Formal night dress down - Why complain?

[spongerob]

I'll buy the first round, BD. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Completed:
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[WendyG]

This is probably the silliest thread I have ever read on here.
This is YOUR vacation, who cares what everyone else thinks?
Do what makes you happy, that's it, as long as you're not hurting anyone.

I personally love dressing up for formal night (ladies, where the tighter gown the first night) [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] and if I feel like changing after dinner, I will, if not, I won't. No one is going to dictate to me how I should be dressed, if someone doesn't like what I'm wearing, well, that's just too bad!
OK, I'm done...

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[Guest]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> No one is going to dictate to me how I should be dressed, if someone doesn't like what I'm wearing, well, that's just too bad!
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Hmmm – while this opinion crops up quite a bit on this board, it seems those who follow the same thought pattern on the ship are in the very definite minority. I’m beginning to wonder if these arguments are fueled by the anonymity of the Internet. I know they are fueled by a lack of any kind of consideration for others - there doesn't seem to be any worry that one's slop dress may ruin another's formal night.

-------------------------
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[DEERINH2O]

Well said [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]

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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

[serene sea]

You can wrestle and challenge this issue forever. Those who desire to change after dinner have a right and should without fear of judgement, the same for those who enjoy to remain "decked out". This just proves on how the SLIGHTEST things make people so unhappy about their cruise experience and then complain about Princess. Such a person would even complain about a dark suit being worn over a tuxedo. Now I do believe there is only one cruise line that is totally casual, but a few that really ENFORCE the dress code the ENTIRE evening. If this is what makes you happy, then go for it. Be prepared to spend triple the amount of green.

[lephysteria]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 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?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I actually stay dressed up all night. The thing I might change is my shoes. My torso is used to being bound in an uncomfortable longline bra, that's not too uncomfortable. But my feet scream at the first thought of being inconvenienced! So I'll wear a ballgown, and sandals (without pantyhose ... never pantyhose)!

Pantyhose were invented by a man because he hated women!

Happy Sails,
Mrs. Tulpule

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[WendyG]

"there doesn't seem to be any worry that one's slop dress may ruin another's formal night."

Maybe I'm missing the point here, but how others dress have no bearing whatsoever on MY evening. As long as I'm dressed appropriately, that should be all that matters.

Poeple will have to agree to disagree on this particular subject, I guess....

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Costa Atlantica 11/02
Golden Princess 3/03
Explorer of the Seas 7/03
Sun Princess 11/03
Caribbean Princess 07/04
Nov 04 Star or Coral...can't decide!

[bjkTX]

You have to enjoy the fact that the same people who pooh pooh someone for complaining when they miss half their ports on a 7 day cruise (after all the only thing they care about is being on a cruise) have their cruise ruined because someone doesn't wear a tux to the show on formal night. Puhleeze.

[argosy]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Personally, I wouldn’t feel comfortable not dressed…even if I did lose my luggage. I would have either remained in the loaned tuxes or remained in my cabin or the Horizon Court…
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well...in my example, we [I]did[/I] wear the tuxes to the dining room. Staying in them afterwards, til midnight was an option we considered, but my loaned pants at size 29, were two sizes too small. It was either suffer through the rest of the night feeling as if I were about to explode (very uncomfortable), or deal with the fashion nazis' stares at the show after I changed into my dress slacks that fit (not NEAR as uncomfortable). OR...stay in the room (VERY boring option). Since I paid for this vacation, and since, through no fault of my own...our own formalwear was not available...we opted for our chances against the nazis. And guess what? No one in their formalwear treated us differently. We experienced only friendly, cordial interaction with the other passengers and staff.

You would have opted to stay in the too small pants, or would have stayed in your room. That is certainly your prerogative, and I respect that. As for me, my opinion about the matter is entirely different...and I respectfully disagree.

[steve2001]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by bdjam:
I agree and on Princess, there is also the alternative of Horizon Court. But my question is still – because no one seems to be able to answer it and maybe you can – why would someone book Princess when they know formal dress is expected if they don’t want to participate? There are other cruise lines which are totally casual. Adding salt to the wound is the fact that dressing casually on formal nights for many is almost done in spite of the guidelines. This isn’t a matter of diversity, it’s a matter of disregard and disrespect.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'll take a crack at that...

1. I take 10 day cruises. The itinerarys of Princess are, IMHO, the best offered. Although the cruise experience is important, if the ship doesnt go where I want to go, I will not book it.

