How formal is formal?

[shirleygallegos60]

Just got DH fitted for his tux, and now to choose what I'm wearing. Love to have an event to dress up!

[MR_T]

Have to agree.

 

 

 

I remember a Crystal cruise and I would always see a lady in the casino before dinner, but never going to the dining room. I finally asked one of the casino hosts and he told me that her tablemates treated her like dirt, because she didn't dress to their standards (she was quite eccentric), and she was very uncomfortable going to dinner. The funny thing is, she was an acclaimed professor at the UC Berkeley. I would guess her IQ was more than the others combined at the table and they probably missed a lot of great stories, not to mention meeting a really, really nice person.

 

 

 

I was always taught not to judge a book by it's cover and because of that, I've met and have friends that will be in my life forever.

 

 

 

Wear what you are comfortable in and if you are admitted to the MDR, then Celebrity feels you are properly attired, so relax and have a great dinner. Others should respect that the "host" Celebrity feels you are dressed appropriately, since they let you in.

 

 

This post alone should end this thread there... Couldn't have put it better myself! 😎 well said!

[retired067]

But you can rest assured I'm one of the nicest people you're ever likely to meet... Or not as the case might be!!

 

Hi, I know how football is played. If it were played with your hands it would be called handsball. Any way this topic has drifted off and it time to put it to rest. Wear and smell how you like and everyone have a stinking good time. By the way I am the nicest person I have ever met.

[galavant3]

Others should respect that the "host" Celebrity feels you are dressed appropriately, since they let you in.

 

I completely agree with you with the exception of the last line. I would argue that they "let you in" because to do otherwise would be rude. When someone refuses to dress as requested, a polite host "does not notice".

 

If they didn't care how people dressed, they wouldn't bother with a dress code at all.

[NLH Arizona]

I completely agree with you with the exception of the last line. I would argue that they "let you in" because to do otherwise would be rude. When someone refuses to dress as requested, a polite host "does not notice".

 

If they didn't care how people dressed, they wouldn't bother with a dress code at all.

Then everyone should follow the hosts lead and be as polite and accepting of the person no matter if they approve of their dress or not.

[Honeybearhollow]

I'm always surprised by this type of question, especially by long time cruisers. Nothing has changed about formal. Formal is formal. No jacket is not. The question should probably be how much can you get away with. That has changed somewhat, but I think if any cruise line has a formal night then they should require that people be dressed formally in the main venue. They have already eased the requirement for specialty restaurants. There really should not be a question about it.

[Onessa]

We were on one Celbrity cruise in the Med, where there was a fairly large group (25-30ish pax) who had managed to dig up the most outrageous conglomeration of late 1970's era formalwear. Brightly colored tuxes, ruffled shirts, matching ties and cumberbunds for the men. Horrible 100% polyester chiffon numbers for the women. They had a great time and were very respectful in the MDR and other public places.

 

They were technically dressed more formally than 80% of the other pax but most displeased the traditionalists on board.

Edited September 30, 2014 by Onessa

[davekathy]

Then everyone should follow the hosts lead and be as polite and accepting of the person no matter if they approve of their dress or not.

 

You now there are some on these forums that will never do that. I just consider the source.

[NLH Arizona]

We were on one Celbrity cruise in the Med, where there was a fairly large group (25-30ish pax) who had managed to dig up the most outrageous conglomeration of late 1970's era formalwear. Brightly colored tuxes, ruffled shirts, matching ties and cumberbunds for the men. Horrible 100% polyester chiffon numbers for the women. They had a great time and were very respectful in the MDR and other public places.

 

They were technically dressed more formally than 80% of the other pax but most displeased the traditionalists on board.

Here is the difference, I dress formally, but I would have thought that was the coolest. What a great idea!

[claymour]

I'm always surprised by this type of question, especially by long time cruisers. Nothing has changed about formal. Formal is formal. No jacket is not. The question should probably be how much can you get away with. That has changed somewhat, but I think if any cruise line has a formal night then they should require that people be dressed formally in the main venue. They have already eased the requirement for specialty restaurants. There really should not be a question about it.

 

I am suprised too, we were just on the Century on the Sept 4 sailing. There was a wide variety of dress on the three formal nights...Some dressed to the nines and others that should not have been allowed iin the dining room according to the dress code. We chose to dress up most nights and more formally on the formal nights as did most of our tablemates. It was nice to see that most choose to follow the dress code at least at the late seating but it is still getting more and more casual. For Pete's sake, it won't kill anyone to dress a little nicer one or two nights and actually follow the rules.

