Summit

[antsnanny]

I suppose one could call out the play of words....but then later they say if you want to dress casual you are welcome elsewhere...

 

 

 

I also think they could easily work out the demand for food in alternate venues, they are professionals after all. Worst case, they move the over prepared MDR dishes to ocean view and serve them in pre-portioned plates, like they are doing already in MDR. Not too difficult for them to move the food by elevator from deck 4/5 to 10/11. or deliver by room service.

 

 

 

Also many here suggest those who aren't; in formal wear ion MDR are 20% or so, most do come appropriate or go elsewhere. It's not TUXEDO and GOWN required, just a jacket for men, not even a tie is "requested".

 

 

 

But since we are playing with words, the definition of request, particularly definition number 5: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/request

 

 

 

Actually definition 1 also would suggest one is not being courteous when they don't follow the request....

 

 

 

re·quest

[ri-kwest] noun

 

1.the act of asking for something to be given or done, especially as a favor or courtesy; solicitation or petition: At his request, they left.

 

2.an instance of this: There have been many requests for the product.

 

3.a written statement of petition: If you need supplies, send in a request.

 

4.something asked for: to obtain one's request.

 

5.the state of being asked for;

demand

.

 

 

 

It's simple, if Celebrity said jacket and tie are required they would get better results. Years ago that's what they did and they enforced it. Personally, I don't think Celebrity cares as their competition is more relaxed and I believe that's the direction there going. Celeb is not going to force people to dress In a way that they can't afford or are not comfortable with, these people will just choose another cruise line next time. Thanks for the English refresher, although I already knew the definition if request.

 

 

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[cherylroslyn]

The Summit Dining Room does not have jackets on hand. I was told by staff at the door that they used to have them but the number of people coming to the dinning room with out one exceeded their supply so they no longer provide them. We were waived right in. My husband had on dockers and a button down shirt. We asked I advance if it would be ok to come like that and we were told yes no problem.

It all depends on the staff and the Maitre 'd. I have sailed on Summit twice a year since 2009. You may very well get waved in .....but you may also get turned away or handed a jacket. I saw jackets in 2013 on Summit.......

 

I don't get what the big deal is with the jacket for the men..... If you are hot at the table take it off during the meal......

[espo56]

It all depends on the staff and the Maitre 'd. I have sailed on Summit twice a year since 2009. You may very well get waved in .....but you may also get turned away or handed a jacket. I saw jackets in 2013 on Summit.......

 

I don't get what the big deal is with the jacket for the men..... If you are hot at the table take it off during the meal......

 

We asked for one and we were told they no longer have them. Perhaps they did away with them for 2014.

[antsnanny]

We asked for one and we were told they no longer have them. Perhaps they did away with them for 2014.

 

 

Again, I'll start by saying that I sailed on the Summit in May and I dressed In formal attire as did DH. The problem with this is that a good percentage of the people don't want to dress formal anymore. Years ago the whole feel of a cruise on a Celebrity ship was a upscale experience so it drew those who liked that but things have changed in the industry and Celebrity competes with NCL, Princess, Royal, HAL and yes even Carnival. It doesn't seem to make the effort to stand out as a premium line anymore, yet it has held onto formal nights. Will Celebrity give up the chunk of the market of casual cruisers to enforce the dress code? I doubt it, what's your best guess?

 

 

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[antsnanny]

We asked for one and we were told they no longer have them. Perhaps they did away with them for 2014.

 

 

on our latest cruise on the Summit, we sat in the tables for 2 at the entrance to the MDR, we watched people walk in some in formal attire, some not and I never saw the Maitre'd have a conversation with any of them, nor did I dee anyone asked to leave.

 

 

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[cle-guy]

One thing I find amusing about dress code threads is the number of people who post "eh, take it or leave it" then I find posts buy same users in other threads talking about the good old days and how Celebrity should return.

