Why not just end formal nights altogether?

[temple1]

Would you please explain what you mean by 'real respect for all the human beings on the ship'?

How does eliminating the 'suggested' formal nites have any bearing on anything when one does not have to dress up if you choose not to anyway?

 

I am not 'flaming' or attempting to be critical, I am really interested in your point of view..

 

Thankyou.. :-)

 

Not getting in to the respect argument, but formal night is not a suggestion. Formal night is a fact. Please refer to the RCCL website and any cruise compasses you might have and it will be in black and white- Formal night.

 

What is suggested, for those who are clueless, are suggestions for what you can wear, although not true formal wear.

 

So what for all the so called modernists or whatever they want to be called, if the cruiseline continues to have Formal Nights as a throwback to the old days of cruising. Nothing wrong with that. When you purchase a cruise on RCCL you know they have X number of nights per cruise where guests are expected to dress formally for dinner. Now, if that is a problem for you, and you go on the cruise knowing there is a dress code for dinner, don't get your knickers in a knot if other people see you as clueless. If RCCL really wanted to set themselves apart from NCL and other mass market cruiselines they should start enforcing the standards they have set forth.

[Cretia]

Another example of the " ME" generation.I don't want it that way so change it NOW!!!!.Different lines have different attitudes so find the one that fits you.Leave RCCL alone,we like it this way.

 

How ridiculously arrogant. You consider the poster you quoted of the "ME" generation because he wants it his way, while YOU want it YOUR way.

 

I'd be a lot more sympathetic to the formal dress crowd if they didn't ooze of entitlement from their absolute conviction that everyone must dress exactly as the formal crowd wishes.

 

Nevertheless, I have a feeling that if so many didn't so much joy out of being indignant about the attire of others, we would all be better off if we learned to live and let live. I firmly believe all of the lines are learning to turn a blind eye to dress codes. On our last cruise on Celebrity, for a variety of personal reasons, my husband and I chose to have dinner delivered to our suite instead of eating in the main dining room on formal night. Our butler commented about how busy room service was that evening and the next night first our waiter and then our wine steward chastised for not coming to the MDR in whatever we chose to wear and lamented how empty the room was that night.

[B-52]

[Chris4424]

I wonder if all these people complaining about dressing formally on a cruise would also complain about having to dress formally for a wedding.

 

Do you just refuse to dress up in general? Or is it because of the attitude "it's my vacation and I'll dress how I want"?

[AFS1970]

You could ask the same question about any aspect of cruising. Why don't they just end pools all together, I don't swim. Why not end the casinos, I am sure some folks don't gamble. The thing is that the ships have to offer a variety of things, for a variety of people. It would be nice if they would build a big ship and tailor it just for me, but I doubt they would make much money doing it.

[Heidils]

I wonder if all these people complaining about dressing formally on a cruise would also complain about having to dress formally for a wedding.

 

Do you just refuse to dress up in general? Or is it because of the attitude "it's my vacation and I'll dress how I want"?

 

I was thinking along the same lines. If I get a wedding invitation and it's states that the dress is "FORMAL" I comply. I don't have a snotty attitude about it. I get many of my gowns or cocktail dresses or really dressy stuff from TJ Max, Marshalls, and even some consignment shops.

 

How rude it would be for me to show up to a wedding that asks it's guest's to dress a certain way, and my answer is, "Well, where is the event, and how good it the food, so I will know whether I dress up or not?" FYI, I enjoy a casual outdoor weddings as well. I have the option not to accept an invitation if it's not my fancy, but it's rude to ignor it when I send in my reception card accepting the invitation.

 

Although it's true that most people dress up to some degree, it's not a matter of eliteist's insisting other's dress formally. Some of us enjoy it some don't. But it's RCCL's policy no matter how you slice it. Choose or not to adhere to it, but as of now it is listed as their "Code" of dress. No wonder why the need was felt to further offer "suggestions" as to what that dress might be.

 

"I GET IT VERY WELL"

[galavant3]

Not getting in to the respect argument, but formal night is not a suggestion. Formal night is a fact. Please refer to the RCCL website and any cruise compasses you might have and it will be in black and white- Formal night.

 

What is suggested, for those who are clueless, are suggestions for what you can wear, although not true formal wear.

 

This is how I interpret also. The evening is designated as formal. They list suggestions for those that are not sure what that means. Even though you are requested to dress a certain way, it is not an enforced dress code.

[Heidils]

This is how I interpret also. The evening is designated as formal. They list suggestions for those that are not sure what that means. Even though you are requested to dress a certain way, it is not an enforced dress code.

 

Exactly! That's what seems to give people the feeling that it's an optional thing to dress up or not, minus the sign we see up top. If RCCL isn't going to enforce it then people are going to do what they like.

 

But to suggest that it should be done away with is just silly. Too many people still enjoy it.

[spunker]

I would suggest that you go with the cruise lines that offer what you want. most of us identify with being pampered and the style of Formal night. good luck.

I've only been on 3 cruises[1 Princess and RCCL EOS] and I wear the same thing every night, even for formal nights. I wear very nice pants, a nice shirt but no tie, no tux, no black suit and have never been denied dining service. I respect anyone who wants to dress up all the way, to each their own but why not follow the NCL model of every night is formal night and casual night. Its the best of both worlds because lets face it, there are no real formal nights anyway. They won't deny you if you look half decent. By the way I think I've seen jeans in the dining room one or twice.

[JAMESCC]

You guys are still missing the point. I want EVERY night to be formal night and casual night. Dress in a tux all 5,7,9,10,12,14 days id you like, god bless ya. But for those of us that want to wear nice khakis and a shirt and be comfortable can do that. In my scenario I'm ADDING formal nights.

[Chris4424]

You guys are still missing the point. I want EVERY night to be formal night and casual night. Dress in a tux all 5,7,9,10,12,14 days id you like, god bless ya. But for those of us that want to wear nice khakis and a shirt and be comfortable can do that. In my scenario I'm ADDING formal nights.

 

 

I don't understand your point, because basically what you're suggesting is already the way it is. Plenty of people disregard the formal nights, as is obvious from reading this thread, and on the non-formal nights, surely you can dress as formal as you like. I will wear khakis and a nice shirt at minimum even on non-formal nights, so I don't see how what you're suggesting would change anything.

[JAMESCC]

I don't understand your point, because basically what you're suggesting is already the way it is. Plenty of people disregard the formal nights, as is obvious from reading this thread, and on the non-formal nights, surely you can dress as formal as you like. I will wear khakis and a nice shirt at minimum even on non-formal nights, so I don't see how what you're suggesting would change anything.

At the end of the day you are right. I'm just suggesting end the notion of a specific formal nights. I disregard anyway and have never been denied nor looked at funny. I just like the NCL way of every night is whatever you would like. Want to wear a tux, want to dress down a bit, go for it.

[dz9yvr]

Yes everyone formal attire is going the way of the dinosaur, wagon wheel and you can thrown in typewriter. I work a major company and when I started 30+ years ago everyone wore sport coats, ties or suits to work. Now only VP level and above wear ties or sport coatsna d suits are only seen when you need to meet with the very top guys in the company. Jeans and polo shirts are common. The only place I see suits and ties on a regular basis are at weddings and funerals and they are on the decline at those places. If you go to church, look around and tell me if everyone there still wears suits or sport coats

 

Let me be clear, Formal Nights are a fact on cruises, but there is not a dress code requiring anyone to wear suits or tuxs. I and an increasing amount of other cruisers will dress in a nice shirt and dress pants. Some of this change is from the cultural change in the US and some comes from the international passngers. You can Flame me if you like, you can choose to ignore it if you wish, but it is happening. You can continue to call me rude, just because you disagree, but RCCL should take the next step in re-defining the dress expectations so that no feels coerced into bringing anything bur casual dress clothes on a cruise.

 

Please stop trying to enforce outdated customs on today's society. Wera what you wish and so will I.

[Chris4424]

At the end of the day you are right. I'm just suggesting end the notion of a specific formal nights. I disregard anyway and have never been denied nor looked at funny. I just like the NCL way of every night is whatever you would like. Want to wear a tux, want to dress down a bit, go for it.

 

 

Because RCCL has a large population of long-time customers who enjoy the tradition of the formal nights, and to get rid of them would imply to those customers that RCCL is no longer holding itself to the same standards. You then risk those losing those people to another cruise line that enforces these rules. It's bad for business. I doubt they are losing customers the other way with people saying, "oh, RCCL has formal nights, I'm not sailing with them" - because clearly, those people just ignore the rule anyways.

[Charles4515]

I just see it as a cruising tradition, personally “in real life” I don’t really dress up formally unless needed, but on a cruise I just enjoy it.

 

And then comes the strange thing, I am truly irritated by people that show up on a formal night in shorts and a T-shirts…At least put on some pance and a proper shirt.

 

And THE BEST thing on formal nights, the ladies!!! I just love them dressing up all the way and being prefect from head to toe with all the bling, bling…Just beautiful (no I am not a freak btw ;) lol)

 

I think the OP needs to hop on a European cruise, 80-90% dress up over here, at least on both ones I’ve been on and according to most reviews.

 

Greets

 

I have noticed that to be true about European cruises. Probably even higher than 90% dressed up on the European cruises that I have been on. Even on Royal Caribbean.

[Chris4424]

Now only VP level and above wear ties or sport coatsna d suits are only seen when you need to meet with the very top guys in the company.

 

Interesting. I think that pretty much says it all.

[galavant3]

Now only VP level and above wear ties or sport coatsna d suits are only seen when you need to meet with the very top guys in the company.

 

I would those that aspire to be at the VP Level and above!

[waxing witch]

Yes everyone formal attire is going the way of the dinosaur, wagon wheel and you can thrown in typewriter. I work a major company and when I started 30+ years ago everyone wore sport coats, ties or suits to work. Now only VP level and above wear ties or sport coatsna d suits are only seen when you need to meet with the very top guys in the company. Jeans and polo shirts are common. The only place I see suits and ties on a regular basis are at weddings and funerals and they are on the decline at those places. If you go to church, look around and tell me if everyone there still wears suits or sport coats

 

Let me be clear, Formal Nights are a fact on cruises, but there is not a dress code requiring anyone to wear suits or tuxs. I and an increasing amount of other cruisers will dress in a nice shirt and dress pants. Some of this change is from the cultural change in the US and some comes from the international passngers. You can Flame me if you like, you can choose to ignore it if you wish, but it is happening. You can continue to call me rude, just because you disagree, but RCCL should take the next step in re-defining the dress expectations so that no feels coerced into bringing anything bur casual dress clothes on a cruise.

 

Please stop trying to enforce outdated customs on today's society. Wera what you wish and so will I.

 

 

i don't think any of us have had said we have any problem with people wearing nice shirts and dress pants to formal night on a cruise. i think the problem has been with the attitude of many posters who are being rude and stating things as 'fact' that are not factual at all.

 

i do not see any decline of formal wear at weddings or funerals. i also have worked in large corporations where business casual still exists. and it exists at most professional companies - slacks, blouses, polos, and button down shirts. no jeans, tee shirts, tank tops, sneakers, or hats.

 

and again, there is a dress code for formal nights on rccl. on the previous page of posts, b-52 posted this sign from a royal caribbean ship:

 

 

that's just the general dining room dress code - it is stated that formal nights are formal dress, and the website and cruise compass give examples of what constitutes formal dress. kind of open and shut, imho.

[KuffMUp]

DH and I have never been to a formal night. We don't like to dress up and out of respect for others, we don't eat in the MDR on formal night. I have been told by tablemates on each cruise that what we wore other nights would have been acceptable, but again, some people like to get gussied up and it is about the experience. If you don't want a formal night, pick a cruise line that doesn't have one or if you choose to cruise on a line with a formal night, don't go to the MDR if you aren't going to dress up.

[Heidils]

Double

[Heidils]

When asked a quetion on Royals site as to what should be worn at a Meet & Mingle it was said casual EXCEPT on formal nights!

 

So it's not people here (for the most part) telling other people that they HAVE to, but that they should to dress in the suggested dress code for formal night. It's Royal.

 

The people that like formal night choose Royal because it offers it.

 

I like how the sign says, "For more casual dining we invite you to the Windjammer."

[setsail]

cruise compass give examples of what constitutes formal dress. kind of open and shut, imho.

 

 

I don't have a compass that gives examples of formal wear unless I go back to 1999. See my post #43. There might be one though, anybody

[Maraprince]

When asked a quetion on Royals site as to what should be worn at a Meet & Mingle it was said casual EXCEPT on formal nights!

 

So it's not people here (for the most part) telling other people that they HAVE to, but that they should to dress in the suggested dress code for formal night. It's Royal.

 

The people that like formal night choose Royal because it offers it.

 

I like how the sign says, "For more casual dining we invite you to the Windjammer."

 

 

You are correct...it is the cruise line that establishes the dress code along with the Capt. of the vessel.

 

If you do not want to abide, they are providing you with an alternative that does NOT consist of the MDR. And if you do dress formally, they also ask that you remain in that dress for the rest of the night.

 

You have a choice on how you wish to dress on board but RCCL has the right to make you aware that casual dress is not the dress code of choice in the MDR on formal nights.

 

Let me tell you from past experience, it is not a nice feeling to eat in the MDR room on a formal night and be seated near someone wearing shorts with hairy legs and flip flops as allowed on NCL!

 

There is a time and place for everything.

 

MARAPRINCE

[jonbgd]

someone wearing shorts with hairy legs and flip flops as allowed on NCL!

 

As someone that has hairy legs and wears flip flops NCL doesnt allow that in the MDR or pay venues.

[Charles4515]

You are correct...it is the cruise line that establishes the dress code along with the Capt. of the vessel.

 

If you do not want to abide, they are providing you with an alternative that does NOT consist of the MDR. And if you do dress formally, they also ask that you remain in that dress for the rest of the night.

 

You have a choice on how you wish to dress on board but RCCL has the right to make you aware that casual dress is not the dress code of choice in the MDR on formal nights.

 

Let me tell you from past experience, it is not a nice feeling to eat in the MDR room on a formal night and be seated near someone wearing shorts with hairy legs and flip flops as allowed on NCL!

 

There is a time and place for everything.

 

MARAPRINCE

 

The last time I did NCL they did not allow shorts in the MDR on any night. They were sending back people who had on shorts. On the other hand I don't recall seeing shorts on Royal on formal night but I have seen shorts on other evenings in the Royal Caribbean dining rooms. Also on Royal a couple of nights they had beach nights in the main dining room where they said shorts were allowed. Royal Caribbean is less strict than NCL in enforcement.

 

It does not bother me if people are not following the dress code since I am not responsible for enforcing it, nor am I responsible for what other people wear but I don't get why they won't eat in the Windjammer. The Royal Caribbean main dining room food is not better than the Windjammer. The Windjammer is the better place to eat for a casual experience.