The Way We Were: Was it better then?

[kittycrusin08]

I think the original poster was just reminiscing, and enjoying the memories. It's a shame she can't do that, without it turning into another sarcastic thread about the dress code.

 

I agree with you. I have special memories of each cruise and enjoy dressing up in the evening for dinner. I guess others just have to take the joy out of others communication and focus on their needs rather than adding a pleasant memory.

 

My best memory is of a cruise 4 years ago. My grandsons were 9 and 10 and were kind of in awe of going on a cruise, eating in a formal dining room, getting all dressed up and having a waiter. They really enjoyed everything, especially the waiter and his assistant, who did magic tricks for them after dinner was served. We have enjoyed 2 more family cruises together and I will miss not having them with us this year. They are now involved in basketball and school and cannot go but this will always be a fond memory for me. ;)

[Shelli]

Sounds like you have fond memories of you and your EX cruising together.

 

Give your Ex a call ;) ,you never know .

 

I have much fonder memories of the 10 cruises I've taken with my present husband, thanks. :)

[glrounds]

From my point of view in having read these boards for a few years now is that the people who don't dress formally much in their "real life" seem to be the ones who get real excited about dressing up on cruises. For them, it is fun, special and different.

 

Then there are people who don't care either way. They have formal wear and it doesn't bother them to wear it on vacation.

 

There are people (like me) who go to loads of formal events, give away formal clothes every year to charity, own tuxedos and who DO NOT enjoy dressing up on cruises because it isn't special and it is, in fact, pointless.

 

And then there are people who have no need to dress formally and don't care to anyway. Why spend money on clothing you aren't going to wear otherwise? Plus, it's a vacation and formal wear isn't for vacations.

 

It seems the last three groups don't care about what the first group wears, but that first group seem to emphasize their point of view that everyone should think it is special.

 

I think the original poster was just reminiscing, and enjoying the memories. It's a shame she can't do that, without it turning into another sarcastic thread about the dress code.

 

I bet I know what spleenstomper group you're in . . . :D

[steveaaaaa]

I agree with you. I have special memories of each cruise and enjoy dressing up in the evening for dinner. I guess others just have to take the joy out of others communication and focus on their needs rather than adding a pleasant memory.

 

My best memory is of a cruise 4 years ago. My grandsons were 9 and 10 and were kind of in awe of going on a cruise, eating in a formal dining room, getting all dressed up and having a waiter. They really enjoyed everything, especially the waiter and his assistant, who did magic tricks for them after dinner was served. We have enjoyed 2 more family cruises together and I will miss not having them with us this year. They are now involved in basketball and school and cannot go but this will always be a fond memory for me. ;)

 

Where is this Formal dining room? Not on CCL.

Dancing table waiters,announcements,whooping and yelling of color wars,conga lines,poor singing while eating pre-prepared food is whats on CCL.

 

Steve

[spleenstomper]

I guess others just have to take the joy out of others communication and focus on their needs rather than adding a pleasant memory.

 

Perhaps you missed these questions from the OP:

So what do you think? When was your first cruise? And was it all so much better then?

Op didn't state "please add your pleasant memories"...

 

OP didn't ask for "pleasant memories". OP asked what we think.

 

I think it is sort of strange (sorry OP) to have the position that a cruise experience is made better or worse based on what people are wearing.

[spleenstomper]

I bet I know what spleenstomper group you're in . . . :D

 

Can we coin the phrase "spleenstomper group" for future dress code posts? I kind of like it! :D

[Tbay-eh]

Where is this Formal dining room? Not on CCL.

Dancing table waiters,announcements,whooping and yelling of color wars,conga lines,poor singing while eating pre-prepared food is whats on CCL.

 

Steve

 

Did somebody put starch in your shorts or give you a super wedgie - lighten up already.

[steveaaaaa]

Did somebody put starch in your shorts or give you a super wedgie - lighten up already.

 

No starch, just not living in the fantasy world.You can put lipstick on a pig but its still a pig.

 

Steve

[heymonkey89]

My first cruise was around 1989 on the SS Sea Breeze. I was 9. I remember seeing everyone in their beautiful gowns. My mom looked so pretty. She shopped and shopped and shopped for that cruise. There was 2 formal nights and 2 semi formal nights. The ladies were in evening gowns and the men were in Tuxs for the most part.

 

Our next cruise was the Norway, I believe the following year. I don't remember it being as big of a deal as it was on the SeaBreeze though everyone was quite formal on formal night.

 

Personally I like it better now though I wish I could wear a more formal gown and not feel out of place but that's likely more my problem than anyone elses.

[heymonkey89]

I think the original poster was just reminiscing, and enjoying the memories. It's a shame she can't do that, without it turning into another sarcastic thread about the dress code.

 

 

Agreed

[C Cruise Dude]

The threads on dressing for Elegant Night made me recall my first cruise... and the way it was. It was 1987, and my ex-husband and I sailed on the late, great NCL SS Norway. Considered the largest ship afloat in those days, it held about 2,000 passengers... and that was HUGE!

