AFTER formal dinner question

[Tay-we]

We stay dressed up and hit the casino!:o

[KenNBarbie]

It really is a personal choice. Part of the pleasure of cruising is doing something very different from our daily lives. If part of the mystic of old school sea cruises is dressing formally for the evening - then you can still enjoy that - albeit perhaps not so much any more on Carnival. On the Dam ships of HAL you will find Tails and Tux, jewels and sequins - Carnival tends to be more country Sunday best.

 

Whatever you chose, ENJOY!

[Name Of The Game]

The casino will make your nice clothes all smoky!

[Carnivalcruiselady]

On our first cruise, we stayed formal all night. My hubby complained. So on subsequent cruises, we would change right after dinner. On my 50th birthday cruise, Formal night fell on my birthday so we stayed dressed up. I would stay its 50/50 on the cruises that I have been on. Some people love staying dressed up and others do it just for dinner. Its your choice whatever makes you happy and comfortable.

[CruiseHealing]

I'm going to tell you a little secret, but you have to promise that you won't tell anyone going on my next cruise.

 

Doing The Players Championship here in Jacksonville, I purchased a new golf shirt. I have carefully folded it and have put it away until my cruise in August. I will debut it on formal night. I will look GOOOOOOOD!

 

Remember, don't tell anyone going on my cruise.

[WeBeCruisin']

Since Carnival abolished "Formal" night, it is no longer an issue.

 

If Carnival no longer cares, than neither do I.

 

Untrue. Carnival changed the name to Elegant Night and allowed a little more leeway at the bottom end. They still prefer that people dress up and show some class on Elegant nights.

 

Posters like the above are determined that won't happen and distort the facts to try to brainwash people into their point of view.

 

I'm surprised we haven't heard from the "sargent" yet. :D

[Lisah101]

We stay dressed up but I have noticed some who go back and change. Over the years I've learned how to dress formally in a more comfortable style. Instead of torturing myself with spanx, I now buy empire waist dresses which don't show the "baby bulge" I earned from giving birth to two 9 pound boys 19 and 25 years ago. I don't care how much to exercise, some of us will always have the "bulge". I gave up trying to suck it in and just learned to adjust. I found some really nice dresses with a high waist and a line skirts that are so comfortable I look forward to opportunities to dress up. I will admit to carrying a slightly larger beaded purse that has a pair of black ballerina flats in case of a sore foot emergency.

 

I know some people are uncomfortable with formal wear and that is probably the reason some like to change. Would just love to hear thoughts from others on why formal wear is not their thing.

 

I personally don't find jeans very comfortable, they are either too tight and binding, hot or I'm constantly pulling them up as it's really hard to get a good fit. I love dockers of have a few pair of linen drawstring pants that feel almost like pajamas they are so comfortable. With a nice shirt, those outfits are way more comfortable to me than jeans or shorts.

 

So... long way of asking, is it the comfort of the formal wear that makes people want to change, or just that they feel out of place in formal wear?

[PA Dutchman]

We change to casual attire ASAP. I'm at the point I wish Carnival would do away with elegant nights. Last cruise elegant night looked like a casual night. More and more men are going with caribbean shirts and slacks and I like it, the days of dressing like a penguin are over. Just a matter of time and it will be gone. Just looking at the last 2 years big change from when we startrd cruiseing.

[WeBeCruisin']

 

 

So... long way of asking, is it the comfort of the formal wear that makes people want to change, or just that they feel out of place in formal wear?

 

Lisa, I think it's a combination of things. Being uncomfortable is sort of a lame excuse because the cure for a tight collar is to simply get a shirt with a bigger collar. :D

 

I think some of it is, as you mentioned, people who aren't used to dressing up and feel out of place, and I think, with others, it's just laziness. They don't want to put out the effort. Others, particularly men, seem to think that it makes them more manly to dress for dinner like the Marlboro Man. They are insecure in their masculinity and are afraid that if they dress up and really look good people will question their sexual orientation. :D

 

Others seem to feel that disregarding the dress code is a sign of rebellion and is "sticking it to the man". :rolleyes:

 

Some will say they don't have room in their suitcases, but I manage to bring a tuxedo, cummerbund, patent leather shoes, and a blazer and still get everything in one suitcase without having to wear the same thing twice or do laundry on the ship.

