The first Cruise Elegant evening is scheduled for the 3rd or 4th day of the cruise; the second Cruise Elegant evening is scheduled for the 4th or 5th day prior to the end of the cruise, schedules permitting.

On a standard Carnival Cruise, the specific "Elegant Night" schedule depends on the length of your voyage. For a typical 7-day cruise, there are usually two elegant nights: the first is typically held on the second night (your first full day at sea), and the second is usually on the sixth night (the penultimate night of the cruise). On shorter 3-to-5 day cruises, there is generally only one elegant night, usually the second or third evening. Carnival utilizes these nights for professional portraits and "Captain’s Celebration" events in the atrium. While the dress code has relaxed over the years—now permitting "dress slacks" and "nice shirts" rather than strictly tuxedos—the Main Dining Room still requires guests to avoid shorts, flip-flops, and sleeveless shirts for men. In 2026, you can confirm the exact dates for your specific sailing by checking the "Daily Fun Times" or the Carnival HUB App as soon as you board the ship, as they can occasionally shift based on port arrival times.