How many nights are formal on a six day TA cruise?

[CCotton5]

We are on the westbound crossing of the QM2 this summer. This will be our 7th cruise and the first on the QM2, so we are aware of the proper dress on formal nights. Since this is a six night cruise, how many are formal nights? What do you do different for the "Ascot Ball" and there is another "ball" I can't remember the name of? I believe I also read that the first evening and the last evening are semi-formal for women and sport coats for the men. Daytime wear would be slacks and polo shirts? Your explanations will be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance,

Christy

[wripro]

On the two crossings I did three nights were formal, one was jacket and tie, and first and last nights were casual. You don't need any special clothes for the balls, except masks or hats if you so wish. Daytime wear is casual and what you have described would be perfect.

[Kindlychap]

On all the crossings I have done - all on the Queen Elizabeth 2 - four formal nights, two informal nights (first and last) and no silly hats.

 

None of this casual dining.

 

Times change I suppose......

[tabascored]

I just received my Voyage Information package for a westbound TA in August. It lists two formal nights, The Captain's Gala (black & white) and the Ascot Ball (hats optional-thank goodness!) I plan to dress formal most nights. It's not often that I have this type of opportunity so I intend to take full advantage of the sparkle.

 

Regards,

Sue

[heywood]

Sue,

we got ours too last week - I was surprised that there were only two after what we read on these threads - but no matter! It's funny though I thought that the Ascot ball would be black and white because of My Fair Lady - ah well!

best wishes

Heywood

[tabascored]

Heywood,

 

I never thought about My Fair Lady. That would have made more sense.

It does seem odd that formal nights would differ on Transatlantics. When I was doing research on this crossing I thought it did say they were 3 formals, but I have read so much one day my head will explode from all the information.

No matter. We have the "real itenerary" direct from Cunard. There should not be any more guessing from here on out.

 

Regards,

 

Sue

[wripro]

On my two crossings they told us two formal nights as well, but on board it turned out to be three. Not sure what they're doing now. On the QE2, of course, every night but first and last was formal.

[flandre58]

We had the same experience as wripro, so hopefully you'll have three formal nights as well (our TA was last September).

[Kindlychap]

I just received my Voyage Information package for a westbound TA in August. It lists two formal nights, The Captain's Gala (black & white) and the Ascot Ball (hats optional-thank goodness!) Regards,

Sue

 

Captain's Gala?

 

Ascot Ball?

 

Can someone explain?

[heywood]

Kindlychap- in the precruise information booklet that's what the formal nights are called- Captian's Gala Dinner and the Ascot ball - hats are optional.

[CCotton5]

Sue, I saw you had posted on another thread yesterday and I tried to respond, but the CC board wouldn't let me post a note. Are you sailing on the westbound TA on the 27th of August? If you are, then we will be aboard when you cruise!!!!

 

I will be planning for four formal nights and two semi-formal nights on the QM2. I would rather be over-dressed a bit than under-dressed.

 

Also, what papers are you all talking about receiving from Cunard about the formal nights? We haven't received anything yet. Also, how to you pre-register for your cruise. I don't think Cunard has on-line documents to fill in.

 

Thanks,

Christy

[tabascored]

Christy,

 

We are sailing on the August 11th crossing. Sorry we'll won't meet. Maybe in future. We received our Voyage information booklet last week so you're should be along soon.

 

I feel the same as you about dress. Might as well take advantage. My usual evening dress is lounge pants and a t-shirt while making dinner. It will be a welcome change.

 

Cunard does have an on-line registration. It's under (I think) "Already Booked?" I forget which upper icon I used to get to it. It was obvious once you are on the site.

 

Are you as excited as I am?

 

Regards,

 

Sue

[CCotton5]

Sue, sorry we aren't on the QM2 on the same sailing. I appreciate your information. I am really excited about our cruise. We will be on the ship for our actual 35th anniversary, the 28th of August, we planned it that way.

 

Keep in touch and hope you have a great voyage. Do you need a chauffeur service? We found one through a person on the CC board. We already have them booked to take us from Stansted, England to London to our hotel. Then they will pick us up on Sunday, the day of the sailing, and take us to Southampton. They seem like lovely people. If you need information, please let me know.

 

Thanks,

Christy

[tabascored]

Hi Christy,

 

Thanks for the offer. My husband and I are arriving at Heathrow on August 8th and driving down to Southampton. This will be exciting to say the least. Driving on the left in a right hand drive car. If we can make it through the round-abouts without incident I think we'll be fine.

Our crossing is to celebrate our 30th anniversary-which is the 21st.

 

I'm sure we'll be commenting back and forth a few more times before August.

 

Do you have plans once you get to NYC?

