Formal attire

[TinaLouise]

I'm sailing on Brilliance of the Seas in January, and looking at past Cruise Compasses, it seems like the second night in the MDR is formal attire. Is this required?

[JennyB]

8 minutes ago, TinaLouise said:

I'm sailing on Brilliance of the Seas in January, and looking at past Cruise Compasses, it seems like the second night in the MDR is formal attire. Is this required?

Not required, no.  It's a suggestion.  There are several threads here about dining attire.  There will be people dressed to the 9's...and others, not. 

[ChessE4]

5 hours ago, TinaLouise said:

I'm sailing on Brilliance of the Seas in January, and looking at past Cruise Compasses, it seems like the second night in the MDR is formal attire. Is this required?

It is recommended that you dress nicely, but not necessarily in a gown or cocktail party dress.  Most men wear slacks and coat (I add a tie), but I no longer pack my tux.

Formal is supposed to be a step up from smart casual.

What you wear may depend upon whether you are doing special pictures -- there are sittings (actually "standings") for family or individual portraits on formal nights.  On our last cruise, our son and his girlfriend opted to dress up for a picture before we went to dinner on formal night.

If you are inclined to visit the casino, I recall a James Bond night that coincides with one of the formals.

As previously stated, there are a great many opinions on dress in general, but RCI always explains their guidelines.  They have FAQs on "dress code" and state that shorts aren't permitted at dinner in the MDR.  That doesn't stop people who insist on being casual or have lost their luggage.  The staff really wants you to enjoy your dinner, so the common sense answer is "do the best you can under whatever circumstances you may be in".  On a 7 night cruise there are generally two formal nights.  The last night is always casual as everyone must pack for disembarkation.