We’re taking our first cruise, and some of our friends tell us we should take formal clothes with us. They say everyone dresses that way for dinner. Our travel agent says it isn’t necessary, and just cost us extra for baggage. What should we do?

A: It’s your call. Some passengers still get all gussied for dinner, especially the first night, when the captain makes a welcome speech. However, the time when it was compulsary to dress formal is long gone. On even the most luxurious cruise ships, about the only restrictions for the dining rooms are no bare feet, shorts nor swim suits.