Thanks all! I really do love it. And thank you for the suggestions to dress it down. I think it would be great with flat sandals or even sneakers and my jean jacket. It feels great on (but will look better with makeup or some sun, and with shoes).

Lisap: it's more cottony than satiny, although it's a very smooth cotton so it feels a bit luxe, IYKWIM. Lining is satiny so it moves on the body.

Angie: It hits me just above the knee, so it's not short by my standards. Just not midi. And I love the bright color.

Dana: It's so interesting that you called this "tom girl," and I think you are spot on. I'm not sure I would have said that because it feels so feminine, but the high neck -- one of my favorite features -- is, I think, what gives it that "tom girl" vibe. So insightful of you.

And ps: we've booked the cruise. It's ON.

I love it! It has a fringe type trim?
Looks wonderful on you.

It looks great on you!

The dress is perfect on you. Have fun on the cruise.

WOW! Looks great on you.

Viva, That dress looks great on you and will be perfect for packing and wearing on a cruise. How did the sizing run?

Love it - perfect fit and length!

Such a fun dress! I've done a number of cruises, both with just DH and some with sides of our families. They are a great way to travel with people with a variety of ages, interests and fitness levels. Plus you see lots of place and only unpack once.

I think the reason my DH likes them, besides the reasons above, is they can be so relaxing - you don't even have to decided where to eat.

Different cruise lines cater to different clientele, some family oriented, some older, some quieter, some with a real strong party vibe (did one once, probably not again for me).

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/index.php?
There is an interesting online forum called Cruise Critic with tons of info, and even a board for "roll call" for your specific ship and sailing that cruisers will post on and discuss details of itineraries, ports of call, best place to stay in port, etc. You can just lurk and get all kind of info.

I hope yours is wonderful.

JamC: sizing was spot-on. Took my regular size and it fit like a dream.

Karen: Cruise Critic has been really helpful so far! Helped us choose the line and ship.

Thanks everyone for the pro-cruise perspective. It's helping me feel much, much better about this vacation. I have to say, I usually get my way (although to be fair, I do ALL the vacation research too) - so it's a big deal to take DH's vacation choice for a change. I'm feeling rather magnanimous, hahaha!

It's perfect! Suits you beautifully! Though I kinda wish I hadn't seen your post, since the coral one is calling my name now that I've seen it again.

Sounds like a great resolution on the cruise - you doing the research enables you to pick a line with a "vibe" that will be comfortable for you.

Enjoy!

FAB!

Gorgeous dress--it looks great on you!

LOVE

Killer

It's a fabulous length, Viv. It was mid thigh on the mannequin - perhaps they had a petite on the leggy mannequin?

Beautiful!

Oh yes, Angie, they must have! Mid-thigh would not have worked for me!!!

The dress looks great and perfect for the occasion. And I suspect for other summer vacations or even summer parties in the future.

I have not been on a cruise. I have sometimes had the best holidays when it has not been the activity of my choice..it is great to try something different.

Fabulous dress, you look amazing! And perfect for travelling as it doesn't look like it would crush.
I haven't been on a cruise. I have a feeling I would either love it or hate it, and nothing in between.