Formal or not in the Caribbean...

[Specs]

My husband and I have just completed a cruise on the Adventure of the Seas (January 4th to January 11th 2009).

 

I would like to share a thought with you after the two formal night we had...

 

I wore a coktail dress and my husband a dark suit. However, around us, everywhere we went, be it at the dining room, theater, Royal Promenade, there were people wearing jeans and flower shirts, mini skirts with boots, bermudas and tank tops, sundresses, tuxedoes, and very expensive and elegant formal gowns. The problem? Well, the proportion was 60% casual and 40% formal attire...

 

I was so sad and so sorry for those people who took the time and money to find the perfect outfit to respect the dress code and to have the most beautiful dress with the prettiest shoes and little purse, a handsome tuxedo and purchase a suit for their son and a lovely dress for their daughter... Imagine, it's your first time aboard a ship and you are very excited. The formal night is a big event and all the family members are dressed to the nines, yet beside them people walk around wearing bermuda, jeans, flip flops.... How would you feel? Even I felt a bit awkward walking in my dress, surrounded by casual wear.

 

I think for the Caribbean all cruise companies should decide to change the dress code for casual all days. It would not be much of a change since they don't enforce the rules anyways. It should be either 100% casual or 100% formal. As I understand it, people go to the Caribbeans to relax and have fun; most people would agree that the casual wear fits better with the overall atmosphere on board. On the other hand, European cruises could still have the formal nights, since the majority respect the dress code. The location is more appropriate as it provides a more romantic setting and is reminiscent of those long ago nights when men wore their dark suits and ladies wore extravagant gowns...

 

Bottom line: People should respect the dress code. As it seems the majority do not wish to dress formally in the Caribbean, then the dress code itself should be changed. This would prevent people from wearing highly expensive clothing and taking the time to shop around and in turn, make them feel uncomfortable on a night that was supposed to be SPECIAL!

 

And you, dear reader, what do you think?

[Aquahound]

And you, dear reader, what do you think?

 

You do know what you are starting here, right? ;)

 

I have been fortunate in that I have never seen a 40% formal/60% informal ratio. It seems that on formal nights over 90% adhered to the suggested dress code on all but one of my RC cruises.

 

Another thing to consider is the demographic. With what I said above, the one cruise that had the most informal people was my latest AOS cruise. Yours may have been different, but the majority of the people who did not dress up were the PR locals.

 

(BTW, I'm only referring to my last AOS cruise.......I'm not saying it's always like that!!!!!!!!)

[missbogota]

I just returned last week from the Serenade out of San Juan. I was overjoyed by how many people actually observed the dress codes for formal nights. It was a joy to see everyone dressed so nice! Even the children...and yes the puerto rico locals! There were more tuxedos than suits, and more cocktail dresses than long dresses.

 

I couldn't wait until the last formal night to see everyone dressed so nice!!!

[Alexis]

My husband and I have just completed a cruise on the Adventure of the Seas (January 4th to January 11th 2009).

 

I would like to share a thought with you after the two formal night we had...

 

I wore a coktail dress and my husband a dark suit. However, around us, everywhere we went, be it at the dining room, theater, Royal Promenade, there were people wearing jeans and flower shirts, mini skirts with boots, bermudas and tank tops, sundresses, tuxedoes, and very expensive and elegant formal gowns. The problem? Well, the proportion was 60% casual and 40% formal attire...

 

I was so sad and so sorry for those people who took the time and money to find the perfect outfit to respect the dress code and to have the most beautiful dress with the prettiest shoes and little purse, a handsome tuxedo and purchase a suit for their son and a lovely dress for their daughter... Imagine, it's your first time aboard a ship and you are very excited. The formal night is a big event and all the family members are dressed to the nines, yet beside them people walk around wearing bermuda, jeans, flip flops.... How would you feel? Even I felt a bit awkward walking in my dress, surrounded by casual wear.

 

I think for the Caribbean all cruise companies should decide to change the dress code for casual all days. It would not be much of a change since they don't enforce the rules anyways. It should be either 100% casual or 100% formal. As I understand it, people go to the Caribbeans to relax and have fun; most people would agree that the casual wear fits better with the overall atmosphere on board. On the other hand, European cruises could still have the formal nights, since the majority respect the dress code. The location is more appropriate as it provides a more romantic setting and is reminiscent of those long ago nights when men wore their dark suits and ladies wore extravagant gowns...

 

Bottom line: People should respect the dress code. As it seems the majority do not wish to dress formally in the Caribbean, then the dress code itself should be changed. This would prevent people from wearing highly expensive clothing and taking the time to shop around and in turn, make them feel uncomfortable on a night that was supposed to be SPECIAL!

 

And you, dear reader, what do you think?

