Hi Cindy,
I'll be on the Golden Dec. 23 out of New Orleans so it looks like were on the same boat. This website (
http://www.virtualtoursusa.com/goldenprincess.htm) has been very helpful to me. You can see a virtual tour of the mini-suite and the casino. AS far as the formal nights go, I have never been kicked out of the dining room ecause I wasn't in proper attire. The buffet is open 24/7 and it is never formal. You should also be able to easily fins seating for ten.