dress summary

[blue_crystal]

I thought it would be a good idea for people to post the actual impressions of what was worn on their voyage in different places, I'm curious as to your actual experience and to get a general idea of what I'm wearing where, to plan ahead. Here's some of the locations I'm wondering about.

 

Brittainia - first night, nights thereafter

 

Kings Grill - breakfast, lunch, and dinner

 

Chart Room and other lounge areas

 

Q32

 

day to day on deck

[LuAnn]

Great idea....my first cruise with Cunard coming up so anxious to see this!!!!

[traveling mama]

The truly marvelous thing about the QM 2 is you can dress exactly as you want but you cant always do everything dressed the way you want! :)

 

I am 62, female, and did the crossing as a single. I dressed in a nice pant suit for formal nites and was just fine! I was underdressed compared to some and over dressed compared to others.

 

I spent 3 of the days in a swim suit and then nice shorts and a shirt & jacket cover up... and walked the ship, ate in the Kings Grill for breakfast and snacks, and even went to tea in the same outfit. Felt totally fine and not uncomfortable in any way.

 

You could never get out of your shorts and tshirts and IF you never wanted to eat in the dining room for dinner you could eat in the Kings Grill early and be just fine. I even spotted a few very casual dressers sneaking into the showroom and sitting in the back just as the lights went out.

 

Or you can really dress up for everything and enjoy that if you want.

 

There is a real relaxed feeling to a crossing. A stateliness and calmness that is wonderful so wear what you want....just dont try to go into the dining room on formal nites in shorts and a tshirt!!!

 

Enjoy each moment....the 6 nites go by too fast!!!!!! :)

[pisces1]

Eastbound, I traveled with my husband and we dined in the Queen's Grill where it was a true pleasure to see everyone adhere to the "dress code" of the evening and seem comfortable doing so. Daytime was quite casual and would run the gamut from jeans/flip flops to designer resort wear. I found in general, that the Europeans traveling on board were far better dressed than Americans. Our Atlantic neighbors manage to mix comfort with style a bit better than our jean/gym shoe obsessed culture.

 

Westbound, I traveled with my mother and we had early seating in the Brittania restaurant. This was my mother's first cruise, and I encouraged her to bring her "fanciest" clothes. I was almost embarassed the first formal night since many of our fellow diners version of formal were pants and a tunic. However, the late seated diners were far better dressed than our counterparts. Overall, the journey to New York was very, very casual. I was amazed at what I saw in the public areas including the Kings Court, casino and lounges.

 

There is no "fashion police" per se, so you have to use your own judgement and be guided by your budget. By all means, you don't have to break the bank buying clothes for this journey, but you should at least strive to meet the code for the evening. This however, can be daunting, since the definition of formal in the 21st century has taken on a whole new meaning.

[elaine61]

I have found that everyone has differing views of what formal/informal dress is!! I always dress for me personally. I don't really worry about what all the others around me prefer to wear. Holidaying a couple of times of year on a cruise ship I have managed to amass a lovely selection of evening gowns and cocktail dresses. On our forthcoming trip we have 9 formal nights (don't need a new dress but considering getting one anyway!!)!! 4 informal (which I am slightly disappointed with) and 9 casual. On the formal nights I wear the gowns and on the informal I wear the cocktail dresses. Now on the casual nights I will wear dressy trousers with various tops that I have, but sometimes I see people wear these on a formal night!! I have always felt that being on board a ship (liner, cruise ship whatever, but not a ferry :) ), the best part of all is the dressing up. Being a housewife I don't have to wear a suit to work, or particularly get dressed up (how do them ladies manage to go shopping in high heels) to go shopping. So when I am on my holidays I certainly make up for it!! I dress to make myself feel a million dollars!! And generally I do no matter what the dress code is!!

