To the delight of my husband, Celebrity has brought an end to traditional formal night with the announcement that “Evening Chic” will replace the traditional formal dress code on the dressier evenings of their cruises. Guest who wish to dress in tuxedos and gowns are still welcome to do so, but the minimum dress code standards are now much more relaxed, with even “designer jeans” meeting the dress code requirements. Our editorial opinion is that this change in formal dress code standards reflects both the acknowledgement of what many people were already choosing to wear on formal nights and a trend in the vacation industry of guests wanting a more casual vacation experience and lighter suitcases. We also think that cruise lines like Celebrity are striving to attract a younger clientele who will be loyal clients for the next 30 or so years.
I may never get my husband to dress up again, but at least he will be happy with not having to pack a jacket. As for me, my most recent evening gown purchases were quit understated, so they will probably continue to work for the more relaxed dress code.
Here is the official description of the new dress code from Celebrity Cruises:
Formal Night gets a modern luxury reboot. Say goodbye to Formal Night, and hello to Evening Chic. It’s your time to shine—your way. Get glamorous. Get chic. Be sophisticated.
Now, on up to two nights on every cruise, Evening Chic activities are being introduced, and Evening Chic attire is replacing Formal attire. While dressier than Smart Casual, Evening Chic is intended to be less dressy than Formal attire.
Women should feel comfortable wearing:
- A cocktail dress
- Skirt, pants or designer jeans with an elegant top
Men should feel comfortable wearing:
- Pants or designer jeans with a dress shirt, button-down shirt or sweater
- Optional sport coat or blazer
Evening Chic means that you can get glamorous and be sophisticated in your own way. If you would like to still wear a tuxedo or formal gown on Evening Chic nights, you absolutely should.
All cruises that are 7 nights or longer will feature two Evening Chic nights. Any cruise 6-nights or shorter will feature one Evening Chic night. All other nights of the cruise will feature Smart Casual attire. Celebrity Xpedition will continue to feature casual attire for the entire cruise.
The remainder of the evenings on the cruise the dress code will be Smart Casual and Above:
Smart Casual attire can be enjoyed every other night of your cruise.
Women should feel comfortable wearing:
- Skirt, pants or jeans with a casual top
Men should feel comfortable wearing:
- Pants or jeans with a sport shirt that has sleeves
