first timer what do i wear

[johnny2wise]

hi my wife and i booked a last minute booking 2 weeks ago to go on the caribbean princess for xmas, we are arriving in miami from london, as weve never flown long haul b4 let alone been on a cruise we are really excited and a little scared and aprehensive aswell.

we have arranged anytime eating but were told there are two formal nights, my wife has some beautiful classy dresses and i know she will look fantastic but when it comes to myself im not sure what i can wear ive got some nice suits but i was told i would feel a bit left out if i didnt wear a dinner suit with a bow tie and cummerbund is this true.

The only reason im asking is, i wouldnt have reason to wear a dinner suit again and its a rather large expense for two nights.

i have a lovely pair of dress trousers(slacks)and a lovely Jasper Conran black velvet jacket with a beautiful white pleated dress shirt and tie would that be suffice or would i look daft.

[Karen Knowlton]

John, your black velvet jacket outfit will be nicely dressy, considering it's a Christmas cruise. A dark-colored suit will also work just fine for formal nights. We did a southern Caribbean cruise on Golden Princess this past February and many people dressed up rather fancy for formal nights - from what you describe, you will probably be exactly right.

A few tips for anytime dining: the most popular times seemed to be from 7 or 7:30 on. We found that the dining room on the lower deck was less busy - probably because it was farther away from most cabins and the evening action (though riding the elevator should have made that a moot point!)

If you like beef and the Caribbean Princess has a special steakhouse restaurant, I highly recommend it. At least on our ship, the steak was excellent, better than the ones in the main restaurant, and service was tops.

Have a wonderful cruise and a very merry Christmas!

[Ian Murray]

Hi John

When we sailed on the Grand Princess 18 months ago they had two formal nights. Whlist some of the men did weara dinner suite, many just wore ordinary suits or,as you say,trousers and a smart jacket/shirt. The main criteria seemed to be to wear what you were comfortable with and provided it looked smart, then that was fine and certainly not out of place. With so many people on the ship there was a very wide variety of "formal wear" and indeed, many chose not to dress up at all. I would just wear what you're comfortable with and have a ball and not worry too much about what everyone else is wearing. You won't feel out of place.

Regards. Ian

[Marylu]

Please don't worry so much about your clothes. I took a new outfit for everyday on my first cruise and I didn't wear half of it. Don't forget it is warm in the Caribbean. Take smart clothes that you are comfortable in and have a great time. You will meet some great people so plan to join a big table of people for dinner

[fishinjules]

I agree with everyone on wearing what your comfortable in. We traveled with a group in Alaska last year and one of the couples actually showed up to the captains dinner wearing jeans and a sweatshirt! But none the less they were treated just like the guy in the tux sitting next to them.

[Sunprincess]

Welcome to Cruise Reviews & Princess

What a lovely spur of the moment decision to cruise for Christmas. Wonderful for you both.
I do hope that you have a safe flight & enjoy your cruise.
As for formal attire you will see a mix of men in tuxedo & suits. Go with how you are comfortable. Your velvet jacket sounds great for holiday attire for sure.

Bon Voyage

Cathy

[farmerjohn]

Welcome to cruising and I hope you have a wonderful vacation.

Concerning your long-haul flight to the U.S.; I always feel very tired and beat up after a long flight. If possible arrange to arrive at the port city the day before your cruise so that you will get a good nights rest.

A jacket and slacks will work fine for formal night. I have been on many cruises and used to wear a dark suit. However, now I just wear a dark sport jacket and take a couple of pairs of slacks and a couple of different ties.