 

Elaine

[guernseyguy]

I have found that everyone has differing views of what formal/informal dress is!! I always dress for me personally. I don't really worry about what all the others around me prefer to wear. Elaine

 

Elaine,

 

Good advice! Once, early in her premiership, Margaret Thatcher was horrified when she got to the palace to discover that she and the queen were wearing identical outfits. When she got back to Downing Street, she had an aide telephone the palace to suggest that in future, Downing Street would call the palace ahead of an audience, to find out what the queen was wearing, and if necessary, Mrs Thatcher would change. 'Oh, that won't be necessary' came the reply, 'the queen never notices what anyone else is wearing!'

 

Peter

[susan1234]

What is the difference between ''formal'' and ''black-tie''?

 

(There is no ''black-tie'' night on QM2 Transatlantic, right?)

[guernseyguy]

What is the difference between ''formal'' and ''black-tie''?

 

(There is no ''black-tie'' night on QM2 Transatlantic, right?)

 

'Black-tie' is idiomatic British English for Tuxedo (or DJ - 'Dinner Jacket' in British English) or 'formal'. There are three 'Formal/DJ/Tuxedo/Black Tie' evenings on a QM2 Trans Atlantic.

 

Peter

[susan1234]

'Black-tie' is idiomatic British English for Tuxedo (or DJ - 'Dinner Jacket' in British English) or 'formal'. There are three 'Formal/DJ/Tuxedo/Black Tie' evenings on a QM2 Trans Atlantic.

 

Peter

 

Got it, thanks. I thought ''Black-Tie'' was the ultimate formal, then ''Formal'', then the rest. Now it is clear.

[mtbny7]

I found in general, that the Europeans traveling on board were far better dressed than Americans. Our Atlantic neighbors manage to mix comfort with style a bit better than our jean/gym shoe obsessed culture.

 

Westbound, I traveled with my mother and we had early seating in the Brittania restaurant. This was my mother's first cruise, and I encouraged her to bring her "fanciest" clothes. I was almost embarassed the first formal night since many of our fellow diners version of formal were pants and a tunic. However, the late seated diners were far better dressed than our counterparts. Overall, the journey to New York was very, very casual. I was amazed at what I saw in the public areas including the Kings Court, casino and lounges.

 

 

HAHAHAHAHA!

 

I LOVE that above quote re: pants and a tunic

 

HAHAHAHAHAHA

 

I laugh (HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA) about that all the time on QE 2... why do some women think slacks and an untucked flow-y blouse are formal wear? GOOD GOD, what do they wear on informal nights? A barrel?

 

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

 

 

Michael

[elaine61]

You see Michael, everyone has a different opinion on what formal wear is. As I said in my previous message, it is how I feel about myself that matters more to me on a formal night rather than what my fellow passengers are wearing. I love to get all dressed up to the nines and I don't think I scrub up that bad myself!! I wear trousers (pants) and tops (some sparkly some not) on the casual evenings. Maybe my fellow passengers think I'm dressed over the top, but hey I don't care!!

 

Elaine

[Nepcib]

Would one be out of place on a formal night in a dark suit?

[dtwtraveler]

Would one be out of place on a formal night in a dark suit?

 

A black suit is fine. I don't do ball gowns. On land there just isn't anywhere to dress up formal unless it's for a wedding. I do a lot with basic black and coordinated colorful pieces. Shawls can add a formal pizzaz. On the formal nights, I'll wear my finest, on the informal I'll wear a tea-length black dress with various silk filmy tops with long sleeves in flower patterns or plain, and on the casual nights I'll wear coordinated silk tops with silk pants. On our transatlantic crossing on the QE2, women dressed all different ways. It reminded me of my class reunion. For some women, black crepe pants and a fancy sweater or blouse was the dressiest for them. I think that it's just fine on the ship. I know wealthy women who will not "waste money" on useless clothes. We all come from different backgrounds and socio-economic groups. I really like to see people who years ago could have never dreamed of such an adventure. They might come from the farming heartland of America or small towns in Europe. I think that most of the people wore their "Sunday finest", and respected the ship by not wearing real casual clothing like jeans in the evening. Perhaps that's why people like to be in the Princess or Queen's Grill where many people wear ball gowns.

