Carnival Cruise Elegant Nights or Formal Nights are formal events where passengers can dress up and get their photos taken with the Captain, and then enjoy a wonderful dinner in the Main Dining Room. There are also many other photo opportunities all along the corridors leading to the Dining Rooms. It is not mandatory to attend.
CARNIVAL NO LONGER HAS THE CAPTAIN’S BALL OR CAPTAIN’S DINNER. Instead, they offer a Captain’s Reception, which is a Meet and Greet opportunity to meet the Captain and other Officers, often held on one of the Formal Nights.
*ON SOME 3-5 DAY CRUISES, FORMAL NIGHTS ARE BEING REPLACED BY WHITE NIGHT. This is not on all ships at this time. It is best to directly check with your Cruise Director as to whether or not this affects your Cruise. You can view the updated Cruise Director Schedule by Clicking Here: 2026 Cruise Director Schedule.
The length of the Cruise determines the Number of Cruise Elegant nights in the Dining Room.
1 Day Cruise – no Cruise Elegant Night.
2-5 Day Cruises – one Cruise Elegant Night.
6-10 Day Cruises – two Cruise Elegant Nights.
11 Day Cruises or Longer – three Elegant Nights.
Which Nights are the Elegant Nights?
TIPS ON WHAT TO WEAR:
Men: Dress slacks, dress shirts, and we also suggest a sport coat; men may also wish to wear a suit and tie or tuxedo.
Women: Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; ladies may also wish to wear an evening gown.
Not permitted in the dining room: Cut-off jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, shorts, t-shirts, sportswear, baseball hats, thongs (flip-flops) and bathing suit attire.
