Fish66 Posted November 9, 2015 #1 Share Posted November 9, 2015 What actually happens on these nights? Is it just a dinner, or is it dancing, partying I'm am curious on the Formal Nights.. If I didn't wanna go, I don't have to go do I?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megsie Posted November 9, 2015 #2 Share Posted November 9, 2015 Depends on the cruiseline as to how formal, formal night is. Cunard actually have formal balls and you see a few full length gowns etc. Then again, P&O on formal night there were quite a few in trackies and thongs. So it goes anything in between happens mostly. Mostly there is a special event happening - big band night, Captain's welcome, champagne tower, welcome back event etc. Not compulsory to attend or dress up and nowadays the dressing is fairly relaxed. Overall not too many tux's and very few ornate gowns. Most men dress from tie and shirt, jacket, suit or tux. Ladies - cocktail/party dress, pants and nice top etc. Some may not let you into the MDR without dressing appropriately at anytime - Cunard prefer men to wear a jacket at all dinners. RCI used to frown on jeans in MDR at dinner but have seen plenty in there. Don't worry, if on the day you don't want to attend there is always room service, buffet or cafes. But we always get changed for dinner and wear what we would at home when going out to a restaurant. Most do dress nicely for formal night as they do most nights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish66 Posted November 9, 2015 Author #3 Share Posted November 9, 2015 Which line? It's just a chance to dress up a bit really, you can do as much or as little as you want. It's just regular dinner, but often it coincides with a meet & greet with the Captain in the lobby or similar. And people often take the chance to have some drinks before dinner and do the show afterwards like a fancy night out on land. If you don't want to participate at all, just grab dinner from the buffet and go about your normal evening business! I'm going on the Golden Princess going to NZ on February 11th for 13 nights Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted November 9, 2015 #4 Share Posted November 9, 2015 I read this morning that Celebrity have changed their formal nights to 'evening chic'. So it sounds like they're a dying breed :( Just a little bit sad about this, I liked the formal nights when most people got dressed up.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare OzKiwiJJ Posted November 10, 2015 #5 Share Posted November 10, 2015 Just a little bit sad about this, I liked the formal nights when most people got dressed up.:D Me too. We're still planning on taking our formalwear on our Christmas Solstice cruise. We chose Stolstice for the Christmas cruise because it had the perfect itinerary forus but also because we wanted to try Celebrity at least once. But there are other cruise lines - we quite like Princess and most of those cruises have onboard costs in AUD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted November 10, 2015 #6 Share Posted November 10, 2015 Me too. We're still planning on taking our formalwear on our Christmas Solstice cruise. We chose Stolstice for the Christmas cruise because it had the perfect itinerary forus but also because we wanted to try Celebrity at least once. But there are other cruise lines - we quite like Princess and most of those cruises have onboard costs in AUD. I think I will still dress up in my Tux for new Years cruise on the Solstice as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Big_M Posted November 10, 2015 #7 Share Posted November 10, 2015 Me too. We're still planning on taking our formalwear on our Christmas Solstice cruise. Formal is still chic! :-) The announcement also implied there would be fewer nights, as it only mentioned two on a >7 night cruise. Currently there would be 3 for the typical 12 night here, and 4 on longer ones (>14). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted November 10, 2015 #8 Share Posted November 10, 2015 If they get rid of the formal nights, the lobster and the filet Mignon won't be far behind from being free in the MDR. Already some cruise lines charge for lobster.:( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beanb41 Posted November 10, 2015 #9 Share Posted November 10, 2015 If they get rid of the formal nights, the lobster and the filet Mignon won't be far behind from being free in the MDR. Already some cruise lines charge for lobster.:( Lobster in the MDR is normally dry and overcooked anyway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Big_M Posted November 10, 2015 #10 Share Posted November 10, 2015 If they get rid of the formal nights, the lobster and the filet Mignon won't be far behind from being free in the MDR. Already some cruise lines charge for lobster.:( You're probably ahead of the curve there. I wouldn't be surprised to see that eventuate in future, given the cuts so far to formal nights and meals (not just in this announcement). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted November 10, 2015 #11 Share Posted November 10, 2015 Lobster in the MDR is normally dry and overcooked anyway I have never had a bad lobster, always juicy, but it is more the other meals like filet mignon and such.