[susan1234]

I certainly would not laugh hilariously at what other people wear. If they are comfortable with their attire then they have the right to wear it. While you are snickering at people, perhaps others are snickering at you too. :rolleyes:

[dtwtraveler]

I certainly would not laugh hilariously at what other people wear. If they are comfortable with their attire then they have the right to wear it. While you are snickering at people, perhaps others are snickering at you too. :rolleyes:

 

That's why I mentioned a class reunion. The snickering comments remind me so much of high school! Besides if people like me didn't dress the way I do, they wouldn't have anyone to snicker at, and what fun would that be for them?

[Paul NH]

Our eastbound transatlantic in June was pretty dressed up. Daytime wear was all over the place, with the large majority dressed casually, but nicely; I would guess about 10% of the passengers wore jeans during the day, many of these teenagers, and the balance in kakis and other nice day wear. I always wore a pair of casual slacks and a sweater which was comfortable and flexible for out on deck as well as in the lounges.

 

At night time I was surprised (and pleased since I bought a tux, and my wife a couple of gowns) at how many people were dressed up to the max. There was a very formal and elegant feel to the ship and it was an interesting experience to see so many women in gowns and men in black tuxes all parading around the lounges. It was sort of surreal in a good way. Once or twice I saw someone walking around in jeans at night and they looked seriously out of place.

 

There is a lot of truth to dressing which ever way makes you feel the most comfortable, but it would be a shame if people started dressing down to the point where the QM2 lost that glittzy (special) feel and became just like any other vacation place.

 

Paul

[dtwtraveler]

Our eastbound transatlantic in June was pretty dressed up. Daytime wear was all over the place, with the large majority dressed casually, but nicely; I would guess about 10% of the passengers wore jeans during the day, many of these teenagers, and the balance in kakis and other nice day wear. I always wore a pair of casual slacks and a sweater which was comfortable and flexible for out on deck as well as in the lounges.

 

At night time I was surprised (and pleased since I bought a tux, and my wife a couple of gowns) at how many people were dressed up to the max. There was a very formal and elegant feel to the ship and it was an interesting experience to see so many women in gowns and men in black tuxes all parading around the lounges. It was sort of surreal in a good way. Once or twice I saw someone walking around in jeans at night and they looked seriously out of place.

 

There is a lot of truth to dressing which ever way makes you feel the most comfortable, but it would be a shame if people started dressing down to the point where the QM2 lost that glittzy (special) feel and became just like any other vacation place.

 

Paul

 

Maybe it's different on the QM2, but I didn't see a lot of gowns on the QE2 in 9/03. Women were dressed nicely, but I saw few of what I would call "gowns" on them. It depends on the definition of "gowns", and perhaps it's a wider range of selection from a man's point of view. I do think that it might make a difference if you're in the Princess or Queen's Grill. I think women might feel pressured to "dress way up" when they see the brochure pictures. I guess it depends on one's definition of "glittzy". For the Midwest, I think it might be what you'd possibly wear to a wedding, country club dance or a charity event. But I even see few women in gowns in any of those situations. Those seem to be about the only places women wear gowns in my part of the country. Dressy suits are more the norm, which, of course, can be a lot pricier than a gown. It's much less of an investment for one tux for a man and three or more gowns for a woman. The world of even the rich and famous is more casual.

[susan1234]

I am short and round. Ball gowns look ridiculous and whimsical on me. So for the formal nights, I am going to wear three different elegant and sequined pant suits with one that looks like a tux but with a feminine flair. Also with coiffed hairdo, glittery jewelry and a Judith Lieber evening purse, I think I should blend in pretty fine with the crowd.

 

Me thinks one should wear whatever one feels comfortable and confident in, keeping close with the theme of the evening.

[dtwtraveler]

I am short and round. Ball gowns look ridiculous and whimsical on me. So for the formal nights, I am going to wear three different elegant and sequined pant suits with one that looks like a tux but with a feminine flair. Also with coiffed hairdo, glittery jewelry and a Judith Lieber evening purse, I think I should blend in pretty fine with the crowd.

