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

[johnql]

Believe me, they ARE enforcing the rules ... as those rules are given to them. I am sure someone in authority at Princess passes the standards down to the dining room captains. I am sure they are SPECIFICALLY told what to turn people away for and what to let "pass." These standards are probably derived from passenger comment cards and instructions from headquarters. They can change ... and are probably becoming more liberal as a result of past guest surveys, etc.

 

For example, maybe the dining room captains are now told ... formal night, let people go in if they don't have a jacket on, but are dressed "respectfully." Absolutely no jeans or tee-shirts on formal nights. Casual nights, let people "pass" even if in jeans as long as those jeans are neat ... no tatters, holes, etc, but no shorts, tank tops, etc.

 

Believe me, Princess is a big outfit and a saavy marketer. They wouldn't leave the decision as to who gets into the dining room up to the head waiters and matre 'd. They've got bigger brains making those decisions ... and those brains are not necessarily to be found onboard.

 

Just my humble opinion ...

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

Assuming that this is what's happening, this is EXACTLY what leads to the problem that this thread has been debating. It's the epitome of sending mixed messages when the published policy (brochures, Patters, etc.) say one thing and then the corporate bigwigs direct the shipboard staff to enforce a different, more lax policy. It's that inconsistency that entices some people to try to flaunt the rules, anticipating that the rule won't be strictly enforced anyway.

[WCAB]

Regardless the reason, they can eat in the more casual dining areas. However most are because they just dont want to play by any rules. And I would assume that would be both off and on the ship. I can remember on one of my cruises, some guy wandered into the dining room wearing a tee shirt and overalls. A quick talk to the maitre d and the guy was escorted out.

 

I get this funny picture in my mind of some guy being pulled by the ear, out of the dining room. That's OK, this topic has become way to serious for somewhere that is supposed to be FUN.

[LARGIN]

I get this funny picture in my mind of some guy being pulled by the ear, out of the dining room. That's OK, this topic has become way to serious for somewhere that is supposed to be FUN.

 

There was a smattering of applause :D

[earljr]

Ripleysmom---

 

DW and I have been cruzin some 25yrs plus -- We have been thru the tux and formal thing back when it was basically required. We have been moving to more informal the older we get. ( not telling)

 

I did not want to join the fray but I do want to say that I like and agree with your attitute and approach to this issue. (if in fact it even is a issue)

 

I'm on your side

[ripleysmom]

Thanks earl. I appreciate the support. :)

[coiran]

Thanks earl. I appreciate the support. :)

 

What support? The Princess guidelines clearly state the dress code. If you want to try to disregard it - go ahead and try - If I see it happen I will "tattle" - sorry about that! If you want informal cruising - go with someone other than Princess - it is as simple as that!!

 

Ron

[spongerob]

Thanks earl. I appreciate the support. :)

 

Which only goes to proove the old saying: "Those who seek advice are not looking for answers, they are looking for accomplices."

 

Put more simply, it's the same juvenile logic that goes into a child's complaint, "But Mom, Billy gets to....."

[edYYZ]

What support? The Princess guidelines clearly state the dress code. If you want to try to disregard it - go ahead and try - If I see it happen I will "tattle" - sorry about that! If you want informal cruising - go with someone other than Princess - it is as simple as that!!

 

Ron

 

This is exactly what I don't understand in terms of this issue. I completely agree that something like a dress code should be followed out of courtesy. However, if someone isn't why get all worked up about it and let it bother you? I've seen people in jeans (not nice ones, light wash ones :eek:) on formal night and yes its an eyesore, but am I going to report it? No, I'll just look the other way. There's not point in being the fashion police when I'm supposed to be relaxing.

 

I see the problem is the attitude of certain cruisers that dress as they see fit and do what they want to do and dam* the consequences. What is so hard about complying?

 

I'd say another part of the problem is the attitude of some who need everything to be the way they want. What is so hard about tolerance? Just my 2 cents...

 

There are reasons why people don't want to get dressed up, some are good reasons, some are not so good reasons but to tell you the truth it's not really any of my business and as long as they are companionable people then I don't see the problem.

 

I agree, and I also think it isn't nice to judge the intentions of others. There are things about people that are far worse than what they're wearing...

 

Which only goes to proove the old saying: "Those who seek advice are not looking for answers, they are looking for accomplices."

 

Put more simply, it's the same juvenile logic that goes into a child's complaint, "But Mom, Billy gets to....."