 

Now that really surprises me to read that. We sail from San Juan often and I have always seen the passengers dress very well on any cruise we have taken from there.

Formal nights have always been formal and even during the week, the ladies always dressed really nice. :)

I can't believe it has changed so suddenly. :confused:

 

Specs:

And you, dear reader, what do you think?

 

It would never ruin my cruise. I only care what I wear and I don't care what others wear. ;)

[TXMary]

I have enough trouble picking my own clothes. I can't worry about what other people are wearing. If we do formal night, we do it up...formal long gown and tux. If we don't do it, we eat in the WJ or JR. But when we do go to formal night, I couldn't care less what the people around me are wearing.

[PrettyLA]

I've never experienced that many people on formal night wearing jeans and floral dresses. I've always noticed most people dressed appropriately.

[amybear912]

If I weren't on the South Beach diet right now, I'd be sitting down to a big old bowl of popcorn...

 

That being said, it isn't a dress code, dear poster... it is 'suggested attire' and many choose not to follow the suggestion... what would you have them do???? stay locked in their cabins all night so that those who follow the suggestion can have the run of the ship???

 

Many choose not to participate in formal night... Formal night is an optional event, much like line dancing on the pool deck...

 

As long as folks are clean and presentable, I could care less what they are wearing...

[cruzincurt]

What does being in the Caribbean have to do with always dressing casual? Actually, here in Florida we have begun wearing shoes. Since it's cold in Alaska, is formal wear or a suit more appropriate?

 

IMO, the dress should suit the social occasion wherever it is held.

[J & G]

And you, dear reader, what do you think?

 

I think you may be trying to whip us all into another "jeans on formal night" frenzy.......sorry.....not biting! We will be on AOS in Feb 2010 and I know that people are going to wear whatever they want, not matter what I think......

 

Ohhhhhh.....is that popcorn I smell????? :p

[sayaguru]

did you consider that the people wearing shorts had second sitting?

 

I know once I had to walk through the main deck once at 5.30 in shorts as I was at the pool. I did feel uncomfortable around all the dressed people. I was going to my room to get dressed for second sitting at 8.30.

 

People wouldn't be going to ANY dinner in tank tops and shorts.

[satxdiver]

I was on the AOS in September and had second seating in the MDR. The majority of men had on sport coats or less formal attire. The number of formal clothed (penguin by my vernacular) were in the minority. That was a casual observation as I entered and waited for the other couples at the table to arrive. Of the four couples at the table, one male was wearing a suit on formal night. The others had sport coats and of course me without coat or tie. I really do not care what others wear.

 

As is my custom, I stop by the pub for a brew at about 5:30 on the promenade. I do love Murphy's stout. I sit outside at the table and people watch relaxing before I have to return to the stateroom to dress for dinner. Yes, I was wearing my usual shorts, tevas and tshirt. If that upset some of the pax going to first seating on formal night, then they need to reevaluate their thinking.

 

Who is making the popcorn?

 

[cruiserbryce]

I have always looked at formal night as an occasion for my wife and I to have an enjoyable evening in the DR while at sea...the night is for us...that being said I dont so much worry about what the rest of the pax aboard are doing...I wish more people would dress up but while I may get enjoyment from the formal environment of the evening, their enjoyment may come from a casual vacation and dressing up just may not be for them...either the case...as long as you have a good time I wouldnt worry much about anyone else

[KC_fn]

If you enjoy dressing up, then enjoy it. Don't let your happiness for the evening be determined by the fashion choices of strangers. :rolleyes:

[mgg42]

Okay, I can save everyone a little time. All you need to do is read the following paragraph over and over again:

 

Blah blah blah Formal night. Grumble roar enforcing the rules!! Jeans babble babble, indignant rage. Personal choice rolls eyes blah blah blah. Do what I want, rant rant rant. My vacation my way babble babble babble. Just not right grumble grumble. Rules don't apply to me scream roar shriek. Snarky quip, don't worry about others. Need room in my suitcase, inflammatory comeback. Arrogant quip, popcorn.

 

Now, lather, rinse, REPEAT!!! :D :D

[MiniMom57]

The OP wrote :"However, around us, everywhere we went, be it at the dining room, theater, Royal Promenade, there were people wearing jeans and flower shirts, mini skirts with boots, bermudas and tank tops, sundresses, tuxedoes, and very expensive and elegant formal gowns."

 

welllll.....You should expect to see all levels of outfits when you are out and about on the ship, as the suggested attire (not dress code) is for the dining room, not for the entire ship. When I cruise, I always adhere to the suggested attire for dinner, but then usually change back into my casual clothes for the evening (shorts, etc).

[dmndlil]

did you consider that the people wearing shorts had second sitting?

