Cruise dining options...
What are they?

Your cruise dining choices are:

• what clothing?
• what time?
• are there formal nights?
• if so, are there alternatives?

"Male speaking...
Do I have to wear a tux?"

In one word - NO!

With the traditional cruise dining experience, a dark blue or a black suit with a tie or bow tie is absolutely fine. Believe me, you will not be out of place without a tux.

On most seven (7) day cruises, there will be two (2) formal nights. In today's cruise experience, there may not be any.

As a male, I have always enjoyed these special dining nights. Even though I have long ago discarded "tie-wearing", it is not too bad for one or two evenings and adds a certain elegance to the experience.

If you do want to wear a tux you will find many kindred souls in tuxes. No problem.

If you do not own one, you can rent one on board (fairly expensive), probably around $100US.

"Lady speaking...
What about me?"

Cocktail dresses or fancy pantsuits for women.

"I don't want to dress up!"

Keep in mind that the cruise dining experience is probably the one area most in a state of flux. Many alternatives are available for dining. The traditional experience seems to be fading fast.

Early or late dining?

If traditional cruise dining is offered on your cruise, then you must select early (6 or 6:30) or late (8 or 8:30) dining at the time of booking.

Which one to pick?

This is way too personal for me to answer! Everybody is different. Thank heavens or we would all end up at the same dining time!

My wife and I prefer the early dining time, then we can go to the later show or take in some entertainment in a lounge and enjoy the rest of the evening.

But you know, it is so personal, go with your preference that you follow at home.

If this is your biggest decision of the cruise, then you have it made!