We get so many questions about cruising with Royal Caribbean, and what to wear on Royal Caribbean Formal Night, and the drinks packages. In fact all drinks packages and formal nights, we have a fab general post here, and ultimate drinks guide here. But thought it would be a great idea to delve into each cruise line.
I like to have all the information before I cruise. Whether you are looking for formal night tips for a family or cruising without kids on Royal Caribbean we have all the info right here.
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Royal Caribbean Formal Night Guide
What Is Formal Night?
Think of Royal Caribbean Formal Night as a wonderful chance to get dressed up and wear your smartest clothes. Therefore considered as a treat rather than a chore. Where suits and ties and tuxedos are all ok for men, whilst cocktail dresses and evening gowns are perfect options for women.
How Formal Is Royal Caribbean Formal Night?
It really is up to you, some people go all out in tuxedos and evening gowns and look fabulous. Whilst some opt for suits and cocktail dresses and still look incredible. No one stands out as over and under dressed. Its a chance to pull out the glad-rags and dress in something that makes you feel great. And if you cant do this on a cruise, then when can you?
How Do You Know When Its Going To Be Formal Night On Your Royal Caribbean Cruise?
The Royal Caribbean dress code of the day is on the front page of your cruise compass. You attendant will leave this in your cabin every night when he/she turns it down.
Which Nights Are Formal Night On Royal Caribbean?
I love how formal nights are generally set out on Royal Caribbean Cruises, you know exactly when they are going to be. Although, do double check your cruise compass to confirm. Thankfully they are never on the 1st night, you are too busy settling into your cruise.
- 3/4/5 Night Cruises – Normally on Day 2
- 6 Night Cruises – Usually on Day 2 and 5
- 7 Night Cruises – Generally on Day 2 and 6
- 8 – 10 Night Cruises – 2 Formal Nights, Days vary by ship and sailing
- 11 – 14 Night Cruises – 3 Formal Nights, Days vary by ship and sailing
- 15+ Night Cruises – 3 or 4 Formal Nights, Days and number vary by ship and sailing
- Oasis and Allure Of The Seas – Day 2 and 5 on Western itineraries and Day 2 and 6 on Eastern itineraries
- Empress of the Seas – Formal Nights are not offered on some sailings
How Strict Is Formal Night On Royal Caribbean?
It’s pretty relaxed, although Royal Caribbean embrace formal night it is optional. You can ‘t wear shorts in dining rooms, however people tend to dress how they are comfortable. With the majority choosing to observe formal night in some form.
Smart casual is also often observed for formal night, so that’s a great option should you not want to go the whole hog.
Can You Skip Formal Night On Royal Caribbean?
Yes, if you want to skip formal night all-together and stay in your shorts then the Windjammer Cafe is available for those wanting a more casual affair, and also a haven away from all the glamour.
However if you’re not sure if formal night is for you? I urge you to give it a go, we seldom get the chance in life to get dressed up and feel great. Although I understand this isn’t for everyone.
Do Royal Caribbean Have Theme Nights?
Yes they do, most sailings have a 70s night and white night. Although you don’t need to dress up its a real mix. I tend to go for a 70s inspired dress, similarly many do the same.
Lots do dress up for the white night, although not all do!, it’s is totally your choice. Lots of men seem to opt for a white shirt rather than dressing head to toe in white. Although some do go the whole hog. Notably, it’s handy to take these outfits ready to go as Royal Caribbean don’t always give you notice.
What Sort Of Dress Would Be Suitable For Formal Night?
What do you wear on Royal Caribbean formal night? It’s all about wearing what you feel great in, here are a few suggestions that we love from the current season.
Can Men Hire A Tux On Royal Caribbean
Yes you can hire a tux and save on luggage space, there are 2 packages available.
Traditional Package $89
This package includes: A satin lapel tuxedo jacket in Super 100 fabric, single pleat adjustable waist matching trousers, Lay-down collar ½ inch pleat formal shirt (2), black satin cummerbund and bow tie, black onyx and nickel cufflinks and stud set.
Combination Package $99
This package includes a 2 button notch satin lapel tuxedo jacket, single pleat adjustable waist matching trousers, Lay-down collar ½ inch pleat formal shirt (2), mini-dot tone-on-tone vest with coordinating 4-in-hand long tie and pocket square, black satin cummerbund and bow tie, black onyx and nickel cufflinks and stud set.
How Do You Get Creases Out Of Formal Night Dresses Or Men’s Dress Shirts?
Have Shirts Ironed On-Board
Royal Caribbean doesn’t have a self-service launderettes. But does have washing and ironing, and dry cleaning services available on all ships. A great tip is to take one shirt ironed and send the rest off to be pressed, life is too short to iron shirts.
It will cost you $4–$5 to wash and iron for a shirt, whereas ironing a shirt will only cost $3-$4 and dry cleaning is $6–7. Click here for a full laundry list.
Hang Dresses And Shirts In The Bathroom With The Shower On
I swear by this tried and tested method, simply hang in the bathroom whilst showering and leave in the bathroom with a closed door. Ensuring the shower is particularly hot and creases drop out.
Use Ironing Spray
But for more difficult garments try Tada! Ironing Spray. It’s a favourite for many cruisers, I have friends who swear by it. Simply spray evenly over clothing, wait for 10 seconds, then pull the material tight to freshen and de-crease clothes.
What Do Children Wear On Royal Caribbean Formal Night?
Children are welcomed with smart dresses shorts and collared shirts on Royal Caribbean Formal Night, however older teens tend to wear trousers and shirts with waistcoats or jackets.
Our boys have always loved dressing up when they cruise, when they were little suits with converse or shorts with shirts and waistcoats looked great. As they have got older they have chosen the stick with the suits, everyone likes the opportunity to dress up.
For girls pretty summer dresses or skirts with pretty tops. There is so much choice for girls you really cant go wrong.
Check Out A Few Of Our Current Kids Formal Night Wear Faves Here!
I think we have covered it all! But if we have missed anything let us know, happy cruising, and remember chill out and enjoy formal night you wont regret it.
Want To Know More About Royal Caribbean?
- Symphony Of The Seas For Teens
- And the Non Alcoholic Package Guide For Kids
- Whats Included in Suite Class
- And a little about Wonderland if you fancy Speciality Dining.
- Symphony of The Seas For Families
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I really enjoyed the formal nights on Royal Caribbean. It seemed less stuffy than other cruise lines and I felt comfortable in a nice knee-length dress. We used the ironing service onboard as our formal wear was a bit creased after being in the suitcase. It was returned to us quickly for a small fee.
Regarding the kids’ pics for formal night…
AWWWWWWWW!!!!!
SO cute!!
Thank you so much ! x