do royal caribbean alaska cruises have formal nights

What to Wear on a Royal Caribbean Cruise (dress code & outfit photos)

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Are you going on a Royal Caribbean cruise and wondering what to wear? Don’t worry, I’ve got your covered!

Since it had been a few years since I’d gone on a Royal Caribbean cruise, I did a lot of research as I packed and planned my cruise outfits for a recent cruise.

In this post I share what to wear on a Royal Caribbean cruise, for days on the pool deck to dinners in the main dinning room. I also answer some questions about how to dress on a Royal Caribbean cruise, including for formal nights.

I’ve also included real photos from the cruise ship and the cruise outfits we wore, to give you some cruise outfit inspiration. However, If you’re a first time cruiser with Royal Caribbean, I hope this can be helpful!

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

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What to Wear on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

Embarkation day.

do royal caribbean alaska cruises have formal nights

It’s a good idea to plan what to wear on your cruise embarkation day. You can pick a cute outfit for embarkation day photos, but more importantly, consider your plans for the first day of the cruise.

If you plan on using the pools, hot tubs or waterslides, consider wearing a bathing suit under your clothes.

Something unique on many Royal Caribbean cruise ships, are the activities like the zipline, rock wall and Ultimate Abyss dry slide . If you think you might want to take advantage of all the amazing things to do on your cruise ship on first day of your cruise, make sure to wear comfortable clothing and sneakers or other closed toe shoes.

Don’t forget to pack a cruise carry on bag for embarkation day with all your essentials!

Daytime outfits man and woman in Central Park on Oasis of the Seas Royal cruise

During the day, Royal Caribbean cruise ships are quite relaxed and you can wear casual clothing. Resort wear and swimsuits are perfect for the pool deck. Comfortable, sporty clothing is useful as well for playing mini golf and participating in the variety of onboard activities.

Be sure to pack shorts, tanks tops and t-shirts or light sundresses for sea days if you’re on a warm weather cruise.

Daytime wear for guys Oasis of the Seas Zipline Ethan Schattauer

Like all major cruise lines, bare feet and pool wear are not permitted in restaurants. Remember to pack a swimsuit cover up for when you go and eat, or for walking inside the cruise ship’s public areas.

Don’t forget flip flops for the pool and sneakers for some of the onboard activities.

Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas pool deck casual wear

Warm Clothing for Ice Skating

Something that many people forget to pack for a cruise , are long pants and a sweatshirt. While these are always good to have for potential cooler weather, this is especially important when going on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Be sure to pack warmer, comfortable clothing if you sign up for a free ice skating session in Studio B. Even if you don’t plan on going ice skating yourself, you’ll want to pack a light sweater or cover up to see the ice skating show, which is always amazing!

Related: What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

Port Days and Shore Excursions

Casual wear man and woman in Perfect day in CocoCay

When planning what to pack for a Royal Caribbean cruise , it’s a good idea to plan your clothing for days in port based on what activity or shore excursion you’re planning in your port of call.

Swimsuits with a cover up are just fine if you’re heading straight to a beach or a catamaran snorkeling excursion. If you’re sightseeing or taking a tour, casual clothing is perfect.

Some important things to pack are comfortable shoes for walking and a light scarf or cover up for shoulders (ladies), if you are entering religious buildings.

Something to be careful of and not wear on a cruise for certain ports, is camouflage clothing. In some Caribbean islands, wearing camouflage clothing is actually illegal and you can be asked to go back to the cruise ship to change or even face a fine.

Tip: Don’t forget to pack a beach bag , your government ID (or any recommended identification), a credit card and some small bills for tips on tours.

Related: What to Pack in Your Shore Excursion Day Bag

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Royal Caribbean Dress Code

Royal Caribbean cruise formal night family

Royal Caribbean has 3 dress codes in the Main Dining Room for dinner; casual, smart casual and formal attire.

According to the cruise line website, the Royal Caribbean dress code is as follows:

On casual nights nice jeans, polo shirts, casual dresses and nice tops are suggested for the main dining room in the evening. For lunch and breakfast, you can wear shorts, however pool wear is best kept for the Lido deck.

Smart Casual:

Smart casual nights are a bit fancier than the casual dress code. Smart casual attire includes wearing pants and a collared shirt, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits. Jackets, sports coats and blazers are included in suggested attire.

On formal nights formal wear is welcome. The formal night dress code includes suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses and evening gowns. Dress pants and a dress shirt are also worn by many men on a cruise .

Remember to pack dress shoes, as well as a shawl and evening bag or clutch.

Related: Can I Wear Jeans on a Cruise?

How Many Formal Nights on Royal Caribbean

To plan your outfits, here are the number of formal nights on Royal Caribbean cruises.There can be 1 to 4 formal nights during a sailing and is at the ship’s discretion. Our Chef’s Table dining experience also enforces a formal dress code policy.

3-5 night cruises – 1 formal night (1-4 night cruises may or may not have a formal night)
6-7 night cruises – 2 formal nights
8-10 night cruises – 2 formal nights
11-14 night cruises – 3 formal nights
15 + night cruises – 3 or 4 formal nights

Tip: Our own personal experience, and that of many others, is that in practice many cruise passengers are dressing more casually than Royal Caribbean’s official dress code suggests. Keep this in mind as you plan what to wear on your cruise .

Related: What’s Included on Oasis of the Seas (Entertainment, Activities, Food & Drink)

Dress Code in Specialty Restaurants

Royal Caribbean specialty restaurant family outfits

The dinner dress code is applicable in the Main Dining Room and specialty restaurants. The Chef’s Table has a formal dress code.

Windjammer Buffet

If you really want to keep it casual, the Windjammer buffet is a great idea. The food is good and the buffet is self serve.

Make sure to check the opening and closing hours, as the Windjammer is not open 24 hours. Other casual alternative eateries include the Cafe Promenade, Sorrento’s Pizza and room service are all good casual options.

Related: The Ultimate Cruise Lingo Glossary – 85 Terms You Need to Know

How formal is formal night on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

You might be asking, how formal is formal night on Royal Caribbean? Royal Caribbean has a formal dress code on 1-3 nights during a cruise, which includes black tie formal wear as a dress suggestion. However, in our experience there is a wide range of clothing that cruise passengers actually wear and most people are not in a tuxedo or long evening gown.

Although Royal Caribbean describes the formal night dress code as night “your best black-tie look”, with suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns suggested as options, in reality it’s not as formal in practice. Royal Caribbean’s dress codes are loosely enforced, with most cruise passengers dressing less formally than this.

On a Royal Caribbean cruise formal night, you may see a few tuxedos and evening or cocktail gowns. However it’s far more common to see men in suits, or even a nice pair or pants and a dress shirt. Ladies can often be seen wearing a cocktail dress, little black dress, sundress or pants and a top.

Tip: Royal Caribbean’s formal night is a nice occasion for family members to dress up and even take a some photos with the ship’s photographer.

Related: 50 Best-Selling Amazon Cruise Essentials

Royal Caribbean Theme Nights

While there is no official dress suggestion for theme nights, it can be fun to bring a few special outfits for the occasion. On our cruise there was a 70’s Night Party, which is pretty common on many Royal Caribbean sailings.

To know about theme nights for your cruise, it’s a good idea to join cruise roll calls, facebook groups and take a look at the Cruise Compass from recent past sailings on your cruise ship.

Tip: Check out past cruise compasses and menus, is a great way to prepare for your cruise vacation.

Related: Royal Caribbean Cruise Compass Oasis of the Seas

Packing for Your Cruise Based on Cruise Destinations

This guide on what to wear for a Royal Caribbean cruise is general, so it’s a good idea to now tailor your cruise packing list to your itinerary and cruise destination.

