Sea Cruising

You are quite right Liaise, I do own black trousers and some posh tops which I pack for holidays but that is not what the cruise web site says is required, that why I brought it up.

Personally, I don't find dressing up expensive or difficult, but neither my partner nor I enjoy doing it. Everyone has different ideas of what they want from a holiday and knowing that everyday smart casual will be sufficient will make us look forward to it much more.

Almost packed. Just the jewellery to sort out!
I'll need a holiday when I've finished packing - just to recover!

It depends on whether or not the ship has alternative dining arrangements ie whether there is a restaurant or buffet which is still open on formal nights so that you don't have to dress up and your husband wouldn't have to wear a suit. We went on a cruise last year and we enjoyed dressing up in the evenings but the buffet was still open for those who didn't wish to join in with the formal evenings.
Mind you - we were on an Australian cruise so it was more casual than some cruises I've been on!

I was about to say also - you could be sitting next to Galen in her pearls and glamorous frocks!

Have a wonderful time Galen

I'd highly recommend Azamara which have 2 small ships. Very informal dining but superb service from crew. We went to the Baltic cities for our first cruise this year and loved every minute. We booked through Saga as they were considerably cheaper than booking directly. The pick up and dropping home alone made us choose them - so convenient.

we also like the Marco Polo callgirl1, went to Antarctica, Baltic and Norway on her, we only went on one Fred Olsen trip and weren't impressed though the food was good, Cunard and P&O are OK if you get a cheap offer, went on but P&O is a bit over rated I think, Hurtegruten are great for Norway too, did 2 back to back cruises from Ecuador to Cuba earlier this year with Voyages of discovery which were very good, have been on many cruises and river trips and tend to prefer the more 'adventure' types, don't mind dressing up but you don't need to go over the top and charity shops are good places for little worn posh frocks, be wary of the additional cost of trips, it depends where you are going but it is often easy to get a cab and a driver to take to to places for a fraction of the cost but do go on the trips if you'd find doing your own stressfull. We like other types of holiday too but cruises are certainly relaxing and you can get to interesting places.

Going on QM2 in May, in Queens Grill, any advice on dress code please.