Princess Survey about Formal Nights

[Shogun]

Hi All

 

For me the choice would be to keep things the way they are,

 

folks that do not want to dress up, can eat at a range of places,

 

its not like its formal every night, I do think on short cruises formal should be

 

done away with.

 

 

yours Shogun

[floridalover5623]

That's still dislodging people from where they eat on account of dress. Possibly an inquiry could be made in the reservation process as to whether they prefer to dine at a table where the others plan on dressing formally for those nights.

 

I can't see why it would bother anyone as long as they provide a dining location which serves the same menu. My major concern is being told that the buffet is a viable option for dinner when in fact they don't serve the same items.

As far as I can see by the comments on this board the people who do like to dress up don't care to see others not compiling in the dining room within their sight, no less at the same table.

Either way, this is a step in the right direction for Princess satisfying both sides of the argument. I think they were forced to do something since most other cruise lines have relaxed their standards to some degree.

[Wehwalt]

I can't see why it would bother anyone as long as they provide a dining location which serves the same menu. My major concern is being told that the buffet is a viable option for dinner when in fact they don't serve the same items.

As far as I can see by the comments on this board the people who do like to dress up don't care to see others not compiling in the dining room within their sight, no less at the same table.

Either way, this is a step in the right direction for Princess satisfying both sides of the argument. I think they were forced to do something since most other cruise lines have relaxed their standards to some degree.

 

I think that people who enjoy the sit down dinner every night enjoy the food and the ritual of it and the situation. Having the same food elsewhere deprives you of the waiters you are accustomed to and the company you are accustomed to.

 

Everyone pays the fare to travel. If the happiness of some depends on the exclusion of others, I'm a bit uncomfortable with that and don't think it's a game Princess should play.

 

One idea might be to make the specialty restaurants formal on some nights.

Edited December 18, 2015 by Wehwalt

[chamima]

I think that people who enjoy the sit down dinner every night enjoy the food and the ritual of it and the situation. Having the same food elsewhere deprives you of the waiters you are accustomed to and the company you are accustomed to.

 

Everyone pays the fare to travel. If the happiness of some depends on the exclusion of others, I'm a bit uncomfortable with that and don't think it's a game Princess should play.

 

One idea might be to make the specialty restaurants formal on some nights.

 

 

Is it really that much of an imposition to ask someone to put on a long sleeved shirt and pair of slacks?

(Which is really what the limits of the formal night designation have become.)

[floridalover5623]

I think that people who enjoy the sit down dinner every night enjoy the food and the ritual of it and the situation. Having the same food elsewhere deprives you of the waiters you are accustomed to and the company you are accustomed to. True.

 

Everyone pays the fare to travel. If the happiness of some depends on the exclusion of others, I'm a bit uncomfortable with that and don't think it's a game Princess should play.

I doubt that Princess has a choice in the matter. It's being forced upon them by the actions of other cruise lines. Either change with the majority or lose future business to the competitors.

 

One idea might be to make the specialty restaurants formal on some nights.

 

Charging people who like to dress formally? I don't think so unless they're the ones who make that decision.

[Shogun]

Hi All

 

Just because one cruise line removes formal night does not mean automatically

 

Princess must do the same, I do not want all cruise lines being the same,

 

Princess could keep formal night and target those passengers from rival cruise

 

lines that have done away with formal night.

 

 

yours Shogun

[cruzsnooze]

I would do away with formal nights. NO I won't eat in other venues, I paid to eat in the dining room with the same waiters every night in traditional dining.

[Wehwalt]

Charging people who like to dress formally? I don't think so unless they're the ones who make that decision.

 

They would not be excluded from their usual place. Unlike status quo for others.

[Husky61]

Why are you limited? You can dress as formal as you want and eat in any of the ship's venue. Nothing is preventing you from doing that.

 

I totally agree with you. Those who like to "dress" formally can do so every night if they wish.:)

[dandonna]

Hi All

 

Just because one cruise line removes formal night does not mean automatically

 

Princess must do the same, I do not want all cruise lines being the same,

 

Princess could keep formal night and target those passengers from rival cruise

 

lines that have done away with formal night.