 

The first night was billed as "come as you are," just in case not everyone had received their luggage. But we had late seating, so just about everyone did. Still, we dressed casually. My ex was ready before I was (surprise! LOL), so he left the room to check things out. He came back in a bit of a panic. "Hon," he said, "you gotta change! We both gotta change! Everybody else is dressed up!" That wasn't much of a problem, since I'd packed newly purchased dresses for each night-- so I put one on, and off we went. Sure enough-- everybody was dressed up pretty darn much.

 

Formal night was a sight to behold: I never saw such dressed-up elegance, before or since! It really was something.

 

And the rules! Passengers were instructed not to wear shorts, etc. in public areas after 6:00 p.m.! Can you imagine? There was no buffet, no alternative dining. You got dressed up; you went to the dining room.

 

Personally, I loved it, and I was sorry to see that part of cruising go. But then again, cruises were MUCH more expensive, all things considered, than they are now. Our first cruise, for an inside cabin, was $1,100 per person. We all know what you can get for that sort of money today!

 

So what do you think? When was your first cruise? And was it all so much better then? (And do you all recognize the lyrics to "The Way We Were"?)

 

I think I understand where the OP is coming from but I'm not sure(don't want to put words in her mouth). Let me start by thanking you for writing this thread. My view on formal night have changed recently, let me go back a month or so. I cruised on the Dream in April of this year (2010). I don't understand a couple of post about CCL eliminating formal night as we had two.

 

I was in the Casino having somewhat of a good time when I noticed an attractive woman in a formal black dress and was wondering to myself, "What is she so dressed up for?" and blessed, I remembered it's formal night, in the words of Charlie Brown, Ugh! I became very grumpy and went to my cabin and dressed for dinner, all the while swearing I will not attend the second formal night. Well, I did attend the second formal night mainly because I wanted to be with my tablemates.

 

An experience that changed my perspective. I recently booked my first cruise on NCL (Sky). I asked my PCP if NCL had a formal night, to my dismay he said kinda. One MDR is designated and it is one night. I wrote a thread on the NCL board about dinning and was surprised how many very passionately preferred the casual dinning that NCL is known for and did not like the idea of eating with strangers. Some of them sounded like some of the first post on this thread. "I'm on vacation, I'll dress anyway I want," etc. "Why should it bother you if some wear tee shirts?" The formal nights that I have attended, I must say that it is night to see people dressed up. IMHO Carnival should enforce the dress code (they didn't on the Dream) as I noticed a young man in sandals and casual dress. If I decided not to dress up, out of respect for those who did, I would have eaten in the cafeteria (Gathering on the Dream) area.

 

I think the OP is concerned, as I am, that the casual preference will eventually put an end to the formal nights and that would be sad. :)

[gtouch]

Personally I like it better now though I wish I could wear a more formal gown and not feel out of place but that's likely more my problem than anyone elses.

 

Not sure I follow you on this. You like it better now but wish you could wear a more formal gown? Really not trying to bash you just don't understand. If you like it better now then why would you want to wear a more formal gown? You can't have it both ways. And if you like to wear a formal gown go ahead. According to a lot of threads many still do. Both my daughters do and they don't feel out of place. I on the other hand wear just a sport coat and slacks. Wear what you want its your vacation to make what you want it to be. I just don't understand your post.

[Disneycruisers]

If this is not the case, I may have to go to another board to feel I am communicating with people who enjoy cruising and each others ideas and thoughts.

 

Don't leave the board just because a few posters here have to always get the last word in. There are two threads about the dress code, and it's the same ole' same ole'. (One poster even went so far as to check how many cruises another had poster had taken, to CHALLENGE his/her statement.) It reminds me of a statement.."I married Mr. Wright. His first name is ALWAYS."

[lovebelle]

Before the essence of the original question is completely lost....

 

I miss the formality and elegance of things...sometimes. My first cruise I remember wear a gown on formal night and really making an effort to look my best. Now, while I still try to look nice, I dont go through that kind of effort and its ok. Its a lot of work getting super dressed up for dinner every night. But I do hate seeing people come in wearing just about anything, however it doesnt affect my dining experience. To each their own.

 

I was just thinking the other day how everything has become so casual. There was a time I used to get dressed up to fly! Now its anything goes :)

[heymonkey89]

Not sure I follow you on this. You like it better now but wish you could wear a more formal gown? Really not trying to bash you just don't understand. If you like it better now then why would you want to wear a more formal gown? You can't have it both ways. And if you like to wear a formal gown go ahead. According to a lot of threads many still do. Both my daughters do and they don't feel out of place. I on the other hand wear just a sport coat and slacks. Wear what you want its your vacation to make what you want it to be. I just don't understand your post.

 

 

With formal night now there is little stress and effort involved in formal night and the dresses I wear are MUCH more comfortable (i like that!). That is how I typically feel but I've had the urge on cruises to wear a very formal dress. If i did i'd stand out and I'm not comfortable with that, like i said its more my problem than anyone elses.

