Formal night

[Sealuver]

On Royal Princess can you go to the main dining room on formal night if you are not dressed in formal attire? Thank you for your response.

[Cruisin' Chick]

If you read the guidelines listed on the Princess website, you'll see that you don't have to be dressed in tuxes and glittery gowns. In other words, the cruiseline's definition of formal wear is a bit looser than when it comes to a ship such as Cunard.

 

But if you really don't feel like dressing up, there are so many other dining venues you can go to (the dress code for the specialty restaurants is "smart casual"). For us, if we aren't dressing up, we'll just go to the Horizon Court or even grab a grilled chicken sandwich at the pool side grill.

[whatcruiseisnext]

On Royal Princess can you go to the main dining room on formal night if you are not dressed in formal attire? Thank you for your response.

 

 

We usually do formal nights but occasionally we skip them on a cruise. I would not feel comfortable going into the dining room on a formal night if I was not dressed up. That being said...on our last cruise on Princess there was a table of about 6 that were all dressed in Caribbean attire on a formal night and they were permitted in the dining room. One of our tablemates was outraged and wanted to stand up and holler at the table asking them what they were doing dressing like that on a formal night. Needless to say nothing was said by our tablemate. So could you get away with it...maybe...but do you really want to?

[pablo222]

That being said...on our last cruise on Princess there was a table of about 6 that were all dressed in Caribbean attire on a formal night and they were permitted in the dining room. One of our tablemates was outraged and wanted to stand up and holler at the table asking them what they were doing dressing like that on a formal night. Needless to say nothing was said by our tablemate.

 

Those six are the ones who post here:

"I did <whatever>, and no one said a word..."

[skynight]

On U.S. based cruises most women wear some sort of nice dress and men a jacket and tie. Probably less than 25% are in black tie. Some men are in shirt and tie, no jacket, some sport jacket and tie, some sport jacket no tie, some in suit and tie, some just sport shirts. I have not seen Princess turn anyone away unless they are in shorts/T shirt.

 

On Europe cruises more dress in black tie and dark suites, but you still see the other type of dress.

[brianlojeck]

Why would you want to eat with people who base their opinion of you on bits of cloth you own?

 

Join me on the pool deck. I'll be the guy eating a darn good steak and kidney pie with ice cream for dessert while dressing however the hell I want...

[PrincessLuver]

On U.S. based cruises most women wear some sort of nice dress and men a jacket and tie. Probably less than 25% are in black tie. Some men are in shirt and tie, no jacket, some sport jacket and tie, some sport jacket no tie, some in suit and tie, some just sport shirts. I have not seen Princess turn anyone away unless they are in shorts/T shirt.

 

On Europe cruises more dress in black tie and dark suites, but you still see the other type of dress.

 

We were jut on a 20+ day European cruise and this was not the case?

[JimmyVWine]

On Royal Princess can you go to the main dining room on formal night if you are not dressed in formal attire? Thank you for your response.

 

Princess provides a pretty clear answer in theory, but many people insist on pushing the limit to see what they can get away with. Here is what Princess has to say about the subject:

 

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

 

 

Note that it does not say: "Do whatever you want and don't worry about what other people think." Nor does it say: "The following is merely a suggestion." Instead, it is quite clear that passengers will have a certain expectation as to what the Formal Night atmosphere will be like, and following the rules will work to meet the expectations of those people. If you don't share those expectations, or don't want to do things just to please others, you are still welcome to come on board, but you are asked to dine in venues other than the MDRs. It's not complicated.

 

Imagine that a sibling or close friend was getting married and the invitation stated exactly what is stated above. Or imagine you were attending a benefit in a Gala Ballroom and the invitation stated what is stated above. What would you wear? Now imagine that you have received an invitation from the Cruise Director of the ship and the invitation said exactly what it says above. Why would you dress any differently? The "I don't care what anybody else thinks" attidtude simply doesn't fly when the ship's literature clearly states: "...for the enjoyment of all our guests." They are asking that you do care. It is OK if one doesn't, and they provide alternative dining options for that.

