I just received my documents from Carnival. The welcome aboard book states that formal wear or a dark suit is required for the Captains Gala Dinner & cocktail party. How strict are they??? I do not own a dark suit......

You can rent everything from shirts and dinner jackets to a tuxedo on the ship if you like.

Carnival is a little more realxed in their formal cocktail parties. Anything that you would wear to a wedding, or even something that you would wear to church will be fine. On Carnvial you will see some passengers dressed in tuxes and gowns, and others a little more casual. The main rule is no jeans or shorts. If you choose not to participate in the Formal event, you can always eat on the lido deck at the buffet, a lot of people choose to do this.

It is like formal night, most everyone will be dressed to the hilt.