Here are cruise packing lists to read, save and share:

What to Pack for a Royal Caribbean Cruise (detailed)
What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise: The Ultimate Guide
What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise (packing list included)
What to Pack for a Bahamas Cruise: The Ultimate Guide
What to Pack for a Bermuda Cruise: The Ultimate Guide
Cruise Wear for Men: Men’s Packing List for a Cruise
What to Wear as a Teenager on a Cruise
Plus Size Cruise Wear: 25+ Beautiful Cruise Outfits (with packing list)
25 Gorgeous Swimsuit Cover Ups for a Cruise
17 Cruise Cabin Essentials Every Cruiser Needs

Final Thoughts on What to Wear on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

Planning what to wear on a Royal Caribbean cruise isn’t as hard as it seems. On the most part, you can pack casual and smart casual attire, and the dress policy on Royal Caribbean is pretty relaxed.

That said, Royal Caribbean has beautiful, elegant main dining rooms and specialty restaurants, and it’s fun to dress up a bit on a cruise vacation, so don’t be shy!

Have you cruised with Royal Caribbean or are you planning to? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

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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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Royal Caribbean Formal Night Dress Code (& Other FAQS!)

No matter what Royal Caribbean ship or class you book, there is always a formal night, sometimes referred to as the Captain’s Night. This is a great chance to dress your best in evening gowns and suits and tie tuxedos.

Whether you love the idea of getting fancy at sea, or want to know all about the occasion so you can skip it, we got you covered…

Table of Contents

Royal Caribbean Formal Night

On a Royal Caribbean cruise, the number of formal nights depends on the length of the itinerary. For cruises up to 5 nights, there is usually one formal night, while 6-7 night cruises feature two formal nights.

Longer cruises may have a third formal night. Generally, the first formal night is on the second day of the cruise, while the second occurs on the fifth or sixth day.

The formal dress code applies only to the main dining room , not to other areas of the ship. Think of it as a night out in your best black-tie look.

For men, this means wearing suits and ties, tuxedos, or even a nice dress shirt with dress pants. Ladies can opt for cocktail dresses, evening gowns, or elegant pantsuits.

While you might have an image of everyone dressed to the nines, the reality is more casual than you might expect. That said, it’s always better to err on the side of formality for an evening like this.

If you’re attending the exclusive Chef’s Table dining experience, keep in mind that a formal dress code policy is enforced, so you’ll want to ensure you meet those standards when dressing for dinner.

With a friendly tone in mind, remember that the purpose of formal night is to enjoy a special evening with fellow passengers, create lasting memories, and, of course, take some fantastic photos.

What to Wear at Royal Caribbean Formal Night

When dressing for a Royal Caribbean formal night, think of it as a black-tie event. Men can wear suits and ties or tuxedos to fit in with the formal atmosphere.

It’s important to look polished and well-groomed, so make sure your clothes are clean, wrinkle-free, and fit well. Pair your attire with appropriate dress shoes, such as loafers or dressy lace-ups.

While black tie is optional, it’s a great opportunity to go all out and enjoy the elegance of the evening.

Woman on formal night have a wide array of options. Acceptable attire includes:

Cocktail dresses
Skirts and blouses
Dress pants
Dressy rompers
Evening gowns

Choose an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident, while adhering to the event’s formal dress code.

Additionally, it’s important to select the right footwear to complement your outfit. Opt for dress shoes like flats, heels, wedges, or dressy sandals to complete your look.

Remember, the key is to strike a balance between elegance and comfort, so you can fully enjoy the experience.

Fine Dining Table For Formal Nights on Royal Caribbean

How Strict Are Formal Nights On Royal Caribbean?

Formal night on Royal Caribbean cruises have transitioned over time, offering a more relaxed approach compared to traditional standards. Although it’s been rebranded as “Dress to Impress,” guests are not obligated to adhere strictly to the dress code.

While the suggested attire might include tuxedos, evening gowns, and cocktail dresses, there’s no stringent requirement to go all out.

Instead, many passengers find it adequate to sport outfits as casual as khakis and a polo shirt. Moreover, specialty restaurants typically lean toward a semi-formal dress code.

Children, notably, have no specified dress code. It’s common to see youngsters in party dresses, shirts, or waistcoats.

Yet, if a child prefers tennis shoes or doesn’t wish to wear a tie, it’s perfectly acceptable. The essence of this evening is not about stringent formality but rather the joy of dressing up, capturing memories with photographs, and enjoying a special night onboard.

Interestingly, attire can vary based on the departure location. Cruises departing from Southampton, for instance, often see guests dressing up more than those sailing in the Bahamas or Caribbean.

The latter’s tropical climate might dissuade passengers from donning heavier formal wear, or cultural differences between British and American passengers could account for the variance.

Do You Have To Dress Up For Formal Nights?

On Royal Caribbean cruises, dressing up for formal night is optional. Historically, the cruise line maintained a stricter dress code for these events, but with changing times, the approach has become more lenient.

While there is a published dress code suggesting formal wear, passengers won’t be denied entry to the main dining venues if they choose smart casual attire.

However, there are still specific attire rules in place. For instance, shorts, especially casual ones, are discouraged in main dining rooms.

Pool wear, like swimsuits or attire suitable for the deck, is strictly prohibited in these dining areas, and this rule is enforced rigorously.

For those who choose to dine at the Chef’s Table on a formal night, adherence to the formal dress code is expected.

However, for guests who opt out of dressing up, there are alternative dining options like the Windjammer, which permits casual clothing.

What Day Is Formal Night On Royal Caribbean?

On Royal Caribbean cruises, the specific day for formal night can vary based on the length and itinerary of the cruise. Typically:

For 3-night cruises : Formal night is usually on the second night .
For 4-night cruises : Formal night is typically on the second or third night .
For 7-night cruises : There are usually two formal nights. The first one is often on the second night , and the second one is generally on the fifth or sixth night .
For longer cruises : The number of formal nights and their specific days can vary. Often, they are spaced out evenly throughout the cruise.

However, it’s essential to note that the exact day can change based on the ship’s specific activities and itinerary.

It’s always a good idea to check the cruise’s daily planner, often called the “Cruise Compass” on a Royal Caribbean cruise, for specific details about formal nights and other activities onboard.

In Conclusion…

Attending the Royal Caribbean Cruise formal nights offers you the opportunity to join fellow passengers in a more elegant, refined setting.

By dressing up in your best attire, you’ll be able to give your vacation that extra touch of sophistication.

One benefit of participating in formal night is the chance to enjoy a delicious gourmet meal alongside fellow well-dressed guests.

The main dining rooms showcase scrumptious dishes especially curated for these special evenings. Indulge in fine dining while creating lasting memories with friends, family, or newfound acquaintances.

Another advantage of formal nights is the sense of camaraderie and connection between passengers. As you immerse yourself in this black-tie atmosphere, you’ll find the experience encourages conversation and bonding with fellow cruisers.

It’s not uncommon to make lasting friendships with those you meet during these elegant evenings.

The formal nights are the perfect occasion for capturing memorable photos.

Celebrate your time aboard the ship by posing for pictures with your loved ones, against the stunning décor of the dining room or other impressive spots around the ship.

These keepsake photos are something you can cherish long after your journey has ended.

Lastly, formal nights are an opportunity to embrace the art of dressing up and experience the joy of looking and feeling your best.

Embrace this chance to dust off those stunning cocktail dresses, evening gowns, or dapper suits you’ve been saving for a special occasion.

By doing so, you add an extra element of excitement and elegance to your cruise vacation.

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Royal Caribbean Cruise Formal Nights: What to Expect and How to Dress

Royal Caribbean Cruise Formal Nights: Many first-time cruisers are frequently concerned about cruise ship formal nights. Stress can result from worrying about what to bring and what kind of clothes is appropriate.

Even though the idea of guests dressed to the nines may conjure up images, once you’re on board this is rarely the case. As it happens, there’s a lot of leeway in terms of formal night attire on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Formal night: what is it?

Only the Main Dining Room on a Royal Caribbean cruise is subject to formal night. Although they are typically quite similar to a formal night dress code, specialty dining and other venues have their own unique dress codes.

The following is what Royal Caribbean says about the required evening attire:

Consider our dress code as an opportunity to wear your best black-tie ensemble for a night out; suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses, and evening gowns are all appropriate choices. A sailing may include one to three formal nights, depending on the ship’s judgment. A formal dress code is also enforced during our Chef’s Table dining experience.

