benchdex

The dress code is out of step with the times. Celebrity seems to want to attract a younger crowd. A more formal dress code won't "cut it" with the millenials.

 

On future cruises,we will go to the specialty restaurants to avoid dressing up. In our opinions,the food on formal night is no big deal. In fact,we ate at the buffet for dinner on 3 occasions on the Eclipse last winter and enjoyed it immensely and we will do it again.

No sensible cruise line is the slightest interested in pleasing Millenials. That demographic is not where cruisers come from. They are competing for the successful people now on their late 30's and up. Rap music, twerking and elimination of culture isn't in the cards yet! The premium cruise lines know they would lose most of their loyal cruisers and revenue if pleasing Millenials were a factor.

They're the hot fall item for men where I live.... & according to Vogue & Esquire they are very much back in style. :)

hot, yes. Formal? No way.

I agree.

 

I hate that Celebrity even has the word "casual" in their dress code because most people take that to mean they can wear whatever they want and don't even read the dress code.

 

It doesn't help the fact that Celebrity is not at all consistent on enforcing the dress code on their ships, etc. I've been on some ships where it is strictly enforced and other where they let anything go.

The venue makes a big difference. Celebrity and all lines have a difficult situation. The object is to try to please all guests. Some want strict enforcement. Some resent any rules. I've seen some very unruly people when even the simplest request is made. The fact that this thread is so long speaks for itself. People seem to need hundreds of inputs to understand the rules. The Celebrity written dress code is really quite clear and has been fine tuned for the thousands of questions over time. It is a living document that has been edited and clarified as the culture on board changes. Bottom line. The cruiseline wants the greatest number of cruisers possible to enjoy each venue. Of course, even more attention is given to loyal, frequent cruisers, as Mwould be the case in any business. They have designed suitable alternatives for just about every taste. Up to, you can eat in the nude in your cabin.

I think anyone making just the effort to read and follow the rules will be totally accepted and just fine. It almost takes deliberate disregard to cause any kind of stir. Really, dressing to the nines or minimal compliance with what is acceptable in each venue works great. Most people err on the side of bringing too much. I don't think this thread continuing to grow ad finitum will add any new enlightenment. What more can really be said? :-)

On our 11 night 2014 med cruise On Reflection, I enjoyed our dinner in the Tuscan Grill in an spite of the fact that my Ribeye was paper thin and well done. I ordered a Medium Rare. The Apos and my wife's Strip steak was great.

We find, in general, we prefer the specialty restaurants on Princess newer ships to the Silhouette. I don't think we are biased, being Elite with both lines.

At the same time, we think the MDR and the buffet, both in layout, service and food quality on the Silhouette are excellent.

In fairness, I think the chef on the particular ship, the venue and many other factors pay a part. The large number of respondents who indicate the food and experience on the Silhouette in the Tuscan SR was mediocre is telling. I have to agree. I doubt we will ever go to the Tuscan again. We will be doing a B2B on the Silhouette this fall in the Med. other than the comp SR credits, we will likely use the MDR, Buffet and spa restaurants, exclusively. Great food and ambiance, so why pay more for less?

Just got off the Golden Princess. Recently remodeled and the steak and halibut dinners at the Crown Grill were world class in every respect. Service in the MDR not quite on par with Celebrity, it wasn't bad by any means, but some of that is due to the better design and food delivery technology from galley to table side on the new Celebrity ships. The MDR's on new Celebrity ships are very beautiful. striking.

In both lines certain ships and chefs are our favorites. Just like on land, we all have our own experiences, good and bad. The next person may have a completely opposite personal experience.

Certain things we like better on Princess and same with Celebrity. We have narrowed our own selections to these two as best fitting our style. We have friends who really rave about HAL (for unique itineraries) and RCCL (for entertainment and friendliness of staff). If the right cruise comes along, we will probably consider, particularly if proposed by one of our friends from past cruises to join them.

Happy cruising!

