Jeans and shorts are not allowed in the dining room in the evening but casual grills and poolside cafes have more lenient dress policies. Your vacation specialist will inform you of how formal your ship's atmosphere is and how many formal nights to expect. Dining at the captain's table or attending a captain's gala is considered a formal event. When packing for formal night, ladies should include a nice cocktail dress or evening gown. Gentlemen may wish to include a tuxedo but a dark suit with a tie is perfectly acceptable.
Many ships offer tuxedo rental and some ships provide alternative dining options.
They are a great way for families to see lots of different destinations and to engage in a variety of activities together. Some cruises provide daycare or babysitting services and even special shore activities for the younger generations. Your vacation specialist can help select the cruise that is just right for your family. Tipping is discretionary but it is a rare occasion to receive such poor service you withhold a tip. It is not necessary to tip the maitre d' or headwaiter but you may do so if you would like.