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…
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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 co*cktail 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
For Men
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.
For Women
Woman on formal night have a wide array of options. Acceptable attire includes:
- co*cktail dresses
- Sundresses
- 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.
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 co*cktail 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 co*cktail 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.
