Dress code.....

[bradpole]

I totally agree with you.

 

That was my point in my last couple of posts - there are very few (and none who are contributing to this thread, as far as I can tell) of us "anti-formal" people who absolutely will NOT follow the current rules, by wearing whatever we want to the MDR. So, when posters who want to keep the formal dress code imply that we do want to break the rules, then they are only doing so in order to make us sound like the "evil" side of the argument. And that's simply not true.

 

I agree as well!

If I choose to dine in the MDR on a ship that still has formal night I will abide by the suggested attire for the evening. Although each and every time I hope it will be the last time for formal night being mandatory for dinner in the MDR.

I will add this note…

This past October I was on Carnival Freedom, and they have “Elegant Night” which encourages people to dress up but it isn’t required. The minimum dress of the evening is still country club casual. Considering I was on a Carnival ship I would have to say the vast majority of people looked very nice, and many still dressed formally! If Carnival passengers [which are allegedly all ultra casual] can still look good on an optional Elegant Night I’m sure Celebrity cruisers won’t have to worry about ultra casual on their optional formal night.

[Mr. Luckytoo]

I will be going on my first celebrity cruise in a couple of weeks. I will be wearing a suit on each of the formal nights but on the other five nights plan on wearing khaki pants short sleeved button down shirts (Tommy bahana or similar) or polo shirts along with closed toe shoes (top siders). Is this typical?

 

Tom

 

It sure is Tom :). Have a great cruise.

[Mr. Luckytoo]

 

Sorry honey but that' not appropriate formal night attire! ;)

 

Are we having fun yet? :cool:

[Bridge Maven]

When did the dress code in the specialty restaurant change from the dress code of the evening until smart casual every night, even if it is formal night in the main dining room?

[Spf12]

When did the dress code in the specialty restaurant change from the dress code of the evening until smart casual every night, even if it is formal night in the main dining room?

recently.

[tally10]

When did the dress code in the specialty restaurant change from the dress code of the evening until smart casual every night, even if it is formal night in the main dining room?

 

A few months back.

[Ma Bell]

I totally agree with you.

 

That was my point in my last couple of posts - there are very few (and none who are contributing to this thread, as far as I can tell) of us "anti-formal" people who absolutely will NOT follow the current rules, by wearing whatever we want to the MDR. So, when posters who want to keep the formal dress code imply that we do want to break the rules, then they are only doing so in order to make us sound like the "evil" side of the argument. And that's simply not true.

 

 

What do khakis and polo shirts have to do with Formal Night? I would say that's not even close.

[Ma Bell]

I agree as well!

 

If I choose to dine in the MDR on a ship that still has formal night I will abide by the suggested attire for the evening. Although each and every time I hope it will be the last time for formal night being mandatory for dinner in the MDR.

 

I will add this note…

This past October I was on Carnival Freedom, and they have “Elegant Night” which encourages people to dress up but it isn’t required. The minimum dress of the evening is still country club casual. Considering I was on a Carnival ship I would have to say the vast majority of people looked very nice, and many still dressed formally! If Carnival passengers [which are allegedly all ultra casual] can still look good on an optional Elegant Night I’m sure Celebrity cruisers won’t have to worry about ultra casual on their optional formal night.

 

I'd be willing to bet we're also not going to have to worry about "optional" formal night.

[Ma Bell]

So you're trying to tell me that your quote "One of the options is not to wear whatever you want on Formal Night and go to the dining room. Even my 10 year old grandsons "get it"", was NOT implying that the "anti-formal" people don't want to follow the rules?

 

I guess I must have mis-interpreted this sentence, although it seems obvious what it is hinting at...

 

 

I don't think anyone except a complete looney tunes would wear shorts and flip flops to the dining room on Formal Night, so, no I wasn't hinting at any such thing.

[tally10]

I'd be willing to bet we're also not going to have to worry about "optional" formal night.

 

Do you really believe that, Joanie? There are a lot of cruisers out there who would like to see the dress code relaxed and do communicate that by whatever means to Celebrity, just as a lot of diehards here communicate just the opposite. Celebrity obviously can't depend on just its regulars to fill their ships and have to expand their market to people of all walks of life. They have to appeal to everyone and a restrictive dress code may turn off that segment of the population who prefer a casual vacation but want the rest of what Celebrity offers.

[Ma Bell]

Do you really believe that, Joanie? There are a lot of cruisers out there who would like to see the dress code relaxed and do communicate that by whatever means to Celebrity, just as a lot of diehards here communicate just the opposite. Celebrity obviously can't depend on just its regulars to fill their ships and have to expand their market to people of all walks of life. They have to appeal to everyone and a restrictive dress code may turn off that segment of the population who prefer a casual vacation but want the rest of what Celebrity offers.

