each of them is equally fun.

My advice is to bring bell-bottoms and tie-dye shirts, something with neon colors, or mod dresses and suits.

Cowboy or county western night

I had never heard of a Cowboy Party until a friend of mine traveled with Princess Sky in early 2024 .

I like the idea, even though cowboy-inspired attire could be a bit complicated to find.

I think the best choice would be to opt for a country look with denim skirts or jeans with plaid shirts, complemented by cowboy boots and hats for women.

Western shirts, leather belts with large buckles, and of course, cowboy hats and boots for men.

2024 Schedule for all the ships

Below here you can find the 2024 schedule for the theme nights of all Princess Cruises’ ships .

I update it as often as I can, but please take it as an indication as it may vary depending on the itinerary and the time of year .

Theme Nights on Grand Princess

• Formal Night
• White and Gold Night
• County Western Night
• Rock n Roll Night

Theme Nights on Coral Princess

• ’80s Night

Theme Nights on Island Princess

Theme nights on sapphire princess, theme nights on caribbean princess, theme nights on diamond princess.

• ’80s Party

Theme Nights on Crown Princess

Theme nights on emerald princess.

• island night

Theme Nights on Ruby Princess

Theme nights on royal princess.

• Gold and White Night

Theme Nights on Regal Princess

Theme nights on majestic princess.

• Gold and white Night

Theme Nights on Sky Princess

• Cowboy Night
• Glad Rags Night

Theme Nights on Enchanted Princess

Theme nights on discovery princess.

• Dress to Impress Night

3 thoughts on “Princess Cruises Theme Nights: 2024 Schedule for all Ships!”

• Pingback: Cruise Checklist: 43 Things People Always Forget to Bring! - Cruise with Leo

I so appreciate this information! Thank you!

Hello Leo, Do you know which days, such as second or third, are the formal nights on the Princess Majestic sailing for Alaska?

Thank you so much!

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Cruise Formal Night Explained: 10 Things to Know (What to Wear and More…)

Formal night on a cruise is a classic tradition, but for many passengers, it can also lead to lots of questions. Do I have to dress up? What can I wear? When are the formal nights?

We’ve taken dozens of cruise and know that for those unfamiliar with formal night, it can feel a bit unnerving trying to figure out the ins and outs of dressing up. No one wants to head to dinner underdressed. At the same time, some people don’t want to dress up at all and prefer to know what other options they have.

Below, we’ve covered some of the most frequent questions about formal night on a cruise.

In This Article...

What Is a Cruise Formal Night?

Just as the name implies, formal night is the evening on the cruise when the dress code goes from the casual style that’s normal around the ship to more elegant. It’s a chance for passengers on the ship to put on their best and have an evening out that feels more special than just going to grab dinner in the dining room.

You’ll find people around the ship dressed up, having drinks, taking formal pictures, and enjoying dinner and a show. Think of it as a special event where many passengers have an elegant “date night” that’s more memorable than just another dinner on the ship.

Do I Have to Dress Up?

Absolutely not. Your cruise is your own. If you don’t want to dress up for the evening, then you certainly don’t have to do so. Many people choose to keep it casual. If you decide that shorts and a t-shirt are as formal as you want to get, you won’t be alone.

However, if you do decide to not dress up, it’s a good idea to dine outside of the main dining room or higher-end specialty restaurants. These are spots that request nicer dress during formal night.

Even if casual dress is allowed in the dining room during formal night, you might feel out of place with others wearing suits or evening gowns.

What Can I Wear to Formal Night? Do I Have to Wear a Tux or an Evening Gown?

Perhaps the biggest question around formal night on a cruise is what to wear. What’s acceptable is wide-ranging. No, you don’t have to go out and get a tuxedo or a formal evening gown unless you want to.

For instance, you can go all out and dress up in your best. And you will see some people around the cruise ship go this route. But you don’t have to wear a suit or tux to enjoy the evening.

Women can simply wear a cocktail dress or a nice blouse with pants. For men, it’s fine to wear a suit, or even a buttoned-down shirt and a pair of slacks if you don’t want to get too fancy. Nice jeans would also be ok, although we’d suggest something slightly more dressy.

That said, not everything goes. There are some clothing items to avoid if you plan to eat in the dining room on formal night. This includes shorts, tank-tops, t-shirts, and swimsuits, as well as flip-flops. If you’d wear it to the pool or the beach, you don’t want to wear it to formal night.

• Ok to Wear for Formal Night (Women): Gowns, dresses, skirts, blouses with pants
• Ok to Wear for Formal Night (Men): Tuxedoes, suits, button-down shirts, slacks, nice jeans
• Avoid Wearing (Men and Women): Shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, flip-flops

Is The Dress Code Strictly Enforced?

Don’t worry, you aren’t likely to be denied entry to the dining room, even if you are dressed casually. It’s not like an exclusive nightclub that bars entry.

While the name might be “formal” or “elegant” night, you won’t be out of place as long as you dress nicer than a t-shirt and shorts. Remember, the cruise lines want you to enjoy yourself and not be worried about if you should be in a tuxedo.

For that reason, as long as you avoid wearing something very casual (e.g. flip flops, shorts, and a tank top), it’s likely to be no issue. Even so, we’d highly recommend dressing up somewhat if you plan on eating in a dining room or a nicer specialty restaurant. Not only will you feel more comfortable around others who are dressed up, but it also adds to the atmosphere of formal night for others.

Where Should I Eat If I Don’t Dress Up?

While the main dining room is the spot for formal eating during the evening, you won’t go hungry if you decide not to take part in dressing up. Every cruise ship offers a number of different places to eat, with many casual dining options for those who aren’t getting fancy for the evening.

For instance, instead of the main dining room you can head to the buffet or one of the 24-hour restaurants around the ship. The restaurant’s atmosphere will give you an idea of if it’s ok to eat there dressed casually or not. The fancy steakhouse? You want to go formal. The spot serving pizza? Shorts and a t-shirt are just fine.

Is Formal Night For Everywhere on the Ship?

While you’ll definitely see people dressed up all around the ship, the only place where you’ll find any sort of suggested or required dress code is in the dining room and/or specialty restaurants.

So if you are just hanging out around the ship — having a drink in a bar, playing in the casino, watching an evening show — then you are perfectly fine dressing down. You won’t be the only one. While many people participate in formal night, a considerable chunk of passengers don’t.

How Many Formal Nights Are There During the Cruise?

The number of formal nights varies based on the length of your cruise. The rule of thumb is that a week-long cruise will have two formal nights during the trip (i.e. Day 2 and Day 5). Shorter trips normally have one.

It may be that if you are on a very short cruise (e.g. three days), there might not even be one formal night. For instance, we’ve been on one short cruise with “Wear Your Best” (i.e. the nicest thing you packed) instead of formal night. 

Does Everyone on the Ship Dress Up?

No. If you decide to not dress up, then you certainly won’t be out of place. Many people choose to dress casually and just eat somewhere else other than the main dining room or higher-end restaurants. Even so, formal nights are popular and when you walk around the ship in the evening on one of these nights, there is no mistaking that it’s dressier than normal.

How Will I Know When it Is Formal Night?

Nothing would stop you in your tracks like heading down to dinner in a pair of shorts and then realizing everyone else is dressed up! Fortunately, you’ll get plenty of notice when it is formal night.

The most obvious spot will be with your daily cruise planner delivered to your cabin each day or through the cruise line’s app. There will be some mention of the dinner attire. It may be referred to as “formal” or “cruise elegant” or some other name. They all mean the same thing: Time to get dressed up!

As well, there are almost always announcements from the cruise director throughout the day sharing what is going on during the day and evening. They will usually mention it when it is formal night, so keep an ear out for announcements.

In the worst case, even if you don’t see any notice at all, you will definitely not miss the fact that many people are dressed up when you head to dinner that evening. That should give you a little time to head back to the room and dress up if you want to join in.

Do I Need to Dress Up at Any Other Time Than Formal Night?

For the most part, the only time you’ll need to dress anything other than casual is if you participate in formal night. That said, there are some spots where some nicer clothes are a good idea even if that evening’s dress code is casual.

Specifically, if you plan to visit any of the higher-end specialty restaurants on the ship, such as the steakhouse, then there may be a dress code.

Even if there is not, dressing up to fit the style of the restaurant is smart. So while it’s ok to dress casually at a burger joint on the ship, you’ll want to dress a little nicer if you go to the formal Italian or seafood spot for dinner.

Bottom Line on Cruise Formal Nights

The formal nights on a cruise are a fun way to do things a little differently. If you’re not someone that gets dressed up often, don’t worry. The rules around what’s formal and what’s not are flexible. As long as you make some sort of effort to dress a little nice, you’ll be fine. And if you want to go all out, you won’t be alone!

If you’re someone who likes to keep things casual, then that’s no issue either. While we’d suggest not eating the main dining room or nicer specialty restaurants on that night, you can wear what you want around the ship.

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I dressed up in an old maxi dress that was really oversized that I found from my daughter’s wedding 9 years ago. It was so flowing and pretty, so heck YEAH I wore it! I wore a nice outfit each night, like a skirt or dress. My embarkation outfit for the first night I modified by taking off the pants and putting on a skirt. I even kept the high boots on, which really worked! The last night I had a long ‘cover up’ dress that I gussied up with a sparkly throw and wedge high sandals.

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What to Wear on Formal Night on a Cruise

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: December 15, 2021  - Last updated: November 27, 2022

Have you booked a cruise that has a formal night or two? Formal night on a cruise can be a highlight of your vacation! But if you don’t know what to wear on formal night, no worries—here’s everything you need to know.

Read on to find out all about cruise formal night—from how to find out how many nights will be formal, what the formal night dress codes are for the major cruise lines, and what to do if the idea of dressing up on a cruise just isn’t your thing.

I’ve even put together some cruise formal night outfit ideas for men, women, and kids to inspire you!

Be sure to read my cruise formal night FAQ at the end for quick answers to the most frequently asked questions about formal night on a cruise.

What is formal night on a cruise?

Formal night on a cruise ship is the evening when passengers don dressy clothing for dinner, photos, and special activities. The main dining rooms usually will serve an elevated menu, with fancier options like filet mignon, prime rib, or lobster tail.

Some cruise lines have the Captain’s welcome party the evening of the first formal night, with the opportunity to meet the captain and mingle with the other guests.

Your cruise line might use an alternate name for formal night, like “Evening Chic”, “Gala Evening”, or “Cruise Elegant”, but it’s essentially the same thing—a night when most passengers dress in their finest clothing for dinner and evening festivities.

Why do cruise lines have formal nights?

During the golden age of ocean liners, guests staying in first class cabins were required to wear formal attire after 6 PM in all public areas of the ship. In the early decades of modern cruise travel, women wore evening gowns and men donned white tie in the evenings.

Learn more: The Story of the First Cruise Ship: SS Prinzessin Victoria Luise

In the 1960s, when standards of dress became less formal in general, cruise lines began to alter their dress codes to appeal to a more modern aesthetic—as well as to the less well-heeled guests who were now able to afford a cruise vacation.

Today, many passengers enjoy having the opportunity to dress up once or twice during a cruise. In an increasingly casual world, this tradition is unique to the cruise industry!

Do all cruise lines have formal night?

If you really don’t like dressing up, you might want to choose one of the cruise lines that doesn’t have formal nights. These cruise lines don’t have a specific formal night with dressy attire required in the main dining rooms:

• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Virgin Voyages
• Oceania Cruises
• Paul Gauguin Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas

However, most of these cruise lines do have “formal optional” evenings, when many passengers do dress up in the evening—but it’s not required.

