Princess Survey about Formal Nights

[Greyhound3]

Another two votes (Mrs. Grey chimed in on this one) to keep formal nights as they currently are - it wouldn't be cruising without them!

 

 

Grey

[kennicott]

So many more people do land trips, all inclusives, resorts, etc. than cruising and all cruise lines need to modernize themselves to compete. Can you imagine requiring a tux or suit at an all inclusive? It's laughable.

 

Not certain what you mean by "all inclusives" here, are you talking all inclusive luxury cruise lines? If so, we sail on an all inclusive all the time. Tux's everywhere. In fact my wife makes me bring two since it is so common to wear them on their many formal nights.

Edited December 19, 2015 by kennicott

[GUT2407]

1. 
   

Not certain what you mean by "all inclusives" here, are you talking all inclusive luxury cruise lines? If so, we sail on an all inclusive all the time. Tux's everywhere. In fact my wife makes me bring two since it is so common to wear them on their many formal nights.

 

Mine often makes me take two as well, different sizes.

[MicCanberra]

In the aftermath of Celebrity's no formal night announcement, one guy in response said: "I certainly won't miss "Formal" nights or the judgemental posts on the boards. Does the way the guy next to you is dressed really affect your ability to enjoy your cruise? Sit back, pour the wine, raise a glass to the good ol' days and enjoy the dinner you didn't have to cook."

 

A lady responded: "I also don't have to cook at McDonalds - doesn't mean I want to eat there. And NO - I don't want to wear a formal evening gown at the same table while you are in jeans. What a joke that makes for all."

 

That exchange reminded me of the time we were on HAL in traditional seating. For some reason they put us with two other couples who had full "Neptune Suites", we had the simple equivalent of a mini-suite. We got along okay and dressed well on formal nights, I was the only one with a tux though. Half way through the voyage they saddled us with another couple, who had one of the big Pinnacle, 1500 sq foot, suites. The first formal night he came dressed with a cheap wrinkled Hawaiian shirt and reeking of sweat.

 

Just remember that money or wealth doesn't always equate to class, etiquette and manners.

[MicCanberra]

1. 
   

 

Mine often makes me take two as well, different sizes.

 

That is why mine has the elastic strips built into the waist.:p

Edited December 19, 2015 by MicCanberra

[Iamcruzin]

Princess must be hanging out on the Celebrity board. It seems even diehard Celebrity cruisers are in favor of eliminating formal nights.

[chamima]

We had the survey last week, seems to be a reaction to what is happening on anther prominent cruise line.

 

Agreed,:D

 

we are still taking our Tux and gowns for the NYE cruise on X despite it having moved to Evening Chic.

 

 

 

I agree with you!

This has to be in response to Celebrity's change.

In February we are doing a B2B with the Celebrity Eclipse then the Royal Princess.

On our Eclipse Roll Call there has been lots of discussion about what to bring.

Many of us have done this cruise together several times and all (or at least) most of the men have worn tuxes but aren't sure they won't feel out of place in them this year.

There has been no consensus so far.

 

BTW - for those who don't know - Celebrity's new designation of "Evening Chic" instead of formal nights includes jeans (as long as they're "designer" ??? :confused: :p )

 

Below is Celebrity's definition of Evening Chic:

 

Now, on up to two nights on every cruise, Evening Chic activities are being introduced, and Evening Chic attire is replacing Formal attire. While dressier than Smart Casual, Evening Chic is intended to be less dressy than Formal attire.

 

Women should feel comfortable wearing:

A cocktail dress

Skirt, pants or designer jeans with an elegant top

Men should feel comfortable wearing:

Pants or designer jeans with a dress shirt, button-down shirt or sweater

Optional sport coat or blazer

 

 

Suits , much less tuxes, aren't even mentioned.

I have no idea how "Evening Chic" differs from "Smart Casual" . :(

Edited December 19, 2015 by chamima

[floridalover5623]

I agree with you!

This has to be in response to Celebrity's change.

In February we are doing a B2B with the Celebrity Eclipse then the Royal Princess.

On our Eclipse Roll Call there has been lots of discussion about what to bring. Many of us have done this cruise together several times and all (or at least) most of the men have worn tuxes but aren't sure they won't feel out of place in them this year.

There has been no consensus so far.

 

BTW - for those who don't know - Celebrity's new designation of "Evening Chic" instead of formal nights includes jeans (as long as they're "designer" ??? :p )

 

Below is Celebrity's definition of Evening Chic:

 

Now, on up to two nights on every cruise, Evening Chic activities are being introduced, and Evening Chic attire is replacing Formal attire. While dressier than Smart Casual, Evening Chic is intended to be less dressy than Formal attire.

 

Women should feel comfortable wearing:

A cocktail dress

Skirt, pants or designer jeans with an elegant top

Men should feel comfortable wearing:

Pants or designer jeans with a dress shirt, button-down shirt or sweater

Optional sport coat or blazer

 

 

Suits , much less tuxes, aren't even mentioned.

