Formal nights

[jrnygrl]

Hi all!

My husband and I are going on our first cruise Nov 27th on Carnival Triumph. I understand men are to wear a suite or tux. What about the gals? If I take a couple cocktail type dresses will that do or are the women to wear gowns? (Haven't done so since prom night 20 years ago!) Just wondering how casual I can get away with without looking inappropriate. Once I know ...let the shopping begin!

Thanks!

[Mebert]

Hi jrnygrl,

I have been on three cruises. It seems that on formal night most men have been wearing dark or buisness suits. Many women wore gowns but there were quite a few cocktail dresses as well. On Carnival, formal night seems to be the night that they have the meet the Captain reception and the big Las Vegas type shows. Some people like to really dress formally for the evening with tuxedos and bow ties. I have even seen couples where the lady was in an evening gown and the gentleman was in a business suit or the gentleman was in a tux and the lady was in a very elegant black pants suit with stunning accessories.

If you lack your own items you can always rent or buy from the ship.

This will be your vacation. However, in order to fit in and not feel self conscious, be prepared to feel elegant on formal night. You won't regret it. Most people in the dining room will be conforming with the formal code for the evening. However, most of the sophisticated guests are very tolerant to a degree.

If you don't feel like dressing up on Carnival you can always opt to dine on the Lido deck where there is always informal dining.

Personally, I like the diversity of the evenings. As a man, I wear a black suit, white shirt, long tie, and my best pair of black shoes. I actually go and change to smart casual before the big show so that I can feel really comfortable.

But most of all, please, please enjoy your cruise. After your first experience, you will be an old pro at cruising. One learns so much on the first cruise and there are so many great people willing to help.

Have a great time.

[TheSkipper]

Either a gown or cocktail dress will do the trick!! Don't stress over Formal Nights, after a few cruises you will look forward to them. I know we do. :smiley:

[KeithnRita]

We figure it's like dressing up for the "Seniors" prom. Not many opportunities around here for formal wear, so we kind of look forward to it. I especially like to see Rita in her gowns. She loves shopping for them. Also, it is a great photo-op!

We would say just go for it jrnygrl--let the shopping begin! :cool: :cool:

[lindie11]

most cruises let you wear anything that looks formal, but mostly they let you dress down later on. on my first cruise i wore a gown and found many people with various types of dresses so i change everytime. its always more difficult for the women! typical! :rolleyes:

[rogue]

I agree with Keith. Go for it. Before my last cruise, I went out and bought a tux. I'm really glad I did. Believe me, we'll make sure that it doesn't go to waste.

Howard