Formal Evening!

[cb at sea]

For a 7 year old, a Sunday dress, or party dress is fine for the formal evening. A dark suit or tux is "formal" for men; for women, an evening gown or cocktail dress is "formal".

 

For breakfast and lunch, daytime wear (shorts, tee's, flip-flops) are fine in the dining room.

Casual evenings, capris, skirts, sundresses, slacks, etc...for women, and for men, long pants (dockers, khakis, etc...) and a collared shirt are fine.

[Fredr]

Hello,

 

Recently I asked a question about formal night on another thread, of someone who just returned from her first cruise. She said that she and her husband did not dress up at all, and had their dinner at the pool on formal nights.

 

She also said that on her next cruise, which cannot be soon enough, that she and her husband will take some dress up clothes. She said that formal nights added something extra special to a cruise.

 

A suit will do very nicely or even a sportsjacket and a tie will be great.

[sparky-elpaso]

You don't really have to spend a lot of money if you don't want to. My DH has a very nice gray sport coat that we got at a 2nd hand store for $4. Looks brand new. Looks great with black slacks and either a silver or burgundy shirt and tie.

[Cruisin' Chick]

For formal nights, think about what you would wear for a really nice wedding. Surely your husband wouldn't show up in just his shirt sleeves to that or a funeral. For you, you can accessorize a plain black outfit if you wish or wear a cocktail length if you don't have anything full length. For your daughter, a party dress is appropriate.

 

Our last cruise has three formal nights. My hubby brought along one suit for those, and varied with a couple of dress shirts (fortunately Princess has self-service laundries) and ties. He's used to wearing suits to work so it wasn't a big deal. He wore tropical shirts to the dining room on other nights. I wore sundresses and gauzy skirts for non-formal nights and for formal nights: a long one-piece silky pants suit, a little black dress that I found a few weeks before on sale at JC Penneys, and a cocktail dress that I've been wearing for years for various occasions.

 

My daughter, 8 at that time, was already in her "I hate dresses" stage. So I got her a couple of dressy skirt outfits. As she has recitals, she needed something dressy anyway.

 

You can ask on the Celebrity boards if there's a buffet room for dining at dinner onboard your specific ship. If there is, you might be able to get away with dressing down. But they may be picky about hanging around the ship on formal night if not dressed up. Some other cruiselines aren't.

[RetireeWannabee]

We are on Celebrity and it was a last minute thing. We have never been on a cruise that is why I am asking. Thank you to all the nice replies......to all the sarcastic replies, it really wasn't necessary, I just asked a simply question.

 

How formal does a 7 year old girl need to be dressed?

 

A dress better than a sundress. What you would dress her in for a wedding.

 

For hubby, I think shirt & tie is just fine. If you have any doubts you could always get him a blazer at a resale shop.

[fodorspeter]

I think it's a bit of a shame that formal nights have gone more casual. I wear a tux and my wife and two teenage daughters wear formal gowns. We love dressing up and the photo opportunities are great. We use the photos for our Christmas cards. It's a bit of a shame to see jeans and baseball hats in the dining room.

[greatam]

A dress better than a sundress. What you would dress her in for a wedding.

 

For hubby, I think shirt & tie is just fine. If you have any doubts you could always get him a blazer at a resale shop.

 

A shirt and tie is NOT fine on Celebrity. The poor guy will stick out like a sore thumb. 90-95% will be in suit or tux. And don't forget, Celebrity's dress code is for the ENTIRE evening for the ENTIRE ship.

[eandj]

For formal nights' date=' think about what you would wear for a really nice wedding. Surely your husband wouldn't show up in just his shirt sleeves to that or a funeral. [/quote']

 

Wantta bet??? There are many posters here that feel it is THEIR "right" to dress as they please. And of course everyone does have tha "right". Thier "taste" does not include putting on a sportscoat and tie for anyone or any occasion. I don't get it. Only those men know why they choose that "style". Obviously they don't care to blend in. It's their way of making some kind of "statement" I guess.:confused:

[1 HappyCruiser]

And don't forget, Celebrity's dress code is for the ENTIRE evening for the ENTIRE ship.

 

It might be requested as such but no one will say a word otherwise if you dress down, especially after dinner.

[greatam]

It might be requested as such but no one will say a word otherwise if you dress down, especially after dinner.

