Skipping Formal Night?

[BookmomHP]

My husband and I will be going on our first cruise July 9 on the Serenade to Alaska. I'm wondering if there are dining alternatives for us if we want to skip the formal nights. We'll dress up if we absolutely have to, but it's just not something we really enjoy doing, not to mention the fact that I don't own any formalwear, and I don't want to spend the $$ on something I'll only wear once.

 

Thanks!

Heidi

[teach01]

My husband and I will be going on our first cruise July 9 on the Serenade to Alaska. I'm wondering if there are dining alternatives for us if we want to skip the formal nights. We'll dress up if we absolutely have to, but it's just not something we really enjoy doing, not to mention the fact that I don't own any formalwear, and I don't want to spend the $$ on something I'll only wear once.

 

Thanks!

Heidi

 

We only go to formal night when they have lobster. My hubby HATES to wear a suit more less formal wear. There are other options: Windjammer, Seaview Cafe (not sure if on Serenade) or room service.

[jimmyatc]

My husband and I will be going on our first cruise July 9 on the Serenade to Alaska. I'm wondering if there are dining alternatives for us if we want to skip the formal nights. We'll dress up if we absolutely have to, but it's just not something we really enjoy doing, not to mention the fact that I don't own any formalwear, and I don't want to spend the $$ on something I'll only wear once.

 

Thanks!

Heidi

 

We have 2 scheduled formal nights on the Mariner of the Seas. We only plan on attending 1 of them. We will probably eat at one of the alternate restaurants or the Windjammer that night.

[DFritz]

I wouldn't let clothing stop you from enjoying formal night unless you really don't wish to go. I have worn just a basic blouse and skirt and a pair of flats to formal night and my hubby has worn a pair of dockers, polo shirt with a suit jacket- no tie, and we have not yet been turned away. Although the suggestion may be more formal attire; it is only a suggestion. Not everyone will be dressed to the nines. I think a person's behavior and attitude are way more important than whether they can afford or happen to own a tux and ball gown. Wear your best that you already own and you will be fine. If you would wear it to a church wedding than what you own will do. Alternative dining is available as an additional option.

[Croozin Soozin]

We don't enjoy dressing up either so on formal nights we go to Chops or Portofino, or eat in the Windjammer. There are lots of options, and lots of people feel the same way about dressing up, so you won't be alone!!

[crusinmama06]

I wouldn't let clothing stop you from enjoying formal night unless you really don't wish to go.

 

I agree! You will see all kinds of attire on formal night. From Dockers to Tuxes. From skirts to floor length gowns. You don't want to miss a night like that in the dining room based on clothes alone. It's part of the whole experience.

[Janice M]

We don't like to dress formal either. I wear a dressy pantsuit and my DH wears slacks, dress shirt, tie and sport coat. I too can't see spending money for something I will wear for only a few hours.

 

Jan

[Ocean Boy]

Dining alternatives on Serenade include the Windjammer, Chops, Portofino's, Seaview Cafe ( I don't remember what time it opens in the evening but it is available until 1:30AM, and room service.

 

We actually had all of our diners in the Windjammer when we were aboard Serenade except for one. It is a very nice quiet atmosphere with no one rushing around and you can eat at your leisure. No worries about getting in and out on time. Serenade's Windjammer is absolutely beautiful.

[BookmomHP]

Thanks for all the replies! It's nice to know that we will have some options, and that we aren't the only ones who don't like the fancy-schmancy stuff. After reading the comments here, I feel like I have some nice dressy (although definitely not formal) clothes that will work fine for the formal nights.

 

Heidi

[Cape Cruiser 2007]

Thanks for all the replies! It's nice to know that we will have some options, and that we aren't the only ones who don't like the fancy-schmancy stuff. After reading the comments here, I feel like I have some nice dressy (although definitely not formal) clothes that will work fine for the formal nights.

 

Heidi

IMO- I would go to at least 1 formal night-like others have said, go in something you're comfortable in. If its a pair of nice slacks/skirt and blouse go for it!!:)

[Nliedel]

You may also eat in yoru cabin in jammies (a lot of fun!!) and order from the dinner menu. The only stinker in the plan is they bring it all at once. The work around is to order the appetizer. Once that comes order the main course and later, but before the seatings are over, the dessert. If you do that tip well and it will go well. I have not eaten in my cabin on formal night but have done it the first night (I get mal de mare and never take my medication because I always think, "this time it will be different") with terrific results. I do, however, tip well.

 

Also do NOT miss Chops and Portofino. Excellent.

[ILoveScotland]

DH and I will have two formal nights on next fall's Transatlantic on the Brilliance. I've already begun my shopping on ebay--found a pair of silver beaded high heel pumps for $15.99 plus postage of course. I'm trying to lose weight so will wait until August or September to shop on e-bay for a formal dress, but that's definitely where I'll shop as I don't see any reason to pay a lot of money for clothes I will seldom wear.