After reading this, you might assume that the majority of passengers will be dressed in tuxedos and evening gowns for formal night. However, this is rarely the case in practice.

While some guests may be dressed in ball gowns and tuxedos, the majority will probably be dressed in much more casual formal attire. Men may be dressed in dress pants and a button-up shirt, while women may be dressed in a sundress or cocktail.

What Should I Wear to a Formal Night at Royal Caribbean?

The official nighttime dress code is “suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses, or evening gowns,” according to the Royal Caribbean website. The cruise line advises passengers to dress for a night out in a black tie.

The guests’ evening attire varies. A few attendees don tuxedos and ball gowns. However, the majority of passengers are dressed in business suits, athletic coats, or women’s cocktail dresses.

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Passengers frequently wear dresses, blouses, pantsuits, or smart casual ensembles of slacks and a collared shirt.

What’s the strictness of Royal Caribbean’s formal night?

While the official nighttime dress code for Royal Caribbean refers to it as “your best black-tie look,” this is rarely the case.

Royal Caribbean no longer has a hard and strict policy regarding formal nights. The recommended attire for guests at Royal Caribbean is simply that—as long as they aren’t wearing ripped jeans, swimwear, shorts, or bare feet—it is uncommon for someone to be refused entry.

If you try to dress nicely and adhere to the formal night vibe, you usually won’t be turned away from the main dining room. In general, golf shirts are appropriate to wear.

Consider it an occasion to dress more formally than you would for a typical evening, though a tuxedo is not required.

On a Royal Caribbean cruise, how many formal nights are there?

Royal Caribbean provides the numbers above as a general reference; they may differ depending on the sailing. The figures above, in our experience, are always accurate.

There are some formal nights on your cruise depending on the length of your voyage:

1 to 5 night cruises – 1 formal evening

6 to 10-night cruises – 2 formal nights

11 to 14-night cruises – 3 formal nights

15 + night cruises – 3 or 4 formal nights

R oyal Caribbean offers these numbers as a general guideline and they may vary from sailing to sailing. We have found that the numbers above are always accurate.

When is Royal Caribbean’s Formal Night?

A formal night is usually held on the second day of the cruise. The fifth or sixth day of the cruise is typically when the two formal nights are held, if the cruise is long enough.

There’s never a formal night on the final day of the cruise because your luggage is picked up the night before departure.

Best Dresses for Cruise Formal Night

The formal evening falls on the fifth day of the cruise if you are sailing a six-day itinerary.

The formal night on a seven-night cruise usually takes place on the sixth day, though on certain itineraries, it might be moved to the fifth.

If you’re taking a longer cruise, the formal night dates will change. The first formal night is typically on day two, but it’s hard to say what will happen on the second and third. To find out when the ship will have a formal night, you can get in touch with the cruise line in advance. After boarding, you can also look up the ship’s itinerary.

The best way to find out when formal night is is to consult your cruise compass, as the timing varies depending on the itinerary. You can also ask your server, the room steward, or guest services if you’re ever unsure.

Does Formal Night Require You to Wear a Dress?

Windjammer CafePin at Royal Caribbean You don’t have to wear formal attire for formal night. The formal dress code is only in effect for dinner in the main dining room on formal night.

You can dine at the other ship restaurants in casual clothes if you choose not to participate in formal night.

The Windjammer is the main dining area for passengers who want to forego formal night because it doesn’t have a dress code.

Another option is to dine at one of the ship’s specialty restaurants. Certain speciality restaurants have an additional dress code that takes precedence over the main dining room attire.

Also, don’t stress over being noticed.

Many passengers opt to dine in the Windjammer instead of attending formal night. Seldom do even the dressed-up passengers stay that way the entire evening.

Typically, we dress up for the evening performance and dinner before changing into something more relaxed for the evening.

You won’t be the only one wearing casual attire if you choose not to attend formal night.

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Royal Caribbean Formal Night: What to Wear

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Royal Caribbean Formal Night honors the tradition of cruising when sailing was considered a luxury. It’s an opportunity for passengers to get dressed up and enjoy a memorable evening and fancy dinner in the main dining room.

But some cruisers dread formal nights, feeling overwhelmed by the dress code and unsure if they should participate.

No one wants to feel out of place, especially on a cruise ship.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about the formal night on a Royal Caribbean cruise and what to do if you don’t want to dress up.

Table of Contents

What to Wear on a Royal Caribbean Formal Night?

Passengers on the deck of a cruise ship during Royal Caribbean formal night drinking champagne and wine with the sunset in the background

According to Royal Caribbean’s website , the formal night dress code consists of “suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns.” The cruise line asks guests to consider it as a night out in a black-tie look.

The evening wear among guests varies. Some guests dress in ballgowns and tuxedoes. But you’ll find most passengers wearing suits, sports coats, or cocktail dresses for women.

We often see passengers dressed in smart casual consisting of pants and a collared shirt, dresses, blouses, or pantsuits.

How Strict is Formal Night on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class Main Dining Room

Although Royal Caribbean’s formal night dress code describes it as “your best black-tie look,” in reality, it’s rarely the case.

As times have changed, Royal Caribbean doesn’t take a strict stance on formal night. Royal Caribbean’s dress code is merely a recommendation, and it’s rare to see someone denied entry as long as they aren’t in swimwear, shorts, barefoot, or ripped jeans.

Generally, you won’t be turned away from the main dining room if you try to dress smart and follow the spirit of formal night. Even golf shirts are generally acceptable to wear.

Think of it as a night to dress up more than a regular evening, but there’s no expectation of wearing a tuxedo.

How Many Formal Nights are on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

The number of formal nights on your cruise depends on the length of the sailing:

1 to 5-night cruises – 1 formal night
6 to 10-night cruises – 2 formal nights
11 to 14-night cruises – 3 formal nights
15 + night cruises – 3 or 4 formal nights

The numbers above are offered by Royal Caribbean as a general guideline and may vary by sailing. In our experience, the numbers above are always correct.

When is Formal Night on Royal Caribbean?

Passenger eating at Norwegian Cruise Line Moderno Specialty Restaurant Brazilian Steakhouse

Most sailings host a formal night on the second day of the cruise. If your cruise is long enough to have two formal nights, it’s usually held on the fifth or sixth day of the cruise.

Because your luggage gets collected the night before departure, there’s never a formal night on the last day of the cruise.

If you’re sailing on a six-day itinerary, the formal night is usually on the fifth day of the cruise.

On a seven-night cruise, the formal night is usually on the sixth day, though it may be moved to the fifth day on some itineraries.

Passengers enjoying a fancy meal in the main dining room on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship during formal night

The dates of formal nights will vary if you’re sailing on a longer cruise. You’ll usually have your first formal night on day two, but the second and third formal nights are difficult to predict. You can contact the cruise line ahead of time to find out when the ship will have a formal night. Or you can check the ship’s itinerary after embarking.

As the timing of formal night can vary by itinerary, it’s best to check your cruise compass, which lets you know when it’s formal night. And if you’re ever in doubt, you can ask your room steward, your server, or visit guest services.

Do You Have to Dress Up for Formal Night?

You don’t have to dress up for formal night on Royal Caribbean. On formal night, the formal dress code only applies to dinner in the main dining room.

If you don’t want to participate in formal night, you can eat in casual attire at the other restaurants on the ship.

The Windjammer doesn’t have a formal dress code, and it’s the primary spot for passengers to dine if they wish to skip formal night.

You can also choose to eat at one of the specialty restaurants on the ship. Some specialty restaurants have their own dress code that supersedes the main dining room dress code.

And don’t worry about standing out.

There’s a large number of passengers who skip formal night, choosing to dine in the Windjammer. Even the passengers who dress up rarely do so for the entire night.

We’ll usually dress up for dinner and the evening show before slipping into something more casual for the night.

If you decide to skip formal night, you won’t be the only one in casual wear.

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How Formal are Formal night on a Alaska Cruise

By Eaglecw , April 4, 2023 in Holland America Line

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Share on other sites, luvteaching.