 

I have been on 10+ Celebrity cruises. And on every one I have either seen someone denied entrance into the dining room or the theater due to being improperly dressed. Far more have been denied entry into the theater, as they changed out of their formal clothes and put on their shorts/casual clothes. We always do late seating and late theater, so maybe the early seating is different. But X TRIES very hard to maintain the elegant atmosphere that they market.

[1 HappyCruiser]

I have been on 10+ Celebrity cruises. And on every one I have either seen someone denied entrance into the dining room or the theater due to being improperly dressed. We always do late seating and late theater, so maybe the early seating is different. But X TRIES very hard to maintain the elegant atmosphere that they market.

 

Although it's been a while since we last cruised Celebrity I've never had a problem getting into the show lounge dressed in jeans & T shirt (on formal nights) at the early seating. It could be they've become more strict than in past years.

[beachchick]

So if I understand it from reading greatam's and drb's posts about Celebrity: Passengers are not allowed to wear nice shorts in the dining room at breakfast and lunch. Celebrity has dress codes for port days ("conservative port wear") and has rules for what passengers should wear when they are not even on the ship. And day wear includes swimsuit with cover up, but again, not shorts (day wear "includes slacks or pants, blouses or shirts, knit tops or polo shirts" and "a swimsuit cover-up for cool areas on the ship"). Kind of confusing when members who actually cruise with Celebrity say that shorts are allowed in the dining rooms at breakfast and lunch (not dinner, of course), that shorts are seen all over the ship during the day, and that people wear what they want (and that is appropriate for their chosen activities) in ports.

 

To answer the original question: From all that we've heard (never been on Celebrity; just RCI, Princess, NCL, Hurtigruten, and a couple of small lines), Celebrity enforces its stated dress codes almost all the time. If we cruised with Celebrity, we'd do what we always do for formal nights: Either dress formally with tux or dark suit for DH and snazzy cocktail dress (heels, stockings, jewelry, et al) or ankle length gown (ditto) for me. If we chose to skip formal wear that cruise, we'd also skip the formal night dinner (and theater/casino). We believe that it's common courtesy to dress in at least the minimum requested attire. Dress slacks with a dress shirt and tie is nice, but not formal, IMO. It sounds like it's not formal enough for Celebrity.

 

beachchick

[room010]

I sometimes wonder why cruiselines even bother to have formal nights any more because people seem so very reluctant to cooperate with any kind of dress code. And I have to say that men are usually the worst offenders in this regard. I guess I'm a dinosaur and like to see everyone make the effort at least one night per week to wear the appropriate attire. It does make a difference to the whole ambiance IMO.

[HoustonTodd]

I guess I'm a dinosaur and like to see everyone make the effort at least one night per week to wear the appropriate attire. It does make a difference to the whole ambiance IMO.

 

 

So we should be forced to be uncomfortable and unhappy on our vacation that we paid for, so that YOU can have your feelings about the "ambiance"?

 

Now admitedly, for those reasons I would never cruise a line like Celebrity. I will stick to the more casual lines. Now I don't go into the MDR in tshirts or anything like that. On non formal nights I wear either nice jeans with a dress shirt, or khaki's with a polo. On formal nights it's dress slacks/dress shirt and usually a tie. But I will stick to the lines where that level of dress is acceptable thank you very much.

 

Why people worry about what OTHER people are wearing is completely beyond me ...

[Taxguy77]

On X I wore a navy blue blazer with black slacks, because my suit no longer fit. :( Seemed to blend in fine.

While I prefer a ship with 'resort causual' as the most formal, on some lines including X I wouldn't feel comfortable in the diningroom without a tie.

On one cruise a man (I wouldn't use the term gentleman) at a ten-top in my line of sight was wearing a white teeshirt while 3 of the other gentlemen were wearing tuxes. :eek:Even I wished the MD had denied him admission.

[1 HappyCruiser]

So we should be forced to be uncomfortable and unhappy on our vacation that we paid for, so that YOU can have your feelings about the "ambiance"?

 

Now admitedly, for those reasons I would never cruise a line like Celebrity. I will stick to the more casual lines. Now I don't go into the MDR in tshirts or anything like that. On non formal nights I wear either nice jeans with a dress shirt, or khaki's with a polo. On formal nights it's dress slacks/dress shirt and usually a tie. But I will stick to the lines where that level of dress is acceptable thank you very much.

 

Why people worry about what OTHER people are wearing is completely beyond me ...