[Cruisin' Chick]

Princess provides a pretty clear answer in theory, but many people insist on pushing the limit to see what they can get away with. Here is what Princess has to say about the subject:

 

 

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

 

 

Note that it does not say: "Do whatever you want and don't worry about what other people think." Nor does it say: "The following is merely a suggestion." Instead, it is quite clear that passengers will have a certain expectation as to what the Formal Night atmosphere will be like, and following the rules will work to meet the expectations of those people. If you don't share those expectations, or don't want to do things just to please others, you are still welcome to come on board, but you are asked to dine in venues other than the MDRs. It's not complicated.

 

Imagine that a sibling or close friend was getting married and the invitation stated exactly what is stated above. Or imagine you were attending a benefit in a Gala Ballroom and the invitation stated what is stated above. What would you wear? Now imagine that you have received an invitation from the Cruise Director of the ship and the invitation said exactly what it says above. Why would you dress any differently? The "I don't care what anybody else thinks" attidtude simply doesn't fly when the ship's literature clearly states: "...for the enjoyment of all our guests." They are asking that you do care. It is OK if one doesn't, and they provide alternative dining options for that.

 

And unlike a gala or a wedding, there are options to eat elsewhere on the ship (you can wear shorts at night in the Horizon or up on the Lido deck where there is a pizzeria and a grill).

[Potstech]

They are asking not demanding. They are guidelines not rules. Princess indicates long sleeve shirt and tie is acceptable. As such I, as will many others, will wear what we want to conform to what Princess allows. Sorry it aggrivates somebody but that is not my problem. I will be enjoying my meal in the Anytime MDR on formal night.

[JimmyVWine]

They are asking not demanding. They are guidelines not rules.

And herein lies the difference. Saying that "Please observe" is a guideline and not an instruction is nothing more than a rationalization to suit one's own wants. "Please observe our dress code in the MDRs" is simply not the same as "You may wear formal attire if you wish." "Please keep off the grass" ≠ "We'd prefer that you didn't walk on the grass, but if you don't like being told what to do, then by all means, trample the grass if you must." Only in a "me, me, me!" world does this compute.

[OCruisers]

DH still takes his tux on Princess cruises but that is his decision.

 

Men do tend to dress nicely for formal nights ... a dress shirt with a tie without a jacket will work fine.

 

