Most cruise lines have formal evenings on board, this is a tradition that goes back to the start of the first cruise liners that for the wealthy was an opportunity every evening for the men and women would dine in their best attire showing off their wealth in their clothes.
A common question I am asked regularly by first time cruise bookers is regarding the formal dining, some still have a preconception that every evening requires formal dress.
A lot of cruise passengers in this day and age still revel in the opportunity to take part in the formal dinning events on board their cruise ship. A typical 7 night cruise will have at least 2 formal evenings and most will be when the ship is at sea rather than after a day in port. Giving all the ample opportunity to get ready for the evening ahead, maybe a trip to the beauty parlour for the ladies to get their hair or nails done.
I must admit, the first time I cruised I didn’t really want the hassle of having to participate and having to purchase suitable dresses for the cruise (I raided my mum’s wardrobe in the end). However, after my first formal evening, I absolutely loved it. The stunning dresses worn by the ladies of all ages and the men dressed in dinner jackets or in their formal dress from their days in the services. A sight to behold and I am so pleased I was a part of that.
Some cruise liners even have semi formal nights, where the dress code is not casual but not formal. I have to admit, I would prefer personally the option of formal and casual only, rather than confusing my packing with semi formal clothing too. Thankfully my next cruise is two formal nights and five casual.
Cunard & P&O are renowned for their very British formal evenings and also have themed evenings and balls. My first experience was a black & white evening, where the dress code was exactly that. I have enclosed the link to show the type of evenings and balls presented by Cunard for 2013 sailings. http://www.cunard.com/documents/attire.pdf
I think if you are travelling from Southampton or another UK port to which you can drive and have no luggage restrictions (a such), then why not take the best part of your wardrobe with the shoes and handbags that match perfectly. When you are on a fly cruise, you are generally limited to a smaller baggage allowance and for most trying to fit in additional items just for one evening is not always possible with everything else you need to take on holiday with you (well it isn’t for me).
It is not compulsory to dress formally for such an evening, but if you choose not to dress formal, you will be asked to refrain from dining in the main restaurants. Most are happy to skip the night and eat in the buffet restaurant rather than be dressed in a manner to which they may not be comfortable, but I must always think they would feel a bit out of place. Especially as the evening continues to the bars, the theatre and the other public areas.
I said before this is not to everyone’s taste or comfort zone and Norwegian Cruise Line are a freestyle cruising option, they have no set dining times and no formal evenings. Which for some cruisers is perfect because they are not governed by dress code or meal times. I also like this option too. It’s perfect for those just wanting to cruise but without the restraints of not being able to eat in the main dining restaurant if they choose not to dress up.
Of course though, like any holiday, regardless of the ship or dress codes most of us will still dress up even if it is not a set code on board.