Thread: Define formal, elegant casual, semi formal

This is to all the seasoned cruisers that attend the the evening formal/semi formal events - trying to figure out what to pack - need specific definitions regarding formal wear etc. The "Balls" on my itinerary do not say whether formal or otherwise. I assume "Balls" are formal...then again what is formal wear for both males and females? I assume tux and long gown. Could someone please comment? I assume semi formal is shorter after 5-type dresses; then what thpe of clothing is elegant casual? Also, should I purchase my mask for the mascarade ball a before the cruise? I would love to get this cleared up - I need to get packing ASAP we leave on the 30th for 2 week Panamal Canal cruise on Queen Victoria.
Thank you!!!!

Originally Posted by jcjames

This is to all the seasoned cruisers that attend the the evening formal/semi formal events - trying to figure out what to pack - need specific definitions regarding formal wear etc. The "Balls" on my itinerary do not say whether formal or otherwise. I assume "Balls" are formal...then again what is formal wear for both males and females? I assume tux and long gown. Could someone please comment? I assume semi formal is shorter after 5-type dresses; then what thpe of clothing is elegant casual? Also, should I purchase my mask for the mascarade ball a before the cruise? I would love to get this cleared up - I need to get packing ASAP we leave on the 30th for 2 week Panamal Canal cruise on Queen Victoria.
Thank you!!!!

Here's how Cunard defines each category.

Formal:
Black tie or formal dark suit for men. Evening dress or other formal attire for ladies.

Semi-formal:
Jacket and tie for men. Cocktail dress or trouser suit for ladies. No jeans.

Elegant Casual:
Jacket, no tie required for men. Dress, skirt or trousers for ladies. No jeans or shorts.


Does this help you clarify and make some packing choices?

Originally Posted by jcjames

This is to all the seasoned cruisers that attend the the evening formal/semi formal events - trying to figure out what to pack - need specific definitions regarding formal wear etc. The "Balls" on my itinerary do not say whether formal or otherwise. I assume "Balls" are formal...then again what is formal wear for both males and females? I assume tux and long gown. Could someone please comment? I assume semi formal is shorter after 5-type dresses; then what thpe of clothing is elegant casual? Also, should I purchase my mask for the mascarade ball a before the cruise? I would love to get this cleared up - I need to get packing ASAP we leave on the 30th for 2 week Panamal Canal cruise on Queen Victoria.
Thank you!!!!

Hi and welcome to www.cruiselinefans.com


Formal, is a dark suit or tux for men, long gown or cocktail dress for ladies. As you are in the tropics you could wear a black or white/cream tux. For ladies an fancy top and skirt or tailored trousers would be ok.

Semi formal is a suit or jacket and tie for men, cocktail dress or tourser suit for ladies, but a skirt and top would be ok.

Eligant Casuel, jacket but no tie required for men, although a lot of men (me included) do wear a tie. Ladies can wear a dress skirt or smart trousers.

Your cruise paperwork or voyage personaliser should tell you when the formal nights are, but in general if it's a sea day it will be formal or semi formal, port days tend to be eligant casual.

You don't need to take a mask as these are available for sale on board, the afternoon before the ball, there should be a "workshop" where you can buy a mask and decorate or paint it. This will be in the daily programme which is delived to your cabin each night. It also has the dress code for the following evening.

I hope you have a great time on board Queen Victoria, I think she is a lovely ship and easy to find your way around.

Any more questions, just ask, I love to talk about all things Cunard

Yes, but think about how fancy you could get with ostrich feathers and a black mask that you prepare at home. I will bet many of the items you would want or need are not available on the ship.

Thanks for the very detailed clarification!!! Helps a lot