"Formal" attire on a cruise

[Mum on the go]

Bring one formal outfit for captains party/cocktails and yes kids are welcome if they have a blazer and khakis for the formal night and girls a nice dress. They typically sit at the table while the parents mingle.

[teachbeach]

My "formal" for cruise wear is a pair of black crepe pants paired with sparkly tops, sequined sweaters or a white shirt with a fancy belt and jewelry. Everything is rollable, packable and hangs easily until needed. Black strappy sandals and a small bag complete the outfit. Way different than our first cruises which were white jacket, black tie and super formal wear. Many people still opt for the gowns, and they are elegant, but I sure wouldn't buy one just for a cruise. For other evening wear, I pack a couple of broomstick skirts and tops. I have one sweater and a pashima (I'm always cold in the AC) that I throw in to finish the look.

[Bangle]

Get some really nice jewelry like crystal hanging etc. to glam things up.

[maggiekate]

Originally Posted by teachbeach

My "formal" for cruise wear is a pair of black crepe pants paired with sparkly tops, sequined sweaters or a white shirt with a fancy belt and jewelry. Everything is rollable, packable and hangs easily until needed. Black strappy sandals and a small bag complete the outfit. Way different than our first cruises which were white jacket, black tie and super formal wear. Many people still opt for the gowns, and they are elegant, but I sure wouldn't buy one just for a cruise. For other evening wear, I pack a couple of broomstick skirts and tops. I have one sweater and a pashima (I'm always cold in the AC) that I throw in to finish the look.

I did wear all this brides honor stuff which I never ever would wear elsewear! or fancy pants etc.,

[Superbecky79]

Thank you!!!!

[anifani821]

Has anyone noticed all the airline restrictions now in place in re: to luggage? USAir is charging now for additional luggage. It really makes a 7 day or longer cruise a hassle if you have to take evening clothes, unless you get it pared down to something simple like a black pair of pants and a few tops or a black skirt w/ tops . . . also - forget matching shoes to everything. I used to enjoy taking cute clothes and different outfits but I am going to be packing very sparsely for our next cruise. Just not worth the airline hassle!!!

[Stripes17]

That's the reason why we drive to the ports, Ani. The family hauler can easily hold the ungodly amount of luggage the ladies in our family feel the need to bring on the cruise. My son and I each have one suitcase.

It's usually a nice drive from Charlotte to the FLA or gulf ports and we don't have to deal with the cattle car airlines or the new luggage issues. Plus we're on our time schedule, not worrying about making flights or connections.

[motherbearof4]

Freddy,

Love your post! Very cute.

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by Stripes17

That's the reason why we drive to the ports, Ani. The family hauler can easily hold the ungodly amount of luggage the ladies in our family feel the need to bring on the cruise. My son and I each have one suitcase.

It's usually a nice drive from Charlotte to the FLA or gulf ports and we don't have to deal with the cattle car airlines or the new luggage issues. Plus we're on our time schedule, not worrying about making flights or connections.

Hey, Stripes! Yes, we drive to Orlando and get on the ships there. We have not tried a cruise out of Charleston or Jacksonville.

But we had planned on going on an Alaska cruise w/ some friends this summer, and at this time, we have all decided to put it off. We are just not sure if we even want to hassle w/ the luggage situation at this point. If we do book in the next few weeks, I will be keeping the evening attire very very simple. We have a cruise booked for this Fall out of Pt. Canveral.

We flew down to Tampa for a cruise and dear me, even back then hauling the luggage was a hassle. We quickly decided to just cruise out of ports that we can reach by car! But for the Alaska trip . . . feeling pretty discouraged.

Oh - and for 2009, we had planned on doing something out of Rome - a mediterranean cruise, but again . . . just not sure we want to fight the luggage and packing battle . . . who knows what they will be charging for luggage by then . . . and such a hassle to haul so much luggage from the airport to dock, etc.

I guess my thoughts are . . . seems the cruiselines need to re-think Formal Nights, as it is going to be increasingly difficult for pax to pack all that stuff.

So for me, it is down to a few separates to mix and match for evening and hopefully, that will work out. WE LOVE CRUISING!!!!!!