 

I'm not entirely sure what the point is? There are some people who see this issue from one side and there are those on the other. I don't see anything wrong with that. A discussion would be boring if it was one sided.

[MaryPoppinz]

There's not point in being the fashion police when I'm supposed to be relaxing.

 

Exactly. If that was my idea of a vacation, I'd move to Sun City, and drive around looking for deed restriction violations two weeks out of every year. I really can't imagine spending any of my precious vacation time with a RuleOMeter pinging against the edge. That's Princess' job, and if they aren't going to do it, I'm not stepping in to help them.

[keukamom2]

I know this topic has been beaten to death, but I have been away from the boards for awhile and am just catching up.

 

An interesting thought occurred to me while I was reading through some of the posts. Do all of us folks who prefer to dress formally ever save seats by the pool? Or at the theater? These too would be considered rules that Princess puts forth. Is it ok to pick and chose the rules we want to follow or should we follow them all?

 

I have to believe that some of the die hard formal attire folks have indeed saved seats before, myself being one. My point being, that if you truly follow ALL rules set forth, then feel free to complain and insist that others do the same. Otherwise, look closer to home before berating others.

[spongerob]

I'm not entirely sure what the point is? There are some people who see this issue from one side and there are those on the other. I don't see anything wrong with that. A discussion would be boring if it was one sided.

 

The point refers to, "Thank you for supporting me," or whatever was actually posted. Are we now drawing up teams? Or recruiting a band of accomplices?

 

The logic, as I've pointed out is falacious. If one person speeds through a school zone and gets away with it, does it follow that speeding through a school zone is condoned by law enforcement? Of course not. (Any attempts to critique my analogy will be ignored - it's admittedly a poor form of argument, but these are the depths to which I must decend to make a point.) I therefore determine that statements expressing gratitude are jejeune. They are also an indication of the False Consensus Syndrome, but I just don't have the energy to pursue that line of discussion with this audience any further.

 

Again, I will make my point. It is not my duty to confront those who choose to dress inappropriately when they 1) understand what the intent of the dress guidelines is and 2) have the ability to follow the guidelines. I will, and have already done, enjoy my evening regardless of how those seated at my table choose to act. I will make my comments known to the Maitre d' and/or Head Waiter. It is their decision to act, and their actions will determine how I express my appreciation.

 

I like formal nights. They make cruising special and different from the ordinary. I get ordinary at home. I go on vacation for something more.

[bdjam]

I'd say another part of the problem is the attitude of some who need everything to be the way they want. What is so hard about tolerance? Just my 2 cents...

I have no problem with tolerance – God knows that tolerance is something I appreciate. What I have a problem with is a person who knows the guidelines and doesn’t give a hoot. That’s not something to tolerate…that’s plain rude. It’s been suggested that because the guidelines aren’t always enforced, they don’t exist. There are certainly situations which should be tolerated – flagrantly ignoring guidelines isn’t one of those situations.

I really can't imagine spending any of my precious vacation time with a RuleOMeter pinging against the edge. That's Princess' job, and if they aren't going to do it, I'm not stepping in to help them.

:rolleyes: I still don’t understand why one would not comment to Princess if they felt they weren’t getting what they promised when they bought a cruise ticket. I wonder if anyone fills out the comment cards at the end of the cruise. Does anyone comment on what might not have been right? What was expected but not received? I know someone out there does. I choose to do the same thing – just in person.

An interesting thought occurred to me while I was reading through some of the posts. Do all of us folks who prefer to dress formally ever save seats by the pool? Or at the theater? These too would be considered rules that Princess puts forth. Is it ok to pick and chose the rules we want to follow or should we follow them all?

 

I have to believe that some of the die hard formal attire folks have indeed saved seats before, myself being one. My point being, that if you truly follow ALL rules set forth, then feel free to complain and insist that others do the same. Otherwise, look closer to home before berating others.

Save seats at the pool? Nope. Save seats in the theater? Nope. I also don’t bring alcohol on board and I go to the muster drill.

 

[spongerob]

Save seats at the pool? Nope. Save seats in the theater? Nope. I also don’t bring alcohol on board and I go to the muster drill.

 

Me too. :)

[LARGIN]

Save seats at the pool? Nope. Save seats in the theater? Nope. I also don’t bring alcohol on board and I go to the muster drill.

 

 

Well I do 3 out of 4.. If they had my single malt scotch on board I would be perfect.. :D

[MaryPoppinz]

I still don’t understand why one would not comment to Princess if they felt they weren’t getting what they promised when they bought a cruise ticket.