What should you wear for formal night on a cruise?

When people ask me what to wear for formal night on a cruise, I usually advise them to dress like they would for an elegant evening wedding—a dark suit and tie for men, and a cocktail dress or dressy evening separates for women.

You’ll often see people dressed to both ends of the “formal” spectrum on many ships—some wear tuxedos and full-length gowns, and others will wear chinos and a dress shirt or a more casual dress.

On more traditional cruise lines like Holland America or Cunard, you’ll notice the general level of dressiness to be a bit higher. But as long as you’re within your cruise line’s dress code, feel free to be as dressy or as casual as you prefer.

Where to find the formal night dress code for your cruise line

The idea of “formal night” may conjure up different images to different people, so the cruise lines have come up with guidelines to help cruisers understand the dress code expectations before they pack for vacation.

Here are links to the formal night dress codes for many of the major cruise lines:

• Carnival Cruise Line – look for “Cruise Elegant”
• Celebrity Cruises – look for “Evening Chic”
• Costa Cruises – look for “Formal”
• Cunard Line – look for “Gala Evening”
• Disney Cruise Line – look for “formal” and “semi-formal”
• Holland America Line – look for “Formal”
• MSC Cruises – click on “Gala Evenings”
• Princess Cruises – click on Clothing Recommendations and look for “Formal”
• Royal Caribbean – look for “Formal nights”

Where is formal night attire required on the ship?

If you’re opting out of formal night attire, you don’t need to stay in your stateroom all night! Formal night dress code is generally only required in the main dining room during dinner. (Some cruise lines also require formal attire in specialty restaurants on formal nights).

The buffet’s dress code will always be more casual, and of course no one expects you to lounge on the Lido deck in your suit or cocktail dress!

However, in the central area of the ship, especially after 5 or 6 PM, you’ll see most people dressed up for pre-dinner photos or cocktails. If I’m skipping formal night (or I’m having a late dinner and haven’t changed yet), I tend to avoid the atrium or the busiest part of the ship. You can feel a bit out of place in a t-shirt and shorts when everyone else has changed into their nighttime best!

Cruise formal night outfit ideas

Need some inspiration for your cruise formal night outfit? I’ve included ideas for men, women, and kids—with options ranging from semi-formal to black tie.

Cruise formal night outfit ideas for women

Retro sleeveless pencil dress.

You can’t go wrong with a little black dress, and this one’s extra special with a draped ruffle and flattering pleats at the waist. Add some cross-strap heels and an elegant gold bracelet to complete your evening outfit.

Vintage glam v-neck gown

A floor-length gown in a stunning shade of red brings to mind old-school Hollywood glamour, just right for your elegant evening! (I’m picturing this with a peekaboo wave hairstyle, à la Veronica Lake). Pair it with vintage-style gold stilettoes and a crystal necklace and earrings set for a little sparkle.

Floral lace cocktail dress

This bracelet-sleeve lace cocktail dress features eyelash lace at the scalloped hem and an elegant v-neck at the back, making it perfect for a formal night updo. Add gold chain link earrings and kitten heel pumps for a polished evening ensemble.

Side ruffle slit tailored evening dress

An elegant yet simple long gown would be stunning for formal night, especially in this dark teal hue. A side ruffle and asymmetrical cap sleeves give it extra visual appeal. Just add metallic heels and gold bar drop earrings for a refined evening look.

Jeweled neckline halter sheath dress

This sleek charcoal sheath dress features ruching at the waist and an embellished halter neckline that adds just a hint of sparkle. Add a pair of black strappy heels and a crystal cuff bracelet to complete your formal night look.

Lace overlay fit and flare dress

This pretty knee-length fit and flare dress with lace overlay would be perfect for formal night—and it comes in burgundy and black options as well! Pair it with some neutral sandals and gold-plated drop earrings for a simple yet elegant outfit.

Plus size 3-piece evening ensemble

These lightweight georgette dressy separates make an elegant formal night option. The embellished top pairs with a matching flowy jacket and elastic waist pants—just add some strappy heels and crystal tassel earrings to finish the look!

Cruise formal night outfit ideas for men

Slim-fit classic suiting separates.

I love this classic Calvin Klein suiting in a slim fit—in lightweight wool with a little Lycra for stretch, it’s a good choice for any cruise year-round. It comes in several darker hues including navy, black, and charcoal, and the jacket and trousers are sold separately so he can choose the perfect fit.

Pair it with a classic dress shirt in any color, plus a silk tie (pocket square optional) to look dapper on formal night.

Linen two-piece vest + pant

If your cruise line’s formal night dress code is a bit on the casual side, this beige linen-cotton blend vest and trousers would look amazing for a summertime cruise. Pair it with a classic white dress shirt , fun tie , and loafers for a dressed-up but comfortable look.

Modern fit tuxedo separates

These 100% wool tuxedo separates are perfect for an elegant look on formal night. The slim-fit single-breasted tuxedo jacket and matching trousers look great with a classic tuxedo shirt and black bow tie .

Cruise formal night outfit ideas for kids

Striped box-pleated party dress.

This adorable striped party dress in shades of pink, champagne, light blue and navy is an unfussy formal night choice for a little girl. Pair it with some ankle strap gold flats to match the included belt.

Navy three-piece suit

He’ll look ship-shape for formal night in this navy boys’ three-piece suit! It comes with a shirt and tie, so you’ll just need dress shoes and a matching belt to complete the look.

Chiffon tutu-skirt dress

She’ll feel like a princess on formal night with this long-sleeved tutu dress featuring 3D appliqué flowers. Pair it with sparkly flats and a jeweled headband to amp up the fairytale look.

Nautica Baby Boys’ 4-Piece Set

Your littlest cruiser doesn’t have to miss out on formal night! How cute would this “suit” set be for a dressy family photo? The four-piece set is comfy for fussy little ones with an elastic waistband and spandex for stretchiness.

Style it with some adorable leather dress shoes that come in the tiniest sizes!

Renting formal wear for your cruise

If you’d prefer to rent formal wear for your cruise, some cruise lines do offer tuxedo rentals. You’ll usually need to book this through the cruise line at least a couple of weeks before you sail.

Links and phone numbers for cruise line tux rentals:

• Carnival: Call the Fun Shops at 1-800-522-7648
• Cunard (tuxedo rental on board, no need to pre-order. Type “tuxedo” in FAQ search bar to see pricing)

Some cruise lines, including Disney and HAL, traditionally partnered with a company called Cruiseline Formalwear. Unfortunately, this company closed permanently during the pandemic. Instead, many cruisers have been renting tuxedos from local formal wear shops and carrying them on board.

For cocktail dress or gown rentals, you can check sites like Rent the Runway or Armoire (they’re especially great for maternity formal wear rentals). You’ll be able to rent a formal dress for far less than buying, and they take care of the cleaning for you.

How many formal nights will there be on my cruise?

When you’re deciding what to wear for formal night on a cruise, it’s a good idea to know how many formal nights your sailing will have.

In general, cruise lines that have formal nights will have two each week on a seven-day cruise. On short cruises (less than five days), there often isn’t a formal night.

Check with the cruise line or your travel agent to see how many formal nights are planned for your particular voyage.

Having photos taken on formal night

Once you’re all dressed up for the evening, why not plan to have some formal portraits taken to commemorate your cruise?

On most mainstream cruise lines, the roving photographers are ready to snap your pic in locations around the ship. But during formal night evenings, the photo team is out in full force!

They’ll often set up in the atrium or main public area with professional lighting and backdrops to capture your family or group in your formal night best.

Unlike a photoshoot on land, you won’t need to pay to have your pictures taken (although some cruise lines do have a portrait studio where you can book a photo session for a fee). You’ll only pay for the photos that you like, and prices are reasonable for formal shots.

A single 8″x10″ will run you about $25, and you’ll be able to purchase a discounted photo package if you want several prints to take home.

How to keep your cruise formal wear from wrinkling

Many cruisers worry about their dressy clothes for formal night wrinkling from being stuffed in a suitcase while traveling to the cruise port. You do have some options that will keep your formal wear looking good when you’re ready for that special night!

Although you can’t pack your own clothes iron or steamer (they’re a fire hazard on ships), some cruise lines do have passenger laundry rooms with an iron you can use to touch up your outfits.

But if your formal wear is too delicate for an iron, I have a few tricks you can use to get the wrinkles out:

• Use wrinkle release spray and hang to dry
• Use a home dry clean kit in the laundry room dryer
• Hang your outfits in the bathroom with a hot shower running for a few minutes

Read more: How to Prevent Wrinkled Clothes on a Cruise

Can you skip formal night on a cruise?

If dressing up just isn’t your thing, you can absolutely skip formal night on a cruise! The main dining room will have a formal dress code, but you can always have dinner at the buffet or order room service.

Many cruise lines have a “smart casual” dress code in their specialty restaurants, making them a popular choice on formal nights for those who want to avoid dressing up. But double-check dress codes—some cruise lines (Carnival for example) have the same dress code in their specialty restaurants as in the MDR on formal nights.

Cruise formal night FAQ

Do you have to dress up for formal night on a cruise?

As long as you don’t have dinner in the main dining room or a specialty restaurant with a formal night dress code, you don’t need to dress up for formal night. Instead, you can eat at the buffet, a quick-service restaurant, or order room service.

Do men have to wear a jacket and tie for cruise formal night?

Some cruise lines do require a jacket and tie to enter the main dining room on formal night. Check your cruise line’s  formal night dress code  for details.

Do women have to wear a dress for cruise formal night?

Cruise lines that have formal nights don’t specify that women need to wear a dress on those evenings. Dressy evening separates, like an elegant top paired with a matching skirt or trousers are fine for formal night.

Do kids need to dress up for formal night on a cruise?

If your cruise line has formal nights, kids who are eating in the main dining room with their parents will need to adhere to the formal night dress code.

Which cruise lines don’t have formal nights?

Several cruise lines don’t have formal nights, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, Azamara, Oceania Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas. However, there may be an optional dress-up night on your sailing.

Can you buy or rent formal wear on the cruise ship?

Many cruise lines offer tuxedo rentals, but you should reserve your tux at least several weeks before you sail.

I’d love to hear your opinions about what to wear for formal night on a cruise! Do you go all out, do the minimum, or skip it altogether? Let me know in the comments below!

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Sunday 13th of March 2022

I was wondering if it would be inappropriate to wear a simple wedding dress during formal night. My fiancé and I are eloping but the cruise is our honeymoon and much of his family will be there! I thought it might be fun! Nothing too poofy, just a lace sheath dress. TIA!

Monday 14th of March 2022

Hi Darby, I think a simple white lace sheath would be perfect for formal night on most cruise lines! As long as it doesn't actually look like a wedding dress, you'll be fine. Congrats on your upcoming wedding!

Friday 17th of December 2021

I always enjoy formal night when we cruise. We don't dress up often at home so this is always special and so much fun!

Thursday 16th of December 2021

What a great idea! I feel like not many people think about needing such a formal outfit for a cruise!

Hi Alex, lots of new cruisers don't know about formal night on their first cruise! Thankfully it's optional - you just need to eat dinner on those nights in a casual-friendly environment. But hopefully lots of first-time cruisers read this post so they know how to join in on the fun! :D

I like the fact you don't have to attend a formal evening if you don't want to - i'd be the one in the buffet or getting room service ;-) Although I may be tempted to bring a cocktail dress for a long cruise!

