Should you dress for Formal Night?

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Should you go formal on a cruise?

 

We are asked this many times as travelers prepare for their cruise experience.  Almost every cruise line has adopted a country club atmosphere for its main dining rooms; however they still have formal nights on each itinerary.  Typically you will enjoy one formal night on a three or four night cruise and two formal nights on a cruise of seven nights.

 

While dressing up for the evening is a personal choice, as we travel, we see that there are still a large number of travelers that enjoy the experience of dressing up for dinner, and especially on formal nights.  The timing of formal nights is always set by the ship itself, based on the itinerary, however they are chosen with the guests in mind.  Formal nights are almost never on the first or last night of a cruise.  Add to this that you are on vacation; you are relaxed; you may already have that tan from your days in the sun; and you have the recipe for a great photo opportunity.

 

These are the nights when the on-ship photographers have special back drops set up in the atrium or in the main public areas.  Having your photo taken by a professional photographer will ensure you will have a picture that you will be happy to purchase, keep and share.  Why not dress for the occasion? 

 

Often the formal night includes an opportunity to have your picture taken with the Ship’s Captain or officers, which is a rare opportunity for those who travel less frequently.  Passengers that are part of a cruise line’s frequent cruiser program may have a special invitation to meet the captain and officers at an on board social event.

 

Packing formal wear may be the reason most people are hesitant in the first place.  Begin by packing carefully and thoughtfully. Staterooms have large closet spaces and almost always have a part of the closet that will allow for a formal dress to be hung with care.  If your suitcase allows, bring along a favorite hanger for your formal wear, so it will be properly stored in the closet.  If you have two formal nights, consider alternating or complementing formal wear.  For ladies, dresses and pant suits are fine.  Choose your footwear carefully; remember you are on a moving vessel.  For gentlemen; you are welcome to bring a tuxedo however dress slacks and a jacket are fine.  Ties are optional, and you may not want to pack one, however capturing that special picture may be worth the effort.

 

If you have still decided that you do not want to be formal, you are still welcome to dine in the main dining room on formal nights.  For ladies, you will want to pack something comfortable that is casually elegant, while gentlemen will want to pack dress pants, a collared shirt and closed toe shoes. 

 

Remember, comfort is still the number one consideration.  You are, after all, on vacation.  Choose clothing that is comfortable and that you would like to be seen in.  If you do not dress formally on a regular basis, try those clothes on before you go.  Heading to the dining room on formal night dressed in a jacket that is one size too small is not going to be the experience you envisioned.

 

Each cruise line does things a little different so it is always best to check with your travel agent, who can provide you with the most up to date information.  Cruise lines can be divided into categories with labels like contemporary, premium, luxury, and specialty.  The cruise line you sail on may have an appeal to those who prefer more of a formal atmosphere, while others may have more of a casual feel.

 

If you are traveling with children the suggestions are more relaxed.  Some children love to dress up, while others would like to run the other way.  Choose outfits from neatly tailored shorts and collared shirts for boys and long dresses for girls.  While children may be expected to dress less formally, this could be your opportunity for a great family photo.  One small word of caution though; the dinners on formal nights can be a little longer as they typically include a short performance by the wait staff.  Choose outfits for your children that they will be comfortable in.

 

The article is contributed by Enrico (Rick) Saltarelli of Salty Breeze Cruise Planners.  He can be reached by e-mail at esaltarelli@cruiseplanners.com or by visiting www.saltybreezecruiseplanners.com.