 

 

yours Shogun

 

Totally agree. Princess set the standard of traditions let the other cruise-lines change Princess does not have too.

[floridalover5623]

They would not be excluded from their usual place. Unlike status quo for others.

 

That's also true. From what I see on the Royal they're truing to make the Specialty restaurants a little more upscale on formal nights. They still accept casual clothing but prefer it to be a little dressier. It was hard to get a read on what the head waiter really wanted but it sounded like that's what he was trying to imply.

[Thrak]

Have not received this survey. Hopefully it will come to us soon.

[anthonyy7]

I would prob vote to keep formal nights even though I do not dress up or participate myself. I see how it important it is to most people so why deny them this 1 or 2 nights? There are plenty of options for those that don't want to dress up and be a part of that. Also if your going to have a formal night then let it be FORMAL, not half A$$. I suppose you could designate 1 MDR non-formal?

[VibeGuy]

I'll trade a new requirement for collared shirts and no denim in the MDR every night for getting rid of formal night. Alternatively, I would support turning away anyone not wearing a dark business suit or evening attire, hurt feelings be damned. Dockers and a placket sport shirt is not formal. It's barely business casual.

 

 

I love cruising tradition and own my own evening attire, but I think this ship has figuratively and literally sailed in the era of baggage fees and plummeting understanding of what casual, semi-formal and formal means. I also fly to or from the port. An additional pair of shoes is required with a tux - well-dressed men simply don't wear business shoes with evening attire. Figure two formal shirts each, two tuxes and two pairs of shoes (size 14 and 17 respectively), some accessories and we're at an extra suitcase. The yield is low - I already see DH in evening dress for social and charity events, someone thinks khakis and a blue shirt is formal, an extra bag over our two free ones is $25-50, and meh. Also, drunks tend to spill drinks on my velvet slippers, which is cold, wet and sticky.

 

We, and I assume other Princess cruisers, stay at nice land-based resorts as well as cruising. Save NYE events, I can't think of any that still insist on so much as a tie for even their nicest venues. If we can't actually manage to require formal on formal night, I would prefer country club casual with strict enforcement. Wear a jacket if you like. Ladies, I love an up-do, and wouldn't want to deny you, not one moment. Guys, hide the Budweiser t-shirts and ensure your underarm hair is not on display. Bring out the cashmere and the patent and the lamé and the cocktail dresses and that shirt you bought in Como that makes you look dangerously rakish and sorta like George Clooney if you squint and the light is dim. And you know what? If you want to be the only penguin in the zoo, be that penguin, you dashing pudgy flightless waterfowl, you! I promise not to spill on your opera pumps and I might even get you a herring. You can recognize me in the linen pants and that shirt from that time where we got lost in Barcelona as the lights came up on Las Ramblas.

[dfdub]

Hi All

 

Just because one cruise line removes formal night does not mean automatically

 

Princess must do the same, I do not want all cruise lines being the same,

 

Princess could keep formal night and target those passengers from rival cruise

 

lines that have done away with formal night.

 

 

yours Shogun

In my own opinion.... This often reoccurring subject is all about a matter of having some "class". I have ALWAYS worn a nice suit or tux on formal nights because being on a cruise ship is a classy vacation, not a camping trip. It's only one or two nights and I don't think ANYONE should feel offended for being offered and having the opportunity to "dress to the nines" one or two nights. Formal Night has always been a cruise ship "event". No one is forced to dress up, so if you don't like it, fine. You should always dress like you have some class in the MDR all the time. Take your T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, blue jeans and baseball caps to the smorgasbord topside. (Ps. I have the $200 blue jeans too and they aren't appropriate in the MDR!)

I vote for Formal Nights and keeping the MDR a step or two above the hamburger stand or the Waffle House!! Just sayin'

[Mingus]

Is it really that much of an imposition to ask someone to put on a long sleeved shirt and pair of slacks?

(Which is really what the limits of the formal night designation have become.)

 

I totally agree!!