Hi Hannah! I totally get skipping formal night (I sometimes do if I'm tired)! It's great that it's not mandatory and you're free to do your own thing :D

I love formal nights on the cruise, definitely my favorite theme night

Hi Elyse, I agree! I love a chance to get dressed up and enjoy the fancier meal choices on formal nights. Thanks for stopping by!

Formal Nights on Princess Cruises: What to Expect

Embark on a journey of elegance and glamour as you set sail on Princess Cruises, where formal nights set the stage for a truly enchanting experience. From a captivating evening of fine dining to a whirlwind of sparkling ballroom dances, these formal nights are the epitome of sophistication. Throughout your cruise, you can expect to encounter not one, not two, but several formal nights – a delightful chance to put on your most dazzling attire and revel in an atmosphere of timeless charm and indulgence. So, dust off your tuxedo or slip into your most stunning gown, as the nights are about to get formal, and you are about to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Table of Contents

When you embark on a Princess Cruise , you can look forward to exquisite evenings of elegance and sophistication during the ship’s formal nights. These special occasions provide the perfect opportunity for you to dress up, indulge in gourmet dining, and enjoy a variety of activities and events. Whether you are a seasoned cruiser or new to the experience, the formal nights on Princess Cruises are sure to leave you with lasting memories.

Formal nights on Princess Cruises come with a dress code that enhances the glamorous ambiance and creates a sense of occasion. For gentlemen, this typically means wearing a tuxedo, formal suit, or dress slacks with a jacket. Ladies often opt for evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or elegant pant suits. However, if you prefer a less formal attire, a dark suit or dressy separates are also acceptable. It’s important to note that jeans, shorts, and casual wear are not permitted on these special evenings.

Number of Formal Nights

The number of formal nights on your Princess Cruise will depend on the length of your voyage. Generally, for cruises up to 13 nights, you can expect to have two formal nights. Longer cruises may have three or more formal nights. Princess Cruises maintains a “Princess Patter,” a daily schedule that provides information about the upcoming formal nights and other onboard activities, ensuring that you know when to plan your formal attire.

Booking and Planning

When making your reservation with Princess Cruises, it’s essential to consider the formal nights and plan accordingly. If dressing up isn’t your preference, you may want to select a cruise with fewer formal nights or explore alternative options (which we will discuss later). Additionally, it’s advisable to check the dress code policy when booking, as some cruises may have more relaxed requirements for formal nights.

Activities and Events

On formal nights, Princess Cruises offers a range of activities and events for guests to enjoy. From black-tie optional balls and cocktail parties to Broadway-style shows and live musical performances, the evening entertainment provides ample options to suit every taste. You can dance the night away with live bands or join in themed parties held in various onboard venues. The ship’s social spaces come alive with the glamorous ambiance, making each formal night a night to remember.

Dining Options

During formal nights, the dining experience on Princess Cruises is elevated to new heights. The main dining rooms offer a luxurious atmosphere with impeccable service, exquisite menus featuring gourmet dishes, and a refined ambiance. You can indulge in delicious multi-course meals prepared by talented chefs who strive to create a culinary masterpiece. Alternatively, specialty restaurants onboard Princess Cruises provide an opportunity to savor a variety of cuisines in an intimate setting, perfect for celebrating special occasions.

Photography Services

To capture the memories of your formal nights aboard a Princess Cruise, professional photographers are available to take stunning portraits. You can take advantage of the various photo opportunities on the ship, including elegant backdrops and iconic locations. From solo shots to couples and group portraits, the photography services on Princess Cruises ensure that you have high-quality images to treasure long after your voyage has ended.

Etiquette and Behavior

As with any formal event, there are certain etiquette and behavior guidelines to observe during the formal nights on Princess Cruises. It is essential to treat the evening with respect and follow the dress code appropriately. Polite and courteous behavior is expected when interacting with the crew and other guests. Remember to practice good table manners and be considerate of others’ enjoyment. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure everyone’s experience is enjoyable and memorable.

What to Pack

When preparing for formal nights on Princess Cruises, packing the right clothing is crucial. For gentlemen, tuxedos, formal suits, or dress slacks with a jacket are recommended. Ladies can opt for evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or elegant pant suits. Accessories such as ties, bowties, and statement jewelry can complement your outfit. Don’t forget comfortable shoes for dancing the night away or exploring the ship’s grand venues. It’s also useful to pack a shawl or jacket for cooler evenings on deck.

Alternatives to Formal Nights

If formal attire is not your preference or you wish to have a more relaxed experience, Princess Cruises offers alternative options on formal nights. The buffet-style dining venues onboard provide a casual dining atmosphere where you can enjoy a wide selection of delicious food without the need for formal attire. Additionally, certain specialty restaurants may have a more relaxed dress code, allowing you to savor a gourmet meal in a more laid-back setting. These alternatives ensure that everyone can enjoy their evenings on board, regardless of their preferred style.

In conclusion, formal nights on Princess Cruises bring an air of elegance and sophistication to your voyage. With a well-defined dress code, a variety of activities and events, gourmet dining options, and professional photography services, each formal night is a special occasion to remember. By adhering to the etiquette guidelines and packing the appropriate attire, you can fully immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere and create unforgettable memories. Whether you choose to embrace the formal dress code or opt for alternative options, your Princess Cruise experience is sure to be extraordinary.

Hi, I'm Mike, the author of Ocean Bliss Journeys. As the captain of this incredible website, my mission is to provide you with the ultimate sailing experience. Set sail on a journey of discovery with us and indulge in the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Our handpicked cruises offer unparalleled luxury and unforgettable destinations. From romantic getaways to family vacations and hidden gem exploration, I've carefully curated tailored packages to ensure every moment is cherished. So, join me and embark on your dream cruise today. Let's create memories that will last a lifetime.

What to Wear on a Cruise Formal Night: Cruise Line Dress Code

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For many cruisers, cruise ship formal nights are the elegant highlight of their voyage. And yet, one of the most frequent questions we receive revolves around what to wear on a cruise formal night. You may wonder what to expect from a cruise ship’s formal night, are they mandatory, and how many formal nights are there?

The dress code for cruise formal night consists of tuxedos or suits and ties for men and evening gowns or cocktail dresses for women. Don’t worry if the formal night isn’t your style. It is usually optional, and most cruise ships have alternative dining options.

In this post, I’ll explain everything you need to know about formal nights on a cruise, how they work, and what you will need to wear. Each cruise line is different, so I will help break down the dress code of the major cruise lines. 

Table of Contents

What is a Formal Night on a Cruise Ship?

Formal nights are precisely what the name suggests: they are special evenings during the cruise where passengers dress up in formal attire. On formal nights, passengers dawn fresh-pressed dress shirts, glittering gowns, stunning jewelry, and polished shoes.

The main dining room will often serve lobster, duck a l’orange, prime rib, and other delicacies worth dressing up for to commemorate the special evenings.

The cruise formal night might also be called Captain’s Night, often with photo opportunities with the captain and a speech.

Formal nights are unique to the cruise industry, which may be a change for traditional resort vacationers. The tradition is reminiscent of the golden age of transatlantic cruises when guests were required to dress formally during the evening.

Can you Skip Formal Night?

You can skip formal nights on most mainstream cruise lines. If you’re tired after a long day of cruising or you’re just not feeling in the mood to dress up, there are always alternatives for passengers, and you won’t be alone.

While the formal night is a fun night of elegant dining, photographs with the captain, and a change of pace from the rest of the cruise, you won’t be alone if you decide to skip the occasion. Rather than dine in the main dining room, you can always eat in the buffet or on your balcony via room service.

Many cruise lines don’t extend the formal dress code to their specialty dining restaurants. Consider making a reservation if you prefer to be served and dress comfortably. Keep in mind that many specialty restaurants will cost extra.

Tip: If you skip formal dining, you may be able to find lobster and prime rib served in the buffet.

Formal Night Photographs

Cruise ship formal nights are an excellent time to get professional photos taken – when else will you look this good?

Whether you are cruising to celebrate a special occasion or cruising as a family, you won’t find a better time to get your photo taken. The ship’s photographers will set up in public areas with assorted backdrops or selected backgrounds. Scenes might include an image of the ship, black velvet, or a tropical beach. 

While you will have to pay to bring the photographs home, there is no charge to get your pictures taken. If you want to try each scene or see which photographer captures you best, try them all! The final photos cost less than a professional photographer in most cities would charge, and it’s a lot of fun to be in the spotlight, if only for a moment.

Tip: Photo sessions usually have lineups on formal nights. You can generally get in quickly, about an hour before the first dinner service when the photographer sets up.

How Many Formal Nights are on a Cruise?

Depending on the length of your cruise, there may be one or more formal nights. Each cruise line will have different guidelines on when formal nights will occur, but they will never be held on the first or last night of a cruise due to luggage handling concerns.

Most cruise lines will have one formal night on sailings of less than six days and two formal nights on cruises of 7 days and more. Keep in mind that this is a general approximation. Before sailing, you should check your cruise itinerary to see how many formal nights your cruise will have.

What is Considered Formal Wear?

Now that you know what to expect, we need to discuss what to wear on a formal cruise night. The dress code varies between cruise lines.

Some cruise lines are more relaxed than others, while some do not have formal nights. We’ve broken down the formal night requirements of the major cruise lines below. 

Formal Night Dress Code by Cruise Line

Carnival cruise line.

Dress Code on Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival Cruises’ evening dress code is typically “cruise casual.” Carnival will hold Cruise Elegant evenings with special dress requirements on one or two nights of the voyage. Cruise elegant for men means a dress shirt, dress pants, and the optional sport jacket, suit, tie, or tuxedo. Cocktail dresses, elegant skirts, pantsuits, and blouses are acceptable for women, and evening gowns are an option.

Number of Formal Nights on a Carnival Cruise:

• 1 Day cruise: none
• 2 Day to 5-day cruise: one Cruise Elegant evening
• 6 Day or longer cruise: two Cruise Elegant evenings
• Melbourne Cup cruise: one Cruise Elegant evening

Celebrity Cruises

Dress Code on Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Cruises’ evening dress code is typically “smart casual,” meaning sport shirts and slacks or jeans for men and skirts, pants or jeans, and a casual top for women.

On “Evening Chic” nights, the suggested attire is formal wear. Men should wear pants or designer jeans with a dress shirt, button-down shirt, and the optional sport coat or blazer. Suggestions for women include a skirt, pants, cocktail dress, or designer jeans with an elegant top.

Number of Evening Chic Nights on a Celebrity Cruise:

• Cruise length up to 6 days: one Evening Chic night
• Cruise length of 7 or more days: two Evening Chic nights

Costa Cruises

Dress Code on Costa Cruises: Most nights aboard Costa Cruises ships are casual and allow “resort-appropriate wear.”

On formal nights Costa Cruises’ dress code allows for a dark suit or tuxedo for men, an evening gown or cocktail dress for women

Number of Formal Nights on a Costa Cruise: 

• Most 3- and 4-night cruises have one formal night
• Most 7-night cruises have two formal nights
• Most 10-night cruises have three formal nights

Crystal Cruises

Dress Code on Crystal Cruises: Crystal Cruises allows casual attire on its oceangoing cruise ships during the day. After 6:00 pm every night, casual clothing, including robes, baseball hats, swimsuits, cover-ups, and denim shorts, are not appropriate. Crystal Casual attire applies on most evenings, including a collard or button-down shirt paired with dress pants for men, and skirts, blouses, sweaters, and dresses for women. Jeans are also acceptable attire only on these nights.

