Why do people care?

[jbond]

I agree formal is formal. I just love the justification of why people want to use certain words for their particular advantage and can easily pontificate on all the reasons why they don't want to understand the very simple word, "FORMAL"

Maybe it's because RCI states formal and then immediately dilutes it with it's suggested "Formal: Suits and ties or tuxedos for men, cocktail dresses for women." It opens the door to further interpretation.

If you follow RCI's simple interpretation, that would rule out gowns for ladies, Military Uniforms, National Dress, etc. Where do you draw the line? You have your opinion, many others have theirs and RCI doesn't really give a hoot.

[EVALUATOR]

Maybe it's because RCI states formal and then immediately dilutes it with it's suggested "Formal: Suits and ties or tuxedos for men, cocktail dresses for women." It opens the door to further interpretation.

If you follow RCI's simple interpretation, that would rule out gowns for ladies, Military Uniforms, National Dress, etc. Where do you draw the line? You have your opinion, many others have theirs and RCI doesn't really give a hoot.

 

Their website also "suggests" how many formal nights there may be, but then has a disclaimer that... "The number of smart casual and formal nights is at the ship's discretion."

 

What if the Ship decided it didn't want any formal nights... or all formal nights? And how would the Ship announce it's discretion?:D

[jbond]

What if the Ship decided it didn't want any formal nights... or all formal nights? And how would the Ship announce it's discretion?

They would probably suggest it, or should that be imply it, in the Cruise Compass along with the statement that shorts and ballcaps are not permitted in the MDR at dinner.:rolleyes:

[Cruise_Dancer]

People don't have to agree on what is formal or not.

 

This is good because the definitions have changed a great deal. Traditionally, formal actually meant white tie for men and gowns for women, semi-formal meant black tie and evening dresses, informal meant suits and cocktail dresses, semi-casual meant sports jackets with ties and cocktail dresses, and casual meant dress shirts with ties and blouses with skirts or dress slacks.

 

By these definition not one man is dressing appropriately for formal night (I've yet to see anyone in white tie and tails) and few women are doing so, and very few are dressing appropriately even on the casual nights. There are a lot of good places to research this but a fairly comprehensive history is available here: http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/Clothes%20Articles/cracking_the_dress_code.htm

[MrsPete]

The cruise line makes money from formal night in a few ways.

 

The photographers are taking more pictures. That is obvious.

The formal night drives some people to specialty restaurants.

The ship rents formalwear.

Formal night increases dry cleaning demand.

Formal night is an “event” for some people. The “event” costs the cruise line nothing.

 

You can poo poo this if you like, but just remember all the little things that the cruise line makes money on. Don’t tell me they don’t think about the extra money they make from the formal night related things I listed above.

 

Some say, formal night is a tradition.

Just think of all the other “traditions” that have been discontinued because they cost a dime.

No lox in the WJ unless you ask.

No ice in the room unless you ask.

No midnight buffet.

Food in WJ and MDR noticeably lower quality.

 

I’ll bet others could name more discontinued “traditions”.

Your reasoning is rather easy to poo-poo:

 

Yes, they take more photographs on formal night, but they take LOTS of photographs every other night too. It's hardly an exclusive gig.

 

It seems to me that the specialty restaurants run at near-capacity every night. I don't see that formal night affects their revenues. I'd also argue that while some people use the specialty restaurants to avoid formal night, just as many purposefully choose to avoid them because they want to attend formal night (lobster being an oft-repeated reason to attend).

 

Formal wear rental and dry cleaning are services that very few passengers use. Just peruse these boards for evidence: You'll see lots of people talking about alcohol, excursions, the casino, the pools -- you'll have to search to hear any interest whatsoever in rental clothing or dry cleaning. These services are a drop in the bucket, hardly a reason for the ship to continue a "tradition" if the majority of the passengers didn't enjoy it.

