Am I the only one who'd love to cruise without formal night?

[WCAB]

This is the Original Post...

My answer to the "Am I the only one who feels this way" comment is no, many people feel this way. As for the "JUST ONCE" comment. Yes you can but not on Princess... Nuff said, time to move on.. This never ending argument will never change the minds of those who prefer wearing shorts, overalls and jeans on formal nights.. :D

 

 

I have a slight problem with this comment. On this entire thread, no one is suggesting wearing shorts, overalls or jeans on formal night. Those that would probably do not read Cruise Critic. It is not one or the other, formal

or jeans/shorts/overalls, there are quite a few of us with good taste who would just prefer a little more casual then gowns and tux/suit. I guess that the ones that prefer formal are worried about the slippery slope or that most people lack the good taste to know what would be considered dressy casual.

 

My reasoning is that we take our parents with us and Mom uses a walker so it is always a hassle trying to manage our suitcases along with hers. A little lighter packing could make a world of difference.

 

I do know that NCL is more casual, I just prefer to go on Princess.

 

Carol

[Gator83]

If you don't like formal nights, go to a cruise line thatdoes not require them. Let those who like a little dignity have it. Mother Earth, and cruise ships too still deserve a little respect, we are all just getting too informal. john

 

John,

What if someone really likes to cruise Princess? He or she doesn't want to go to another cruise line; they would just prefer to not have formal nights. I'm sick of people telling others to "just got to another cruise line"; it's getting really rude.

[guardhouse]

In reply to the O.P., yes.

[Cruisin' Chick]

Regarding those of us who you may see dressed casually at "6 pm": Don't assume that's how we plan to be dressed later on; perhaps, we haven't yet been to our cabin to get dressed in our "formal" wear. Some of us "late seating" diners may prefer to get spiffied up closer to our dinner time. Especially couples who plan to skip the Captain's Cocktail Party or the formal portraits (like us).

[luv2cruise99]

And some of us "early seating" diners may prefer "go casual" right after our dinner time (like me).

 

Regarding those of us who you may see dressed casually at "6 pm": Don't assume that's how we plan to be dressed later on; perhaps' date=' we haven't yet been to our cabin to get dressed in our "formal" wear. Some of us "late seating" diners may prefer to get spiffied up closer to our dinner time. Especially couples who plan to skip the Captain's Cocktail Party or the formal portraits (like us).[/quote']

[cubsr#1]

The whole point to the original post is simply some prefer to skip the formal nights. As I've stated above, yes for me, no for my husband so we compromise and go to one formal night and skip the 2nd. We dress appropriately in gown and tux and stay dressed for the evening.

 

When it comes to the comment card at the end of my cruise I will state my feelings - I don't like lugging the formal clothes in addition to our water gear...offer me the same menu as is offered in the dining room on formal nights some place else and all is well.

[spongerob]

I have a slight problem with this comment. On this entire thread, no one is suggesting wearing shorts, overalls or jeans on formal night. Those that would probably do not read Cruise Critic. Carol

 

I don't think that is what Largin was saying, either. There are a number of choices in cruise lines that cater to a wide range of tastes and desires. If you are posting here, you are probably savvy enough to recognize the similarities and differences and can therefore make a decision to cruise the line that offers you the highest degree of satisfaction. Once you've made your decision, complaining about some the aspects that might distinguish a particular cruise line and are a well-known part of their services is not a productive use of time.

 

The point is to make an informed decision - and if you are posting here, you should be informed. NCL is not the only choice out there that offers a formal-free cruise. And if lobster is the only reason that you bring formal wear, you can always go to Sabatini's and lighten up on the packing. There is a work-around to every issue raised in this thread.

[MaryPoppinz]

Once you've made your decision, complaining about some the aspects that might distinguish a particular cruise line and are a well-known part of their services is not a productive use of time.

 

Not necessarily. Princess offers Personal Choice Dining based on the suggestions made by people who had made a decision that they were satisfied with Princess, but complained about some aspect of a well-known part of their services (fixed dining room seatings.)

[norskenancy]

I enjoy formal night as my husband and I don't get that dressed up that often. To us it makes the cruise special when we get dressed up. Really the only time we ever get a chance to dress that fancy is usually New Years or maybe Valentines Day. Maybe the right option would be for Princess to have one dining room that is Country club casual and one that is more formal and still keep everyone happy. I like to see everyone dressed up on the cruise - but not everynight. I like the one or two nights of formal. I think most people are scared as someone else said of the slippery slope of jeans and shorts in the dining room at night. I have seen on the previous cruises that everyone chooses how to dress on formal night. Some dress in tuxes and cocktail dresses and some just dressed like they do for the rest of the week - CC casual. My DH and I also change after dinner, but some of our group stays in formal wear the entire night.

Norske

[spongerob]

Not necessarily. Princess offers Personal Choice Dining based on the suggestions made by people who had made a decision that they were satisfied with Princess, but complained about some aspect of a well-known part of their services (fixed dining room seatings.)

 

You're right - and people still complain. Princess had to scrap the idea of the four themed dining rooms on Diamond and Sapphire. I think it boils down to trying to please everyone, and in so doing pleasing no one. The same would be true if one dining room was left Smart Casual all the time, and another formal for the designated nights.

[WCAB]

I don't think that is what Largin was saying, either. There are a number of choices in cruise lines that cater to a wide range of tastes and desires. If you are posting here, you are probably savvy enough to recognize the similarities and differences and can therefore make a decision to cruise the line that offers you the highest degree of satisfaction. Once you've made your decision, complaining about some the aspects that might distinguish a particular cruise line and are a well-known part of their services is not a productive use of time.

