Why not 1 really good formal night instead of 2 half hearted ones?

[RocketMan275]

Glad you can.

 

I don't think anyone is 'telling you'.... It was a custom, a recommendation, a tradition, an event, an expectation. So..........for cruise lines to have suggested attire and then not adhere to it does create disappointment.

 

For you, it has "created disappointment". Others might find the "disappointment" in being refused entry into the MDR.

 

BTW, if no one "is 'telling me", what is the purpose of this thread?

 

 

Shipshape sam: "What if some expectation you really wanted/expected was not realized after planning your cruise/saving for your cruise/taking time off from work/(you fill in the reason), I think you might think differently in how it might effect your enjoyment."

 

We're really talking about two different things. You're talking about the enforcement of the current code. I'm talking about what the content should be, should it be changed to all smart casual?

 

 

 

Shipshape sam: "I did have cruises where the majority did adhere to the formal dress and it was fun and we did anticipate the evening of getting dressed up, taking pictures, seeing what everyone would wear. The current policy or level of adherence has lessen the cruise experience for us. Other things have also changed our experience both positive and negative."

 

I'm glad you enjoyed that. Myself and many others would not find that enjoyable at all. Why is the enjoyment of those who agree with you more important than the enjoyment of those who agree with me?

 

Please don't misunderstand.

 

I agree with you that if the cruise line has a dress code then it should be enforced with very few exceptions. For example, someone who has just lost their hair because of chemo, then let me wear a hat. Wife and I don't agree with trying to get around the dress code. We just don't do the MDR on formal nights.

 

I believe the code will be changed, sooner or later, to smart casual on all evenings. I believe that more accurately reflects the desires of most cruisers. I do not believe one group of cruisers' enjoyment is more important than another's.

 

I believe that there is room for compromise. Some ideas. You can segregate the MDR into formal/smart casual in a variety of manners. Traditional dining could be formal and MTD could be smart casual. Early seating could be formal and late smart casual. Or the reverse. At seating in MTD, you could request a formal or smart casual table.

 

Despite the many ways for compromise, many of those who like formal nights insist that no compromise is possible since it would adversely affect the 'ambiance'. For example, I've seen numerous complaints that formally dressed diners in Grande often encounter others who are not formally dressed. Well, so what? Are we to restrict those who do not dress formally to their cabins? Just so some can have a heightened degree of ambiance?

Edited April 28, 2015 by RocketMan275

[RocketMan275]

Well that just shouldn't be allowed. And no, I'm not getting upset about what other people are wearing, but when a cruise line introduces a formal restaurant (that is completely OPTIONAL for those who don't like formal dining) they should enforce the dress code! There was basically no point in saying that Grande is formal if its not going to be enforced.

 

Well, reports are mixed concerning the enforcement of the code in Grande. That was not the point. My point was that there are those who complain even when the code is being enforced in Grande. There issue those who dine in the other three venues are dressed in accordance with the smart casual code in the other venues. Some don't like encountering anyone who is not formally dressed. They want a formal night all across the ship.

[coldflame]

Absolutely ! I put the majority of the responsibility for degrading of formal night on the cruise ships .

Frankly the only tradition that they really wish to keep is the formal night photographs .

I don't have much of a problem with passengers under-dressing .

 

There is no "blame" whatsoever, IMO. People have asked for more casual and relaxed attire in MDRs and cruise lines have happily obliged. For very many people, us included, there's zero value on formal dress code in a cruise. For those people who like to dress up, please by all means, dress up to the 9s if you enjoy that.

 

So if in your "one true formal night" idea people would have to wear blazer/sports jackets or formal dresses, you'd find a great deal of resistance for a good portion of the passengers.

[richstowe]

There is no "blame" whatsoever, IMO. People have asked for more casual and relaxed attire in MDRs and cruise lines have happily obliged. For very many people, us included, there's zero value on formal dress code in a cruise. For those people who like to dress up, please by all means, dress up to the 9s if you enjoy that.

 

So if in your "one true formal night" idea people would have to wear blazer/sports jackets or formal dresses, you'd find a great deal of resistance for a good portion of the passengers.

Frankly I'm not sure you are responding to what I wrote . "dress up to the 9s if you enjoy that." What ?

 

Reread my post . I don't care what others wear and as I posted (you should read it - it's brilliant )

" I put the majority of the responsibility for degrading of formal night on the cruise ships ."

I really like the OP's suggestion that cruiselines might reduce formal nights down to one

if they'd make a greater effort to make it a special night . You can dress to the 1s if you wish.

[Stitchman]

To me the Grande is an enclave with its own bespoke menu and dress requirement, but there is nothing about it otherwise that evokes cruise traditions and events. Maybe that is why there has been resistance to the Grande; people again stating "Well, if you (the cruiseline) aren't going to make this differentiated and special, why exactly should I bother with dressing to the 9's?"

