Getting Ready For Formal NightsÂ
Did you know 8 in 10 people say it’s their biggest headache when sorting out what to bring for formal night on their cruise?Â
While cruise lines have become more relaxed about their dress rules over time, formal nights are still going strong and need a bit of thought.
Having the right cruise outfits – and knowing how to pack them – can be the difference between feeling brilliant in your photos or feeling like a fish out of water.
Our guide will help you sort it all out.
What to Expect on Formal Nights
During dress-up nights on a cruise ship, most passengers wear their smartest clothes as they come together for special dinners, events, and photos. The main dining rooms and specialty restaurants usually have strict rules about what you can wear, and they won’t let you in if you’re dressed casually.
Most cruise lines plan two to three dress-up nights during a seven-day trip. These evenings often include special menus, meet-and-greets with the captain, theatre shows, and professional photographers around the ship. You’ll see extra decorations and atmosphere, with live music playing in different areas.
Whilst dress-up nights aren’t compulsory, and you can always eat at the casual buffet, taking part in these elegant evenings has become a beloved cruise tradition that brings a bit of sparkle to your holiday.
Women’s Formal Wear Outfits
When choosing smart attire for cruise dress-up nights, women have plenty of lovely choices. Elegant mid-length dresses in materials like crepe, cotton or velvet work brilliantly, while knee-length frocks are perfectly suitable. Consider a simple black dress, which never goes out of style, or go for rich colours that suit your complexion.
If you fancy wearing separate pieces, match a smart top with a nice skirt or flowing trousers. Add some sparkly jewellery, a small handbag, and smart shoes or decorated flat sandals to complete the look. For chilly evenings, bring along a nice scarf or wrap that goes with your clothes. Pick items you can feel at ease in while moving about and dancing during the night.
Here are some formal wear ideas
Men’s Formal Wear Outfits
For men’s smart cruise clothing, a suit is a reliable pick but you can opt for a more relaxed look. A navy blue or grey blazer works well with pressed trousers and a light-coloured dress shirt – you might prefer skipping the tie. Make sure your jacket and trousers are well-fitted and pressed before packing.
For footwear, leather dress shoes in black or brown with matching socks will do nicely. Essential items include a coordinating leather belt and perhaps a pocket square for a dash of style. If you’re attending several smart-dress evenings, you can change up your look with different shirts whilst using the same blazer.
For upscale cruises with stricter dress codes, you might need a dinner jacket with appropriate items including a bow tie and smart black shoes. However, many modern cruises are becoming more relaxed about evening dress requirements. Although you still might like a tuxedo.
Children’s Formal Wear Outfits
Smart cruise clothes for children can match their parents’ look while staying comfy and practical. For girls, a knee-length dress made from light cotton or chiffon works nicely with flat dress shoes or small-heeled mary janes. Go for darker shades or patterns that handle marks well. Pack a light cardigan for when the air conditioning is running.
For boys, choose khaki or navy trousers with a smart shirt. Younger children might prefer a clip-on tie, whilst older boys can wear a proper one. Smart dark shoes with grippy soles are important. If there are black-tie dinners, a child’s jacket might be suitable. Pick fabrics that don’t crease easily and bring spare smart clothes just in case of accidents at dinner.
How to pack formal wear without wrinkles
Packing formal clothes needs a bit of care to stop them going wrinkly and keep them looking smart. Begin by putting your clothes flat and folding them where they naturally crease. Pop some tissue paper between the folds to help avoid creases, and try using plastic dry cleaning bags to stop clothes rubbing against each other.
- Roll delicate bits like silk dresses and wrap them in tissue paper before putting them in your case
- Put shoes and heavier items at the bottom of your case so they don’t squash your nice clothes
- Keep suits and dresses in garment bags, then fold them just once or twice if you must
- Use packing boxes to keep formal clothes away from other clothes and stop them moving about whilst travelling
Pack your formal clothes last and keep them near the top of your case so you can grab them easily when you arrive.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making smart choices for smart-casual nights on cruises can be a bit challenging, and many holidaymakers make common mistakes. Don’t think the dress requirements are too casual – shorts, jeans, and everyday sundresses aren’t suitable for these evenings. It’s best not to leave trying on your dinner clothes until the last moment, as you might need adjustments. Remember proper shoes; comfy dress shoes matter since you’ll be walking and might fancy a dance.
Another error is bringing too many dressy accessories whilst forgetting practical bits like wrinkle release spray or a small sewing kit. Don’t expect to find smart clothing on the ship – they tend to be dear, and choices are sparse. Lastly, don’t wear uncomfortable clothes just to look stylish; your evening won’t be much fun if you’re always fussing with ill-fitting outfits or hobbling about in painful shoes.
Accessories and Final Touches
The little details make all the difference when putting together your cruise evening wear. A few well-chosen extras will transform your outfit from plain to rather smart. Pack these bits and pieces to finish your evening look properly.