[floridalover5623]

I would prob vote to keep formal nights even though I do not dress up or participate myself. I see how it important it is to most people so why deny them this 1 or 2 nights? There are plenty of options for those that don't want to dress up and be a part of that. Also if your going to have a formal night then let it be FORMAL, not half A$$. I suppose you could designate 1 MDR non-formal?

 

Yes there are other options but non of them include a menu with the same food. Perhaps have one dining room as formal optional and the other dining room a "strictly formal"- Tux and gown required for seating.

Edited December 18, 2015 by floridalover5623

[nukesubsailor]

The cross section of Princess passengers who were selected to be part of the survey community are used to get a statistically accurate feel for subjects Princess may feel can be improved. The posting of a survey on a subject doesn't mean that Princess is determined to change it.

When I was asked to be part of this survey community, Princess asked me to not discuss the survey subject on any public forum. I presume that request was made to prevent them from being deluged with a bunch of messages about something no decision had been made to change. I am sure they get a deluge of irate messages after they make some change and I can understand why they want to avoid getting a deluge before deciding on a change.

Unsolicited responses are almost always negative and are not scientifically or statistically useful in determining public opinion.

[minniem]

We have NOT received the survey but we know about the change to "Evening Chic" on Celebrity and are not happy about it. It's not so much the name but the parameters that bother me.

Jeans are considered "Chic" in their current dress code.

My feeling is that people generally push the limits (plenty of men only wear long sleeved shirts with no jacket already on what is called "formal") and now I see absolutely no difference between "chic" and other nights.

Too bad to lose another little special part of cruising.

 

Having dealt with high school dress codes for 30 years I feel confident saying there will always be people who push the limits. Everyone has their own interpretation of what is appropriate. I want Princess to clearly state what is appropriate in their dinning room and then stick to it. People have other options. I fear when the cruise line says casual is ok for dinner there will be people who come to dinner in their pajamas.

[dandonna]

Having dealt with high school dress codes for 30 years I feel confident saying there will always be people who push the limits. Everyone has their own interpretation of what is appropriate. I want Princess to clearly state what is appropriate in their dinning room and then stick to it. People have other options. I fear when the cruise line says casual is ok for dinner there will be people who come to dinner in their pajamas.

 

 

I've just never understand why there is an issue at all?

First off on a 7 day cruise you have 5 casual nights and only 2 formal nights. Do those 2 nights really bother you so much you want them taken away? Secondly when you book a Princess cruise you know upfront they have formal nights. If you don't like that no worries then book another cruise line.

I don't gamble but I am not asking Princess to remove the casino. LOL

[shredie]

I don't gamble but I am not asking Princess to remove the casino. LOL

 

But there are people who have asked for that. Can't please everyone.

[Potstech]

I totally agree with you. Those who like to "dress" formally can do so every night if they wish.:)

 

And many wonder why they do not dress formally every night if they are so set on only doing it once or twice a cruise. If they enjoy it so much Please do it every night. What is stopping them?

[AKman2495]

We have NOT received the survey but we know about the change to "Evening Chic" on Celebrity and are not happy about it. It's not so much the name but the parameters that bother me.

Jeans are considered "Chic" in their current dress code.

My feeling is that people generally push the limits (plenty of men only wear long sleeved shirts with no jacket already on what is called "formal") and now I see absolutely no difference between "chic" and other nights.

Too bad to lose another little special part of cruising.

 

I totally agree. If they drop formal nights, cruising will be not much different than going to the mall....soon, as it deteriorates further, it will be like going to walk-mart at 3 am....

 

Not a happy picture....

[bananawindnj]

I would love to see candid pictures taken of some people on formal nights, that totally abuse the policy, put up on the photo boards in the photo gallery. Polo shirts on guys and/or shorts and the like. This would send a subtle message.

[Kinkacruiser]

Personally I feel the label "formal" is what Princess may like to change. After seeing what passengers wear on formal nights, you couldn't in all honestly call it "formal". In my books "formal" = long gown for ladies and a tuxedo for gents.

Then again, I'm from the 'older' generation.

 

I'm fairly confident Princess will keep these nights, maybe tweek the name after the survey.