A Black Tie Optional Evening allows passengers to dress more formally on special evenings. This includes a dark suit and tie or tuxedo for men and a formal cocktail dress or an evening gown for women. It’s requested that men wear a jacket on Black Tie evenings.

Number of Black Tie Optional evenings on a  Crystal Cruise:

• 7-day cruises (or less): Crystal Casual only, no Black Tie Optional evenings
• 8– to 10–day cruises: Up to one Black Tie Optional evening
• 11– to 13–day cruises: Two Black Tie Optional evenings
• World Cruises, Holiday voyages, and Crossings may be scheduled differently

Cunard Line

Dress Code on Cunard Line: Most nights aboard a Cunard cruise ship, request “smart attire.” The dress code goes into effect from 6:00 pm onwards. On these nights, acceptable smart attire simply means a dress shirt and trousers, a skirt and a top, or a cocktail dress.

Gala Evenings aboard Cunard Line cruises are highly anticipated and often themed. When sailing with Cunard, you will find themes such as Roaring 20s, Red and Gold, Black and White, and Masquerade Ball. During Gala Evenings, guests are asked to observe a black-tie dress code. The requested attire is dinner jackets, tuxedos, formal dark suits for men, and cocktail or evening dresses for women.

Number of Gala Evenings on a Cunard Line Cruise:

• Rule of thumb: One Gala Evening for every three days of sailing

Disney Cruise Line

Dress Code on Disney Cruise Line: Most onboard restaurants are “cruise casual,” so casual cruise attire, such as shorts and T-shirts, is allowed, except for swimwear and tank tops. Most cruises have special theme nights that provide opportunities to dress up for a one-of-a-kind family photo.

On some nights aboard a Disney cruise, the ship will hold a special themed night, including a pirate theme, dress-up night, or semi-formal night. During dress-up night, the cruise line recommends dress pants with a jacket or a suit for men and a dress or pantsuit for women during dress-up night.

Number of Formal Nights on a Disney Cruise: 

• One cruise casual night
• One pirate night-themed deck party
• One optional “dress-up night.”
• The first night is cruise casual
• One optional dress-up night
• The final night is cruise casual
• One pirate night or another themed deck party
• Three additional cruise casual nights—no swimwear or tank tops
• One formal and one semi-formal night

Holland America Line

Dress Code on Holland America Line: Most nights aboard a Holland America cruise are “resort casual.” Guests visiting their fine dining restaurants must follow casual resort attire, including a collared shirt and pants for men (jacket and tie preferred) and dresses, shirts, or pants for women. Jeans are allowed on resort casual nights as long as they are not distressed but prohibited on Gala Night.

Gala Night is a time for passengers to dress up and experience fine dining aboard a Holland  America cruise. The formal Gala attire includes dress pants with a jacket or a suit for men and a dress or pantsuit for women

Number of Gala Nights on a Holland America Cruise: 

• 7-day cruises or less: 1 Gala Night
• 8 to 13-day cruises: 2 Gala Nights
• 14 to 20-day cruises: 3 Gala Nights

MSC Cruises

Dress Code on MSC Cruises: In general, casual wear is appropriate aboard an MSC Cruise, except for the formal “Gala evening,” which requires a suit or jacket and tie for men and cocktail dresses for women. The ship’s public areas don’t permit shorts, t-shirts, and swimwear after 6:00 pm. Jeans are acceptable if they are not torn, ripped, or otherwise distressed.

Number of Gala Evenings on an MSC Cruise: 

• 4 to 6-night cruises: 1 Gala Evening
• 7 to 9-night cruises: 2 Gala Evenings
• 10 to 14-night cruises: 3 Gala Evenings
• 15+ night cruises: 4 Gala Evenings 

Norwegian Cruise Line

Dress Code on Norwegian Cruise Line: “ Cruise casual” is usually acceptable aboard a Norwegian cruise. Cruise casual includes jeans, khakis, shorts, and casual shirts for men and summer, and regular or capri pants, casual dresses, skirts, shorts, and tops for women. For dinner in one of the onboard upscale restaurants or the main dining room, collared shirts and pants or “nice” jeans for men, and pants or jeans, dresses, skirts, and tops are standard for women.

Norwegian Cruise Line does not allow passengers to wear tank tops for men, baseball caps, flip-flops, or visors in the main dining room or specialty restaurants.

Number of Formal Nights on a Norwegian Cruise: 

Norwegian Cruise Line does not have an official “formal night;” however, “Norwegian’s Night Out” is the cruise line’s optional version of a ship-wide event. There is no dress code associated with “Norwegians Night Out.”

Princess Cruises

Dress Code on a Princess Cruise: Evening attire aboard Princess Cruises is typically “smart casual,” which includes dresses, skirts, or trousers with a t-shirt or blouse for ladies, trousers and shirt, or polo shirt for gentlemen. Like many cruise lines on this list, the restaurant does not allow swimwear and shorts.

For formal nights on Princess Cruises, acceptable formal wear includes an evening gown, cocktail dress, or pantsuit for ladies and a suit, combination, or dinner jacket for gentlemen.

Number of Formal Nights on a Princess Cruise: 

• 5 to 6-night cruises: 1 formal evening
• 7 to 13-night cruises: 2 formal evening
• 14 to 20-night cruises: 3 formal evening
• 21 to 28-night cruises: 4 formal evening
• 29-night or more cruises: Minimum of 5 formal evening

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Dress Code on a Regent Seven Seas Cruise: Daytime attire aboard a Regent Seven Seas Cruise is typically casual and consists of resort-style clothing. After 6:00 pm, the dress code is almost always “elegant casual,” except for the final evening of each cruise, which allows passengers to dress in casual attire. Elegant casual requests passengers to wear slacks and collared shirts, blouses, sweaters, pantsuits, skirts, or dresses.

After 6:00 pm, t-shirts, jeans, tennis shoes, and shorts are not permitted in public areas of the ship, except for the pool. 

Longer cruises have optional formal or semi-formal nights where passengers can wear elegant attire or a more formal look (dark suits, tuxedos, gowns, or cocktail dresses.)

Number of Formal Nights on a Regent Seven Seas Cruise: 

• 16 or more nights: 2 or more formal nights
• Cruises less than 16 days are always “elegant casual.”

Royal Caribbean International

Dress Code on Royal Caribbean: Most nights aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise are smart-casual, including collared shirts and slacks for men (jackets, blazers, and sports coats are recommended but optional) and skirts, dresses, and blouses or pantsuits for women.

Formal nights on Royal Caribbean consist of suits and ties or tuxedos for men and cocktail dresses and evening gowns for women.

No tank tops, caps, or bathing suits are permitted in the main dining room or specialty restaurants, and footwear is always required.

Number of Formal Nights on a Royal Caribbean Cruise: 

• 3-5 night cruises: 1 formal night
• 6+ night cruises: 2 formal nights

Seabourn Cruise Line

Dress Code on a Seabourn Cruise: The daytime dress code for Seabourn is typically casual attire, and shorts and jeans are acceptable – even in the ship’s restaurants. However, passengers should not wear swimsuits, cover-ups, and gym wear outside the spa, fitness center, and outer decks.

Evenings are typically “elegant casual,” and recommended attire includes slacks with collared dress shirts or sweaters for men, but jackets are optional. Women should choose dresses, pantsuits or skirts, or slacks with nice tops.

On formal nights, men are asked to wear a suit, tuxedo, or slacks with a jacket, while women are requested to wear a cocktail dress, evening gown, or pantsuit.

Number of Formal Nights on a Seabourn Cruise: 

• Cruises up to 13 nights: 1 formal night
• Cruises of 14 to 20 nights: 2 formal nights
• Cruises of 21 nights or more: 3 formal nights

Windstar Cruises

Dress Code on Windstar Cruises: Windstar suggests “casual elegant” attire for dinners and evenings aboard their cruise ships. Slacks and collared shirts for men and sundresses and informal cocktail dresses for women are acceptable attire. At no time are flip-flops, shorts, jeans, hats, or T-shirts prohibited throughout the ship during the evening.

Unlike most cruise lines, there are no formal nights on a Windstar Cruise.

Number of Formal Nights on a Windstar Cruises: 

• There are no formal nights on a Windstar Cruise

Viking Ocean Cruises

Dress Code on a Viking Ocean Cruise: Viking’s daytime dress code is casual and comfortable. The daytime attire includes shorts and jeans, while shorts, swimsuits, cover-ups, and exercise attire should be limited to the poolside, the fitness center, and the sports deck.

For evenings, the recommended onboard attire is “elegant casual.” Suggested clothing for men includes trousers and collared shirts (ties and jackets are optional but not required). For women, acceptable attire includes dresses, a skirt, or slacks with a blouse or sweater.

Number of Formal Nights on a Viking Ocean Cruise:

• There are no formal nights on a Viking Ocean Cruise.

Marcello De Lio

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Cruises are expensive, but we are generally treated like royalty. We should therefore do our best to act like royalty. I like nothing less than two formal evenings per week. By formal, I mean tuxedo or black suit for men and corresponding attire for women. I fear that cruise lines are allowing dress code to deteriorate to the lowest common denominator. Even Cunard’s dress code is under attack since it has been taken over by Carnival.

I agree that the formal nights are what I look forward to most on the cruise. I enjoy being able to dress up and be pampered. This is why I generally choose the cruise lines that offer the most formal nights, such as Cunard Cruise Line. However, for people such as my father, who would prefer to stay in his swim shorts all day everyday I’m glad there is an option for him to choose the relaxing vacation he deserves, such as what you might find with Norwegian Cruise Lines.

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• Princess Cruises

Formal nights

By florence11 , June 25, 2022 in Princess Cruises

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We are booked on our 1st Princess cruise in March 2022 to the caribbean. I noticed on the web site that there are 3 formal nights and the rest are smart casual, how formal are theses nights as we have a week booked in Fort Lauderdale before we cruise and we have to be careful about luggage allowance.

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Reina del Mar

I am presuming you mean 2023. ???

We fly to Fort Lauderdale and manage to pack everything we need for a cruise and a few days pre and post cruise in 23kg hold suitcase each and carry on bag each. Be aware Princess has self service laundromats on each deck. Some will tell you to pack for 7 days and use those. As a serial over packer I manage.

We did East/ West Caribbean -14 nights this year.(Emerald Princess) The three formal nights were formal, with most people wearing a suit or cocktail dress. The very least was long trousers and long sleeved shirt for men and possibly black trousers and sparkly top for ladies. We chose not to ‘dress’ for the third formal night and felt under dressed. (Not enough to go back to change but enough to take ourselves to the buffet.)

The smart casual nights were anything from casual to smart with men even being allowed into the MDR (Main Dining Room) in shorts..which is not what Princess’ policy says. We have been on other Princess cruises in the Caribbean where men wearing shorts have been refused entry. (Caribbean Princess) Ladies tended to wear summer dresses.

Although Princess posts a ‘suggested’ dress code, it is not uniformly enforced..depends on the ship and either the hostess /Maitre D’ who is sitting you.

Many people will tell you it’s your holiday, you have paid for it so wear what you want.I personally think if there is a printed dress code, the cruiseline should enforce it, but that is not what happens in reality.

CruizinSusan70

Post Covid, the enforcement of the dress code is very lax.  While on the Discovery in April, there were five "gentlemen" in Sabatini's wearing baseball caps.  My father is turning in his grave.  We never worn them at home let alone in an upgraded venue on a cruise ship.