 

Sue

[Jeanne S]

This will be our 7th cruise and the first on the QM2, so we are aware of the proper dress on formal nights. Since this is a six night cruise, how many are formal nights? What do you do different for the "Ascot Ball" and there is another "ball" I can't remember the name of? I believe I also read that the first evening and the last evening are semi-formal for women and sport coats for the men. Daytime wear would be slacks and polo shirts? Your explanations will be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance,

Christy

 

You will not be going on a cruise this time. This is a crossing.

 

For the Black and White Ball think of Truman Capote (Plaza Hotel) and Domminic Dunne's B&W ballls. Dunne has written a charming essay about the ball he and his former wife gave in Los Angeles. Both were in the 1960's.

 

Ascot, well think of the Ascot Festival and yearly Queen Elizabeth Stakes week or the jewel in Ascot’s summer season, King George & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes with nightly balls. Then of course there is Lerner and Lowes My Fair Lady. Very few hats are worn at these events.

 

Mostly passengers for both occasions dress in black and white.

 

Did the brochure state Semi Formal, not Informal (they are the same)? What you describe - sports coats for men would be paired with a tie.

[kpercy]

On all the crossings I have done - all on the Queen Elizabeth 2 - four formal nights, two informal nights (first and last) and no silly hats.

 

None of this casual dining.

 

Times change I suppose......

 

Hi,

 

We are on the 17th of May crossing. Is a White/ Cream formal DJ ok or is black the order of the day

[heywood]

Mostly passengers for both occasions dress in black and white.

Now this is the bit that bothers me- if these are the only two formal occasions - both demanding black and white- it limits clothes choices. Ascot (My Fair Lady) is black and white themed although the real Ascot races has many coloured outfits. I'm not too sure that there is such a thing as an Ascot Ball - other than Cunard and local fund - raising evenings.

So -sorry for this- will I be o.k. in a kind of pink and silver? It's really silly isn't it- we are grown ups- we can make a decision!

[pepperrn]

Hi,

 

We are on the 17th of May crossing. Is a White/ Cream formal DJ ok or is black the order of the day

 

Black every time

 

White in the tropics (just, if you fancy yourself as James Bond (in the casino))

 

On the North Atlantic (regardless of the time of year) BLACK !

 

So "new rich" to wear white tux out of the tropics!

[travel-to-go]

Now this is the bit that bothers me- if these are the only two formal occasions - both demanding black and white- it limits clothes choices. Ascot (My Fair Lady) is black and white themed although the real Ascot races has many coloured outfits. I'm not too sure that there is such a thing as an Ascot Ball - other than Cunard and local fund - raising evenings.

So -sorry for this- will I be o.k. in a kind of pink and silver? It's really silly isn't it- we are grown ups- we can make a decision!

 

Heywood,

I'll just bet you'll look fine in a pillowcase. And of course, I hope those sequins on your husbands flat cap will match the gown.

 

Actually, the Ascot ball starts around 10:15 in the Queens Room. Dinner is a separate occasion. When Cunard starts dictating what color my dress is, I will show up in a school girl uniform (Which will no doubt please many of the British men, or so I hear!) And of course, put imy hair into braids and wear ankle socks.

And no doubt, be the belle of the ball!

 

As for men's suits, a dinner jacket, tails, what-have you. I believe cream is acceptible in winter, even when not in the tropics, but I never much cared for anyone telling me I couldn't wear white before Easter (Which changes, sometimes drastically each year, and what does someone do who doesn't celebrate Easter? Are they free to wear white year round?) Of course, growing up in Florida, we wore what was comfortable. The one thing, were I a gent, I would NOT wear on threat of serious harm, is a 70's leisure suit- you know, poyester double knit with the contrasting double-stitched seems. And especially not in, say, lime greem! <G> Of course, carnaby street mod- You know , the paisly nylon silky shirt (Which melts if you get an iron near it) and ubiquitous ascot, perhaps topped by a stylish nehru jacket would be perfectly fine! <guffaw> - Hmmm! That could be a theme night!

 

But that's just my HO (Humble opinion), you're mileage may vary! (YMMV)

 

Karie,

who believes, far be it for her to dictate what others consider tasteful... but reserves the right to titter gracefully behind a discreet gloved hand.

[pongo]

Hi,

 

We are on the 17th of May crossing. Is a White/ Cream formal DJ ok or is black the order of the day

 

I would wear what you wanted if you feel comfortable that is the main thing.

 

I was so upset the 1st few weeks after booking our cruise on thinking I had to have 3 ball gowns:eek:

 

But I did not want to buy them as I will never wear them again .

So I did some good shoping and have got some really nice outfits fit for a queen and I will be confortable it would not be confortable in a ball gown

 

hope this helps:) I know you are a man but we are all people

[pnhmrk]

Black every time

 

White in the tropics (just, if you fancy yourself as James Bond (in the casino))

 

On the North Atlantic (regardless of the time of year) BLACK !

 

So "new rich" to wear white tux out of the tropics!

 

Is that the rule? White only when between the Tropics. I've worn white off the coast of Norway in summer - only when the officers have been in white though!