Cruise info requested for DD

[JoAnn Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close JoAnn]

DD & BF are thinking of possibly taking an Alaskan cruise next year. I've told her to go to Cruisecritic.com to check the various cruise lines out and what they offer, but thought I'd ask for some information on which might be the best line to use.

DD is mid 50 & BF he is about 10 years older so they don't want a family type ship, but she also mentioned that she does not want to do anything 'formal' in the way of dress for dinner. She said to her Alaska is more a 'frontier' type trip and should be VERY casual. DH & I are not much help, as we have only taken one cruise and that was years ago to Alaska on a small (900 pax) ship and we did NOT have anything formal, but we did dress up a bit for dinner (dress/sport coat). We were with a big group & our travel agent, so we went with the flow. DH's sister & BIL have gone recently on Royal Caribbean, and they said they did have formal type dinners on their cruises.

So, what I am asking...is it possible to find a 'casual' cruise, no formal type clothes required? And are all the ships all the 'mega' type with over 3,000 pax for the Alaskan Cruises? She was hoping for something a little smaller.

[travelfan Member Find all posts View Profile Close travelfan]

As far as formality on a cruise, you are never required to take part in any of the formal activities (meals, Captain's cocktail party, etc). You always have a choice of other dining options besides the formal restaurant.

There are smaller ships that sail Alaska. Your suggestion for her to check the internet to locate the style of cruising that would suit them best is excellent advice.