 

Well dress code is something that IS STILL HERE, so do something to protect it and keep it alive and part of the experience before it slips away too just so we can complain about the good old days when there was a formal night some day. We shouldn't just literally sit by and do nothing about it.

 

People that moan about missing the good old days of food, or service levels, of being escorted to tables at the cafe, etc,. that are not also vehemently arguing to protect the formality of formal nights, are clearly budget conscious consumers who are the very reason the good old days are disappearing.

 

They prove they don't care about protecting the Celebrity "luxury" so much as keeping their budget in line which is exactly why the brand is losing its luxurious touches over time. Protecting formal night wouldn't cost any one a dime, yet that's never anyone's concern. It's "return the higher quality food but don't raise my fares", "whens the next sale", "why can't I get another free perk stacked on to the perks I have" that are adding to the lose of luxury.

 

To me maintaing a formal night atmosphere goes a whole lot further to maintaining the "luxury of old" than a chocolate on a pillow, a waiter escorting me around the cafeteria or offering a tray, a 50 cent stem of a flower in my cabin, or a pitcher of water in my cabin.

 

Anyone who thinks it's acceptable to "not worry about what others are wearing and just enjoy yourself" automatically lose the right to ever complain about the luxury of Celebrity disappearing, plain and simple. THOSE people are the very REASON the luxury is disappearing - not the bean counters at Corporate.

Edited July 8, 2014 by cle-guy

[ClearBlueWaters]

Seems fairly simple to me, if you want to sail Celebrity you have an interest in dress code, otherwise you'll choose another line.

[antsnanny]

One thing I find amusing about dress code threads is the number of people who post "eh, take it or leave it" then I find posts buy same users in other threads talking about the good old days and how Celebrity should return.

 

Well dress code is something that IS STILL HERE, so do something to protect it and keep it alive and part of the experience before it slips away too just so we can complain about the good old days when there was a formal night some day. We shouldn't just literally sit by and do nothing about it.

 

People that moan about missing the good old days of food, or service levels, of being escorted to tables at the cafe, etc,. that are not also vehemently arguing to protect the formality of formal nights, are clearly budget conscious consumers who are the very reason the good old days are disappearing.

 

They prove they don't care about protecting the Celebrity "luxury" so much as keeping their budget in line which is exactly why the brand is losing its luxurious touches over time. Protecting formal night wouldn't cost any one a dime, yet that's never anyone's concern. It's "return the higher quality food but don't raise my fares", "whens the next sale", "why can't I get another free perk stacked on to the perks I have" that are adding to the lose of luxury.

 

To me maintaing a formal night atmosphere goes a whole lot further to maintaining the "luxury of old" than a chocolate on a pillow, a waiter escorting me around the cafeteria or offering a tray, a 50 cent stem of a flower in my cabin, or a pitcher of water in my cabin.

 

Anyone who thinks it's acceptable to "not worry about what others are wearing and just enjoy yourself" automatically lose the right to ever complain about the luxury of Celebrity disappearing, plain and simple. THOSE people are the very REASON the luxury is disappearing - not the bean counters at Corporate.

 

Ill answer as Im pretty sure you talking about me. Do I miss the good old days of cruising? Sometimes. On a few occasions I have talked about them but never do I complain. My point to you is this…. If I am on a cruise where luxury abounds, I feel like dressing up and enjoying the luxury experience. If having to pack formal dresses and suits for DH, is all that's left of the days where luxury surrounded us at every corner, I say why bother ! I have also made it very clear in my other posts that my first cruise to Bermuda was very expensive, yes the luxury was there at a high price. This brings me back to my thoughts that Celebrity is trying to appeal to the mass market, not just people who are looking for a luxury experience, high tea, awesome food etc. Celebrity has nothing to offer that their competition don't at this point.. I will choose Celebrity by its ports and prices, if another line is cheaper and offers me the same thing, Ill do that. I use to choose Celebrity because it was my line of choice, a bit more expensive but worth it.. Not anymore!