DH wears a nice shirt, tie and sweater vest for "gala" nights and fits right in. The attire runs the gamut so as long as DH is happy it's fine.

Formal nights are as formal as you want to make them.

Every time we read here that "no one dresses up"..... on Caribbean cruises......, on Mexican Riviera cruises......, Alaska cruises .... we find just the opposite .

Plenty still do, and it is fun. Just nothing mandatory any longer, but no one has taken this fun aspect out of the cruise experience. Enjoy it.

Just to draw a fine point Alaska cruises use gala or dressy nights which don’t require a jacket for the gents. The grand voyages still have formal nights in addition to the dressy/gala nights where gents are supposed to wear a jacket.

3 hours ago, Eaglecw said: We are going to Alaska on the Westerman in June. My husband doesn’t like to wear a suit jacket, he wears a nice shirt and tie. Will this be acceptable attire on Formal night? We've cruised on Princess many times and this has always been acceptable.

As a frequent cruiser to Alaska, I can report that the new guidelines for Dressy Nights maximize comfort. Last year I counted 12 tuxedos on Dressy Nights, 50% jackets (with or without ties), and 50% just polo shirts.

YourWorldWithBill

4 hours ago, Eaglecw said: We are going to Alaska on the Westerman in June. My husband doesn’t like to wear a suit jacket, he wears a nice shirt and tie. Will this be acceptable attire on Formal night? We've cruised on Princess many times and this has always been acceptable.

On our Alaska in September less than half wore a jacket on formal nights, so it's completely up to you. Do whatever you're comfortable with. I think there were probably more men wearing jackets but no ties than the other way around, but maybe that's just because that's what I did!

Just wear your dress parka with a clip-on bow tie and you will be fine.

Late fixed dining in the upper dining rooms have tended to be dressier - by choice of those who like to dine later.

trivia addict

Last summer. Me: black pants dressy top.

Husband: sport jacket. Dress shirt

everyone else: everything in between.

No judgements.

note: if you are going on the Denali option, very casual every night on the land portion!

Dancing Shoes

My husband wore a nice dress shirt, dress Dockers pants, and leather loafers. I wore a cocktail dress, wrap and sling back pumps. Saw a few jackets, but not many. You will see others that dress smart casual on gala night. As others said, wear what makes feel good.

Alaska tends to be a little less dressy,. I think it's due to the extra clothes you have to pack because of the weather & temperatures. That said, if you do want to dress to the nines, you won't be out of place. You'll also be fine if you want to dress to the fives or the sevens. If you dress to the threes (shorts) you will be out of place. The twos (swimsuit & cover up) and the ones (swimsuit only) are inappropriate - and entirely too cold. Nobody wants to see you dressed to the zeroes with all the dangly bits hanging out. People will likely call security. (Like & Follow for more stupid tips!)

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What To Wear on a Royal Caribbean Cruise – Examples and Enforcement

Before I took my first Royal Caribbean cruise I was a little confused about the dress code. I knew that Royal Caribbean had “Formal nights” but had no idea what the dress code actually meant in practice.

Royal Caribbean does have “Formal nights” but the dress code is only upheld in the main dining rooms. There are plenty of other places to eat, so there is no need for you to ever dress up if you don’t want to.

In this post, you’ll find dress code guidelines for all parts of a Royal Caribbean cruise and we will look into whether the dress codes are actually enforced.

What Is The Dress Code on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

The dress code for dinner on a Royal Caribbean cruise is either casual or formal depending on which night of the cruise it is. Guests will be told in advance about the dress codes that are in place.

There are no specific daytime dress codes on Royal Caribbean cruises.

Daytime Dress Code

What is the daytime dress code on royal caribbean cruises.

There isn’t a specific daytime dress code onboard Royal Caribbean cruises. Cruisers are able to wear whatever they feel comfortable in. Shorts, jeans, and casual tops are all acceptable.

This is pretty standard within the cruising industry, even the cruise lines with the strictest evening dress codes do not have dress codes during the day.

Royal Caribbean cruises do have a few restrictions such as: – Guests must be wearing shoes at all times. – Guests cannot wear swimming costumes/bathing suits around the ship.

Some cruise lines do have rules about not having any fancy dress/costume dress onboard – but Royal Caribbean doesn’t have this rule. Note: If you were wearing a t-shirt with an offensive slogan you probably would be asked to get changed – but that is about it.

What Is The Evening Dress Code on Royal Caribbean Cruises?

Royal Caribbean cruises have three main dress codes that apply to the evenings onboard the cruise ship.

Formal nights – These have the most dress code restrictions
Smart Casual – These do have some dress code restrictions, but are less formal
Casual nights – Have almost no dress code – you must wear shoes, for example!

Compared to many other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean’s evening dress codes are incredibly relaxed.

Royal Caribbeans Evening Dress Codes – Formal Nights

Formal nights are a chance for you to wear your favourite dress or your tuxedo. The dress code isn’t particularly strict but some guests really do make an effort. I saw guests wearing amazing long gowns and having photos taken around the ship.

Professional photographers are located around the ship and will be more prevalent on formal nights.

Formal Nights onboard a Royal Caribbean Cruise

The dress code for formal nights is as follows:

Make it a night out in your best black-tie look – suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns. Royal Caribbean International

What Should Men and Women Wear on Royal Caribbean’s Formal Nights?

Men: The minimum requirement for men on formal nights is that men should wear a collared shirt and smart trousers. A tie isn’t necessary. Jeans/trainers would not be allowed on formal nights. Chinos would be acceptable as long as they are smart.

Women: Any smart dress or trousers/blouse combination would be acceptable. Don’t worry particularly about the length if you do decide to wear a dress or skirt. As long as the dress/skirt isn’t particularly short it would be acceptable. It isn’t a requirement to wear a full-length gown although many do.

We cover what children should wear later in this post…

White Nights

On my most recent cruise on Symphony of the Seas, they held a “White Night.” It was up to you if you wanted to take part or not. Probably about half of the passengers on board were dressed in white for the evening.

Many other cruise lines also have White Nights – Azamara and Celebrity come to mind. I usually pack a white dress “just in case.”

To find out more about the dresses I wear, and where to buy them, read this article next:

Cruise Dress Examples – (Everything I Wear Onboard: Emma Cruises)

How Many Formal Nights Are There on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

Royal Caribbean cruises between 3-5 nights have 1 formal night. Cruises 6-13 nights have 2 formal nights, and Royal Caribbean cruises over 14 nights have 3 formal nights.

Cruises Between 3-5 Nights: 1 Formal Night
Cruises Between 6-13 Nights: 2 Formal Nights
Cruises Over 14+ Nights: 3 Formal Nights

If you are cruising for 3-5 nights you’ll usually find the formal night on night two. Cruise lines very rarely have formal nights on the first night because not all guests will have their suitcases. When embarking on a cruise you’ll give your luggage to a porter and it’ll arrive later in your room. You usually have your suitcase within a couple of hours but on occasion may have to wait until early evening.

Royal Caribbean Formal Nights How Many and When

Royal Caribbean Evening Dress Code – Smart Casual Nights

Royal Caribbean cruises also have smart casual nights. I like to think of these as halfway between formal and casual nights. The clothes I wear are similar to that that I might wear to a restaurant at home.

Smart Casual Nights

The dress code for smart casual nights is as below:

Think of this as a step up from your typical dinner wear. Dress to impress with collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits. Jackets, sports coats and blazers are snazzy and welcomed. Royal Caribbean International

What Should Men and Women Wear on Royal Caribbean’s Smart Casual Nights?

Men: The dress code does mention collared shirts but these aren’t strictly necessary. You could probably get away with wearing a polo shirt on a smart casual night or a plain T-shirt with a nice blazer or jacket. As long as you are looking clean, presentable and like you’ve made a little bit of effort you’ll be fine.

Women: Any dress/skirt or trousers/blouse combination would be suitable. I do always find it’s easier to dress to the dress code as a woman, it’s easy to dress up a simple outfit with jewellery or shoes. If you were wearing smart, dark-coloured jeans I think that this would be okay. Blue jeans probably would look out of place but a nice pair of black skinny jeans paired with boots or heels would be perfect!