There is no need to go overboard worrying if what you have packed is good enough.  It will be.  A nice top and black slacks for her and long pants and a nice collared shirt with optional tie for him will suffice, especially since you're cruising in the Caribbean.

29 minutes ago, Reina del Mar said: Many people will tell you it’s your holiday, you have paid for it so wear what you want.I personally think if there is a printed dress code, the cruiseline should enforce it, but that is not what happens in reality.

On our last trip on the Enchanted the "printed dress code" was nowhere to be found. If you hadn't taken the time to find it before leaving, the only information received on the ship was on top of the patter designating it a formal or casual evening. Once arriving at the DR it was also hard to tell the difference between the two by appearance. 

Just dress to compliment your partner and you will be fine.

My wife loves dressing up regardless of the suggested dress code. I try to be smart too and really don’t care what other people wear.

2 hours ago, florence11 said: Hi,   We are booked on our 1st Princess cruise in March 2022 to the Caribbean. I noticed on the web site that there are 3 formal nights and the rest are smart casual, how formal are theses nights as we have a week booked in Fort Lauderdale before we cruise and we have to be careful about luggage allowance.   Tracey

 Note that if you booked a Princess "logical" voyage which is composed of two actual voyages - such as two 7-night cruises also sold as 14 - you will have four formal nights since there are two per week for a 7-nighter. 

You will be fine in Smart Casual every night, but may want to dress it up a bit on the formal nights or can go all the way to black tie.  Caribbean sector tends to be less formal than other areas of the world.

In our experience, formal dress, at least pre-COVID, is generally worn only in the MDRs, though the MDRs will definitely allow anyone in reasonably well, but not formally, dressed. Certainly you wouldn't find anyone in a tux in the buffet, and for those of us who can't bring formal wear anymore, due to increasingly strict airline baggage weight limits, the fallback is to dine in Specialty Restaurants on formal nights.  In the SD venues, "smart casual" is more than acceptable.

2 hours ago, CruizinSusan70 said: Post Covid, the enforcement of the dress code is very lax.  While on the Discovery in April, there were five "gentlemen" in Sabatini's wearing baseball caps.   My father is turning in his grave.  We never worn them at home let alone in an upgraded venue on a cruise ship. There is no need to go overboard worrying if what you have packed is good enough.  It will be.  A nice top and black slacks for her and long pants and a nice collared shirt with optional tie for him will suffice, especially since you're cruising in the Caribbean.

Not just post-COVID. On the Regal just a few years ago, two such "gentlemen" sat down in the Crown Grill in full matching camouflage. Dirty well-worn baseball hats which stayed glued on the entire time, camo jackets and pants, one sporting clip-on suspenders. They literally looked they had just come off a hunting trip.  The wearing of baseball hats indoors has become quite standard in recent years.

Are you looking for different answers than when you posted this same question back in April?

Nobody cares what you wear if it's clean.. We see everything from suits to Hawaiian shirts on formal nights. 

JF - retired RRT

5 hours ago, florence11 said: We are booked on our 1st Princess cruise in March 2022 to the caribbean. I noticed on the web site that there are 3 formal nights and the rest are smart casual, how formal are these nights as we have a week booked in Fort Lauderdale before we cruise and we have to be careful about luggage allowance.

The basic answer to your question is...not very.

Wear what you want: no holey jeans, no shorts, no swimsuits.

On one of our cruises, there was a man who wore a white t-shirt, red suspenders and blue jeans every night (formal or not) and nothing was said.

3 hours ago, MissP22 said: On our last trip on the Enchanted the "printed dress code" was nowhere to be found. If you hadn't taken the time to find it before leaving, the only information received on the ship was on top of the patter designating it a formal or casual evening. Once arriving at the DR it was also hard to tell the difference between the two by appearance. 

I would think the majority would seek out the dress code before deciding what they need to pack.

51 minutes ago, cruzsnooze said: Nobody cares what you wear if it's clean .. We see everything from suits to Hawaiian shirts on formal nights. 

Let's agree to disagree. You may not care if someone wears a clean baseball hat, and/or clean shorts and/or clean flip flops, into an MDR, but I suggest at least a few of us sure do.

59 minutes ago, Kansas Gal said: Are you looking for different answers than when you posted this same question back in April?

Good catch! Had a familiar ring about it. You thought to check. 

1 hour ago, JF - retired RRT said: The basic answer to your question is...not very. Wear what you want: no holey jeans, no shorts, no swimsuits. On one of our cruises, there was a man who wore a white t-shirt, red suspenders and blue jeans every night (formal or not) and nothing was said.

I know that Princess does say shorts aren't to be worn in the DR for dinner but whey you see numerous people (men and women) wearing them on casual evenings it's hard to tell my husband not to put his on also.

1 hour ago, Reina del Mar said: I would think the majority would seek out the dress code before deciding what they need to pack.

True, but what they publish is nothing like you may see aboard the ships. Especially now since the return from Covid things have become more relaxed then ever.

I suppose they don't want to offend any of their customers. 

6 hours ago, CruizinSusan70 said: Post Covid, the enforcement of the dress code is very lax.  While on the Discovery in April, there were five "gentlemen" in Sabatini's wearing baseball caps.  My father is turning in his grave.  We never worn them at home let alone in an upgraded venue on a cruise ship. There is no need to go overboard worrying if what you have packed is good enough.  It will be.  A nice top and black slacks for her and long pants and a nice collared shirt with optional tie for him will suffice, especially since you're cruising in the Caribbean.

You really must be bothered if you actually counted them.  I personally wouldn't wear a cap in the MDR or speciality restnt.  I sure would not let someone else have that kind of influence on my enjoyment.     

4 hours ago, ldubs said:   You really must be bothered if you actually counted them.  I personally wouldn't wear a cap in the MDR or speciality restnt.  I sure would not let someone else have that kind of influence on my enjoyment.     

It's not too difficult to see a party of 14 walk in taking up multiple tables consisting of 7 men and 7 women.  Five of the men were all wearing baseball caps, twenty somethings that were accustomed to it who obviously had bad parenting.  If not, they were just card carrying members of the me society.

9 hours ago, Kansas Gal said: Are you looking for different answers than when you posted this same question back in April?

I do apologise if I have offended anyone but after the past 2 years of working in my local hospital I probably have some brain fog and cannot remember what questions I have asked. I am also trying to organise a cruise, accomodation, flights etc for a group of us which is not easy but I am getting there and thank you to everyone for your replies it is much appreciated ☺️ .

9 hours ago, Reina del Mar said: I would think the majority would seek out the dress code before deciding what they need to pack.

True, but they are recommendations.  Only a minimal documentation sentence on what is NOT accepted.

7 hours ago, CruizinSusan70 said: It's not too difficult to see a party of 14 walk in taking up multiple tables consisting of 7 men and 7 women.  Five of the men were all wearing baseball caps, twenty somethings that were accustomed to it who obviously had bad parenting.  If not, they were just card carrying members of the me society.

No, I didn't mean to imply it would be difficult to count.  I meant, why allow some someone to influence your peace of mind to the extent you needed to count.   For me, if someone is wearing a cap at another table, if I even noticed, I wouldn't care and wouldn't spend any time agonizing about it.  

52 minutes ago, ldubs said:   No, I didn't mean to imply it would be difficult to count.  I meant, why allow some someone to influence your peace of mind to the extent you needed to count.   For me, if someone is wearing a cap at another table, if I even noticed, I wouldn't care and wouldn't spend any time agonizing about it.  

Wasn't agonizing about it, but what others wear does effect the ambiance of an establishment.  A single wearer of a cap is one thing, but when you have 5/7 men wearing them, it's a bit of overkill.   Baseball caps do not belong in the MDR, let alone a specialty establishment, IMHO. 

I eel that if you go on a cruise that has a nice dining restaurant you would not be epected to wear what would NOT be accepted in the RSL clubs or similar in your own country  ie  no caps/hats etc and no shorts after 5.30pm

1 hour ago, windsor26 said: I eel that if you go on a cruise that has a nice dining restaurant you would not be epected to wear what would NOT be accepted in the RSL clubs or similar in your own country  ie  no caps/hats etc and no shorts after 5.30pm

I think you're confusing Princess with Cunard.  😉

On 6/25/2022 at 12:59 PM, lx200gps said:  and for those of us who can't bring formal wear anymore, due to increasingly strict airline baggage weight limits, the fallback is to dine in Specialty Restaurants on formal nights.  In the SD venues, "smart casual" is more than acceptable.

Being a cynic, I doubt very much that if there were no luggage weight limits more people would wear formal attire.

It’s just a lame excuse. Period!

42 minutes ago, Esprit said: Being a cynic, I doubt very much that if there were no luggage weight limits more people would wear formal attire. It’s just a lame excuse. Period!

Don't prevaricate now, tell us what you REALLY think.  I can assure you that we absolutely won't bring heavy suits etc on an airplane any more as it throws me way over the baggage limit.  Were they to start being flexible with baggage limits, I then would start bringing formal attire with me. So no, it's not a lame excuse, it's entirely applicable for some of us.

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Top 10 FAQs From New Cruisers

Questions about cruises commonly asked by first-time cruisers.

Here we have assembled a list of answers to the top 10 cruise FAQs by customers who are new to cruising. If you have additional questions please give us a call by using the number at the top of the screen. You can also  visit our FAQ section  for more expansive cruise FAQs and answers.

1. What’s included that makes cruising a great value?

Your cruise fare includes accommodations, meals throughout the day including our 4-course dining rooms, entertainment, and an endless array of activities, including newly launched Discovery at Sea programs like Stargazing, kids crafts and more! Plus, you won’t have to pay for costly airfare, trains, or cabs to get you from one city to the next. When you take everything into consideration, you'll discover that you can actually save money by going on a cruise, as opposed to a land-based vacation.

Additional fees may apply for services such as specialty restaurants, shore excursions, laundry, etc.

2. Will I get seasick?

Our larger ships are more stable with heavier weight and therefore are less prone to rolling motion. Most ships are so large and well-stabilized that it doesn’t even feel like you’re moving, especially in calmer waters such as Alaska’s Inside Passage and the Caribbean. The middle of the ship tends have less motion, as it is the natural balance point.

If you are prone to sea sickness, consider itineraries with fewer sea days. Port intensive cruises will give you the opportunity to spend more time on land. Consult your physician for a drug or alternative solution. Guests find over-the-counter medicine, patches and special wristbands often remedy the situation.

3. What is a crew appreciation?

The crew appreciation is a daily (adjustable) amount added to your onboard account and pooled in order to recognize the many crew members in the Bar, Dining, Entertainment, Housekeeping, Guest Services, Galley and Onboard Revenue areas and entertainment areas throughout our fleet who contribute to the guest experience. The daily amount of the Crew Appreciation is based on stateroom category: $16 USD per guest in Interior, Oceanview and Balcony, $17 USD per guest in Mini-Suite and Reserve Collection, and $18 USD per guest in Suites.

4. What should I wear?

Casual sportswear, including shorts, lightweight pants and jogging suits, is the order of the day both at sea and ashore in hotter climates. We recommend you bring a sweater, a jacket or an all-weather coat for cool evenings, and for shore excursions, depending on your destination. You'll also want comfortable shoes for strolling on deck.

For evening dining, keep with what you would wear to a nice restaurant at home: skirts/dresses, slacks, and sweaters for ladies, pants and open-neck shirts for men. Cruises five days or longer include at least one formal dining night: evening gowns and cocktail dresses for ladies and tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits for men.