 

I know once I had to walk through the main deck once at 5.30 in shorts as I was at the pool. I did feel uncomfortable around all the dressed people. I was going to my room to get dressed for second sitting at 8.30.

 

People wouldn't be going to ANY dinner in tank tops and shorts.

 

 

Or perhaps they either weren't eating in the dining room, OR they changed out of formal wear after eating :rolleyes:

[Dick & Linda]

We have been on 12+ cruises on RCI ships over the past 12 years. The Royal Caribbean ships are trying to compete with Carnival. Yes, we have had table partners show up on formal night with sweat shirts, blue jeans, and tennis shoes. We take cruises for the opportunity to get dressed-up and still have a great time. We are going on another RC cruise in a couple of weeks but this is our first one with them in over 3 years. We are looking for other cruise lines that will give us what we are looking for in a total vacation experience. We do agree with those who hope that other will follow the dress for the formal nights. Hope all your cruises are GREAT!

[TwoWeebles]

I think there is more than one reason why people choose not to dress in formal wear. For me, it depends how long the cruise is, and why I am going on the cruise, and if I have the money to afford the special clothes. My last cruise, I dressed to the nines on formal night and was sea sick that day. I got dressed anyway, went to have pictures taken with my family, went to the dining room for about five minutes and promptly went back to my room because I was not feeling well.

 

On our next cruise in February, we have decided not to dress for formal night. The cruise is only four days and we don't see the point in having to pack all of the extra things just for one formal night. Then you have to worry about your dress/suit getting wrinkled, etc. We will not be eating in the MDR that night. We will eat at the WindJammer.

 

Another thing you have to consider is that, say your dinner time is 6pm. You obviously are dressed earlier than those whose dinner time is at 8pm. So, maybe those people walking around the decks in jeans just haven't gotten dressed yet because there dinner is later.

 

In my opinion, formal night pertains to how you dress at dinner. If I don't plan to go to the Main Dining Room that night, why should I have to dress formally? I don't think the dress code should be changed for me. I could not care less what other people are wearing on formal night. I don't think jeans are appropriate for the MDR, but it would not bother me in the least to see someone walking around the pool deck in jeans. Plus, right after dinner, guess what I am going to do? Go right back to my room to change my clothes!

 

One other thing you have to consider is that it is VERY EXPENSIVE to buy dresses like that with all the accessories like jewelry, shoes, handbag. Some people do not have that kind of money for a dress that you will wear for ONE night.

 

In conclusion, if I WANT to dress up, I eat in the MDR. If I DON'T WANT to dress up, I go elsewhere to eat. And it does not bother me at all to see people dressed in all levels of attire.

[cruzincurt]

Some advice, don't go on a HAL cruise, they expect you to apply the dress code throughout the ship, all night.:eek: If you don't, they suggest you stay in your cabin and only use the backstairs if you have to move about the ship.

I will continue to dress in suit & tie for formal nights.

[astrohip]

I was on this same cruise, AOS, Jan 4-11. After talking about it, we had decided in advance we were going to dress nicely for dinner, and appropriately for formal nights (we is me, wife, 2 kids 22 & 24). My experience is very different than yours.

 

I was stunned when almost everyone around us was dressed in a similar fashion. Especially after hearing stories in this forum about how people dress. I would say 80% of the people around us were dressed nicely most nights--nicely means no shorts, clean neat shirts, dockers, neat jeans, etc. Almost no Tees or shorts, ever. And on formal nights, probably 50-60% in a suit/coat/tie, another 20%+ in a nice dress shirt, less than 10% casual. Women the same.

 

Even though we were dressed nicely, I was amazed so many others were too. We were in the early seating, main floor. I couldn't tell what the upper two levels were wearing, so I have no idea if the same percents apply.

[melsdt]

My husband and I have just completed a cruise on the Adventure of the Seas (January 4th to January 11th 2009).

 

I would like to share a thought with you after the two formal night we had...

 

I wore a coktail dress and my husband a dark suit. However, around us, everywhere we went, be it at the dining room, theater, Royal Promenade, there were people wearing jeans and flower shirts, mini skirts with boots, bermudas and tank tops, sundresses, tuxedoes, and very expensive and elegant formal gowns. The problem? Well, the proportion was 60% casual and 40% formal attire...

 

I was so sad and so sorry for those people who took the time and money to find the perfect outfit to respect the dress code and to have the most beautiful dress with the prettiest shoes and little purse, a handsome tuxedo and purchase a suit for their son and a lovely dress for their daughter... Imagine, it's your first time aboard a ship and you are very excited. The formal night is a big event and all the family members are dressed to the nines, yet beside them people walk around wearing bermuda, jeans, flip flops.... How would you feel? Even I felt a bit awkward walking in my dress, surrounded by casual wear.