Royal Caribbean Smart Casual Dress Code What To Wear

How Many Smart Casual Nights Are There on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

On a Royal Caribbean cruise of between 3-4 nights, there are no smart casual nights. Cruises between 5-7 nights usually have 1 smart casual night. Cruises 8-13 nights in length usually have 2 smart casual nights with cruises over 14 nights having 3.

The maximum number of smart casual nights on any cruise is 3. Some short cruises won’t have any smart casual nights at all. If you are cruising on a cruise that is 3 or 4 nights in length you will just have one formal night and the rest will be casual.

Cruises Between 3-4 Nights: 0 Smart Casual Nights

Cruises between 5-7 nights: 1 smart casual night, cruises over 8-13 nights: 2 smart casual nights , cruises over 14+ nights: 3 smart casual nights .

Royal Caribbean doesn’t advertise before the day when the smart casual dress code will be in place. It is relatively easy to switch between casual and smart casual – so I don’t think this is a problem. You used to have a ‘cruise compass’ delivered to your cabin every evening. This is a little leaflet which will tell you everything that is going on the next day, the dress code for the next night will be included in the cruise compass.

Royal Caribbean no longer seem to do this as a matter of course on many ships. You can ask your room steward if you want a paper cruise compass, but most cruises now expect you to access all the information you need via the cruise line’s App.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to buy the cruise line’s expensive Wi-Fi to access this app. Find out more about cruise ship Apps, and what they can be used for here:

You Don’t Need to Pay For Wi-Fi To Use a Cruise Line App – Here’s Why

Royal Caribbean How Many Smart Casual Nights

Royal Caribbean’s Evening Dress Code – Casual Nights

Casual nights are the most relaxed nights that you’ll find on any Royal Caribbean cruise. That said, there are still some things that you cannot wear. The first night of every cruise will be a casual night.

Royal Caribbean’s Casual Night Dress Codes

The dress code for casual nights is as below:

You’re on vacation – relax! Jeans, polos, sundresses and blouses are all the right amount of laid back. Please keep swimwear to the Pool Deck. Shorts are welcomed for breakfast and lunch. Royal Caribbean International

At dinner, in the main dining room on a casual night, you cannot wear the following:

The last night of your cruise is also almost always a casual night. This is because guests have usually packed at this point and it is much easier to wear casual clothes.

On the last night of your cruise, you will leave your suitcase outside of your cabin in the corridor. This will be taken away by the crew and the next time you see it will be on land when you disembark.

Make sure you leave some clothes out to wear for the day you disembark! I have a specially designed disembarkation day T-shirt, so I never have to worry about what to wear on that last day.

Check out my Disembarkation Day T-shirt – and a range of other cruise-themed T-shirts here:

Emma Cruises Online Shop

Royal Caribbean Dress Codes For Children

Children are expected to adhere to the dress codes – although I doubt very much that they would be challenged unless they were wearing something really scruffy. Teenagers would be expected to dress in accordance with the dress codes.

Royal Caribbean Dress Code Formal Night Children Kids

For boys: Generally speaking, boys would probably be fine to wear a polo shirt and chinos on formal/smart casual nights. This, of course, does depend on the age of the child but if the child in question is under the age of 10 or so this would be fine.

For girls: Any dress/skirt or smart trousers/top would be fine. The main thing is to look presentable and like an effort has been made.

Some families love the opportunity to dress up and I’ve seen small children wearing full tuxedos and bow ties – which is adorable. On casual nights anything goes for children.

Royal Caribbean Dress Code Casual Night Children Kids

What Are The Dress Codes in Royal Caribbean’s Speciality Dining Restaurants?

Most of Royal Caribbean’s speciality dining restaurants do not have strict dress codes.

They will often not adopt the ‘formal night’ dress code even on formal nights – which means that they can provide a great alternative for those not wanting to dress up for dinner.

Many people do of course dress up to go to dinner at the specialty restaurants though. Guests will often book a speciality restaurant for a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary.

Is The Dress Code Ship Wide on Royal Caribbean Cruises?

The dress code on Royal Caribbean cruises is only applied to the main dining room. Guests not wanting to take part in the dress codes are able to dine elsewhere. On some other cruise lines, for example, Cunard, the dress codes will apply ship-wide but this isn’t the case with Royal Caribbean.

Find out more about my trip with the formal British line Cunard in the video below. Dress codes were more strict than on any other cruise line I have sailed with:

Is The Dress Code on Royal Caribbean Cruises Enforced?

Only 4% of Royal Caribbean cruisers answered yes when asked if they felt that Royal Caribbean’s dress codes were enforced.

The dress codes onboard have become more relaxed in recent years and the degree of enforcement has decreased.

If you were wearing something completely ridiculous you might be turned away – but I’ve never seen anybody be turned away from a restaurant – or heard any stories of anybody having to go away and change.

I decided to ask the Royal Caribbean Cruises Facebook group this very question, the group has over 110k members. I think the data below speaks for itself.

Do Royal Caribbean Enforce The Dress Code Survey

A whopping 200 answered ‘no’ with only ’12’ answering yes! 63 people just answered with ‘who cares’ which suggests to me that the dress codes aren’t really respected.

Other Dress Codes on Royal Caribbean Cruises:

Is there a dress code for ice skating on a royal caribbean cruise.

When ice skating on a Royal Caribbean cruise all guests must wear long trousers/pants and socks. This dress code is strictly enforced for safety reasons.

If you don’t have both of these you will not be allowed to skate.

I actually have never been ice skating on a Royal Caribbean cruise although I did see two ice shows on the Symphony of the Seas, they were INCREDIBLE.

Royal Caribbean Excursion Dress Codes

The dress code for excursions may vary depending on what the excursion involves. You will be told if there is a specific dress code at the time of booking. You may be required to wear certain things like comfortable shoes/coats/jackets if your excursion is in any way physical.

Do You HAVE To Dress Up On a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

Guests don’t have to dress up at any point on a Royal Caribbean cruise if they don’t want to.

Royal Caribbean does have formal and smart casual nights where there is a dress code in the main dining room but cruisers are able to eat in the buffet or other dining venues without adhering to the dress code.

Find out all about my latest Royal Caribbean Cruise on Symphony of the Seas Below. I took a week-long trip around the Mediterranean starting and ending in Barcelona.

Before You Go!

A Cruise with Royal Caribbean is very different from a cruise on many other cruise lines. I took a cruise on Royal Caribbean’s “Anthem of the Seas” whilst my parents took exactly the same cruise on MSC ’s Virtuosa. To compare these very different cruises, read this article next:

We Took The Same Cruise With MSC and Royal Caribbean: Differences and Comparison

Royal Caribbean are a great cruise line for families and young people. To find out why more and more cruise lines are trying to appeal to a younger cruise market, read the article below:

Are Cruises For Young People? Why are more young people cruising Than Ever?

To read about the scariest activities I have ever tried on a cruise ship, read this next:

I Braved 5 of The SCARIEST Activities at Sea

Book a Cruise

If you are watching my videos and you’d like to book anything that you see, my friendly, knowledgeable partner travel agents can help!

They can help you find the cruise that will suit you and your family. It never costs more than booking directly with the cruise line, and you get impartial advice, and often a better price or added extras – like onboard credit that you wouldn’t get booking direct.

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

Editor's Note

Have 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.

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Find the best cruise for you

Featured cruise deals, cruising guide, why take a cruise vacation.

If you have a place on your bucket list, chances are, a cruise will get you there – provided the destination is along a coastline or inland waterway. Cruises cover the world, taking millions of passengers each year to regions such as the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Alaska, Europe, the Mediterranean and even Antarctica. Cruising offers a tremendous value, with trips that include your lodging, meals and entertainment – all rolled into one. Some luxury cruise lines even offer fully inclusive vacations, which cover drinks and tours ashore. And best of all, cruising means seeing the world conveniently after unpacking only once.

Cruises also provide a wonderful option for families, with many ships offering things like waterslides, mini-golf courses and fun clubs for kids, tweens and teens. While most are free, nursery programs can cost extra. Planning is easy: Pick your destination and the right ship (and line) for your travel style. The cruise line makes it simple, offering packages to help you save on extras like alcohol, shore tours or even airfare.