[want2seealaska]

My lovely wife takes great pride in her appearance; she always looks beautiful and no one appreciates this more than me. While I gave up bringing the monkey suit about 8 years ago, I still wear a jacket to dinner every night and a suit on formal nights out of respect for her. If she can make the effort to look great for me, I feel that I can at least try to the same for her.

 

To me, dressing up is part of the enjoyment of formal night and I would hate to see that tradition slip away.

 

What a lovely sentiment!

[Puckhog]

the whole cruise experience on celebrity is casual and appealing to the same cruisers that would go on princess, carnival, RC or any other of the low end lines

 

thinking that your cruise maintains a tradition of luxury by playing dress up for two hours twice a week is kind of silly

[Casanova02]

thinking that your cruise maintains a tradition of luxury by playing dress up for two hours twice a week is kind of silly

 

 

Agree 100% with this statement

[Wine-O]

I think we've made a "meal" out of this topic. There seems to be no changing the minds of those who sail Celebrity knowing they have two formal nights and basically still have the "screw you, I'll wear what I want" mindset. Maybe they should sail on carnival. :rolleyes:

[Casanova02]

I think we've made a "meal" out of this topic. There seems to be no changing the minds of those who sail Celebrity knowing they have two formal nights and basically still have the "screw you, I'll wear what I want" mindset. Maybe they should sail on carnival. :rolleyes:

 

BTW, Celebrity let all people wear what they want.....

Edited July 9, 2014 by Casanova02

[junetraveler2014]

My meal and main dining room experience wasn't affected by what the guy across the room was wearing on formal night. Perhaps you and a minority of cruisers should be accommodated on formal nights in a separate venue.

Then of course the ones obliging our host, would be bashed as snobs if we were rewarded for having manners and being given our own venue. Glad to hear your MDR experience was not affected by us dressing as requested. And indeed, if you are right that we are the minority, that is a shame.

[Wine-O]

BTW, Celebrity let all people wear what they want.....

 

Have you seen the herd lined up waiting to storm the MDR when they reopen at 8:30pm? If they tried to stop anybody, they'd get run over. BTW, I'm sure they don't want to embarrass anybody by sending them back to dress properly.

[antsnanny]

the whole cruise experience on celebrity is casual and appealing to the same cruisers that would go on princess, carnival, rc or any other of the low end lines

 

thinking that your cruise maintains a tradition of luxury by playing dress up for two hours twice a week is kind of silly

 

 

bingo!

[Texed]

bingo!

 

Yes, it is perfectly OK to dress casual at Bingo. :D

[antsnanny]

the whole cruise experience on celebrity is casual and appealing to the same cruisers that would go on princess, carnival, rc or any other of the low end lines

 

thinking that your cruise maintains a tradition of luxury by playing dress up for two hours twice a week is kind of silly

 

 

How about Ditto… Spot on. Great post! Puckhog hit the nail right on the head!!!!

Edited July 10, 2014 by antsnanny

[Germancruiser]

I agree Texed- great comment. I think getting rid of formal nights or dressing up would take out the " speical" of a cruise or cruising. There are so many things already gone which made cruising special- so I do hope the Premium Cruise Lines stick to at least some of the old traditions! ( Which IMO made cruising something special) For those who do not like to dress up, well there are so many options of cruise lines- cruise ships these days - that everyone should find the cruise lines which suits them best. I agree with the poster who dresses to please or in respect for his wife- THAT is something to look up to!

[Constance331]

To those who wish to maintain the true luxury and formal ambience at dinner - sail Seaborne. They know how to do it right. Try getting a pair of khakis & a button down shirt pass their maître D's - ain't happening.:D

 

I love this cruise line. Exemplary, traditional, high-end service, intimacy. ALL inclusive. When you factor in paying extra $$ on the "premium" lines such as Celebrity for premium brands, SB truly offers open bars with high-end brands, specialty restaurants, and gratuities (all inclusive on Seaborne) it comes out costing not much more than X.