So are his pants so is he wearing a tux or a dinner jacket and slacks? I can't imagine why Celebrity would distinguish between the two categories. I think it's very easy to understand what I said but if you are playing "gotcha" enjoy yourself.:D

Many Brits will know this, but some Americans will be surprised to know that men who showed up for dinner (not just on a cruise) in a tux when formality was expected, were considered under dressed. The Tux was a new innovation and raised a lot of eyebrows. It was not considered proper formal dinner attire and not up to standard during the afternoon either. In a decade or so, the tux gained some respectability, to the point it is considered appropriate formal wear. The grey striped morning suit was what a gentleman wore in England (and in America in high society of the time). The newfangled Tuxedo or Tux was OK for a picnic.

People of just a couple of decades ago would be shocked at what passes for "formal" today. Even more, if they saw some people balk at even the greatly watered down rules. Very few restaurants in the U.S. are able to uphold even the simplest dress codes.

I did see one restaurant recently that brought joy when I saw a discreet sign saying that they had an area in a back hallway where texting and mobile phone calls were permitted, but are not permitted at the tables, in consideration for the other patrons. Three cheers!

Stop all formal nights. Just my opinion. Times have changed..

they have cruises like that. Suggest you take them and enjoy. Many people love to celebrate special occasions, and very much enjoy what they like. I would hate to see formal nights disappear, simply because we get a lot of pleasure sharing the joy of others who love to dress to the 9's. The fact that the better cruise lines continue them shows they listen to their loyal cruisers. I think they want to appeal to the people who most support their investment.

Why is it some people think their individual opinion should carry so much weight for everyone else? Seems to be something in the New York water. Bloomberg a wonderful case in point! Lol :-)

I'm sure. I like getting dressed up, so does hubby. But I don't think fellow pax should care what we wear. Packing the suit and the shoes to go with it takes up space and weight in the suitcase. When you travel to Europe, Delta charges $100 if you go over. I'm going to Bermuda in a week, and I'm going to count the no suit wearers on the two formal nights. Then report back here just so folks can have conniptions. <evil grin>

traveling on cruises to tropical and very warm areas is always less formal, but the culture in Europe is traditionally more accustomed to dress code. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in California, go ahead and be surfer dude. There are no rules in some places. People should have "conniptions" only when the setting calls for a degree of decorum. I know these terms are fast disappearing from our society. Respect for customs, civility, respect for elders, etc. is disappearing. Pity, really. I agree with what some have written, this is a pleasure cruise. I doubt most of us who cruise frequently give a damn what you wear. Just relax and enjoy yourself. This thread is much too tiring for me. Got to rest up for our vacation. Bon Voyage to each and every one of you! I hope you are all starting to get excited. Pack less, enjoy more!

That dog won't hunt. People spend thousands of dollars + airfare for a European cruise or transatlantic but think the extra $100 to bring an extra suitcase with their formal wear just plain costs too much. :rolleyes:

unlike the 1930's, a steamer trunk or tux with tails, etc is not required. The standard to meet the definition of formal can mean as simple as a lightweight (even washable) dark jacket or suit. I own a tux, but don't bring it on cruises any more. Regular black shoes and a jacket packed in plastic and a tie or two does not require an extra suitcase. Most people pack way too much stuff! My wife and I have learned how to be ready for anything on board or off with one suitcase each, regardless of the length of cruise. Woman can carry off a formal look with simply wearing pearls and earrings with just about anything. Of course, if you have been invited to Buckingham Palace for dinner with the Queen, that might require an additional suitcase. To each their own, but to me, the less luggage, the more ease and fun traveling can be. Suggest you look at all the information on packing rather than fretting about the "rich" paying to avoid dressing up. Nonsense!

But Celebrity allows those who wish to spend extra money to eat in specialty restaurants the option of never having to dress for formal night and still eat high quality food. So as long as you're willing to pay for the privilege it's ok to break the rules?

it costs nothing extra to eat in the buffet on formal nights for this who don't wish to comply to the formal dress code. The buffets on the Silhouette are terrific, unlike on some cruise lines. It has nothing to do with paying more money so one can opt out. By the way, many, even the majority, of people eating in specialty restaurants would meet the formal standards in the MDR, which are quite broad. A suit or evening jacket, with or without tie will get you in to any place on the ship, so what is all the nonsense about.

It's allowed because folks PAY that the rules don't apply to them. The rule is suit and tie Unless you pay us extra and then wear what you want.

this thread is getting to the point of ridiculous. On formal nights, celebrity requests people in the public areas honor the formal dress code. I guess if you go isolate yourself just to the specialty restaurant and then return to your cabin, that is OK. You are also welcome in the buffet without formal attire on any evening. I realize we are raising generations of people who have no respect at all for others. It's all about "me".

