Mandatory Formal Nights. You Decide

[markRichmond]

I thought it would be fun to vote on this topic since it comes up all the time. What policy would you prefer.

[mrlevin]

Mark:

 

If you search back, you will find a similar poll we did last year. You will find that there are people in both camps. The nice thing about Radisson is that they provide both classical cruising and casual cruising (Alaska, Bermuda, FP).

 

marc

 

12/19/02 Mariner

05/24/03 Diamond

10/01/03 Voyager

12/27/03 Voyager

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[jhp]

Mark and marc, it would be interesting if you could compare the votes on these two polls. Is that possible?

[markRichmond]

The results suggest that Radisson would make more people happy if they made formal nights optional or just got rid of them and went to a country club casual format.

 

This would surely translate into increased sales and profit. As I stated on another thread, my wife and I had narrowed our choice between Radisson and another line and the dress code policy was the deciding factor in us going elsewhere.

 

Mark

[englishlee]

I would beg to differ and add my ten cents worth. Maybe it's a transatlantic / European thing but most of the people that I talk to over here (in the UK) tend to like the whole dressing up thing.

 

We probably would go elsewhere if Radisson went too casual, my wife and the other women that I have contact with (in the loosest sense of the word)like to dress up and feel special for a few nights of the year. I'm not sure why they don't feel special the rest of the year, maybe I should look at myself for a reason !

 

Certainly the women like to dress up more than the guys but even so I don't mind doing it. Perhaps there is a case for saying that certain cruises are all informal - maybe to destinations such as the Caribbean or Hawaii. In Europe I think that turning the product too casual would be seen as cheapening it and would be a big turn off. This might not be a problem in most years as Americans are the predominant nationality, but I was on the Voyager in May last uear in the Med and most of the passengers on board were not from North America because they were not travelling, and in the main they seemed to prefer dressing up.

 

At the end of the day I guess it's horses for courses, there is always an alternative option if you choose not to dress up and after all it's only for a night or two a week.

 

I'm on the Mariner next week for two weeks and we have three formal nights so I'm having to drag my tux to the States, now that is the major downside to formal nights from our perspective. But I'm happy to do it - it's only once or twice a year.

 

Regards from a rainy UK

Lee

[Jim B]

Ok. Let me whine for a little bit.

I personally don't understand why anyone would want to go on vacation to a warm high humidity area and want to dress up!

Plus if your wife is like mine she worries about it 6 months before we go! Now that is not fun.

And since the 50 lbs luggage restrictions that complicates things even more!

Country Club Casual all the way!!!

[englishlee]

Jim I guess the difference is that here in the UK we don't get much warm weather so it's a novelty whatever we're wearing.

 

My wife works for me (with me?) so the secret to stop the worrying is to give her so much work that she doesn't have time to worry, or to spend !

 

The baggage thing acts as a natural limit to the baggage, but British Airways , bless their cotton socks, allows us two pieces each - each of which can weigh up to 70pounds. So not only do I get a cruise I also get to lift weights !

 

Talking of whine, Im off for a glass of red before dinner.

 

Lee

[Jim B]

Englishlee:

LOL.

Enjoy the glass!!

Little early in the day for us

Your point well taken.

All of our cruises have been to warm weather and the problem has been are we taking enough T-shirts and shorts!!

What is your weather like today?

Yesterday we were a record 85 F degrees today the wind is blowing about 40 mph and it is about 40F degrees and suppose to get to 20F degrees tonight!!

[Dolebludger]

On this subject, I have noticed what appears to be a trend on Radissson, as far as men's dress in the evenings is concerned. On evenings whether formal, informal, or casual, other than in the dining room I see more and more men dressed in slacks jacket and no tie. Sometimes, even a dress "T". Yes, I see many men so dressed on casual nights when the jacket is not even required. And on formal nights, men seem to be changing to this "informal jacketed look" after dinner (even though a strict reading of the rules says this is a no no). So it would appear that guests are attempting to adopt "jacketed informal" as the dress on Radisson in the evening to the extent possible.