I have no idea how "Evening Chic" differs from "Smart Casual" .

 

I still can't get a handle on what they view as "designer jeans". Looking at what the internet considers them you'll see just about anything.

Excluding the holes, what does Celebrity consider as acceptable? :confused:

[jim_in_nyc]

Is formal attire required in Alfredo's?

[JimmyVWine]

If they do abolish Formal Nights (which would disappoint me, but I think it is inevitable), I hope they don't replace it with some vague concept like "Chic Night" or "Dressy Night" and instead replace it with the tried and true "Jackets Required For Gentleman", and actually enforce it. This allows for anything from blazers with no tie all the way to white tie formal. And it differentiates the evening from all of the other nights in a way that "Chic" simply cannot. While people can debate until they are blue in the face whether nice jeans should be allowed in the MDR, it is hard to argue that nice jeans, when paired with a blazer, don't pass the test. The simple requirement of a jacket can make all the difference in creating an unambiguous dress code. And if people want to level up from there, they can.

[loge23]

Formal nights are an anachronism in these times.

It might a well be called "Costume Night".

 

That said, there may indeed be a place, ship, and time for those who prefer to dress formal on vacation. What Princess and Celebrity have apparently found, it's more often than not, not aboard their ships.

 

I see Princess and Celebrity occupying a certain segment of the cruise/vacation experience - a segment that exerts considerable pressure on pricing. This pressure creates a squeeze for those customers who still want value the traditional finer things, against those who have a different value measure. In other words, Princess/Celebrity are also saying "don't beat us up on price and then come aboard expecting the Ritz-Carlton".

 

I agree some standards are necessary - I don't appreciate the tank-top guy either. Perhaps the lines can dedicate a D/R for the gentry if demand is high enough. But while I'm on vacation - particularly in the Caribbean - a tux is the last thing I want to wear.

 

Peace and Happy Cruising

[chamima]

I still can't get a handle on what they view as "designer jeans". Looking at what the internet considers them you'll see just about anything.

Excluding the holes, what does Celebrity consider as acceptable? :confused:

 

 

Some "designer" jeans have holes. :rolleyes:

I, too, have no idea what they mean and I would bet they don't either.

I think only shorts cross their "line" of what's acceptable and what isn't.

 

 

If they do abolish Formal Nights (which would disappoint me, but I think it is inevitable), I hope they don't replace it with some vague concept like "Chic Night" or "Dressy Night" and instead replace it with the tried and true "Jackets Required For Gentleman", and actually enforce it. This allows for anything from blazers with no tie all the way to white tie formal. And it differentiates the evening from all of the other nights in a way that "Chic" simply cannot. While people can debate until they are blue in the face whether nice jeans should be allowed in the MDR, it is hard to argue that nice jeans, when paired with a blazer, don't pass the test. The simple requirement of a jacket can make all the difference in creating an unambiguous dress code. And if people want to level up from there, they can.

 

Good idea but from all the responses on the Celebrity board that won't fly.

[dickinson]

Is formal attire required in Alfredo's?

 

No.

[ohioblue52]

We are platnium with princess have been cruising carnival lately. Never did care for Elegant nights on carnival we prefer the princess program, only formal wear to be in public areas inside the ship on formal night. After our last carnival cruise experiencing their American Table in the dining room. We will not be cruising carnival again. We vote to keep formal nights formal.

[Iamcruzin]

If they do abolish Formal Nights (which would disappoint me, but I think it is inevitable), I hope they don't replace it with some vague concept like "Chic Night" or "Dressy Night" and instead replace it with the tried and true "Jackets Required For Gentleman", and actually enforce it. This allows for anything from blazers with no tie all the way to white tie formal. And it differentiates the evening from all of the other nights in a way that "Chic" simply cannot. While people can debate until they are blue in the face whether nice jeans should be allowed in the MDR, it is hard to argue that nice jeans, when paired with a blazer, don't pass the test. The simple requirement of a jacket can make all the difference in creating an unambiguous dress code. And if people want to level up from there, they can.

 

While I agree with you 100%, They don't enforce the jacket rule on formal night. What are the chances of them enforcing jackets if the dress code is relaxed? My guess is slim to none.

[Ethel5]

First let me say that the Princess Patter states "The dress for the evening is Formal/Smart casual etc." It does not say "dress for the Dining room...."

 

I vote to keep the formal nights and enforce them. No shirt and tie only business...No Jacket/No Eating in the MDR.

 

Yes, you paid for your vacation but I paid for mine as well. Yes, you have to fly, well so do I. Learn how to pack. I just went on a 7 night cruise with 2 formal nights with a regulation sized airline roll aboard and a large purse. It can be done. Women don't need to take up luggage space with 21 pairs of shoes.

