Formal night?

emmeryrose

Mouseketeer
Joined
Apr 17, 2013
Messages
82
Does anyone have any idea what people usually wear on formal night? I found a lovely gown, but I'm one to feel some major anxiety if I'm sticking out (panic attacks and what not). I found a gorgeous gown; it's pretty simple with a little bit of flair. Does anyone has pictures they care to share? (: thank you in advance!
 
I usually wear a cocktail dress for formal night & hubby wears a suit. Some people will be in simple sundresses, some will be in tuxs...no one really stands out. I've never thought, "those people are too dressed up,". If anything I like to see people take the opportunity to sparkle. When else to you get the chance?
 
We saw some gowns, a few suits, not one Tux, and a # of pantsuits/sportcoats and slacks during formal night on the Fantasy last Oct.

Many didn't dress up at all.
 
We love dressing up for formal night, long dresses for us girls and suits and bow ties for the boys :)
 

Over my cruises I have seen the number of people in real formal wear reduce significantly, now cruisers do dress up but say men as there easy to describe, you see far less tux and more business suites or jackets only.

I have noticed in the Med it is also significantly less than in the USA.


Q:
What should I wear to dinner?

A:
The dress code for dinner varies by the venue or theme night of your cruise. In general, most meals are "cruise casual"—no swimwear or tank tops. Most cruises also have special theme nights with optional opportunities to get dressed up for a special family photo. Here's a breakdown of events by cruise itinerary:

On 3-night cruises:
•One cruise casual night—No swimwear or tank tops
•One pirate or tropical night (deck party)
•One "optional dress-up night"—jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women

On 4-night cruises:
•First night is cruise casual—no swimwear or tank tops
•One pirate or tropical night (deck party)
•One optional dress-up night—jacket for men, and dress or pantsuit for women
•Final night is cruise casual—no swimwear or tank tops

On 7-night cruises:
•First night is cruise casual—no swimwear or tank tops
•One themed night (pirate, tropical or other themed deck party)
•3 additional cruise casual nights—no swimwear or tank tops
•One formal and one semi-formal night—two great opportunities to dress-up and take advantage of the onboard photography services. Though optional, we recommend: Dress pants with a jacket or a suit for men, and dress or pantsuit for women

Dress code at Palo:
•Men: Dress pants and dress shirt (a jacket is optional)
•Women: Dress or pantsuit
•No jeans, shorts, capri pants, flip-flops or tennis shoes

Dress code at Remy:
•Men: Dress pants with jacket (sports or suit jacket) is required—ties are optional.
•Women: A dress, cocktail dress, pantsuit or skirt/blouse is required
•No jeans, shorts, capri pants, flip-flops or tennis shoes
 
I was a bit concerned about my husband wearing a tux for those same reasons. I kept reading about how people don't dress up anymore, there were no tuxes, etc. But I was pleasantly surprised that there were a fair amount of gowns and tuxes on our Fantasy cruise. There were also lots of cocktail dresses and suits. Most people were dressed in the spirit of formal night and those who did not participate were definitely in the minority. Perhaps the tuxes didn't stand out because if you rent one from the company that provides them for the cruise lines, they are pretty low key. The basic ones are traditional black with bow ties, but there is no cummerbund and the shirt is a plain front like a suit shirt, not pleated. It looked more like a black suit than a tux. Next time I'm bringing a pleated shirt and cummerbund from home for my husband. We were also second seating so that may have made a difference. Enjoy the evening with what ever you decide to wear! But don't be afraid of the tux and gown!
 
On our 7-night, hubby wore a tux and I wore a long flowing black skirt with sequined top....felt very comfortable with our decision to do so and were surprised at the number of others who were dressed in a like manner. I agree with previous poster who said that it is "in the spirit of the formal evening" that Disney has designated it to be. It is also a great photo op for that years Christmas card.
We were likewise amazed at the large number of families who dressed in semi-formal attire on that designated night. It is such fun to watch the children spinning around in their finery and enjoying their special evening.
So, by all means, wear your gown.
 
/
Does anyone have any idea what people usually wear on formal night? I found a lovely gown, but I'm one to feel some major anxiety if I'm sticking out (panic attacks and what not). I found a gorgeous gown; it's pretty simple with a little bit of flair. Does anyone has pictures they care to share? (: thank you in advance!
Please DO go formal if you are so inclined! The characters wear tuxes and gowns, the officers will be in their formal "mess dress" uniforms, and DCL does TRY to encourage Guests to dress formally because, after all, it IS "Formal Night." They just don't make it mandatory.

If you dress formally, you will fit in perfectly with the theme of the evening, the fancily attired characters, and the well-dressed officers at the captain's cocktail reception in the atrium. There is nothing wrong with drawing attention for that gorgeous gown you mentioned. Formal night is the time and the place for it. On that evening, those who do not dress formally draw as much attention as those who do. It is a matter of choosing how you wish to be perceived and doing whatever makes YOU happy. ;)

FormalMunksSM.jpg
 
While this is not me, I just bought this dress to wear for formal night, and possibly to Palo on our upcoming Fantasy cruise. (it is not that short on me as my legs are not that long ;) )
spin_prod_971796612
 
My personal philosophy is that it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed (I'd rather look 'too good' than not 'good enough').

In virtually any situation, if you're overdressed, people will just assume you have someplace better to go afterwards.

