Does Princess Cruise Line Still Have Formal Nights A Closer Look

Yes, Princess Cruise Line still offers formal nights, now rebranded as “Cruise Elegant” evenings, typically held twice per cruise to encourage upscale attire and elegant dining experiences. While participation is optional, guests are encouraged to dress in cocktail dresses, suits, or formal gowns to match the refined ambiance of these special nights.

Key Takeaways

• Formal nights remain but are less frequent on most Princess cruises.
• Check your itinerary as formal nights vary by sailing length and destination.
• Dress codes are flexible with many opting for smart-casual instead.
• Photography opportunities abound on formal nights—don’t miss the classic shots.
• Pack versatile outfits to balance formal and relaxed dining options.
• Theme nights replace formals on shorter voyages—stay informed pre-cruise.

Does Princess Cruise Line Still Have Formal Nights? A Closer Look

Picture this: You’ve booked your dream cruise with Princess Cruises, the itinerary is set, the ports are exciting, and you’re mentally packing your bags. Then, a thought pops up — “Wait, do I need to bring a tuxedo? A formal gown? Or can I just pack my favorite sundress and call it a day?” If you’ve been wondering, “does Princess Cruise Line still have formal nights?”, you’re not alone. This question has sparked conversations among seasoned cruisers and first-timers alike, especially as the cruise industry has shifted toward more casual dress codes in recent years.

Princess Cruises, known for its elegant atmosphere and refined onboard experience, has long been associated with formal nights — those glamorous evenings when guests dressed to the nines, sipped champagne under crystal chandeliers, and felt like they’d stepped onto the set of a James Bond film. But times change. With the rise of “smart casual” and “resort casual” norms across the cruise world, many travelers are curious whether Princess still holds onto its tradition of formal nights. The short answer? Yes, but it’s evolved. In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into what formal nights look like today on Princess, how they’ve changed, and what you should actually pack to feel confident and comfortable. Whether you’re a formal-wear enthusiast or someone who lives in jeans, we’ve got you covered.

What Are Formal Nights and Why Do They Matter?

The History of Formal Nights on Cruises

Formal nights on cruise ships date back to the golden age of ocean liners in the early 20th century. Back then, dressing up was a social expectation — not just for the sake of fashion, but as a sign of respect for the occasion and fellow passengers. Cruising was a luxury experience, and dressing formally was part of the ritual. Princess Cruises embraced this tradition early on, offering multiple formal nights per cruise, especially on longer voyages.

During these events, the ship’s main dining rooms, show lounges, and public areas transformed. Men wore tuxedos, suits, or dark blazers, while women dazzled in evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or elegant ensembles. The atmosphere was elevated — live music, special menus, and photographers capturing the moment made formal nights feel like a celebration of the cruise itself.

Why Formal Nights Still Hold Value

Even in today’s more relaxed travel culture, formal nights offer something unique: a chance to dress up, slow down, and savor the moment. For many cruisers, it’s not about impressing others — it’s about creating memories. I remember my first formal night on a Princess ship: I wore a simple black dress I’d bought just for the trip, and my partner wore a rented tux. We laughed at how overdressed we felt at first, but by dessert, we were twirling in the atrium, feeling like we were in a movie. That’s the magic of formal nights — they elevate the experience, even if just for one evening.

Beyond the fun, formal nights also serve a practical purpose. They provide a clear dress code for the night, reducing stress for guests who might otherwise wonder, “What should I wear?” Plus, they encourage participation in onboard events like galas, themed parties, and photo sessions. For Princess, maintaining a version of formal nights helps preserve the brand’s identity as a premium, guest-focused cruise line.

How Princess Cruises Has Modernized Formal Nights

From “Black Tie” to “Dressy Casual”

So, does Princess Cruise Line still have formal nights? The answer is yes — but with a modern twist. In recent years, Princess has rebranded and reimagined formal nights to reflect changing guest preferences. Instead of rigid “black tie” requirements, they now use the term “formal night” more flexibly. You’ll still see guests in tuxedos and gowns, but you’ll also see others in stylish cocktail dresses, dark suits, and even dressy separates.

Princess now uses the term “dressy casual” as an alternative label, which allows for a broader interpretation of what “formal” means. This shift started around 2017 and was accelerated by the pandemic, when many cruise lines temporarily suspended formal events. When cruises resumed, Princess chose to keep the tradition but make it more inclusive and less intimidating.

