Are formal professional photos & pictures taken on a cruise?

Yes, formal pictures are definitely taken on a cruise—and they’re a popular part of the cruise experience for many guests.

Here's what you can expect:

📸 Formal Night Photography

• On most cruises, there is at least one "formal night" (sometimes called elegant night or evening chic), where guests dress up for dinner.

• Professional photographers are stationed around the ship—often near grand staircases, atriums, or decorated backdrops—to take portraits of individuals, couples, families, or groups.

• These photos are typically free to take, and you can choose to purchase only the ones you like.

🛳️ Casual and Themed Photo Opportunities

• In addition to formal night, photographers are available throughout the cruise to capture moments during embarkation, at dinner, on shore excursions, or during themed events (like pirate night, white parties, or tropical nights).

• Some cruises also offer green-screen photos with themed backgrounds (Caribbean sunsets, lighthouses, iconic landmarks, etc.).

🖼️ Viewing & Purchasing

• You can view your photos at the ship’s photo gallery, either on digital kiosks or printed displays.

• Most cruise lines offer:

  • Single photo purchases

  • Photo packages (digital or printed)

  • Unlimited digital download packages

  • Customized photo albums or USB drives

💡 Tips:

• Dress to impress on formal night if you want keepsake-quality portraits.

• No obligation to buy — feel free to take multiple photos and decide later.

• Packages can sometimes be pre-purchased at a discount before your cruise.

In summary: Yes, cruises offer many opportunities for professional photos—especially on formal nights. It's a great way to capture lasting memories of your vacation at sea.