 

It's a complex emotional issue, particularly for men, and most of them seem compelled to try to force everyone else into their point of view.

[WeBeCruisin']

. Last cruise elegant night looked like a casual night. More and more men are going with caribbean shirts and slacks and I like it, the days of dressing like a penguin are over. Just a matter of time and it will be gone. Just looking at the last 2 years big change from when we startrd cruiseing.

 

The above post is evidence that we see what we want to see. :)

 

In the past two years, I've been on 8 cruises (the most-recent being in January) on ships ranging in size from the Fantasy to the Splendor to the Grandeur of the Seas and things haven't changed much at all, despite what some people will try to make you think.

 

True, you'll see a few people in shorts, jeans and t-shirts, But the vast majority of passengers still make an effort to look nice on Elegant nights. Probably 85% have obviously put out some kind of effort, even if it's just a nice dress shirt and long pants. You'll see about 15-20% in tuxes, another 30-40% in suits, and another 20-25% in sports coats with ties.

[MissDiva1]

So... long way of asking, is it the comfort of the formal wear that makes people want to change, or just that they feel out of place in formal wear?

 

We don't do the elegant nights anymore.....but when we did I would always change right after because we always hit the casino after dinner and I am more comfortable in jeans then a short cocktail dress sitting at the machines...so yes it would be all about comfort for me......because I have never felt out of place due to what I wear on a cruise.....I can't speak for others unlike some people do lol!

[CruiseHealing]

You know it is kind of like the movie "Titanic"

 

You have a choice. You can be the up-tight a hole like Cal, which in this case is the way "WeBeCruisin" wants you to think. They believe that wearing shorts in the dining room is ruining their preception of cruising . . . or

 

You can be like Jack. Live the way you feel you should and not worry about what people think.

 

If you decide to go formal, change if you feel right about it, or stay dressed and be happy with your choice. Who cares about Cal or WeBeCruiin's precetions of cruisin.

[Disneycruisers]

In the past two years' date=' I've been on 8 cruises (the most-recent being in January) on ships ranging in size from the Fantasy to the Splendor to the Grandeur of the Seas and things haven't changed much at all, despite what some people will try to make you think.

 

True, you'll see a few people in shorts, jeans and t-shirts, But the vast majority of passengers still make an effort to look nice on Elegant nights. Probably 85% have obviously put out some kind of effort, even if it's just a nice dress shirt and long pants. You'll see about 15-20% in tuxes, another 30-40% in suits, and another 20-25% in sports coats with ties.[/quote']

 

I agree.

 

I've noticed that the majority of Carnival cruisers STILL dress-up for elegant night.:)

[allener58]

After about 7 cruises I decided to join the minority and not dress up at all. I wear dockers and a shirt with a collar, either button down or pull over. I won't go in looking like a slob, but I like to be comfortable. Cruise # 9 coming up.:)

[WeBeCruisin']

You know it is kind of like the movie "Titanic"

 

You have a choice. You can be the up-tight a hole like Cal, which in this case is the way "WeBeCruisin" wants you to think. They believe that wearing shorts in the dining room is ruining their preception of cruising . . . or

 

You can be like Jack. Live the way you feel you should and not worry about what people think.

 

If you decide to go formal, change if you feel right about it, or stay dressed and be happy with your choice. Who cares about Cal or WeBeCruiin's precetions of cruisin.

 

I have no idea what a "precetion" is.... maybe you could enlighten me, since you don't hesitant to ascribe whatever it is to me. :)

 

You have no idea what I think and I am not attempting to tell anyone what they should think. :rolleyes:

 

I was objectively answering some of the questions that had been asked, based upon what I have seen on my recent cruises.

 

And I took exception to a couple of posts which were distorting the truth, either deliberately to try to brainwash people, or perhaps inadvertently because their personal bias influenced what they thought they saw.

