Am I the only one who'd love to cruise without formal night?

[jff50]

I would say that based on my experiences, those who view formal evenings – emphasis on EVENINGS – as only dressing for dinner, would be incorrect. Just because passengers dress for dinner and then change into casual attire doesn’t mean the definition of a formal evening has changed (and I’m not sure that I agree that the majority of passengers do this). It just means people are ignoring the definition, which isn’t proper. Those who enjoy a formal evening, therefore, already have compromised that evening in that those who remain casual do partake in other activities around the ship.

 

If I read this correctly, you are stating that Princess should enforce a policy of formal attire required for all shipboard activities, all night, on formal nights. This should probably start with first seating dinner--people that eat later should either put on their formal attire early, or be relegated to the "casual alternatives".

 

Princess, along with other cruise lines that offer formal evenings, don’t hide the fact that this is part of the cruise experience. Nor do they hide the fact that there are casual alternatives on their ships – nor do other cruise lines hide the fact that they offer casual experiences. So, right – they’ve paid for a cruise which includes formal evenings…they've paid for it knowing what the experience includes and what the alternatives are.

 

If, as you seem to be saying, it's a formal evening (not limited to a formal dinner) what are the "casual alternatives" to shows and other activities. The only casual alternative I've seen mentioned is the Horizon Court buffet--I think that that is a dining option only.

[stoneharborlady]

I have only cruised once but did not see any nights where the same menu items were served in the dining room and Horizon Court or Carib Cafe on the same evening. Obviously you have seen this on other Princess ships, but it sure was not on the Caribbean Princess the week I went.

[stoneharborlady]

Why not make the Caribbean Princess all casual? Most that sail her are doing it for the family, party, Caribbean and MUTS atmosphere.. Let them enjoy it to the fullest...

 

 

This sounds uncomfortably like "Let them eat cake"

[bdjam]

If I read this correctly, you are stating that Princess should enforce a policy of formal attire required for all shipboard activities, all night, on formal nights. This should probably start with first seating dinner--people that eat later should either put on their formal attire early, or be relegated to the "casual alternatives".

When I started cruising – in the old days of coal bunkers :rolleyes: - the evening’s dress guidelines went into effect at 6:00 p.m. If it was a casual night, you weren’t seen outside of the cabin hallways in shorts. If it were a formal night, you were expected to be dressed properly when in the public areas…and if you weren’t you were spoken to by ship’s personnel. Today, in the modern cruising age, I normally have Late Seating and am in my cabin getting ready for dinner around 6:00 p.m. So it all works out fine for me.

 

If, as you seem to be saying, it's a formal evening (not limited to a formal dinner) what are the "casual alternatives" to shows and other activities. The only casual alternative I've seen mentioned is the Horizon Court buffet--I think that that is a dining option only

On some ships, Horizon Court offers entertainment in the evening – sometimes a solo pianist, sometimes a combo and sometimes dancing. The Sun Class of ships (including Coral and Island) have a dedicated bar in the Horizon Court area which could turn it into a lounge/dancing venue. There are also pools, walks out on deck and on the newer ships, MUTS. I would venture to say that the majority of those who aren’t into dressing for dinner probably aren’t into sitting at a production show either.

This sounds uncomfortably like "Let them eat cake"

It does? Didn’t Marie mutter those words because she didn’t understand what it meant when she was told the people of France didn’t have bread? I don’t get it – nobody is being purposefully deprived of anything. It is one’s Personal Choice if they elect not to participate in the formal evening.

[stoneharborlady]

I dont mean to be argumentative, but I saw MANY in the theater, and casino after dinner dressed very casually, sitting side by side with those in gowns and suits or tuxes. My family did stay dressed, but many did not. I just dont see why it has to be so important. It does not lessen the cruise experience for those dressed formally (at least it did not for me) to see someone else not formally dressed. It sure would not change my life any, much less my vacation. I would rather see everyone have fun, and enjoy, whatever floats your boat.

[sradogna]

As I've said before this is an issue that only gets this much attention on these boards.

 

In reality, people DO choose to dress casually and go to the alternative dining and DO choose to go to the shows and the casino and the rest of the ship. They are not forced to stay on lido deck or a certain lounge because they didn't dress up. The concept of a formal evening as opposed to a formal dinner in the formal dining room just doesn't exist. A good number of people who wish to dress formally don't even stay in their formal wear to attend shows, go to the casino, etc.

 

I just hope that any first time cruisers are not put off by this false notion that there are more stringent rules then there really are and that they realize that ONLY on these boards does this topic warrant any conversation at all.

[bdjam]

I dont mean to be argumentative, but I saw MANY in the theater, and casino after dinner dressed very casually, sitting side by side with those in gowns and suits or tuxes. My family did stay dressed, but many did not. I just dont see why it has to be so important. It does not lessen the cruise experience for those dressed formally (at least it did not for me) to see someone else not formally dressed. It sure would not change my life any, much less my vacation. I would rather see everyone have fun, and enjoy, whatever floats your boat.

That’s really outside of the topic at hand – although I prefer a formal evening, my cruise experience is not ruined if someone sitting next to me in the theater is not dressed appropriately. I happen to think it impolite, and I don’t particularly like it, but it won’t ruin my experience. But as I indicated above, the cruise was purchased knowing that formal evenings were part of it – so it makes one wonder why some would show up in casual wear.

 

I would like to see everyone have fun too – one way I like to have fun is to enjoy the two formal nights that are presented for each week’s cruise. Repeating myself again, the cruise lines offer alternatives for those who don’t want to be involved in a formal evening – please take advantage of them. Those of us who do enjoy formal evenings should be allowed to do the same with our preferences. I still don’t understand why it is OK for those who don’t like formal nights to be accommodated, but it’s not OK for those who do.

 

And as Largin implies – the passenger population on Caribbean Princess is not the same as you will find on other ships and itineraries in the fleet. Again repeating myself – of three formal nights on my 15 day Island Princess cruise, I only saw one couple who were not dressed according to the guidelines one evening.

In reality, people DO choose to dress casually and go to the alternative dining and DO choose to go to the shows and the casino and the rest of the ship. They are not forced to stay on lido deck or a certain lounge because they didn't dress up.

Right – those were the good old days. Now, even though the cruise line indicates that an evening’s attire be applied throughout the ship for the full evening, people don’t comply. Is it a good thing to ignore guidelines and do what one pleases without regard to others? That’s a matter of opinion.

[Host CJSKIDS]

As I've said before this is an issue that only gets this much attention on these boards.

 

In reality, people DO choose to dress casually and go to the alternative dining and DO choose to go to the shows and the casino and the rest of the ship. They are not forced to stay on lido deck or a certain lounge because they didn't dress up. The concept of a formal evening as opposed to a formal dinner in the formal dining room just doesn't exist. A good number of people who wish to dress formally don't even stay in their formal wear to attend shows, go to the casino, etc.

 

I just hope that any first time cruisers are not put off by this false notion that there are more stringent rules then there really are and that they realize that ONLY on these boards does this topic warrant any conversation at all.

 

This is a great post! It is so true, not one of my other friends ever has this conversation when we all discuss cruising, I only see it here.

[jff50]

On some ships, Horizon Court offers entertainment in the evening – sometimes a solo pianist, sometimes a combo and sometimes dancing. The Sun Class of ships (including Coral and Island) have a dedicated bar in the Horizon Court area which could turn it into a lounge/dancing venue. There are also pools, walks out on deck and on the newer ships, MUTS. I would venture to say that the majority of those who aren’t into dressing for dinner probably aren’t into sitting at a production show either.

 

 

Aside from casual dining, I've never seen Princess designate a casual entertainment site for formal evenings. I must have missed that communication?

 

I've seen a lot of people at the production shows that are not dressed formally. I've never done a survey on whether or not they dressed formally for dinner. In either event, you seem to be of the opinion that they should be relegated to the Horizon Court or pool area for the whole evening. I'd rather see Princess try to be as accomodating as practical.

[WCAB]

From what I have read, most go along with the formal concept but a great number do so without really enjoying it. What most posters are saying, if they could "make a wish" Princess would recognize that a good many do not really look forward to the experience and would offer more of a choice, then eating in your room or the buffet. Hey, if you are going to wish, might as well

make it reflective of whqt you would like to see happen.

 

Carol

[jff50]

That’s really outside of the topic at hand – although I prefer a formal evening, my cruise experience is not ruined if someone sitting next to me in the theater is not dressed appropriately. I happen to think it impolite, and I don’t particularly like it, but it won’t ruin my experience. But as I indicated above, the cruise was purchased knowing that formal evenings were part of it – so it makes one wonder why some would show up in casual wear.

 

 

Do you really think that people purchase a cruise giving a lot of thought to "knowing that formal evenings were part of it" If you know what people think when they purchase a cruise, why can't you figure out why they show up in casual wear?

 

My guess is that, if these people even give any thought to the formal evenings, they are aware that the enforcement of guidelines on attire are lax in the dining rooms and non-existent in other venues--and that they'll have a lot of company if they dress down after dinner. I really don't care enough to wonder about someone else's motivation.

[bdjam]

Aside from casual dining, I've never seen Princess designate a casual entertainment site for formal evenings. I must have missed that communication?

 

I've seen a lot of people at the production shows that are not dressed formally. I've never done a survey on whether or not they dressed formally for dinner. In either event, you seem to be of the opinion that they should be relegated to the Horizon Court or pool area for the whole evening. I'd rather see Princess try to be as accomodating as practical.

I didn’t say that Princess had designated any entertainment site as casual. The question about casual alternatives was asked and I’m only stating the facts as I’ve seen them. The Sun Class ships (as well as Regal Princess) offer entertainment during the evenings when meals are served in the Horizon Court areas. Caribbean Princess and her new sisters offer MUTS. All ships have pools and outside decks.

 

I think Princess is pretty darn accommodating – not only to they offer casual alternatives, but they look the other way when those who don’t wish to partake in a formal evening’s dress partake in the formal evening anyway…most of the time. But I still don’t understand why those who prefer to be casual are asking for accommodation, and those who partake in the formal evening – which is what the cruise line is selling - have to accommodate. It sounds to me that rather than being accommodating, those who refuse to be formal are asking for permission for encroachment.

Do you really think that people purchase a cruise giving a lot of thought to "knowing that formal evenings were part of it" If you know what people think when they purchase a cruise, why can't you figure out why they show up in casual wear?

Unfortunately, I don’t know what people think when they buy a cruise and that’s why sometimes I’m a bit puzzled at some of the questions posed on this board. It amazes me that people will spend thousands of dollars without knowing what they are buying – and that doesn’t only apply to dress guidelines. As for figuring out why people show up at formal events in casual wear, maybe you can tell me – perhaps without the sarcasm? If I posted something that merits a sarcastic response, I apologize... :o

[sradogna]

Right – those were the good old days. Now, even though the cruise line indicates that an evening’s attire be applied throughout the ship for the full evening, people don’t comply. Is it a good thing to ignore guidelines and do what one pleases without regard to others? That’s a matter of opinion.

 

 

That's the great thing about an opinion ... everyone gets to have one and everyone gets to act on it as they see fit. The authority involved (in this case the cruiseline and only the cruiseline) has the right to go about enforcing whatever policies they truly want to enforce. The fact that they don't is good enough for me and by the looks of things on my last 4 cruises good enough for a large percentage of cruisers.

[cruisnfool]

I am among those that started cruising when 6:00 was the cut-off...no shorts anywhere and no other options for dress.

 

I like to dress up and realize many do not.

I think its great especially if you have children to teach them about dressing up.

We live in such a casual society that some people think the dress code is come as you want no matter what the occasion.

 

The changes in cruising are a result of peoples comments and the cruising crowd getting younger.

 

I hope they never quit having formal nights.

 

My cruise is not affected by casual dressers........I just look better than they do Ha! Ha!

Theres room for everybody......

[sradogna]

Great attitude cruisnfool!! I honestly don't understand why anyone bothers to care what another is wearing. There is room for everyone and only on these boards does it seem to matter.

 

I can understand the formal dinner concept because it is almost like being invited to a wedding and dressing up for the honor of the occassion. But insisting that everyone in your town who isn't invited or doesn't choose to come to your wedding must eat at McDonald's and then scurry back home and get off the streets if not properly dressed is just a little too much.

[AliceS]

I know that you don't want to hear this, but I love the formal nights. The atmosphere on the whole ship is wonderful, classy, romantic and fun. I am happy that they did away with semi formal nights. That was vague and most men didn't want to don a sport jacket after dressing up for formal. What is the problem with getting a little dressed up? Most people don't do this all of the time and really enjoy it. If it's not your thing, I'm sure that there are cruise lines that don't have any formal nights. I didn't read through this whole thread, just wanted to give my 2 cents worth.

 

I know that I've gone to a show on formal night and have seen people in cut off jeans and tank tops, warm up suits, whatever. I think they just enjoy being IN YOUR FACE and will do as they please.

To answer your question, you're not the only one, but I don't personally know anyone else out there with you.

[bdjam]

I can understand the formal dinner concept because it is almost like being invited to a wedding and dressing up for the honor of the occassion. But insisting that everyone in your town who isn't invited or doesn't choose to come to your wedding must eat at McDonald's and then scurry back home and get off the streets if not properly dressed is just a little too much.

I don’t think that a fair analogy at all. The query posed in the original post was whether or not others felt that they would like to cruise without formal nights. Obviously, there is some positive response – and because some do, the cruise lines have been good enough to offer alternatives to formal evenings. Instead of happily accepting these alternatives, some choose to ignore the possibilities and instead encroach on the formal evening that others enjoy - and some do so with glee. I guess my question – why are those who enjoy formal nights expected to give, but those who prefer casual aren’t – will never be answered.

I know that I've gone to a show on formal night and have seen people in cut off jeans and tank tops, warm up suits, whatever. I think they just enjoy being IN YOUR FACE and will do as they please

Amen, sister…

[luv2cruise99]

I would absolutely LOVE a cruise without formal night. It is the only part of cruising that I have always hated.

[LARGIN]

I realize that formal night is a tradition for cruising. But, it is my vacation...and I'd love to be able to relax and forego the dress and heels for a week. Am I the only one who feels this way?

 

I'm NOT looking for an education on the etiquette of cruising. I don't wear jeans to the dining room. I do follow the rules and bring/wear my black cocktail attire when we cruise. I'D JUST RATHER NOT! (So flamers find another victim!!)

 

What I wish is that I could JUST ONCE go on a cruise without having to go through the enire hassle of getting so dressed up...so that they can sell more photos. My opinion.

 

This is the Original Post...

My answer to the "Am I the only one who feels this way" comment is no, many people feel this way. As for the "JUST ONCE" comment. Yes you can but not on Princess... Nuff said, time to move on.. This never ending argument will never change the minds of those who prefer wearing shorts, overalls and jeans on formal nights.. :D

[kendon]

I just love formal nights, and my teenage boys actually look forward to it. Everyday life is so casual and rushed, I find it special to fuss and dress up. There are options, and as a previous poster said, they know what they are buying when booking the cruise. Gosh, it's only 2 nights!

[Pam in CA]

I have only cruised once but did not see any nights where the same menu items were served in the dining room and Horizon Court or Carib Cafe on the same evening. Obviously you have seen this on other Princess ships, but it sure was not on the Caribbean Princess the week I went.

Yes, I've seen it on the Regal Princess and the Royal Princess. I almost always go to the dining room and some of what I am repeating is what people have told me while on cruises. I know for sure that it's true for lunch -- on our Royal Princess cruise, they even posted the menu. I haven't had dinner in the Horizon Court on the Caribbean Princess so it's possible that this isn't true on the CB.

[Pam in CA]

I can understand the formal dinner concept because it is almost like being invited to a wedding and dressing up for the honor of the occassion. But insisting that everyone in your town who isn't invited or doesn't choose to come to your wedding must eat at McDonald's and then scurry back home and get off the streets if not properly dressed is just a little too much.

I disagree with this because it's missing the point, which is that if you don't want to dress up and prefer more casual dining, there are several options available. If you want all-casual all of the time, there are other cruiselines available.

[miami]

Try Norweigan. They have freestyle dining and no formal nights. Some people chose to dress up but it was optional (the reason we chose NCL). Collared shirts, no shorts or tanks in the restaurants after 5. I did see some people wearing jeans but most wore khaki style pants.

[Host Caroline]

Yes, I've seen it on the Regal Princess and the Royal Princess. I almost always go to the dining room and some of what I am repeating is what people have told me while on cruises. I know for sure that it's true for lunch -- on our Royal Princess cruise, they even posted the menu. I haven't had dinner in the Horizon Court on the Caribbean Princess so it's possible that this isn't true on the CB.

 

On the Diamond last month there were at least 3 entrees from the dining room menu in the Horizon Court but not lobster on Formal night, not crab legs, etc. Had the veal up there one night and it was excellent, couldn't have been any better in the dining room

[Liner]

I'm not a fan of formal nights even tho my husband and son are! I would rather dress up than eat buffet food though!!! It's fun to watch everyone on formal night from the bars! MEOW!!