Formal Nights are Alive and Well!

[boogs]

Thank heaven the "it needs to be dumbed down because I'm on my vacation" people don't have the influence they think they have. What you pictured is much like the last two cruises I've taken, one in the Baltics, the other from Chile to Ft. Lauderdale. Most, if not all, people dressed up in at least dark suits and nice cocktail dresses, and many, myself included, wore tuxes and my wife a beautiful evening gown.

 

The casual crowd hasn't won yet!!

[USVI-4-me]

Depends on the country, but I believe in the United States, you can photograph anyone in a public place and post it wherever you want without permission, as long as you are not using their likeness to advertise, etc. How do you think the paparazzi do it?! :D

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photography_and_the_law#privacy_issues

 

 

AMAC, I appreciate your answer to my concern.

 

Let me explain: I've wondered about photos easily clicked and posted. In the old days the photos were mostly paid models.....now it's different.

 

In this thread with positive photos of attractive well-dressed passengers, I thought it was a good place to post my question.

 

Also must add LSimon is always helpful and one of the nicest posters I've read. Larry, thank you for educating us. Your photos here are all happy ones.

 

Now, I understand why I see candid photos of unknowing cruisers on this message board. I just needed to ask. Thanks again.

 

Maris

[Kevnzworld]

[quote=dkjretired; I think all the specialties including Blu with the Smart Casual dress code are revenue enhancements. Just read how many people come on this board looking to avoid dressing formal, thus they go to Specialties and Celebrity makes more money.

 

 

 

What makes Blu different is that it's the AQ version of the MDR, not a specialty restaurant. Essentially an entire group of cruise passengers are exempt from the formal dress code, just by paying more to be in a " higher " class. It's telling that Celebrity chose to make that exemption.

It's one reason that I upgraded to AQ on my cruise in April !

[ariawoman]

We are just off the March 18-25 Solstice Western Caribbean cruise and can confirm that formal night is alive and well. We had the earlier seating and did notice that the late sitting passengers were dressed more formal. Don't ask me why, but it was noticeable.

Andy

 

My guess would be that people didn't have as much time to get ready (if the formal night was a port day). If it was a sea day, then I have no idea LOL.

[ariawoman]

AMAC, I appreciate your answer to my concern.

 

Let me explain: I've wondered about photos easily clicked and posted. In the old days the photos were mostly paid models.....now it's different.

 

In this thread with positive photos of attractive well-dressed passengers, I thought it was a good place to post my question.

 

Also must add LSimon is always helpful and one of the nicest posters I've read. Larry, thank you for educating us. Your photos here are all happy ones.

 

Now, I understand why I see candid photos of unknowing cruisers on this message board.

 

Maris

 

A somewhat unrelated but fun story....

 

Back about 10-15 years ago, a group of friends and I took a picture. Another girl (that we didn't know) jumped into the picture. A few months or a year later - I had posted that picture on an online group and the girl that jumped in happened to see herself.

 

That girl has been my best friend for about the entire time since. :-)

 

So, you never know, posting of random pictures on the internet can lead to something really good! :-)

 

Of course, there's always the other side, but we'll just stay on the nice side for now :-)

[dkjretired]

[quote name=dkjretired; I think all the specialties including Blu with the Smart Casual dress code are revenue enhancements. Just read how many people come on this board looking to avoid dressing formal' date=' thus they go to Specialties and Celebrity makes more money.

 

 

 

What makes Blu different is that it's the AQ version of the MDR, not a specialty restaurant. Essentially an entire group of cruise passengers are exempt from the formal dress code, just by paying more to be in a " higher " class. It's telling that Celebrity chose to make that exemption.

It's one reason that I upgraded to AQ on my cruise in April ![/quote]

 

They are still getting extra money from those in suites who eat in Blu, I realize the $5.00 charge is not a big deal but I would venture a guess that those in suites might spend more for more expensive wines, drinks, etc...

[hcat]

Larry:

Thanks for confirmation that we are still going to be in good company when we cruise in two weeks...

 

Looking forward to AQ & BLU on Silhouette!!!

[dzcruisers]

The passengers are lovely and handsome. Indeed they appear to support and enjoy formal night aboard ship.

 

I wonder if you obtained their permission to photograph and post these photos on the web.

 

On this message board, I've seen passengers photographed in many areas of the ship and wonder about the right to privacy whether they are drinking, sunbathing, or riding an elevator.

 

If this post is inappropriate, please flag Andy to delete it. I mean no harm, only want to ask the question about privacy in the digital age.

 

Maris

 

At the Heritage golf tournament in Hilton Head, if one happens to be seated in one of the grandstands or tents near the 18th hole, just before broadcasting begins, an announcement is made to pay attention to who you are sitting with for the golf tournament is seen all over the world especially the spectators at the 18th hole.

[Ma Bell]

Fortunately everyone can see and read for themselves.

