On Royal Caribbean sailings in 2026, "Formal Night" (now frequently branded as "Wear Your Best" night) is determined by the length of the cruise. For a standard 7-night itinerary, there are typically two formal nights: the first usually occurs on Day 2 (the first sea day) to set a celebratory tone, and the second is often on Day 6 (the penultimate night). On shorter 3-to-5-night "weekend" cruises, there is generally only one formal night, typically on the second night of the voyage. For 12-night or longer "Grand Journeys," you can expect up to three formal nights. In 2026, the dress code has become more flexible; while tuxedos and ball gowns are still welcomed, "smart casual" attire like dark suits or cocktail dresses is now the standard. You can verify the specific schedule for your sailing exactly 30 days before departure by checking the Cruise Compass or the daily planner section of the Royal Caribbean mobile app, as the ship's captain may occasionally shift the night to align with port departure times.