Is There Still a Formal Night on Cruises?
- Esther
- Dec 20, 2025
- 3 min read
Formal Night hasn’t disappeared — it has been rebranded
Why cruise lines moved away from “formal”
Cruise lines realized that:
Many guests felt uncomfortable or pressured
Packing formalwear was a barrier
Modern travelers value flexibility over tradition
Instead of requiring:
Tuxedos
Evening gowns
They now encourage:
Cocktail dresses
Elegant resort wear
Jackets without ties
The experience is now optional
Participation is never required
Alternative dining venues remain open
You can completely skip the evening without any consequence
Difference between luxury and Mainstream cruises
At Mainstream cruises the focus is often on creating a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere with a variety of dress styles.
On luxury cruises, many guests tend to:
Look naturally elegant
Dress up because they want to, not because they are told to
Cruise Lines that still have some form of formal night
Crystal Cruises
Formal nights are still a feature
Evening gowns and tuxedos remain very common
Strong ballroom and gala culture
Elegant atmosphere is part of the brand’s DNA
Cunard Line (Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth)
Very formal, especially on the Queen Mary 2
Gala Nights are explicitly stated in the itinerary
Jackets required in main dining
Black-tie evenings on longer voyages
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Formal-leaning but softened
“Gala Evening” or “Formal Optional”
Guests dress up, but there is no enforcement
Elegant crowd with a refined ambiance
Seabourn
Elegant evenings without strict enforcement
Jackets expected in main dining at night
Formal wear encouraged, not required
Atmosphere naturally upscale
Cruise Lines that no longer have formal nights
Explora Journeys
No formal night
“European luxury yacht” or relaxed resort vibe
Chic, understated, and elegant
No announced dress-up evenings
Royal Caribbean
Traditional formal night has been phased out
Now called “Dress Your Best”
Very broad interpretation of attire
Participation is completely optional
Celebrity Cruises
No formal night
“Evening Chic” concept
Stylish, modern, fashion-forward
No expectation for gowns or tuxedos
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Has always promoted Freestyle Cruising
Smart casual is the norm
No fixed dining times or assigned seating
No strict dress codes
For guests staying in The Haven, there is one evening in the The Haven lounge, where the Captain and Officers visit for drinks and conversation, if desired
Instead there is now Captains FAQ session
Some ships (like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises) have replaced the traditional Captain’s Cocktail Party with a more informal meet-and-greet on a sea day, usually held in the lounge or theater. During this session, the Captain and senior officers answer frequently asked questions and chat with guests in a relaxed setting.
Benefits for guests include:
Direct access to the Captain and senior officers in an informal environment
Learn insider tips about the ship, itinerary, or ports of call
Ask personal questions about life at sea, operations, or cruise experiences
Get to know the officers in a friendly, approachable setting
A memorable, unique experience that replaces the traditional formal cocktail reception
My experience
I remember cruising as a guest and looking forward to dressing up for Formal Night. Seeing it listed in the daily program would get me all excited about what to wear!
When I later worked as crew, I attended so many gala evenings that now I’m glad I can simply wear whatever I want. The resort style on Explora Journeys really suits me, just something nice or elegant for the evening, with no pressure. Every night feels comfortable yet stylish.
I think smart casual every night is the perfect dresscode on ships. It gives guests an idea of what to wear while ensuring no one dresses too casually, keeping evenings stylish and comfortable.
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