2. Saftey. NCL is continuously brought up as the 'casual' cruise line. In the last five years, they have also had many problems with US Coast Guard inspections. Princess is one of the best, if not the best, in this area. Quite frankly, my safety is a hell of a lot more important than me taking off my jacket and tie on a hot Caribbean evening!!

IMO, you are completely off base in your comments regarding disregard and disrespect. The people on this thread (and this board) when they decide to dress down for the evening, are mostly those who (including myself) are still dressed very nicely. If this bothers you I'm sorry and at the some time very envious. If all you have in the world to complain about, is how someone is dressed for a few hours, I wish I had your problems. If we ever meet on ship and I am not dressed to your standards, let me know. I will happily move to another part of the room, where I am out of your sight.

55 days, 7 ships
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Until Ship #8

[gaschatt]

I never realized people would actually feel 'offended' at my dress. I feel more embarassed to be sticking out like a sore thumb if I'm attired differently. I own a tux, but I'm travelling with my 9 year old and don't intend on renting him one so I'll stick to the dark business suit so he does not feel 'out of place'. I had intended on changing after dinner if I was hanging with him since I didn't really want him to trash his suit running around all night and again I don't want him to feel out of place. What % of people do you all think go 'smart casual' after dinner?

[argosy]

bdjam took a poll awhile back, and per his post...16% changed into smart casual after dinner.

[roe2ship]

Wow! I hope I didn't pick a "stuffy" cruiseline. I, for sure, will change immediately for a relaxed evening. It is disrespectful to walk in the dining rooms casual on formal night. But for goodness sake how is it disrespectful to change after dinner? Is it mandatory or required to stay in formal dress for the evening? Everyone seems to have a different definition of "formal dress" My definition is an evening gown, but for others it may be a dressy pantsuit. So should I comment that this is inappropriate or sloppy? Of course not. No two opinions are the same. If your style is to keep your formal wear on, that's great. My style is different. Ouch, I can feel the heat already! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Caribbean Princess 7/03/04
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[bjkTX]

"Originally posted by bdjam:
.... But my question is still – because no one seems to be able to answer it and maybe you can – why would someone book Princess when they know formal dress is expected if they don’t want to participate? There are other cruise lines which are totally casual."

Simple answer - because we can. Formal wear is an option. If you don't want to go to the main dining rooms there is no requirement to go formal.

My question back to you is the same one. Why do you cruise with Princess when you know not everyone will be wearing formal attire. There are plenty of cruise lines that make it mandatory. If you have problems with me being on the ship in smart casual clothes eating at the Horizon Court on those nights, and unless Princess makes it mandatory (that isn't going to happen if they want to stay in business), you too have options.

I'm all for formal nights for those that want to do that - I don't, and the fact that some people don't like it - well, what can I say.

[sue d. miller]

Roe, Hell no, we are not stuffy. Don't worry about a thing!! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] I respect and love formal dinners, but I change. I don't have underarm hairs down to my elbows, [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img] But do change to a comfortable dress, and low heeled slides. Still presentable, but comfy.

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

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

[sue d. miller]

GASCHATT, You will be just fine. There was a post here a few months ago, started by a guy who is no longer here. Whoever thinks we are cheerleaders, if you missed his posts, you haven't lived. dressing to fit your little guy was something I did in the past. We took two grandsons on a cruise, and both had a tux. When we unpacked, we discovered that mom, did not pack it. To save embarrasement for him, All the big guys, and the other little guy, switched to suits, and all the girls went to cocktail dresses. He was so relieved. We do what is best at anytime. After dinner, we changed. Dresses for girls, chinos and polos for boys. It was a great cruise. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

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

[jturner901]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Such a person would even complain about a dark suit being worn over a tuxedo.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I would definitely complain if I wore a dark suit over my tuxedo. Man, that would be way too hot. Well, it might be good for the cooler days in Alaska though. It's just all too confusing.

All the best!

Jay & Karen Turner
Mount Hope, Ontario

Westerdam 12/93
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Sun Princess 10/99
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Century 10/02
Zuiderdam 05/03
Caribbean Princess 05/04

[cruise_newbie]

It seems to me that the Princess could create distinct areas on the ships where the formal dress code is enforced, perhaps the dining room and theatres, to avoid people who have taken the trouble to dress up sitting beside someone with shorts and flip-flops. However I don't think it's fair to expect the entire ship to remain dressed up all evening, for example some may want to go swimming or opt out of the formal night all together. Someone used the wedding analogy--well to me, I am not offended if I see someone in the parking lot while I'm walking to the reception and I see someone in jeans outside. Because everyone is on the ship and there is nowhere else to go, you can't be upset if you see someone casual walking around on the decks, while en-route to the dining area. I think the way to handle this is designate formal areas on formal nights; that way the formal people aren't offended, and everyone else who wants to be casual can still enjoy a fun evening which they too deserve. After all everyone paid for this, it's not like a wedding where you are going as a guest, so I think everyone has a right to enjoy their time.