LuLu

~~~~

[whataboutport]

We usually do formal nights but occasionally we skip them on a cruise. I would not feel comfortable going into the dining room on a formal night if I was not dressed up. That being said...on our last cruise on Princess there was a table of about 6 that were all dressed in Caribbean attire on a formal night and they were permitted in the dining room. One of our tablemates was outraged and wanted to stand up and holler at the table asking them what they were doing dressing like that on a formal night. Needless to say nothing was said by our tablemate. So could you get away with it...maybe...but do you really want to?

 

I feel like doing this often but I don't. Hollering at them won't make them go back and change, and I think the yelling is more of a disruption than the six of them wearing that to dinner. However, I do agree that people should at least try to adhere to the dress code.

 

On the other hand, I can also say first hand that women wearing too short/revealing of dresses even though would be considered cocktail attire is even more distracting than someone dressed casually.

[AKman2495]

Princess provides a pretty clear answer in theory, but many people insist on pushing the limit to see what they can get away with. Here is what Princess has to say about the subject:

 

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

 

 

Note that it does not say: "Do whatever you want and don't worry about what other people think." Nor does it say: "The following is merely a suggestion." Instead, it is quite clear that passengers will have a certain expectation as to what the Formal Night atmosphere will be like, and following the rules will work to meet the expectations of those people. If you don't share those expectations, or don't want to do things just to please others, you are still welcome to come on board, but you are asked to dine in venues other than the MDRs. It's not complicated.

 

Imagine that a sibling or close friend was getting married and the invitation stated exactly what is stated above. Or imagine you were attending a benefit in a Gala Ballroom and the invitation stated what is stated above. What would you wear? Now imagine that you have received an invitation from the Cruise Director of the ship and the invitation said exactly what it says above. Why would you dress any differently? The "I don't care what anybody else thinks" attidtude simply doesn't fly when the ship's literature clearly states: "...for the enjoyment of all our guests." They are asking that you do care. It is OK if one doesn't, and they provide alternative dining options for that.

 

See, the problem is that that instruction was written by a Brit. British people understand subtlety, so "Please observe" see as not being a suggestion, but a rule.

 

Some Americans, otoh, need to be hit over a hammer to understand a rule-I mean how many Americans thing red light are just suggestions too?

 

Of course,another British trait is to be restrained and to avoid scenes, which leads to louts being admitted to the MDR in less than appropriate clothing.

 

There is no solution, unfortunately-unless Princess changes the code to read "you must wear either a tux or dark suit to be admitted to the MDR on formal night". Of course, then they would have to enforce it.

 

As I see it, that is simply not going to happen. :(:confused:

[rdsqrl]

They are asking not demanding. They are guidelines not rules.. . . .

Please use this exact rationale the next time a policeman pulls you over and asks, rather than demands, for your license and registration. The number for the closest bail bondsman to the Richmond police station is 804-555-BAIL.

 

[Potstech]

Please use this exact rationale the next time a policeman pulls you over and asks, rather than demands, for your license and registration. The number for the closest bail bondsman to the Richmond police station is 804-555-BAIL.

 

 

Thank you for making my point. You are required to obey the law which is cut and dried. It does not say "PLEASE observe" so violating them can get you arrested. By saying Please observe it means to many of us that we have a choice to conform to the guidelines that Princess set out. Sorry but I have no intention to placateing or making happy people I do not know just because they don't like something. If you do not like it get Princess to change.

 

If someone approached me about the way I was dressed in the MDR on Formal night after I had been allowed to be seated the Captain would surely hear about it along with security in about 5 minutes.

 

Enjoy your cruise as I will mine without taking any suitcoat or Tuxedo.

[Potstech]

Please use this exact rationale the next time a policeman pulls you over and asks, rather than demands, for your license and registration. The number for the closest bail bondsman to the Richmond police station is 804-555-BAIL.

 

 

I know many of the bail bondsmen in the Richmond area as I am retired from working 20+ years with one of the law enforcement agencies. But thank you anyway. I also am familiar with many of the lawyers too.

[JimmyVWine]

Please observe it means to many of us that we have a choice to conform.

 

And those many people would be wrong.

 

"Please refrain from talking in the theater."

"Please wait to be seated."

"Please buckle up."

"Please observe the speed limit."

"Please turn off your cell phones."

"Please observe the no smoking sign."

"Please observe the dress code."

 

These are not "choices". Of course we all have free will and can ignore or disobey any of these instructions. But doing so makes one a disobedient boor who flaunts social norms and not some heroic maverick.

[PrincessLuver]

And those many people would be wrong.

 

"Please refrain from talking in the theater."

"Please wait to be seated."

"Please buckle up."

"Please observe the speed limit."

"Please turn off your cell phones."

"Please observe the no smoking sign."

"Please observe the dress code."

 

These are not "choices". Of course we all have free will and can ignore or disobey any of these instructions. But doing so makes one a disobedient boor who flaunts social norms and not some heroic maverick.

 

Someone dressed in a rented tux is exciting????? :D:D:D

[eandj]

On Royal Princess can you go to the main dining room on formal night if you are not dressed in formal attire? Thank you for your response.

 

 