- Simple jewellery like pearls, small earrings or a nice watch – steer clear of anything too showy
- A neat handbag or evening purse that goes well with your clothes and fits your must-haves
- Tights or stockings for dresses and skirts – pack nude or black ones, plus a spare pair just in case
- Comfy dress shoes with sensible heels for dancing, and heel guards to protect them on deck
Remember to give your evening clothes a quick press once you’re on board to look your best.
For First-Timers
Feeling unsure about what to put on for your first smart evening? Keep it straightforward with simple, classic clothes that won’t make you stand out for the wrong reasons. Ladies might want to wear a knee-length party dress in black, navy or rich colours. Gentlemen can go with a dark suit, light-coloured shirt and plain tie, although a tie isn’t necessary these days.
No need to splash out on costly new clothes. You can borrow formal clothes through the cruise company or clothing rental services. If you’re uncertain about what to wear, have a look at your cruise line’s website or ring their help desk. Try everything on before you sail to make sure it fits properly, and pack a few safety pins and basic sewing supplies for any small fixes needed.
Cruise Line-Specific Details
Different cruise lines follow varying standards for evening dress requirements, so it’s worth learning the guidelines for your chosen ship. While Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line have become more relaxed with their clothing rules recently, upmarket lines like Cunard keep to more traditional evening standards.
- Princess Cruises asks for smart evening attire, suggesting suits for men and cocktail dresses for women
- Royal Caribbean recommends formal or dinner suits for men, whilst women may wear evening or cocktail dresses
- Celebrity Cruises names their dressy evenings “Evening Chic,” permitting smart designer jeans without tears when worn with elegant tops
- Cunard’s formal evenings maintain the most traditional approach, requiring black-tie clothing in main dining rooms after 6 PM
Visit your cruise line’s website or ring your travel agent for the latest dress code details.
Dress styles that work well
Nice dress styles can make you feel smart yet relaxed during evening events. An A-line dress suits many figures and lets you move freely when you’re dancing. Floor-length sheath dresses look lovely and create a smooth outline whilst keeping you cool. If you fancy something shorter, knee-length cocktail dresses are brilliant choices.
Wrap dresses made from silk or chiffon work brilliantly – they’re easy to adjust and travel well without creasing. Empire waist dresses feel comfortable and look stylish, particularly in soft, flowing fabrics. For something a bit different, try a dressy jumpsuit with wide legs and fancy touches. If you’re worried about getting cold, bring along a matching shawl or light evening jacket.
Different levels of formality
Cruise ships’ relaxed-to-fancy evenings usually include three main dress suggestions: smart casual, party wear, and black tie. Each style sets the mood for special dinners and entertainment.
For smart casual nights, wear nice holiday clothes that look a bit smarter than daytime wear. Party wear means cocktail dresses or trouser suits for women and dark suits for men. The fanciest events are black-tie nights, when you’ll need long dresses or dinner suits.
- Smart casual: summer dresses, nice trousers with smart tops, jackets with smart trousers
- Party wear: knee-length party dresses, dark suits, smart shoes
- Black tie: evening gowns, dinner suits, formal evening clothes with nice accessories
- Top formal (not common): white bow tie outfits, designer gowns, finest jewellery
Where to rent vs buy
Thinking about what to wear for your fancy night out? You’ll need to decide between renting or buying your evening clothes. Buying can be smart if you go to lots of formal dos throughout the year or if you want clothes that fit you perfectly. It’s good value for blokes getting basic black dinner suits or ladies buying timeless evening dresses.
Think about renting if you hardly ever go to formal events or fancy wearing something trendy without keeping it forever. Many cruise companies work with rental shops that bring clothes straight to your room. For men, dinner suit hire usually costs ÂŁ75-150, while women’s designer dress rentals go for ÂŁ40-250. Just remember you’ll need to sort out adjustments if buying, or book rental fittings well before your cruise starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Wear the Same Formal Outfit Multiple Nights During a Cruise?
You can wear the same dressy outfit more than once, like sporting a black dress on both Monday and Friday nights. Switch up your accessories, jewellery, and hair to make it look different each time.
What Happens if I Choose Not to Attend Formal Night?
You can give formal night a miss and eat at the buffet or casual dining spots instead. You won’t be able to go into the main dining room or special restaurants unless you’re wearing the proper dress code.
Do Formal Nights Happen on Short 3-Day or 4-Day Cruises?
Most 3-4 day cruises include one dressy night. Whilst longer trips tend to have two or more formal evenings, shorter sailings keep things simple with just one smart occasion.
Can I Get My Formal Clothes Professionally Pressed or Cleaned Onboard?
Your ship comes with dry cleaning and pressing services, just like fancy hotels. Look in your cabin for laundry forms – but keep in mind it’ll cost more than what you’d pay at home.
