formal wear in restaurants

[Cruisin Bob]

Princess is simply following changes in society to more informal attire. Princess welcomes both fashion police and the casual crowd regardless what is officially printed.

[johnmik1]

Sorry,No shorts means no shorts and anyone wearing them at dinner is just flaunting the rules to see if they can elicit a response!

[1 HappyCruiser]

Sorry,No shorts means no shorts and anyone wearing them at dinner is just flaunting the rules to see if they can elicit a response!

 

I've only seen a few people over the years wearing shorts in the dr at dinner time and those people were probably told about the rule as I never saw the same person twice with shorts. That seems to be the one & only rule their fairly strict about.

[asctony]

Sorry,No shorts means no shorts and anyone wearing them at dinner is just flaunting the rules to see if they can elicit a response!

 

Totally agree. DO NOT allow them in the MDR for the evening meal. No excuses. There are other places to eat: Cabin, Horizon Court or Caribbean Cafe.

[Pam in CA]

Totally agree. DO NOT allow them in the MDR for the evening meal. No excuses. There are other places to eat: Cabin, Horizon Court or Caribbean Cafe.

Actually, they do, and they don't say a thing. Particularly when it's an attractive (or even unattractive) young woman doing the wearing. I've seen this on both HAL and Princess, where young women in very short shorts (I'm not talking Bermuda shorts but Daisy Duke's) were not only allowed into the dining room but were escorted by the Maitre D'. Go figure.

 

So far, I haven't seen any "fashion police" type of posts in this thread. If you're more casual, it's not going to ruin anyone's dinner or cause them to pack their bags and leave the ship. IMHO, when someone posts that you might be more comfortable in a "nice" smart casual, it is merely a suggestion. You don't have to follow advice just as you don't have to follow the dress code. Everyone has a different comfort level about what to wear.

[Times Prince]

This thread has drifted some from the original question of what the norm is for wear in the Specialty Restaurants on Formal Night.

 

For those interested in what the norm is for the Main Dining Room on formal nights, we did a poll of Cruise Critic past Princess passengers to get a more accurate average. Please find the results of that poll at

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1006188

 

Note that the poll was not intended to address the original question for this thread...

[stretchcruz]

My husband hates wearing a tie and a sport coat, but he does it for formal nights, and the sport coat takes up a lot of space. He also hates paying extra for specialty dining (he won't)...BUT....if I can tell him he won't have to pack that sport coat and tie, and instead wear a long sleeve shirt and pay extra, (which could break even with the airline fees) we just may be on to something here....especially since the airlines are charging extra for his garment bag with the sport coat and tie in it....He does love the traditional dining with our same waiters and wait staff every night....we hate to leave them for even a night (if they are good!)

[kooljamming]

Consider how you will look in the pictures that you take home of you and your table mates. If you feel good about being dressed in a golf shirt on formal nite while your new best frend next to you is in his tux go for it.

 

Cheers, VegasPier

 

The only thing that shines in a great photo with your best friends, on a vacation s/he paid for, is the smile. I have NO feelings toward what anyone besides DH and kids wear. I care because it will make ME look better in MY picture:D I would love to share a cruise with my best friends, regardless of what they were wearing and when.

[CCSSDRC]

My husband hates wearing a tie and a sport coat, but he does it for formal nights, and the sport coat takes up a lot of space. He also hates paying extra for specialty dining (he won't)...BUT....if I can tell him he won't have to pack that sport coat and tie, and instead wear a long sleeve shirt and pay extra, (which could break even with the airline fees) we just may be on to something here....especially since the airlines are charging extra for his garment bag with the sport coat and tie in it....He does love the traditional dining with our same waiters and wait staff every night....we hate to leave them for even a night (if they are good!)

 

I am regularly seated in the MDR on formal night with just a long sleeve shirt. I may be in the minority, but I am welcomed and look the same as the gents that choose to hang their jacket on their chair.

[arenamara5]

If you enjoy dreesing up go ahead and you will be comfortable in the dining room. If not don't and you will be comfortable in the Horizon Court. Formal nights are becoming less and less popular. Most people do not participate. Don't worry about it Enjoy your cruise the way you want to!!!!!!!

