Dinner attire when leaving winter port

[OceanCruise]

We have always cruised in warm weather or have flown to a warm port in the winter. The first night we were always able to wear appropriate Caribbean attire. This is our first January cruise leaving from the cold east coast (going to the Caribbean). What do people wear on the first and last nights in this situation? Winter sweaters? Spring clothes?

[cruisestitch]

Dress for the season -- you are inside, for the most part, so go with smart casual and above -- what you wore on the plane if you flew -- but you're right in thinking that Caribbean wear is probably not practical.

[B-Anne]

You'll need colder weather clothes for the first couple to 3 days, so dress for the NY climate when embarking. We were on the Silhouette on Nov. 6th from Bayonne and it was cold leaving from there. If you dress in layers, you'll be warm enough. Just discard outer layers if it gets too warm! People were in winter jackets on deck for sailaway. And don't forget your gloves!! Have a wonderful trip!

[Ocean Dancer]

I dressed in layers too. Wore dark dress jeans and a 3/4 sleeve nice top to board the ship, just changed shoes, sneaks to sandals for dinner. Everyone was casually nice, and first sea day we saw a lot of summer clothes!! That was formal night and we saw no velvet or heavy formal wear.