[steve2001]

Well said...

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Until Ship #8

[Guest]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Those who desire to change after dinner have a right and should without fear of judgement, the same for those who enjoy to remain "decked out". <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Now it's an issue of rights? Now we're pushing it aren't we? Of course they have a right to dress however they please within the limits of decency. That doesn’t mean they have the right to appear at a formal event in cut-off overalls and dirty t-shirts. Since we’re all claiming to be intelligent people here, it should be obvious to us all where – on a formal evening – formal attire would be proper. Right – go hang out on deck if you want to stay in shorts and a tank.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Now I do believe there is only one cruise line that is totally casual, but a few that really ENFORCE the dress code the ENTIRE evening. If this is what makes you happy, then go for it. Be prepared to spend triple the amount of green. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> I've said it before and I'll say it again - I would be more than happy to spend more "green" if Princess would go back to what it was...and there's more than one cruise line that's totally casual, by the way.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Maybe I'm missing the point here, but how others dress have no bearing whatsoever on MY evening. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Actually, those that dress down on formal nights enhance mine...I get a good laugh.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> IMO, you are completely off base in your comments regarding disregard and disrespect. The people on this thread (and this board) when they decide to dress down for the evening, are mostly those who (including myself) are still dressed very nicely. If this bothers you I'm sorry and at the some time very envious. If all you have in the world to complain about, is how someone is dressed for a few hours, I wish I had your problems. If we ever meet on ship and I am not dressed to your standards, let me know. I will happily move to another part of the room, where I am out of your sight. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Since this was directed at me, allow me to answer...not dressing formally is a disregard of the dress code for the evening and more importantly a disregard of the intent of the evening. It’s disrespectful in that it basically tells those who are on the same ship that their desire to enjoy a formal evening – which includes all of the participants being dressed formally – is not important. How is that off base? And as for my problems, you probably wouldn't be able to handle them - why do you think I like to come to this fantasyland board every once in a while? [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

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[CruiseFever]

I just really don't see why it is so difficult to comprehend what FORMAL night means.

I don't see people coming to Island Night in tuxedos and formal gowns, everyone seems to comprehend that theme. Those who do not wish to participate stay clear of the area. Maybe they're not the party type, maybe they have a party of their own, but they don't come barging through Island night making fools of themselves and standing out like sore thumbs.

This is really not a difficult concept.

BTW, my problems are simpler than y'alls. I'm not worried about the food or service being great on formal night, we never talk about that. My problem is with self-centered idiots who cannot abide by the very nature of Formal night.

On a very very basic level?

They want that formal night food but don't want to put the time into getting dressed for it. I think they should get a bratwurst and a bag of chips and be sent to the lido deck where they belong with all the other hoopies.

Happy Cruising

Chris

[url="http://www.LifeIsCruising.com"]www.LifeIsCruising.com[/url]

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

[jemingway]

Dang, and I had just rented a tux for island night. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

JV The 4 stages of cruising: planning, anticipation, experience and reflection.

[serene sea]

This topic is not about comprehending what formal night means. Those who choose the option to have dinner at the Horizon Court, exactly what area should they stay clear from?

Bdjam - I NEVER said that one has a right to appear at a formal event in cut-off overalls and dirty t-shirts. You are 100% correct. As I said before in my original post, it is about CHANGING AFTER dinner. By the way, if this is what you are noticing, why are you still cruising Princess?

[KatyDee]

While we stay dressed for the evening, and I just love getting dressed up--there is never a chance at home to do so--we don't care at all what other folks do. Why should we? We are enjoying ourselves, doing our own thing, and not our brothers' keeper. How could anyone get so huffy about such a petty thing!
So there!
Katy

[dog lover]

I can't believe people are making such a big deal about this! Yes, we stayed in formal attire last time (wished I hadn't though [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]
and there were quite a few people around us all night, quite casually dressed. Did it ruin my night?? No. To each their own.... Who looked nicer? The people who took the time to dress for the evening. But did it ruin my vacation?? You've got to be kidding! Please, people, find something else more important to whine about!