 

My fear is that if they do change and allow casual all the time, there are those who will start wearing shorts and wife beater shirts in the dining room for dinner. I don't want to sit next to a hairy guy for dinner.:eek: And of course, the long past cheerleader sized women, will push for the Daisy Dukes. :eek::eek:

[Iamcruzin]

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

 

That's what is worrying Princess. There is a fine line between Celebrity, Hal and Princess. Celebrity and Hal have lowered the bar. Now Princess is surveying to see if dress code will sway passengers. The first objective to setting a dress code is that it's enforced. Since Princess doesn't enforce the dress code it's not even worth the time to send out and analyze a survey.

[pencilpusher44]

Just to cast my vote, I enjoy a couple formal nights on each cruise. It makes for a special night. I like variety.

 

Hey wait a minute, why don't we have a couple formal nights, a couple smart casual nights and then maybe some wife beater nights....... errrrr, skip the wife beater nights, but you get the idea. Variety is wonderful.

[OSU Buckeyes 1980]

Very entertaining discussion. I'll summarize my thoughts as simply as possible. We dress up for formal night and enjoy it. I have NO problem with others that do not. I don't mind sitting at a table with folks that don't want to wear tuxes and gowns. I DO have a problem in general with slobs. Folks, you can relax on your cruise all you want but show a little class when going to the MDR. A dress policy should be enforced for all dinners that requires long pants, no ball caps, tank tops, flip flops, and the like. If someone is at my table on formal night with nice slacks and polo shirt (and the comparable wear for ladies) that's fine. No need for me to be elitist. But is it too much to ask someone on their vacation when they want to "relax" to be presentable in a restaurant? This should be the rule for all dinners in MDR and I honestly can't think of a reason that should upset anyone. Bottom line (and here's where I'm sure there will be some disagreement) Princess is still considered a somewhat upscale line along with the others mentioned by others in the same sentence in the previous posts. If you feel you should be able to wear beach garb or very informal clothing in the MDR for dinner, book Carnival. I can't fathom any rationale from a poster that would change my mind as to the dress in the MDR. I can't buy the " if I want to be a slob at dinner that's my right because I paid the same amount and go on a cruise to relax and be informal". Put on a pair of slacks and a decent shirt - your mother would be proud of you for being presentable at a nice restaurant.

[Oxo]

Very entertaining discussion. I'll summarize my thoughts as simply as possible. We dress up for formal night and enjoy it. I have NO problem with others that do not. I don't mind sitting at a table with folks that don't want to wear tuxes and gowns. I DO have a problem in general with slobs. Folks, you can relax on your cruise all you want but show a little class when going to the MDR. A dress policy should be enforced for all dinners that requires long pants, no ball caps, tank tops, flip flops, and the like. If someone is at my table on formal night with nice slacks and polo shirt (and the comparable wear for ladies) that's fine. No need for me to be elitist. But is it too much to ask someone on their vacation when they want to "relax" to be presentable in a restaurant? This should be the rule for all dinners in MDR and I honestly can't think of a reason that should upset anyone. Bottom line (and here's where I'm sure there will be some disagreement) Princess is still considered a somewhat upscale line along with the others mentioned by others in the same sentence in the previous posts. If you feel you should be able to wear beach garb or very informal clothing in the MDR for dinner, book Carnival. I can't fathom any rationale from a poster that would change my mind as to the dress in the MDR. I can't buy the " if I want to be a slob at dinner that's my right because I paid the same amount and go on a cruise to relax and be informal". Put on a pair of slacks and a decent shirt - your mother would be proud of you for being presentable at a nice restaurant.

Excellent posting!! That is why many people are asking for a table for 2. You never know who will be at a table or when they will show up. Another example of people not be considerate of others.

[golfb4cruzing]

I'm all for Toga Night.

[pencilpusher44]

I'm all for Toga Night.

 

Jeez, why didn't i think of that. Skip the wife beater shirt night and go with TOGA NIGHT. That is a great idea....... hmmm.... you must be my age and you remember Animal House.

[golfb4cruzing]

Jeez, why didn't i think of that. Skip the wife beater shirt night and go with TOGA NIGHT. That is a great idea....... hmmm.... you must be my age and you remember Animal House.

 

LOL. We leave for the Canal on the wife's birthday. I will have pushed past the 6 decades mark. Some say I may resemble Brother Bluto. :D

[Cruise Junky]

Not certain what you mean by "all inclusives" here, are you talking all inclusive luxury cruise lines? If so, we sail on an all inclusive all the time. Tux's everywhere. In fact my wife makes me bring two since it is so common to wear them on their many formal nights.

 

No, I'm referring to All inclusive resorts. But I think the most inclusive of all cruise lines, Regent, does not have formal nights.

[Cruise Junky]

We are platnium with princess have been cruising carnival lately. Never did care for Elegant nights on carnival we prefer the princess program, only formal wear to be in public areas inside the ship on formal night. After our last carnival cruise experiencing their American Table in the dining room. We will not be cruising carnival again. We vote to keep formal nights formal.

 

Princess hasn't required formal throughout the ship in over a decade. It applies only to the Main and Anytime dining rooms.

 

I'm also getting a chuckle out of the women here telling the men how they should dress and then probably show up in polyester pants and a black top and think they're "formal" LOL