Black/White ball vs Royal Ascot

[kimebear]

We are sailing on the Queen Mary 2 this fall. Could anyone tell me the specifics of the black/white ball and the Royal Ascot ball? Are they the same thing? What does everyone wear? Is this at dinner or after? I'm having some dresses custom made and I would like to be prepared. Thanks a bunch!!!

I hope someone can tell you what the Black and White Ball is like on the QM2, I can only say that on the QE2 Med cruise in May it was a disaster.

Only about 10 people (incl myself) wore Black and White, even the Social Hostess did not wear the "right colours" The so called ball was dancing for 45 MINUTES in the Queens Room, with the social hostess chanting a "ditty"
"4 steps forward 4 steps back, twirl partner to right twirl partner to left, PAT HIM ON HIS BUM AND SEND HIM ON HIS WAY" - over and over again.

That was it!!!!!!!

on my 2 crossings on the QM2 the balls were basically not much. i certainly wouldnt go out of my way to attend. it seems to me more of a marketing gimmick than an actual ball. on the other hand im sure youll find people who went and loved them. all depends on your expectations.

I am sailing on 27th August and have had the same problem. Apparently the QM2 Transatlantic crossing is quite formal and people dress well even for casual evenings. I am therefore taking a long ball gown/evening dress for the Black & White Ball (as it is the evening with the Captain and his officers) and am wearing a three quarter length evening cocktail dress for the Ascot Ball. I am sure some ladies will wear full length dressess to both though. It would be nice if we knew exactly what the Ascot Ball was - sounds like a less formal evening than the Balck & White as they mention wearing hats if we want. Don't think I will wear one unless it is compulsory - apparently they have all the accessories in the shop for "theme" evenings. From my previous experience, the Captain usually has a cocktail party before dinner and then we retire to our dining-rooms to eat (with the officers on the tables) and then there is dancing afterwards. However, they may put on a buffet for everyone instead. We shall just have to see. I would take several outfits just in case!