[Ronin23]

I don't want to be argumentative. I think most do comply, but I think this is a rah rah thread by those who love formal nights and want to see everyone dressed in tuxes and gowns and thumb their nose at anyone who has a different opinion and want formal nights relaxed. If anyone HAS a different opinion, they get flamed, told to go on NCL or Carnival (which also has formal nights), or that you are ruining everyone's enjoyment by not wearing a tux or a suit. It just asks for trouble.

 

 

My thoughts exactly.

 

Dress to the code,it's that simple. Just don't try and influence people who only want to wear smart casual at other restaurants by inferring that it's not acceptable or "you will feel out of place". Bollocks.

[boogs]

What are the boards for if you can only have the same opinion as everyone else? I talked about any people having a different opinion being flamed. I guess I was correct.

 

Actually, it was a very civil discussion until you posted this.....

 

No, people in suites don't drink better wine than the commoners in Aqua. I have friends that can't afford to furnish their house, but every two years they get a suite and cruise. Where do you folks get these ideas???

 

We cruise relatively often....I never wear a tux on a cruise....in fact now I only bring a blazer. I have never felt out of place, I have never been the only one in a sports jacket, and on my part, I have never thought too much about the ill fitting cheap rented tuxedos, tasteless cumberbuns and clip on bowties that show up on formal night.

 

If you enjoy dressing in formal wear...enjoy....and don't judge others because they just might be judging you, your small diamond ring, your paste earrings, the tux with the timex watch and so on. (exaggerating for effect).

 

Get a grip...enjoy your cruise and let others enjoy their cruise....

 

Sorry if I upset you, but comments like "I think this is a rah rah thread by those who love formal nights and want to see everyone dressed in tuxes and gowns and thumb their nose at anyone who has a different opinion and want formal nights relaxed. If anyone HAS a different opinion, they get flamed, told to go on NCL or Carnival (which also has formal nights), or that you are ruining everyone's enjoyment by not wearing a tux or a suit" are more offensive than you are willing to acknowledge.

 

Perhaps it boils down to who you agree with - the "rah rah" formal fans who are being accused of "thumbing their noses", or the "want formal nights more relaxed" crowd. I could guess which side you would vote for :D

[AMAC86]

I think the only real way to ensure that an extremely strict formal dress code will be followed is to price the cruises so high, that only the really well-to-do income earners can afford to embark on one. That, or cater the cruises for older crowds that are more mature and appreciate that sort of thing.

[SantaFeFan]

Actually, it was a very civil discussion until you posted this.....

 

No, people in suites don't drink better wine than the commoners in Aqua. I have friends that can't afford to furnish their house, but every two years they get a suite and cruise. Where do you folks get these ideas???

 

We cruise relatively often....I never wear a tux on a cruise....in fact now I only bring a blazer. I have never felt out of place, I have never been the only one in a sports jacket, and on my part, I have never thought too much about the ill fitting cheap rented tuxedos, tasteless cumberbuns and clip on bowties that show up on formal night.

 

If you enjoy dressing in formal wear...enjoy....and don't judge others because they just might be judging you, your small diamond ring, your paste earrings, the tux with the timex watch and so on. (exaggerating for effect).

 

Get a grip...enjoy your cruise and let others enjoy their cruise....

 

 

Hmmmm, someone needs a hug! ;)

 

The people I judge are the ones who think they are so self important that they will do whatever they want, regardless of what the rules or codes require. Then they, as that other poster said, "thumb their noses" at those of us who actually enjoy following Celebrity's dress code for formal nights. These are the people who understand that sometimes sharing an experience with others is so much more rewarding than being the "individual" and going off in your own direction, with obvious disgust for the rest of us. Thank heaven most people get it, as evidenced by the op's photos.

[ghstudio]

I think the only real way to ensure that an extremely strict formal dress code will be followed is to price the cruises so high, that only the really well-to-do income earners can afford to embark on one. That, or cater the cruises for older crowds that are more mature and appreciate that sort of thing.

 

Why would you equate well to do,older,more mature with folks that appreciate "that sort of thing". I qualify on all those and we just don't enjoy formal affairs...we avoid them unless it's a friends wedding or charity affair.

[AMAC86]

Why would you equate well to do,older,more mature with folks that appreciate "that sort of thing". I qualify on all those and we just don't enjoy formal affairs...we avoid them unless it's a friends wedding or charity affair.

I didn't mean to offend anybody, but I think all other things being equal, people of older generations tend to enjoy dressing up more than younger generations, wealthier people dress more formally than their lower-wealth counterparts.

 

Sure there are outliers, but that's the general trend. Just my opinion/observation, of course!

[Texed]

Larry,

I hope ya'll have a great cruise. :)

[gymjudge55]

Why would you equate well to do,older,more mature with folks that appreciate "that sort of thing". I qualify on all those and we just don't enjoy formal affairs...we avoid them unless it's a friends wedding or charity affair.

 

Amen.....we are of the "older more mature" generation who are fairly well to do. We also avoid formal affairs except for weddings etc. We are booked in Aqua Class and will gladly dress nicely but not formally every night. Since we will be following the dress code for Aqua I would hope no one's night will be ruined. We will dress the same way we dress for 5 star restaurants here. I am beginning to understand why we have avoided cruises so far.

