Most 3- and 4-night cruises have one formal night; most 7-night cruises have 2 formal nights; most 10-night cruises have 3 formal nights, and so on.

Yes, MSC Cruises continued their tradition of formal nights (often called "Gala Nights") throughout 2023 and into 2026. On a standard 7-night cruise, there are typically two Gala Nights. While MSC is known for its "relaxed Mediterranean" atmosphere, the Gala Nights are when guests are encouraged to "dress to impress." This usually involves suits or tuxedos for men and evening gowns or cocktail dresses for women. However, unlike some stricter lines, MSC's dress code is primarily enforced in the Main Dining Room and the MSC Yacht Club; if you prefer to stay casual, you can eat at the buffet where the dress code remains "resort casual." These nights often feature special menus created by celebrity chefs and provide the primary opportunity for professional photos with the Captain.