 

So to those who want to sail the good, old fashioned days of yore, book a Seaborne sailing. Then come back and compare.;)

[Evangaline]

I'm convoked than within 2 years, all Celebrity and Royal ships will have done away with fixed seating MDR experience and go to full select dining, looking at how Quantum is doing this using Quantum as the test to work kinks out.

 

Sadly once this happens, the idea of formal night is probably out the window too.

 

By then Celebrity's M class ships will have no upstairs select dining area seating left with the Suite doing room in place, so handling the MDR downstairs will be come troublesome. Also I think with the removal of the bar order takers in the MDR, seems they are trying to ramp staff up to be able to handle all diners as a normal restaurant with varied seating times, and not as banquet style dining serving works.

 

I thought Quantum was going to Asia, so not sure how relevant anything they do will really be. Will say, though, that when we were on The Oasis, a lot of guys wore tuxes and women were in these amazing gowns. It was really special. If cruising loses some of these special traditions, then that would be sad. as these are the things that make cruising more than just an all-inclusive on water.

[cle-guy]

I thought Quantum was going to Asia, so not sure how relevant anything they do will really be. Will say, though, that when we were on The Oasis, a lot of guys wore tuxes and women were in these amazing gowns. It was really special. If cruising loses some of these special traditions, then that would be sad. as these are the things that make cruising more than just an all-inclusive on water.

 

Quantum is going to Asia, but their new "no MDR dining" feature is something which I can see being rolled out fleet wide at some point, probably within 2 years or so. I observe that Royal and X often make 1 major change on 1 ship then tweak the concept then roll it out fleet wide.

 

That Quantum is so similar to Oasis and Allure, they can easily have the designers CAD out a plan to redo the MDR space as needed to make multiple ding venues for people to choose from, then worry about other ships later. Celebrity will be easier with BLU and Suite dining in place already taking a significant portion of passengers, plus the proliferation of for fee specialty restaurants also taking MDR diners away nightly, making implementation of full select dining simpler, just run the MDR like a normal restaurant seated as arrived, rather than banquet style.

 

I have no inside information to support my theory, but do see the writing on the wall, as more people prefer more choices rather than being forced into dining times. I don't like 6 pm too early, but 8:30 is too late to eat and still enjoy the evening. But there are plenty who don't mind those times as well.

[antsnanny]

I thought Quantum was going to Asia, so not sure how relevant anything they do will really be. Will say, though, that when we were on The Oasis, a lot of guys wore tuxes and women were in these amazing gowns. It was really special. If cruising loses some of these special traditions, then that would be sad. as these are the things that make cruising more than just an all-inclusive on water.

 

 

The Quantum is going to China but will be replaced by the Anthem, which is the same class of ship. In the meantime Royal is bringing the Liberty to replace the Quantum. The Quantum leaves NJ in May 2015 and the Anthem should be in NJ towards the end of 2015, not sure of the date. I think Royal has come up with a perfect solution. I guess time will tell how the formal restaurant does on the Quantum class ships.

 

 

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[odisalbert]

I am to busy looking at the love of my life sitting across from me to be bothered how others are dressed! Life is far too short - enjoy this splendid time with your loved ones and lower your blood pressure.

[karl_nj]

We have 8 family members cruising to Bermuda next month on Summit. Age range from 8-74 years old. Is it acceptable on formal nights to wear a long sleeve dress shirt - tie - dress pants but no jacket for the children and grown men. Trying to keep the luggage to a minimum.

 

Yes, it's such a long flight from CT to Bayonne.

 

From the Celebrity Website:

 

"Formal" attire includes:

Ladies: Cocktail dress, gown, or dressy pantsuit. Gentlemen: Tuxedo, suit, or dinner jacket with slacks.

 

http://www.celebritycruises.com/frequently-asked-questions#1

 

Wasn't very difficult to buy and pack a blazer for my 8 year old last year. My father-in-law and I wore our tuxedos.

 

Table next to us had their kids wearing t-shirts, shorts, and flip flops.