 

 

Yes, I do believe that. I think Celebrity has done a great job providing plenty of alternatives for Formal Night including the specialty restaurants, expanded buffets and in cabin dining from the dining room menu. We can have a completely casual vacation right now. From my conversations with management, they will continue with Formal Nights. It's one "part" of what has always made Celebrity a little more special than some of the others. As I said, it's only a few hours of the cruise and really shouldn't be a problem for people to either comply or choose one of the other alternatives. We do it regularly.

 

Through the years we've certainly met people from all walks of life in Celebrity's dining room.

[tally10]

Yes, I do believe that. I think Celebrity has done a great job providing plenty of alternatives for Formal Night including the specialty restaurants, expanded buffets and in cabin dining from the dining room menu. We can have a completely casual vacation right now. From my conversations with management, they will continue with Formal Nights. It's one "part" of what has always made Celebrity a little more special than some of the others. As I said, it's only a few hours of the cruise and really shouldn't be a problem for people to either comply or choose one of the other alternatives. We do it regularly.

 

Through the years we've certainly met people from all walks of life in Celebrity's dining room.

 

There are the options you have mentioned, but a lot of people who cruise are on a budget and don't want to shell out extra money for the specialty restaurants, and the S class buffets are very limited as we have experienced (maybe they are better on the M class ships or the Century), and in cabin dining is not very appealing unless you are ill. If you paid your money, you do have the right to eat in the MDR. Three formal nights on a 10 plus day cruise is more than "just a few hours." We do dress for them, but we would like to see the dress code changed as do others. I forgot your connection to Dan Hanrahan. However, I am sure that they do get plenty of other feedback, even just on the comment cards. We will have to see what the future holds, won't we? And it won't be because of what I prefer or what you prefer.

[Ma Bell]

That's true.

 

They are even providing a few more casual options on the newest S-Class ships. No one is precluded from going to the dining room on any night. All the "men" have to do is wear their jacket and tie. Do you honestly think that's too much to ask? It's really a bit ridiculous if you think about it. It sounds a little childish to have absolutely everything one's way. If they really just can't stand to do that, they should choose one of the other options.

 

I think the expanded buffets are much more than adequate and in fact it's usually nice to not have to spend every night of a cruise on the MDR. In cabin dining can also be a real treat. Just the two of you completely relaxed.

 

I don't have a "connection" to Dan Hanrahan. I just send my email as anyone else can. We can all speak to management on the ships, but we do have to at least sail on the cruiseline to do that. LOL

[fleckle]

I will be going on my first celebrity cruise in a couple of weeks. I will be wearing a suit on each of the formal nights but on the other five nights plan on wearing khaki pants short sleeved button down shirts (Tommy bahana or similar) or polo shirts along with closed toe shoes (top siders). Is this typical?

 

Tom

Yes, most certainly.

 

It is easy to get a very distorted, false impression of Celebrity cruises from reading these threads. For any newcomer, it might appear as though people spend most of their time before a cruise obsessing about proper clothing and complaining about others, to the extent where it has almost become a form of bullying.

 

Just the fact that people who are clearly dressing within the cruise line's guidelines even feel the need to question their own choices speaks volumes about the intimidating tone of these dress code threads.

 

[bradpole]

That's true.

 

They are even providing a few more casual options on the newest S-Class ships. No one is precluded from going to the dining room on any night. All the "men" have to do is wear their jacket and tie. Do you honestly think that's too much to ask? It's really a bit ridiculous if you think about it. It sounds a little childish to have absolutely everything one's way. If they really just can't stand to do that, they should choose one of the other options.

 

I think the expanded buffets are much more than adequate and in fact it's usually nice to not have to spend every night of a cruise on the MDR. In cabin dining can also be a real treat. Just the two of you completely relaxed.

 

I could say the same thing about the formal night "required" argument. Why does everyone have to dress up just because a some people want to? And why do people have to be banished to their cabin, the buffet, or pay extra for dinner if they just don't LOVE playing dress-up?

 

It will be a sad day when what someone wears to dinner impacts the enjoyment of my dinner.

[dkjretired]

I could say the same thing about the formal night "required" argument. Why does everyone have to dress up just because a some people want to? And why do people have to be banished to their cabin, the buffet, or pay extra for dinner if they just don't LOVE playing dress-up?

 

It will be a sad day when what someone wears to dinner impacts the enjoyment of my dinner.

 

You just don't understand, that is the cruiseline YOU chose....simply as that...You have to consider everything when YOU choose a cruiseline....

[bradpole]

You just don't understand, that is the cruiseline YOU chose....simply as that...You have to consider everything when YOU choose a cruiseline....

 

And I do that. I do an incredible amount of research on every cruise I have ever booked, I know exactly what I am getting into before I call my travel agent.

 

For the record, I have NO intention of violating the dress code on 'formal night' I will abide by the outdated tradition, even though I get no enjoyment from playing dress up. If I book a cruise that has formal nights I will dress to what is expected, but each time I do I just hope it is the last time formal night is "mandatory"

 

All I am advocating is that formal night should be optional, allow those who LOVE IT to dress up and enjoy themselves! While those who just don't care about dressing up aren't forced to.