 

Now, in contrast, you're right when you say that formal night is an "event". But it is something to which a large number of passengers look forward. An excuse for a couple fancy, dress-up dinners is one reason people choose cruising over just an island vacation. This event may attract passengers, but you've utterly failed to convince me that it is profitable for the ship.

[time4u2go]

Yes, they take more photographs on formal night, but they take LOTS of photographs every other night too. It's hardly an exclusive gig.

 

I disagree. I find that there are way more picture-taking stations on formal night, and there are usually long lines at almost all of them. Granted, this doesn't mean that people will buy all those pictures, but I would be willing to bet that the ship takes in quite a bit more money from pictures taken on formal nights than they do on the other nights.

[clean1owner]

What I find amusing are all the excuses people are posting for not dressing according to guidelines.

 

1. We don't want to pay for a checked / overweight bag. So you're going to pay a couple thousand $$$ or more for a cruise vacation, and then worry about $25 or $50 in baggage fees? I'd like to see your bar tab at the end of the week.

 

2. We don't want to wait for checked bags at the airport. Really? 10 extra minutes in the airport is going to make that big of a difference on a week long vacation? Do you skip the shows because you don't want to arrive 10 minutes early in order to get a seat? Do you not go ashore in port because you may have to stand in line 10 minutes waiting to board?

 

3. Hubby doesn't own a suit, and doesn't want to do the tux program. So maybe cruising isn't for you. Maybe something like Disney World where they don't ask you to dress for dinner.

 

4. I'm on vacation and I'll do what I want. Does that mean you will enter the restricted areas of the ship, smoke anywhere you please, invite yourself to the Captains Table, or dine at the wrong seating because it's your vacation and you will do whatever you want?

 

 

These comments are in no way directed at those who choose to dine elsewhere instead of dressing formal. Just those who feel the dress code isn't for them, and show up however they want.

[Ocean Boy]

Curious how almost every time the formal night discussion comes up someone has to throw in Bermuda shorts. :p

 

Whole different animal from our normal shorts clad friends on the cruise ships. As decribed by the poster just before this - not exactly what we normally encounter in the dining room.

 

Well I am glad that I brought Bermuda up so as to not disappoint you.

[Ocean Boy]

I could be wrong, but it has always seemed to me that there are WAY more photography stations set up (and more people having their pictures taken) on formal nights than on the other nights. I would bet they make quite a bit more money from the photos on those nights.

 

Come on, you are letting facts get in the way now.;)

[rubrrick]

I would like to know what cruise lines have no dress code at all.

 

Barefoot Windjammer Cruises!:D

 

Rick

[BeachChik]

What I find amusing are all the excuses people are posting for not dressing according to guidelines.

 

1. We don't want to pay for a checked / overweight bag. So you're going to pay a couple thousand $$$ or more for a cruise vacation, and then worry about $25 or $50 in baggage fees? I'd like to see your bar tab at the end of the week.

 

2. We don't want to wait for checked bags at the airport. Really? 10 extra minutes in the airport is going to make that big of a difference on a week long vacation? Do you skip the shows because you don't want to arrive 10 minutes early in order to get a seat? Do you not go ashore in port because you may have to stand in line 10 minutes waiting to board?

 

3. Hubby doesn't own a suit, and doesn't want to do the tux program. So maybe cruising isn't for you. Maybe something like Disney World where they don't ask you to dress for dinner.

 

4. I'm on vacation and I'll do what I want. Does that mean you will enter the restricted areas of the ship, smoke anywhere you please, invite yourself to the Captains Table, or dine at the wrong seating because it's your vacation and you will do whatever you want?

 

 

These comments are in no way directed at those who choose to dine elsewhere instead of dressing formal. Just those who feel the dress code isn't for them, and show up however they want.

 

So people that don't own a suit shouldn't cruise? I saw many people on both carnival and royal on formal nights not wearing a suit. And fyi there are several Disney world restaurants that have a dress code. Not in the Parks but on property.