Travelers say they choose to cruise because cruising often costs less per night when compared with land vacations at a hotel, where they'll have to book -- and pay for -- every extra.

What are Tips for Finding Cheap Cruises?

If you're a flexible traveler, you'll have a better chance of finding cheap cruises. Take a cruise that doesn't sail over the summer or holidays, when prices are highest. Book an inside cabin, or take your chances with a "guarantee cabin," ideal for passengers who aren't picky about their stateroom location but really want the lowest price available. Book cabins on lower decks, which often come with lower prices than those rooms on higher floors – that is staterooms over suites.

Cruise brands such as Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International offer rates that might drop as low as $75 per person per night -- and sometimes even lower.

If you want a real bargain, consider a transatlantic or repositioning cruise. These cruises are one-way or open-jaw trips, that start in one port and finish at another. You can score a deal sailing from Florida to Europe, for example, or even from New York to Florida. Just be aware, you'll probably have to pay a bit more for airfare to return.

What are Tips to Finding Last-Minute Cruise Deals?

While being flexible date wise will always get you the best last-minute cruise deals, it's particularly helpful if you live near a cruise port and can quickly drive there. That way you'll probably be able to jump on those deals that might pop up just a week or two before the ship is scheduled to sail.

Or if you don't have flexibility with either departure dates or embarkation locations, be willing to compromise on exact destinations. This will allow you to find a wider range of last-minute deals traveling to locations in their off-season or so-called shoulder season.

Do plenty of research and know what your ideal cruise is and costs on average, so both are already on your radar. When you see it drop, pounce! (Many cruise lines update pricing several times per day, so preparation is crucial.)

Best cruises in 2024

There's truly a cruise style and ship for everyone, and that has never been more the case than in 2024, as vessels continue to come in an array of sizes – from riverboats and expedition vessels to the largest-ever mega ships. And it's not an exaggeration to say some are loaded with so many activities that you couldn't possibly enjoy them all in a single sailing.

Families will find plenty of options and activities onboard big ships, which have transformed cruising, making the vessels as exciting as the destinations themselves. The Caribbean is always a great option for families, offering lots of sunshine, great beaches and culture. Alaska, famous for its incredible vistas and abundant wildlife, is also a solid family cruise option. Consider cruise brands such as Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises and even Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line for a great multi-generational voyage.

Or on the smaller side, by comparison, river cruising remains a hot ticket item this year, with exciting routes that send eager guests down the Danube or Rhine rivers in Europe or to lesser-frequented locations, like the Mekong River in Cambodia or Vietnam, or soon the Magdalena River in Colombia. Popular river cruises embark in timeless cities like Amsterdam, Budapest and Lisbon. River cruise lines to consider encompass Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises, Tauck, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and Riverside Luxury Cruises, as well as American Cruise Lines for a domestic alternative.

If you're an adventurer at heart, an expedition cruise might be best for you. These voyages, often onboard small ships (only a few hundred passengers tops), offer an intimate experience that brings passengers right up next to glaciers, whales, penguins and iguanas. Ships visit tiny spots all over the world – from pole to pole – including the Arctic, Alaska, Australia, Greenland, the Galapagos and, of course, Antarctica. Passengers will spend their time zodiacing, kayaking, hiking, biking and exploring with expert guides and knowledgeable naturalists. Expedition travelers love cruise lines such as Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, UnCruise Adventures, Silversea, HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), Ponant and Quark Expeditions, as well as an ever-expanding list that now even extends to Seabourn and Viking.

But for the most decadent form of travel, luxury cruises offer all-inclusive experiences onboard small to median-sized ships (usually under a thousand passengers) with perks like butlers, high-end amenities and personalized, intuitive service, not to mention the finest dining at sea. Ships often feature luxury touches like marble and crystal decor, intimate spaces and beautiful spas. Because luxury ships tend to be on the smaller size, they can often reach off-the-beaten-path destinations bigger ships simply cannot access -- ports like St. Tropez or Guadeloupe. If you're looking for a luxury cruise, consider Crystal, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, Explora Journeys, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and upcoming Four Seasons Yachts.

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Why Prices Are Falling For Cruises in the Caribbean, Alaska This Summer

R oyal Caribbean Group, Carnival Corp. and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings are discounting cruises that are setting sail this summer, reports Reuters .

Many lines are sending ships to Alaska and the Caribbean that would have otherwise been sailing in the Red Sea, according to Reuters. However, because of the ongoing Houthi rebel strikes in the Red Sea, operators are rerouting the vessels.

In 2024, 202 ships will sail in the Caribbean, an eight percent increase from last year. In Alaska, the number of vessels sailing this summer has increased by 9.3 percent since last year. That increased supply in both regions is contributing to lower summer prices, per Reuters.

Prices are down 21 percent compared to the same time last year for Royal Caribbean ’s seven-day itineraries in the Caribbean and Bermuda, according to Reuters. Meanwhile, prices are down 12 percent for Norwegian and 11 percent for Carnival for similar itineraries.

In Alaska, Carnival ’s July and August itineraries are 20 percent cheaper than last year. Royal Caribbean’s Alaska trips are six percent cheaper in July and 12 percent cheaper in August than last year.

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ONBOARD ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT INCREDIBLE IS ON THE ITINERARY

Whatever thrills you seek, you’ll find all sorts of ways to fill your days onboard Royal Caribbean®. Each day and night brings something new to do, see and explore. From the robot mixologists at Bionic Bar® to the FlowRider®* surf simulators, and the tallest slide at sea, Ultimate Abyss℠, to hit Broadway musicals like Grease. And with the award-winning Adventure Ocean® youth program, kids and teens will have a blast— plus parents can get a little time of their own. The hardest part is deciding where to start.

North Star ®

360-degree views, 365 days a year

Woman Enjoying the Boardwalk View on the Zipline

See the ship over nine decks above the Boardwalk® on the Zip Line

FlowRider ®

Score prime waves all day every day on the FlowRider® surf simulator.

Sports Court

Play 3-on-3 with an ocean view at the Sports Court

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Play the classics and modern faves at the Royal Caribbean® Arcade

Ultimate Abyss℠

Take the plunge on the tallest slide at sea - the Ultimate Abyss℠.

Family fun takes a nostalgic turn on the handcrafted carousel

RipCord ® by iFLY ®

Feel the freedom of freefall on the only skydiving simulator at sea — RipCord® by iFLY®

WN, Wonder of the Seas, family fun at Playscape, daytime, mother and daughter on stairs, one child running, dad watching daughter on ropes, blue colors, octopus statue in right background,

Wonder Playscape℠

A whole new way to explore and discover an underwater-themed world full of fun

Bumper Cars

Buckle up for the only bumper cars at sea at the largest indoor activity space ever to set sail.

Escape the Rubicon

The entire room is a mystery to unravel in Escape the Rubicon

Harmony High

Jump, jive and wail at Harmony High, the most rockin’ show at sea

Piano Sing-Alongs

Sing along to a chorus of ivory tickling classics at Schooner Bar nightly.

Royal Escape Room℠ - Mission Control: Apollo 18

Decode the mysteries of Mission Control in the latest Royal Escape Room challenge.

Sip, Tour, Brunch

The best days begin with brunch and bubbles.

Swim & Tonic℠

The new Swim & Tonic℠ is your go-to for ice-cold drinks and sun-kissed beats.

Typhoon℠ and Cyclone℠

Grab a friend and race down The Perfect Storm℠ twin waterslides Typhoon℠ and Cyclone℠.

The Greatest 80’s Party Ever!

Get ready for a total blast from the past at the greatest 80's party ever.

Adventure Ocean ®

The new Adventure Ocean® youth program is designed to ignite the imagination.

Spectrum of the Seas Woman Fencing with Sword

Gear up, grab a foil and get ready for an introduction into the art of fencing.

Think you can get a bullseye? Take your best shot in our archery tournament.