[Lsimon]

Larry,

 

I hope ya'll have a great cruise. :)

 

Thanks! We had a fantastic cruise, but a busy one. Ten days seems shorter and shorter, we never even got around to the waffles! I think I was on food overload from dinners.

 

========================

 

Comment to everyone: I have no problem with the fact that smart casual is allowed in Blu and the specialty restaurants. The presence of smart casual dress in these venues didn't bother us even though we, and many others, were dressed formally. I have no problem with casual dress where the published code allows it.

 

I also believe that the choice to dress casually or formally has nothing to do with wealth, class or any other status. It is just a personal choice which is fine as long as it is within the published dress code.

[L11]

Comment to everyone: I have no problem with the fact that smart casual is allowed in Blu and the specialty restaurants. The presence of smart casual dress in these venues didn't bother us even though we, and many others, were dressed formally. I have no problem with casual dress where the published code allows it.

 

I also believe that the choice to dress casually or formally has nothing to do with wealth, class or any other status. It is just a personal choice which is fine as long as it is within the published dress code.

 

I could not agree more. To be honest, I have never understood why this issue is so contentious. Celebrity has and publishes a dress code for all of its venues. If you are going on a Celebrity cruise you should know going in that you are expected to dress in a certain manner in certain venues at certain times. To do otherwise is extremely disrespectful to your fellow cruisers IMHO. It seems so simple and obvious...

 

Linda

[Dunmore2]

We love the formal nights,2-3 per cruise is plenty though. Age, wealth, nationality, etc do not seem to influence who dresses up and who doesn't.

Our experience has shown the vast majority dressing in tuxes for men, cocktail or long gowns for ladies.

[AMAC86]

I also believe that the choice to dress casually or formally has nothing to do with wealth, class or any other status. It is just a personal choice which is fine as long as it is within the published dress code.

It is a personal choice, but can also be influenced by finances and how things were growing up. (If you can't afford a tux, how can you wear one? Perhaps you'd say if you can't afford a tux, you wouldn't be on that cruise, which is sort of my point as well...)

 

Maybe I overestimated all y'alls ages, but I imagine when you were younger you got dress up in frilly ball gowns and danced to Viennese waltzes! My generation shows up to some grungy club in ripped jeans and dirty t shirts grinding with each other (look at Carnival! :D).

 

 

 

I kid, of course, but it's something along those lines. Do you think that Celebrity is more formal than Carnival just because people made the personal choice to go on a Celebrity cruise because they like more elegance? Or could it be because the higher prices weeded out the poorer folk? Or could it be because the younger crowd (the crowd on Carnival is much younger) isn't as interested in that sort of stuff? I think it's a mixture of the two.

 

Enough said!

[Texed]

Thanks! We had a fantastic cruise, but a busy one. Ten days seems shorter and shorter, we never even got around to the waffles! I think I was on food overload from dinners.

 

Well, in that case, welcome back. Sorry you missed the waffles. :)

[cls711]

Thank heaven the "it needs to be dumbed down because I'm on my vacation" people don't have the influence they think they have.

The casual crowd hasn't won yet!!

 

 

Wow. Count me in the casual crowd. However I don't feel dumbed down nor do I think I'm influential. It's just that on a cruise in a warm climate, we choose to dress as we would when we vacation in Hawaii or Tahiti. Very few tuxes there. I'd say we normally fall somewhat above resort wear. But it certainly has nothing to do with income or class or age or intellect. We just don't cruise to go to formal dinners. Plenty of that back in Boston. With that in mind we sail in AQ class and follow all the rules. However, we will be in the bars and casino and other public areas of the ship and I hope our mere presence does not ruin anyone's ambiance. At least now I know if a see someone with a camera.....I'll duck! :)

[Bridge Maven]

I think the only real way to ensure that an extremely strict formal dress code will be followed is to price the cruises so high, that only the really well-to-do income earners can afford to embark on one. That, or cater the cruises for older crowds that are more mature and appreciate that sort of thing.

 

 

AMAC - Do you really equate socio economic class with whether or not a passenger enjoys formal night?

[AMAC86]

AMAC - Do you really equate socio economic class with whether or not a passenger enjoys formal night?

Enjoys? No. Chooses a cruise line that caters to more formal formal nights? Absolutely. Why don't you see many young people on Celebrity/Princess? Why are there so many young people on NCL and Carnival? Maybe there's something I'm clearly missing here. Celebrity and Princess are more traditional, aren't they? And they have an older, more sophisticated and well-to-do clientele than Carnival and NCL. I'm just putting two and two together.

 

I haven't sailed Celebrity yet, so I can't say for sure, but looking at those photos the OP posted, I can't really see more than two or three people under the age of 40. I also haven't sailed on more exclusive cruise lines like Silversea or Azamara (and probably never will, unless I make it a financial priority!) but I imagine that their formal nights are probably much more formal than anything you see on the mass market cruise lines. Someone clue me in here!