If you have the means and the opportunity to go all out, why not take it.
 
Just off Fantasy 6-6-2014. Most dress in suits and nice dresses. Some go to full formal, and some show up in casual dress.

It is your vacation and time to complete your dreams, so do what you want. Dress to the nines and enjoy yourself. You can never over dress in my book.

No swim wear in the MDR.:confused3
 
Thank you everyone! I love dressing up myself, and do so when the opportunity arises! The fiancé probably will have a suit as he doesn't really like tuxes, but I think I will probably get a gown!
 
I usually wear a cocktail dress for formal night & hubby wears a suit. Some people will be in simple sundresses, some will be in tuxs...no one really stands out. I've never thought, "those people are too dressed up,". If anything I like to see people take the opportunity to sparkle. When else to you get the chance?

This is true! If there is a little bit if everything I will probably fit in no matter what!
 
My personal philosophy is that it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed (I'd rather look 'too good' than not 'good enough').

In virtually any situation, if you're overdressed, people will just assume you have someplace better to go afterwards.

If you have the means and the opportunity to go all out, why not take it.
That is my philosophy also. Besides, when people make the effort for formal evening, it's amazing how it adds to the elegance of the atmosphere/scenery of the formal night gathering in the atrium. :thumbsup2

I live in Florida where casual is a way of life. That's all the more reason why I LOVE dressing true to the theme of formal and semi-formal nights - especially on the Fantasy. :goodvibes
 
We saw some gowns, a few suits, not one Tux, and a # of pantsuits/sportcoats and slacks during formal night on the Fantasy last Oct. Many didn't dress up at all.

Goodness! I know that's what I worry about! I love dressing up, but if I'm the only one that I see trying I feel out of place, and my anxiety builds up. /:
 
I wore a "church dress," as did DD. DH wore khakis and a polo/golf shirt. We never felt uncomfortable or underdressed. Our table mates wore DH-suit jacket, shirt, tie, khaki pants, DW--dressy pants suit, DGD--church dress, DGDs older--cruise dresses. We had 2nd dinner and saw a little bit of everything in the atrium. I just didn't want to try to pack a gown I would use once for 2-3 hours when our entire trip was 15 days. I felt fine and we didn't even purchase photos taken that night.
 
My favorite formal night from all our cruises was when DH & I skipped it entirely and had Quiet Cove to ourselves. We grabbed some grub from the walk-up, went to our room, vegged, watched movies, and ordered room service late. It was the BEST and we didn't kill the evening for anyone else. ;)
 
Over my cruises I have seen the number of people in real formal wear reduce significantly, now cruisers do dress up but say men as there easy to describe, you see far less tux and more business suites or jackets only.

I have noticed in the Med it is also significantly less than in the USA.


Q:
What should I wear to dinner?

A:
The dress code for dinner varies by the venue or theme night of your cruise. In general, most meals are "cruise casual"—no swimwear or tank tops. Most cruises also have special theme nights with optional opportunities to get dressed up for a special family photo. Here's a breakdown of events by cruise itinerary:

On 3-night cruises:
•One cruise casual night—No swimwear or tank tops
•One pirate or tropical night (deck party)
•One "optional dress-up night"—jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women

On 4-night cruises:
•First night is cruise casual—no swimwear or tank tops
•One pirate or tropical night (deck party)
•One optional dress-up night—jacket for men, and dress or pantsuit for women
•Final night is cruise casual—no swimwear or tank tops

On 7-night cruises:
•First night is cruise casual—no swimwear or tank tops
•One themed night (pirate, tropical or other themed deck party)
•3 additional cruise casual nights—no swimwear or tank tops
•One formal and one semi-formal night—two great opportunities to dress-up and take advantage of the onboard photography services. Though optional, we recommend: Dress pants with a jacket or a suit for men, and dress or pantsuit for women

Dress code at Palo:
•Men: Dress pants and dress shirt (a jacket is optional)
•Women: Dress or pantsuit
•No jeans, shorts, capri pants, flip-flops or tennis shoes

Dress code at Remy:
•Men: Dress pants with jacket (sports or suit jacket) is required—ties are optional.
•Women: A dress, cocktail dress, pantsuit or skirt/blouse is required
•No jeans, shorts, capri pants, flip-flops or tennis shoes

I was thinking of a gown for formal and a cocktail dress for Remy if I land a reservation.
 
I was a bit concerned about my husband wearing a tux for those same reasons. I kept reading about how people don't dress up anymore, there were no tuxes, etc. But I was pleasantly surprised that there were a fair amount of gowns and tuxes on our Fantasy cruise. There were also lots of cocktail dresses and suits. Most people were dressed in the spirit of formal night and those who did not participate were definitely in the minority. Perhaps the tuxes didn't stand out because if you rent one from the company that provides them for the cruise lines, they are pretty low key. The basic ones are traditional black with bow ties, but there is no cummerbund and the shirt is a plain front like a suit shirt, not pleated. It looked more like a black suit than a tux. Next time I'm bringing a pleated shirt and cummerbund from home for my husband. We were also second seating so that may have made a difference. Enjoy the evening with what ever you decide to wear! But don't be afraid of the tux and gown!

Sounds like a good plan! :thumbsup2 the fiancé has a pleated shirt that makes his suit look more like a tux in a sense!
 

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