Hi Karin!
Thanks for stopping by the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your question.
Generally, Disney Cruise Line has a fairly casual dress code in the evenings, when guests dine in the three
Main Dining Restaurants onboard. "Cruise Casual" is the norm for most nights, and on longer cruises there will be optional dress-up nights. How much you choose to dress up on the optional evenings is completely up to you.
While some guests will choose to "go all out" on Semi-Formal and Formal night, some just aren't as comfortable doing so, and choose to dress more casual. My family is somewhere in the middle. On cruise casual nights, my daughters and I will usually wear shorts or capris, a cute top, and sandals. My husband is typically in a golf shirt and shorts. On the optional dress-up nights, I may opt for dress pants and a blouse, or a dress I would wear to church on a Sunday morning. I've never packed a formal dress, and my husband usually opts for a sport coat and khakis.
I do enjoy seeing all the guests dressed up for Formal night - it's such an elegant atmosphere! Even the Disney Characters will be decked out in their finest for that evening, as well as the ship's officers. It's a great time to take advantage of the
Onboard Photography Services for a family photo.
Whether you choose to opt in or out of the Dress Up evenings, you will be sure to find other guests doing the same. One quick note: If you choose to dine in one of Disney Cruise Line's adult-exclusive venues, Palo or Remy,
stricter dress guidelines for dinner will apply.
I hope this helps with your planning and packing! Have a magical day - Diane W.