Jacket necessary on Infinity formal nite?

[1 HappyCruiser]

Those folks are best ignored.

 

All those folks probably lived right in your area before they moved to Florida. :D

[jackdiamond]

We thoroughly enjoy being permanent residences of SWFL; and, we enjoy following the dress code when we cruise.

[1 HappyCruiser]

We thoroughly enjoy being permanent residences of SWFL; and, we enjoy following the dress code when we cruise.

 

And you have every right to enjoy dressing as formally as you please. After all it's your cruise.

[BKFlowerMound]

Where I live it's actually hard to find a restaurant where you would see anyone dressed in a jacket. I suppose there are some but I haven't run across any yet. It's a vacation/retirement area & NO ONE feels like dressing up any more. That includes restaurants, weddings & funerals.

 

Where I live, you won't find jacket-required restaurants anymore. During the week, you'll still see suits on a good-sized minority of men, but that seems to be guys coming from the few offices that still require suits. On weekends, you'll see jackets, normally tieless, and often with dressy jeans. The "look" for the last couple of years has been the untucked dress shirt, straight hem, rolled once on the sleeves to show contrasting cuff, with dark jeans. To me, this looks like its hiding a paunch even if it isn't. Truthfully, at the nicest places the unofficial code is, essentially, "smart casual."

 

Places where a suit is the norm are few and far between: weddings, funerals, a very limited number of Formal "high society" events (these are shrinking), and places frequented by the elderly (e.g., certain downtown social clubs, country clubs, etc.). Other than weddings and funerals, if you want someone 55 or under to come, the dress requirements are more casual.

 

Even so, the dress code on Celebrity is what it is. It still has formal nights, which many still expect and enjoy. Though I would rather not bring a suit, I will because that's what the code calls for. (My tux will gather dust in the closet where it has hung unworn since an Infinity cruise in 2008). I won't show up at an event pushing the line on the dress code.

 

Like it or not, we know where this is going; don't we? Celebrity does market research and surveys. The older demographic that expects formal nights are important customers and so formal nights continue. The younger demographic that finds them anachronistic and annoying is satisfied with either alternative venues (Blu, etc.) or the expectation that enforcement will be lax or inconsistent. At some point, the pendulum swings. The older demographic becomes less important as they stop cruising and their other cruise options diminish. The younger crowd decides that it just won't put up with an atmosphere that they associate with the past. So it's only a matter of time before formal night disappears.

[C 2 C]

Like it or not, we know where this is going; don't we? Celebrity does market research and surveys. The older demographic that expects formal nights are important customers and so formal nights continue. The younger demographic that finds them anachronistic and annoying is satisfied with either alternative venues (Blu, etc.) or the expectation that enforcement will be lax or inconsistent. At some point, the pendulum swings. The older demographic becomes less important as they stop cruising and their other cruise options diminish. The younger crowd decides that it just won't put up with an atmosphere that they associate with the past. So it's only a matter of time before formal night disappears.

 

Just the "facts" as I see them as well...

I still haul along my tux however but I'm looking forward to a change or an incentive such as some others have suggested..

Make the formal night special or forget about it..

[kendon]

Does anyone know the dress code for TEEN boys on regular nights in MDR? Would khaki/plaid shorts, collar shirt be appropriate or are pants required?

 

A nice collared shirt (golf type or otherwise) and khakis is perfect.

[Sugar*Magnolia]

Pants are required for all ages. Your teen-son can most likely [?] wear a collared shirt and be fine.

 

On another note in regard to a comment regarding market research and formal nights only being enjoyed by the older demographic, that is not a fact or true. My kids are not old and enjoy getting dressed every night for dinner on board any ship.... Most of the young adults on board that we notice are always dressed nicely and appropriately. This has nothing to do with age [so market research reveals], but any one who would like to justify their thoughts with the idea that it does have to do with age bracket, is free to do so. Its a great big world with lots of opinions.

[phoenix_dream]

Pants are required for all ages. Your teen-son can most likely [?] wear a collared shirt and be fine.

 

On another note in regard to a comment regarding market research and formal nights only being enjoyed by the older demographic, that is not a fact or true. My kids are not old and enjoy getting dressed every night for dinner on board any ship.... Most of the young adults on board that we notice are always dressed nicely and appropriately. This has nothing to do with age [so market research reveals], but any one who would like to justify their thoughts with the idea that it does have to do with age bracket, is free to do so. Its a great big world with lots of opinions.

I don't know what the market research really says, but I do know that since the time my son took his first cruise at 3 years old to his now 26 years old he has enjoyed dressing up for formal nights. How often does one have this opportunity?? It makes the night feel more special.