 

My guy looked so incredible every night and yes, he complained a few nights but he actually did go out and buy some new fancy duds for the occassion and future cruises. So here's to keeping the tradition alive and those that choose not too...there are other choices. :D

[davekathy]

I am suprised too, we were just on the Century on the Sept 4 sailing. There was a wide variety of dress on the three formal nights...Some dressed to the nines and others that should not have been allowed iin the dining room according to the dress code. We chose to dress up most nights and more formally on the formal nights as did most of our tablemates. It was nice to see that most choose to follow the dress code at least at the late seating but it is still getting more and more casual. For Pete's sake, it won't kill anyone to dress a little nicer one or two nights and actually follow the rules.

 

My guy looked so incredible every night and yes, he complained a few nights but he actually did go out and buy some new fancy duds for the occassion and future cruises. So here's to keeping the tradition alive and those that choose not too...there are other choices. :D

 

I believe those that choose not to dress according to the suggested evening dress guidelines have already made their choice.

[galavant3]

Then everyone should follow the hosts lead and be as polite and accepting of the person no matter if they approve of their dress or not.

 

Absolutely!!

[Ma Bell]

People should always be polite and it certainly isn't anyone's business to be confronting other passengers, but one thing to keep in mind is that everyone who enters the dining room is not necessarily seen by someone at the door, especially if they don't want to be.

 

The dining room staff are not there to be bouncers. They give everyone the information needed to make a choice and assume that most people will be respectful. At times they have to deal with people who are not respectful and they try to be diplomatic....they're not looking for a fight.

 

Pardon me, but I've seen some really bad behavior in the dining room and being polite is one thing but accepting is another.

Edited September 30, 2014 by Ma Bell

[New Hampshire]

As much as I love to dress up (and see my DH in his tux) I have to agree with you. It's really difficult if not impossible to pack formal clothes PLUS all the clothes for sightseeing, especially if you're active, and keep the luggage under 50 lbs. I'm all for the whole ship to be Smart Casual all the time like Blu and enforcing the no jeans/tees/shorts dress code in the MDR.

 

Then there's simply the fact that Celebrity is not the bastion of affordable luxury it was in its heydey. The cost cutting has been discussed elsewhere, it bothers some people while others could care less. What gets to me is the hypocrisy of asking us to dress formal and make an effort when the cruise line no longer bothers to keep up the pretense. Don't ask me to lug a ballgown and a tux and then not even bother to put fresh flowers or candle holders on the table.

 

I wholeheartedly agree with you! I loved the ambience of formal nights in the days when formal dress was required in all public rooms of the ship in the evenings of formal nights. Those days are long gone never to be recaptured.

 

In the last three years, I have seen no effort by Celebrity to enforce requiring men to wear jackets in the MDR on any of the cruises I have taken whether in Caribbean, Europe or Bermuda. I questioned the maître de on my most recent cruise and he said it had become impossible to enforce.

 

I will be sailing out of Southampton, England in a few weeks and from my research have discovered that passengers sailing from that port are very much into dressing formally. My husband and I will also be dressed formally. However, our cruise to Bermuda next June will be a different story. From past experience, that itinerary has a very different vibe.

 

I am very ready for Celebrity's guidelines to change to smart casual on all evenings. Anyone who wants to wear a tux and evening gown are free to do so whenever and wherever they wish.

[ECCruise]

 

I am very ready for Celebrity's guidelines to change to smart casual on all evenings. Anyone who wants to wear a tux and evening gown are free to do so whenever and wherever they wish.

 

Which will put them right in the class of several lines much more upscale than Celebrity (e.g. Azamara, Oceania, all but a few RSSC cruises). Will it happen in the next year? Probably not. In the next 3 years? Would bet money on it.

[kfowinst]

A few months ago we sailed on the constellation and reflection and was surprised by the number of tuxedos on formal night. My husband was worried he'd be the only guy in a tux, but when we got to the martini bar that evening most guys were wearing tuxes. It was spring break, both Caribbean cruises

[Ma Bell]

Which will put them right in the class of several lines much more upscale than Celebrity (e.g. Azamara, Oceania, all but a few RSSC cruises). Will it happen in the next year? Probably not. In the next 3 years? Would bet money on it.

 

The only problem is were not talking about a small exclusive ship experience and some won't accept a smart casual code either. You know the next battle will be for the shorts and flip flops. I'll be willing to bet on that.

 

Welcome to the age of McDonalds main dining.

[NLH Arizona]

Which will put them right in the class of several lines much more upscale than Celebrity (e.g. Azamara, Oceania, all but a few RSSC cruises). Will it happen in the next year? Probably not. In the next 3 years? Would bet money on it.

Hey, Crystal has even reduced the number of formal nights on their cruise from 2 on a seven day cruise to 1 and from 3 (If I remember correctly) to 1 on 10 day cruises.

