I’ve always found formal nights on cruises to be a special part of the experience. It’s a chance to dress up, enjoy a nice dinner, and feel a little extra elegant for the evening. There’s something about the atmosphere that makes the night feel truly memorable.
But I know not everyone feels the same way. Some travelers prefer to keep things casual, and that’s perfectly fine too. The good thing is that on Royal Caribbean, you can choose what suits you best.
You can join in the glam if you want or skip it without missing any fun. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean formal nights, including what to wear, what to expect, and how to enjoy the evening your way.
What is Royal Caribbean Formal Night?
The Royal Caribbean Formal Night is a special event on the cruise where passengers dress up for dinner in the Main Dining Room. It occurs on the second day of the trip regardless of cruise length. Longer cruises might have a second formal night later on.
The Royal Caribbean Cruise Formal Night event gives guests a chance to wear fancier clothes and enjoy a more elegant dining experience as part of their vacation. While formal night applies to the Main Dining Room, other restaurants on the ship have their own dress codes.
What is Royal Caribbean Dress to Impress Night?
Royal Caribbean Formal Night is also called “Dress to Impress” night. It offers a more relaxed approach to dressing up for dinner. Guests are encouraged to wear fancy clothes like suits, evening gowns, or cocktail dresses on Formal Nights, it’s not strictly required.
The Royal Caribbean formal night attire code is flexible allowing passengers to choose their level of formality. For children, there’s no specific Royal Caribbean formal night dress code, making it a comfortable and enjoyable evening for all guests.
When is Formal Night on Royal Caribbean?
Formal nights on Royal Caribbean Cruises occur on the second evening of the voyage. For longer cruises with multiple formal nights, they’re spaced out every few days.
The exact schedule can vary, so it’s best to check your cruise’s daily planner or ask the staff onboard for the specific Royal Caribbean Formal night dates on your sailing.
How Many Formal Nights on a Royal Caribbean Cruise are There?
The number of formal nights on Royal Caribbean cruises depends on the voyage length. Shorter sailings have one formal night, while longer ones may have two to four.
It’s best to check your specific cruise details or visit the Royal Caribbean Official Website for the most accurate information about formal nights on your sailing as the exact number of formal nights can vary based on the sailing and destination.
Here is the Royal Caribbean Formal Night Schedule 2025:
| Cruise Length (Nights) | Total Formal Nights | Formal Night Day |
|---|---|---|
| 3/4/5 | 1 | Formal night is usually on day 2 |
| 6 | 2 | Formal night is usually on day 2 & day 5 |
| 7 | 2 | Formal night is usually on day 2 & day 6 |
| 8 to 10 | 2 | Days vary by ship and sailing |
| 11 to 14 | 3 | Days vary by ship and sailing |
| 15+ | 3 or 4 | Days vary by ship and sailing |
Note: Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas has Formal Night on Day 2 and Day 5 on Western itineraries and Formal Night on Day 2 and Day 6 on Eastern itineraries.
Royal Caribbean Formal Night Dress Code for Men
Royal Caribbean formal night dress code for men offers a range of options from smart-casual to truly formal:
- Collared shirts, slacks, and dress shirts are typical formal night options for men
- Polo shirt and slacks is the most “casual” yet acceptable formal night outfit for men
- Dress shirt and slacks is the most common formal night outfit
- Suit jackets and ties are not required, but many guests choose to wear them
- Tuxedo is the most dressed-up option, but relatively uncommon
Royal Caribbean Formal Night Dress Code for Women
Women have a wide range of stylish options for formal nights on Royal Caribbean to choose from. Cocktail dresses, elegant sundresses, and sophisticated skirt-and-blouse combinations are all popular choices. Those who prefer pants can opt for dressy slacks paired with a fashionable top or even a chic jumpsuit.
For footwear, the focus is on dressier styles – whether that’s comfortable flats, classic heels, fashionable wedges, or sandals. The goal is to create a polished, evening-appropriate look that makes the night feel special.
Which Clothes You Should Not Wear on Royal Caribbean Formal Night?
You should avoid wearing casual or beachwear attire in the Main Dining Room on Royal Caribbean’s formal nights. This means no shorts, baseball caps, flip-flops, tank tops, ripped jeans, or t-shirts with slogans or graphics.
Swimming attire, even when covered up is not acceptable, nor are overly revealing clothes or athletic wear like gym shorts and sports jerseys.
The cruise line aims to maintain an elegant atmosphere on these special evenings, so anything too casual or beach-oriented should be saved for other times during your cruise.
How Strict is Royal Caribbean Dress Code?
Royal Caribbean has a relaxed dress code for most occasions, with casual resort wear being acceptable during the day and in most venues. For dinner, the main dining rooms typically require smart casual attire, meaning collared shirts and long pants for men, and dresses, skirts, or nice pants with blouses for women.
On formal night Royal Caribbean (usually 1 to 2 per cruise of 7 nights or longer), guests are encouraged but not strictly required to dress up in formal wear like suits, cocktail dresses, or tuxedos, though many choose to do so for photos and the special atmosphere.
Do You Have to Participate in Formal Night on Royal Caribbean?
No, you don’t have to participate in formal nights on Royal Caribbean cruises. These special evenings are completely optional, and you can choose to skip them if you prefer a more casual experience.
If you decide not to join the formal dinner in the main dining room, you have plenty of other dining options available including the buffet restaurant and various casual eateries onboard where regular cruise attire is perfectly fine.
However, if you do want to enjoy the main dining room on formal nights, you’ll need to follow the dress code.
You can also check our formal night guides for Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
FAQs – Royal Caribbean Formal Night Guide
How Many Formal Nights on Royal Caribbean 4 Night Cruise?
Royal Caribbean hosts one formal night on a 4-night cruise. It takes place on Day 2, giving guests time to settle in before the dress-up evening.
How Many Formal Nights on 5 Night Royal Caribbean Cruise?
A 5-night Royal Caribbean cruise has one formal night, usually held on Day 2, though the exact day can vary by ship and itinerary.
How Many Formal Nights on 6 Night Royal Caribbean Cruise?
A 6-night Royal Caribbean cruise usually has two formal nights, most often scheduled on Day 2 and Day 5 of the cruise, depending on the itinerary and ship.
How Many Formal Nights on Royal Caribbean 7 Night Cruise?
A 7-night Royal Caribbean cruise has two dress to impress nights, most commonly scheduled on Day 2 and Day 6.
How Many Formal Nights on 8 Day Royal Caribbean Cruise?
An 8-day cruise has two formal nights, scheduled around Day 2 and again on Day 6 or Day 7.
How Many Formal Nights on Royal Caribbean 9 Day Cruise?
Royal Caribbean 9 night cruises feature 2 formal nights.
How Many Formal Nights on a 12 Day Royal Caribbean Cruise?
On a 12-day Royal Caribbean cruise you can expect three formal nights.
Do You Have to Dress up on Formal Night on Royal Caribbean?
Dressing up is encouraged but not strictly mandatory on formal nights. If you prefer not to dress formally, you have options. You can dine at the Windjammer Café, where casual attire is always acceptable.
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