[heymonkey89]

Don't leave the board just because a few posters here have to always get the last word in. There are two threads about the dress code, and it's the same ole' same ole'. (One poster even went so far as to check how many cruises another had poster had taken, to CHALLENGE his/her statement.) It reminds me of a statement.."I married Mr. Wright. His first name is ALWAYS."

 

 

haha people are fighting over formal night dress

 

I love the internetz! People will fight over anything.

[grest]

I miss those days too, but still enjoy today's cruises. There is always something to love on the sea, and it's fun to reminisce. It's nice to try different ships, different lines, have all those experiences at sea. (before I get flamed, I am not putting down Carnival at all...just enjoy it all!).

[Name Of The Game]

My first cruise was around 1989 on the SS Sea Breeze. I was 9.

 

My first cruise was on the Premier Sea Breeze in 2000. I was 13. :D

[bhanback]

My first cruise was not all THAT long ago.....2001 on the Paradise, when she was still a non smoking ship and I was still a smoker. I mean they TOOK your cigarettes and marked them with your cabin number. You could get them back in port, and there was a grand rush of people getting off the ship and rushing to smoke......

 

I do remember a couple of things I really liked that they don't do anymore........every table was set "to the nines" with an array of silverware .....it was so beautiful. Now we just get the one fork, knife and spoon. I thought it was so cool that my daughter knew which fork was for what, and where the dessert spoon was. There were grownups at the table who did not know....she was pretty proud of herself! There are just not that many opportunities out there to use that kind of knowledge anymore, it is just a little sad.

 

Of course I miss PRESIDENT'S BUTTER!!!!!!! I was so turned on to that, to this day I will go out of my way to get to a store that carries it. Usually Wegman's......and they are very sparse in my rural area.

 

I think I liked it better too, when you went right to your assigned table the first night and got to meet your table mates right away.

[gtouch]

With formal night now there is little stress and effort involved in formal night and the dresses I wear are MUCH more comfortable (i like that!). That is how I typically feel but I've had the urge on cruises to wear a very formal dress. If i did i'd stand out and I'm not comfortable with that, like i said its more my problem than anyone elses.

 

Dress as fancy as you would like it is your cruise too. The rules only give the minimum that should be considered exceptable....but the top there is no limit. Both my daughters always wear formal dresses they like it. I stop at sport coat and slacks but that is within the rules. So dress to impress if you want and have a great cruise.

[ladycaveat]

You know now that I think about it . . . it's my cruise too (last two cruises I dressed casual and had dinner at the buffet). This time (September) I'm going to the MDR for dinner on the two formal nights. Will no longer wear what I used to wear . . . very formal. This time I'm gonna wear two new tops I got . . . one pale pink trimmed in silver and the other bright red . . . both very feminine, long sleeves, lacy and very dressy and each weigh about five or six ounces). Those tops with a pair of black "fly away" pants (looks like a skirt but really very full "fluffy" slacks) should be dressy enough. In the past . . . formal meant formal and I would dress to the nines. Now . . . with the weight restrictions with the airlines . . . makes no sense to pack two formal outfits full of beads and sequins.

[ladycaveat]

Ninety-one days and counting. Never thought I'd ever say this but I can't wait for summer to end (especially since we've had nothing but ninety plus temps for over a week . . . seems like only yesterday there was nothing but snow). I've turned two other attorneys in my office into cruising and both are going before me. That's just not fair . . . :p

[gtouch]

You know now that I think about it . . . it's my cruise too (last two cruises I dressed casual and had dinner at the buffet). This time (September) I'm going to the MDR for dinner on the two formal nights. Will no longer wear what I used to wear . . . very formal. This time I'm gonna wear two new tops I got . . . one pale pink trimmed in silver and the other bright red . . . both very feminine, long sleeves, lacy and very dressy and each weigh about five or six ounces). Those tops with a pair of black "fly away" pants (looks like a skirt but really very full "fluffy" slacks) should be dressy enough. In the past . . . formal meant formal and I would dress to the nines. Now . . . with the weight restrictions with the airlines . . . makes no sense to pack two formal outfits full of beads and sequins.

 

Your right it's your cruise. You have a great attitude which will turn into a great cruise.

[CalmCruiserNC]

In many ways, I miss the old days of cruising.

[luckycruzer]

I was a very frequent, longivity cruzer.. I had many "gown-y type frocks, with bag and jewelry to match. 40 years later, I still dress to kill, but gone are my gown-y daze and traded for verry dressy/long cocktail attire. yes I have 2 closets full of cruzin clothes. I re-cycle the bottoms..one is even from those daze..and is 38 yrs old..still fits, and is in Vogue today. I dress up for work, in a hospital invironment ,but am a outside contract person for a Dr. I do not tire of doin my hair and makeup, nor do I look like a slob at home or at Wal-Mart. So in my cruzin (about 8 a year) I still enjoy the the aspect of dressing to the 9's. I dont care what anyone else does, or how they look. After all, I'mm waaay past the speed limit, and do as I please, and it pleases me to dress in my beautiful clothes for dinner each night. I'm always told how lovely I look..and am delighted people still notice those who make an effort to do so. JMTCW