How "formal" is formal?
 

I'll be on the QEII holiday cruise. Xmax Eve and New Year's Eve will, no doubt, be "formal" evenings. But how formal is formal? As a plus-size woman, I often have difficulty finding suitable gowns and I'm much more comfortable in a JNY black wool suit. Will I feel out of place wearing a formal dark suit with a silk camisole and diamond jewlry as opposed to a cocktail dress or gown?

I did just that on Holland America once..and didn't feel out of place at all.

You'll be fine. Enjoy yourself - the best attire will be the smile on your face.

Since I am in that category most of my "formal" outfits go around the color "black".. black palazzo pants, I have a black velvet skirt and top them off with dressy tops or plain black with jewelry.. Do not feel self conscious about what your wearing.. I do feel that what you are planning to wear is appropriate. No doubt that your cruise on the QE11 will bring out all the jewels and dressy clothes that the women have.. Over the years I've accumulated many suitable outfits bought on sale AFTER New Years... or I find that Lord and Taylors has a great selection.. Or better yet.. if you can find a consignment shop that handles cocktail type dresses....Maybe not for this cruise.. but for others.. keep your eyes opened to all sorts of possibilities for future cruises.

Thanks for the vote of confidence. It's my first cruise, so I'm trying to get a handle on the protocol.

Roundtrip,

The cruise sounds wonderful, and your outfit will be fine.

I don't know where you are located but Bloomingdales (both in stores & catalogs) have a large selection of plus size clothing.

Have a great time.

I think you might feel a bit out of place - particularly because it will be Xmas and New Year and people are sure to make a big effort.

Why don't you think about getting something made/designed before Xmas...it will make you feel extra special!

I never feel out of place in all black. Have you tried to find a long skirt or palazzo pants (black, of course!) to mix and match with? And a beautiful shawl is an elegant touch.

Have a wonderful time!

I actually did come across an ankle length black skirt (RL no less)at TJ Maxx. It has a bit of a side wrap and I'm pairing it with a red velvet dinner jacket. So I'm all set to go.

I've done considerable research since first posting this topic and I've come to the conclusion that worries about proper dess are overplayed. The CUNARD documents say that "formal" is a gown or "other appropriate attire." A gown would be expected for Queen's Grill passengers I suspect, but I'm traveling in steerage, er, Mauritania class, the lowest class of a four-class ship. Nobody should expect persons of that class to come decked out in ball gowns and dripping with diamonds. Yes, there will be some in gowns, and some will come ridiculously underdressed, but I suspect most will wear the best they've got (i.e. dark business suites, black or festive cocktail dresses, black skirts/dress pants with silk blouses or pretty sweater sets). This is completely appropriate for my class of accomodations and for my financial situation. AFter all, I'm traveling on the QEII, not meeting QEII!

<i>A gown would be expected for Queen's Grill passengers I suspect, but I'm traveling in steerage, er, Mauritania class, the lowest class of a four-class ship. Nobody should expect persons of that class to come decked out in ball gowns and dripping with diamonds.</i>

Right on. And doimonds and poils would be seriously out of place once the ceilidh gets going down on the &quot;Dublin&quot; deck.

Oh and by the way Mrs. Q is QE2 in England. She's still QE1 in Scotland.

You will be fine. The diamond jewelry will speak volumes. Have a great time.

Woody

How exciting Roundtrip! I can't add to the suggestions but just wanted to wish you a wonderful time. :)

Be careful when you are dancing in steerage that you don't put a high heel through the hull of the ship.