OMG I am going with my friend on an Alaskan cruise in May - and I'm thinking "WT#$%#$% am I going to wear!" . . . there are 2 formal nights . . . and I don't DARE shop before the beginning of May or whatever I get won't fit . . . who know what size I might be by then! (much smaller I HOPE). just had to share . . . this should be interesting!

Alaskan cruises tend to be a little less formal than other cruises. Many women wear black pants or a black skirt and a sparkly top.

On my first cruise to the Caribbean in November 2005, I went all out on a formal gown and my husband brought his tux. I'd say that about half were as formal as we were and the other half were less formal. On our next cruise to Alaska in August 2006, I brought a long skirt and silk top and he wore his suit. About one/third were dressed in tuxes and formal gowns, with the rest being less formal. On my third cruise, again to the Caribbean in December 2006, I brought a couple of dressy sundresses, as did my three daughters. Again, about a third seemed to be really dressed up.

I'm not active on the cruise board any more since I have no pending cruises but the trend does seem to be toward less formal dress. With airlines limiting luggage and cruiselines relaxing their dress codes, people just aren't dressing up as much. If you want to dress up, you certainly should, but you don't have to get as formal as once was the case.

Have fun -- Alaska is amazing! You can learn a lot and have fun planning at Cruise Critic - Cruises, Cruise Ship Reviews, Ratings, Cruise Deals, Cruise Forums.

Ty . . . great info!~

"OMG I am going with my friend on an Alaskan cruise in May"

Christasha...which cruise are you on? I'm on the 7 day Inside Passage starting May 4th on the Star Princess. I'll be on the cruise...but I certainly won't be eating much. Four to six spoons of food is my limit now. I don't care. I AM EXCITED!!!

Kandiceb - so close and yet so far! I'm on the Westerdam on May 11, doing Glacier Bay, Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan. I sure hope you love your trip - I can't WAIT!

I have been on 10 cruises over the last 18 years. I have found with the last 3 cruises we have taken it has been less formal. A nice pant suit or dress would be fine. Hope you enjoy Alaska. I was one of my best cruises I have even taken. I told my husband I would like to do it again.

Thanks! I'll enjoy it for sure! The weight has stalled . . . so maybe I can shop soon . . . just don't want to spend a lot on stuff that won't fit in 3 months lol.