"Formal Nights" What is your preference?

I know every cruise line is different as it relates to formal nights, but the last time I was on RCC (Oasis of the Seas) i didn't see another evening dress in the crowd other than my own. In fact, my companion at the time felt a bit overdressed for the night. I personally don't mind getting all decked out for the formal nights since I have not too many chances to play dress up, but I am conflicted on what I should tell the first time cruisers which are coming with me on Anthem of the Seas in December. This is especially true since I saw people in shorts and t-shirts during formal nights. What do you choose to wear during the formal nights? and what do you think I should tell them to bring since they want to participate in the formal nights?

I know every cruise line is different as it relates to formal nights, but the last time I was on RCC (Oasis of the Seas) i didn't see another evening dress in the crowd other than my own. In fact, my companion at the time felt a bit overdressed for the night. I personally don't mind getting all decked out for the formal nights since I have not too many chances to play dress up, but I am conflicted on what I should tell the first time cruisers which are coming with me on Anthem of the Seas in December. This is especially true since I saw people in shorts and t-shirts during formal nights. What do you choose to wear during the formal nights? and what do you think I should tell them to bring since they want to participate in the formal nights?

I think you answered your own question.

We enjoy dressing up (well, I do and DH goes along). Have a couple formal banquets over the year and like to get a bit more mileage out of my formal wear.

Formal night means a tux & fancy dress for Wife'. We then dance the night away.

My wife wears a pretty dress and I go coat & tie on formal night -not worried about everyone else; it's our date night! Maybe start at the wine bar & tapas or champagne bar & hors d'oeuvres, have a few photos taken that we can laugh at later (or if there happens to be a good one, buy it!), hit the casino before a nice dinner at the MDR or a specialty restaurant, then go dancing -and tip the DJ to play our favorite song.

It's your vacation holiday -enjoy it!

You should explain to them that it is up to them what they wear

We enjoy dressing up for formal night, and let everyone else dress how they wish. It is nice though to see many dressing up, for us it adds to the enjoyment of our cruise.

I know every cruise line is different as it relates to formal nights, but the last time I was on RCC (Oasis of the Seas) i didn't see another evening dress in the crowd other than my own. In fact, my companion at the time felt a bit overdressed for the night. I personally don't mind getting all decked out for the formal nights since I have not too many chances to play dress up, but I am conflicted on what I should tell the first time cruisers which are coming with me on Anthem of the Seas in December. This is especially true since I saw people in shorts and t-shirts during formal nights. What do you choose to wear during the formal nights? and what do you think I should tell them to bring since they want to participate in the formal nights?

My wife wears cocktail dresses every night.At one time she wore an evening dress every night but the dress sense of the people you mentioned is quite common so the cocktail dresses are ideal.

love sailing with RCCL

Our formal night experience has been very different to what you described. I personally do not enjoy dressing up and choose not to on a cruise, but the last 2 years I was one of a VERY few men who was not at least in a suit. Being on a smaller ship (Serenade) on a long itinerary (10-11 nights) while kids are in school certainly contributed, I'm sure. If your friends want to participate then they should bring clothes to do so, if they don't then don't.

My wife wears cocktail dresses every night.At one time she wore an evening dress every night but the dress sense of the people you mentioned is quite common so the cocktail dresses are ideal.

 

love sailing with RCCL

My wife works in a British government office and is immaculate every day to a degree that when visitors come in they refer to her as the lady who looks like she is going to a wedding.

love sailing with RCCL

I really don't like Formal night. I have to dress up in stuffy suits for work and the last thing I want is to dress in a tux/suits on my holiday. Where possible, it's a jeans and tee evening in the windjammer for me on formal nights.

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I love formal nights. Life is becoming too casual all around. On formal night one I will be wearing a long black halter style black dress with a beaded trim and open back. Very classy and sexy at the same time. On formal night two I'll either be wearing a short red backless a line dress that ties around the neck (have to use tape to hold in place....) or a long black one shouldered beaded gown. Already looking forward to it!!!

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OP, why not simply tell them RCI's suggested dress for formal nights and then discuss what your group will wear. As long as you all aim for the same level of dress, you shouldn't worry about what others choose to wear.

I don't dress formally myself. I don't see the point. But if your friends want to dress up, they certainly should. It's their cruise experience to enjoy how they like.

Tux for me, evening gown (or cocktail dress) for my wife and DD. We love dressing up. :)

Arriving at the MDR entrance on formal night.

Formal attire or suit and tie is my preference. Anything else is Disney World standards.

I know every cruise line is different as it relates to formal nights, but the last time I was on RCC (Oasis of the Seas) i didn't see another evening dress in the crowd other than my own. In fact, my companion at the time felt a bit overdressed for the night. I personally don't mind getting all decked out for the formal nights since I have not too many chances to play dress up, but I am conflicted on what I should tell the first time cruisers which are coming with me on Anthem of the Seas in December. This is especially true since I saw people in shorts and t-shirts during formal nights. What do you choose to wear during the formal nights? and what do you think I should tell them to bring since they want to participate in the formal nights?

I would say to not look around too much and enjoy what you are wearing. Other people noticed how lovely you looked on that evening. I saw some pretty evening gowns and cocktail dresses on our last cruise. It is not like it used to be, but if you enjoy wearing your dress, go ahead and wear it. :)

OP, why not simply tell them RCI's suggested dress for formal nights and then discuss what your group will wear. As long as you all aim for the same level of dress, you shouldn't worry about what others choose to wear.

I tend to overdo it because that's just what I do. i don't expect everyone to wear the same thing though or be on the level of extravagance that I try to achieve.

 

Arriving at the MDR entrance on formal night.

I couldn't stop laughing at this one

Our family (even the kids, 10&12) enjoy formal night. However, I swear suits everyday to work and I hate the thoughts of packing one. By them time my son and I take a suit... that is a whole garment bag almost, then there's the shoes. We rent a tux... its a treat wearing something a little nicer than my "work clothes" and it is a whole lot less packing. It is a good investment for me because we enjoy it and its less packing... a win-win. For the ladies, my wife says packing a formal dress for her and our daughter is much easier than suits, shirts, ties, shoes, etc.

When we surprised our kids with this Harmony cruise this summer, the first thing my son asked was: "We are doing formal nights, right"?

My wife wears a pretty dress and I go coat & tie on formal night -not worried about everyone else; it's our date night! Maybe start at the wine bar & tapas or champagne bar & hors d'oeuvres, have a few photos taken that we can laugh at later (or if there happens to be a good one, buy it!), hit the casino before a nice dinner at the MDR or a specialty restaurant, then go dancing -and tip the DJ to play our favorite song.

 

It's your vacation holiday -enjoy it!

This is exactly what we do on our trips and we always have fun!:)

My preference? Stay in shorts and go to the windjammer. The wife's preference is to get dressed up. So a jacket and tie for me...;):D

We dress up...suits & ties for the men, long dress for me.

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This past Xmas cruise we were shocked to see people walking in with jeans on to formal night. Seems like it's changing but no one said

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