[Ma Bell]

The whole point is no one is forcing you to do anything. You can go on Celebrity and make another choice on Formal Night or you can choose a cruiseline without formal nights. THERE ARE PLENTY OF CHOICES. What you are advocating is that there should be no choice at all for people who enjoy the age old sailing tradition of Formal Nights. There is no purpose at all in having an optional Formal Night in the same dining room. It completely defeats the whole purpose of a formal atmosphere for an evening.

 

Only children "play" dressup. Many adults actually appreciate a beautiful evening in a lovely dining room.

[tally10]

That's true.

 

They are even providing a few more casual options on the newest S-Class ships. No one is precluded from going to the dining room on any night. All the "men" have to do is wear their jacket and tie. Do you honestly think that's too much to ask? It's really a bit ridiculous if you think about it. It sounds a little childish to have absolutely everything one's way. If they really just can't stand to do that, they should choose one of the other options.

 

I think the expanded buffets are much more than adequate and in fact it's usually nice to not have to spend every night of a cruise on the MDR. In cabin dining can also be a real treat. Just the two of you completely relaxed.

 

I don't have a "connection" to Dan Hanrahan. I just send my email as anyone else can. We can all speak to management on the ships, but we do have to at least sail on the cruiseline to do that. LOL

 

Joanie, it isn't "too much to ask." However, it is just something we really do not enjoy and truly consider it a downside to cruising on Celebrity. We tolerate it because we like everything else about Celebrity. Not everyone enjoys what others enjoy, and view it as something to get over and done with. We love Celebrity. We just hate the formal nights and there are plenty of others who also comply, but don't enjoy it. I am sure Celebrity is also aware of that.

[red knight]

Out of interest and not taking sides or shots(!) how many here would cancel or not cruise on Celebrity (or any other line) if Formal nights: Tux or Dinner Jacket, Nice Suit or approriate "Ethnic like Kilts for men, and the equivelent for Ladies ( I Don't think Ballgowns are necessarily needed!) were to be mad mandatory? IE You don't have the right clothes you don't get into the MDR or Theatre or Casino or.... on a night desiganted as Formal? Again for curiousity's sake!:confused:

[bradpole]

The whole point is no one is forcing you to do anything. You can go on Celebrity and make another choice on Formal Night or you can choose a cruiseline without formal nights. THERE ARE PLENTY OF CHOICES. What you are advocating is that there should be no choice at all for people who enjoy the age old sailing tradition of Formal Nights. There is no purpose at all in having an optional Formal Night in the same dining room. It completely defeats the whole purpose of a formal atmosphere for an evening.

 

Only children "play" dressup. Many adults actually appreciate a beautiful evening in a lovely dining room.

 

You can still have a beautiful evening in a lovely dining room. Why is everyone required to wear a jacket and tie (men) twice a week for it to be beautiful.

[Bridge Maven]

I think that the dress code debates on cruise critic are similar to political debates because in both situations some people have a tendency to verbalize an opinion that is more extreme than they really feel to counteract an extreme opinion in the other direction. Of course, this is just my humble opinion and I might be wrong.

[bradpole]

The whole point is no one is forcing you to do anything. You can go on Celebrity and make another choice on Formal Night or you can choose a cruiseline without formal nights. THERE ARE PLENTY OF CHOICES. What you are advocating is that there should be no choice at all for people who enjoy the age old sailing tradition of Formal Nights. There is no purpose at all in having an optional Formal Night in the same dining room. It completely defeats the whole purpose of a formal atmosphere for an evening.

 

Only children "play" dressup. Many adults actually appreciate a beautiful evening in a lovely dining room.

 

"... can choose a cruise line without formal nights..."

Once again there is NO reason to sail Celebrity but the fact that they have formal nights? :)

 

I did a quick google, Events that justify "formal attire" (tuxedos for men):

Weddings, Proms, State Dinners, Charity Dances, Political Fundraisers, Opening night at the opera, etc...

 

Dinner on vacation in the main dining room of a cruise ship doesn't exactly fall in line with those types of events.

 

As more younger people choose to cruise, and book celebrity, this is only going to cause this issue to be pushed even more. Many younger people don't consider dressing up to be enjoyable or even needed. Plus their definition of what looks nice is completely different from what is considered traditional formal attire.

[bradpole]

I think that the dress code debates on cruise critic are similar to political debates because in both situations some people have a tendency to verbalize an opinion that is more extreme than they really feel to counteract an extreme opinion in the other direction. Of course, this is just my humble opinion and I might be wrong.

 

You are absolutely correct!

[Ma Bell]

You can still have a beautiful evening in a lovely dining room. Why is everyone required to wear a jacket and tie (men) twice a week for it to be beautiful.

 

 

I give up...if you don't understand it, I can't explain it.