Formal or Informal

[iancal]

We prefer Celebrity for a number of reasons, however formal nights are not one of them. We do not really care about certain standards from a bygone era because we are living in the here and now so to speak. Our next cruise is on the Millie. Jackets, ties, etc. will be staying home. Our preference is not to do formal nights...I dressed up enough during my business life. So, we will not be in the MDR on formal nights, but we will of course be present in the louges, casino, shops etc. dressed in what some would refer to as business casual. I have no predisposition to judge any of our fellow passengers based on their attire and the enjoyment of my cruise is not enhanced or diminished by what others wear.

[Lsimon]

...By very definition formal night for men would imply tuxedo (assuming Eruopean/American cultural standards)...

 

While that might be true in some circumstances, Celebrity specifically has a dress code for Formal night and for men they define Formal as: "Tuxedo, suit or dinner jacket with slacks "

[MYMOTHERSCHILD]

As for "formal" if you are very comfortable in your attire, considering what others are wearing, you'll exude confidence. Savoir faire trumps white tie and sequined gowns any day--any night, that is.

[davekathy]

After all this discussion, I think I'll test this on my next cruise. I will start now getting some jeans REALLY broken in, slashes on the knees, etc. Then I will find one of DH's old tee shirts that he mows the lawn in, and I will show up thus attired, with flip flops, on formal night, and see what happens. Can't believe no one has thought of doing this already!

 

Of course I will have appropriate attire laid out and ready in my cabin if/when I get ejected--and I will report back!

 

 

...and if you don't get turned away are you going to stay dressed as you described all evening?

[CathyCruises]

...and if you don't get turned away are you going to stay dressed as you described all evening?

 

Of course not--if I had the guts to actually do it, I would go straight to my room and change as soon as I was able to be seated at my table. I would just do it as a test.

[1 HappyCruiser]

Of all the repeat topics on this board, I believe that people are the most passionate about formal or informal dress codes. I don't know if the ship lines ever read this board for ideas, but I think a good compromise would be to make one of the set dining times as "formal only" and then strictly enforce it. So maybe the first seating could be informal within current standards, and the second seating could be formal. I think that would satisfy most people, with the only concerns being the need to select your dinner time based on your dress preference, and that after dinner, people will be dressed in a variety of ways.

 

Another idea would be to separate upsatirs and downstairs in the MDR, with formal only on the lower level, and informal on the upper level.

 

Just some ideas.

 

It would be a great idea if they could keep one DR as formal & another as casual but there would still be people who hate to see anyone not conforming to their expectations of proper dress. Just the sight of someone not complying seems to upset them. We gave up on Celebrity a few years ago & from what I'm reading it hasn't changed much but we're considering another Bermuda trip in the near future. We'll be part of the casual crowd for sure.

[pacheco18]

We'll be part of the casual crowd for sure.

 

 

You will not be alone. It is the trend. I would not be surprised if Celebrity ultimately adopts the smart casual or resort casual dress code.

[nusail]

On what ship will you be sailing for your first Celebrity cruise? Also, what will be your cabin designation?

 

I can't quite fathom why you would request that information. Are you questioning my veracity that I have a confirmed Celebrity booking? Are you planning to stalk me? Are you hoping to discover I've booked "steerage" accommodation so you can discredit my views on appropriate dining attire???

[trinabob1950]

I am new to Celebrity cruising in Oct and my husband and I decided this Cruiseline is because of the rave reviews about everything on it and that they had the formal evening. I am 60 and just bought my first evening gown and I look forward to walking down those lovely stairs and around the ship in formal wear. Can't wait. If there are those that don't want to dress up that is up to them but I would hope that the bad apple would not ruin the whole barrel!!

[1 HappyCruiser]

You will not be alone. It is the trend. I would not be surprised if Celebrity ultimately adopts the smart casual or resort casual dress code.

 

That alone would steer us back to Celebrity for a few more cruises a year since we're getting a little tired of the same old shows on Princess & RCI all the time but as we remember Celebrity is was always more formal than the others.