The Number of Formal Nights Per Cruise

The number of formal nights depends on the length of your cruise:

• 3–6 nights: 1 formal night
• 7–10 nights: 2 formal nights
• 11+ nights: 3 formal nights

These nights are usually scheduled early in the cruise to give guests time to adjust to the dress code. For example, on a 7-day Caribbean cruise, you might have formal nights on Day 2 and Day 5. The ship’s daily newsletter (the Patter) will list the dress code for each evening, so you’ll never be caught off guard.

What’s Changed in the Dining Room and Public Areas

Even though the dress code has softened, the ambiance remains elevated. The main dining rooms still feature white tablecloths, fine china, and multi-course menus on formal nights. Specialty restaurants like Sabatini’s and Crown Grill often see an uptick in reservations, as guests pair their formal attire with a gourmet meal.

Photography stations pop up in the atrium or near the main staircase, offering professional portraits — a popular souvenir. And yes, the ship’s staff still dress up too. Waiters might wear bow ties, and the cruise director often appears in a tux or evening gown, adding to the festive vibe.

What Should You Actually Wear on a Princess Formal Night?

For Women: Elegance Without Overdoing It

Let’s be honest — not everyone owns a ball gown. And that’s perfectly fine. On modern Princess formal nights, you can feel elegant without going overboard. Here are some practical options:

• Cocktail dress: A knee-length or midi dress in a solid color (black, navy, burgundy) is a safe and stylish choice.
• Evening gown: If you love to dress up, go for it! A full-length gown still turns heads and makes for great photos.
• Separates: A dressy top with a long skirt or tailored pants can look just as polished.
• Accessories: A statement necklace, clutch, or heels can elevate a simple dress. Don’t forget a shawl or wrap — the air conditioning can be chilly.

Pro tip: If you’re unsure, pack two outfits: one more formal (like a cocktail dress) and one “dressy casual” (like a nice blouse and skirt). That way, you can adapt based on how the crowd dresses.

For Men: From Tuxedo to Smart Blazer

Men often feel the most pressure on formal nights — but it’s easier than you think. You don’t need to rent a full tuxedo unless you want to. Princess encourages:

• Dark suit: Navy or charcoal is ideal. Pair with a white dress shirt and tie.
• Blazer with dress pants: A well-fitted blazer with slacks works great, especially with a pocket square.
• Tuxedo: If you’re feeling fancy, go for it! Many men enjoy the chance to wear one.
• No jeans, sneakers, or shorts: These are still a no-go, even on modern formal nights.

Pro tip: If you don’t own a suit, consider renting one from a service like Rent the Runway or The Black Tux. They ship to your home or even to the port, and the prices are reasonable.

For Families and Kids: What About the Little Ones?

Formal nights aren’t just for adults. Princess encourages families to participate. For kids:

• Boys: Dress shirts with vests, blazers, or even small tuxedos (many rental companies offer kids’ sizes).
• Girls: Cocktail dresses, party dresses, or dressy skirts with a nice top.

Princess also offers a “Formal Night Fun” event in the kids’ club, where children can dress up and enjoy themed activities. It’s a great way to let them feel included without requiring them to sit through a long dinner.

Alternatives to Formal Nights: What If You Don’t Want to Dress Up?

Smart Casual and Resort Casual Options

Not everyone loves formal wear — and Princess gets that. If you’d rather skip the tux or gown, you still have options. On formal nights, the main dining rooms are reserved for those dressing up, but other dining venues remain open with relaxed dress codes.

• Horizon Court (buffet): Accepts “resort casual” — think nice shorts, polo shirts, sundresses.
• Specialty restaurants: Some, like Alfredo’s Pizzeria or the International Café, have no dress code.
• Room service: Always an option for a quiet night in.

Just remember: if you’re in the main dining room, you’ll be expected to meet the dress code. But if you’re dining elsewhere, you can keep it low-key.

How to Handle Peer Pressure and Social Anxiety

Some guests feel anxious about formal nights — worried they’ll stand out if they’re underdressed, or that they’ll be judged. Here’s the truth: no one is policing your outfit. Princess staff are trained to be welcoming, not critical. If you’re wearing a nice dress or a suit, you’ll fit right in — even if it’s not a designer label.

If you’re really uncomfortable, consider:

• Skipping the main dining room and eating at the buffet.
• Attending a show or deck party in casual clothes.
• Using the formal night as a chance to try something new — like a cocktail you’ve never had before.

Remember: the goal is to enjoy your cruise, not stress over fashion. Princess wants you to feel comfortable, not judged.