[billet]

If you enjoy dreesing up go ahead and you will be comfortable in the dining room. If not don't and you will be comfortable in the Horizon Court. Formal nights are becoming less and less popular. Most people do not participate. Don't worry about it Enjoy your cruise the way you want to!!!!!!!

"...Most people do not participate..."? Having just come off a 30 days cruise on the Star I would beg to differ. The vast majority were dressed for formal night and the Atrium was packed for all six of the nights.

The dress code was strictly enforced in the dining rooms, and people without jackets were asked to find one. In the Specialty restaurants or Horizon Court the dress was smart casual.

[Square]

Ok, I'm new to Princess and it has been a few years since I've been on a cruise so I'm going to add my question in here. If I am doing anytime dining, do you still participate in the "formal" nights? I'm assuming yes, but I haven't seen anything definitive. I just changed to AD and never done it before so I'm not sure what I'm getting into.

 

I may look into booking the nicer restaurants on formal nights and then just wearing a long sleeve formal shirt. I really don't like taking up all the room for a sports coat when the airlines charge $20 extra per bag and I only wear it for a few hours.

[LARGIN]

Dress codes in the Traditional and Anytime dining rooms are identical..

[kooljamming]

Ok, I'm new to Princess and it has been a few years since I've been on a cruise so I'm going to add my question in here. If I am doing anytime dining, do you still participate in the "formal" nights? I'm assuming yes, but I haven't seen anything definitive. I just changed to AD and never done it before so I'm not sure what I'm getting into.

 

I may look into booking the nicer restaurants on formal nights and then just wearing a long sleeve formal shirt. I really don't like taking up all the room for a sports coat when the airlines charge $20 extra per bag and I only wear it for a few hours.

 

Yes, for anytime dining you do participate in formal night. It has the same dress recommendation. Majority of the people followed the recommended guideline.

 

It has been reported that the lost luggage claim will work. All else fail, take a yard of brightly colored fabric warp it around your shoulder and tell them you are an African Prince, who to say you aren't. Military and ethnic outfits are always allowed. One of the outfits for my next crusie won't be a gown or cocktail dress but an African wrap, that's 3 yards of fabric. One yard extra for DH because he is sick of packing the jacket:D

 

Happy Sailing!

[1 HappyCruiser]

"...Most people do not participate..."? Having just come off a 30 days cruise on the Star I would beg to differ. The vast majority were dressed for formal night and the Atrium was packed for all six of the nights.

The dress code was strictly enforced in the dining rooms, and people without jackets were asked to find one. In the Specialty restaurants or Horizon Court the dress was smart casual.

 

I will have to say that you're correct saying that most people do participate in dressing up but saying that the dress code is strictly enforced is another matter. I have found that on the Star, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Crown, Dawn and Island in recent years this is not the case. The head waiters just look the other way when entering the restaurants unless you're in shorts. A decent pair of slack & dress shirt (including a golf shirt will suffice)

In all other areas on the ship on formal evenings, it's anything goes. Shorts, flip flops, etc right along side people dressed in tuxes & gowns.

[Sea42]

I will have to say that you're correct saying that most people do participate in dressing up but saying that the dress code is strictly enforced is another matter. I have found that on the Star, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Crown, Dawn and Island in recent years this is not the case. The head waiters just look the other way when entering the restaurants unless you're in shorts. A decent pair of slack & dress shirt (including a golf shirt will suffice)

In all other areas on the ship on formal evenings, it's anything goes. Shorts, flip flops, etc right along side people dressed in tuxes & gowns.

 

Have you found less participation based on what the itinerary is and length of the cruise?

[1 HappyCruiser]

Have you found less participation based on what the itinerary is and length of the cruise?

 

Some people swear that there's less participation on the Caribbean cruises but I've haven't seen that much difference.

People generally tend to dress on Princess but as I mentioned it's not enforced to the way some would have you believe. If you presentable with dress pants & a decent shirt you'll probably be fine. I haven been turned away from the dr yet and as long as you feel comfortable not dressing formally, go for it.

[asctony]

Here is a direct lift from Princess Cruise Site. Now it is up to you to do what you think is right, your choice or what ever.

 

Smart Casual - Passenger attire should be in keeping with what they would wear to a nice restaurant at home.