[Hatteras51]

I've cruised on many different cruise lines. Most of them had formal nights, a few didn't. I enjoy dressing up because I rarely have a chance to wear anything formal in my daily life. My main concern about this practice now is the fact that bringing along extra dresses, shoes, etc. a suit or two for my hubby, dress shirts, ties, dress shoes, etc. really adds a lot to our luggage needs. With airlines now charging for extra luggage, I wonder if cruise lines such as Celebrity will begin to reexamine this issue, in favor of eliminating them altogether. Times are changing. Dress is much more casual these days, even in nice restaurants and churches. When I was in my teens, women wouldn't go anywhere without wearing hats and gloves. Now people are in jeans and shorts just about everywhere I go. I'm not saying that's a good thing. I love to see everyone in their formal attire at cruise formal nights, but cruise lines have a lot of factors to consider. We'll be on Soltice in Nov. and we'll have to pack an extra bag with all of the different clothing we'll be needing. We'll just pay the extra baggage fee and not worry about it.

[Jerry and Shelly]

I'm glad I started such a "fun" thread. I selected the Solstice for our next cruise because I am intrigued by the ship and was hoping for a better dining experience than our past cruises. Although I prefer to be casual, my wife and I always dress to the formal codes on ships, but by reading the many threads, it appears that more people desire a slightly less formal atmosphere. And I truly appreciate those who rather have a formal cruise. But remember, Celebrity has dropped their prices into the same range as Carnival, so it is now also a mass-marketed cruiseline appealing to the same economic demographic.

 

My wife and I are both in our mid-fifties, and I plan our vacations. I've been having my wife read the various threads on this board to get an idea of what a Celebrity cruise will be like. Now PLEASE don't get mad at me, but my wife just remarked, based on some of these threads, "Oh great, you're taking me on a cruise with a bunch of old stuffy people." I'm still excited about our cruise, and I am sure my wife will also have a great time.

[buggins0402]

Many new to X are heading to the s class ships. There, after reading pro-"formal" posts like these, they find out that no, not everyone is walking around in tuxes and ball gowns. In fact, the number of tuxes that we have seen in the last two years, has dwindled down to 30 % at best. Very few long gowns. Sport coats and ties are fine. Dressy pants outfits or cocktail dresses fine. THey are easily accepted into the "formal" guidelines. So newbies to X come back here to reassure other cruisers that X isn't that "old school" Cunard formal. But reports are that they DO see a nicely dressed population onboard.

 

If any of you have cruised Oceania, you know that they have NO formal nights, and most cruisers dress in VERY nice "country club/smart casual". And in fact some still choose to dress in sport jackets and dressy outfits some nights. We felt comfortable with that dress code. Didn't need a "formal night" to feel like we were in a very nice restaurant at home.

 

But when you extend the guidelines AND then don't even enforce those , just like now, the boundaries of nice dress become blurred. People will then be arguing .... "Will shorts that hit my husband's knees be long enough for the MDR"?:rolleyes:

 

P.S. I think alot of these debates become touchy because many true to X don't want to see any denegration of the entire ship's atmosphere.

 

 

Thank you - you have very much reassured me that we'll do just fine on Celebrity. I had read some posters that a sports coat doesn't cut it for formal night. As I read the rules they are right and we wouldn't wan't to create an uproar. But, if it will be ok (meaning not in the clear minority), I think we'll stretch it a bit (I'll be within guidelines - DH in sports coat and tie). With our running shoes (can't be without), formal shoes, casual shoes, sandals, flip flops and snorkel fins half our luggage will be footwear:) - but we'll manage.

 

Wish we could afford an Oceania cruise. Sounds like just the atmosphere we're looking for in a cruise. Would love the longer port stays also. However, they look to be about double the cost of the MM - so it's on the backburner until the market recovers.

[davekathy]

I'm glad I started such a "fun" thread. I selected the Solstice for our next cruise because I am intrigued by the ship and was hoping for a better dining experience than our past cruises. Although I prefer to be casual, my wife and I always dress to the formal codes on ships, but by reading the many threads, it appears that more people desire a slightly less formal atmosphere. And I truly appreciate those who rather have a formal cruise. But remember, Celebrity has dropped their prices into the same range as Carnival, so it is now also a mass-marketed cruiseline appealing to the same economic demographic.

 

My wife and I are both in our mid-fifties, and I plan our vacations. I've been having my wife read the various threads on this board to get an idea of what a Celebrity cruise will be like. Now PLEASE don't get mad at me, but my wife just remarked, based on some of these threads, "Oh great, you're taking me on a cruise with a bunch of old stuffy people." I'm still excited about our cruise, and I am sure my wife will also have a great time.

 

Go and enjoy your Cruise. The fashion police only exist on Cruise Critic. Celebrity is a great Cruise line.

