Formal - Gala Night; lets stop the pretense

[Tom O.]

These debates of formal vs. smart casual, have dominated these boards since I joined CC more than 10 years ago. I used to get involved in them, mostly on the Princess forum, but I avoid them now. But here I am posting in one.

This subject used to important to me, but not any more. I like wearing a suit to dinner, but I know that it would be nice to not have to worry about a suit getting wrinkled in a suitcase. And I am not going to be concerned with what others wear.

So I now consider myself neutral on the subject.

Every week there is a new thread on this subject, especially since HAL made the policy change. Some people get rather passionate in making their point. Pretty soon Walt will probably make a single thread for these discussions, like he did with the smoking thread.

[3rdGenCunarder]

When the cruise director reminds passengers early on the Gala day - "so wear your tuxes and your sparkles" what are you to expect. HAL needs to choose what side of the fence they are on - to some gala means more then formal. I overheard a man telling the assistant DR manager that he did not bring a jacket and would not be dining in the MDR the next gala night. The manager told the gentleman that what ge had on was perfect attire - a short sleeved, collared, plaid shirt and chinos. I guess the MDR ass't manager understands what the CD doesn't.

 

I wonder if some cruise directors are trying to hype the gala idea? On our recent cruise, we went to the show on the first gala night. When the CD came out to introduce the show, he commented on how nice people looked. He asked the men to applaud the ladies, then the ladies to applaud the men. Then he looked around and said "I see some of you didn't get the memo." And then he mumbled something like "but never mind."

[doublebzz]

There is nothing gala about it. And there has not been for some time notwithstanding the name change IMHO.

 

The food is not gala. The entertainment is not gala.

 

Why on earth would the cruise line expect people to believe that it is gala unless it is their first rodeo and they believe all of the bumph in the brochure.

 

It is really make believe 'Alice in Wonderland'. Some people are tired of the pretense-especially when the cruise line is doing little or nothing to enhance it.

 

I'm not sure what the complaint is all about?

 

Are people upset because there was a change to the dress code or because Gala doesn't seem to be an appropriate name? Do you want to change the code back or do you want a different name or do you just want to go to smart casual?

 

As the OP, I just offered observations, not complaints. The point is HAL is continuing to promote something that is not. As iancal states, there is nothing gala about gala nights. So, lets drop the pretense and the dress issue goes away.

[RocketMan275]

As the OP, I just offered observations, not complaints. The point is HAL is continuing to promote something that is not. As iancal states, there is nothing gala about gala nights. So, lets drop the pretense and the dress issue goes away.

 

Do you really think there is anything that would make this go away? Too many strong feelings on both sides.

[Tom O.]

As the OP, I just offered observations, not complaints. The point is HAL is continuing to promote something that is not. As iancal states, there is nothing gala about gala nights. So, lets drop the pretense and the dress issue goes away.

 

I see your point. I think HAL is trying to offer something to everyone. They dropped their formal dress code, but still want to offer a night for those who want to dress up. When a company tries to make everybody happy, they also displease everyone a little. Such is the nature of compromise.

[cruz chic]

Do you really think there is anything that would make this go away? Too many strong feelings on both sides.

 

I think going to a smart casual policy nightly will lessen the complaints. It seems education of some of Hal's onboard staff is in order as well. Why are CDs expecting people to dress up when their suggested dress code suggests that it's not necessary?

[RocketMan275]

I think going to a smart casual policy nightly will lessen the complaints. It seems education of some of Hal's onboard staff is in order as well. Why are CDs expecting people to dress up when their suggested dress code suggests that it's not necessary?

 

There are too many people who would prefer a return to the days of yore to be satisfied with an all smart casual dress.

 

I didn't see the CD comments reported here as an expectation of people dressing up but more as a lame attempt by a CD to encourage dressing up. BTW, why does anyone care what a CD wants/expects? I've yet to be on a cruise where the CD made enough of a difference that I would even remember who he was.

[3rdGenCunarder]

There are too many people who would prefer a return to the days of yore to be satisfied with an all smart casual dress.

 

I love formal nights. It's one of the many things that I enjoy on Cunard. On Cunard, they make a night of it and EVERYONE dresses up. There are cocktail parties on some formal nights. Not everyone goes to every party--there are parties for Grills pax, MDR pax, World Club pax, World Club Platinum/Diamond pax. But it adds another reason to dress up. And when the captains do their welcome remarks, they usually comment on how nice everyone looks. It's part of their onboard style.