Captain’s Welcome Aboard Reception

The Captain invites all guests to a formal night reception held in their honor. It’s a great photo op, so don’t forget your camera.

Category 6 Waterpark

Brave six record-breaking slides at Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea.

Hideaway Pool

Hit new heights of bragworthy at the first suspended infinity pool at sea.

Absolute Zero℠

See bold feats unleashed at Absolute Zero℠, our biggest ice arena ever.

Laser Tag: Clash for the Crystal City℠

Two clans collide in an icy new glow-inthe-dark laser tag faceoff for control of a mystical frozen city.

Mellow out to live Caribbean music in this open-air sanctuary that’s high above ordinary.

Up and Away

Join puppets Mia and Max as they embark on a glow-in-the-dark adventure.

Art Auctions

Bid on bold masterpieces at an action-packed onboard art auction.

The Perfect Storm Woman Going down the Funnel

Swirl through a champagne bowl funnel in Supercell℠, part of The Perfect Storm℠, the boldest waterslides at sea.

Oasis of the Seas Spotlight Karaoke Kids Singing Family Time

Star Moment

Become the star of your own show as you belt out all your favorite tunes, karaoke-style, at Star Moment.

Awe is inspired on a grand new scale at the shimmering AquaDome℠.

Crown's Edge℠

Dare to conquer the Crown’s Edge℠, a test of bravery like nothing you’ve ever seen.

Board Games at the Library and Card Room on Voyager of the Seas

Delve into your favorite card and board games at the Card Room

Royal Escape Room℠ — The Royal Society of Puzzles

Put your smarts to the test to unravel The Royal Society of Puzzles.

The Cove℠ Pool

The ultimate infinity pool for serene ocean views with sun-drenched action always close by.

Water's Edge

Unrivaled views for you while kids play steps away at Splashaway Bay℠ aquapark.

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Let's Celebrate

The only parade where every holiday is celebrated at once

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Show off new moves during Dance Classes with the pros

Tidal Wave℠

Go airborne on the only boomerang slide at sea

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You’re the VIP (Very Important Passenger) behind the scenes

Bump up your game at SeaPlex®

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Serve up stiff competition during a table tennis face off

Soak up the relaxation and the horizon

Got game? Prove it on one of our interactive Game Shows

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Totally Awesome 90s Street Party

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Stay up late for this top deck party

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The poolside screen is huge - and so is the fun

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Make your circus dreams come true on the flying trapeze

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Soak up the thrills on all The Perfect Storm℠, the boldest waterslides at sea.

With onboard pools, you've got plenty of chances to make a splash

Wonder Dunes Mother and Son Enjoying the Mini Golf Course

Enjoy mini golf with maximum fun

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Browse and buy original art from our curated collection

Rock Climbing Wall

Rock out on the Rock Climbing Wall for full-scale adventure

Splashaway Bay℠

An aqua park that's cool, colorful and all kinds of crazy

Ice Skating

Lace up your skates and take a spin on the only rinks at sea

Dancer and Singers Performing on the Starwater Show

Extraordinary tech meets top-notch talent and epic imagination at Two70®

Mystery Dinner Theater

Be the detective at Mystery Dinner Theater, an evening of intrigue

Scuba Certification

Polish your PADI® skills and get dive certified on your vacation

Latin Fiesta

Get ready to shake your hips and find your Latin rhythm.

Dancing Under The Stars

Party with us poolside beneath the night sky.

Learn how to speak Spanish onboard a cruise to Cuba

Spanish Classes

Brush up on your Spanish skills in an interactive onboard class.

Girl Sliding down The Riptide on a Sunny Day

Plunge into new thrills on the only headfirst mat racer waterslide at sea, Riptide℠.

Learn how to latin dance onboard a cruise to Cuba

Latin Dance Classes

By the end of this class, you’ll be dancing like the stars.

Navigator of the Seas Pool by the Lime and Coconut

Amplified Pool Deck

It’s time to take your pool game to the next level.

Colorful Fantasy Land depicted in poster for the Away We Go Cruise Show by Royal Caribbean

See what happens when you wish upon a star in Away We Go .

Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z℠

Forces collide in a glow-in-the-dark laser tag faceoff in Battle for Planet Z℠.

The Blaster ®

Hang on tight for The Blaster® aqua coaster, the longest waterslide at sea.

70s Disco Party

You’ve scored a one-way ticket to funky-town.

Cupcake Class

Sprinkle on the memories.

ID independence of the seas escape room venue

Royal Escape Room℠: The Observatorium

Have you and your team got what it takes to beat the clock?

Plate of fresh assorted sushi and sashimi rolls.

Sushi Making Class

Turn lunch into a hands-on adventure.

Performer Dancing with Projection in Two 70

Virtual Concert

Relive original performances in stunning 4K at Two70's Virtual Concert .

Larger than life festival

Supersized games go big on bonding at the Larger Than Life Festival.

The big shark block party

The Big Shark Block Party makes a big, bold splash with your favorite dance tunes.

Adrenaline Peak℠

Test your bravery. Rock climb to the top of Adrenaline Peak for unmatched views.

Thrill Island

The most adrenaline-amping adventures converge at Thrill Island — only on Icon of the Seas℠.

Royal Escape Room℠

Decode the mysteries that will set you free and Escape the Room

Fuel bolder bonding at Surfside℠ — the ultimate stay-all-day family neighborhood.

The vibe is always on at this off-the-grid.

Friends Getting Ready for a game of Pickle ball

Get hooked on pickleball, the new trendy sport for everyone.

Lost Dunes℠

Tee off for friendly competition at Lost Dunes℠, the ultimate mini-golf course

Steel Pan Family Jam™

Groove to your own tropical tunes at the Steel Pan Family Jam.

Chill Island℠

Sip to the rhythm of live music and DJs at every turn at Chill Island℠.

Royal Bay℠ Pool

This sprawling oasis is the largest pool at sea — with over 40,000 gallons of water.

Once upon a bedtime story

Once Upon a Bedtime Story is the coziest way to end a sun-filled day.

DISCOVER ALL NEW ICONIC THRILLS & CHILLS

Only on icon of the seas.

Dining Room

Go on a flavorful globetrotting journey at The Dining Room— serving mouthwatering international dishes for every meal.

Surfside Eatery℠

Whatever your little ones are into right now, the expansive Surfside Eatery buffet has it on deck — steps away from all the action.

Pearl Café℠

Pearl Café offers toasted sandwiches, ready-made salads, and sweet treats with a show.

Izumi in the Park℠

Stop by this all-day window for Japanese street food and sushi rolls in to-go boxes.

Celebration Table

Level-up special occasions with VIP treatment and your choice of prix menus at Celebration Table.

AquaDome Market

Find five unique food stands serving a smorgasbord of options for your crew at AquaDome Market.

Basecamp is your family’s headquarters to refuel between adventures onboard. Walk up to any window for delicious provisions or head to the bar for drinks.

Surfside Bites℠

Refuel on the run between adventures at Surfside Bites, your quick stop for sweet and salty noshes and tasty twists on classics.

It’s grub time anytime at Pier 7 with beachside bites, all-day brunch and chill vibes

Empire Supper Club℠

Treat yourself to a lavish night of luxury with premium American cuisine at Empire Supper Club

Suite Neighborhood

It’s time you discover just how suite life can be at the Suite Neighborhood.

The Wizard of Oz

Our biggest cast and orchestra ever in the Broadway hit musical, The Wizard of Oz — only on Icon of the Seas℠.

Showband! Live. Music. Now.

Enjoy phenomenal vocal artists accompanied by sixteen top tier musicians.

The Hideaway

Once you’ve uncovered The Hideaway, your sea days will never be the same.

The Grove Suite Sun Deck

Discover your own private slice of paradise.

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CASINO ROYALE

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CRUISE NIGHTLIFE

Try it with your, #adventuresquad.