[Peteymil]

 

My wife and I are both in our mid-fifties, and I plan our vacations. I've been having my wife read the various threads on this board to get an idea of what a Celebrity cruise will be like. Now PLEASE don't get mad at me, but my wife just remarked, based on some of these threads, "Oh great, you're taking me on a cruise with a bunch of old stuffy people." I'm still excited about our cruise, and I am sure my wife will also have a great time.

 

These boards are definitely stuffier than the ship!! You have to take everything with a grain of salt. We are also in our mid-fifties, and we love Celebrity, and once we are on the ship, the people are great. (and you won't hear the dress code discussed any more!!)

[1 HappyCruiser]

These boards are definitely stuffier than the ship!! You have to take everything with a grain of salt. We are also in our mid-fifties, and we love Celebrity, and once we are on the ship, the people are great. (and you won't hear the dress code discussed any more!!)

 

The Princess board is the same way - reading what some people on this board have to say one would think they were ejecting people from the DR while they were eating for improper dress. :eek:

[Mr. Luckytoo]

I'm glad I started such a "fun" thread.

 

You just wanted to stir the pot didn't you? ;)

 

I selected the Solstice for our next cruise because I am intrigued by the ship and was hoping for a better dining experience than our past cruises. Although I prefer to be casual, my wife and I always dress to the formal codes on ships, but by reading the many threads, it appears that more people desire a slightly less formal atmosphere. And I truly appreciate those who rather have a formal cruise.

 

One thing I would like to interject; I don't think it's so much an issue of the actual clothes as it is with the attitude that accompanies the clothing, i.e., stuffy vs. fun-loving

 

But remember, Celebrity has dropped their prices into the same range as Carnival, so it is now also a mass-marketed cruiseline appealing to the same economic demographic.

Dear God, please don't let THAT happen.

 

My wife and I are both in our mid-fifties, and I plan our vacations. I've been having my wife read the various threads on this board to get an idea of what a Celebrity cruise will be like. Now PLEASE don't get mad at me, but my wife just remarked, based on some of these threads, "Oh great, you're taking me on a cruise with a bunch of old stuffy people." I'm still excited about our cruise, and I am sure my wife will also have a great time.

 

I'm one who loves Celebrity but on most of my X-cruises I haven't worn a tux (heck I haven't worn a tie since 2005!). Having said that the clothes/outfits that I wear are more exensive than my tux and look better than most of the formal outfits that the men wear. Yes, custom fitted embroidered shirts with fitted jackets look better than some of the ill-fitting tux's I've observered.

 

I've never run afoul of the fashion police on my X-cruises. And yes I've seen some women wearing custom jeans that looked a LOT better than other woman's 'prom dresses'.

 

So what is the problem?

 

In my opinion its the disrespectful attidtude of a very, very miniscule few who want to push the envelope further and further that irks the 'fashion police'. I would rather dine/spend some time with another couple who were friendly and dressed smart/casual the spending time with a couple who were dressed to the Ritz and complained about every little thing. But that's just me.

 

Personally I think that a minimum standard should be enforced for the dining areas (NO SHORTS/NO SHORT SLEEVES) for formal night.

 

BTW - I just purchased a new tux - first one in 5 years - and I will be wearing it on my Oct Millenium cruise; I just won't wear a tie with it :cool:

[Mr. Luckytoo]

The Princess board is the same way - reading what some people on this board have to say one would think they were ejecting people from the DR while they were eating for improper dress. :eek:

 

Really?

 

Look what happens when you try to wear a polo shirt to the MDR on formal night...

 

Ok...maybe not ;)

[CptSticky]

Really?

 

Look what happens when you try to wear a polo shirt to the MDR on formal night...

 

Ok...maybe not ;)

Hey, it had a collar. He could have been wearing a Henley. Maybe if he buttoned it....

[travellovers2]

Now PLEASE don't get mad at me, but my wife just remarked, based on some of these threads, "Oh great, you're taking me on a cruise with a bunch of old stuffy people." I'm still excited about our cruise, and I am sure my wife will also have a great time.

 

This may make your wife feel better. We are late 30's and mid 40's. We are looking forward to the formal atmosphere and hopefully a small amount of kids. :rolleyes:

[Leafpeeper]

Glad to see some humor on this board. A cruise is about fun after all.

 

Hopefully we will have somewhere besides the buffet to have dinner on formal night in our smart casual attire.

