Why not just end formal nights altogether?

[mickeysgal]

Someone give me some history. In the past, was every night formal and did it slowly erode away to one to two nights? I'm trying to think back to when we started cruising in the late 80's. I believe we dressed up for every night. Nothing was ever casual. What was the original lingo...formal; semi-formal?

 

Just sort of feels strange to me, that Monday, it's casual, Tuesday, it's smart casual, Wednesday, formal, Thursday, smart casual, etc. Seems like a game of dress-up. Same people, same table, same dining room, same food basically, same dinner routine. The only thing that changes is the mode of dress. No doubt that there is some factor to formal nights being a cash cow for the cruise line. If there wasn't anything to gain from it, I don't believe they'd do it.

[Charles4515]

I see your point. It goes against everything else in print, however, the point is, that this is one of the 1-3 nights that you read in your brochure as formal night.

 

I think we should have "Suggestion" night. I suggest Daisy Dukes! It's my cruise and I'm comfortable in them.

 

If you (in general) don't want to dress, it's up to you. But don't insult your own inteligence into thinking that the putting forth of FORMAL night was meant to be an option. The lines just don't want to loose the monies of those who choose not to dress, so be it. You've made your points, so be it. Have a nice cruise.

 

That is what some don't get. Formal night is not an option. It is real. What is supposed to be worn on that night is what is suggested. They suggest formal wear since it is formal night! But on Royal Caribbean they won't deny you dinner in the dining room if you don't wear what is suggested.

 

Some might think that is bad. Some might think that is good.

 

I am in the camp that does not care if others are complying. I will wear the suggested dress out of respect, it seems to me to be the right thing to do, but I don't care what anyone else is wearing. I would only dress down if I was among only a very few complying. So far on my sailings the large majority has been dressing up. I don't care if Royal enforces dressing formal or not. I don't think anyone who does not dress up is a bad person.

 

Also I don't care if they have Formal Night or not. That does not enter into my cruise choice. I can live with it. If they ended it that would be okay with me.

[Pushka]

. I will wear the suggested dress out of respect, it seems to me to be the right thing to do, but I don't care what anyone else is wearing. I would only dress down if I was among only a very few complying. So far on my sailings the large majority has been dressing up. I don't care if Royal enforces dressing formal or not. I don't think anyone who does not dress up is a bad person.

 

Also I don't care if they have Formal Night or not. That does not enter into my cruise choice. I can live with it. If they ended it that would be okay with me.

 

But respect for who exactly? Surely not RCL? Honestly, you are simply Joe Blow who has paid money on the understanding that you will receive their service. Hopefully it ends up as satisfactory. It doesnt enter my head that what other passengers wear reflects in any way their feelings of respect for me because I don't know them, and they don't know me, and I have no control over what they wear. So who exactly needs your sign of respect?:confused:

[Heidils]

That is what some don't get. Formal night is not an option. It is real. What is supposed to be worn on that night is what is suggested. They suggest formal wear since it is formal night! But on Royal Caribbean they won't deny you dinner in the dining room if you don't wear what is suggested.

 

Some might think that is bad. Some might think that is good.

 

I am in the camp that does not care if others are complying. I will wear the suggested dress out of respect, it seems to me to be the right thing to do, but I don't care what anyone else is wearing. I would only dress down if I was among only a very few complying. So far on my sailings the large majority has been dressing up. I don't care if Royal enforces dressing formal or not. I don't think anyone who does not dress up is a bad person.

 

Also I don't care if they have Formal Night or not. That does not enter into my cruise choice. I can live with it. If they ended it that would be okay with me.

 

 

Thank you Charles, I think you represent a lot of folks. Your willingness to understand others, and something not so dear to your heart, and YET, showing respect for your fellow passengers, I respect you.

[dz9yvr]

So have we all finally agreed that we should all find a way to get along? Have we agreed that everyone can wear what they wish and that everyone still has the right to eat in the MDR?

 

I'm good with that.

[wayne_trisha]

I've only been on 3 cruises[1 Princess and RCCL EOS] and I wear the same thing every night, even for formal nights. I wear very nice pants, a nice shirt but no tie, no tux, no black suit and have never been denied dining service. I respect anyone who wants to dress up all the way, to each their own but why not follow the NCL model of every night is formal night and casual night. Its the best of both worlds because lets face it, there are no real formal nights anyway. They won't deny you if you look half decent. By the way I think I've seen jeans in the dining room one or twice.

 

I drink, my wife does not. Why not quit selling alcohol?

[Red-Sol]

I see your point. It goes against everything else in print, however, the point is, that this is one of the 1-3 nights that you read in your brochure as formal night.

 

I think we should have "Suggestion" night. I suggest Daisy Dukes! It's my cruise and I'm comfortable in them.

 

If you (in general) don't want to dress, it's up to you. But don't insult your own inteligence into thinking that the putting forth of FORMAL night was meant to be an option. The lines just don't want to loose the monies of those who choose not to dress, so be it. You've made your points, so be it. Have a nice cruise.