[Peteymil]

Where I live, you won't find jacket-required restaurants anymore. During the week, you'll still see suits on a good-sized minority of men, but that seems to be guys coming from the few offices that still require suits. On weekends, you'll see jackets, normally tieless, and often with dressy jeans. The "look" for the last couple of years has been the untucked dress shirt, straight hem, rolled once on the sleeves to show contrasting cuff, with dark jeans. To me, this looks like its hiding a paunch even if it isn't. Truthfully, at the nicest places the unofficial code is, essentially, "smart casual."

 

Places where a suit is the norm are few and far between: weddings, funerals, a very limited number of Formal "high society" events (these are shrinking), and places frequented by the elderly (e.g., certain downtown social clubs, country clubs, etc.). Other than weddings and funerals, if you want someone 55 or under to come, the dress requirements are more casual.

 

Even so, the dress code on Celebrity is what it is. It still has formal nights, which many still expect and enjoy. Though I would rather not bring a suit, I will because that's what the code calls for. (My tux will gather dust in the closet where it has hung unworn since an Infinity cruise in 2008). I won't show up at an event pushing the line on the dress code.

 

Like it or not, we know where this is going; don't we? Celebrity does market research and surveys. The older demographic that expects formal nights are important customers and so formal nights continue. The younger demographic that finds them anachronistic and annoying is satisfied with either alternative venues (Blu, etc.) or the expectation that enforcement will be lax or inconsistent. At some point, the pendulum swings. The older demographic becomes less important as they stop cruising and their other cruise options diminish. The younger crowd decides that it just won't put up with an atmosphere that they associate with the past. So it's only a matter of time before formal night disappears.

 

I absolutely abide by the dress code, and always will, but you really hit the nail on the head with your comments.

[Cruising89143]

I look at Celebrity as a Premium line which would be a step up over Carnival, RCI and NCL. I expect this type topic on those boards but not on Celebrity. Why can't people honor the suggested dress code?

[DC2OC]

I look at Celebrity as a Premium line which would be a step up over Carnival, RCI and NCL. I expect this type topic on those boards but not on Celebrity. Why can't people honor the suggested dress code?

Excellent question.

[gymjudge55]

I do think most people follow it. In my opinion it seems most of the discussions are whether it should remain in it's present state. It is amazing reading the comments, from the people who still think you must either be in your cabin or the buffet (and not any inside bars, theater, casino etc.) after 6 p.m. if not dressed formally, to people who seem to think there are only 2 ways people dress, formal and shorts, T shirt and backwards ball cap.

 

As a new cruiser and new to these boards, in all the posts I have read it is cruisers who are cruising for the ship and the amenities on board who are the most passionate about formal night. Probably if I chose to do a TA or any other itinerary with many sea days I might look forward to a formal night. However there are increasing amounts of vacationers who are choosing cruises as a floating hotel. The itinerary is much more important than life on the ship. The ship is a place to have a meal and sleep at the end of the day. For those formal nights are not a priority.

 

I do believe for the price you pay for a cruise that you should have a better option than the buffet or a costly specialty restaurant. It would be nice if they would open an included area with decent food for those who wish to dress "smart casual" on formal night.

[1 HappyCruiser]

I look at Celebrity as a Premium line which would be a step up over Carnival, RCI and NCL. I expect this type topic on those boards but not on Celebrity. Why can't people honor the suggested dress code?

 

The real question is, why do the people who like to dress up formally get so upset about those that don't? It takes nothing away from them & everyone gets to dress as they please.

[Cruising89143]

The real question is, why do the people who like to dress up formally get so upset about those that don't? It takes nothing away from them & everyone gets to dress as they please.

 

Never said that I get upset but when one books a cruise, the dress code is clearly posted. It comes down to showing respect for your fellow guests who took the time to dress for the evening.

[1 HappyCruiser]

Never said that I get upset but when one books a cruise, the dress code is clearly posted. It comes down to showing respect for your fellow guests who took the time to dress for the evening.

 

That's their problem if they get upset. Perhaps they should just look the other way occasionally - after all it is a big ship.

[C 2 C]

I look at Celebrity as a Premium line which would be a step up over Carnival, RCI and NCL. I expect this type topic on those boards but not on Celebrity. Why can't people honor the suggested dress code?

 

I believe that people who have cruised on other lines like what they hear about the Celebrity product but don't necessarily want to change their own habits, just the venue for possible better food and better service.

[swedish weave]

You respect what I wear, and I respect what you wear. We all wear what the cruise line allows, and all are happy. Do you all agree ???