5. Are all princess ships alike?

Princess has a variety of ships, some that can carry over 3,500 guests. Every vessel in our fleet is designed to give you plenty of room to yourself with spacious decks, public spaces and balcony staterooms. Yet each also creates many opportunities to socialize through activities and entertainment to suit your mood.

6. Is there phone and internet access?

Mobile phone service is available for use when the ship is at sea, in international waters, and in other areas where such use is permitted. All charges will be conveniently billed to you directly by your mobile device provider.

Your mobile phone provider must have a roaming agreement with Maritime Communications Partner (MCP)or Wireless Maritime Services (WMS). Please contact your provider for more details on rates and availability.

Not only do we have the internet, we offer the best Wi-Fi at sea! With MedallionNet® Wi-Fi, you can stream your favorite movies and shows, video chat with family and friends back home and post photos of your vacation with ease. You can purchase a package before or during your cruise.

7. Will I be bored?

Nope! You couldn’t do all the activities or attend all the events on board if you tried. (And we don’t recommend it.) The possibilities are just this side of endless – culinary demonstrations, bingo, wine tastings, spa treatments, Encounters with Discovery at SEA™ featuring local experts, destination-specific onboard programs like North to Alaska, miniature golf, a book club, dance classes and that’s just for starters.

8. Is cruising safe?

1.7 million passengers sail with Princess annually. Your safety is our top priority. All of our onboard medical facilities meet or exceed the standards established by the American College of Emergency Physicians. Our onboard medical facilities are staffed by full-time registered doctors and nurses. In addition to twice-daily office hours, they are available 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency.

All ships must follow rules and regulations to protect passengers' (and crewmembers') safety while onboard. The Coast Guard conducts quarterly inspections of all ships that operate from U.S. ports, making sure they comply with emergency-response requirements. Ships operate under international rules that regulate everything from fire safety to navigation and maritime security. We were the first in our industry to have a virtual training facility for our bridge crew, which we call the SeaSmart program. We also have voluntarily installed fire sprinklers in all cabins and balconies on all our ships.

9. What are the rooms like and how do I choose?

The staterooms are comfortable as can be, whether you’re sailing in an interior or a suite. But of course the higher the category, the nicer the experience. It all comes down to what you’re looking for. If you are keeping an eye on your budget – totally fine! – try an interior or oceanview. If you want the freedom to go outside from your stateroom, go with a balcony. (No matter where we sail, there’s always a great view.) And if you want more space – and a larger bathroom with tub – we recommend a mini suite. Looking to indulge in the best? Try a full suite. It includes all sorts of extras, like laundry and professional cleaning services. And if you’re traveling with a group, we have connecting staterooms and family suites, which sleep up to eight guests.

10. What is a shore excursion and how do I make reservations?

Exploring ports of call will be one of the highlights of your cruise, and one of the best ways to do this is on a shore excursion. You will find a variety of options available to suit your taste including family friendly options with discounted rates for children.

Excursions offered through Princess are carefully selected and provided by reputable tour operators who meet the high standards of Princess. Your security and comfort are of paramount importance. Every effort is made to ensure that each tour operates safely.

Princess organizes your tours in advance so your time in port is maximized and worry-free. We closely monitor tour departures and returns and we are able to hold the ship in the event your tour is delayed.

You can  book your shore excursions with Cruise Personalizer ®  from approximately 12 weeks before travel, and up to 5 days before you depart.  Learn more about our ports and excursions, or watch one of our  cruise destination videos.

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What to wear on a cruise: Cruise attire and cruise line dress codes

H ave you ever had that nightmare where you're at work, in school or giving an important presentation only to look down to discover you're only wearing underwear (or worse, nothing at all)? If you're new to vacationing at sea, knowing how to dress for a cruise can be confusing and just as potentially embarrassing if you're not prepared.

Packing acceptable attire for a cruise is simple if you remember a few general rules. Here, I'll break down some safe options if you're unsure, and I'll give an overview of the cruise dress codes for each of the "big eight" cruise lines.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

What do people wear on a cruise?

You can't go wrong with resort-casual clothing for sea days when you'll remain on board your ship. Although some lines will be more or less casual than that, it's a good baseline. What is "resort casual" though?

Khaki pants or shorts with loose-fitting, short-sleeved button-down shirts or even nice, plain T-shirts work well for men. Women might opt for khaki shorts or palazzo pants with a nice top or a sundress. In most cases, nice jeans (dark wash with no holes) will also work well.

On most ships, this clothing will also be acceptable at night in the main dining rooms. For extra-fee restaurants, you might choose to dress up a bit more. Collared shirts or long-sleeved button-downs are acceptable for men, and slacks with a blouse or a dress for women are acceptable.

For formal nights, which are optional on many lines' ships, men will want to bring a collared, button-down shirt at the bare minimum. For something a little more snazzy, bring a jacket to wear over your shirt, with or without a tie. Some men opt for suits or tuxes. For women, pantsuits and dressy pants outfits are a great choice, as are party dresses or even ball gowns.

Although most lines have eased dress codes on formal or "elegant" nights, jeans are generally not allowed in the main dining rooms. Cut-off shorts, baseball caps and flip-flops are banned at all times — not just on formal nights — during dinner in the main dining rooms.

Related: 7 cruise ship packing mistakes you want to avoid at all costs

Another key piece of clothing to bring is a bathing suit. Whether you're headed to a warm-weather destination and plan to laze by the pool or on the beach, or you're visiting somewhere chilly but want to take advantage of your vessel's hot tubs, it's an item you won't want to forget. Note that cover-ups are required for entry at all restaurants and dining rooms, with the exception of walk-up poolside window-service venues.

For shore excursions — particularly those in more rugged or active destinations that require a lot of walking — comfortable, casual clothing and sturdy footwear are a must. Bring layers for cold climates and moisture-wicking fabrics for places where it's warm or where you expect to work up a sweat.

Finally, check to see if your cruise line has any special theme nights planned. If so, you might want to pack an outfit for the white party or '80s night.

Carnival cruise dress code

Carnival is one line where casual is the name of the game. Passengers will be fine in jeans, T-shirts, tank tops, shorts and bathing suits for their days on board or ashore.

At night, nice jeans and nice tops are perfect for eating in the main dining rooms.

On Carnival cruise formal nights, known as "cruise elegant" nights, cruisers wear everything from slacks with nice shirts to tuxes and ball gowns. However, most passengers stick to clothes that fall somewhere in the middle.

Voyages of six nights or longer will have two "cruise elegant" nights, while those five nights or shorter will see only one.

Celebrity Cruises dress code

Celebrity Cruises maintains a dress code that's best described as chic-casual. The demographic on board tends to be a bit more upscale than what you'll find on Carnival, Royal Caribbean or Norwegian. That means khaki shorts with nice button-downs are more common than jean shorts and tank tops, although you won't be out of place in the latter.

For dinner, you'll want to dress it up even more, as the line has a smart-casual dress code at night in most restaurants, including the main dining room. Anything from unripped jeans to dress pants with nice blouses or button-downs is acceptable.

Related: 20 must-have items I won't cruise without

Are there formal nights on Celebrity cruises? Yes, the line holds one "evening chic" night on every sailing of six nights or fewer and two on voyages of a week or more. The dress code encourages passengers to go all-out with tuxes and evening gowns. However, most men choose slacks with collared or button-down shirts and jackets, sans ties. Most women choose slacks and nice blouses, sundresses or party dresses.

Disney Cruise Line dress code

Disney Cruise Line is synonymous with children, and children like to be comfortable. With that in mind, just about anything goes in terms of dress on The Mouse's ships. These cruises tend toward casual in spite of their stellar service and high price point.

It's not uncommon to see jeans, shorts, T-shirts or bathing suits during the day. Unlike most other lines, the same goes at dinnertime, with jeans and T-shirts just as common as dressier attire like slacks and button-downs.

Exceptions are the line's "dress-up" nights — two on sailings of a week or more and one on shorter voyages. For those, DCL suggests that men avoid jeans and wear jackets. Women should go with dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits.

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for families

Some of Disney Cruise Line's added-fee restaurants, such as Remy — one of the most expensive alternative eateries at sea — require jackets for men and don't allow jeans.

Each Disney sailing features a Pirate Night; cruisers wishing to participate should pack their best swashbuckling gear. As is standard at Disney parks, you're also likely to see large numbers of costumes and mouse ears at all hours of the day.

Holland America Line dress code

Although the dress code on Holland America ships is technically "cruise casual," you'll rarely spot anyone looking disheveled or like they just rolled out of bed. Most passengers tend toward resortwear or, at the bare minimum, nice jeans with pressed T-shirts.

The casual dress code carries through to dinner, but HAL cruisers often dress up a bit more. This includes collared shirts or button-downs (sometimes with jackets) and slacks for men and slacks with nice tops or dresses for women.

As for Holland America formal nights, on sailings shorter than a week, there will be one "gala night," during which travelers don evening or ball gowns, suits or tuxedos. Voyages of eight to 13 nights will see two gala nights, while any cruises of two weeks or longer will have three chances to dress to the nines.

MSC Cruises dress code

What to wear on MSC cruises largely depends on the crowd with whom you're sailing. On European cruises, your fellow passengers are likely to dress up more often — even during the day; skimpy resortwear and designer bathing suits often grace the pool deck as far as the eye can see. On those voyages, dinner is an even more fancy affair, with elegance as the norm. Expect to see glittering dresses and stylish pants and button-downs with dress shoes, even when it's not a formal night.

On cruises that depart from the U.S., expect a more casual vibe, with jeans, T-shirts and bathing suits ruling the day. At night, you'll be fine with nice jeans and a collared shirt or a sundress, although you might want to dress up a bit more to match the ship's ambience.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Are there formal nights on MSC cruises? Absolutely. They're called "gala dinners," and they appear at least once per voyage, but the number can vary by itinerary. The dress code is strict, with the buffet the only place that will allow T-shirts and shorts. You'll fit in best in a ball gown, cocktail dress, suit or tuxedo.

Norwegian Cruise Line dress code

Norwegian , which pioneered the concept of "freestyle cruising," prides itself on allowing cruisers to dress as they please, providing a "come as you are" atmosphere during the day and at night. The most popular clothing is cruise casual, and passengers are free to wear whatever they'd like with an emphasis on comfort.

The only exception is at dinner, when a smart-casual vibe encourages travelers to avoid torn clothes or suggestive or skimpy outfits.

In a nod to Norwegian's laid-back style, NCL formal nights — dubbed "Dress Up or Not" nights — provide a chance for you to get dolled up. However, it's not required, and you won't be turned away from the main dining rooms if you choose not to participate. Passengers have been spotted wearing everything from jeans and T-shirts to ball gowns and tuxes, and all coexist in perfect harmony.

Princess Cruises dress code

Princess ' casual daytime mindset means you can wear the same types of clothing on board as you would during a day ashore — activewear, beachwear and jeans or T-shirts are totally fine.

Princess' formal nights are special because the line is one of the few industry holdouts in that it still has an official formal night. Its passengers enjoy a more traditional cruise experience, and they relish the romantic vibe that a formal night can provide. With that in mind, the line doesn't mention super-fancy garb like ball gowns or tuxes; instead, it advises suits or slacks with jackets for men and cocktail dresses or pantsuits for the ladies.