 

However, HAL doesn't do much to make "gala" nights special, so I would welcome all smart casual. On one of our recent "gala" nights, we weren't interested in the show or anything going on in the bars, so the only thing we dressed up for was dinner.

 

As it stands now, I'm not sure what to do. How "gala" should I go? Should I leave the posh frocks home and just wear a LBD? Should we just go casual? Will it be awkward or uncomfortable if we're dressed in suit and gown and others at our table are smart casual? (And for those of you posters out there who don't care what others wear, good for you. But some people do care. As I said in an earlier post, my gown made a woman at our table feel that she hadn't dressed up enough. I love dressing up, but I don't like making another person feel bad.)

 

I didn't see the CD comments reported here as an expectation of people dressing up but more as a lame attempt by a CD to encourage dressing up. BTW, why does anyone care what a CD wants/expects? I've yet to be on a cruise where the CD made enough of a difference that I would even remember who he was.

The CD is a voice of the company, especially when he's in front of a full showroom. I don't know if it's policy to make a point of complimenting those who dress up or if it's his personal opinion. When our CD added the "didn't get the memo" comment, I saw it as disparaging of those who didn't dress up. It would have been nice if those folks had dressed up, too, but they met the minimum and that has to be respected.

[OlsSalt]

Gala/formal night is probably a big seller for the photo people. And those that dress up to get their professional pictures taken look both wonderful and happy. Let them be.

[Despegue]

Unfortunately, and this goes for most cruiselines, there is nothing Gala about Gala night.

 

All "gala" has been eliminated. On our recent Westerdam cruise, there was not even pre dinner dancing as no "the band" performance.

Ship was dead only thing to do was drink or stand in line for overpriced picture taking...:( before dinner.

 

No more champagne toast ( ok, sparkling wine toast), no special hors d'oeuvres and especially a menu that is the weakest of the whole cruise ( seems that options have been added looking at the current cruise blog on Oosterdam) and having to order dessert together with the rest of the courses! ( an absolute no no in fine dining unless special preparation is required)

 

Dear HAL, we love you, but make Gala worth its name please!

[RocketMan275]

I love formal nights. It's one of the many things that I enjoy on Cunard. On Cunard, they make a night of it and EVERYONE dresses up. There are cocktail parties on some formal nights. Not everyone goes to every party--there are parties for Grills pax, MDR pax, World Club pax, World Club Platinum/Diamond pax. But it adds another reason to dress up. And when the captains do their welcome remarks, they usually comment on how nice everyone looks. It's part of their onboard style.

 

However, HAL doesn't do much to make "gala" nights special, so I would welcome all smart casual. On one of our recent "gala" nights, we weren't interested in the show or anything going on in the bars, so the only thing we dressed up for was dinner.

 

As it stands now, I'm not sure what to do. How "gala" should I go? Should I leave the posh frocks home and just wear a LBD? Should we just go casual? Will it be awkward or uncomfortable if we're dressed in suit and gown and others at our table are smart casual? (And for those of you posters out there who don't care what others wear, good for you. But some people do care. As I said in an earlier post, my gown made a woman at our table feel that she hadn't dressed up enough. I love dressing up, but I don't like making another person feel bad.)

 

The CD is a voice of the company, especially when he's in front of a full showroom. I don't know if it's policy to make a point of complimenting those who dress up or if it's his personal opinion. When our CD added the "didn't get the memo" comment, I saw it as disparaging of those who didn't dress up. It would have been nice if those folks had dressed up, too, but they met the minimum and that has to be respected.

 

Thank you for sharing that. Now, I understand why you would prefer an all smart casual dress code. Your concerns highlight one of the often overlooked features of the dress codes. A well designed and enforced dress code homogenizes the dress. Every one knows what to wear and what every one else will be wearing so no one has to feel over dressed or under dressed or think they've made someone else feel uncomfortable. Of course, that says nothing about what the code should be, only that there be one.

 

One other thing. I would never let what a CD said or didn't say affect my enjoyment of a cruise. CD are employees.

[cruz chic]

I love formal nights. It's one of the many things that I enjoy on Cunard. On Cunard, they make a night of it and EVERYONE dresses up. There are cocktail parties on some formal nights. Not everyone goes to every party--there are parties for Grills pax, MDR pax, World Club pax, World Club Platinum/Diamond pax. But it adds another reason to dress up. And when the captains do their welcome remarks, they usually comment on how nice everyone looks. It's part of their onboard style.

 

However, HAL doesn't do much to make "gala" nights special, so I would welcome all smart casual. On one of our recent "gala" nights, we weren't interested in the show or anything going on in the bars, so the only thing we dressed up for was dinner.

