Casual Only Cruises

[Rae]

A question for you experts and veteran cruisers -- my dad is planning on giving my mom a cruise for their anniversary. They are in their early 60's and will have been married for 42 years in September (yay for them!!!). They are not much into physical activities, but love to gamble. Neither of them enjoy "dressing up" and my dad would like to find a cruise line that you do NOT have to dress formally for dinners, etc. Casino aboard would be great. Mom loves the beach and dad loves exploring local cultures and both love sightseeing. Any suggestions? I'm hoping one of you can lend advice.

Thank you!
Rae

[Rae]

A question for you experts and veteran cruisers -- my dad is planning on giving my mom a cruise for their anniversary. They are in their early 60's and will have been married for 42 years in September (yay for them!!!). They are not much into physical activities, but love to gamble. Neither of them enjoy "dressing up" and my dad would like to find a cruise line that you do NOT have to dress formally for dinners, etc. Casino aboard would be great. Mom loves the beach and dad loves exploring local cultures and both love sightseeing. Any suggestions? I'm hoping one of you can lend advice.

Thank you!
Rae

[Raoul Fiebig]

Hi Rae,

welcome aboard!

In the "mainstream" market there is e.g. Norwegian Cruise Line operating a concept called "Freestyle Cruising". There are formal nights on this line's ships, but you needn't take part in them. This means that of several restaurants onboard (operated on an open-seating basis) only one will host the formal night dinner while others are casual throughout. There are usually at least two main restaurants per ship, with their menus being virtually identical, you you don't miss anything food-wise.

A more upscale alternative is Oceania Cruises, which has no strict dress code at all. And while many Oceania passengers enjoy to dress up, it is not compulsory.

[Oggy Boy]

I would have to agree with Raoul. NCL's Freestyle cruising would allow your folks to never have to wear anything other than pants and a shirt in the evening. They would never feel "out of place" and NCL offers many itineraries in the Caribbean (think Western Caribbean for beaches) and Hawaii.

However, be aware that there are no casinos allowed on any of the ships sailing within Hawaii, so it might be the Western Caribbean for them.

They will have a great time.

Tom