I am going on a cruise in Sep. Was told I need 2 formal gowns. Spent $300 on a full length gown and a shorter one to the knees. I now have been told no one really dresses to the 10's anymore. Did I waste my money?
Hello Chaillea, and welcome to CruiseMates! Your question will probably be moved to the "Cruise Dressing/Packing" thread.
IMHO, you did waste some $$ unless you're sailing a very upscale cruise line or have other place's you can wear your gowns. You won't be out of place on Formal Night on any ship, but Formal Night has become less "formal" over the years.
Have a wonderful cruise!
__________________
Fern
"A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour."
Carnival Inspiration 2002 Carnival Elation 2004
Grand Princess 2004 NCL Sun 2005
Sun Princess 2006 NCL Dream 2007
Caribbean Princess 2007 NCL Dawn 2008
Island Princess 2008 Island Princess 2009
Golden Princess 2009 Carnival Conquest 2010
Grand Princess 2010 Island Princess 2011
Grand Princess 2011 Carnival Magic 2012
Carnival Dream 2012 Island Princess 2013
The cruise lines are getting less and less formal unless you are on one of the upscale cruise lines. They really just don't want people coming to the dining rooms in jeans and t-shirts. But they are getting much more relaxed with the clothing requirements. I used to love to dress in gowns and make my husband wear a tux, that really made him hate to go on a cruise. I like to dress up, but I don't dress like I used to. You will see everything, when you are on a cruise, do what you want to do.That's what cruising is all about, you don't have to do anything you don't want to do. Go to the buffett, food is just as good.
Nancy
In my opinion, since you bought the dresses... wear them and enjoy them..you will see some of this, and some of that..take pride in how lovely you will look, and how nice your pictures will be & have as great memories.
__________________
Trip, with her book & tea!
Chat Hostess & Board Moderator
I suppose people don't dress up quite as much as they used to, but formal night on ships that have them are still "occasions," dinner jackets/Tux for men & elegant dresses for the ladies so enjoy & don't worry about it.
I am going on a cruise in Sep. Was told I need 2 formal gowns. Spent $300 on a full length gown and a shorter one to the knees. I now have been told no one really dresses to the 10's anymore. Did I waste my money?
The only safe advice is to follow the "suggested" standard of dress promulgated by your cruise line. This is what is proper, and will guarantee that you won't be out of place.
That said, the trend of the majority of passengers depends upon the cruise line, the length of the cruise, and the destination to which you are going.
>> Cruises on the "premium" lines tend to be dressier than cruises on the "mainstream" lines.
>> Longer cruises tend to be dressier than shorter cruises.
>> Cruises to more exotic or classical destinations tend to be dressier than cruises to more casual destinations.
The bottom line here is that on a three-night cruise to the Bahamas on Carnival, most men probably will opt for the sport shirt and slacks and most ladies will opt for a cocktail dress on the "elegant" evening. OTOH, on a fourteen night European or Transatlantic cruise on Celebrity, most gents will opt for "black tie" and the "full length gown" will fit right in on the formal nights. On the latter, the cocktail dress may well fit right in in the casual nights!
Connect with Facebook
formal wear
unless you're sailing a very upscale cruise line or have other place's you can wear your gowns. You won't be out of place on Formal Night on any ship, but Formal Night has become less "formal" over the years. 
Linear Mode
