Formal night is meant to be a special occasion, so make sure to relax, have fun, and make the most of the experience! Use our guide to make it perfect!
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What is Formal Night?
Formal night on a Royal Caribbean cruise is a special evening where guests are encouraged to dress up in elegant attire and enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere. It is an opportunity for guests to indulge in a more glamorous experience, reminiscent of classic ocean liner traditions. Here's an explanation of formal night and some ideas to enhance your experience:
Dress Code: On formal nights, guests typically wear formal or semi-formal attire. Men often opt for tuxedos, suits, or dress slacks with a jacket, paired with a tie or bow tie. Women usually wear evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or dressy pantsuits. It's important to check the specific dress code for your cruise, as Royal Caribbean may have slight variations or themed formal nights.
Dining Experience: Formal night often coincides with a special menu in the main dining room. You can expect an elevated dining experience with gourmet cuisine, luxurious table settings, and attentive service. Indulge in fine wines and delectable desserts to complete the experience.
Pre-Dinner Activities: Before dinner, you can participate in various activities onboard. Attend cocktail parties or champagne receptions hosted by the cruise line, where you can mingle with fellow guests and enjoy live music or entertainment. These events provide a great opportunity for socializing and capturing memorable photographs.
Photography: Formal nights are perfect for capturing elegant portraits. Royal Caribbean's professional photographers often set up dedicated photo areas where you can take formal pictures as a couple or with your group. These photos make for cherished mementos of your cruise experience.
Shows and Entertainment: After dinner, don't miss the evening entertainment options. Royal Caribbean offers Broadway-style productions, live music performances, comedy shows, and more. Be sure to check the daily cruise planner for specific shows scheduled on formal night.
Casino and Nightlife: If you enjoy gaming or late-night entertainment, visit the onboard casino. Test your luck at the tables or slot machines, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Additionally, many cruise ships have nightclubs, lounges, or bars where you can dance, socialize, and enjoy live music or DJ sets.
Relaxation and Pampering: Make the most of formal night by indulging in some relaxation and pampering. Visit the ship's spa for a rejuvenating massage, facial, or beauty treatment. Treat yourself to a professional salon styling or makeover, ensuring you look your best for the evening.
Capturing Memories: Consider hiring a professional photographer for a private photo session. They can capture stunning images of you and your loved ones, showcasing your elegant attire and the beautiful ship as a backdrop. These photos can be cherished keepsakes from your cruise.
Remember, formal night is a chance to embrace the elegance and glamour of a bygone era while enjoying the modern amenities and entertainment offered by Royal Caribbean. Take advantage of the various activities and make the evening truly memorable.
What should I wear on Formal Night?
On a Royal Caribbean cruise formal night, the dress code typically calls for formal or semi-formal attire. Here are some clothing suggestions for both men and women:
For Men:
- Tuxedo: A classic black tuxedo is always a sophisticated choice for formal night. Pair it with a white dress shirt, a black bow tie, and black formal shoes.
- Suit: If you don't have a tuxedo, a dark-colored suit is also acceptable. Choose a well-fitted suit in navy, charcoal, or black, and wear it with a dress shirt, a tie or bow tie, and polished dress shoes.
- Dress Slacks and Jacket: Opt for dress slacks in a darker color, such as black or charcoal, paired with a dress shirt, a jacket, a tie or bow tie, and dress shoes.
For Women:
- Evening Gown: A full-length formal gown is a popular choice for formal night. Select an elegant gown in a color and style that suits your preference and body type. Consider options with embellishments, lace, or satin for added glamour.
- Cocktail Dress: If you prefer a shorter dress, choose a sophisticated cocktail dress that falls just above the knee or at mid-calf length. Look for luxurious fabrics, stylish cuts, and refined details.
- Dressy Pantsuit: A dressy pantsuit can be a chic alternative to dresses. Opt for a tailored pantsuit in a formal fabric like silk or satin, paired with a dressy blouse or top. Complete the look with heels or dressy flats.
- Accessories: Enhance your outfit with accessories such as statement jewelry, a clutch or small evening bag, and elegant heels. Don't forget to coordinate your accessories with your dress or outfit.
It's essential to review the specific dress code guidelines provided by Royal Caribbean, as there might be slight variations or themed formal nights during your cruise. Additionally, if you prefer not to dress in formal attire, most cruise ships also offer alternative dining options on formal nights where you can enjoy a more casual dining experience.
Where can I shop for Formal Night?