 

I am sure that at some point in time Formal Night meant exactly that and was an actual requirement...and originally it was Not an option nor meant to be. RCI themselves however are the ones that blurred the lines and from at least a couple of years back formal has become and remains an option. The days designated as formal are simply days where formal is a suggestion. And I think you are probably right in that money plays a significant role in it.

 

The bottom line in all of this is that those people who wish to uphold traditions and dress formally have every right to, but if they are not happy with the changing of formal from a requirement to a suggestion should not be unhappy with those passengers who choose not to dress formally...they need to express their frustration to the cruise line for changing the rules.

[Ocean Dancer]

Some of you are still missing the point. Formal night IS formal might, many of us love it as it gives us a reason to celebrate cruising and seeing a Vegas style show. My DH also loves it, and it is fun to people watch and see what they think they look good in.............:D And I always get a new dress, on sale of course, and DH gets a matching tie. We shop together for many things making cruise planning almost as much fun as the cruise.

 

Just this week I ran into the perfect light weight Xmas green sweater for our pre Xmas cruise leaving from a colder climate!!!!

 

Now I am going to put on my cute nightie and go to bed:D

[janice4559]

If you invite me to your daughter's wedding reception at the Country Club with the suggested attire as "coat and tie", you may not throw me out if I show up in jeans and a sweater; but I would be being rude to you and your daughter. What's wrong with complying with the suggested dress whether the host enforces it or not...it's a reflection of your character, not the hosts'!

[andiloveu]

I personally love formal night. I don't have many opportunities to dress and look real formal in my life and going on a cruise gives me that. Our last cruise we bought our two little boys black suits and tux shirts and bow ties. They looked adorable. I will treasure those formal pictures forever. It gives us memories we wouldn't get by just going on a beach vacation. A cruise gives us the beach and fun in the sun and also a time to get all dolled up. I would be disappointed if they did away with the formal night. :)

[Pushka]

Oh please, I get your point you like wearing formal. Yay for you. Wear it. If RCL were at all concerned about people wearing formal then they would make it a requirement. But they don't. Because they still want our money. As for offending the hosts? Who is that exactly? The ship? The crew? The Captain who isn't even present? Good grief.

 

How sad that people compare a cruise with a wedding.

[scandinavianvoyager]

I love the consistency of some of the posters here and how they make their choices in life :)

[S.A.M.J.R.]

Some of you are still missing the point. Formal night IS formal might, many of us love it as it gives us a reason to celebrate cruising and seeing a Vegas style show. My DH also loves it, and it is fun to people watch and see what they think they look good in.............:D And I always get a new dress, on sale of course, and DH gets a matching tie. We shop together for many things making cruise planning almost as much fun as the cruise.

 

Just this week I ran into the perfect light weight Xmas green sweater for our pre Xmas cruise leaving from a colder climate!!!!

 

Now I am going to put on my cute nightie and go to bed:D

So why not go formal EVERY night? If you enjoy dressing up that much (good for you), why not enjoy it every night? I don't get it.

[graphicguy]

You know, this issue has been sliced, diced, inspected and dissected oh so many times. Formal to one, is casual to another. Casual to one, is "OMG I can't believe you wore that on formal night" to another.

 

Just dress with some common sense and you'll be fine. No one's going to kick you off the ship.

 

You're never going to get agreement.

 

As the old saying goes...."those that mind, don't matter....those that matter, don't mind!"

[avalon007]

We just finished a cruise on Radiance last month & I was suprised at how many people did dress formally (including us).

 

We live in a country area were there isn't a lot of opportunity to dress up & we love having formal nights on the cruise.

 

The way I see it is why reduce every day to the same, isn't variety the 'spice of life'? :)

 

Opportunity to not dress formally is still an option for those that don't enjoy it, but taking away formal nights would be like a year without different holiday seasons to many.

 

Little moments of tradition, a night of glamour, are what can add sparkle to the every day... maybe give it a go, you may enjoy it? ;)

[BarbGar]

I understand this is everyone's vacation, but protocol and common courtesy for each other should be respected.

 

As far as doing away with formal night, I personally think that would be very unfair to those that enjoy it. Should we do away with the pool, because not everyone likes to swim/sunbathe, or do away with the casino, because not everyone enjoys gambling? Is this all because those that don't wish to participate feel they are losing out on a special meal in the main dining room?

 

You have to admit there is something more special when more people participate; such as games at the pool gets the crowd cheering and laughing; and the bells for the winner in the casino makes everyone happy. And yes, "formal" attire in the dining room gives a romantic ambiance.

 

Perhaps one way to solve this would be for the cruise lines to consider a special venue for "formal" night. It could be a "formal" night at a speciality restaurant, or a special portion of the main dining room, ... wherever. Those so interested could make a "reservation" for "formal" night dinner, thereby giving the cruise line the number of passengers attending for the size of the room necessary. AND THIS SHOULD BE KEPT FORMAL (minimum dark suit and cocktail dress)! That way for those that are not interested in dressing "formal," can still go to their regular dining rooms dressed smart casual appropriately. With prepaid gratuities on your shipboard charges, no server would lose if no one showed up at his/her tables.