[Inshape]

And i have seen it as a way to go buy that dress... usually after new years the sales are fantastic to pick up great formals. Always check upscale consignment stores too.

[Nliedel]

And i have seen it as a way to go buy that dress... usually after new years the sales are fantastic to pick up great formals. Always check upscale consignment stores too.

 

Heck I was in a just plain thrift shop last week and found a gorgeous day dress by Brooks Brothers for $3.00. I don't care who you are that's a find! I could win the lotto tomorrow (well the next drawing is on Tuesday and for a buck I will take a shot at over 200 mil) and I would still have snapped it up.

[lv2crooz2]

Bookmom, Don't skip formal night based on the manner of dress! Please! It is not just the idea of dressing up for dinner but the "feel" of the entire evening...from formal portraits to the nightclubs, shows. casinos ( I swear I win more when I'm dressed up!) and on and on. Any nice clothing will do. It is the way you feel, cruising, being on vacation, new friends around that make this a wonderful experience. My bet is that when you cruise for the first time....you'll be back and will be shopping like the rest of us, looking for those "cruise bargain clothes.":D Have a wonderful time and enjoy each other....that's the best part! ;)

[Lewdog]

We have yet to attend a fomral night, we always do one of the dining alternatives such as Windjammer or even room service.

[trish1c]

There is something magical about formal night on a cruise. If you get dressed up enough to attend (that doesn't always mean floor length gown & tux), you will feel like a cross between Cindarella & a "Bond-girl". :D

 

You don't have to go all out, although some do. Pack something acceptable so you can have the choice once you are on the cruise. The worst that happens is you lug clothes around that you don't wear.

[JKHawaii]

Trish1C summed it up for me. Before I started cruising, I didn't like to dress up either. But there's something special about formal nights on a cruise, perhaps conjuring up images of the past when ships were the only way to cross the sea. Of course, there will be dweebs running around in shorts and blue jeans on formal night and the ship's staff usually looks the other way so as not to antagonize any passenger. But I suggest making the most of your cruise and get into the spirit of things and participate in the various activities. You can go back to bumming around when you return to podunk.

[sandbag7]

I've dressed up and also dressed down; taken formal pictures and avoided em'. In the end, it didn't effect the taste of the food or the experience. The dress-up thing is an artificial experience inherited from a period of time when the only cruises were transoceanic and the hoi-palloi (that's you and me) couldn't afford to travel first class. Anyway, you can dress, eat and do what you want where you want on a cruise, and no one is likely to tell you different; I never notice what people at other tables are wearing on formal night, and I expect you won't either. Have a good time.

[sandbag7]

And its usually the guys from podunk who are most eager to penguin up, and express concern if others don't "assume the position". There's a long way from going formal to wearing blue jeans, and unless you want to make a fashion statement you can find a comfortable middle.

[Treven]

And its usually the guys from podunk who are most eager to penguin up, and express concern if others don't "assume the position". There's a long way from going formal to wearing blue jeans, and unless you want to make a fashion statement you can find a comfortable middle.

Such as a tux jacket, bow tie, pants. No shirt, no shoes. No shirt if the guy is under 30 & has the abs for it.

 

Oh! I'm having the vapors, just thinking about that!! ;-)

[sable1]

What kind of food is offered in Windjammer on formal nites?

Do they serve lobster? Items from the dining room menu?

We were on the Maasdam last year for 5 weeks and toward the end we ate in their buffet room which was fixed up with tablecloths, candles and we could order most of the items from the DR menu. It was very nice for a change.

Does RCCL make the Windjammer special for dinner?

Can you order lobster from room service on formal night?

Thank you

Joanne

[Nliedel]

What kind of food is offered in Windjammer on formal nites? In many cases it is the same as the dining room.

 

Do they serve lobster? No, unfortunatly they do not serve the lobster. I am of the opinion that cruise ship lobster is not that fabulous, but I seem to be in the minority.

 

Items from the dining room menu? Yes some of them, but not the steak.

 

Does RCCL make the Windjammer special for dinner? No not really. The lights are lower.

 

Can you order lobster from room service on formal night? No. This is one of the things you cannot order from Room Service, although most of the rest of the menu is available.

[Merion_Mom]

AND.............

 

......lobster night is NOT NECESSARILY formal night. On at least two of my cruises (damn Alzheimer's!), lobster was served on a night that was NOT one of the formal nights.

 

In other words, by choosing to eat in the Windjammer on formal night, because you don't want to dress up, you are not necessarily missing out on lobster. :)

[Cuizer2]

Hey, what happened to the guys that always quotes the RCI web site?

 

At any rate:

 

1) Yes, there are alternatives to the main dining room. All have been mentioned.

 

2) You don't have to dress "formal". Many don't.