 

I think for the Caribbean all cruise companies should decide to change the dress code for casual all days. It would not be much of a change since they don't enforce the rules anyways. It should be either 100% casual or 100% formal. As I understand it, people go to the Caribbeans to relax and have fun; most people would agree that the casual wear fits better with the overall atmosphere on board. On the other hand, European cruises could still have the formal nights, since the majority respect the dress code. The location is more appropriate as it provides a more romantic setting and is reminiscent of those long ago nights when men wore their dark suits and ladies wore extravagant gowns...

 

Bottom line: People should respect the dress code. As it seems the majority do not wish to dress formally in the Caribbean, then the dress code itself should be changed. This would prevent people from wearing highly expensive clothing and taking the time to shop around and in turn, make them feel uncomfortable on a night that was supposed to be SPECIAL!

 

And you, dear reader, what do you think?

 

Just curious, were you seeing people dressed casually in the dining room or around the ship on a formal night. I know for myself, someone who does Main seating, I will typically wear my formal outfit to dinner, and then change into something more comfortable to go to the casino or wherever afterwards. I think the two seating schedules, causes two different dress codes going on at the same time.

[Tranquil Waters]

Okay, I can save everyone a little time. All you need to do is read the following paragraph over and over again:

 

Blah blah blah Formal night. Grumble roar enforcing the rules!! Jeans babble babble, indignant rage. Personal choice rolls eyes blah blah blah. Do what I want, rant rant rant. My vacation my way babble babble babble. Just not right grumble grumble. Rules don't apply to me scream roar shriek. Snarky quip, don't worry about others. Need room in my suitcase, inflammatory comeback. Arrogant quip, popcorn.

 

Now, lather, rinse, REPEAT!!! :D :D

 

Amen! That is why I have avoided posting to this thread. It is a lose-lose.

 

Of course, that is today. I make no promises as to when - in the future -the mood will strike to jump in with both feet. :D Being human is so humbling sometimes. :o

[J & G]

Just curious, were you seeing people dressed casually in the dining room or around the ship on a formal night. I know for myself, someone who does Main seating, I will typically wear my formal outfit to dinner, and then change into something more comfortable to go to the casino or wherever afterwards. I think the two seating schedules, causes two different dress codes going on at the same time.

 

 

Some advice, don't go on a HAL cruise, they expect you to apply the dress code throughout the ship, all night.:eek: If you don't, they suggest you stay in your cabin and only use the backstairs if you have to move about the ship.

I will continue to dress in suit & tie for formal nights.

 

We, too, dress up for dinner (early dining) and then go back to our cabin and change into something more casual (not grubby, just more comfortable) to go to the show or to one of the clubs/pubs.

 

We have been torn between HAL and RCI for Alaska. This has certainly tipped the scale in favor of RCI.....in fact, we WON'T be cruising with HAL! We certainly don't want to be exiled to our cabin or have to sneak around like cat burglars because we chose to change clothes after dinner. Yikes!!!!! :eek:

[ecmcm]

I love formal nights and haven't noticed many casual dressers in the dining room on our past cruises. I did see the head waiters turning people away last time because they were in jeans and T-shirts. Almost the only time I see my DH in a suit is on a cruise on formal nights and I like that. I've worn fancy skirts and beaded tops in the past and planned on wearing them again this time. But my DH wants me to wear the formal gown from our son's recent wedding and his comments surprised and delighted me, who knew he noticed. Bottom line, we'll dress up for each other and it doesn't matter what anyone else wears.

 

em

[Morecruisesplz]

My husband and I have just completed a cruise on the Adventure of the Seas (January 4th to January 11th 2009).

 

I would like to share a thought with you after the two formal night we had...I think for the Caribbean all cruise companies should decide to change the dress code for casual all days. It would not be much of a change since they don't enforce the rules anyways. It should be either 100% casual or 100% formal. As I understand it, people go to the Caribbeans to relax and have fun; most people would agree that the casual wear fits better with the overall atmosphere on board. On the other hand, European cruises could still have the formal nights, since the majority respect the dress code. The location is more appropriate as it provides a more romantic setting and is reminiscent of those long ago nights when men wore their dark suits and ladies wore extravagant gowns...

 

Bottom line: People should respect the dress code. As it seems the majority do not wish to dress formally in the Caribbean, then the dress code itself should be changed. This would prevent people from wearing highly expensive clothing and taking the time to shop around and in turn, make them feel uncomfortable on a night that was supposed to be SPECIAL!

 

And you, dear reader, what do you think?

 

Do you think people in the Caribbean never dress up? I see this often here -- too warm to wear a jacket. Do they know the ship has A/C? In fact most of the dining rooms are so cool I've been packing a sweater for casual nights. There will always be people who ignore the dress code. There simply are many more who do so since cruising has become more popular.