How Formal is Formal in Caribbean?

[FiggyWig]

Hi. Quick question...My son & DIL are booked on their 1st Caribbean cruise next month. He's cruised with us enough times when he was younger but only in the Med. She's only done a mini cruise from UK. So they were wondering just how formal Formal nights are. My thoughts are that Caribbean cruises particularly with RCI are a little less formal than Med so they maybe didnt need to carry out all the suits and ballgowns if they didn't want to.

But i know you friendly RCI Caribbean experienced guys out there can advise further, what are your thoughts ??

TIA

[voyager70]

On formal nights in the Caribbean you will see everything.  Not nearly as formal as they were in the past.  If they choose to dress up they certainly won't be out of place, but if they dress more casually they will be fine as well.  I've also done several Med cruises and people do indeed dress more formally.

 

 

[itsmeagain]

You are correct, on formal nights you will see people really dressed up, and people in jeans.   The first formal it appears more people dress than the second, but we see lots of casual on both nights.  Have them save the luggage space unless they really want to dress up.

[cb at sea]

There really are no "formal" nights anymore, even tho they still say there are  Since the airlines started charging an arm and leg for bags, people have gotten less and less "formal".  Nice slacks and shirt for men, same for women, or a sundress, skirt, etc....is more than fine.  You will not be denied entry to the MDR in anything except gym shorts and "wife-beater" shirts.

[vickiw0318]

LOL.  I remember my first cruise back when I could fly with two large suitcases and a carryon and I brought different clothes for both formal nights and three (announced in advance) theme nights.  I think I had different outfits for daytime each day and a multitude of swimsuits.  

 

So, that's no more.  I always dress to show respect for all in the main dining room even though I may no longer be sparkling to the degree I did back then.

[BobNoxious]

our last cruise I did not pack any sportcoat, suit, or ties.   It was WONDERFUL.   I had less to pack, and I didn't have to change after dinner.   Formal nights for me were dress shirt, dress pants, and shoes.   Perfect.  About 30% of the men were dressed this way (business casual).   So much more comfortable for me.  Will never wear a jacket/tie again on a cruise.

Edited February 19, 2019 by BobNoxious

[gsb]

27 minutes ago, BobNoxious said:

our last cruise I did not pack any sportcoat, suit, or ties.   It was WONDERFUL.   I had less to pack, and I didn't have to change after dinner.   Formal nights for me were dress shirt, dress pants, and shoes.   Perfect.  About 30% of the men were dressed this way (business casual).   So much more comfortable for me.  Will never wear a jacket/tie again on a cruise.

You've said it all. Nice and comfortable.

[NavyCruiser]

For us men in our family: nice slacks &  long sleeve button shirts...

[Airbear232]

We generally find Caribbean cruises more casual dress and European cruises better dress.  I think this just reflects demographics as casual is more prevalent in America.  I agree with others that you’ll see everything from casual to formal on Caribbean cruise formal nights.  Have a great trip!