If you’ve ever found yourself standing in front of an open suitcase wondering what on earth to pack for a cruise “formal night,” you’re not alone. Dress code at sea—especially those elusive “Gala” or “Dressy” nights—can spark endless debate among cruisers.
Recently, while sailing on Holland America Line, we shared photos of our formal night outfits and the dress code on the cruise… and the Internet had a lot to say. So, if you’re wondering how fancy you really need to get, what’s acceptable nowadays, and what might earn you a few side-eyes (at least online), here’s the real scoop.
What Is “Formal Night” on a Cruise Today?
Cruise formal night aren’t as formal as they once were so the dress code isn’t as strict. Pre-2019, tuxedos, evening gowns, and bowties were expected. Post-pandemic, however, many cruise lines have eased the rules. Holland America, for example, now calls it Gala Night, with a “dressy” code, not “formal.”
In reality, you’ll see a wide range of styles:
- Some passengers still don tuxedos and long gowns.
- Others opt for cocktail dresses, nice slacks, and collared shirts without ties.
- A few keep it simple with khakis and a dress shirt.
Cruise lines, including Holland America, now simply recommend attire like slacks, skirts, dresses, blouses, collared shirts, and jackets — giving everyone a lot more leeway.
What We Wore (And What Happened)
On our Panama Canal cruise, my family dressed what we believed was appropriately “dressy”:
- My son wore dress pants and a dress shirt (he skipped the suit jacket—it was very warm).
- My husband wore a suit but no tie.
- I chose a cocktail-style, knee-length dress perfect for a tropical cruise night.
We felt good about our outfits onboard—no one said a word in person. But once I posted pictures on Facebook and Instagram, whoa, the comments started rolling in.
Some felt my son’s lack of a jacket was too casual. Others pointed out that his pants seemed short (a modern style trend among younger men). There were even comments about my husband’s missing tie and my choice to skip a full-length gown.
Here’s the thing: Dressy looks different across generations and cultures. What feels perfectly appropriate in North America might seem underdressed to British or European cruisers—and vice versa. Cruise ships today embrace that diversity.
Should You Still Pack a Gown or Tuxedo?
If you love dressing up, by all means, bring your showstopper outfits! Evening gowns and tuxedos still turn heads on cruise ships, and many passengers take advantage of onboard professional photography for glamorous portraits (at a fraction of land prices).
On the flip side, if you’re more comfortable dressing a notch down — say, a cocktail dress or a smart shirt and slacks — you’ll fit right in too.
Pro Tip:
Certain cruise lines like Cunard still maintain very traditional formal nights, so if you’re sailing with them, pack your best. Otherwise, focus on dressing neatly and comfortably.
What’s Not Allowed on Formal Nights?
Even on relaxed cruise lines, a few things are usually off-limits in main dining rooms during dressy evenings:
- Poolwear (no swimsuits or cover-ups)
- Distressed or ripped jeans
- Very casual t-shirts or flip-flops
When in doubt, a collared shirt and dress pants (or a simple, elegant dress) will never steer you wrong.
Common First-Time Cruiser Questions
1. “I don’t own a suit. Will a dress shirt and pants be enough?”
Yes! Especially on lines like Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival, you’ll see many men wearing just a button-down shirt and dress pants on formal nights.
2. “I feel anxious about dressing up. Can I skip formal night?”
Please don’t! You can absolutely attend without full formalwear. As long as you’re neatly dressed, you’ll enjoy the evening—and the food and entertainment are worth it!
3. “Will I feel out of place if I dress to the nines?”
Not at all! If you love the idea of pulling out your fanciest gown or suit, go for it. You’ll feel fabulous—and likely get compliments, too.
Final Thoughts
Cruise formal nights have evolved. While traditions still linger, flexibility is the name of the game. Whether you love full glamour or prefer simple elegance, the best rule is to wear what makes you feel your best—and maybe leave the judgment to the Internet trolls.
Bon voyage and happy cruising!
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