 

This board was all about dining options on formal night. Most people don't seem to care what everybody else is wearing on formal night, but a few people just want a ship filled with tuxes and evening gowns. They seem to resent anyone wearing casual attire as if it is going to affect their cruise experience.

 

The cruise industry needs to find ways to keep all passengers happy--even those of us who don't wear formal attire. I resent paying the same amount for my cruise and being expected to dine in my cabin or at a buffet. I want an optional restaurant for those of us who prefer smart casual attire. I understand why guests in tuxes and evening gowns don't want to sit next DH in his Hawaiian shirt. Just give hubby a place to eat the same food and we will be happy. Unfortunately, lobster is not served in my cabin. I don't do buffets for many reasons.

 

Early dining for smart casual attire works for me. Leave the formal wear for 8pm dining.

 

paying for a specialty restaurant to avoid dragging extra luggage on the train to NJ. When we drive our own car, we have lots of room for luggage but on our repo cruise, we have to stuff 6 nights of clothes into 2 bags.

[pacheco18]

Glad to see some humor on this board. A cruise is about fun after all.

 

Hopefully we will have somewhere besides the buffet to have dinner on formal night in our smart casual attire.

 

This board was all about dining options on formal night. Most people don't seem to care what everybody else is wearing on formal night, but a few people just want a ship filled with tuxes and evening gowns. They seem to resent anyone wearing casual attire as if it is going to affect their cruise experience.

 

The cruise industry needs to find ways to keep all passengers happy--even those of us who don't wear formal attire. I resent paying the same amount for my cruise and being expected to dine in my cabin or at a buffet. I want an optional restaurant for those of us who prefer smart casual attire. I understand why guests in tuxes and evening gowns don't want to sit next DH in his Hawaiian shirt. Just give hubby a place to eat the same food and we will be happy. Unfortunately, lobster is not served in my cabin. I don't do buffets for many reasons.

 

Early dining for smart casual attire works for me. Leave the formal wear for 8pm dining.

 

paying for a specialty restaurant to avoid dragging extra luggage on the train to NJ. When we drive our own car, we have lots of room for luggage but on our repo cruise, we have to stuff 6 nights of clothes into 2 bags.

 

Well said.

 

There is an obvious solution. Just make those evenings "formal optional" akin to a "black tie optional" affair. That way those who love to dress up can do so and those who don't can dress smart casual and no one feels out of place. Seems like a no brainer to me.

 

Celebrity, are you listening?

[1 HappyCruiser]

Well said.

 

There is an obvious solution. Just make those evenings "formal optional" akin to a "black tie optional" affair. That way those who love to dress up can do so and those who don't can dress smart casual and no one feels out of place. Seems like a no brainer to me.

 

Celebrity, are you listening?

 

I totally can agree with your thinking but unfortunately there are many who don't and as long as the cruise line still believes there doing what the majority of their clients desire it won't change any time soon. As more & more cruise lines go to a more relaxed dress code it might not be to long.

[Ma Bell]

As more and more cruiselines go to a more relaxed dress code it will serve to cement Celebrity's place as something special.

[elena7seas]

Glad to see some humor on this board. A cruise is about fun after all.

 

Hopefully we will have somewhere besides the buffet to have dinner on formal night in our smart casual attire.

 

This board was all about dining options on formal night. Most people don't seem to care what everybody else is wearing on formal night, but a few people just want a ship filled with tuxes and evening gowns. They seem to resent anyone wearing casual attire as if it is going to affect their cruise experience.

 

The cruise industry needs to find ways to keep all passengers happy--even those of us who don't wear formal attire. I resent paying the same amount for my cruise and being expected to dine in my cabin or at a buffet. I want an optional restaurant for those of us who prefer smart casual attire. I understand why guests in tuxes and evening gowns don't want to sit next DH in his Hawaiian shirt. Just give hubby a place to eat the same food and we will be happy. Unfortunately, lobster is not served in my cabin. I don't do buffets for many reasons.

 

Early dining for smart casual attire works for me. Leave the formal wear for 8pm dining.

 

paying for a specialty restaurant to avoid dragging extra luggage on the train to NJ. When we drive our own car, we have lots of room for luggage but on our repo cruise, we have to stuff 6 nights of clothes into 2 bags.

 

I don't think anyone on these Celebrity threads is insisting on "tuxes and evening gowns".