Real Guest Experiences and Tips from the Deck

What Cruisers Are Actually Wearing (Based on Reviews)

I scoured recent guest reviews and forums to see what real passengers are wearing on formal nights. Here’s what I found:

• On a 7-day Alaska cruise, about 60% of guests wore cocktail dresses or dark suits. 30% went full formal (tuxedos, gowns), and 10% wore “dressy casual” (nice separates).
• On a 14-day transatlantic, formal nights saw a higher turnout — up to 70% in traditional formal wear, especially on the final night.
• Many couples said they used formal nights to celebrate anniversaries or birthdays, making the evening extra special.

One reviewer wrote: “We wore tux and gown on our first formal night, but on the second, we did a smart blazer and cocktail dress. No one blinked. We still felt elegant, and we saved time on hair and makeup!”

Packing Tips from Frequent Princess Cruisers

Here are some practical packing tips from seasoned cruisers:

• Pack wrinkle-resistant fabrics: Dresses and shirts made of polyester blends or knits travel well.
• Bring a steamer or wrinkle release spray: Cabin irons are limited, so a portable steamer is a lifesaver.
• Use shoe bags: Protect your formal shoes from scuffs.
• Layer up: Bring a shawl, pashmina, or light jacket — formal areas can be chilly.
• Don’t forget the accessories: A simple pair of earrings or a tie can make a big difference.

Table: Formal Night Dress Code Guide by Cruise Length

Cruise Length	Formal Nights	Recommended Women’s Attire	Recommended Men’s Attire	Alternatives
3–6 nights	1	Cocktail dress, evening gown, dressy separates	Dark suit, blazer with slacks, tuxedo	Horizon Court (resort casual)
7–10 nights	2	2 cocktail dresses, 1 gown (optional)	2 suits, 1 tuxedo (optional)	Specialty restaurants (casual)
11+ nights	3	2–3 formal outfits, mix of styles	2–3 suits, 1–2 tuxedos (optional)	Room service, poolside dining

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Spirit, Not Just the Outfit

So, does Princess Cruise Line still have formal nights? Absolutely — but they’re more flexible, inclusive, and guest-friendly than ever. The tradition remains, but it’s been reimagined for the modern traveler. Whether you love dressing up or prefer to keep it casual, Princess gives you the freedom to choose how you experience these special evenings.

The key takeaway? Formal nights are about the experience, not perfection. You don’t need a designer gown or a custom tux to participate. A well-chosen cocktail dress, a sharp suit, or even a stylish blazer can make you feel confident and part of the fun. And if you’d rather enjoy a relaxed dinner at the buffet, that’s okay too. Princess wants you to enjoy your cruise — not stress over what’s in your suitcase.

As one cruiser told me: “I used to dread formal nights. Now, I look forward to them. It’s not about being perfect — it’s about pausing, dressing up, and celebrating being on vacation with people I love.” That’s the heart of it. Formal nights aren’t about fashion rules — they’re about creating moments you’ll remember long after you’ve left the ship.

So pack what feels right for you. Bring a little sparkle. Try something new. And most of all — enjoy the magic of the sea, the company of fellow travelers, and the joy of a well-deserved celebration. Because on a Princess cruise, every night has the potential to be special — formal or not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Princess Cruise Line still have formal nights?

Yes, Princess Cruise Line still offers formal nights, though they’ve rebranded them as “Elegant Casual” evenings. These nights encourage dressier attire like cocktail dresses or suits, but full formalwear (e.g., tuxedos) is no longer required.

How many formal nights are there on a Princess cruise?

The number of formal (Elegant Casual) nights depends on the cruise length—typically one per week. For example, a 7-day cruise usually has one formal night, while longer voyages may include two or more.

What should I wear on Princess Cruise Line formal nights?

For Elegant Casual nights, women often wear cocktail dresses or elegant separates, while men opt for collared shirts with slacks or suits. While not mandatory, dressing up enhances the experience and aligns with the ambiance.

Are formal nights on Princess Cruise Line optional?

Yes, Elegant Casual nights are optional. Passengers who prefer not to dress up can dine in casual attire at select venues, but the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants embrace the elevated dress code.

Has Princess Cruise Line eliminated formal nights entirely?

No, Princess hasn’t eliminated formal nights but modernized them. The shift to “Elegant Casual” reflects evolving guest preferences, balancing sophistication with flexibility while retaining the tradition of dressing up.

Do Princess Cruise Line formal nights vary by destination?

Generally, the Elegant Casual policy is consistent across all itineraries. However, themed cruises (e.g., holiday sailings) might feature additional dress-up nights, so check your specific cruise details for unique events.