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisine21 Posted November 10, 2015 #12 Share Posted November 10, 2015 I have never had a bad lobster, always juicy, but it is more the other meals like filet mignon and such.:D There was no lobster or fillet Mignon in the MDR on the Solstice in Sept. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aus Traveller Posted November 10, 2015 #13 Share Posted November 10, 2015 On Princess' formal nights I enjoy the lobster as well as the Beef Wellington, or Chateaubriand. :) They are both main courses, but if I don't have an appetizer or a soup, I can manage both. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aussieflyer Posted November 10, 2015 #14 Share Posted November 10, 2015 (edited) Cunard is the only line I have been on where formal nights are seen as important. If you do not wish to dress formally you are welcome to eat in the buffet and go to the winter garden but the rest of the ship follows the dress code for the evening, so the bars and theatre are all formal. Almost all passengers follow this. It is wonderful to see everyone so beautifully dressed - men in tuxes or suits and women in long gowns. All the other ships have been a bit of a mix and match with some women in long, many in cocktail and quite a few in day dresses. Edited November 10, 2015 by Aussieflyer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted November 10, 2015 #15 Share Posted November 10, 2015 There was no lobster or fillet Mignon in the MDR on the Solstice in Sept. Say it isn't so.:eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted November 10, 2015 #16 Share Posted November 10, 2015 On Princess' formal nights I enjoy the lobster as well as the Beef Wellington, or Chateaubriand. :) They are both main courses, but if I don't have an appetizer or a soup, I can manage both. :D Likewise, I often go surf and turf for formal nights.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted November 10, 2015 #17 Share Posted November 10, 2015 Cunard is the only line I have been on where formal nights are seen as important. If you do not wish to dress formally you are welcome to eat in the buffet and go to the winter garden but the rest of the ship follows the dress code for the evening, so the bars and theatre are all formal. Almost all passengers follow this. It is wonderful to see everyone so beautifully dressed - men in tuxes or suits and women in long gowns. All the other ships have been a bit of a mix and match with some women in long, many in cocktail and quite a few in day dresses. Yes, you really do notice the difference in the ambiance all over the ship.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cabansail Posted November 10, 2015 #18 Share Posted November 10, 2015 Quite right that there should be choice. Make it Formal or Nude night ..... take your pick! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted November 10, 2015 #19 Share Posted November 10, 2015 Quite right that there should be choice. Make it Formal or Nude night ..... take your pick! :D On this ship it can't be nude nights all the outfits are too wrinkled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare OzKiwiJJ Posted November 10, 2015 #20 Share Posted November 10, 2015 Lobster in the MDR is normally dry and overcooked anyway Not on Princess, it's delicious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vrogers Posted November 10, 2015 #21 Share Posted November 10, 2015 We cruised Solstice this passed January and being school holidays many many children on board and it was absolutely delightful to see so many of them all dressed up for the formal evenings, they were all so swish and absolutely beaming with pride to be all dressed up along with their parents who made an effort as well. Even the teenagers all made efforts. It was lovely to see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted November 10, 2015 #22 Share Posted November 10, 2015 Not on Princess, it's delicious. Mine the other night was melt in the mouth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted November 10, 2015 #23 Share Posted November 10, 2015 We've had three formal nights so far this cruise and I'd say about 98%+ have dressed to the code. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted November 10, 2015 #24 Share Posted November 10, 2015 We cruised Solstice this passed January and being school holidays many many children on board and it was absolutely delightful to see so many of them all dressed up for the formal evenings, they were all so swish and absolutely beaming with pride to be all dressed up along with their parents who made an effort as well. Even the teenagers all made efforts. It was lovely to see. Yes, the fact that so many make an effort makes it more special.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted November 10, 2015 #25 Share Posted November 10, 2015 We've had three formal nights so far this cruise and I'd say about 98%+ have dressed to the code. But you are on Princess not Celebrity so there is no 'Evening Chic' to be seen. Yet:eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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