Women who go all out turn heads in full-length sequined or beaded gowns suitable for a Hollywood red carpet. But since airlines are imposing restrictions upon the amount and weight of luggage you can check to reach your ship, such ornate dresses are becoming rare on all but the upscale cruise lines.
Cocktail-length dresses with dressy shoes are another option. They may be beaded, sequined, silk or any other elegant design.
You may wear a provocatively low-cut or see-through dress, but it will make you the talk of the ship in the morning.
Some recently-married women opt to wear their wedding dresses. Dressy suits, either with pants or a skirt, or a long, flowing skirt or pants with a dressy top are all acceptable.
This is the time when glittering, dangly earrings, an ornate necklaces, bracelets and cocktail rings (real or costume), a fancy evening bag, and an elegant wrap, can all be part of your ensemble.
Evening wear comes in all colors, but black is a favorite because it looks formal and a simple dress can be worn repeatedly with different accessories.
If the cruise is seven nights or longer, there will probably be a second formal evening. It's perfectly acceptable to wear the same outfit, but most women pack two, or separates they can mix and match.
Men can wear a dark suit and tie. A tuxedo with a black tie is even better. Some men go all the way with a white tie, although it's not seen often. On warm-weather cruises, men may pair black slacks with a white dinner jacket.
The following garments are not "formal," but you will see them at the captain's ball.
Daytime work dresses and sundresses are too casual. Conservative business suits are inappropriate for the festivities. Capri pants or shorts with sandals are strictly day wear.
For men, a blazer or jacket with slacks, even with a tie, is too casual, as is a short-sleeved button-down shirt and slacks. T-shirts and sneakers should never leave the cabin after 6 p.m.
Travelers on "Meet the Captain" night often change into casual clothes after dinner, which undercuts the elegant ambiance intended for the evening. Most cruise lines ask passengers to remain in their formal attire as long as they're out and about the ship.