Royal Caribbean cruises offer various options for shopping onboard, including boutiques and shops where you can find formal wear for formal night. Here are some places where you can shop for formal attire on a Royal Caribbean cruise:
The Shops Onboard: Royal Caribbean's ships have onboard shops that offer a range of merchandise, including clothing suitable for formal night. These shops often carry a selection of formal dresses, gowns, suits, and accessories. You can explore these shops to find the perfect outfit for the evening.
Formalwear Rental Services: Some Royal Caribbean ships offer formalwear rental services. These services typically provide tuxedos, suits, and accessories for men, as well as evening gowns and cocktail dresses for women. Check with the cruise line or inquire at the guest services desk on the ship to see if rental options are available.
Online Shopping: Prior to your cruise, you can consider shopping online for formal attire. Many online retailers offer a wide range of formal dresses, gowns, suits, and accessories suitable for formal night. Ensure you allow enough time for shipping and any necessary alterations. Our favorite locations are Shein.com, Zara.com, Macys and Neiman Marcus.
Local Retailers: If you prefer to shop before your cruise, you can visit local retailers that specialize in formalwear. Look for boutiques, department stores, or specialty shops that offer formal attire for men and women. This way, you can try on different outfits and select the one that suits you best.
Remember to consider the specific dress code and recommendations provided by Royal Caribbean when selecting your formal attire. It's advisable to bring your formalwear or purchase it in advance to ensure you have the desired outfit for formal night on your cruise.
How should I pack my Formal Wear?
When packing your formal wear for a Royal Caribbean cruise, it's important to take care to ensure your outfits arrive in good condition. Here are some tips on how to pack your formal wear:
Use Garment Bags: Invest in garment bags to protect your formal attire during travel. Garment bags are designed to hold and protect dresses, suits, and other delicate clothing items. Place your formal garments on hangers and cover them with the garment bags to minimize wrinkling and protect them from dust or damage.
Fold Carefully: If you're packing items that can be folded, such as dress shirts or blouses, fold them neatly and place them in a separate section of your suitcase. Use tissue paper or plastic bags to minimize creasing.
Pack Shoes Separately: Place your formal shoes in a separate shoe bag or wrap them in tissue paper to prevent scuffs or damage to your clothing. Consider using shoe inserts or stuffing them with socks to help maintain their shape.
Avoid Overpacking: To prevent excessive wrinkling, try not to overpack your suitcase. Leaving some space allows your formal attire to have breathing room and reduces the chances of creases.
Pack Wrinkle-Release Spray: Include a travel-size wrinkle-release spray in your luggage. This can be helpful in smoothing out any minor wrinkles that may occur during travel. Simply spray it on your clothing and gently smooth out the fabric.
Carry-On Option: If possible, consider carrying your formal attire in a carry-on bag. This way, you can ensure it stays with you throughout the journey and minimize the risk of damage or loss.
Check with the Cruise Line: Before packing, it's a good idea to check with Royal Caribbean regarding any specific guidelines or recommendations they may have for packing formal wear. They may provide additional tips or suggestions to help you pack your formal attire effectively.
Remember to unpack your formal wear as soon as you board the cruise ship to allow any remaining wrinkles to fall out. You can also request garment steaming or pressing services onboard if needed.
Check out our full video with formal wear ideas by clicking below!
Here are some General Tips for Formal Nights and Cruising!
Indulge in Fine Dining: Formal night often includes a special menu in the main dining room. Take the opportunity to savor gourmet cuisine, exquisite wines, and decadent desserts. Let the attentive service and elegant ambiance enhance your dining experience.
Enjoy the Evening Entertainment: After dinner, explore the ship's entertainment options. Attend Broadway-style productions, live music performances, comedy shows, or themed parties. Check the cruise planner for the specific shows scheduled on formal night.
Join the Casino or Nightlife: If you enjoy gaming or late-night entertainment, visit the onboard casino. Try your luck at the tables or slot machines. Additionally, many cruise ships have nightclubs, lounges, or bars where you can dance, socialize, and enjoy live music or DJ sets.
Engage in Dance Lessons: Take advantage of the dance lessons or dance-themed activities offered onboard. Brush up on your ballroom dancing skills and show off your moves on the formal night dance floor.
Embrace the Atmosphere: Above all, embrace the elegance and ambiance of formal night. Enjoy the opportunity to dress up, engage in sophisticated activities, and create lasting memories on your Royal Caribbean cruise.
Remember, formal night is meant to be a special occasion, so make sure to relax, have fun, and make the most of the experience!
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