Skirts/dresses, slacks, and sweaters for ladies

Pants and open-neck shirts for men

 

Inappropriate dinner wear such as pool or beach attire, shorts, ball caps and casual jeans (with fraying and/or holes) are not permitted in the dining rooms. Shoes must be worn.

 

Formal - 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.

Evening gown, cocktail dress, or elegant pant suit for women

Tuxedo, dark suit or dinner jacket and slacks for men

 

Now where does it state for formal that you only need a shirt (long/short sleeve) and slacks only - instead of jacket?

 

I can see some of you stating that it does not say you need a tie. LOL

[1 HappyCruiser]

Here is a direct lift from Princess Cruise Site. Now it is up to you to do what you think is right, your choice or what ever.

 

Smart Casual - Passenger attire should be in keeping with what they would wear to a nice restaurant at home.

Skirts/dresses, slacks, and sweaters for ladies

Pants and open-neck shirts for men

 

Inappropriate dinner wear such as pool or beach attire, shorts, ball caps and casual jeans (with fraying and/or holes) are not permitted in the dining rooms. Shoes must be worn.

 

Formal - 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.

Evening gown, cocktail dress, or elegant pant suit for women

Tuxedo, dark suit or dinner jacket and slacks for men

 

Now where does it state for formal that you only need a shirt (long/short sleeve) and slacks only - instead of jacket?

 

I can see some of you stating that it does not say you need a tie. LOL

 

Yes, we all know what the Princess dress code instructions say and of course you can't go wrong by following them if you care to.

What some people want to know is what is it really like & do they have to conform to the strict ideas some people like preaching. Pack the tux, suit jacket or gown if you like dressing the part, but know that it isn't a true requirement to gain access to the DR on almost all Princess ships.

I like traveling lite, being comfortable & enjoying the same dining experiences without the bother.

btw- Ties haven't been mentioned in their dress code in years. ;)

[asctony]

Yes, we all know what the Princess dress code instructions say and of course you can't go wrong by following them if you care to.

What some people want to know is what is it really like & do they have to conform to the strict ideas some people like preaching. Pack the tux, suit jacket or gown if you like dressing the part, but know that it isn't a true requirement to gain access to the DR on almost all Princess ships.

I like traveling lite, being comfortable & enjoying the same dining experiences without the bother.

btw- Ties haven't been mentioned in their dress code in years. ;)

 

I can't speak for everyone, but apparently 'we all know' does not apply to people who keep asking the question and people who keep telling others that they dress how they like to. There are no requirements in life, just two - pay taxes and go up or down.

Ties are not mentioned because it is a fore gone conclusion that if you wear a suit, you should wear a tie.

Happy Cruising!

[CCSSDRC]

I know I am in the minority, but I find that all Princess actually enforces on formal night is that I have on a long sleeve shirt. Having a tie or jacket on is simply not enforced, which is fine with me.

[asctony]

I know I am in the minority, but I find that all Princess actually enforces on formal night is that I have on a long sleeve shirt. Having a tie or jacket on is simply not enforced, which is fine with me.

 

I don't think you are in the minority. But how do you or anyone else thinks that a long sleeve shirt is formal wear? I do agree with you that Princess or other cruise lines do not enforce the dress code or many other things. However, many things today are not enforced regardless.

Happy Cruising with a jacket or not!

[CCSSDRC]

I don't think you are in the minority. But how do you or anyone else thinks that a long sleeve shirt is formal wear? I do agree with you that Princess or other cruise lines do not enforce the dress code or many other things. However, many things today are not enforced regardless.

Happy Cruising with a jacket or not!

 

I am not interested in playing dress up for a fake formal occasion. I know it is not formal.

 

I am interested in eating at the MDR and simply wearing a long sleeve shirt allows me to blend in enough to be seated. If need be I would simply explain the suit is in the lost luggage, but that has never been necessary.

[RichNY]

We'll be on a 10 nighter on the Ruby and was wondering how many formal will there be and on what nights??..

[Colo Cruiser]

We'll be on a 10 nighter on the Ruby and was wondering how many formal will there be and on what nights??..

 

3 formals and it depends on the iteniary.