 

Thanks,

Richard

[SeaPeaInn]

I would look to the upscale lines as the last bastion of the traditional cruise experience. If they drop formal nights then cruising as many of us know it would disappear.

 

Having said this, I believe that most will drop it in the next five years and it will be retained on one or two upscale lines. It's a sad sign of the times.

 

Cruising next week sans tux for the first time in 17 years of cruising.

[Dolebludger]

PNickle:

 

Actually on most Radisson cruises there IS some alternative restaurant, sometimes requiring reservations, where one can dress informally (jacket, no tie) on formal night. I know from another of your posts that you have yet to cruise Radisson. When you do, you will actually find that there is a bit of classy INFORMALITY about it, not the highly formal atmosphere you assume. Granted, Radisson has formal nights on some cruises (though not on others). But when formal nights are scheduled for a 7 day cruise, most likely there will be only one, not two like RCI had when I cruised them. On a two week cruise, expect two or three at most. I'm not a big fan of formal nights, but respect the desires of those who like them. You'll never see a guest on a Radisson formal night "out of code." But, also, the informal alternative will always be booked up!!

 

I'd like to close by saying that Radisson is undoubtedly the least formal and "stuffy" overall in the luxury segment. More generally this way than even some mass market lines. (Hint: That's why we cruise it alot!)

 

Thanks,

Richard

[Robyn52]

Thank you posters as you have saved me asking a question as to formal dress on Radisson Diamond. I embark Athens on Aug.8 but because I will be in northern Europe first need wardrobe for two seasons which eliminates taking formal gear as well. Thanks for your all your advice.

[Dolebludger]

Robyn touches on a good point. Ever-worsening airline size and weight restrictions on luggage may force the cruise lines to simplify their dinner dress codes in a manner that will require guests to taker fewer items of clothing. This is especially true on longer cruises on ships lacking a laundry. This wouldn't have to be the end of formal nights, as some sailings could be all formal, and would be very attractive to those who like formal nights. Others could be a combination of casual and informal (for men, just add a jacket). And when you add Robyn's problem of having to take clothes for two seasons, the tradition of having three evening dress codes on a given sailing just won't work.

 

Thanks,

Richard

[jhp]

Richard, I did not find Silversea the least bit more formal or "stuffy" than the larger Radisson ships (other than the Bermuda/Alaska itineraries). On my one and only cruise on the Shadow, we had 2 formal nights out of a 10 night cruise. You could eat in the alternative dining room in casual wear (not even a jacket required, let alone a tie) On the other hand, for the Voyager in June for 11 nights, we will have THREE formal nights. Go figure. I'm glad international flights allow 70 pounds, but I usually go no more than 50 before the suitcase is full!

 

I'm only passing this along, because I booked on Silversea with a little anxiety that it would be to "stuffy" for me. Once on, however, the differences between the two disappeared for me and I felt quite as comfortable as I do on Radisson. I hope you will try it someday when the timing is right.

[Dolebludger]

Ah, yes, we do intend to try Silversea. They've got some great bargains out there, but all of them have timing or itinerary negatives for us. But we are looking, and won't give up!

 

I do have a "formal night" related question as to both Radisson and Silversea. On formal nights when one dines in the alternative, more casual dining room, what is the rule for dress in public areas for the rest of the evening after dinner?

 

Thanks,

Richard

[jmb1101]

My husband hates dressing up as he has to wear a suit at least 3-4 days a week and smart casual the other 2 - - a very strict smart casual so he hates to have to wear a suit on vacation. I think this is one of the most important issues that will decide if we go on a RSSC cruise again. I love to dress up but I would give it up so I can continue to travel the way I want...with a happy husband!