 

I follow pretty much what you wear minus the tie & haven't had any problems over the years. imo-People on this board seem to make more of the dress code than do the cruise lines. Why? Who knows. Perhaps it's the only time they can express themselves since no one would care to listen to them on a cruise ship.

Yes , I realize that there will be people who have seen someone turned away but I've always found that if you're dressed neatly on any cruise line the head waiter will never confront an individual unless dressed in shorts & T shirt on a formal night.

[eandj]

So we should be forced to be uncomfortable and unhappy on our vacation that we paid for, so that YOU can have your feelings about the "ambiance"?

 

Now admitedly, for those reasons I would never cruise a line like Celebrity. I will stick to the more casual lines. Now I don't go into the MDR in tshirts or anything like that. On non formal nights I wear either nice jeans with a dress shirt, or khaki's with a polo. On formal nights it's dress slacks/dress shirt and usually a tie. But I will stick to the lines where that level of dress is acceptable thank you very much.

 

Why people worry about what OTHER people are wearing is completely beyond me ...

 

Yes, there are cruiselines intentionally out there pushing the casual lifestyle. (Carnival, NCL) Then there are some like Cunard that are true formal lines...ie tux and gowns mandatory.

Then there is Celebrity and HAL which are more traditional lines, "hoping for" passengers to follow their guidelines, in order to please the image they are promoting. The entire ship experience is different on these two lines. Quieter atmosphere, less partying by the majority, more upscale service, higher costs, no bells and whistles for the kids, "dressier" , etc.

Because there are different styles of cruising out there, I think it is wise that you choose the lines you feel comfortable on. Most X and HAL cruisers wouldn't describe getting "dressed up" a couple nights as "uncomfortable" or "unhappy" as you state. It's part of the cruise experience they expect and enjoy on Celebrity.

I agree... that I don't care if I spot a guy sitting in a polo shirt on "formal night". However, if I see 50 men dressed tie-less and in dockers on a Celebrity ship on formal night, I might think I was on the wrong ship!! Things haven't changed THAT much on X... yet. If a line promotes resort casual everyday, I am prepared for that. (Been there, done that beautifully on Oceania.) But when I see the traditional "formal night" printed in the itinerary, ( WITH guidelines well spelled out) I am prepared and EXPECT that.

There's something for everyone!

[eandj]

I follow pretty much what you wear minus the tie & haven't had any problems over the years. imo-People on this board seem to make more of the dress code than do the cruise lines. Why? Who knows. Perhaps it's the only time they can express themselves since no one would care to listen to them on a cruise ship.

Yes , I realize that there will be people who have seen someone turned away but I've always found that if you're dressed neatly on any cruise line the head waiter will never confront an individual unless dressed in shorts & T shirt on a formal night.

 

happy Cruiser...I have yet to figure out why some men refuse to wear a tie for an evening meal. Sounds like the jacket and dress pants aren't a problem for you. But what's with the tie?

I have read here that.... some men don't WANT to be told what to wear.

That...ties are "restrictive" (to their breathing??)

That...they have to wear them to work and that was bad enough.

That...it's their way to express their discontent towards a cruiseline that has guidelines they don't personally believe in.

 

Could you clue us women in (and the 99% of the men who cruise X) that haven't figured out why the infamous tie on a formal night is a sign of "surrender"? :rolleyes: I sure don't get it. :confused:

[1 HappyCruiser]

happy Cruiser...I have yet to figure out why some men refuse to wear a tie for an evening meal. Sounds like the jacket and dress pants aren't a problem for you. But what's with the tie?

I have read here that.... some men don't WANT to be told what to wear.

That...ties are "restrictive" (to their breathing??)

That...they have to wear them to work and that was bad enough.

That...it's their way to express their discontent towards a cruiseline that has guidelines they don't personally believe in.

 

Could you clue us women in (and the 99% of the men who cruise X) that haven't figured out why the infamous tie on a formal night is a sign of "surrender"? :rolleyes: I sure don't get it. :confused:

 

I don't wear a tie or jacket...both for the same reason being I wore them during my working carrier and now that I'm on vacation (which I have paid for) I choose not to conform & be comfortable. It also allows me room in my suitcase for extras which I prefer to bring with me and most of the time I can usually get by with only a carry on suitcase.

I realize most people do dress and that's their choice to do so. If it gives them enjoyment putting on a gown of suit & tie I can understand their point of view.

Maybe the women should wear a tie for a while during the warm weather to see just how uncomfortable they really are. :(

[HoustonTodd]

For me, I've worn a tie and suit for work for too long. I no longer even own a suit. I do have ties, and USUALLY wear it for formal night, though as soon as dinner is over it's back to the room to lose the tie.

