Is there a need to bring any formal wear on the Norwegian Gem (NCL)?

We want to save space on packing and we want to know if there is a real need to bring formal wear. I have heard that there really is no dress code. I've also heard that the dress code is usually ignored.
Thanks!

I cruised on the Gem this past November for a 12 day Mediterranean cruise. The dress on ship is informal most of the time. They do not allow shorts and jeans in the main dining room and the specialty restaurants but you will be perfectly OK casual most any place else all of the time.

On the formal night they actually referred to it as the "dress up if you want to" night and only about 10% of the people on ship actually dresses up and some of those wore "church clothes", i.e., suit and tie, dress. There were some with a tux and gown but not many. We dressed formal the first but not the second formal night, figured why the heck look out of place.

Its really nice to know that I can save some room in my suitcase! Report It

depends on the length of the cruise usually one nite is formal if it is a 7 day or 2 if it is 14 etc. no you don't have to it's all up to you

I'm a casual person myself, but there is dressy casual that can double for both, formal & non formal events. I'd pack something nicer, whether dressy or not, but it's best to bring something you can interchange so as not to need as much to bring. I suggest a nice pants suit or skirt & blouse, as both can be used to mix & match as well, lessening the need to pack as much. Just be practical & make sure to bring at least one nice outfit be it a shirt/blouse, pants & nice shirt with blazer...etc is up to you. You do not mention whether you're male or female, but if you're male nix the skirt;-) ~LOL~ Nice slacks like Docker's & a nice shirt that looks good with or without a tie is very practical as you can decide after you get where you're going and n ice slacks & shirt are always cool & kinda blend in with dressy & nice casual. Clean cut is the key. Some people wear fancy clothes, but are not well kept & look shabby while others can make a casual sweat sweat suit look like a runway hit. Better safe than sorry, so be practical & call NCL for advise if you already haven't. If you have, if wouldn't hurt to call again as a different representative may give different advise and make all the difference. That's what they're there for & the seasons can really alter things as well. Weather is different on a cruise and it can get a bit nippy so even a light jacket would be necessary in summer, but it is good rule of thumb to bring at least one nice outfit or nicer outfit if it is an all out formal event whenever you travel.
Hope this helps.

Not really.
NCL call it freestyle cruising and that's exactly what it is. You can dress up if you want to on the formal nights or go smart casual (their words). You won't look out of place, the majority of people don't do the dinner suit and evening gown.
Have a good time on your cruise.