On voyages of less than a week, passengers should plan for one formal night, while sailings of a week to 13 days will have two, and cruises two weeks or longer will have three.

All other nights are listed as "smart casual." This means sundresses or pants with flowy tops for women and nice jeans or slacks with collared shirts for men will suffice.

Royal Caribbean dress code

As is the case with Carnival and Norwegian, Royal Caribbean is a casual line during the day. Like Disney Cruise Line, it caters to a lot of families. Translation: Wear what allows you to have the most fun in the most comfort. Expect to see shorts or jeans with T-shirts or tank tops and bathing suits or beachwear almost exclusively during the daytime.

At night, you might want to put on something a little less comfortable, but it's certainly not required unless it's a formal night. (Like Princess, Royal still has those.) The confusing part is that the line has three different dress codes, all of which are loosely enforced: casual, smart casual and formal. The ones that show up on your voyage will depend on the length of the cruise.

The only difference between the first two is that smart casual recommends pantsuits for ladies and jackets for the guys, but skirts or trousers with blouses or collared shirts are fine in both cases. Smart casual also strongly discourages jeans — even nice ones.

Royal Caribbean formal nights have the highest expectations for passengers, urging them to wear their finest cocktail dresses, evening gowns, suits or tuxes. As with the line's smart-casual dress code, jeans are not allowed in the main dining rooms on formal nights.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Thinking of booking a cruise? Here are the lines you should — and shouldn't — sail with.

• Before you book a cruise , it's important to understand that not all cruise lines are equal.
• Each cruise line has amenities, entertainment, and experiences tailored to specific cruisers.
• Carnival is good for families, Virgin Voyages for solo adults, and Cunard for mature travelers. 

I am a very, very avid cruiser. Last year alone, I spent 73 days on cruise ships .

I've sailed with most major lines, from kid-focused Disney Cruise Line to the sometimes-naughty Virgin Voyages. When people ask me which cruise ships I recommend , my answer isn't so straightforward.

Each cruise line is unique, offering amenities, entertainment, and experiences tailored to specific cruisers. What you book will depend on your needs, wants, budget, and what you'd rather avoid.

So, I've done some research about popular cruise lines and combined my personal experiences to help you decide which cruise line to book with.

After all, this is kind of the year of the cruise , with travelers predicted to set sail at some of the highest rates in years throughout 2024.

Here's what you need to know about some of the major cruise lines before you book your next trip.

Editor's Note: Price ranges were calculated at the time of publication based on available listings on each cruise site. Cruise pricing is per person, based on double occupancy and the cheapest stateroom/fare available. Prices were calculated before taxes, port charges, and other fees. Itineraries with added tours built-in were not included when calculating this information.

Carnival Cruise Line

Cost: $ | Prices range from $156/pp for a two-day getaway from Sydney to $3,273/pp for a 10-day Alaska cruise

Ideal for: Budget travelers, intergenerational groups, families, and partiers

Skip if: You're looking for a high-class, elegant experience or a quiet, laid-back vibe

Highlight: All Carnival cruises come with itineraries loaded with fun activities. Some ships have especially exciting features like the first roller coaster at sea, SkyRide zip-line-style aerial bikes, and themed parties.

Possible cons: This is not a cruise line for those who like to wear a tux or ball gown or have a quiet cruise experience.

Launched in 1972, Carnival Cruise Line is one of nine cruise lines owned by parent company Carnival Corporation & plc. It's the company's largest cruise line, with 27 ships. Its cruises typically range from two days to 29 days.

Carnival Cruise Line offers year-round cruises in Australia, The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Mexico and seasonal cruises in Alaska , Bermuda, Canada, Europe, Hawaii, and New England.

Celebrity Cruises

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $233/pp for a three-night Key West & Bahamas cruise to $6,912/pp for a 7-night Galapagos cruise

Ideal for: Couples, families, and solo travelers

Skip if: You're looking for a slower-paced classic cruise

Highlight: All Celebrity Cruises come with amazing outdoor spaces like The Lawn Club with real grass on the top deck of Solstice Series ships and the Rooftop Terrace on Millennium Series ships. You also won't want to miss the Magic Carpet , which allows guests to hang out while suspended above the ocean on some ships.

Possible cons: This is not a cruise line for those who want to attend lectures about their ports of call.

Celebrity Cruises began sailing in 1997. There are 16 ships, which sail on itineraries ranging from three to 19 nights to nearly 300 ports of call in 70 countries.

Cost: $$$ | Prices range from $249/pp for a two-night cruise from Southampton, England to Hamburg, Germany, to $19,158/pp for a 111-night World Voyage

Ideal for: Sophisticated travelers and mature cruisers

Skip if: You're looking for a high-energy cruise, hoping to travel with children , or craving adventurous activities

Highlight: All Cunard cruises come with white-glove service. You won't want to miss Cunard's famous 3:30 p.m. afternoon tea, gala evenings, and fine dining arranged by stateroom grade.

Possible cons: This is a very formal cruise with strict dress codes. You won't find water slides or pool parties here.

Founded in 1840, Cunard offers a classic cruise experience with cruises ranging from two to 116 nights.

Its four ships sail to Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.

Disney Cruise Line

Cost: $$$ | Prices range from $422.40/pp for a two-night cruise from Sydney to Brisbane, Australia, to $5,592/pp for a 12-night Mediterranean with Greek Isles cruise

Ideal for: Disney adults , families, and intergenerational groups

Skip if: You don't want to vacation around a bunch of children and you crave peace and quiet

Highlight: All Disney Cruise Line cruises come with heaps of Disney magic in the way of special events and details. You won't want to miss character meet and greets, pirate-themed parties with fireworks, and passengers trading pins and leaving treats inside decorative pouches hung on stateroom doors.

Possible cons: There is a significant child population on most of these cruises and not much adults-only entertainment. Dinners in the main dining can get loud, and, just like at the theme parks, there can be many queues for activities and other offerings.

Disney Cruise Line first set sail in the 1990s and has five active ships, with the new Disney Treasure set to debut in December. The line has sailings all around the globe, and most range from two to 15 nights.

Holland America Line

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $94/pp for a one-day Pacific Northwest cruise to a $27,399/pp for a 132-day Grand Voyage

Ideal for: Music lovers and sophisticated world travelers who appreciate European hospitality and smaller ships

Skip if: You're young, traveling with children, or want to party

Highlight: All Holland America Line cruises come with a dose of Dutch hospitality and elegance. During my cruise with the line, I enjoyed the Dutch cuisine and Music Walk , which features live performances at B.B. King's Blues Club, Rolling Stone Rock Room, and Billboard Onboard.

Possible cons: The line takes its formal nights really seriously and attracts an older crowd.

Holland America Line has had ships sailing the globe for over 140 years. Its 11 ships cruise to more than 425 ports of call on seven continents, and cruises range from one to 118 days.

MSC Cruises

Cost: $ | Prices range from $80/pp for a three-night Mediterranean cruise to $46,149/pp for a 116-night World Cruise

Ideal for: Budget travelers, families, intergenerational groups, big groups

Skip if: You're looking for lots of food options or top-tier entertainment

Highlight: All MSC Cruises offer great value — and good pizza

Possible cons: The cruise fare does not include many dining options, and the evening entertainment skews old-school and a bit more basic than some other cruise lines that do Broadway-worthy shows.

MSC Cruises has 22 ships, with one more projected to join its fleet by 2025. The line has sailings all around the globe, and most range from two to 118 nights.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $79/pp for a one-day Australia cruise to $4,379/pp for a 10-day European cruise

Ideal for: Couples, families, and solo cruisers

Skip if: You're looking for structure, ballroom dancing, and fancy dinners

Highlight: All Norwegian Cruise Line cruises offer freestyle dining. You won't want to miss its Broadway-level shows and generous drink package, which is often offered complimentary.

Possible cons: This is not a cruise line for those who like formal dress codes, and some dislike the à la carte pricing.

Norwegian Cruise Line has been sailing the world for over 57 years. Its 19 ships visit 400-plus ports on seven continents, and cruises typically last one to 25 days.

Princess Cruises

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $127/pp for a two-day Australia Seacation to $24,098/pp for a 98-day World Cruise

Ideal for: Mature solo travelers, couples, and retirees

Skip if: You're looking for lots of activities and party vibes. Princess Cruises tend to attract an older crowd, and the shows and activities reflect this. There aren't many events offered each day. On the three cruises I sailed with Princess, the entertainment was primarily musicals, piano players, and singers backed by an orchestra. There were only a handful of children on each cruise.

Highlight: All Princess Cruises offer Discovery and Animal Planet-exclusive shore excursions — and many have an excellent onboard lecture series.

Possible cons: This is not a cruise line for those who like to party, love water slides, or have teenagers.

Founded in 1965, Princess Cruises has 16 ships that sail to 330 destinations worldwide on itineraries from three to 111 days

Royal Caribbean

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $196/pp for a two-night Hong Kong cruise to $8,266/pp for a 13-night Arctic Circle cruise

Ideal for: Couples, families, and intergenerational travelers

Highlight: All Royal Caribbean cruises come with fun activities and a broad range of entertainment options. Some have the Ultimate Abyss , the tallest slide at sea, or the glass capsule North Star , the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. You won't want to miss the Oasis Class ships' seven distinctly themed neighborhoods and Royal Promenade, a mall-like thoroughfare with shops, restaurants, and lounges that runs the length of the ship.

Possible cons: Many of its ships are mega-ships, so this isn't the line for you if you want a more intimate trip.

Founded in 1968, Royal Caribbean sails to about 240 destinations on six continents. Cruises range from two to 22 nights.

Royal Caribbean has many of the world's largest cruise ships in its fleet of more than 20 vessels.

Virgin Voyages

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $415/pp for a four-night roundtrip cruise from England to Amsterdam to a $3,072/pp for a 13-night Canada, Carolina, and Miami cruise

Ideal for: Child-free travelers, health enthusiasts, the glamorous, and those who don't like strict rules

Skip if: You want a classic cruise, need structure, or can't handle playfulness (and, sometimes, naughtiness)

Highlight: All Virgin Voyages are child-free, and everyone gets unlimited WiFi, access to group fitness classes, and gratuities included in their fare. You won't want to miss its famous Scarlet Night, 20 eateries (every venue is considered specialty dining), and eclectic shows like "Untitled DanceShowPartyThing."

Possible cons: There aren't traditional song-and-dance shows, assigned dining times, and nightly portrait photography

Virgin Voyages has been sailing its "Lady Ships" inspired by superyachts since 2021. Three nearly identical ships are currently in service, and a fourth one is set to set sail later this year.

Virgin Voyages sails to about 100 destinations in Australia, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom on cruises ranging from three to 16 nights.

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My first Princess Cruise - How Formal is Formal Night ?

By downundermatt , August 12, 2021 in Princess Cruises

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downundermatt

After many cruises on Celebrity and Royal looking forward to 54 nights on Diamond Princess next year.

This is part of a much bigger (round the world trip celebrating retirement).

How strict is the formal night dress code, I don't really want to cart around a suit or tux for the longer trip ?

Coming from Celebrity I know they have relaxed the dress to 'Evening Chic'

Just enquiring what would be the minimum required on Princess.

What other dining options are available if I can't go to the Main Dining ?

Gonna miss my Celebrity Perks - anything I can look forward to on Princess ?

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You can get by in a button down shirt with a tie. No need to pack heavy suits or tux. There will be a mix of everything, tux, suits, polo shirts and anything short of shorts!