 

If the Grande included events or activities peripheral to the dinner that were either unique to Grande or somehow reminiscent of cruising traditions thrown away in seek of profit, I think they could solidly pack the place every night and people would self-select to participate at the same level the cruise line does. Slapping a title and formal dress code on a restaurant does not make it formal. It's still half-pregnant

 

 

 

And that sir ...... is where the whole "Grande formal every night" thing goes out of the window......IMO.

 

The ship sort of .. won't know what it's doing :(

I'm of a mind, if it's not broke, don't fix it.

So don't change it at all........in the UK, most people go on a ship to experience the whole formal experience. We love it ...... well most.

If they have a 70s night, or Halloween etc, they don't expect everyone to dress up. It's not compulsory. its just nice and lovely to see.

I still can't for the life of me figure out the link between a formal night and dining is.

I honestly think you've all lost the plot really.

 

love and hugs xx

[Stitchman]

I can't wait to let you know about my Anthem experience.

its going to be #veryinteresting !!

[LMaxwell]

I still can't for the life of me figure out the link between a formal night and dining is.

I honestly think you've all lost the plot really.

 

Well, I did ask what you specifically would like to see brought back or incorporated into a formal evening (or they can drop the word formal and just call it dress to impress night, etc.) and you never clearly responded. Clearly those who really enjoy formal nights are not totally pleased with the current "ride the fence" situation. So what can the cruise line do to bring up the ambiance and entice more people to want to participate?

 

I like the idea of calling it dress to impress, or night out, etc. as opposed to formal. It's really not formal. And until the cruise line starts treating it like a special or differentiated night they certainly aren't going to win over converts and get more people to participate. The host must make an effort if they want the guest to reciprocate.

 

I don't really care if people dress in "true formal" or are just neat and clean. I think the whole "ambiance" of the ship can be raised, but it has to be lead by the cruise line and their event planning. Calling something a Formal Night or Gala Event and doing nothing different than other nights, well, people see right through that garbage.

[Stitchman]

my sincerest.

max.

I actually missed that post due to bad mobile Internet.

I'll go back and re read.

[srlafleur]

Personally, I would also rather have one very special formal night than what is in place now, which is one that's sort of special and one that's, basically, just called formal. To me, the difference is mostly in the food choices on the menu.

We've been on enough cruises that we don't care about meeting the captain, and we might (or might not) get our picture taken. We've never danced the night away, though we've sometimes stayed in our formal dress for a show.

In 20+ cruises, we've only attended any sort of midnight buffet one time (our first cruise many years ago). So, that's not a big deal for us, either. (truth be told, I didn't even notice when they went away).

We dress up for the "real" formal, and dress not quite so formally for the other. (still within the acceptable parameters).

 

I would just like to see that one formal night offer a really "fancier" menu.

 

ps: Anyone can dress up formally on every night if they wish. I've never heard of anyone being turned away because they were dressed too formally. There are photo opportunities on-going throughout a cruise, though perhaps not so many. Honestly, I feel like all those photo "booths" everywhere really detract from the "special" formal atmosphere.

pps: for informational data-gathering purposes, we DON'T prefer fixed dining times.

Edited April 28, 2015 by srlafleur

[north29]

However your idea is not bad. Not everyone on a cruise can or is willing to invest in FORMAL clothes and do not need the aggravation of worrying about it.

I have always said that Rc or other cruise lines should offer a FORMAL optional dining experience for cruisers who chose to DRESS Formally with a require a jacket/tux etc each night.

The rest of us NON FORMAL cruisers who treat the suggested dress code of FORMAL, less formal, "dress up night" as we call it, we dress nicely/modern but not formal, this would keep those formal dressers from have a bad evening because of our dress.

Not eating in the MDR on any night is our choice not a demand over dress code.

 

However I would miss seeing how great many look, but sometimes maybe not.

Edited April 28, 2015 by north29

[American Bear]

I like the concept too but hold onto your top hats because the haters gonna' hate. :D

 

 

No hate, just a bad idea!:D

[Stitchman]

Well, I did ask what you specifically would like to see brought back or incorporated into a formal evening (or they can drop the word formal and just call it dress to impress night, etc.) and you never clearly responded. Clearly those who really enjoy formal nights are not totally pleased with the current "ride the fence" situation. So what can the cruise line do to bring up the ambiance and entice more people to want to participate?

 

I like the idea of calling it dress to impress, or night out, etc. as opposed to formal. It's really not formal. And until the cruise line starts treating it like a special or differentiated night they certainly aren't going to win over converts and get more people to participate. The host must make an effort if they want the guest to reciprocate.

