You are dreaming about your up-coming cruise. The thought of dressing up in your best formal gown and being escorted to a lavish dinner by your dashing tuxedo-clad companion may make you tingle with anticipation – or perhaps shiver with fear. If you are in the latter camp, let us help calm your nerves.

Formal Night is a Relative Concept: Although most cruise lines feature formal nights, the dress codes vary a little by cruise line. Unsurprisingly you can expect a more formal experience on Cunard than Carnival. For formal wear guidance on each of the major cruise lines see the links below

• Royal Caribbean
• Cunard
• Norwegian Cruise Lines
• Disney Cruise Lines
• Celebrity
  

You might already have the perfect outfit in your closet: As a general rule, clothing that you would wear to a wedding is about the appropriate level of formality for a cruise formal night. So, if you have recently been a mother of the bride or mother of the groom, you may find the perfect outfit is already in your closet
Plus Size Cruise Wear: f you are looking for fabulous plus size formal wear then AnnaBrooks.com is here to help. We feature a wide selection of plus size formal dresses in a range of styles and colors. Many feature hand-detailing of beads and sequins and most are available for less than $200.
Save your larger gown for the second formal night: After a week of delicious dining and relaxing by the pool you may be a couple of pounds heavier on the second formal night than the first. If you are taking two formal outfits with you, make sure to save the roomier one for the second formal night.
Your man can always try on a rental: If your man is allergic to the idea of a tuxedo there is no need to buy one for formal night. A dark suit and tie is adequate on many cruise lines and, if the mood takes you, tuxedos are available for rental on most ships. However, the sizes and selections are limited so if you are going to pursue the rental option make sure that you order as soon as possible after embarkation. If you have special size requirements you may also want to check availability with your cruise line before you travel. You never know, your man may like the James Bond look more than he knew and may find himself buying his own tux in time for your next cruise

Remember that formal night is optional: In the golden age of transatlantic cruising, formal wear was required for dinner every evening but those days are long gone. Although most cruises still feature at least one or two formal evenings a week these are entirely optional. If you prefer not to put on the Ritz, you can always take advantage of the many casual dining options available on board. However, do remember that not all of the more sumptuous food options served in the formal dining room will make their way to the casual dining restaurants