If you choose not to pack a tuxedo or suit you will not be alone. As I recall there were many men without jackets on formal night on our last cruise. One positive of Princess for a longer cruise is self-service laundry!

Evening Chic is fine on formal nights. Its all that is required.  I bring along a sport coat if my wife wants pictures.  

MishelleMcc

I love to dress up!  But you may not think so if you see me...  Wearing a dress or skirt & jewlery is "glam" for me and cruising is the only time I get to do it...  That said, Some folks really like to dress up and I admire them!  I love the term 'Evening Chic' because that is what I've observed...  Dress up or not, enjoy your cruise!!!

35 minutes ago, cruzsnooze said: You can get by in a button down shirt with a tie. No need to pack heavy suits or tux. There will be a mix of everything, tux, suits, polo shirts and anything short of shorts!

This was a reasonable and non-proselytizing answer. Some will tell you to "dress however you like and screw the guidelines". Others may tell you to adhere to the guidelines. My experience has been what was posted above. It holds true for Alaska, Caribbean, Trans Atlantic, Norway, Barcelona... Some will tell you that "Alaska cruises" or "Caribbean cruises" are more lax.  The truth is that all Princess cruises are the same guidelines. You will see various forms of dress in the dining room. However, as far as I can tell (I only have 14 Princess cruises so not the most experienced by any means) the vast majority of those who mingle on the inner decks after dinner are dressed "smart casual" at the very least. Most are more dressed up than that.

If you mosey on up to the Lido deck you will find folks in any kind of garb you might imagine for a cruise ship. Heck, if I put on a suit for formal night in the dining room I'm not going to keep wearing it up on Lido deck for Movies Under The Stars. No... Freaking... Way!  However, if I'm down in the Atrium area after dinner (where the champagne waterfall and social gathering would be in non-COVID times) I will still be wearing the suit. Mostly. I may have removed the jacket or the tie or both. It really depends. (Actually I'm a "fuddy duddy" and will likely still be wearing both.)

Bottom line is that the generalizations in the post above by @cruzsnooze is correct. Maintain decorum and you will be fine. Show up in shorts and flip flops and and a tank top (wife beater, singlet, whatever) and you will not fit in and "may" be denied seating in the dining room. We did sail on a cruise where a gentleman in shorts was denied seating in the main dining room and it wasn't on a formal night. There are "official" guidelines posted. Some feel free to ignore them. Others adhere.

Over the years this has been one of the most hotly contested subjects on Cruise Critic and I cringe every time someone brings up the subject.

I've seen everything between pajamas and a speedo on formal night.  We just try to look civilized like maybe going to a church wedding.

For men collared shirt (short/long sleeve) and pants or black jeans.  Ties and coats not required.  Leather shoes or athletic shoes will suffice.  For women about anything will suffice including flip flops on the feet.  

4 hours ago, downundermatt said: After many cruises on Celebrity and Royal looking forward to 54 nights on Diamond Princess next year. This is part of a much bigger (round the world trip celebrating retirement).   How strict is the formal night dress code, I don't really want to cart around a suit or tux for the longer trip ?   Coming from Celebrity I know they have relaxed the dress to 'Evening Chic' Just enquiring what would be the minimum required on Princess.   What other dining options are available if I can't go to the Main Dining ?   Gonna miss my Celebrity Perks - anything I can look forward to on Princess ?

My husband and I also cruise out of Australia and really don't like to get too dressy any more-just our choice. On formal nights we make that that is the night we go to the speciality restaurants for dinner, enjoy Movies under the stars and just snack on food from the buffet, or just eat pizza and burgers on deck. We all pay a fortune to cruise so we should enjoy it however we choose to. I hope you enjoy your Princess cruise. I've done 25 with them but I'm looking forward to trying Celebrity one day.

On 8/12/2021 at 12:49 AM, satxdiver said: For men collared shirt (short/long sleeve) and pants or black jeans.  Ties and coats not required.  Leather shoes or athletic shoes will suffice.  For women about anything will suffice including flip flops on the feet.  

That'll be a problem for me if the require a collar, I have dress banded collared shirts that I wear with a jacket.  I have not worn a tie in over 10 years.

On the non-formal nights on Celebrity, I do tend to wear jeans (mainly black or dark blue) and collared shirts.  Though my shirts tend to be of the Hawaiian variety.  Acceptable on Princess?

43 minutes ago, K.T.B. said:   That'll be a problem for me if the require a collar, I have dress banded collared shirts that I wear with a jacket.  I have not worn a tie in over 10 years.   On the non-formal nights on Celebrity, I do tend to wear jeans (mainly black or dark blue) and collared shirts.  Though my shirts tend to be of the Hawaiian variety.  Acceptable on Princess?

I think the "collared" idea is to suggest a button up dress shirt rather than a "collarless" tee shirt.  You should be fine.  On Hawaiian cruises, you see a lot of Hawaiian shirts because that can be formal dress in the islands.  

1 hour ago, K.T.B. said:   That'll be a problem for me if the require a collar, I have dress banded collared shirts that I wear with a jacket.  I have not worn a tie in over 10 years.   On the non-formal nights on Celebrity, I do tend to wear jeans (mainly black or dark blue) and collared shirts.  Though my shirts tend to be of the Hawaiian variety.  Acceptable on Princess?

Just because you wear a collared shirt doesn't mean you have to add a tie, but that would be fine to do. 

Your Celebrity comment... my understanding is Celebrity got rid of formal night a long time ago.  They have Evening Chic.  Whatever you wear for that is fine for Princess.

Do Princess observe the tradition that white tuxedos should only be worn on warm weather cruises? 

1 hour ago, Steelers36 said: 13 minutes ago, wowzz said: Do Princess observe the tradition that white tuxedos should only be worn on warm weather cruises? 

There are very few tux wearing men net alone a white or black one.  So feel free to wear your tux white or black anytime you want. 

1 hour ago, Steelers36 said: Just because you wear a collared shirt doesn't mean you have to add a tie, but that would be fine to do.    Your Celebrity comment... my understanding is Celebrity got rid of formal night a long time ago.  They have Evening Chic.  Whatever you wear for that is fine for Princess.

RCCL, Carnival and from what I have read X changed formal night to a less formal evening attire with each calling it something different.  Princess is the only holdout insisting on calling it formal night that is no longer enforced.  Carnival calls it elegant night and loosely enforces it. 

2 hours ago, satxdiver said:   RCCL, Carnival and from what I have read X changed formal night to a less formal evening attire with each calling it something different.  Princess is the only holdout insisting on calling it formal night that is no longer enforced.  Carnival calls it elegant night and loosely enforces it. 

Celebrity have chic nights. On our Silhouette cruise the other week around the UK people dressed up so it was no less formal compared with Princess.

Regardless of what people may claim on CC about percentages wearing Tux's it will never stop me. It's not that difficult surely to dress smartly for a change to compliment your wife/partner's attire!

SargassoPirate

I usually pack one black sport coat for land tours and cruises.  When some decorum is required, I wear black slacks, a black or red T-shirt, and slip on the sport coat.  When I wear the red T-shirt, I slip a red pocket square into the breast pocket of the sport coat.

This has worked on dress up nights on Cunard, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Viking, HAL, and Princess so far.  

The sport coat adds about 20 ounces to what I am already packing.

10 hours ago, Kay S said: I think the "collared" idea is to suggest a button up dress shirt rather than a "collarless" tee shirt.  You should be fine.  On Hawaiian cruises, you see a lot of Hawaiian shirts because that can be formal dress in the islands.  

9 hours ago, Steelers36 said: Just because you wear a collared shirt doesn't mean you have to add a tie, but that would be fine to do.    Your Celebrity comment... my understanding is Celebrity got rid of formal night a long time ago.  They have Evening Chic.  Whatever you wear for that is fine for Princess.

Celebrity did, but I still got dressed up.  For Alaska I wore the jacket, for the Caribbean I did not.  For my upcoming cruise, I definitely plan on getting dressed up.  Unlike many, I actually enjoy getting dress up on occasion.

8 hours ago, Esprit said: Celebrity have chic nights. On our Silhouette cruise the other week around the UK people dressed up so it was no less formal compared with Princess. Regardless of what people may claim on CC about percentages wearing Tux's it will never stop me. It's not that difficult surely to dress smartly for a change to compliment your wife/partner's attire!

4 hours ago, K.T.B. said:   Celebrity did, but I still got dressed up.  For Alaska I wore the jacket, for the Caribbean I did not.  For my upcoming cruise, I definitely plan on getting dressed up.  Unlike many, I actually enjoy getting dress up on occasion.

And that's just great that for you guys to get dressed up if you enjoy doing that.  The beauty of the "elegant" or "chic" evenings - and the way Princess does it in practice - is there is a range of flexibility to go from the 9's to something less, and hopefully not the bottom of the barrel, LOL.

I stopped packing a tux many years ago.  For formal nights just wear slacks, long sleeve shirt and sports coat no tie

KeepCalmBearOn

After many cruises on Princess, I'd say you see fewer and fewer tuxedos and suits all the time.

Not sure the term in Australia, but I take a "sport coat" with me, which is an unmatched dress jacket. It is usually Navy Blue and rather than pack it and take up room, I wear it for boarding and hang it up as soon as we get into the room

I wear it on formal nights with a dress shirt (usually Brooks Bros or Ralph Lauren Polo), long pants and no tie. On a 54 day cruise I might pack a tie in case there is some place onshore I want to eat that requires one.

Princess has an official policy on formal nights, but they don't do much in terms of requiring it to be formal, in my opinion. It's as formal as you want to be, as long as it's not bathing suits, jeans, t shirts, etc. 🙂  My husband and children still pack their tuxedos regardless of weather of the cruise. Depending on the itinerary you will find more or less people "formally" dressed. I feel like woman have it easier, a dress or a nice top and pants are usually acceptable. I've even seen fancy sandals  that look like flip flops be allowed on women. As long as you aren't in jeans and a t shirt they don 't usually send you away. I've not seen the coat or tie requirement ever enforced for men, but I've only cruised from a USA port with Princess. You don't need a suit or tux. I have on one occasion seen jeans on formal night in the dining room, but I've heard many people share on this board that jeans have been sent away, and I've also seen some MDR's ask people to change and come back when in jeans and a Tommy Bahama shirt on formal night (maybe twice in my life). I suspect Dockers and that same shirt would have been acceptable on formal night.

If you don't want to dress up, save the luggage space and don't bring the suit or tux, and if you don't want to deal with the possibility of an issue, book specialty dining or go the buffet for dinner where the formal requirement is not enforced. 

My husband wears a nice Cuban guayabera shirt on formal nights with dockers.  No need to wear a tie if you do not want to.  Many cultures do not view a tie as formal wear.  Love those guayabera shirts.  

Does Princess still have a tux rental service?  I haven't see that sign in the shops for a long time.

1 hour ago, scottca075 said: After many cruises on Princess, I'd say you see fewer and fewer tuxedos and suits all the time.   Not sure the term in Australia, but I take a "sport coat" with me, which is an unmatched dress jacket. It is usually Navy Blue and rather than pack it and take up room, I wear it for boarding and hang it up as soon as we get into the room   I wear it on formal nights with a dress shirt (usually Brooks Bros or Ralph Lauren Polo), long pants and no tie. On a 54 day cruise I might pack a tie in case there is some place onshore I want to eat that requires one.

I can't imagine a restaurant I would want to eat in that required a tie.  Here in Oregon we say the only times you can't dress in jeans and t-shirts are weddings and funerals

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