Formal Night on a Dinner Cruise - What to Wear

Cruises are typically a laid back affair, but despite being a way to relax and take a vacation, it`s fun to dress up nicely from time to time. If you've never been on a dinner cruise before, you`ll probably want to ensure that you know what to wear for formal attire.

Formal Night on a Cruise: What to Wear

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Cruises are typically a laid back affair, but despite being a way to relax and take a vacation, it`s fun to dress up nicely from time to time. Formal nights allow just that. If you`ve never been on a dinner cruise ship before, you`ll probably want to ensure that you know what to bring for formal night.

Dressing Up on a Dinner Cruise

It`s normal to dress semi-formally for dinner on a cruise, particularly if you are eating in the nicer dining room, as opposed to ordering in or eating at a more informal area. A nice dress or slacks and a blouse for women are appropriate for these dinners, a suit or slacks and a tucked in button-down shirt work well for men.

Another opportunity to dress up a bit would be when you hit the dance floor on the cruise ship. Many people prefer to wear nice clothes and shorts are generally frowned upon in this case.
These are the normal situations that you would find yourself dressing up for on a cruise. Nothing terribly formal and the atmosphere is still relatively casual. Not so on Formal Night.

What to Pack for Formal Night on a Cruise

The formal night on a cruise is meant to be one of a kind and it shows. While a nice suit can be acceptable for a man, tuxedos are now the norm on many cruises. Just think of what you would wear to a nice wedding . . . if it would pass there, then you`re probably good to go.

Women have far more choice in what to wear. Formal ballgowns are definitely an option, but your most elegant "little black dress" can also be very appropriate. Again, imagine wearing it to a wedding and you`ll know if it`s formal enough. Women may choose to wear brighter colors, like red or emerald green, but when in doubt, stick to black or white to be sure you`ll fit in.

For women, matching shoes and jewelry is a must. If you have an elegant gold chain or something more formal such as a string of pearls, that will dress up any outfit. Matching earrings add an extra touch of elegance to the outfit, too. Add a touch of more formal makeup and do your hair up for the ultimate in elegant looks.

Can You Rent?

Often cruise ships will have a tuxedo and dress rental where you can pick up something for the evening that will be appropriate. However, these rentals are usually booked very early, so make sure to book as soon as you board, or even earlier, if possible. This requires that you be aware of the option, of course, so you`ll need to talk to your cruise ship representative about the Formal Night.

If you find that you are just really stressing out about the dinner cruise event, just make it easy on yourself. Call up the cruise line ahead of time to find out just what is required. Are they offering rentals? Will there be a theme to the Formal Night? Preparing yourself for this event will keep the stress levels to a minimum and allow you to truly enjoy the cruise.

Formal Night is a night meant to be super romantic and beautiful. While not everyone enjoys dressing up, it is still a wonderful occasion to enjoy your partner and have fun in a more upscale environment where you can be the belle of the ball or the prince of the hour for a short while. Just be prepared and arrange everything ahead of time to make sure you won`t be thinking about the event the whole time.

Formal Night on a Dinner Cruise - What to Wear

SHOE CARNIVAL

What to Wear to a Corporate Dinner Aboard a Chartered Cruise

If you've never attended a corporate dinner aboard a cruise ship, you are in for a treat. These special business events are usually held on small cruise ships or yachts that have been chartered specifically for the event, providing the opportunity for a lot of fun and a very unique business environment.

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For many people who are about to attend their first cruise dinner, what to wear can be a bit of an issue. Obviously a cruise is a slightly different situation than a private dinner at an elegant restaurant and yet, it's a corporate event, so many are confused as to how formal they need to be.

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In general, chartered cruises are quite elite and elegant. Attending a business dinner on one usually calls for fairly formal clothing, but you will also need to be comfortable.

The Practicalities of Dressing for a Cruise Dinner

Most cruises will request that you wear non-marking, soft soled shoes when you are aboard. For ladies, this means no high heels, which can cause you to lose your balance. Remember that this is a boat and as such, it will be rocking and moving with the water, even in relatively calm seas. Black sneakers or formal shoes with a good grip are often used by men, women will find there are a variety of low, comfortable shoes that will let them stay upright while walking on the deck.

Men will find that a nice suit is appropriate, though slightly less formal clothing is usually acceptable. Dress pants and a nice button down shirt is often the norm, particularly on hot evenings. Women can wear a cocktail dress, but may be more comfortable in slacks and a blouse, given the circumstances.

Women tend to find it easier to do their hair in a fairly simple style that can be redone easily if it's mussed by the wind. Keep accessories to a minimum and you'll have less to keep track of while enjoying the cruise.

What to Bring on the Cruise

Being on the water, things tend to cool down faster in the evening, so if you will be out after dark, it's a good idea to bring a wrap or jacket with you. The wind tends to pick up on the water and can add to the coolness of the night. You'll want to be comfortable so opt for a jacket even if you think it's too warm during the day. After all, it's not like you can simply run back to the car to pick it up.

If you are looking at a longer cruise, culminating in an elegant dinner, don't forget to bring lip balm and a comb. The wind and sun tend to mess up the best of hairstyles and it's a good idea to redo your hair before going to dinner. The lip balm will help protect your lips from chapping in the wind and sun.

The main purpose of a corporate dinner Toronto harbour cruise is to provide an enjoyable environment to meet with those in your company. It can be a great way to lay the groundwork for a deal or merger, as well. Being comfortable in your clothing and at ease on the boat will help you deal easier with the actual cruise and hence more comfortable at dinner. Dress formally, but keep in mind where you will be and make sure that safety and comfort are also taken into account. If in doubt, go ahead and talk to the organizers about what they expect in the way of clothing.

What to Wear to a Corporate Dinner Aboard a Chartered Cruise

SHOE CARNIVAL