 

Why? They are uncomfortable, restrictive and not fun. They ruin my experience. For the record I think women all "dolled up" in 10 pounds of extra make up with ridiculous hairdos look HORRIBLE. I would rather a smartly, normally dressed woman with a natural or understated look any day.

[RetireeWannabee]

Maybe the women should wear a tie for a while during the warm weather to see just how uncomfortable they really are. :(

I'll trade you a tie for pantyhose and high heels.

[RetireeWannabee]

For the record I think women all "dolled up" in 10 pounds of extra make up with ridiculous hairdos look HORRIBLE. I would rather a smartly, normally dressed woman with a natural or understated look any day.

YAY!!!!! A real man that appreciates Real Women!!!!

[eandj]

I don't wear a tie or jacket...both for the same reason being I wore them during my working carrier and now that I'm on vacation (which I have paid for) I choose not to conform & be comfortable. It also allows me room in my suitcase for extras which I prefer to bring with me and most of the time I can usually get by with only a carry on suitcase.

I realize most people do dress and that's their choice to do so. If it gives them enjoyment putting on a gown of suit & tie I can understand their point of view.

Maybe the women should wear a tie for a while during the warm weather to see just how uncomfortable they really are. :(

 

HA! You don't think women often squeeze themselves into something to pull in/push up areas of their bodies. :D :D A "tie during warm weather" is a day off for alot of us! (Our choice of course.)

 

As is yours to dress casually. I'm not arguing your right to dress as you want. Just trying to find out if I missed any reasons for the "I will never put on a tie for formal night" rationale. Yours fit in the "I won't conform, no matter what the guidelines say" reason and the ubiquitous " I wore them everyday for work, so now I'm done with them" category. Nothing new. dang

 

Funny my DH wears a business suit and tie to work everyday. And altho enjoys his t-shirts and polo shirts on weekends, always dresses in at least a sports jacket and tie for dinner at a nice restaurant with me. His choice.

 

P.S. It's not the tie that is uncomfortable..unless you are trying to cut off air with it. ( When I was much younger I waitressed at a formal restaurant that required all servers to wear a white shirt and men's black tie. ) Maybe if you buy a larger neck size shirt the "look" would be would be more comfortable;)

 

Happy cruising!

[eandj]

For me, I've worn a tie and suit for work for too long. I no longer even own a suit. I do have ties, and USUALLY wear it for formal night, though as soon as dinner is over it's back to the room to lose the tie.

 

Why? They are uncomfortable, restrictive and not fun. They ruin my experience. For the record I think women all "dolled up" in 10 pounds of extra make up with ridiculous hairdos look HORRIBLE. I would rather a smartly, normally dressed woman with a natural or understated look any day.

 

Nice that you wear the tie to dinner. You don't have the aversion to "conforming" as Happy Cruiser. Still however,I don't get the "comfort" issue of a tie. Never saw my husband NOT be able to do something "fun" wearing a tie.:confused:

 

Getting "dolled up" is truly subjective. Never wore "10 pounds" of makeup and I do my own hair. Same for every woman I know personally. But I do wear high heels and a nice black cocktail dress with just enough "showing" . My hair is in place and my makeup a step up from walking the ports. That's how MY "dolled up" looks. And my DH, the only one that matters, loves that look on me when we aren't hiking, working at the gym or running errands. Perhaps the women you refer to look that way EVERY night. ;)

 

Happy cruising.

[fodorspeter]

I don't wear a tie or jacket...both for the same reason being I wore them during my working carrier and now that I'm on vacation (which I have paid for) I choose not to conform & be comfortable. It also allows me room in my suitcase for extras which I prefer to bring with me and most of the time I can usually get by with only a carry on suitcase.

I realize most people do dress and that's their choice to do so. If it gives them enjoyment putting on a gown of suit & tie I can understand their point of view.

Maybe the women should wear a tie for a while during the warm weather to see just how uncomfortable they really are. :(

 

It's been our experience that those that expouse the notion that "it's my cruise, I paid for it and I can do anything I want to" are, in fact, the ones who ignore the dress code, allow their unruly children to run wild on the ship, put a towel on a pool-side chair and come back four hours later and invite twenty of their friends to share some cocktails in their cabin at two in the morning.

 

These types of people belong on Carnival, not Celebrity.