 

What do you think?

[Red-Sol]

I understand this is everyone's vacation, but protocol and common courtesy for each other should be respected.

 

As far as doing away with formal night, I personally think that would be very unfair to those that enjoy it. Should we do away with the pool, because not everyone likes to swim/sunbathe, or do away with the casino, because not everyone enjoys gambling? Is this all because those that don't wish to participate feel they are losing out on a special meal in the main dining room?

 

You have to admit there is something more special when more people participate; such as games at the pool gets the crowd cheering and laughing; and the bells for the winner in the casino makes everyone happy. And yes, "formal" attire in the dining room gives a romantic ambiance.

 

Perhaps one way to solve this would be for the cruise lines to consider a special venue for "formal" night. It could be a "formal" night at a speciality restaurant, or a special portion of the main dining room, ... wherever. Those so interested could make a "reservation" for "formal" night dinner, thereby giving the cruise line the number of passengers attending for the size of the room necessary. AND THIS SHOULD BE KEPT FORMAL (minimum dark suit and cocktail dress)! That way for those that are not interested in dressing "formal," can still go to their regular dining rooms dressed smart casual appropriately. With prepaid gratuities on your shipboard charges, no server would lose if no one showed up at his/her tables.

 

What do you think?

 

An excellent idea! My own personal preference is to dress neatly but not formally. However I also feel that formal venues should be just that as well...formal. It should be a requirement and not an option. Your idea captures the best of both worlds. I saw someone else suggest that different floors of the MDR could alternate between formal and non-formal. The cruise lines should strive to please all..but currently the mixing of both causes more problems than it solves in my opinion. Find a way to keep formal venues restricted to formal attire while also having equal venues be used for smart casual.

[gilboman]

I cannot understand why people who do not like Formal Nighs go on cruises where the dress code is occassionally Formal !!!!!! Why are you trying to change the dress code - lots of people seem to enjoy it. If anyone is really against Formal Nights there are other cruise lines they can go on.

 

I retired at the end of last year and seem to spend the majority of my time in Jeans - so every opportunity I have of "dressing up" is great. That is why I choose not to cruise on a casual cruise ship.

 

lol

 

why are you saying there is a dress code when there isn't one?

[dz9yvr]

lol

 

why are you saying there is a dress code when there isn't one?

 

 

I'm sure you'll enjoy life at Cunard

[parrotfeathers]

On Voyager last November I would say the majority of the people were dressed in formal and semi-formal wear. I cruised with a friend and we were assigned a table with three sets of young honeymooners. It was okay but I think we would have been more matched with people our own age. It was exciting talking with them about their future and all it would hold. The night before formal night one couple said they would definitely dress up (and they did). One other young couple said they would not be there because the man refused to put on a suit. The husband told all of us "you see this tee shirt? This is as formal as I get." My friend looked at the wife and said "you realize of course it is all downhill from here?" They were not at the table on formal nights.

[AFS1970]

If formal night were every night, it would cease to be a special occasion and become more routine and even mundane. This would rob it of at least some of it's appeal and allure, which is what some of us like about it.

 

Since some seem to feel that formal wear is only a suggestion, I say let's try an experiment and extend that theory to the rest of the ship. Why can't I wear jeans into the hot tub, I mean isn't swim wear just a suggestion? For that matter why even wear pants at all, I mean that is just something a dinosaur would do, I should be able to go to the casino in my skivvies if I want to, after all it is my vacation, I paid for it.

[mesci14]

jeans into the hot tub is up to you...I think it would be a bit uncomfortable. I also don't think skivies(I assume you mean underwear) are any less revealing then some of the "formal wear" or the bathing suits these day. So have at it. That said there are actually laws regarding exposure (or is it referred to as lude behavior :D)

[janice4559]

Oh please, I get your point you like wearing formal. Yay for you. Wear it. If RCL were at all concerned about people wearing formal then they would make it a requirement. But they don't. Because they still want our money. As for offending the hosts? Who is that exactly? The ship? The crew? The Captain who isn't even present? Good grief.

 

How sad that people compare a cruise with a wedding.

 

How sad you confuse manners with requirements!

[janice4559]

Oh please, I get your point you like wearing formal. Yay for you. Wear it. If RCL were at all concerned about people wearing formal then they would make it a requirement. But they don't. Because they still want our money. As for offending the hosts? Who is that exactly? The ship? The crew? The Captain who isn't even present? Good grief.

 

How sad that people compare a cruise with a wedding.

 

I've been on 16 cruises and the Captain has been present in the dining room for all of them on formal nights. It would be interesting to hear from you about how you would dress if your were invited to the Captain's table for formal night.

 

P.S. for those of you attending formal night in the main dining room with comoflage pants, a tee shirt with Woody the Woodpecker on it and an orange baseball cap....remember, you're our backdrop to an anticipatged romantic and elegant dinner with the most wonderful person in my life.

[dz9yvr]

Now Janice, I thought we all were starting to get along... Now you come back with these mean and judgemental comments :mad::mad::mad: