Formal night dress down - Why complain?

[serene sea]

I certainly agree with many that people will complain to almost anything. However, why would you complain or take offense to cruisers who immediately change their clothes after dinner on formal nights? What is so wrong with wanting to be comfortable? Men, if you wear a suit for work all week, I am sure you are sick of that buttoned collar and tie, long sleeves and tight fitting shoes. Ladies, you must hate that strapless bra, pantyhose, the high heel shoes and for some (especially with all that food) girdles! So what is the big deal? Just how many of you, run to your cabin and grab those comfortable clothes?

[Northender]

Run - surely you jest. I just change right there in the dining room after dinner. Put on my flip-flops, tank top and shorts and head for the Wheelhouse for some wine and dancin.

 

The waiters will actually hold up one of the tablecloths so you can accomplish this.

Girdle, do they still make those darn things.

 

 

 

Grand Princess 4/4/04

 

[sue d. miller]

I DO!!!!! I do take off the gown and change into a comfortable dress and shoes. I enjoy the nights festivities so much more. like Chris, I feel so much better coming out of the closet!!!

 

Sue

7 days on Star Princess 10/24

 

GROWING OLD IS MANDATORY..... GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Aquarian]

I don't change. I dress casual everyday and enjoy getting "cleaned up" for formal night! LOL

[melindda]

I must confess that I am an "undresser", as soon as that dinner is finished, off with the clothes!

On our last new year's cruise the eight men in our group decided that they wanted to be comfortable after our formal dinner which was on new year's eve.

All the women waited in one of the lounges to see what the men were up to.

Well, we sure were surprised when they showed up in their bathrobes! What a joke! In honor of it being a formal night and new year's eve., some put on their formal bowties!

They sure did get some funny looks, but it really was a lot of fun! I wonder what they have in store for the Caribbean Princess this new year's eve!

 

[TWA4Ever]

Yay - Another Formal Night Thread!!

 

I wear a suit and tie every day for work. I always wear a tie when I go out with the wife. On formal nights, I wear a tux and keep it on - and she keeps on her gown.

 

Does that make us uncomfortable? No. Rather, we are most comfortable in those clothes. That is not to say there is anything wrong with changing after dinner; just like there is nothing wrong with not changing after dinner.

 

In other words, as everyone will do exactly what they want anyway, let's allow this formal night thread to die a quick death!!!

 

Star Princess 4/2005

Pride of Aloha (America) - 9/2004

Golden Princess - 3/2003

Pacific Princess - 9/2002

MS Patriot - 9/2001

 

 

<IMG SRC=http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2002;9;15;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500><img

 

Since the original Love Boat!

 

<img src=http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&prgb=32CD32&cdt=2004;09;05;20;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500><img

 

Until Pride of Aloha and a US Flag again!

[Beryl]

We don't change from our formal wear after dinner. Princess requests that the dress code be maintained throughout the evening and we are quite happy to comply! We don't smuggle either liquor or travel irons onboard and we always attend the muster drill too! Guess we are really boring!!

 

Cruising! It's like being in the Garden of Eatin'!

[TWA4Ever]

Beryl,

 

You do sound like our kind of (boring) people!!

 

Star Princess 4/2005

Pride of Aloha (America) - 9/2004

Golden Princess - 3/2003

Pacific Princess - 9/2002

MS Patriot - 9/2001

 

 

<IMG SRC=http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2002;9;15;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500><img

 

Since the original Love Boat!

 

<img src=http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&prgb=32CD32&cdt=2004;09;05;20;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500><img

 

Until Pride of Aloha and a US Flag again!

[Lynda90]

We don't change. But, then again, even my dressing clothes are comfortable. I usually wear a dressy pantsuit and shoes that are dressy, but comfortable to wear throughout the evening. Also, if you plan to get a seat at the show after dinner, there's not much time to change. I think people should do what they feel best doing. Viva la difference or whatever.

 

Lynda

[WillB]

Surely you wouldn't go to a wedding and then change into jeans for the reception because you wanted to be comfortable.

 

It's not formal dinner, it's formal night. It's supposed to be an elegant event -- one that many of us enjoy.

 

And, yes, I attend the muster drill without complaint.

[argosy]

We change, but it's out of our tuxes and into something pretty slick. I'm not talking khakis here, but some nice dress pants and usually a silk shirt, collarless or not, with either long or short sleeves, depending on the itinerary. I just don't want that cummerbund digging into me any more than necessary, and neither do I want to be gagged by the tie. I would venture to say that on our Alaska cruise, we were in the majority over those that wore formalwear for the ENTIRE evening.

 

Although...the first formal nite we wore formalwear until we went to bed. Second formal nite, we caught on to the trend, and I have to say...relaxed more.

[luv2cruise99]

I hate dressing up, so I must admit that I dress just formal enough to get by on formal night. Usually a pair of black slacks, a sparkly blouse, and comfortable (flat) dress shoes. If the outfit is comfortable, I will wear it all night, but often those sequined shirts can get "itchy" after a while, in which case I will change into my casual clothes after dinner.

[serene sea]

Originally posted by TWA4Ever:

_Yay - Another Formal Night Thread!!_

 

Does that make us uncomfortable? No. Rather, we are most comfortable in those clothes. That is not to say there is anything wrong with changing after dinner; just like there is nothing wrong with not changing after dinner.

QUOTE]

 

Exactly! But I have read here complaints or better yet offensive when you do change after dinner, which is totally absurd.

[Nancyquilts]

And, of course, when you are still in your formal mood, it is great fun to sit at the show next to someone in dirty shorts, a sleeveless t-shirt and flip-flops. And yes, it happened.

[Jane110]

We keep our formal attire on all evening. The dress code is for the evening, not just dinner.

We wear comfortable clothes so keeping them on is not a problem.

 

Girdle? I think they stopped making those 40 years ago, didn't they?

 

Personally, I'd prefer no formal nights, like on Oceania. But please, let's not start *that* thread.

[MaryPoppinz]

I don't change unless I'm planning to stay in the cabin. But, I don't mind other people changing after dinner. I don't want to get all crazy over someone who changes to casual wear, then runs up for a snack, a quick trip to the shops, or a late-night swim.

 

"I'm gonna book myself on that Princess Cruise."

-- Fox Mulder, X-Files 'Three Words'

[CruiseFever]

I've got a whole different take on this topic these days so I guess I am going to perpetuate the discussion by adding to it.

 

On our first couple cruises I wore a tux then felt like it was really not necessary (on Carnival) and wore a nice business suit, always respecting the idea of formal night but changing into jeans or shorts right after dinner before DW let me go out to play.

 

On our first Princess cruise in March on the Golden it immediately struck me that there were many more men in tuxes and many more staying fully formal for the evening, perhaps loosening their ties in the disco late at night, but formal nonetheless.

 

I didn't feel out of place but I felt as though it would be more appropriate to wear a tux again so I bought a new one for our Caribbean Princess cruise later this month.

 

It just seemed like the thing to do. If I will stay in it all night or not remains to be seen.

 

Happy Cruising

 

Chris

 

www.LifeIsCruising.com

 

Next up:

Caribbean Princess 06/26/04

Star Princess 10/24/04

Diamond Princess 12/22/04

Sapphire Princess June '05

Caribbean Princess 09/17/05

Carnival Valor 10/30/05

 

[yancycruiser]

It is formal night, not just formal dinner. We keep it on until we turn in for the night.

However, those who feel inclined to change again, should and do.

 

yanceycruiser

 

Carnival Pride Feb 03

Grand Princess Jan 01

RCL Enchantment of the Seas Jan 99

NCL Norway Jan 97

NCL Dream Jan 95

 

Sapphire Princess 8/22/04

[Guest]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Exactly! But I have read here complaints or better yet offensive when you do change after dinner, which is totally absurd. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Actually, it’s not absurd. Princess requests formal dress for the evening, not just for dinner. So I think that running back to your cabin and throwing on less than formal clothes, then partaking in the rest of the formal evening is a social mistake and shows a lack of manners. But then, I was brought up properly.

 

Besides, why lug those formal clothes all the way to the ship just to wear them while your sitting in a dining room. Kind of a waste of money in my mind. If I was of that attitude, I’d cruise NCL where formal dress isn’t expected on specific nights.

 

-------------------------

Sun Princess, 03/2004; Pacific Princess, 07/2003; Star Princess, 05/2003; Grand Princess, 10/2002; Grand Princess, 10/2002; Sun Princess, 05/2001; Sun Princess, 04/2001; Sun Princess, 09/2000; Sun Princess, 09/2000; Regal Princess, 10/1999; Sun Princess, 08/1998; Holiday, 05/1998; Westerdam, 09/1997; Regal Princess, 11/1996; Royal Odyssey, 09/1995; Starward, 11/1993

 

 

[Ella2]

Hmmm. Okay, I will dip my toe ever so lightly into THIS conversation.

 

Theoretically speaking...if we decide we do not want to participate in formal nights and order room service instead, and then want to partake in the evening shows and activities, and we dress in the nice "resort/smart casual" wear...does that make us show a lack of respect? We certainly are not slobs, nor would we wear anything remotely dirty or tank tops or shorts. Why would it bother you if we were NOT in the dining rooms that evening and yet dared to venture out of our rooms in non-formal attire to dance or enjoy a show?

 

Again, I really am just curious to know why this would be inappropriate to anyone? I understand the whole dining room issue but I don't understand the whole "you must dress this way the whole evening" point of view, as long as people are dressed in at least resort/smart casual attire.

[copperj]

We dress formal till after dinner - late - and then go back and change. We don't go to the shows, but want to just walk around the ship, swim, or grab a late snack.

 

If we pass someone still in their formal attire, and I have my bathing suit and cover up on, then so be it. We obviously are doing two totally different things.

[BJS]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Princess requests formal dress for the evening, not just for dinner. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

"We obviously are doing two totally different things."

"Again, I really am just curious to know why this would be inappropriate to anyone? I understand the whole dining room issue but I don't understand the whole "you must dress this way the whole evening" point of view, as long as people are dressed in at least resort/smart casual attire."

"However, those who feel inclined to change again, should and do."

"So what is the big deal? Just how many of you, run to your cabin and grab those comfortable clothes?"

 

"In other words, as everyone will do exactly what they want anyway,..."

 

The last quote sums up why each cruise we are on becomes less and less formal. As less people chose to dress formal the entire atmosphere of formal nights is rapidly changing. Personally we have enjoyed this aspect of cruising but I wish they would do away with it entirely if the majority of the cruisers are not going to follow the "formal dress for the evening" it sure would save space in the luggage.

 

Why should anyone have to cruise another line because they don't want to honor the formal dress for the evening? Why should anyone have to remain in or put on formal attire that does not want to? Why would anyone want to pack, carry and dress into formal attire just to sit in the dining room for a meal? Should the "Patter" not say for those that wish they may dress in formal attire for what ever part of the evening they desire?

 

We all love Princess or we would not be sailing on her ships. It is sad to see that the tradition of formal cruise nights is rapidly leaving but those of us who have been cruising for many years will probably just have to accept this change also.

 

Future cruises:

9/04 Star Princess-Med.x2 Venice to Barcelona/ Barcelona to Rome

11/04 Dawn Princess-Southern Caribbean

Jan. 05 Diamond Princess-Mexican Riviera

July 05 Star Princess-Baltics

Aug. 05 Star Princess-Baltics

Past cruises:

04 HAL-Amsterdam-Alaska

04 Dawn Princess- Southern Caribbean x2

03 Grand Princess-W.Caribbean

03 Sun Princess -Mexico

03-Tahitian Princess-Tahiti/ Cook Islands

03 Royal Princess-x2 British Isles & Norwegian Fjords/ Iceland

03 Island Princess-Panama Canal

01 HAL Ryndam x 2-S. America San Diego to Valpariso/ & around Cape Horn to Rio

00 Sky Princess-China/Orient

79 Sitmar's Fairwind- Caribbean/Panama Canal

[DEERINH2O]

We went on Carnival and did the semi formal thing, went on Royal Caribbean and decided to go all out. DH got a nice tux and I was in a beautiful dress, we had not dressed this way since we were married 15 years ago. We are definitly the casual type people. We had a blast. We walked around the decks in bare feet and formal wear. Did I care what others thought of me, not really because I didn't disrespect any one else and I had the time of my life enjoy my cruise with the one I love.

Formal night should be about you, not what your neighbors for a week think. Enjoy to dress up or not. Its your cruise.

Sorry just my opinion.

 

Kathy

 

Until we Celebrate Turkey Day on the Star!!!!

 

 

Voyager of the Seas 10/3/03

Ecstasy 9/01, 9/02

Holiday 9/98, 9/99, 9/00

[Guest]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Why would it bother you if we were NOT in the dining rooms that evening and yet dared to venture out of our rooms in non-formal attire to dance or enjoy a show?

 

Again, I really am just curious to know why this would be inappropriate to anyone? I understand the whole dining room issue but I don't understand the whole "you must dress this way the whole evening" point of view, as long as people are dressed in at least resort/smart casual attire. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> If on a formal night you are only expected to dress in at least resort casual wear, it no longer is a formal night is it? If you were invited to a friend's formal wedding, would you change into resort casual afterward for the reception? It's just a matter of social manners and respect for those who wish to have, in accordance with the ship's schedule, a formal evening. It's not like those dressed in formal attire are springing it on the rest of the ship and expect the rest to go along with it. And what about common sense? If you don't want to dress on formal nights, go to a cruise line where you don't have to.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> The last quote sums up why each cruise we are on becomes less and less formal. As less people chose to dress formal the entire atmosphere of formal nights is rapidly changing. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Absolutely - and since the cruise lines want to fill their cabins, they are not going to argue with the passengers who don't dress...as long as the bill is paid at the end of the cruise.

 

I'm not a suit and tie person myself - in fact I go to work usually in something less than business casual. But that is what is expected there. On a formal night I enjoy dressing and I know that it's expected of me. If I didn't want to dress formally, I'd either choose to go with the casual meal alternatives on board and then maybe take in a movie in my cabin...or I'd choose a line where I wasn't expected to dress.

 

I know we can't take the enclosed environment of a ship and extrapolate it to the globe, but a lack of respect for others is really the root of a lot of our problems, isn't it?

 

-------------------------

Sun Princess, 03/2004; Pacific Princess, 07/2003; Star Princess, 05/2003; Grand Princess, 10/2002; Grand Princess, 10/2002; Sun Princess, 05/2001; Sun Princess, 04/2001; Sun Princess, 09/2000; Sun Princess, 09/2000; Regal Princess, 10/1999; Sun Princess, 08/1998; Holiday, 05/1998; Westerdam, 09/1997; Regal Princess, 11/1996; Royal Odyssey, 09/1995; Starward, 11/1993

 

 

[WillB]

Once again, the endless "teenager type" excuses for not following the dress code.

 

The day they do away with formal night, I'll find another line with a bit more class. There's a lot out there to choose from.