[C 2 C]

You respect what I wear, and I respect what you wear. We all wear what the cruise line allows, and all are happy. Do you all agree ???

 

No.

I would not respect the person wearing shorts or a baseball cap in the MDR even on formal night even if "allowed".

There is a big difference between accepting the fact that people are enjoying their cruise in their style and respecting them for it.

My eyeballs just automatically roll a bit. :rolleyes:

[DC2OC]

I find that nearly all the people sail Celebrity respect the suggested code ,

and that most who post against are One Happy Pot Stirers who have never set foot on a Celebrity Ship.

Lack of adherent to dress suggestion is not an issue on board as some would want you to believe

[Captain Jake]

I look at Celebrity as a Premium line which would be a step up over Carnival, RCI and NCL. I expect this type topic on those boards but not on Celebrity. Why can't people honor the suggested dress code?

On the ship the vast majority do.

These boards are not a true reflection of the Celebrity Pax

:cj

[C 2 C]

On the ship the vast majority do.

These boards are not a true reflection of the Celebrity Pax

:cj

 

A recent poll indicated a pretty fair evaluation:

30% tux, 50% suits, jackets and tie, and 20% other from smart casual to casual.

 

At one time I believed in the "20% denial rule"

20% believed man never set foot on the moon, 20% believed Elvis was still alive... nearly 20% believe the sun revolves around the earth... it can be applied to just about any form of behaviour..

 

Getting 80% of passengers conforming is a great number.

[1 HappyCruiser]

You respect what I wear, and I respect what you wear. We all wear what the cruise line allows, and all are happy. Do you all agree ???

 

Some people won't accept that there are some among us who don't believe in conforming and will deny that Celebrity allows anything other than formal clothing on formal evenings. Although it's been a while since I've last sailed Celebrity the dress code wasn't strictly enforced then & I'm certain that it hasn't become more so today. While I have experienced some head waiters wanting people to wear a jacket when entering the DR, not a word will be said once seated even if wearing a polo shirt with the jacket on the chair.

[dkjretired]

A recent poll indicated a pretty fair evaluation:

30% tux, 50% suits, jackets and tie, and 20% other from smart casual to casual.

 

At one time I believed in the "20% denial rule"

20% believed man never set foot on the moon, 20% believed Elvis was still alive... nearly 20% believe the sun revolves around the earth... it can be applied to just about any form of behaviour..

 

Getting 80% of passengers conforming is a great number.

 

Elvis isn't alive??????

[Denny01]

I love statistics and numbers. I express my personal opinon on this forum most of the time, but if there is some type of 'data' to be used, I find that fun....while keeping in mind the quote: "There are lies, damned lies, and statistics". When people ask is some ship in poor shape after they read a single post that badmouths the ship, I usually try to average out the grades of the last 25 or so of the formal Reviews and provide that info.

 

This dress code subject has some data in the form of polls and so on, and of course our own experience of glancing around the MDR on Formal Night. I think I've done that once or twice, just because of these threads. All of it is still 'subjective' being personal observations and uncontrolled polls, but it is still interesting, and as stated many times, indicates 80%+ follow the guidelines.

 

Another interesting piece of data is there are a few posters who apparently have issues with putting a coat and tie on, and keep making the same statements, basically, "I saw people in the MDR without a coat, so it's OK", over and over and I'd never seen them post on any other thread subject on the Celebrity forum. So I took a look at their posting history and found that althouth they spend little time on Celebrity forum and a good deal on other Cruise Line forums, their posts on Celebrity are focused on dress code threads - one entirely. In the last few months, one posted 19 times on Celebrity, all 19 on Dress Code threads....nothing else. And another posted here 21 times and 19 of those were about Celebrity Dress Code issues. Curious.

 

So if you are a bit new to this forum, and think that since there seems to be a good deal of posts telling you 'its OK', please realize there are a few who seem to be fixated on that subject, post dozens of times the same thing over and over again, and from their posting history, appear to have minimal experience or interest in Celebrity except for what people wear, or more specifically, what they dont wear.

 

Everybody enjoy your cruises. There is more to cruising then what to wear on formal nights, and once you get aboard, it isn't an issue: unless of course you step into the MDR on Formal Night wearing a polo and the ship decides to enforce the rules, which, by the way, has been happening lately. If you insist on not following the guidelines, don't, but please gratiously accept the consequences.....I do think there is a movie title that I think fits this case: "A Rebel without a Cause".

 

Den

[Ma Bell]

Well said Denny, and my observations are the same as yours.