Drenched Days

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IMAGES

Royal Caribbean Formal Night: 6 Things You MUST Know
Royal Caribbean Alaska
Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas Full Ship Tour (Popular Alaska Cruise Ship)
Royal Caribbean Alaska
Princess Cruise Formal Night
Royal Caribbean Cruises Alaska 2024 / 2025

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Alaska Cruise Day 6
Alaska Cruise Mistakes
Alaska Cruise Day 7
Royal Caribbean Alaska Tracy Arm Fjord
Shuttling Into Skagway Alaska Due To Rockslides A Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise Tour
Why Take a Cruise to Alaska?

COMMENTS

Formal nights on Alaska cruises
89. Posted February 25, 2022. I'm going on a seven night Alaska cruise this year. I believe this means we will have two formal nights. I've done Caribbean cruises before and usually wear a cocktail dress and heels. I'm trying to plan out what I will pack this time but I've heard conflicting things about formal nights on Alaska cruises.
Royal Caribbean formal night: What to wear
Shorter sailings will usually have only one formal night whereas longer sailings will have 2, 3, or 4 formal nights. Royal Caribbean lists the amount of formal nights per cruise on their website, although the amount of formal nights is ultimately at the ship's discretion: 3/4/5 night cruises - 1 formal night; 6 and 7 night cruises - 2 formal ...
Everything you need to know about formal night on a Royal Caribbean cruise
There can be 1-3 formal nights during a sailing and is at the ship's discretion. 3/4/5 night cruises - usually on Day 2. 6 night cruises - usually on day 2 and 5. 7 night cruises - are usually on Day 2 and 6. Oasis and Allure use Day 2 and 5 on Western itineraries and Day 2 and 6 on Eastern itineraries. 14-night and longer cruises will have ...
What is the dress code onboard all ships?
Think of our formal dress code as a night out in your best black-tie look — suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns are all acceptable options. There can be 1 to 4 formal nights during a sailing and is at the ship's discretion. Our Chef's Table dining experience also enforces a formal dress code policy.
Formal Nights Alaska
20 hours ago, cruiseguy1016 said: Formal night on Alaskan cruises is a lot less formal that on Caribbean cruises. There will be very few people in tuxes and gowns. There will be people in flannel shirts. This was our experience as well.
What is the formal dress code and what should I wear?
There can be 1-3 formal nights during a sailing and is at the ship's discretion. Our Chef's Table dining experience also enforces a formal dress code policy. Formal nights: 3/4/5 Night Cruises - Usually on Day 2. 6 Night Cruises - Usually on Day 2 and 5. 7 Night Cruises - Usually on Day 2 and 6.
Royal Caribbean Formal Night: 6 Things You MUST Know Before You Sail
If you want to know more about formal nights on Royal Caribbean cruises, then these are six things to be aware of before you sail. 1. Most cruises have 1-2 formal nights (unless you're on a longer sailing) The number of formal nights on a Royal Caribbean cruise depends on the length of the itinerary. For cruises up to 5 nights, there is ...
What to Wear on a Royal Caribbean Cruise (dress code & outfit photos)
To plan your outfits, here are the number of formal nights on Royal Caribbean cruises.There can be 1 to 4 formal nights during a sailing and is at the ship's discretion. Our Chef's Table dining experience also enforces a formal dress code policy. 3-5 night cruises - 1 formal night (1-4 night cruises may or may not have a formal night)
Cruise Formal Night Explained: 10 Things to Know (What to Wear and More…)
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.
Royal Caribbean Formal Night Dress Code (& Other FAQS!)
Longer cruises may have a third formal night. Generally, the first formal night is on the second day of the cruise, while the second occurs on the fifth or sixth day. The formal dress code applies only to the main dining room, not to other areas of the ship. Think of it as a night out in your best black-tie look.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Formal Nights: What to Expect and How to Dress
6 to 10-night cruises - 2 formal nights. 11 to 14-night cruises - 3 formal nights. 15 + night cruises - 3 or 4 formal nights. R oyal Caribbean offers these numbers as a general guideline and they may vary from sailing to sailing. We have found that the numbers above are always accurate. When is Royal Caribbean's Formal Night?
Royal Caribbean Formal Night: What To Wear
According to Royal Caribbean's website, the formal night dress code consists of "suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns.". The cruise line asks guests to consider it as a night out in a black-tie look. The evening wear among guests varies. Some guests dress in ballgowns and tuxedoes. But you'll find most passengers ...
The Ultimate Guide to Royal Caribbean Formal Night!
Typically, cruises that are 3 to 5 nights long have one Formal Night, while those extending to 6 nights and beyond usually indulge in two Formal Nights. Cruise Planner: Your Cruise Planner, available through Royal Caribbean's website or mobile app, will have the detailed itinerary including the date and time of the Formal Night.
How Formal are Formal night on a Alaska Cruise
9.1k. December 13, 2015. Texas. #4. Posted April 4. Just to draw a fine point Alaska cruises use gala or dressy nights which don't require a jacket for the gents. The grand voyages still have formal nights in addition to the dressy/gala nights where gents are supposed to wear a jacket.
What To Wear on a Royal Caribbean Cruise
How Many Formal Nights Are There on a Royal Caribbean Cruise? Royal Caribbean cruises between 3-5 nights have 1 formal night. Cruises 6-13 nights have 2 formal nights, and Royal Caribbean cruises over 14 nights have 3 formal nights. Cruises Between 3-5 Nights: 1 Formal Night ; Cruises Between 6-13 Nights: 2 Formal Nights
Royal Caribbean to Retain Formal Night on Longer Cruises
Oct 9, 2019. Read time. 2 min read. (5:13 p.m. EDT) -- After much debate on Cruise Critic's message boards, Royal Caribbean has confirmed that formal night is still alive and well on its longer ...
What to wear on a cruise: Cruise attire and cruise line dress codes
On Carnival cruise formal nights, known as "cruise elegant" nights, cruisers wear everything from slacks with nice shirts to tuxes and ball gowns. ... 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 ...
What to wear on a cruise that works for all dress codes
Most Alaska sailings will be seven nights long, so you can expect to have two Formal Nights during your Royal Caribbean cruise. Keeping with our theme of packing for cool weather, we've selected a few outfits that would be perfect for Formal Night on your cruise. Women can look at packing floor-length dresses with long sleeves.
Answers for Your Vacation
Get all your Royal Caribbean FAQs answered in one place. From booking to onboard activities, our comprehensive topics have got you covered for your vacation. {{alert.title}} {{notification.title}} {{notification.link ... Caribbean Cruises; Bahamas Cruises Alaska Cruises;
7 Night Alaska Inside Passage
The 7 Night Alaska Inside Passage visits Vancouver, British Columbia; Sitka, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Icy Strait Point, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia. Explore our cruise itineraries and choose from a variety of rooms depending on your needs and budget. Start planning your next cruise vacation by selecting a destination and departure port.
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Royal Caribbean's dress code is casual during the day; at night there's either casual, smart-casual or formal dress code depending on the schedule. Casual attire includes jeans and collared shirts ...
Cruises
Alaska, famous for its incredible vistas and abundant wildlife, is also a solid family cruise option. Consider cruise brands such as Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises and even Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line for a great multi-generational voyage.
Alaska Cruises: Cruise to Alaska
4 NIGHT OKINAWA CRUISE USD 452. 5 NIGHT FUKUOKA & NAGASAKI CRUISE USD 525. ... Fun Activities for kids in Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises. March 8, 2024. ... Alaska is not a formal place; people even wear jeans to the opera. Focus more on comfort when deciding what clothing to pack. 2.
The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler
Royal Caribbean's 20-year-old ship Radiance of the Seas mainly sails weeklong, one-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska, with prices below $100 per person, per night, for inside and ...
7 Night Alaska Experience Cruise
here. The 7 Night Alaska Experience Cruise visits Seattle, Washington; Juneau, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; Sitka, Alaska; Victoria, British Columbia; Seattle, Washington. Explore our cruise itineraries and choose from a variety of rooms depending on your needs and budget. Start planning your next cruise vacation by selecting a destination and ...
Why Prices Are Falling For Cruises in the Caribbean, Alaska This ...
Royal Caribbean Group, Carnival Corp. and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings are discounting cruises that are setting sail this summer, reports Reuters. Many lines are sending ships to Alaska and the ...
ONBOARD ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
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