dorisis Posted September 7, 2015 #1 Share Posted September 7, 2015 Do any of the cruise lines actually give a definition of formal for ladies and gentlemen??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shorex Posted September 7, 2015 #2 Share Posted September 7, 2015 Every cruise line we've ever sailed on has a detailed description of every level of dress code on their website. In general, lines are going more casual, and even luxury lines are diluting "formal". Few, if any, expect "black tie." Most are happy if guests eschew flip flops and jeans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hflors Posted September 7, 2015 #3 Share Posted September 7, 2015 Do any of the cruise lines actually give a definition of formal for ladies and gentlemen??? Not really Your best bet is to go to the cruise line's website and look for a tab that says something like 'on board our ship". That should give you a pretty good idea. If you don't see that call the cruise line. They should be able to help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underwatr Posted September 7, 2015 #4 Share Posted September 7, 2015 The definition varies widely by line, but Cunard (one of the most formal if not the most formal line) provides the following (I've included the definition for Informal to illustrate the formality of the line): Formal: Evening wear consists of an evening or cocktail dress or smart trouser suit for ladies. A tuxedo, dinner jacket or dark suit with appropriate neck wear for men or you may wear formal national dress and army uniform. Informal: Evenings would consist of a required jacket and optional tie optional for gentlemen, whilst ladies should wear cocktail dresses, stylish separates or equivalent. Please note that after 6pm, shorts and blue or worn denim (for men and women); sandals and sleeveless tops (for men) are not considered appropriate within the ship. On formal nights, any guests wishing to dress more casually are welcome to dine in the Kings Court or Lido buffet restaurant and relax in the Winter Garden or Garden Lounge bar, but should not use other areas within the ship, including our Alternative Dining Restaurants, out of respect for their fellow guests. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted September 7, 2015 #5 Share Posted September 7, 2015 Every cruise line on their web site will give examples of the evening attire. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leaveitallbehind Posted September 7, 2015 #6 Share Posted September 7, 2015 (edited) As indicated this varies by cruise line and most will post their "recommended attire" - which are generally not requirements - on their websites. But most cruise lines are down rating their formal night policies and not strictly enforcing their recommended attire. As example, RCI on their Quantum class ships have done away with formal attire and listed formal nights altogether with the exception of "The Grand" venue, which is formal every night. And my understanding is that as such, their guidelines for formal attire there is a requirement. But this base fare included venue is strictly optional to choose for a reservation and the entire cruise dining experience can be casual otherwise at one of 17 other inclusive and fee based venues. Edited September 7, 2015 by leaveitallbehind Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ger_77 Posted September 7, 2015 #7 Share Posted September 7, 2015 Formal seems to be getting more informal all the time; my definition of formal for men is a dark suit, white shirt and tie, or a tuxedo. Ladies have different style options: cocktail dress, long skirt (or flowy pants) and a pretty top, or all the way to lovely ball gowns. In our house "Formal" means tux and sparklies - we love dressing up, and it doesn't matter what cruise line we travel, we always dress the same. Smooth Sailing! :) :) :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swedish weave Posted September 7, 2015 #8 Share Posted September 7, 2015 (edited) I think you will find that most of the mainstream cruise lines have relaxed the application of their formal night dress requirements to a long sleeve button shirt , slacks, and closed toe shoes for men. Ladies can wear almost anything that looks nice. Some may still want men to wear the jacket and tie, but they are becoming less stringent. Edited September 7, 2015 by swedish weave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocF Posted September 7, 2015 #9 Share Posted September 7, 2015 Formal seems to be getting more informal all the time; my definition of formal for men is a dark suit, white shirt and tie, or a tuxedo. Ladies have different style options: cocktail dress, long skirt (or flowy pants) and a pretty top, or all the way to lovely ball gowns. In our house "Formal" means tux and sparklies - we love dressing up, and it doesn't matter what cruise line we travel, we always dress the same. Smooth Sailing! :) :) :) We do this too. (DW says this is because we just use the same clothes over and over.):p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spookwife Posted September 7, 2015 #10 Share Posted September 7, 2015 Do any of the cruise lines actually give a definition of formal for ladies and gentlemen??? they all do under their suggested attire section or FAQ on the website or you can ignore ethic and listen to the 15 different opinions on what is and is not acceptable from the posters on CC me, personally, i go by what was expected of me to wear at the various military functions over the years. (whatever uniform he was required to wear, I matched my outfit's formality accordingly) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iheartbda Posted September 7, 2015 #11 Share Posted September 7, 2015 Not really Your best bet is to go to the cruise line's website and look for a tab that says something like 'on board our ship". That should give you a pretty good idea. If you don't see that call the cruise line. They should be able to help. They sure do and like you posted, it will be listed on the cruise line's website. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leaveitallbehind Posted September 7, 2015 #12 Share Posted September 7, 2015 (edited) they all do under their suggested attire section or FAQ on the website or you can ignore ethic and listen to the 15 different opinions on what is and is not acceptable from the posters on CC me, personally, i go by what was expected of me to wear at the various military functions over the years. (whatever uniform he was required to wear, I matched my outfit's formality accordingly) ...as offered by you as well? Sorry, but I'm not sure I understand what "ethics" has to do with formal attire as defined by the various cruise lines per the OP's question. The question wasn't what do we think is right, or are the guidelines followed - just whether the cruise lines offer a definition of their guidelines for formal wear for their passengers. And the answer as given in the responses is yes, they do. Edited September 7, 2015 by leaveitallbehind Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cb at sea Posted September 7, 2015 #13 Share Posted September 7, 2015 "Formal" means tux and gown or dark suit and cocktail dress.. Whether cruise lines nowadays make anyone adhere to the suggestion is anyone's guess! Most cruise lines no longer enforce the suggested attire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruise a holic Posted September 7, 2015 #14 Share Posted September 7, 2015 Formal seems to be getting more informal all the time; my definition of formal for men is a dark suit, white shirt and tie, or a tuxedo. Ladies have different style options: cocktail dress, long skirt (or flowy pants) and a pretty top, or all the way to lovely ball gowns. In our house "Formal" means tux and sparklies - we love dressing up, and it doesn't matter what cruise line we travel, we always dress the same. Smooth Sailing! :) :) :) We also enjoy dressing up on formal nights. Never understand why people object unless they do not own formal ware or have "outgrown" what they have A frequent problem with people who cruise often! Today with all of the discount stores it isn't expensive to buy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pseudoware Posted September 7, 2015 #15 Share Posted September 7, 2015 Formal = dine-at-the-buffet night Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruise a holic Posted September 7, 2015 #16 Share Posted September 7, 2015 Usually formal night in the MDR is a special evening. Special food is served and sometimes other festive activities. Why deprive yourself from enjoying all the cruiseline has to offer? You paid for it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spookwife Posted September 7, 2015 #17 Share Posted September 7, 2015 ...as offered by you as well? Sorry, but I'm not sure I understand what "ethics" has to do with formal attire as defined by the various cruise lines per the OP's question. The question wasn't what do we think is right, or are the guidelines followed - just whether the cruise lines offer a definition of their guidelines for formal wear for their passengers. And the answer as given in the responses is yes, they do. my laptop is having issues with the second line of letters on the keyboard and between that and auto correct some times what I type is not what actually appears on the page. I don't always catch it before hitting 'send' 'ethic' was not what I originally intended to say. I can't remember exactly what it was but I think it was something along the lines of ignoring what the websites list and listen to posters who all have opinions as to what is or is not appropriate or what the cruise ships will allow you to get away with Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enforcer Posted September 7, 2015 #18 Share Posted September 7, 2015 Hi, A lot can depend on where you are cruising, in my experience, in Europe formal nights dress recommendations are more adhered to, in N.America and especially hotter climes less so. Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt_BJ Posted September 7, 2015 #19 Share Posted September 7, 2015 what is formal? I believe we met the requirement each time . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruise a holic Posted September 7, 2015 #20 Share Posted September 7, 2015 You all look great. I am sure you enjoyed the evening and have many photo memories. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest maddycat Posted September 7, 2015 #21 Share Posted September 7, 2015 As indicated this varies by cruise line and most will post their "recommended attire" - which are generally not requirements - on their websites. But most cruise lines are down rating their formal night policies and not strictly enforcing their recommended attire. As example, RCI on their Quantum class ships have done away with formal attire and listed formal nights altogether with the exception of "The Grand" venue, which is formal every night. And my understanding is that as such, their guidelines for formal attire there is a requirement. But this base fare included venue is strictly optional to choose for a reservation and the entire cruise dining experience can be casual otherwise at one of 17 other inclusive and fee based venues. When we were on the Quantum in April, formal attire was not required in the Grande. It was suggested and the Grande was listed as a formal only restaurant. Most passengers eating there were wearing their formal clothes. However, they were also letting in passengers wearing jeans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruise a holic Posted September 7, 2015 #22 Share Posted September 7, 2015 When we were on the Quantum in April, formal attire was not required in the Grande. It was suggested and the Grande was listed as a formal only restaurant. Most passengers eating there were wearing their formal clothes. However, they were also letting in passengers wearing jeans.[/quoteOn the Quantum of the seas in March and if you didn't wear a jacket, they would provide you with one. All teens and adult males. In many cases the jackets were gross and didn't necessarily match or fit properly . In addition they were worn by many people, so they weren't necessarily clean or order free! If you dine in Grand on the Quantum, bring a jacket! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest maddycat Posted September 8, 2015 #23 Share Posted September 8, 2015 When we were on the Quantum in April, formal attire was not required in the Grande. It was suggested and the Grande was listed as a formal only restaurant. Most passengers eating there were wearing their formal clothes. However, they were also letting in passengers wearing jeans.[/quoteOn the Quantum of the seas in March and if you didn't wear a jacket, they would provide you with one. All teens and adult males. In many cases the jackets were gross and didn't necessarily match or fit properly . In addition they were worn by many people, so they weren't necessarily clean or order free! If you dine in Grand on the Quantum, bring a jacket! Yes, you are right. They gave a jacket to any one who didn't have one. Including those who were wearing jeans. As soon as they were seated they took off the jacket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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