What to Wear on a Cruise Formal Night
Quick answer
On a cruise formal night, most people wear a dinner suit or dark suit and tie, or an evening dress, cocktail dress or smart trouser suit. Exactly how formal depends on the cruise line: some hold traditional black-tie or gala evenings, while others have relaxed “elegant” nights. Check your line’s dress-code page, and pack one or two formal outfits that you can restyle with accessories.
Formal nights are one of the most-asked-about parts of cruising, particularly by first-timers. The good news is that you rarely need a suitcase full of gowns or a hired tuxedo. The key is knowing how formal your cruise line is, and packing a few pieces that work hard.
What does “formal night” mean on a cruise?
A formal night is an evening when the cruise line asks guests to dress up for dinner and in most bars and lounges. Lines use different names and set different standards:
- P&O Cruises calls them Black Tie evenings. Its dress-code guidance lists dinner jackets or tuxedos as the norm for men, with a dark lounge or business suit and tie as an alternative, and cocktail dresses, ball gowns or smart trouser suits for women.
- Cunard holds Gala Evenings, some with themes. Its packing guide describes tuxedos, dinner suits, evening gowns and cocktail dresses.
- Other lines use terms such as “elegant” or “chic” nights, where a smart dress or a jacket without a tie may be enough.
Because the standard varies so much, your cruise line’s own dress-code page is the only reliable guide.
Formal night outfit ideas
| Dress level | Suits and tailoring | Dresses and separates |
|---|---|---|
| Black tie or gala | Dinner suit or tuxedo with bow tie; a dark suit and tie is often accepted | Evening gown, cocktail dress or dressy trouser suit |
| Formal | Dark suit and tie | Cocktail dress, smart jumpsuit, or tailored trousers with an elegant top |
| “Elegant” or “chic” | Blazer with smart trousers; tie optional | Smart dress, or smart trousers or skirt with a dressy top |
| Smart casual (most evenings) | Chinos or smart trousers with a collared shirt | Summer dress, or smart trousers with a nice top |
Wear what you feel comfortable in within the dress code. Many lines also welcome formal national dress.
How many formal nights will there be?
It depends on the cruise line and the length of the cruise. As an example, P&O Cruises says a 14-night cruise typically has four Black Tie nights. Short cruises may have one or none. Your cruise documents or the line’s app usually list the dress code for each evening, so check before you pack.
Do you have to dress up?
Dress codes usually apply in the main restaurants and many bars from early evening. P&O Cruises, for example, applies its dress code from 6pm to guests aged 18 and over. If you would rather not dress up, most ships have at least one casual venue, such as the buffet, where the formal dress code doesn’t apply – check your ship’s dining options.
Packing formal wear without creases
Irons and garment steamers are banned on many cruise ships, so plan ahead:
- Choose forgiving fabrics. Jersey, crepe and many synthetic blends crease less than linen or pure cotton.
- Use a garment bag or fold with tissue paper for suits and structured dresses.
- Hang outfits as soon as you board. Hanging items in the bathroom while you shower helps release light creases.
- Use the ship’s pressing service for anything that really needs it – book early on formal-night days, as it gets busy.
Accessories that stretch one outfit
The easiest way to cover several formal nights without packing several outfits is to restyle the same base:
- A second tie, bow tie or pocket square
- Cufflinks
- A statement necklace, earrings or scarf
- An evening bag or clutch
- A wrap or light jacket for cool decks and air-conditioning
- Comfortable evening shoes you can stand in for a while
Formal wear for children
Many families like to dress children up for the photos, but it’s rarely compulsory. On P&O Cruises’ family-friendly ships, for example, dress codes don’t apply to under-18s. A smart outfit is usually plenty.
Formal night packing checklist
- Formal outfit(s) that meet your line’s dress code
- Smart-casual outfits for the other evenings
- Evening shoes
- Tie or bow tie and cufflinks, if needed
- Evening bag and jewellery
- Wrap or light jacket
- Garment bag or tissue paper for packing
Tell the packing planner whether your cruise has formal nights and it adds the right evening items to your personalised list – or a versatile option if you’re not sure yet.
Sources
Cruise-line policies and entry requirements change. We link to official sources where we discuss rules, but always check with your cruise line andGOV.UK before you travel. Spotted something out of date?Let us know.