Regardless of what the Celebrity site says - dress is not as formal as that in reality for the majority of passengers. Some folks do love to dress up and good for them - they usually look beautiful/handsome and I admire them. I just don't want to be one.

Roamer, do wear your lovely black cocktail dress for sure.

I agree w/ charli. What the recs are what folks actually wear are very different. However do what you are comfortable with.

Thanks to all for the input. I will definitely wear the black cocktail dress! We will be travelling in France and Italy several weeks before the cruise, and I don't want to pack much just for the cruise. Will have some temperature changes, but I know that layering is the answer for that.