[wallie5446]

As these threads come and go some want us to think this is something new to cruising, it is not. This pic is from our first formal dinner on our first cruise in 1987. ( No it was not a Celebrity ship )

The man in the white shirt with no jacket nor tie and his wife were on the Emerald Sea for the 27th time. Yes, 27 times on the same ship. The young couple standing were on their first cruise for their honeymoon, and had no clue. The man sitting with a tie and jacket and his wife were on their 3rd cruise. And my wife and I. We were 'schooled' by my bosses TA on how to 'dress' since I won the trip in a contest, and she wanted us to fit in:D right:rolleyes:

 

Bottom line, the varying types of attire have been this way for a long time, on mass market cruise ships. Celebrity is mass market yesterday, today, and into the future. This is nothing new, different, nor a change in approach by the Company.

[Ma Bell]

As these threads come and go some want us to think this is something new to cruising, it is not. This pic is from our first formal dinner on our first cruise in 1987. ( No it was not a Celebrity ship )

The man in the white shirt with no jacket nor tie and his wife were on the Emerald Sea for the 27th time. Yes, 27 times on the same ship. The young couple standing were on their first cruise for their honeymoon, and had no clue. The man sitting with a tie and jacket and his wife were on their 3rd cruise. And my wife and I. We were 'schooled' by my bosses TA on how to 'dress' since I won the trip in a contest, and she wanted us to fit in:D right:rolleyes:

 

Bottom line, the varying types of attire have been this way for a long time, on mass market cruise ships. Celebrity is mass market yesterday, today, and into the future. This is nothing new, different, nor a change in approach by the Company.

 

Really? Is that an opinion or the official word?

Edited October 1, 2014 by Ma Bell

[wallie5446]

Really? Is that an opinion or the official word?

Really? Sorry I over stepped my place, and leave the official word to the more versed. So you are correct, this is only my opinion.

Edited October 1, 2014 by wallie5446

[gsb]

Really? Sorry I over stepped my place, and leave the official word to the more versed. So you are correct, this is only my opinion.

 

And a very good one it is. I agree 100%;)

[Ma Bell]

Really? Sorry I over stepped my place, and leave the official word to the more versed. So you are correct, this is only my opinion.

 

I wouldn't presume to tell anyone that because I don't know what the company philosophy is. I can say that for the many years we've sailed on Celebrity ships it hasn't been that way until recently and even now I don't see much of it but I guess it could be that we don't sail on short Caribbean cruises. Maybe that's the way they are but since I haven't been there I couldn't say.

 

I have been on about 20 Princess cruises beginning in 1976 and ending about 2001 and I didn't see this on those cruises.

Edited October 1, 2014 by Ma Bell

[Giorgi-one]

Everyone who chooses not to follow the dress guidelines has a different EXCUSE to justify their position. I can see that someone on a 70 day land trip with carryons might not want to bring a tux or suit along. I would never think of traveling with carryons for any trip. I did that in college.

 

The most common justification seems to be that the Dress Code is only "suggested". They insterpret this to mean "Celebrity suggests a tux or dark suit for men but YOU CAN WEAR ANYTING YOU WANT! Using the word "Suggested" is the correct approach one uses for intelligent reasonable adults. For children, one might use the words "You must do this or you will be punished". See the difference!!! Do you really expect any cruise line to say "You must follow the dress code or you will not be allowed in the Main Dining Room and forced to eat room service". Gee, this sounds like a fun cruise line, where can I book right now. Even people who do follow the dress code would be scared away for fear they might not be wearing the appropriate socks or underwear. As far as not enforcing dress guidelines, it's obviously about the money, althought it is sometimes enforced when I complain.

 

Lets not forget dress guidelines on casual nights. Again, this is interpreted to mean anything you want. I see people on every cruise wearing clothes I usually wear to mow my lawn. Even on casual nights, a $25 million (give or take a few mil) MDR is not McDonalds. I'm a senior and I would say that half the seniors I see are wearing clothes they bought at least 25 years ago. You can't get that stuff anywhere now except maybe Goodwill or a thrift shop. It does bring back a lot of memories though - like a Oldies Night. Where do they sell loud plaid sportcoats and madras shirts anyway? Looks a litle like the Walmartians emails going around!

[ECCruise]

The most common justification seems to be that the Dress Code is only "suggested". They insterpret this to mean "Celebrity suggests a tux or dark suit for men but YOU CAN WEAR ANYTING YOU WANT! Using the word "Suggested" is the correct approach one uses for intelligent reasonable adults. For children, one might use the words "You must do this or you will be punished". See the difference!!! Do you really expect any cruise line to say "You must follow the dress code or you will not be allowed in the Main Dining Room and forced to eat room service". Gee, this sounds like a fun cruise line, where can I book right now.

 

Um, up to some years ago, that was exactly how Celebrity operated. You were barred from entering the MDR (or the specialty restaurant) if you were not formally dressed--and formally dressed generally meant tux or dark suit. In addition, the formal dress code was enforced throughout the ship, including the theater, casino and all other areas but the casual dining restaurant (there was no evening buffet then).

 

We prefer the way it is now, with some flexibility, but sounds like you would not be happy in the "old days."

Edited October 1, 2014 by ECCruise