Any continuation of this thread for this many pages has nothing to do with more information.

Not worth reading any more silly banter!

Remember one thing . Maybe 95 percent of people that cruise only read their cruise documents and would not even know that there is such a thing as Cruise Critic.

i suppose they also don't know Celebrity (and other major cruise lines) have their own websites which spell out these details as well?

Most thinking cruisers realize that following dress code is done as a matter of respect to the other cruisers. Some people could not care less about dress codes and would not care if people around them wore bath robes and flip flops in the theater and dining room.

Other cruisers who may be celebrating special occasion or simply enjoy more formality to a certain degree are in the majority and the cruise lines wisely defer to the frequent and loyal passengers.

The rules are quite broad and flexible, much more than in previous decades. The main thing everyone should focus on is good will and not defying common sensibilities.

For those who simply are unwilling to participate, they can enjoy the cruise as well. There is always room service or using the buffet on formal nights.

Can't we all focus more on good will and being good close quarter neighbors, rather than worrying and focusing on silly semantics?

Bon Voyage to all!

Much more cost effective to get Euros over there. And easier since you will find an ATM at the airport which will give you Euros. The chip card is coming to the US and you may have already received one from your issuer. Just get a 4 digit PIN for it and you will be good to go in many parts of Europe and buying a train ticket at the machine won't be a hassle. Even if you don't have a chip card get the 4 digit PIN assigned to the card and that can certainly make transactions quicker/easier in some parts of Europe. Even if you don't have a PIN, you can still swipe and sign the receipt. I try to use my Capital One credit card as much as possible because it has 0% transaction fee and the exchange rate is good. Always have the merchant charge in local currency - not US dollars. Schwab and the United Airlines card also have no foreign transaction fee cards. Getting one of those cards will save you between 3-4% each purchase. I usually take 2 different cards just in case I have a problem. And let your card issuers and bank know when and where you will be. I take 1 VISA and 1 MasterCard - leave the AmEx at home.

AMEX gold recently removed foreign exchange transaction fees making it a great card to use. They are great if you ever lose your card or have other problems. I've never had a problem using my Amex chip card, but tanning a no transaction fee Visa in smaller store or restaurant is a good idea. Always call your credit card # a week or more before you go, letting them know what countries you will be visiting a dates.

Yes all Cruise ships have plans for armed incursions. be it fire hoses and sound guns, or arms in a locker beside the tender port bays. I am pretty sure they are prepared. I have not heard about many incidents. As far as people brining them onboard they X-ray all bags before loading and carry on as well.

In regards to Cabo What I was concerned about was why was there a necessity to have them there. And YES I would be afraid if a USCG Gun ship came charging up with guns manned!

In the past many years, the Mexican Navy and Coast Guard always have provided ship security with visible mounted weapons. As a security courtesy, they have always provided round the clock boat nearby the cruise ship the entire time. As said by others, this is nothing new. It is now also common to see police and Navy divers inspect the hull of the ships when docked. Especially in Cartegena, but seeing more often in other ports as well. Interesting to watch.

The Small Coast Guard swift boats in NY, SF and Florida all have a mounted gun on the bow. Maybe you just haven't noticed in the past, but it's been that way ever since 2001.

Rather than being afraid, I like the plan, "Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst". Anything less is stupid.

While I would agree that there may very well be security personnel aboard some ships depending on their routes, I would doubt that they are "armed police detectives" as I would think that they would have absolutely no authority or jurisdiction once outside the jurisdictional limits of the city/state/whatever to which they belonged. I'm not a legal expert, however, so I may certainly be wrong on this point. Neither do I think that you would ever hear anybody acknowledging or denying the presence or absence of such a group.

