Sue

Well, it's about time for another stupid question. I have never taken a cruise and have no clue about anything! I'm going with my son and d-i-l and 3 grandsons (14,11,11). What do you wear to dinner? I had just supposed since most of the excursions would be active ones and our purpose is not to party but see sights that casual at dinner would be OK. From the HAL response, I guess no jeans? Any advice?

love2travel

It's not a stupid question at all. Generally on a 7 night cruise there are 2 formal nights in which ladies are expected to wear cocktail dresses, long formals, etc. Men wear dark suits or tuxes. Although, you will see all kinds, the majority will dress up on formal night. Some ladies choose a very nice pant suit as well. We have enjoyed dressing up because it's a great deal of fun to get your picture taken and it's something we don't do at home very often.<BR><BR>However, the lido deck buffet, pizzeria, etc. will be open. You don't have to eat in the dining room, although I always hate to miss it because the food is so good.<BR><BR>They will accept shorts at breakfast and lunch time in the dining room, just no muscle shirts for guys (they want open collar golf-shirts). On nights other than formal nights you can get away with nice dockers and shirt, capris, etc. Jeans on formal nights are generally not acceptable in the dining room.<BR><BR>Have a great trip - if it's the Carnival Spirit (I assume it is), you'll love it. She's beautiful!

Sue

love2, Thanks so much for your kind and complete answer, even though it dashed my hopes for reasonable packing. It seems like such a waste of luggage space to have to pack a suit! (In this case, I do think women can "get by" easier.) I will pass the info on to d-i-l.<BR><BR>Yes, it is the Spirit, and we are all so excited we can't stand it!

Paul Therault

<BR>Hi Sue,<BR><BR>Love2travel is correct. Carnival Alaska is pretty darn elegant mainly due to the fact it is an exotic cruise and it is predominately seniors. If you are concerned about packing, formal attire is not neccessary for children unless you wish them to look real cute in the formal portraits. I would not advise jeans unless you are planning to spend quite a bit of time on glaciers. They are heavy and take up precious room in your suitcase. Wool slacks would be perfect.<BR><BR>Enjoy your trip of a lifetime.<BR><BR>Paul

Karl

You might also consider renting a tux directly from the ship. It's not that expensive and you don't have to worry about packing. You can do this directly from the cruise line before you go. The tux will be waiting in your cabin when you get there.

Paul Therault

Yes, that's a great idea Karl. Less to carry with you.<BR><BR>Paul

love2travel

Forgot about the tux rental. We did that for my son and husband our first cruise. It was great because we didn't have that extra garment bag.<BR><BR>It isn't that expensive and a great way to conserve packing space.<BR><BR>Have a great time!

Karen

Just a footnote-I found on our Princess cruise last year, the first formal night was the most formal (that sounds silly). For packing convenience my husband took 1 suit and two shirt and ties, I took a long black skirt and two tops (this also saved on shoes). We had dinner companions who went all out both formal and informal nights but we all had fun!We actually resisted the idea of dressing up much as you are, but found it really was sort of prom-night fun and what-the-heck, suitcases roll these days! Have a blast!!

Sue

Thank you all so much for the "skinny" on dressing. I think we will have to bite the bullet and go for it; I'd hate to miss the party nights and I think it would be a good experience for the kids, too. (But I know I'm not going to get my son in a tux!)

Paul Therault

<BR>Hi Sue,<BR><BR>You might have a hard time getting your 14 year old into anything decent. I see the way teens dress on all the ships.<BR><BR>Paul

Sue

I know, Paul--I've seen the 14-year-old at home, but he can be coerced into dressing properly (probably with a fair amount of grumbling).