 

I can only speak for myself. I'm not even paying any attention to whether anyone is 'under-dressed.' I'm not looking for it -- which is probably why I can't recall the clothing worn by any fellow passenger with whom I was not traveling. For all I know, everyone on Princess abides by the onboard dress code (if you can all it that.)

[ripleysmom]

What support? The Princess guidelines clearly state the dress code. If you want to try to disregard it - go ahead and try - If I see it happen I will "tattle" - sorry about that! If you want informal cruising - go with someone other than Princess - it is as simple as that!!

 

Ron

The support for my attitude and approach to the posts on this thread. Or did you miss his post while you were playing fashion police.....

[ripleysmom]

Which only goes to proove the old saying: "Those who seek advice are not looking for answers, they are looking for accomplices."

 

Put more simply, it's the same juvenile logic that goes into a child's complaint, "But Mom, Billy gets to....."

Now why oh why would you think that I was looking for accomplices? I don't need them....I can be bad all by myself. :eek:

[ripleysmom]

The point refers to, "Thank you for supporting me," or whatever was actually posted. Are we now drawing up teams? Or recruiting a band of accomplices?

Actually no I was thanking him for his kind words not drawing up teams or recruiting accomplices...although the way all the pro-formal folks are high fiving each other on this thread kinda makes me wonder whether I should be.

 

The logic, as I've pointed out is falacious. If one person speeds through a school zone and gets away with it, does it follow that speeding through a school zone is condoned by law enforcement? Of course not. (Any attempts to critique my analogy will be ignored - it's admittedly a poor form of argument, but these are the depths to which I must decend to make a point.) I therefore determine that statements expressing gratitude are jejeune. They are also an indication of the False Consensus Syndrome, but I just don't have the energy to pursue that line of discussion with this audience any further.

I don't believe that you've had that discussion with me. My question was whether or not all those people reporting those formal night scofflaws also call 911 when they see a speeder. Well do you?

 

Again, I will make my point. It is not my duty to confront those who choose to dress inappropriately when they 1) understand what the intent of the dress guidelines is and 2) have the ability to follow the guidelines. I will, and have already done, enjoy my evening regardless of how those seated at my table choose to act. I will make my comments known to the Maitre d' and/or Head Waiter. It is their decision to act, and their actions will determine how I express my appreciation.

Bribery....how nice.

 

I like formal nights. They make cruising special and different from the ordinary. I get ordinary at home. I go on vacation for something more.

Wow....how nice that you consider your family and home life ordinary. Does your wife know that?

[WCAB]

I am not sure who is winning this debate, both sides have held their own. I do know I go with the intent to have a good time. I do not pay close attention to what others are doing. Five years from now I will not remember any of you but I will relish my time with my family. I will leave my feelings on my comment card but do not go out of my way to report anyone, unless it is a safety issue. It is because of the emotional toll it would take. If I am going to reward someone for taking action, I would have to monitor for the feedback or action as a result of my reporting and that would take away from my evening. I don't care how nicely you monitor and report, it has to effect you emotionally because you are attached to the outcome. These things have a way of working out on there own. I do not think the level of compliance has anything to do with the three or four people that might take the the time to tattle, the word you are all using.

 

For first time cruisers reading this, it could leave the impression that you are given the once over as you enter the dining room and if your attire falls short of some criteria, or at the whim of some zealous head waiter you could be escorted out of the dining room. We all know this would be a very rare event. Most if they go along with the spirit, if not the letter, are going to be just fine and no one will even blink an eye in their direction.

 

But again, Miss optimistic-----Here is to happy cruising.

[CruiserGreg]

If you we're invited to the White House to have dinner with President Bush, and the invitation stated Formal Attire Suggested.....what would you wear?

[LARGIN]

570 posts later and so far no definitive answer to the OP's.. For all those that probably forgot what it was, here it is..

 

I realize that formal night is a tradition for cruising. But, it is my vacation...and I'd love to be able to relax and forego the dress and heels for a week. Am I the only one who feels this way?

 

I'm NOT looking for an education on the etiquette of cruising. I don't wear jeans to the dining room. I do follow the rules and bring/wear my black cocktail attire when we cruise. I'D JUST RATHER NOT! (So flamers find another victim!!)

 

What I wish is that I could JUST ONCE go on a cruise without having to go through the enire hassle of getting so dressed up...so that they can sell more photos. My opinion.