 

I don't really care if people dress in "true formal" or are just neat and clean. I think the whole "ambiance" of the ship can be raised, but it has to be lead by the cruise line and their event planning. Calling something a Formal Night or Gala Event and doing nothing different than other nights, well, people see right through that garbage.

 

well ...... All Anthem cruises from may 6th, the second night of sailing, they are doing a royal night.

dress code is ....... wear your best :)

work that one out. Sounds very "PC" to me lol.

[Stitchman]

I have done quite a few cruises, and I never tire of a formal night. I love having a couple of nights of escapism .

If you don't, then wear slacks and a pringle jumper.Thats your call. I won't have a moan about it. but don't take it away from the (larger than you think) percentage that do like it.

[LMaxwell]

well ...... All Anthem cruises from may 6th, the second night of sailing, they are doing a royal night.

dress code is ....... wear your best :)

work that one out. Sounds very "PC" to me lol.

 

What is the premise of a Royal Night? Sounds intriguing.

[richstowe]

Stitchman

Is this a pringle jumper ? Why ?

Edited April 28, 2015 by richstowe

[Stitchman]

One more quite important thing.

RCI are not ..... and let's face it, not exactly the most "port"

intensive cruise companies in Europe, so it's almost a land based holiday. The formal nights are a great thing to look forward to. After all, all the dough people are spunking on board in the shops and casino etc on sea days, they deserve a few special partys !!

 

JUST SAYING X

[Stitchman]

Stitchman

Is this a pringle jumper ? Why ?

 

 

Well yes ...... but normally a v neck sometimes accompanied by a polo neck :)

[chipmaster]

I think RCI could make formal night popular again, especially on 7 day itineraries, by going from 2 half hearted (weak) nights to 1 really spectacular night. White glove service. Special captains and officer events all evening. Midnight buffet on formal night. An ice carving show and display. Display some of the grandeur thrown away to save costs the past 10 to 20 years.

 

The thought being maybe if the cruise line put some Chutzpah back into their efforts more people would get excited for it and participate. I'd look forward to one really nice event versus what currently is really no different than other evenings offerings.

 

Every sit down has been good, I don't view the "formal" to be much different than the attitude / expectation of the passengers who somehow think because they are dressed up things are/should be better, shouldn't it be the same in the dining room? Should we accept that the dining staff and others don't treat us the same?

 

I can hope and do get a slight change in menu and some upsale.. but I really have and do get the same treatment.. don't need more...

 

How about more everynight ?

 

:D

[Stitchman]

What is the premise of a Royal Night? Sounds intriguing.

 

I will post details max, after 22nd of may or maybe before x

[RocketMan275]

I have done quite a few cruises, and I never tire of a formal night. I love having a couple of nights of escapism .

If you don't, then wear slacks and a pringle jumper.Thats your call. I won't have a moan about it. but don't take it away from the (larger than you think) percentage that do like it.

 

I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that you like to dress up but do not care greatly what others wear as long as no one takes away your option to dress up? If that's the case, has anyone said anything about placing limits upon how well you dress?

[cjdixon4]

Still- I don't understand how the midnight buffet being super special would make formal night more formal.

quote]

 

This lady is NOT eating chicken wing drumettes and bbq riblets at midnight in my dressy clothes...especially right after the 8:30 second seating!

Eeeeewww...LOL

[srlafleur]

Still- I don't understand how the midnight buffet being super special would make formal night more formal.

quote]

 

This lady is NOT eating chicken wing drumettes and bbq riblets at midnight in my dressy clothes...especially right after the 8:30 second seating!

Eeeeewww...LOL

 

In the "olden days" the midnight buffet had more in common with an afternoon tea than a poolside BBQ. It was in the dining room and quite "fancy".

[ckelly14]

One thing I do have an issue with- if you have a policy, ENFORCE IT!

 

Having the whole MDR designated as "formal" is an exercise in futility. I agree with the previous posters that there should be a floor of the MDR, separate dining room or specialty restaurant that is designated as formal (one or more nights) and this should be enforced, no questions asked. I don't think that having one night vs. multiple nights really solves the problem. Having separate venues with different dress code requirements does.

[Stitchman]

I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that you like to dress up but do not care greatly what others wear as long as no one takes away your option to dress up? If that's the case, has anyone said anything about placing limits upon how well you dress?

 

Nope

[LMaxwell]

This lady is NOT eating chicken wing drumettes and bbq riblets at midnight in my dressy clothes...especially right after the 8:30 second seating!

Eeeeewww...LOL

 

It's def not that type of food. It's not in the Windjammer. They used to be held in the MDR. Canapes, shrimp cocktails, cheese, fruit, sushi, cake, cookies. Elabortate Bread and Fruit carvings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 28, 2015 by LMaxwell