I am an unsophisticated country lady, overweight, mother of 8, grandmother of 15.Taking an inland tour of Alaska, then on to a cruise from Seward to Vancouver aboard the Celebrity, Mercury. Very much looking forward to this trip, and scared to death about the clothes I apparently am expected to wear. I have seen mention of sequins and long slinky gowns, and "cocktail dresses". I have never been to a cocktail party, and wouldn't recognize a cocktail dress if I tripped over one. My dressup life consists of going to Church every Sunday, and wearing a nice "alfred dunner" type dress, floral type. The most "sophisticated" garment I own would be a black skirt, and matching black blazer, which I could wear with a dressy blouse. Am I going to be laughed out the dining room on dressup night, or should I order room service? I don't want to purchase a "cocktail" dress, because I would never wear it again. Thanks, ladies, for your advice. Marie

Dear Marie: <BR>You are an absolute delight! I was on the Mercury in the Western Carribean in March and can say that the ship's dining room, especially on the formal nights, is formal. HOWEVER...I did see many women dressed in "suit-type" outfits. I suspect that since your skirt and blazer are black, you'll be just fine. One of the women at my table wore the same 'formal' outfit for both nights. Who cares? You may want to bring up a few comfortable, simple dresses for the informal nights and on casual nights you can certainly wear slacks. They do not, however, appreciate jeans. Do not be intimidated by the sequins and long formals you are likely to see. As long as you are clean, neatly dressed and have good manners, I do not think anyone will judge you, nor should they. In fact, your honesty was so wonderfu, and I would have been thrilled to have you as a tablemate at dinner. Have a fabulous trip!!

I absolutely agree with Cathy. My overweight (aren't we all a little?) mother wore "church clothes" on formal night on the Majesty of the Seas and I didn't see anyone point or giggle. She didn't care and neither did we. Have a great time. You'll see plenty of sequins, etc. but lots of "everything else". Have a great time -- I love your attitude.

Haven't been on Mercury but on other ships have seen several women in Sunday School dresses. They looked fine and didn't seem a bit out of place. I hope you will feel comfortable. I also like your attitude. It is refreshing.

Dear Marie, <BR> <BR>Posting on this forum and taking a cruise to Alaska. Unsophisticated? Hardly! Your children and grandchildren must look at you with pride. Go for it! Life if simply too short to sweat the small stuff and as others who undoubtedly have much more cruise experience than I say...you will be just fine. I admire you. (Thought you would like to hear a man's perspective.)

Dear Cathy, Sally, Jean, and Joe. <BR>What an absolute joy it has been to receive your posts. You have all made me feel so proud. I will wear my black skirt and blazer and think of the four of you and the secret smile in my eyes will be for you. Happy trails to all of you and may God Bless you. Marie

Dear Marie, <BR>You'll have a great time. You will not feel out of place. The Majority of cruisers are "regular people" who worked as hard as you did and are excited about their trip. You will fit right in. I would also be delighted to be at your table. Alaska is a most wonderful place to cruise. Let us all know how you enjoyed it when you return. <BR>Guylaine

A mother of 8 - I'm glad to hear you're taking a holiday. <BR> <BR>We saw all sorts on our Holland America cruise. People were not as dressy as I expected and, come to think of it, most were overweight. The majority of men weren't wearing tuxes, for example, on the formal nights. I think your simple black outfit will look better than some of the sequinned numbers which I personally found a bit tacky. I wore a black dress on formal nights and a long floral one for semi formal, and something like black pants and white blouse the rest of the time. <BR> <BR>I know someone who could be described as an overweight, unsophisticated country lady, but she has an honest, straight forward personality similar to yours I suspect and she travels all over and fits in wherever she goes. <BR> <BR>Have a fabulous trip.

Dear Marie <BR> <BR>We are a couple of unsophisticated Australians taking an RCCL Alaska cruise next month - wish you were with us!! I think the sequins and beads sunk on the trip to Australia; we'll also be the ones in plain black! <BR>Hope you have a great time and we know we will! <BR>Beryl

I agree wholeheartedly with all the above posts. The most formal night is really the "Captains Welcome Aboard Party". At that time you will see quite a few women in long gowns and some men in tuxes. You can always dress up a plain suit with some nice accessories, such as a lovely pin or necklace or a pretty scarf. This way, you can still get double duty from the same outfit without paying a fortune for a gown you will probably wear only once or twice.. Just a thought. Hope this helps and have a great cruise.