According to this link directly from the Carnival Web site, it looks like a jacket is part of the outfit -- either as part of the suit or as a separate sport coat.
You'll get lots of opinions on this, which is why I went directly to the source.
Well, I've seen men on the Carnival formal nights wearing a shirt and tie and no jacket, but really, is it that much of an inconvenience....just for the typical Carnival dinner time of an hour and 15 minutes (my experience). They won't bar him from entry, but I think it isn't too much to endure for that brief time. Many Carnival passengers ditch the formal wear after dinner and change into more comfortable clothes...which is what we do.
What my husband found out was when he took his suit he could wear it full for formal night, then wear just the slacks with a tie for another night and then the vest for another look. Gave him 3 nights for one suit. I agree with Dave that for the 1.5 hours you will be glad you are dressed well especially for the nice pictures they take that night. Then change after the event. He has never been sorry he took his suit.
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1998 Holiday CATALINA-MEXICO
2000 Viking Serenade CATALINA- MEXICO
2002 Fantasy BAHAMAS
2004 Esctasy CATALINA-MEXIC0
2005 NCL SAN FRANCISCO
2006 Paradise CATALINA-MEXICO
2007 Pride MEXICAN RIVIERA
2008 Paradise CATALINA-MEXICO
2008 Destiny SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN
2009 Liberty EASTERN CARIBBEAN
2010 Paradise CATALINA-MEXICO
2011 Paradise CATALINA-MEXICO
2012 Crown Princess EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN
I agree with Dave and Bay doll both.I wear a suit and then just take the coat off after. Then sometimes I change completly this gives me several changes of clothes by just changing shirts.I take several differant color shirts and ties to wear with the suit then it looks like a differant out fit every night. Tom
for sure Thomas you guys are soooo lucky...but for women the little black dress works the same way. You can dress it up or dress it down, or change the look with different accessories. I also found out that if you take your suitcase and a garmet bag that it saves tremendously on room and keeps everything neat. Years ago on one of the cruises I bought a huge yellow bag with Carnival on it, of course, and fold it up and put it in the suitcase for all those trinkets I bring home. I can hand carry it on the way home so the things won't get broke.
__________________
1998 Holiday CATALINA-MEXICO
2000 Viking Serenade CATALINA- MEXICO
2002 Fantasy BAHAMAS
2004 Esctasy CATALINA-MEXIC0
2005 NCL SAN FRANCISCO
2006 Paradise CATALINA-MEXICO
2007 Pride MEXICAN RIVIERA
2008 Paradise CATALINA-MEXICO
2008 Destiny SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN
2009 Liberty EASTERN CARIBBEAN
2010 Paradise CATALINA-MEXICO
2011 Paradise CATALINA-MEXICO
2012 Crown Princess EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN
Originally posted by drlivingston:
two pairs of dress pants, two pairs of dark socks, two white shirts, and lots of ties..
Packing light is nice. However I like the formal nights and the photos so much and have little other activity off ship to show off how nice we look dressed to the 9's that my suitcase is probably 50% formal. 1 complete (well almost complete) full battle array Kilt, and Full Tux. The only carry between the two is the dress shirt. I love it. Nice convesation makers. I have to leave the dagger behinds for the kilt.