7 day Mexico Cruise (Formal Wear)?

Question

My wife and I are going to a cruise for the very first time...

What to wear on formal Evenings...

Do we have to wear something very formal... Like a tie, jacket, formal dress for women... (Note: do not want to spend too money on formal wear... rentals etc..)

Please advise...

Answer 1

We just went on our first cruise a month ago and I took one suit, along with two shirts and two ties.

That way, you only have to take one pair of dress shoes to go with the suit and you can wear the same belt and socks for both formal nights (which is how many we had)

You can find inexpensive suits at many places.

It's fun to dress up and have a good meal and have yur picture taken!!!

Just suck it up, wear a suit and have fun!!!

Answer 2

most people will wear a suit and tie on formal night.  If you don't own a suit,   a white shirt and tie will do.  As the other poster mentioned.  The lido deck or room service is always an option

Answer 3

My husband wears a dark suit and takes 2 shirts and ties to reduce packing space (and cost).

A lady can wear a little black dress and feel quite comfortable.  Select the same color dress for both nights so she can wear the same shoes.    Ebay actually has some great deals on economical cocktail dresses.  Also, www.buyinamerica.com has some good deals on cocktail dresses.

You will see everything from tuxes and ball type gowns to suits and cocktail dresses.

The formal night is optional but it is great fun to dress up and get your picture taken.  Plus they usually serve the steak and lobster in the dining room that night.  If you choose to participate in 1 formal night, pick the Captains Dinner.

Don't rent....

Answer 4

You'll find that the "formal" of formal night varies from person to person.  I have never bothered to rent anything, but a nice coctail dress for the ladies and a coat and tie for the men is usually expected.  However, I've been on cruises were peoples idea of formal was about 2 steps above casual.  Avoid jeans and shorts (I'm pretty sure they won't let you in that casual).  Personally, I went to the local goodwill and found a formal dress for under $10.  I'm not big on spending money on fancy clothing either.  Also, keep in mind that often times the Lido deck will also offer the same or similiar food in a much more casual atmospher.  I haven't done a formal night since I found that out.  I'd rather just go eat the good food in my casual clothing in a much more casual environment.  But I can't guarentee that all cruises lines offer the Lido deck option.

Answer 5

I wore the same dress that I wore at my daughters wedding. You see all types of clothes there, we were on a Princess ship and some women wore pant suits which kind of surprised me but hey, they looked nice so I guess it worked for them. So even if you wear a very nice shirt and slacks that would work, you'd fit in just fine. It goes from very formal to comfortable formal. Have a great time, take it all in!!!!

Answer 6

Others have given you good answers about what to wear, but I do have a hint for saving $ for your wife's formal wear.  If your town has a quality second-hand boutique [not Salvation Army or Goodwill], check that for nice, inexpensive formal dresses.

She could also get by with dressy black pants with a couple of different dressy or "sparkly" tops, too.