 

Tom

As a retired law enforcement officer in CA, I have had several friends who have retired from major agencies (LAPD) who have routinely served for the cruise lines. Their jurisdiction comes from the ship's captain who has full authority to arm, investigate, arrest, confine, eject, hold for authorities, etc. the FBI has authority and can be called in on a major crime which occurs on board a ship originally embarking from a U.S. Port, regardless where on the open sea the crime may have occurred. I'm not divulging anything that is business confidential, but not a topic to over discuss in any great detail. Modern cruise ships are like cities. Unfortunately, almost any crime you read about in your town can and has occurred on cruise ships. Not something to really worry about, but don't be lulled in to thinking you are in an environment that is somehow crime free. Many would be shocked at the stats,and certainly not something any ship wants publicized. Take the safety orientation seriously and listen to the instructions. Enjoy your cruise, but don't drink to the point of oblivion and think you have no responsibility for your own safety. This is my last post on this subject. As a frequent cruiser, I want to focus on more relaxing and fun topics. Bon Voyage.

There's a lot of interesting info here [a lot conflicting however]

 

 

 

I guess it's safe to say certain ships travelling certain routes will indeed carry weapons etc. Others probably have no need?

If only we lived in a world where we could predict what routes and times are dangerous. Are you aware most mass shootings are carried out in "gun free" zones. Most burglaries are in well-to-do areas. (That's where the things to steal are).

Most terrorist acts and kidnappings are done in normally peaceful surroundings. The more innocent and seemingly non-dangerous routes are the easiest to attack. Ships don't arm and disarm by trying to predict "safe routes" and "dangerous routes". Get real, dude!

In most countries around the world, passenger ships carrying any type of firearms are not allowed to enter.

 

But most cruise lines do have very sophisticated and effective (non-firearms) means to repel pirates and other people with bad intentions.

Absolutely not accurate or true. Yes, there are radiation detectors, but maritime law allows ships to determine what is necessary to protect the crew and passengers. If a particular country would not cooperate, the ship will simply not dock and remain outside the harbor. Many countries do have restrictions on nuclear weapons, but do not define details of ship security provisions. What could be carried on to their sovereign soil is another matter.

And one passenger was thrown over the side. It took almost 24 Hours for the nearest military ship to get there and longer for Special Forces to get there. Guess how I know and I was not on the cruise ship.

That is ancient history and a much lesser ship than those of today. Ship is prepared to repel just about any contingency. Much more than you might imagine, and they won't talk about it. Nuff said. Just enjoy your cruise.

I have been reading a lot about arming pilots with a firearm on airplanes to deal with any potential threats. Does anyone know if Princess has a vault of firearms for emergency situations or if there is a cruise line standard for this issue? Otherwise is there a means of protecting passengers from a violent situation? Just food for thought...

There are armed police detectives on board (paid by the cruise line) to investigate crimes and well trained, well armed ex-military contingencies, and pre-planned contingencies with the US Navy, etc. Way beyond airlines preparation. The visible security you see are just the surface. All that can be said.

We will be cruising to Alaska in 2015 on the Golden Princess. There will be three of us traveling together. We all have Iphones on Verizon. When on shore in Alaska towns, will we be able to call each other at no charge, just as if we were in the lower 48? We don't plan to use them when on board the ship.

Please only answer if you have been there recently, since I know there has been some new acquisitions by Verizon. Also, for data, is 4G required or will 3G work in Alaska cities?

Thanks

While it is true there are those selling vanilla that is actually Coumarin, you can also find pure Mexican vanilla.

We get articles showing many occasions where bottles bought in tourist areas, regardless of all the labeling, have been re-filled with the dangerous Tonka Bean extract (smells just like vanilla), just as there are counterfeit perfumes, watches, etc.

They know you will only be there for one day, and if you get sick, you probably won't know the reason. The big myth about Mexican vanilla being better is simply that - a myth. Is it really worth risking your health when so many raids have found counterfeit labels on this stuff?

I've read on CC about the fantastic vanilla people buy. Is this in Cozumel? where is the best place to get it? And how do people transport it home? My mom is house sitting, and this would be a great gift for her when we return!

There have been incidents of vanilla bottles being adulterated with impure liquids. There is really no quality control. You will probably be OK if you buy from a main store, but I personally would rather not take the chance. Certain alcohol additives, if you get the wrong bottle, could lead to severe medical problems.

Your passport is a legal document with definite beginning and expiration dates. I think the only reason they advise a 6-month window is in case you cannot return on the planned date because of illness, injury, trip elongation, etc.

Certain countries will not let you in or approve a Visa if your passport expires within 6 months of arrival. Not a problem with this particular itinerary.