To answer your specific question without all the judgements... Yes you can go to the main dining room dressed anyway that you'd like. Now, will the maitre d seat you? :rolleyes: Not if you show up in shorts and flip flops. However if you are dressed smart casual/informally...ie men in sportcoat and tie and ladies in "Sunday attire", yes you will be able to eat there. Depending on cruise itinerary, ship, maitre d's thoughts and directives ...you might get in without a tie and jacket.

 

No one that I have ever observed has been bullied out of a table because of their choice of dress on formal night. So all these helpful opinions about the "right" way to dress here on CC are kept to themselves and civility reigns once onboard. :D

 

I find it best to follow guidelines. Note that on formal nights probably no more than 15-20% of the cruisers actually are dressed in a true formal fashion.

[Potstech]

And those many people would be wrong.

 

"Please refrain from talking in the theater."

"Please wait to be seated."

"Please buckle up."

"Please observe the speed limit."

"Please turn off your cell phones."

"Please observe the no smoking sign."

"Please observe the dress code."

 

These are not "choices". Of course we all have free will and can ignore or disobey any of these instructions. But doing so makes one a disobedient boor who flaunts social norms and not some heroic maverick.

 

So now you resort to name calling and think it will help your case. Wrong again,. I have made my CHOICE and so far have had no problem with it. So until Princess says it is a problem then Iwill continue dressing the way I see and who cares what names you want to call people. Again Princess sees it as acceptable and so do I and that is all that matters to those who make a choice on their own.

 

So what penalty will I have to pay if Princess says I am following their guidlines and the fashion police say I am not? NONE so what does it matter what they say. Again I will continue to wear a long sleeve shirt and tie on formal night and enjoy my meal int eh MDR jsut like everyone else.

[Coveguy4]

I guess its just a sign of the times that people don't want to adhere to the dress policy. In some cases, it may be a cry for attention to be singled out in a crowd by not "conforming". In other cases it's disrespect for fellow cruisers and/or a lack of common sense. I personally don't find a long sleeved shirt and tie objectionable, (I always at least wear a dark suit and tie), however a hawaian shirt is a bit much for my taste and the maitre'd should have dealt with it at the podium. Also, I have seen shorts on a man in the MDR for dinner (on a smart casual night), and was not surprised when he made as ass of himself during dinner raising his voice and yelling at his family proving that some people have to be the center of attention, even if its only by non-conforming to the guidelines set. Again, I don't have any problem with a dress shirt and tie, even though I would not personally underdress on a formal night.

[pjo]

Wayyyyyyy to much is made about dressing up (or down) on formal night. I agree that a sport coat and tie is the preferred dress for men, but a shirt and tie only is acceptable. A shower before hand is nice too. Be thankful you are not seated next to the guy in the tank top and cut off jeans shorts who hasn't bathed in 3 days. Oh wait......, he just sailed on Carnival. ;)

 

Paul

[Smokeyham]

Here was our experience with formal night attire on an Alaskan cruise on board Sapphire Princess in September, 2012.

 

We were in Anytime dining. Our cruise was held in the week after Labor Day, and there were hardly any kids on board, and there seemed to be a slightly older crowd. There were two formal nights. Here is what we observed:

 

• Most people did dress up to some extent. There were a fair number of sport coats and ties, as well as suit and ties. That covered the majority of the people.
  
• There were some tuxedos, approximately 5% to 10% (10% is probably a bit high).
  
• A few people were in slacks and a nicer shirt. Some added a tie to that, or had a jacket, with no tie.
  
• I didn't see anyone dressed inappropriately, i.e. jeans, scruffy clothing, etc.
  

If I was asked about the minimum standard, to feel comfortable, I would suggest a jacket and tie.

 

I would say the ambiance was that of a nice restaurant on shore, but not rising to that of a "black tie" event.

 

I rented a tuxedo, and while everything fit, the clips in the braces kept on coming undone, and the cinch up straps on the pants did not hold. It made dancing very difficult!! If I was to do that again, I would at least bring my own suspenders!

[tvaud]

Here was our experience with formal night attire on an Alaskan cruise on board Sapphire Princess in September, 2012.

 

We were in Anytime dining. Our cruise was held in the week after Labor Day, and there were hardly any kids on board, and there seemed to be a slightly older crowd. There were two formal nights. Here is what we observed:

 

• Most people did dress up to some extent. There were a fair number of sport coats and ties, as well as suit and ties. That covered the majority of the people.
  
• There were some tuxedos, approximately 5% to 10% (10% is probably a bit high).
  
• A few people were in slacks and a nicer shirt. Some added a tie to that, or had a jacket, with no tie.
  
• I didn't see anyone dressed inappropriately, i.e. jeans, scruffy clothing, etc.
  

If I was asked about the minimum standard, to feel comfortable, I would suggest a jacket and tie.

 

I would say the ambiance was that of a nice restaurant on shore, but not rising to that of a "black tie" event.

 

I rented a tuxedo, and while everything fit, the clips in the braces kept on coming undone, and the cinch up straps on the pants did not hold. It made dancing very difficult!! If I was to do that again, I would at least bring my own suspenders!

 

 

Alaska cruises tend to be more casual anyway. That being said, when we were in Alaska on the Island a couple of years ago, I was surprised to see so many passengers truly formally dressed. It was on the "smart casual" nights that I saw way too many flannel shirts and ratty jeans in the MDR. That was more shocking.

 

 

The reason I sail on Princess is because they do have a dress code. If I wanted to be casual all the time, I would choose a more casual cruise line.