Cruise attire

[jennylou]

I did a search, because I thought that I remembered a thread, but didn't have any luck searching.

Anyways, we're going on a cruise in February. I've heard some people say the formal night isn't all that formal, others say it is. So, if you've been, what did you wear?

What did you wear the rest of the time? How much clothes did you take? I like to typically pack light, but typically, I have access to a washer/dryer, so there isn't a need to bring a ton of stuff.

Any ideas are appreciated. :) As for the formal night, I'm plus sized, so if you're going to offer up suggestions there, please keep that in mind - oh, and I'm a nursing mom - so, um, that kind of throws a kink into what I can wear onboard. ;)

[Chimichanga]

If you wear a nice wedding attire dress (not being in the bridal party, I mean ;) ) that should suffice for the formal night. Some people do dress more formal, but others don't. I think that would be middle of the road.

For the other dinners, I would wear a sundress; that should suffice as well.

In terms of what to pack, I'd pack maybe 3 pairs of shorts (Khakis, athletic) and enough tops to wear 1 per day. I'd suggest a pair of sandals and tennis shoes (depending on if you plan to do anything more rigorous than shopping and going to the beach). I usually like to take 2 swimsuits so my tan lines can rotate - and my suits have time to dry.

[Hello Kitty]

Formal night on a cruise (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7366&highlight=)

What cruise line are you taking - it seems like it depends on that a bit.

[lawyergirl25]

For formal night on our cruise last month, I wore a strapless black dress very similar to this (http://www.shopamiami.com/assets/images/thumbs/AMI00706thumb.jpg). Some women wear beaded gowns, others just wear LBDs. I prefer to bring simple dresses that are light, wrinkle resistant, and can easily be dressed up or down. It makes packing soooo much easier.

Non-formal nights can be an issue on some cruise lines. What cruise line are you sailing? Be sure to check their website to get the official policy. On NCL, we could wear resort casual in all of the restaurants so I wore sundresses, crop pants, and capris, again dressing the outfits up or down depending on the restaurant we were going to. There's always some casual dining alternative where you can wear jeans and shorts, like a food court or snack bar or room service.

I tend to overdress rather than underdress. If you've been on the Cruise Critic boards, you know that underdressing in the formal dining rooms is a huge bone of contention among regular cruisers. I dress up because 1) I like to, and 2) I don't risk offending anyone.

Outside of dinner, I wore tanks and v-necks in the dining rooms along with shorts or skirts. If it was cold, I threw a zip-up sweatshirt over or wore jeans. If I wasn't dining, I walked around in my cover-up and flip flops. I don't think anyone expects you to look all guzzied up to go up to the pool or sun deck. Obviously, casual and comfortable are the key words here!

And I over-pack...big time. I somehow end up bringing 3 outfits for every day - day outfit, dinner outfit, post-dinner club wear. And then I end up wearing my swimsuit and cover-up all day for 3 days and I wonder why I brought so many freakin' clothes. I took home more clean clothes than dirty clothes last month. :eek: :rolleyes:

[jennylou]

Formal night on a cruise (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7366&highlight=)

What cruise line are you taking - it seems like it depends on that a bit.

See, I knew I remembered that thread - but I couldn't find it! Thanks. :)

We'll be on the Carnival Miracle.

ETA - most dresses won't work for me, because of the nursing issue. I could probably do it one night for the formal night (and promptly change or it could be a huge fiasco), but the others, I'll probably have to opt for a skirt/blouse.

[Hello Kitty]

NP - I remembered it too, which is why I had to search it out. :)

[thedoorchick]

I have been on two week-long cruises on Carnival and for both of those I took two formal dresses - one for each formal night. The rest of the time I was pretty casual - shorts/capris/cargos and sandals.

You should have access to a washer and dryer - at least, the ships I've been on had laundromat-type rooms and I made use of them. So you might be able to pack a little lighter and wash a few things midweek.

[Adaya]

I just got back from a Carnival cruise (Elation) a couple of weeks ago. We did have access to a washer/dryer though I didn't use it. I think the Elation is a bit older than the Miracle, so I'm sure you'll have that too. Just FYI.

Anyhoo, to answer your question, formal night ran the gamut. Some people were dressed to the nines and others were just dressed up in what you might find people maybe wearing to church. Nevertheless, everyone looked really nice. I wore a long black dress and jazzed it up with some really nice jewelry and super snazzy shoes.

In terms of dinner the other nights, everyone seemed to vary. Some people wore jeans which I wouldn't wear in the dining room, but that's just me. Others wore casual skirts and tops or sundresses. Whatever you do, bring a sweater or wrap because it's pretty chilly in the common areas like the theater, lounges and dining rooms.

During the rest of the day, I just wore shorts, jeans, and peasant skirts. Sometimes I walked around in my bathing suit and wrap if I had just left the spa or pool. It was pretty laidback actually. The only restrictions about dress were really in the dining room and I think in the theater.

Have fun! I just got back and am already planning the next one.

[bethnjim]

When we went on our cruise, I took the following and actually had to many clothes because I did laundry part way through:

5 short sleeve tops
5 tank tops
3 bathing suits
flip flops
sneakers

3 dress skirts
1 dress blouse
2 dressier tops
3 dressy dresses with wraps for each one (These dresses were black, black and white and brown and white. They weren't REALLY formal. They were like a dress I would wear to a wedding!!)
black dress shoes
brown dress shoes

Honestly, I really overpacked, but it was nice to have options!!