Dressing Down? or Dressing Up?

What’s one of the biggest headaches when preparing to go on your cruise?

Well mine is packing – what should I take? What if I haven’t got the right clothes? How many formal nights? etc etc

I have been on some cruises and to tell the truth some passengers ideas of smart casual are definitely not mine!

Well, P & O have decided to simplify their dress codes this year on Adonia, Arcadia, Aurora and Oriana. It’s going to be the following two Black Tie and Evening Casual.

Black Tie – these nights are really popular with most cruisers, they  add a touch of glamour and a real sense of occasion to evenings at sea. I love to see people dressed to the nines, ball gowns or cocktail dresses – fantastic. For men, dinner jackets or tuxedos are the norm, but a dark lounge or business suit and tie can be worn as an alternative. You can also wear formal national dress and army uniform. If you are cruising for 7 nights or more there will still be the black and white ball on one of the formal nights.

Evening Casual – there are normally 10 evening casual nights on a 2 week cruise. The only things they don’t want to see on these evenings are trainers, football shirts or tracksuits, even smart dark denim is acceptable.for men. A jacket and smart trousers can be worn but are not compulsory.

Don’t you think this makes it simpler? You can still glitz it up a few times but then other nights you can be a bit more laid back and comfortable.

What do you think?