On our last cruise (years ago) we had to formal nights where I wore full length gown-type dresses....so did everyone else.
Now I've heard that most people don't do that. Most now where cocktail type dresses or nice black slacks with a fancy top...
This time we are flying in to take this cruise and I'm not sure how well long fancy dresses will do in the belly of the plane!
Please help me figure out what to pack!!!

On our last cruise (years ago) we had to formal nights where I wore full length gown-type dresses....so did everyone else.
Now I've heard that most people don't do that. Most now where cocktail type dresses or nice black slacks with a fancy top...
This time we are flying in to take this cruise and I'm not sure how well long fancy dresses will do in the belly of the plane!
Please help me figure out what to pack!!!

Not sure where you heard that people are not doing gowns. We did the formal dinners on our Mariner cruise in a Tux(me) and a gown (wife). My wife packed her gown in a garment bag (put it in a dry cleaner plastic bag to prevent wrinkles) and had no problem.

If you want to dress up, go for it. If you don't want to go through that much fuss, then you could also do the cocktail dress. Its up to you.

On the last 2 cruises (most current in June) I think that younger people tend to wear more of cocktail dresses to casual type of dresses. The men possibly in a suit or dress pants with a nice dress shirt. The older people I see more in the gowns and a tux but still see cocktail dresses and suits too. I think too it's whatever you feel most comfortable wearing.

cousins, we've found our Canada/New England cruises to be more formal than those in the Caribbean, so you would not be out of place in a gown. I recently flew to Europe with three gowns in my suitcases. I packed them all in plastic dry cleaning bags, and all arrived wrinkle-free. Enjoy!

Thanks Lisa!

Just did an RCCL Caribbean cruise.

For me, formal night means I wear socks and a blazer, the latter is a concession to my wife.

No tux
No suit
No tie