[jhp]

Richard, the formal nights on Silversea that allow casual dining in the Terrace Room and Observation Lounge also all you to use the outside deck areas. Other than that, they request that you change into formal dress if you want to use the other public venues. On Radisson, I have always assumed that the dress code for the evening continues throughout the evening after dinner.

[Dolebludger]

jhp and all:

 

jhp, thanks for the reply. I asked because on our recent VTC Panama Canal cruise (14 nights) there were 3 formal nights, and Latitudes (requiring only informal dress) was always booked solid with a waiting list on these nights. After dinner, the "latitudes crowd", including men with jackets but no ties, freely visited the show lounge, other lounges, and casino, without challenge. I was just wondering if this were the result of policy of of "looking the other way."

 

Thanks,

Richard

[mrlevin]

Richard, I am surprised. When we were on Voyager Dec/Jan La Verandah was only casual alternative. Formal night was enforced everywhere else. That is not to say all were in tux or dark suit, just that that was the dress code. Latitudes did not have seprarate code. The obverse is true in Signatures where a minimum of informal is always required, including first and last nights.

 

marc

 

12/19/02 Mariner

05/24/03 Diamond

10/01/03 Voyager

12/27/03 Voyager

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Seven Seas Navigator Bermuda

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[Dolebludger]

Marc: thanks for correcting me. I meant La Veranda, not Latitudes. (Senior moment!) But in any event, my same question applies. On a formal night, after dressing to the informal code a La Veranda, is there any rule which requires one to change to formal to enjoy the "nightlife" on the ship? If so, it didn't seem to be observed or enforced on the VTC. This is not a complaint,just a question, as jackets are required for both informal and formal, and that's "close enough for me!"

 

Thanks,

Richard

[adrenn]

Hi Richard! I did see one passenger very politely refused service at the Voyager Lounge on the last formal night (ie, "we'd be happy to serve you, sir, if you wish to change your attire this evening"). Cheers, Anne

[alanhotatl]

Ok, so I leave on the Diamond for the Barcelona to Rome cruise Monday (May 24). What exactly are the guidelines for dress? How many formal nights are there on this cruise? And can you direct me to that information online?

 

More and more, formal means dark suit instead of tuxedo, but what will they do if I don't wear a tie with my suit...throw me off the ship? I mean, really...with the trouble with traveling and airline connections, it's tough to check luggage and hope it all gets there intact. And packing a tux is a nuisance, especially since for my three weeks after the cruise, I won't touch it but will have to lug it all over Europe.

 

By the way, anyone else on this cruise?

[Dolebludger]

adren:

 

On the VTC last month on formal nights, those who dined at La Veranda and Signatures all seemed to follow the informal dress code (jackets but tie optional for men.) After dinner, these guests were freely allowed into all lounges and the casino. I hope this keeps up.

 

I don't have a hard and fast opinion on whether cruises should have required formal nights or not. But I do have a definite opinion that at least an informal alternative restaurant should be available. After dinner, I firmly believe that those whose attire meets the code for ANY reataurant that evening should be allowed to be allowed to attend any show, lounge, dance, or casino on the ship, with no need to change clothes.

 

Thanks,

Richard

[Dolebludger]

alanhotatl:

 

I've never been able to find this info online, except on cruises Radisson is wanting to promote as all casual. To get this info, I've called Radisson's toll free number and asked. But sometimes the answer will be different when I get my docs, and still different once I am on the ship. Reception personnel's answer has been "these things are subject to change, at the will of the Captain and guest demand."

 

This is a rare occasion when I will be somewhat critical of Radisson. We all need to know the dress code in advance so we can plan, sometimes shop, and pack. With tight airline luggage restrictions and "airport messes", the last thing we need is a dress code "surprise" when we are already onboard! Radisson needs to get with the program to my experience, and give us dress code info well in advance that is reliable. And if you or anyone else knows how to get this information, please let me know too. So far, it's been a matter of Radisson changing the rules in the middle of the game.

 

Thanks,

Richard

[markRichmond]

I thought I would bring this back up to allow others to vote.