 

Cruisehealing, heal thyself. Don't call people "a-holes". It's not very classy. And I know... you don't care to know anything about classy, because it's all about you, you, you and what you want and you mentioned that you didn't care what other people think.:)

[CruiseHealing]

Hey Cal (aka: WeBeCruisin') you are making this too easy

 

You have no idea what I think and I am not attempting to tell anyone what they should think.

 

You tell everyone what you think. Here are just three examples:

 

1. "I think some of it is' date=' as you mentioned, people who aren't used to dressing up and feel out of place, and [/font']I think, with others, it's just laziness."

 

2. "Others, particularly men, seem to think that it makes them more manly to dress for dinner like the Marlboro Man."

 

3. "They are insecure in their masculinity and are afraid that if they dress up and really look good people will question their sexual orientation."

 

I have no clue how you get from men wearing suites or tuxedos with cummerbund and patent leather shoes; to people questioning their sexuality. Sounds a little homophobic to me. Are you questioning your own frustrations, or is this your perception of yourself during elegant night?

 

And I took exception to a couple of posts which were distorting the truth

 

The truth is Carnival does not require you to wear suites or tuxedos (let us not forget the cummerbund' date=' patent leather shoes) on elegant night, or after dinner. Shorts are allowed in the dining room. [/font']

 

either deliberately to try to brainwash people

 

Wow you figured it out. I guess I will have to use another method of brainwashing all of the lost souls wearing suites and tuxedos during elegant night.

 

a tuxedo' date=' cummerbund, patent leather shoes [/quote']

 

Hey I think you were on my previous cruises. You don't hang around the Maitre D' station do you?

 

Finally, I nominate WeBeCruisin' the super packer of 2011. Because he can manage to bring a tuxedo, cummerbund, patent leather shoes, and a blazer and still get everything in one suitcase without having to wear the same thing twice or do laundry on the ship. Now that is impressive! What he forgot to mention is the couple bottles of booze he smuggles on board.

[vwrestler171]

I change ASAP, I hate dressing up and rarely do when not on vacation. Why ruin my vacation by dressing in clothes that I'm not comfortable in?

[RWolver672]

We change right after having pictures taken. We dress "formally" and quite frankly, a tuxedo isn't that comfortable to wear when you're sitting at the casino slots. The tux is fine, it's the patent leather shoes that do fit but are uncomfortable. I wear mine on both nights and don't want to take the chance that something will happen to it on the first night so I change. DW changes too even though she wears something different on the two nights.

 

Also realize that there will be people that don't go to dinner in the MDR on Elegant nights who won't be dressed for dinner. Add to that fact that there are four seatings on some ships. If you have early seating, you will see lots of people walking around the ship who have late seating and haven't gotten ready yet.

 

To us, Elegant night is dressing elegantly for dinner. The rest of the night we like to be comfortable.

 

As so many others have already said, do what's comfortable for you.

[WeBeCruisin']

 

Finally, I nominate WeBeCruisin' the super packer of 2011. Because he can manage to bring a tuxedo, cummerbund, patent leather shoes, and a blazer and still get everything in one suitcase without having to wear the same thing twice or do laundry on the ship. Now that is impressive! What he forgot to mention is the couple bottles of booze he smuggles on board.

 

Your adolescent name-calling and arrogant attempts at put-downs are egregiously childish. :)

 

You erroneously think that you are clever, witty and a master of wordplay. In a battle of wits, I would characterize you as being more like the Venus de Milo....... unarmed.:D

 

It's pretty obvious that you're a teenager or a 20-something (if not physically, definitely mentally) who hasn't grown up yet and thinks the world owes him anything he wants. Hopefully, maturity will change that infantile concept.

 

Enjoy formal night in your shorts and enjoy yourself by making fun of everyone who is respecting a cruising tradition which was established way, way before you were born. In reality, people will be making fun of you, but they will be too polite to let you notice.

 

Grow up, please.

 

I'm through with you.

