Formal Nights

[littlegap]

Hello,

 

Does anyone know what are alternative activities or dinning options if we do not attend the formal nights on the Diamond Princess? What exactly do formal nights entail? First time cruisers here :o

[msmoger]

Hello,

 

Does anyone know what are alternative activities or dinning options if we do not attend the formal nights on the Diamond Princess? What exactly do formal nights entail? First time cruisers here :o

 

Your alternative is the Horizon Court Buffet. From what I've read (and this will be my first cruise), don't feel obligated to don a tux and formal gown. A suit or sport jacket and an appropriate female counterpart (not that good at descibing women's clothes :eek: ) will work just fine. OR...just go to the buffet!! :D

[paul929207]

A lot of men will be dressed in a dark suit on formal night. If you don't want to get that dressed up, there is the bistro in Horizon Court.

[thegotogirl]

Dressing for formal night has had many threads in the past. When we cruise (we go in a group of 3 couples), the men simply wear a nice blazer and slacks. My DH does not feel the need to wear anything formal on a vacation, and I support him. I personally wear a boutique outfit. It's nicer than something that I'd wear to a local restaurant, but not as dressy as I would get to go to a wedding. Many folks like to dress, and some are even offended when fellow cruisers do not dress. but it's your vacation. The ship has (loose) restrictions for the dining room, and after that it's all about your comfort level. They will not throw you out of the dining room if you do not come in formal wear.

[Putterdude]

I agree that the won't throw you out but thesy so expect gentlemen to wear at least a jacket & tie. You may also feel uncomfortable sitting at a table where others are dressed for dinner.

Princess does say in their "Cruise Answer Book" under the heading "Etiquette": "When formal nights are held, please observe the dress code in the Traditional Dining and Anytime Dining venues for the enjoyment of all our guests".

[judynorth]

Hello,

 

Does anyone know what are alternative activities or dinning options if we do not attend the formal nights on the Diamond Princess? What exactly do formal nights entail? First time cruisers here :o

 

Our first cruise was to Alaska on the Diamond. She was brand new! For formal night the majority of men wear suits rather than tuxes and women wear anything from formal gowns to nice pants and dressy tops (that is what I wear). The food is so much better in the dining room than in the Horizon Court that I wouldn't miss formal nights. The food is usually a little more upscale - lobster and crab legs - and of course the baked Alaska parade the second formal night. (I am assuming they still do that!) To me formal nights are part of the cruise experience and I don't get many opportunities to dress up at home.

[cp73]

Can men rent a sport coat on the cruise? I don't want to have to bring one and pack it.

[judynorth]

Can men rent a sport coat on the cruise? I don't want to have to bring one and pack it.

No, but you can rent a tux.

[sharp_cruiser]

So is it true the meals are more upscale on those nights? We'll be on the Coral Princess and wouldn't want to miss some lobster or the Baked Alaska parade (we'll have anytime dining though).

 

If we decide to hit the buffet and skip formal nights, can we still do other things around the ship that night in our "regular" clothes (casino, shows, other lounges)?

 

thanks!

[judynorth]

So is it true the meals are more upscale on those nights? We'll be on the Coral Princess and wouldn't want to miss some lobster or the Baked Alaska parade (we'll have anytime dining though).

 

If we decide to hit the buffet and skip formal nights, can we still do other things around the ship that night in our "regular" clothes (casino, shows, other lounges)?

 

thanks!

 

We were on the Coral to AK in 2005. It is on formal nights that they have lobster tails and king crab legs and the Baked AK parade. This is true for anytime dining as well as traditional. Horizon Court has some of the same things offered in the dining room but not the lobster or crab legs or the baked AK.

 

You are "expected" to dress formally for the entire evening but in practice many people return to their cabins after dinner and change into something a little more comfortable. You might be turned away from the dining room if you don't meet the dress code (you have to be very under-dressed to be turned away) but you won't be excluded from the other activities of the evening. How strictly the dress code is enforced depends on who is in charge of the dining room. Some ships enforce the code more than others.

[littlegap]

I think just the lobster and crab legs are worth the dressing up for a couple of hours. Thak you all for the info. These boards have been very helpful! :)

[thegotogirl]

I am currently on phone with Princess Cruise Lines....here are the rules according to the customer care rep that I am speaking with:

Restrictions for formal night:

-No jeans,

-No ripped clothing,

-No shorts (men & women)

-No t-shirts

-No halter tops

-No swimsuits or beach attire

-Must wear shoes

 

here are the MUSTS:

You MUST bring your smile

You MUST bring your good attitude

and you MUST bring back wonderful memories

 

Remember, don't judge people by what they wear, but by who they are!