 

Me thinks one should wear whatever one feels comfortable and confident in, keeping close with the theme of the evening.

 

I think that your suits sound great! We have so many attractive and appropriate alternatives to wear rather than ball gowns. Are you going to be on a transatlantic crossing or a cruise?

[susan1234]

I think that your suits sound great! We have so many attractive and appropriate alternatives to wear rather than ball gowns.

 

Thank you and I wholeheartedly agree with you. Besides, ball gowns are so very cumbersome to pack.

 

Are you going to be on a transatlantic crossing or a cruise?

 

Transatlantic crossing for the first time. Very much looking forward to it. Am also thankful to all the kind fellow cruisers here that took time and effort to write detailed reports and offer helpful advice.

 

su

[dtwtraveler]

Thank you and I wholeheartedly agree with you. Besides, ball gowns are so very cumbersome to pack.

 

 

 

Transatlantic crossing for the first time. Very much looking forward to it. Am also thankful to all the kind fellow cruisers here that took time and effort to write detailed reports and offer helpful advice.

 

su

 

Are you crossing from New York or Southampton?

 

The only ball gown I ever had was for my high school prom! I've had velvet suits, long silk skirts, long full crepe pants, sequined tops and they've always been appropriate for parties, fundraisers, charity events, and a transatlantic crossing!

[elaine61]

I was very fortunate to get a lot of my dresses from a lady I used to hire them from!! She gave up her business and moved home, lock stock and barrel to France. She let me have first pick of her dresses and I got some really good bargains. No way would I have paid full price for them. So I have them and I wear them. I appreciate not everyone likes to wear ballgowns, it is a very individual thing. When I think about how much this forthcoming trip is costing us (approx £18,000 for the 4 of us), I realise just how lucky I am that we are fortunate enough to be doing it!! Our very first house only cost us £13,500 some 26 years ago!! I'd like to see a house for sale at that price again!!!! For a start I'd only be 18!!!!!!!:)

 

Elaine

[elaine61]

Me thinks one should wear whatever one feels comfortable and confident in, keeping close with the theme of the evening.

 

Agree wholeheatedly. I feel very confident dressed up!!! I feel special!!!!! In my everyday clothes I am just someones wife, mother, daughter etc!! Nothing special!!!!! Please don't think I am being snobbish with my version of what I wear!! For me I just have this distinction between what I personally wear for formal, informal and casual!! When I say ballgowns they aren't the big puffy things!!! They are long, straight and elegant. I'm short and fairly round too but when I'm dressed up I don't see a short round woman. As I said I see something special!!!!!

 

Elaine

[gracecarmo]

Elaine: since we will be with you on the NYC-Southampton crossing, I am anxious to see your lovely gowns.

Since I have pared down my luggage, my formal attire consists of a long black wool knit gown.

I use different jackets....sequined/beaded, silk chiffon, jewelry, and scarves to change the look. I too, feel elegant, and enjoy dressing up. My dress fits into a large space bag and takes little room. I also have a closet full of the more ball-type gowns, as we attended many black-tie events when DH was working. Now, I feel they are not "me" anymore, but they are still beautiful and I have a hard time giving them up!

My big problem is with daytime wear on the ship....my grandmother (a very prim and proper dame) said every lady should have a grey pleated skirt and a red cashmere sweater uniform! I remember when I was 13 she gave me an outfit similar.

Now searching for daytime clothes........lol.

 

Grace

[dtwtraveler]

Agree wholeheatedly. I feel very confident dressed up!!! I feel special!!!!! In my everyday clothes I am just someones wife, mother, daughter etc!! Nothing special!!!!! Please don't think I am being snobbish with my version of what I wear!! For me I just have this distinction between what I personally wear for formal, informal and casual!! When I say ballgowns they aren't the big puffy things!!! They are long, straight and elegant. I'm short and fairly round too but when I'm dressed up I don't see a short round woman. As I said I see something special!!!!!

 

Elaine

 

I had the image in my mind of a Cinderella gown! Thanks for the clarification!