 

Kids today..... <sigh> :rolleyes:

[WeBeCruisin']

Your adolescent name-calling and arrogant attempts at put-downs are egregiously childish. :)

 

You erroneously think that you are clever' date=' witty and a master of wordplay. In a battle of wits, I would characterize you as being more like the Venus de Milo....... unarmed.:D

 

It's pretty obvious that you're a teenager or a 20-something (if not physically, definitely mentally) who hasn't grown up yet and thinks the world owes him anything he wants. Hopefully, maturity will change that infantile concept.

 

Enjoy formal night in your shorts and enjoy yourself by making fun of everyone who is respecting a cruising tradition which was established way, way before you were born. In reality, people will be making fun of you, but they will be too polite to let you notice.

 

Grow up, please.

 

I'm through with you.

 

Kids today..... <sigh> :rolleyes:[/quote']

 

It's too late to delete the above post, but I apologize if it comes across as a little harsh in regards to CruiseHealing. I know that I shouldn't even attempt to argue or reason with people like this, but I get irritated at their attitudes and arrogance and sometimes can't help but vent a little.

 

For that, I apologize, and I will make every effort to keep my thoughts on such matters to myself and not disrupt threads with my responses.

[ccruisequeen]

we usually have a bit of time before the show, so dad drops off to change into a sweater & take off his tie (& grab a quick snooze;) )while mom & I grab seats for the show.

[jonbgd]

We stayed dressed up through out the evening as we do early dinner than the show

[CruiseHealing]

Hey Cal (aka: WeBeCruisin')

 

Let's not get your cummerbund in such bunch. Are you mad because I showed you how much you contradicted yourself?

 

Be honest here and admit that you can not stand the idea that the once old time tradition of wearing suites or tuxedos (with or without cummerbunds and patent leather shows) for dinner during a cruise are no longer part of Carnival cruising culture. Like the need for buggy whips, times have changed. Carnival Cruise Lines (as well as many cruise lines) realized this and that is why they had to make this change. The American public no longer wear suites to fly, nor feel the need to wear a tuxedo to go on a cruise vacation.

 

In reality' date=' people will be making fun of you, but they will be too polite to let you notice.[/quote']

 

Once again, that does not bother me because I could careless what other people think. Shorts are allowed in the MDR and people like you can't stand it.

 

Enjoy formal night in your shorts.

Why' date=' thank you, I will. Remember, I also will be wearing a new golf shirt on my next Elegant Night![/color']

 

One last thing, if you want to stay with the buggy whip crowd, I recommend sailing Celebrity Cruise Line. Cummerbunds are welcomed there.

[jonbgd]

Hey Cal (aka: WeBeCruisin')

 

Let's not get your cummerbund in such bunch. Are you mad because I showed you how much you contradicted yourself?

 

Be honest here and admit that you can not stand the idea that the once old time tradition of wearing suites or tuxedos (with or without cummerbunds and patent leather shows) for dinner during a cruise are no longer part of Carnival cruising culture. Like the need for buggy whips, times have changed. Carnival Cruise Lines (as well as many cruise lines) realized this and that is why they had to make this change. The American public no longer wear suites to fly, nor feel the need to wear a tuxedo to go on a cruise vacation.

 

 

 

Once again, that does not bother me because I could careless what other people think. Shorts are allowed in the MDR and people like you can't stand it.

 

 

Why, thank you, I will. Remember, I also will be wearing a new golf shirt on my next Elegant Night!

 

One last thing, if you want to stay with the buggy whip crowd, I recommend sailing Celebrity Cruise Line. Cummerbunds are welcomed there.

So you wear shorts in the MDR on Elegant night??? When did Carnival start allowing that?

[CruiseHealing]

So you wear shorts in the MDR on Elegant night??? When did Carnival start allowing that?

 

Shorts are allowed on causal nights, but not recommended on Elegant Night. "Recommended", that's not a statement of disallowing shorts, they just prefer you not wear them. So, sometimes I do and some times I wear dockers. It just depends on my particular mood at the time.