 

As it stands now, I'm not sure what to do. How "gala" should I go? Should I leave the posh frocks home and just wear a LBD? Should we just go casual? Will it be awkward or uncomfortable if we're dressed in suit and gown and others at our table are smart casual? (And for those of you posters out there who don't care what others wear, good for you. But some people do care. As I said in an earlier post, my gown made a woman at our table feel that she hadn't dressed up enough. I love dressing up, but I don't like making another person feel bad.)

 

The CD is a voice of the company, especially when he's in front of a full showroom. I don't know if it's policy to make a point of complimenting those who dress up or if it's his personal opinion. When our CD added the "didn't get the memo" comment, I saw it as disparaging of those who didn't dress up. It would have been nice if those folks had dressed up, too, but they met the minimum and that has to be respected.

You've summed up my thoughts exactly. It's not about "being able" to dress up,

[cruz chic]

There are too many people who would prefer a return to the days of yore to be satisfied with an all smart casual dress.

 

I didn't see the CD comments reported here as an expectation of people dressing up but more as a lame attempt by a CD to encourage dressing up. BTW, why does anyone care what a CD wants/expects? I've yet to be on a cruise where the CD made enough of a difference that I would even remember who he was.

 

No, I don't care what the cd expects, wants or who he/she is.

[cruise47]

Looks like formal night is a thing of the past just like buying a product that is 100% made in the USA.

[Barrheadlass]

The word you're looking for is:

 

Galalicious. The adverb form is Galaliciously.

 

However, if the outfit is really sparkly, Galactic is also appropriate. On the other hand, Crocs, even when decorated with Jibbitz embellishments, are Galasinine.

 

I love it when I get to laugh about a post. It doesn't happen often. Thank you!

[kevingastreich]

I do not think that the cruise lines, HAL included, are concerned about offending anyone.

 

I think that times and preferences have changed from 20 years ago. I suspect there are more and more people like us who do not care about formal evenings one way or the other. We do not dress for them, we do not pack for them, but we certainly do not care if others do. More power to those folks who enjoy dressing up.

 

I think that it is more about moving with customers changing wants and demands than it is about offending people. Like it or not times and customs change over time.

 

I agree with this. I believe that HAL went in this direction to allow for a long "phase out" period. In a few years time, nobody will dress differently on any night than the other.

[ithaca gal]

[quote

 

(We just returned from a 7 day cruise on the Eurodam. We did not see a single gentleman in the MDR without a jacket. Not a single one. We did see some men in T-shirts (with writing on them) and jeans on "Smart casual" nights. We were curious as to what their "Gala Night" attire would be but they skipped dinner in the MDR on those nights.

 

 

 

Also, the second Gala Night was the evening with the "dressed chairs" and surf and turf. Something new this cruise on Gala Night was a folded 6 x 6 (?) card that had GALA printed on the front that served as the menu and it was inserted into the folded napkins on the table. Nice touch.)

 

I would be happy to answer any questions. Not sure what info you would like. During the recent drydock, the Northern Lights "disco" (which was rarely used) was converted into the Gallery Lounge. It is a very nice place to sit and have a drink while listening to the music from the (former) Piano Bar across from the casino. They now have Dueling Pianos. On our cruise there were two singer/piano players. They played a lot of rock songs and had quite an audience. They did a good job on most songs but resorted to screaming or screeching on a few (I could go quite some time without hearing their version of "Livin' on a Prayer", thank you. Also, one of the singers apparently thought that "going nasal" was the same thing as a British accent for "She Loves You"!)

 

We love the Eurodam and her sister ship, the Nieuw Amsterdam. The employees are TOP NOTCH. Don't think we ever walked by a single one without being greeted.

 

When we were on the Eurodam in December, before the drydock, smoking was allowed for active players in the casino. Since the drydock, the venue is completely non-smoking, which did not draw a lot of complaints, which is interesting.

 

Don't know if you have been on either the E or the NA, but you must have dinner in the Tamarind, the Asian specialty restaurant. The food is excellent and the service is out of the world. All of the servers are from Indonesia and they are gems. The price is $20 per person and is well worth it. Anything else you would like to know?

 

 

I'm glad to hear that people still dress on the Eurodam and there was an attempt to make Gala night a tad special. Is there anything else you can share about the Eurodam? We are going this summer.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[CruisinHarvey]

Traditions die hard, even when they make no sense anymore. First off, all this formal dress came about when there was a first class and steerage. It differentiated the haves from the have nots. Those times, thankfully are long gone. If they weren't, most of us, including me, would be in the have not column any way. I 'm sure I couldn't have afforded a first class ticket back them. They had to be in formal dress every night after 6:00 PM. What to go back to that?

 

As for today, gala in the MDR? They mean that dining hall with table clothes and mediocre food. That Gala night restaurant is special somehow? I can't remember the last time I saw anyone going into an outback steak house in a tux. Can you? At least those folks know how out of place it would be.

 

When I want a nice dinner, I go Pinnacle or Taramind on the NA. Le Cirque is wonderful. Now that's special.

 

Way too many people concerned what other people wear. Heard someone complain about a lady in shorts, when the other woman was wearing a dress far shorter than shorts she was complaining about. Follow the rules, and wear what you want. It's sad that so many people depend on others to make their night special.

[RocketMan275]

Traditions die hard, even when they make no sense anymore. First off, all this formal dress came about when there was a first class and steerage. It differentiated the haves from the have nots. Those times, thankfully are long gone. If they weren't, most of us, including me, would be in the have not column any way. I 'm sure I couldn't have afforded a first class ticket back them. They had to be in formal dress every night after 6:00 PM. What to go back to that?

 

As for today, gala in the MDR? They mean that dining hall with table clothes and mediocre food. That Gala night restaurant is special somehow? I can't remember the last time I saw anyone going into an outback steak house in a tux. Can you? At least those folks know how out of place it would be.

 

When I want a nice dinner, I go Pinnacle or Taramind on the NA. Le Cirque is wonderful. Now that's special.

 

Way too many people concerned what other people wear. Heard someone complain about a lady in shorts, when the other woman was wearing a dress far shorter than shorts she was complaining about. Follow the rules, and wear what you want. It's sad that so many people depend on others to make their night special.

 

The early dress codes were more than just dinner attire. There were expectations about what should be worn that changed throughout the day. I've read reports of having to change clothing five or more times a day; breakfast wear, early morning wear, lunch, afternoon wear, and then evening wear. Women were expected to wear hats while exercising.

 

Fashion has always been about differentiating between groups and demonstrating status. A dress code tells people what they must wear to demonstrate their membership in a group. Many who like dress codes are worried about what they are wearing. Do they fit in? Are they over or under dressed? An enforced dress code resolves those concerns.

[dakrewser]

Way too many people concerned what other people wear. Heard someone complain about a lady in shorts, when the other woman was wearing a dress far shorter than shorts she was complaining about. Follow the rules, and wear what you want. It's sad that so many people depend on others to make their night special.

 

Many people need to see others dressed similarly to themselves to ratify their dress decision. Generally these people are insecure in themselves, or are wishing to appear to be something they are not.

[iancal]

dakrewser.....your comment above, IMHO, is spot on.

 

Not only do we avoid listening to the CD, when we can hear him/her we generally try to avoid it.

Edited February 16, 2016 by iancal

[3rdGenCunarder]

Many people need to see others dressed similarly to themselves to ratify their dress decision. Generally these people are insecure in themselves, or are wishing to appear to be something they are not.

 

Oooh, that's rather judgmental.

 

I can only speak for myself, but I love dressing up because I like wearing nice clothes and enjoy seeing other people who look nice. We sailed many times on QE2 with friends. We had our favorite table in one of the bars where we could watch the queue of people going into cocktail parties or going to dinner. We used to joke about it being the "fashion police" table, but we were admiring, not criticizing, what we saw. OK, so I'm shallow and I like fashion. OK, I like the fantasy of a life of elegance and ease. Make of that what you will.

 

And yes, I appreciate ambiance. Unfortunately, HAL doesn't provide much in the way of ambiance or "sense of occasion," which is why I wouldn't complain if they just went casual. Until they do, we will continue to dress up because we like it and also out of respect for those who do still enjoy a formal evening.

[POA1]

I love it when I get to laugh about a post. It doesn't happen often. Thank you!

You're very welcome. :) Please try to sprinkle Galalicious into the conversation when you are on the ship. I know we will.

[teamflames]

How do I find out which nights are gala nights on my cruise in June?

 

 

Sent from my iPod touch using Forums mobile app

[3rdGenCunarder]

How do I find out which nights are gala nights on my cruise in June?

 

 

Sent from my iPod touch using Forums mobile app

 

How long is your cruise?

 

Most likely first gala night would be the first sea day, but that isn't a hard and fast rule. It's up to the captain, so it can vary. You won't be sure until you get on the ship. If it's a cruise that repeats week after week, you can ask here after the season starts and see if anyone can tell you what they experienced.