 

The point is to make an informed decision - and if you are posting here, you should be informed. NCL is not the only choice out there that offers a formal-free cruise. And if lobster is the only reason that you bring formal wear, you can always go to Sabatini's and lighten up on the packing. There is a work-around to every issue raised in this thread.

 

Have never ordered Lobster and for now we will continue to take the formal wear and cruise Princess. Since the OP asked if others enjoyed formal, the response is no. We work around it and get by. For those of you that enjoy formal, I support you.

 

Carol

[Opinions]

Once you've made your decision, complaining about some the aspects that might distinguish a particular cruise line and are a well-known part of their services is not a productive use of time.

 

 

I have cruised for about 40 years...I have "complained' on occassion on comment cards about certain aspects of cruising I would like to see changed...As cruises become more casual, as I prefer, it seems they are listening to someone...In my opinion letting a cruise line know your preferences can be very productive.

[jff50]

Nuff said, time to move on.. This never ending argument will never change the minds of those who prefer wearing shorts, overalls and jeans on formal nights.. :D

 

There are a number of options between shorts/overalls/jeans and formal.

 

Since you bring up the subject of changing minds, it does not seem to be those that would prefer some flexibility that are being close minded. It has been stated on this post that people should either be dressed formally from 6 PM on, or be relegated to their room, the pool area, or the Horizon Court for buffet dinner and entertainment. Based on what I've seen in venues other than the dining room, there are a lot of people that prefer formal attire only at dinner.

 

While I do wear formal attire for most of the evening, I can certainly understand those that prefer casual. Most Princess ships are large enough (and Princess ships are well organized enough) that they should be able to accomodate both groups in separate dining rooms (aside from the buffet). I differ from those that would only accomodate those that prefer casual attire in the Horizon Court, and this "never ending argument" certainly hasn't changed my mind.

[kendon]

What on earth is the big deal about formal night!?! Throw on a dress or a suit and be done with it. Is it about taking up extra room in the suitcase? Please, most of us overpack as it is. Is it about making a point? Grow up and conform, it's really not so painful. In my opinion, this thread had taken up way too much space already!

[stoneharborlady]

Great attitude cruisnfool!! I honestly don't understand why anyone bothers to care what another is wearing. There is room for everyone and only on these boards does it seem to matter.

 

I can understand the formal dinner concept because it is almost like being invited to a wedding and dressing up for the honor of the occassion. But insisting that everyone in your town who isn't invited or doesn't choose to come to your wedding must eat at McDonald's and then scurry back home and get off the streets if not properly dressed is just a little too much.[/quote

 

 

My sentiments and feelings too. Like those not formally dressed must be hidden from the rest of society.

[houstoncruisers2001]

On a seven day cruise we dress up EVERY night for dinner. It's something we look forward to doing. In fact, and this might sound alittle crazy, but my wife packs a different pair of shoes for each night. Yep, seven pairs of heels. I don't wear a suit every night, but I do wear a tie. Only on formal nights do we usually stay dressed up for the whole night though.

 

Tell you what, I love seeing my wife dressed up. We're no spring chickens, but she can still light up a room. The most important thing is that she totally enjoys being dressed to the nines and the smile on her face is priceless. I wouldn't want to miss that for the world.

[shecruise]

Geez. what's so hard getting dressed up?

[stoneharborlady]

Geez. what's so hard getting dressed up?

\

 

 

Nothing, and I really dont mind getting dressed up. But as I am a widow traveling with a mentally retarded son with Cerebral Palsy, its a lot more to drag to the airport, and get to the ship.

[jff50]

Geez. what's so hard getting dressed up?

 

Geez. What's so hard about accepting those who don't want to (for whatever reasons they choose), but still want to enjoy the things that the ship offers (and that they paid for)?

[britsbest]

Because they know what they are paying and for what what they are paying , they could easily choose other cruise lines. This is getting like "smokers" posts and is getting nowhere fast.

[sradogna]

Actually I think that is where the debate is. Noone has any doubt that there are formal dinners on a cruise ... there are also alternative dining choices for those that don't dress up. If you choose the alternative dining you don't then have to go back to your room or stay up on the top deck. You are entitled to enjoy the show, the casino and all the other amenities you paid for as long as you respect the formal dining room. If princess didn't want this they wouldn't offer an alternative dining selection AND they would enforce a dress code in the show room and the casino. They simply don't and therefore the debate is pointless (albeit entertaining).

 

It really just seems like common sense ... you dress your way for the evening and go to the dining room that is appropriate for the way you are dressed. Just like at home when you choose to go to a fancy restaurant and then a show while someone else chooses to go to Hometown Buffet and then the same show. They don't run home to change to respect your dining choices. It really is easy.

[rosinryanz]

It really just seems like common sense ... you dress your way for the evening and go to the dining room that is appropriate for the way you are dressed. Just like at home when you choose to go to a fancy restaurant and then a show while someone else chooses to go to Hometown Buffet and then the same show. They don't run home to change to respect your dining choices. It really is easy.

 

Well said!

[rosinryanz]

These days, there are so few opportunities to get dressed up, so for us, formal nights on a cruise are a real treat.

 

If you don't like formalwear, patronize a casual line or dine in the Horizon Court.

[stoneharborlady]

These days, there are so few opportunities to get dressed up, so for us, formal nights on a cruise are a real treat.

 

If you don't like formalwear, patronize a casual line or dine in the Horizon Court.

 

 

Patronize a casual line? It really is not your place to tell me what line to patronize, or where to have dinner either. The attitudes on this board are disgusting.

[EmJakeBubbie]

Clarification, please: Princess has Personal Choice Dining? Do I understand this is a table assignment but you just pick your time of preferred dining? I'm very mixed up! All the nice comments about Princess have made me think about this line the next time I go to price a cruise - I know I could "research" this Personal Choice, but more fun to ask you guys:rolleyes: