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

[Mike2131]

It is hard to believe this thread is still going on (posted fairly early on) , but I have found it entertaining. We always play by the rules, but find that dressing up adds nothing to our cruise experience. That being said, we don't expect Princess to change just for us.

Early outrageous pricing on the new Crown sent us looking for an alternative, and we found ourselves seriously considering Oceania. They offer a smaller ship experience (we have wanted to try one - but without the fares on Silversea or Seabourn), some great itineraries, very limited smoking, a reputation for wonderful service and cuisine, and no formal nights. Princess might have done us a huge favor (we will find out in February).

 

Hate to dress-to-the-nines for dinner and want a change? I suggest you, like us, look for alternatives that are more apples-to-apples than the previously suggested NCL. You might be suprised at what you will find out there.

[spongerob]

Mike, that's been my point all along! Take a look at all the alternatives, and go with what suits your tastes. I've seen some great deals on Oceania and have been interested, but the cruises they've offered always conflict with our future plans. If I may be so bold, I predict that RCI will soon drop formal nights entirely, maybe within the next two years.

 

I understand where many are coming from. I just think it's the wrong answer to suggest that Princess continue to water down their offerings and provide more "choices". When you try to please everyone, you end up pleasing no one.

[stoneharborlady]

Mike, that's been my point all along! Take a look at all the alternatives, and go with what suits your tastes. I've seen some great deals on Oceania and have been interested, but the cruises they've offered always conflict with our future plans. If I may be so bold, I predict that RCI will soon drop formal nights entirely, maybe within the next two years.

 

I understand where many are coming from. I just think it's the wrong answer to suggest that Princess continue to water down their offerings and provide more "choices". When you try to please everyone, you end up pleasing no one.

 

Well Rob, our family is trying RCI for our next cruise. We will still pack formals though!! I hope that you will at least PRETEND that you are going to miss us!!! I see that this thread is still going, what happened to lets shut it down? Karen :)

[madelinerose]

My in-laws recently returned from a cruise on the Paul Gaugin (Radisson)...no formal nights and they absolutely loved it! ;)

 

Early outrageous pricing on the new Crown sent us looking for an alternative, and we found ourselves seriously considering Oceania. They offer a smaller ship experience (we have wanted to try one - but without the fares on Silversea or Seabourn), some great itineraries, very limited smoking, a reputation for wonderful service and cuisine, and no formal nights.

[bdjam]

I did see that but you complained that I was not taking you at face value. Now I am supposed to read humor into your posts? How about you pick one way and stick with it.

Agreed. In the meantime, I’ve apologized once for any misunderstanding on my previous post…would slitting my wrists help to make my apology acceptable? Never mind, don't answer that...I don't feel like granting any favors.

Since they are the ones who list how they want people to dress and behave then it is up to them to ensure that it happens.

I disagree – we are all supposed to be intelligent adults capable of carrying on in the world. It would seem after being given instructions we should be able to carry them out without big brother watching over us. Maybe some of us expect too much from our fellow citizens.

That may be but to me it would only be an acceptable alternative if the same type of service and food was available in other venues on the ship. That is not the case.

Maybe it doesn't matter if that's not the case. If you’re looking to have a formal evening in your casual wear, then it might be an issue. But I would again venture to guess that those who have no desire to attend a formal dinner probably could do without the rest of the formal events as well. The premise of some of the posters here seems to be there’s a good number of people who prefer casual over formal – funny at the formal evenings I’ve attended, any casual dressers are definitely in the minority…where did all those people go?

I think it was mentioned earlier in the thread perhaps they should set uptwo separate themes on lobster night. One formal the other casual. I think

this is a great idea. As cruising becomes increasingly popular, and more and more people get hooked on cruising, I think this idea would appeal to alot

of them.

Also consider that packing a ship with casual alternatives doesn’t come without a price - how much is a MUTS screen and sound system? Does MUTS play all day and all night so the cruise line can get their money's worth out of it? Giving those who prefer casual on a formal night all that they want may just up your cruise fare.

Until then I have no problem sharing my space or experience with people who prefer to be comfortable.

Nor do I – I just don’t think it correct.

Hate to dress-to-the-nines for dinner and want a change? I suggest you, like us, look for alternatives that are more apples-to-apples than the previously suggested NCL. You might be suprised at what you will find out there.

Excellent…thank you for participating in this thread and helping to even out the debate.

[cruzinchris]

When this discussion started a week ago, I mentioned it to DH. His immediate response was, "We look forward to formal nights on cruises." I didn't object to him speaking of the "royal" we because it's true that we look forward to formal evenings when we cruise.

 

Rather than get into the fray about whether or not there should be no formal nights, an alternative casual dining room, or passengers who don't want to dress formally during their cruises choosing other lines, I would like to share some personal experiences that pertain to "dress codes." Put into perspective with other standards of dress, I think most Princess passengers will agree that, while formal attire is suggested, there are variances in what might be considered acceptable given the circumstances.

 

Having been guests at The Grand Hotel on Michigan's Mackinac Island, DH and I know firsthand that this elegant Victorian resort adheres to very strict rules regarding appropriate attire during the evening hours. When you book your stay at The Grand Hotel, you are informed of the specific evening dress code, and this information is emphasized in your document package. Even if you don't require further reminders, you will be told again during check-in that you must dress appropriately after 6PM when appearing in any of the hotel's public areas: the dining room that seats 1600 guests, the formal parlor, lounges, Terrace ballroom, Cupola bar above the portico, even the outdoor grounds of the hotel. Signs are prominently displayed throughout public areas of the hotel indicating "appropriate attire required after 6PM" and there are no exceptions to following the dress code - not just one or two nights - but every single evening at The Grand Hotel. If you are a guest at Mackinac Island's famed Grand Hotel, you will not be permitted in public areas of the hotel unless you are "appropriately attired."

 

Another attire-related experience that might help put this issue into perspective is a rather humorous episode that DH and I had in Washington, D.C. a few years ago. When we knew we would be in the nation's capital, we researched fine dining establishments. We decided on a restaurant that required advance reservations and had a strict dress-code. We dressed appropriately and arrived on time in our rental car, simultaneously with two couples in a stretch limo. As soon as the party exited the limousine, DH and I noticed that the guys were not dressed as required (no jackets or ties), and we were eager to see how this would be handled. Then again, we thought they might be "celebrities" or "Washington insiders" who might not be required to adhere to the dress code. What transpired next has brought a chuckle each time we recall the experience.

 

As we "passed muster" with the Valet, the foursome were detained at the entrance to the restaurant and told that they could not dine there unless the gentlemen were wearing the required jacket/tie. As DH and I were ushered into the vestibule, the foursome was escorted into a closet so the men could be "fitted" with jackets and ties. Their wives seemed amazed at this spectacle, and DH and I were more than a little amused - a treasured travel moment, to be sure.

 

While DH and I look forward to formal nights on cruises, we appreciate that all passengers don't necessarily enjoy this, and we respect their choices. We've noticed, though, that a majority of Princess passengers adhere to the suggested attire on formal nights, and it is exhilarating to see so many people dressed to the nines. If we attended "black tie" events more often, we probably wouldn't be so enthralled with this aspect of cruising.

 

Long story short, I suppose, is that there can be dress codes at elegant resort hotels and fine dining establishments where appropriate attire is absolutely required and with no exceptions to the rules. I believe that Princess aims to please all passengers with the word "suggested."

 

Bon Voyage!

Chris

[coiran]

I agree Cruisin Chris - if you go back to the "OLD" days og transatlantic cruising - it was all about formal wear - I think that Princess, only requiring formal wear two nights on a 7 - 10 day cruise is appropriate - let's keep cruising the way it was in the "OLD" days - those that want casual can go on "Windjammer"

 

Ron

[PrincessAddict]

...better still let's (the one's that like casual) stay home in our pyjama's watching re-runs of the "Love Boat" on Nick at Night!...

 

Coiran...let's keep cruising the way it was in the "OLD" days - those that want casual can go on "Windjammer"

 

what kinda non-sense was that?

[coiran]

...better still let's (the one's that like casual) stay home in our pyjama's watching re-runs of the "Love Boat" on Nick at Night!...

 

Coiran...let's keep cruising the way it was in the "OLD" days - those that want casual can go on "Windjammer"

 

what kinda non-sense was that?

 

It's only nonsense if you are "nonsensical"! Are YOU or are all French Canadians that way?

 

Ron

[coiran]

Lest I forget "what are PYJAMAS?

[PrincessAddict]

How could you pass judgement on an individual you have never met or even a demographic of people for that matter?...Highly judgemental of you wouldn't you say and borderline attacking on here?

 

As to the OLD days I was referring to and not yourself specifically, however ancient your beliefs some across on here at times....I am saying that crusiing with 10 steamer trunks and dressing to the "nines" is of a yester year!...get with the Millenium!...the Lusitania was sunk over 1/2 century ago RON!

[sultan_sfo]

All this suggested dress codes, makes me suggest that all forms of SUGGESTIVE dresses be allowed on Formal NIGHTS. /Sultan

[coiran]

How could you past judgement on an individual you have never met or even a demographic of people for that matter?...Highly judgemental of you wouldn't you say and borderline attacking on here?

 

As to the OLD days I was referring to and not yourself specifically, however ancient your beliefs some across on here at times....I am saying that crusiing with 10 steamer trunks and dressing to the "nines" is of a yester year!...get with the Millenium!...the Lusitania was sunk over 1/2 century ago!

 

Not "PASTING" (sp) passing judgement on anyone or anything - I just feel that the cruising experience should include some of the glamour of yesterday - you are welcome to eat at the Horizon Court in your Casual Dress or stay in your room - you are obviously a Princess Fan - so - If you don't like how they run their ships - have "your people" call "their people" and take care of the problem! PS - you do not need 10 steamer trunks to pack a suit!

 

Ron

[PrincessAddict]

Coiran thanks for the approval as to where I can eat on the ship...

 

You seem to presume simply because I push back on this issue as hard as you push forward and some others that I do not dress appropriately and/or do not participate on Formal Nights. I do it with the same voracity as you simply because I want as a Shareholder in this company as many else on here for our passengers to be able to enjoy themselves while on vacation.

 

Let me pronounce myself here clearly...I participate when and where I feel like it no matter how many formal nights are being offered while I am on board. If my mood strikes me to wanna dress up and participate then we do so. If I choose not to do so I go about my evening and enjoy it like or not what others may or may not think of me for one reason and one reason only. When I look into my wallet the colour of my money is the same as yours and the 2688 other people onboard and I decide how I plan to spend it and enjoy it. It is not some Cruise Answer book or high pressure written reinforcements on here that makes me decide when I get out of bed that day on Formal Night and then the light bulb goes on and I say " I must DRESS in my penguin suit tonight or ELSE!"

 

I believe that if I were on here for the first time reading this post I would feel so "intimidated" by some of the posting saying you MUST do this and you MUST do that!...come on ...as Jack would say...."can't we just all get along!"

[coiran]

WOW - noone is saying that you "have to do it" - but you are a little bit confrontational tonight - You do know that I know you as "Highroller" and we have clashed before - and - you were asked to leave before. I hope that is not the problem here - This board's purpose is to ask for and give "solid" advice for Princess related subjects - it seems that, to some, it is a board game to start controversies. I try to give advice from the knowledge I have gained on many Princess cruises on several of the class ships - and - I usually qualify my advice as to my experience on "XXXX" ship.

 

Have a nice day - I have put you on "ignore"

 

Ron

[PrincessAddict]

I am not trying to add to the controversy that was allready started by this type of thread but simply trying to add a sense of balance on the topic. May I remind you of the French Canadian comment advanced by yourself tonight?....sounded a little confrontational to me although I didn't take it personally...Have a good evening Ron!

 

 

"nonsensical"! Are YOU or are all French Canadians that way?

Ron

[arlenemilt]

Ok Coiran (a/k/a Ron) I'm going to put my 2 cents into this so that you can FLAME me too. First of all, you criticize too freely. You don't spell and/or use grammar correctly either. So........ now go back and proofread your previous postings. Secondly, why are you ranting against Canadians? If you disagree with the OP, then you disagree. Where he comes from and/or his nationality does not enter into this forum. EVER! And thirdly, since I really don't want to debate with you, Formal Night on any ship is in the eye of the beholder. There is NO formal night police. If you want to dress, you dress. If you want to be casual, you're casual. Yes, the casual dressers will be in the minority, but.........that's their choice.

Arlene

P.S. Did it ever occur to you that some men don't even own a jacket and/or a suit? Does that mean they are banished from dining with the others? I don't think so!

[coiran]

Ok Coiran (a/k/a Ron) I'm going to put my 2 cents into this so that you can FLAME me too. First of all, you criticize too freely. You don't spell and/or use grammar correctly either. So........ now go back and proofread your previous postings. Secondly, why are you ranting against Canadians? If you disagree with the OP, then you disagree. Where he comes from and/or his nationality does not enter into this forum. EVER! And thirdly, since I really don't want to debate with you, Formal Night on any ship is in the eye of the beholder. There is NO formal night police. If you want to dress, you dress. If you want to be casual, you're casual. Yes, the casual dressers will be in the minority, but.........that's their choice.

Arlene

P.S. Did it ever occur to you that some men don't even own a jacket and/or a suit? Does that mean they are banished from dining with the others? I don't think so!

 

I think Highroller can afford a suit! As far as my grammar and english, I haven't seen any problems with it - you, obviously are a friend of highroller. You will be put on my "ignore" list also.

 

Ron

[lesharona]

I think we are going to have to agree to disagree on this one. I can see

both sides of the issue. I think everyone should do what feels right for

them, and not worry about other people's opinion. I think Princess does

a great job of making sure all have a great cruise experience. As long as you are not "in your face" about it, and use good judgement you can eat where

you like every night of the cruise.

[coiran]

I think we are going to have to agree to disagree on this one. I can see

both sides of the issue. I think everyone should do what feels right for

them, and not worry about other people's opinion. I think Princess does

a great job of making sure all have a great cruise experience. As long as you are not "in your face" about it, and use good judgement you can eat where

you like every night of the cruise.

 

AMEN!!!

 

Ron

[arlenemilt]

I think Highroller can afford a suit! As far as my grammar and english, I haven't seen any problems with it - you, obviously are a friend of highroller. You will be put on my "ignore" list also.

 

Ron

 

Promise?

BTW, no one is NOT one word.

Arlene

[PrincessAddict]

Lord someone shut this down 'cause I know I didn't start this thread and the OP has done the "midnight on us all" and I certainly didn't have the intention to finish it either!...Let this die once and for all...now no one be tempted to repost!:D :p :D

[bjkTX]

the last time the comments in a topic made me call someone a "pompus ass" - but sheesh this one has has so many that qualify. Someone read the original question that was posed - and no matter how someone answers - it's their opinion. And I hate to tell some of you - but their opinion counts too. This is enough to make me want to show up in the dining room on formal night in shorts and sandals just hoping I can ruin someones evening - or make them jump overboard regretting things can't be just like the good old days. Back to my martini......

[S&D]

We have read a lot of this thread, and obviously there will always be the pro's and con's of formal nights. Let put it in a nutshell...its personal taste!

 

We for instance ...LOVE formal nights...we (hubby and I both)...work shift at a local plant which requires us to wear ear protection, (large )... eye goggle protection, full body suit protection also, and large workboots... so there I am....looking very glamorous 5 nights a week in that get-up!! ...LOL... :D

 

We love nothing better ..after we have saved all year for our cruise...to get all gussied up in our best gear and dance the night away! We look forward to that while we are toiling away at work....anyway...just our opinion...and after all...we are just plain happy to be fit and well enough ...to be able to go on these wonderful adventures.

 

Best regards and happy cruising to you all...

S&D

Australia

[orhodes]

"Say Goodnight, Gracie..."

 

"uh, ok...GOODNIGHT GRACIE..."

 

 

 

(thanks George);)