Formal dress code

[Wendyhouse]

I am new to the cruising world and am a little worried about the formal nights as I have bought an outfit with trousers. The brochure says cocktail dress. Will I not be allowed to join in?

[2Cruise4Ever]

Yes, you will be allowed in. Formal night doesn't mean what it used to. Some people go all out with tuxes and full length gowns. Others won't dress as formally. You should be fine.

[sparky-elpaso]

You'll be find. My formal night outfit on our Alaska cruise was chiffon evening pants (almost looked like a long skirt if I was standing still) and a glittery tank / jacket combo. And my DH wore a sport coat rather than a suit.

[thehappyalaskan]

not to high jack this thread but thought i could ask here as well
does the formal night dress code effect only the main dinning rooms
or does it effect the specialty restaurants as well
thanks

[LHT28]

Originally Posted by thehappyalaskan

not to high jack this thread but thought i could ask here as well
does the formal night dress code effect only the main dinning rooms
or does it effect the specialty restaurants as well
thanks

Depends on the cruise line
Some request you adhere to the dress code of the day after 6pm for anywhere on the ship

[GORDONCHICK]

Originally Posted by Wendyhouse

I am new to the cruising world and am a little worried about the formal nights as I have bought an outfit with trousers. The brochure says cocktail dress. Will I not be allowed to join in?

You should be fine if the trousers are evening pants (dressy fabric), but this will depend more on the cruise line, which you didn't mention.

[newbiecruiser09]

Originally Posted by LHT28

Depends on the cruise line
Some request you adhere to the dress code of the day after 6pm for anywhere on the ship

Don't most of the specialty restaurants suggest jacket for men? I would think most folks eating at any restaurant on a formal night might be a bit more dressed than the regular night casual.

Also, on formal night (on RCI) we saw lots of folks out and about (not in the MDR) in shorts, jeans, very casual wear and no one mentioned a thing to them. I think many folks change after dinner to be more relaxed for the evening activities.

[jocap]

Wendy house- welcome to Cruise Critic.
The most formal of the cruise lines, other than Cunard and the luxury ones, are probably Fred Olsen and P&O. On both of those, you will see many women dressed in trousers, usually smart, with a bit of bling to jazz up the evening! I've just returned from Ventura, and everyone made some sort of an effort, but to cut down on the packing, you'll find that most will take mix and match- especially plain, perhaps black, trousers and a similar skirt- long or short- and then glittery tops, silk, sequins etc. Tell us the ship, and we may help more!- jocap.

[RetireeWannabee]

trousers can be fine, especially if you have a dressy top.

There likely won't be a problem being allowed entrance to the dining room.

have a great cruise!