In case you missed this post, my husband and I just got back from an early 10 year anniversary cruise. This was my third cruise and my second time cruising with Royal Caribbean. I am pleased to report that the biggest ship in the world did not disappoint! One of my favorite things about going on a cruise is being able to dress up for dinners and shows. As busy parents Mike and I rarely get the chance to get all fancy-schmancy, so the formal nights on a cruise are something that I especially look forward to. Today I’m sharing some tips for dressing for formal night on a cruise. This post is a partnership with Pink Blush. As always, all opinions are my own.
formal night on a cruise
I love the excuse to dress up for a delicious dinner–especially while on a fancy cruise ship. I know not everyone loves formal night or dressing up for an important occasion, but I think keeping up with the traditions of the high seas is important! That being said, dressing up on a rocking boat does come with a unique set of challenges. Here are some tips for packing–and dressing–for formal night on a cruise.
tips for packing for formal night on a cruise
If you’ve never been cruising before here are some tips for packing successfully. These are especially tips for formal night, but apply to your general packing too!
footwear on the high seas
Consider keeping the heels at home. I packed one low pair that I wore a few of the nights, but for the most part I wore strappy sandals. Although you can forget sometimes because it’ll be so large with so much to do, a cruise ship is still a boat and if you experience rough seas you’re better off with both feet firmly planted on the floor.
keep your essentials close
Bring along a small clutch for your camera, lip gloss, ship pass… all the little odds and ends you might want to bring along if you go to dinner or to the shops. You definitely don’t want to lug around your normal bag, but you’ll need easy access to things (and the hubby doesn’t always feel like being your pack mule for some reason).
don’t get a wrinkle in your plans
Keep in mind that you won’t have access to irons on board since they’re considered a safety hazard. Make sure to pack wrinkle-free items whenever possible (this red floral PinkBlush dress was perfect!) and try rolling your clothing in your bag when you pack rather than folding.
layers are your best friend
Even if you’re travelling to a tropical location you should bring a sweater of some kind. It can get pretty windy up on deck, and sometimes the air conditioning inside can be a little much. Plus, if you happen to have a cruise ship with an ice skating rink onboard (Royal Caribbean was the first company to introduce ice skating rinks at sea), you’ll want to be a little warmer. Speaking of which, you’ll also need long pants if you want to take a whirl around the rink.
don’t be afraid to stand out
Remember that formal doesn’t mean boring! A dress doesn’t have to be a classic, black cocktail dress to be appropriate. Not that there’s anything wrong with dark colors if that’s what you like, but the most important thing is that you pick out something that is nice and you feel beautiful in! I don’t usually go for the color red but I fell in love with this red dress from PinkBlush and it’s one of my new favorite pieces.
comfort is key
Dress comfortably. After dinner you’ll probably end up walking around for awhile or going to a show… you don’t want to be pulling on your outfit all night and adjusting yourself. And let’s not even get into the fact that thanks to all the delicious and endless food you might pack on a few extra pounds while on vacation. Of course, there’s always the fitness center or jogging track to work them off (so don’t forget to bring workout clothes, how often can you say you went for a run in the Caribbean sea?!).
Have you ever been on a cruise? What are tips for dressing for formal night?
30 comments
I’m SO excited about your cruise; following your instagram made me green with envy (but in a good way—I can’t wait to follow in your footsteps)!!! And I LOVE PinkBlush. Seriously, where were they (or where was I) for my other pregnancies? I have that dress (maternity section) in a different color, and I want another one. I want all of their clothes. Ha…my mom actually gave me a PinkBlush gift card for my birthday, so I need to spend it sooner or later since it’s burning a hole in my pocket.
(Clearly I haven’t had any adult conversation in awhile, because this comment is still going….)
I miss cruising so, so bad. I went on a couple before we got married, and on another one when our daughter was 1ish—she went with us—but now I just want to go on one with my husband. We’ll have to wait until this little nugget (who isn’t even here yet) is a tad bit older, though. Keep the cruise posts coming!!
I love your long comment! 😉 Thanks so much for it!! Yes, PinkBlush is the best and I am now obsessed! I hope you and your hubby are able to get away sometime soon-ish, even if it’s just for a night or two! Makes such a big difference! And even if you wanted, lots of little 3 and 4 day cruises leave from San Diego or Long Beach, so that would be nice!
That is a beautiful floral dress. You look amazing in it. Sounds like a relaxing cruise.
Thank you so much! It really was so nice!
I love that dress so much! I can’t bring myself to go on a cruise… something about being stuck on a ship freaks me out. But, they sound amazing!
You look beautiful in that dress! I’m glad you two had a great trip!
I love that dress! We don’t plan to have kids for another few years but getting something that would have dua; use is such a great idea!
I’ve never been on a cruise before but your photos look gorgeous! Such a lovely dress! Looks very relaxing.
Ellie
http://Www.scotchandstilettos.com
I loved all your cruise pictures on instagram! That dress is so pretty. 🙂 I would love to go on a cruise! Now to talk my hubby into it….
I’d love the burgundy lace dress.
I loved reading about your cruise! We went on a cruise last March and wish I could go back tomorrow!
That dress is fantastic! I might have to pick it up for our spring break trip this year to Punta Cana!
Sounds like a lovely trip! I am now hung up on the Mint Striped 3/4 Sleeve Maternity Dress. It looks as comfy as a tee-shirt.
I love this dress!!! It looks amazing on you.
I loved seeing the updates from your cruise! Such a great time away I bet! That dress is so beautiful and I love that it is dressy, but still the cruise life vibe that can be dressed up or down <3
That dress is beautiful! You wear it well
id love have the red lace fitted dress
The colorful dress was a great choice, very flattering!
So pretty! Love PinkBlush!
That print looks amazing on you! Looks like your cruise was amazing!
This dress is gorgeous on you! So glad you had such a great time on your cruise!
I would get one of their robes! I have been wanting one so badly!
I honestly want to go on a cruise just so I can dress up! Which one did you go on? I love the dress on you!
I adore that dress! The colors and pattern are perfect!
I’m a big fan of cruising and Royal Caribbean! Loved seeing your IG posts while you were cruising! That dress looks beautiful on you, Justine! Pink Blush always has great picks!
You look so beautiful in your dress! On our cruise, I had two black dresses that I wore. I wasn’t yet comfortable with prints and colors on my after baby body.
You look stunning Justine!! (As always). I would love a floral dress!
I would get the Black Basic Hi-Low Dress because it looks super comfy and chic!
I like the burgundy lace dress. Thanks for the chance to win such an amazing giveaway.
Love Multi-Color Abstract Floral Open Back Dress