 

Simple answers..

 

1.. No you are not the only one that feels this way..

2.. Thank you for following the established dress guidelines and wearing your black cocktail dress.

3.. You can go on a cruise without having to go to the entire hassle of getting dressed but so far not on Princess..

 

Nuff said..

[edYYZ]

:rolleyes: I still don’t understand why one would not comment to Princess if they felt they weren’t getting what they promised when they bought a cruise ticket. I wonder if anyone fills out the comment cards at the end of the cruise. Does anyone comment on what might not have been right? What was expected but not received? I know someone out there does. I choose to do the same thing – just in person.

 

Yes, I definitely let Princess know how I feel about certain things, but I guess other passengers have never bothered me enough to complain. I sent Princess a letter the last time I cruised and will likely send another one for this last cruise (although I haven't had the time yet) because of certain aspects that didn't seem right. I'm not looking for any compensation, I just feel it's important to give feedback. In both cases my main complaints relate to problems with Princess staff. Maybe I just have in mind that the passengers pay, but the staff do not, so it bothers me more when they do something annoying. And, no don't worry it has nothing to do with the wonderful dining, service, entertainment, etc staff, it's been the I guess more corporate side staff both times. I have, and will continue to let them know what I think, politely of course. So yes, I agree with you and do the same thing, my complaints just aren't related to other passengers.

 

I can only speak for myself. I'm not even paying any attention to whether anyone is 'under-dressed.' I'm not looking for it -- which is probably why I can't recall the clothing worn by any fellow passenger with whom I was not traveling. For all I know, everyone on Princess abides by the onboard dress code (if you can all it that.)

 

Agreed. I do notice it, but don't care enough to think about it.

 

I am not sure who is winning this debate, both sides have held their own. I do know I go with the intent to have a good time. I do not pay close attention to what others are doing. Five years from now I will not remember any of you but I will relish my time with my family. I will leave my feelings on my comment card but do not go out of my way to report anyone, unless it is a safety issue. It is because of the emotional toll it would take. If I am going to reward someone for taking action, I would have to monitor for the feedback or action as a result of my reporting and that would take away from my evening. I don't care how nicely you monitor and report, it has to effect you emotionally because you are attached to the outcome. These things have a way of working out on there own. I do not think the level of compliance has anything to do with the three or four people that might take the the time to tattle, the word you are all using.

 

Good points.

 

And yes, we are very off topic, but sometimes it's nice to see threads turn into good discussions - keeps things interesting :). If all the threads were simple question/answer/fact ones, we'd never get a feel for the board community.

[coiran]

If you we're invited to the White House to have dinner with President Bush, and the invitation stated Formal Attire Suggested.....what would you wear?

 

Flip-Flops! LOL

[coiran]

I realize that formal night is a tradition for cruising. But, it is my vacation...and I'd love to be able to relax and forego the dress and heels for a week. Am I the only one who feels this way?

 

I'm NOT looking for an education on the etiquette of cruising. I don't wear jeans to the dining room. I do follow the rules and bring/wear my black cocktail attire when we cruise. I'D JUST RATHER NOT! (So flamers find another victim!!)

 

What I wish is that I could JUST ONCE go on a cruise without having to go through the enire hassle of getting so dressed up...so that they can sell more photos. My opinion.

 

OK here is the original post! Please read it carefully! Yes, A cruise without formal wear can be done on several other lines other than Princess and on Princess as long as you do not use the main dining rooms - end of story.

 

Ron

[spongerob]

Actually no I was thanking him for his kind words not drawing up teams or recruiting accomplices...although the way all the pro-formal folks are high fiving each other on this thread kinda makes me wonder whether I should be.

 

Then, what is the point of continued argument over this, if not to find a few who support your assertions. Actually, it's tough to argue with a woman on this issue anyway since you have the option to take any outfit and accessorize it into something more than it started. We men don't have nearly the same options.

 

 

I don't believe that you've had that discussion with me. My question was whether or not all those people reporting those formal night scofflaws also call 911 when they see a speeder. Well do you?

 

I think I did answer that. Maybe it was another thread. Yes, I have, though the proper number here is *55. 911 is for emergencies.

 

 

Bribery....how nice.

 

Not bribery. Feedback.

 

Wow....how nice that you consider your family and home life ordinary. Does your wife know that?

 

Well, yes, in fact that's why she likes cruising even more than I.