 

Seems to me if people are so concerned about dress they may want to sail the higher tier lines where this isn't an issue. Carnival, royal and NCL serve all types of people as they are lower cost cruise lines. What I find funny is that there seems to be no middle ground. You are either formally dressed or look like a slob who hasn't bathed in a week. People can be dressed informally and still look nice. Just because they don't want to wear a ball gown doesn't mean they are rolling in the mdr in their pjs.

 

And number four isn't comparing apples to apples. Someone smoking sitting next to me in a non smoking area directly affects me. Someone two tables away wearing shorts doesn't impact me at all.

 

And yes we do dress for formal nights and did purchase pictures however I don't think people should have to so they can dine in the mdr.

[Ocean Boy]

Barefoot Windjammer Cruises!:D

 

Rick

 

I am pretty sure that they have a dress code limits being "bare" to the feet!:D

[Ocean Boy]

So people that don't own a suit shouldn't cruise? I saw many people on both carnival and royal on formal nights not

What I find funny is that there seems to be no middle ground. You are either formally dressed or look like a slob who hasn't bathed in a week. People can be dressed informally and still look nice. Just because they don't want to wear a ball gown doesn't mean they are rolling in the mdr in their pjs.

 

That is how people make their "point" on these types of threads.... by carrying things to extremes. If they don't do that then the whole complaint just sounds a little too trivial.

[clean1owner]

Barefoot Windjammer Cruises!:D

 

Rick

 

Their only rule is " No Friggin' In The Riggin'"

[rubrrick]

The informal definition of suggest, when referring to formal night dress suggestions. How ironic.:eek:

 

 

Did you know that your teepee is on fire!!:eek:

 

I just hope and pray that you can put it out out with your Tom Tom!:D

 

I just love your saying!!

 

Sorry, straying off subject........but it's getting boring to me.

 

Wear whatever you want to the MDR......ladies......paint your breasts, and see how many actually know what they are looking at!:D

 

Men.........don't do that! If you have to wear shorts, at least paint the rest of your legs with black paint.......with a special satin paint strip down the outside........just to indicate the silk of a tux pants leg! Don't do both....someone might belive you really are wearing pants!

 

I would stick around to see if any of this would happen, but when I'm not in "the dress of the day".........I'm in the Windjammer.

 

Because I do not believe in being "tacky"! But many of you do, and enjoy it.....you grew up in a different world.

 

Slam me..............I'm too old to care!:D

 

Rick

[Gilgo Surfer]

I would feel a little awkward if I showed up on formal night in a suit and tie and the rest of my table were in shorts, tee shirts and flip flops.

 

That has never happened to me. I have always had table mates that adhere to the recommended dress code.

 

For guys it's pretty simple...

 

Tux or suit on formal nights.

Khakis and a polo (or something along those lines) for non formal nights.

[9ersRule]

I'm not afraid to admit im one of those people who do not dress up for dinner on those nights. I DO wear blue jeans to the dinner. I'm an average worker who works 60 hours a week and has to save dilligently to afford a cruise once a year. I'm also the same person who might wear the same shirt 3 nights in a row for dinner. Not all of us can afford $25 per bag to check them on the airlines, and we have to deal with carrying on our luggage. My vacation is not for me to impress you with what kind of suit i own or anything like that. I'm polite, honest and hardworking. And i'll bet that i sure tip all the employees on the cruiseline more than those in the suits do because i know what a dollar is worth and respect the person more than i do the clothes they wear. I'm sorry for the rant. But it is a touch subject when people on cruises do look down on you because you did not dress up. They dont know me, they just judge people on how they look and dress. I will still show up in jeans for dinner, and they will be clean, and i will have the time of my life regardless off the snobs who do give the stink eye to those who dont dress to their expectations.

 

You sound like the type of person I enjoy as a table mate! ;). Dockers and TB or Columbia travel shirt are my preference; comfortable and makes packing less of a hassle. I am on vacation and wish to relax, meet fun people and see the sights. Who has time to inspect others dress or their shoes???

[9ersRule]

As I said before, Formal night is nothing more than another way for the cruise line to make money.

If formal night cost the cruise line anything....there would be no formal night.

 

 

+++

[Ksma23]

While I don't exactly bust out the full length sequin gown, we do get dressed up for formal night. Seeing others dressed less dressy than I am certainly doesn't ruin my evening. Honestly I don't even think twice about it.

 

For lots of people, the cruise is something that they had to scrape and save up for, and maybe buying expensive formal clothing just isn't an option when they are only going to wear it that one time.

 

 

That is an excellent point and helps keep the whole formal dress debate in proper perspective.

[satxdiver]

The most hated cruiser on CC:

 

Doesnt wear a tie or jacket on formal night, smuggles alcohol on board, and uses a birth certificate instead of a passport.

 

long form only I presume. :rolleyes:

[joe6666]

I would feel a little awkward if I showed up on formal night in a suit and tie and the rest of my table were in shorts, tee shirts and flip flops.

 

That has never happened to me. I have always had table mates that adhere to the recommended dress code.

 

For guys it's pretty simple...

 

Tux or suit on formal nights.

Khakis and a polo (or something along those lines) for non formal nights.

 

I believe more women than men want to dress up for formal night.

[joe6666]

You sound like the type of person I enjoy as a table mate! ;). Dockers and TB or Columbia travel shirt are my preference; comfortable and makes packing less of a hassle. I am on vacation and wish to relax, meet fun people and see the sights. Who has time to inspect others dress or their shoes???

 

Perhaps some of those who dress up for formal night feel foolish when they see others in the MDR who are dressed nicely but not in a suit or tux.

Sort of a ..."If I have to do it you do too", mentality.

[smeck]

What I find amusing are all the excuses people are posting for not dressing according to guidelines.

 

1. We don't want to pay for a checked / overweight bag. So you're going to pay a couple thousand $$$ or more for a cruise vacation, and then worry about $25 or $50 in baggage fees? I'd like to see your bar tab at the end of the week.

 

2. We don't want to wait for checked bags at the airport. Really? 10 extra minutes in the airport is going to make that big of a difference on a week long vacation? Do you skip the shows because you don't want to arrive 10 minutes early in order to get a seat? Do you not go ashore in port because you may have to stand in line 10 minutes waiting to board?

 

3. Hubby doesn't own a suit, and doesn't want to do the tux program. So maybe cruising isn't for you. Maybe something like Disney World where they don't ask you to dress for dinner.

 

4. I'm on vacation and I'll do what I want. Does that mean you will enter the restricted areas of the ship, smoke anywhere you please, invite yourself to the Captains Table, or dine at the wrong seating because it's your vacation and you will do whatever you want?

 

 

These comments are in no way directed at those who choose to dine elsewhere instead of dressing formal. Just those who feel the dress code isn't for them, and show up however they want.

 

I'm on vacation not on display!

[graphicguy]

That is how people make their "point" on these types of threads.... by carrying things to extremes. If they don't do that then the whole complaint just sounds a little too trivial.

 

Exactly...matter of fact, I consider this a non-issue!

[mesci14]

I agree with the posters who say who cares. In particular I like the post by the hardworking gentleman who saves for the cruise and wears jeans to the MDR. I have paid for the MDR and want to use it; my family and I will dress nice casual...i.e khakis and a collared shirt to meet minimal dining requirements. I have to dress up every day for work, this is my vacation, I don't want to dress up and I want the meal that is offered in the MDR. What I wear does not have any impact on you as a person (does not impact your health like second hand smoke would; does not limit what you can do or go; should not change you ability to enjoy your evening). If I have no impact on you then my philosophy is live and let live that is why RCL lists it as a suggestion.