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

[buchhalm]

My wife and I like the formal night(s). It is a bit of an occasion and romantic.

perhaps it could be considered that people would be more willing to play along on cruises in Europe and cool climste areas? A tux and heavy gown can indeed feel a bit weird on cruises to these beach destinations were you hop from one little island to the next and spend all day in beach wear.

Important also are the timings on formal nights. We have been on cruises were the formal nights were on port days with departure times of 8 pm, where most people spent their time on excursions and on shore. THEN getting all dressed uo is a hassle.

[tip]

If you want to dress formally, go right ahead. Just don't concern yourself with what I'm wearing.

 

I am in agreement with the above. And before I get blasted, I wear a navy blue blazer, dark dress pants, dress shirt with tie and dress shoes on the so-called formal nights, but it is my choice and not anyone else's.

[Paulette3028]

I've never experienced a midnight buffet. It guess it would have been nice to experience, at least once. I will say it was one of the things I always heard about cruising from friends and family before we ever took our first cruise ourselves.

 

However, "back in the day", wasn't it offered every single night - not just on formal night? (And while I'm asking about "back in the day", wasn't pretty much every night formal more or less, and the "special" night was referred to as "Captain's Night" or something - where the Captain and other officers greeted everyone?) So if it wasn't something unique to the formal/"special" nights back then, I don't see why a midnight buffet would be something to "put some Chutzpah back into their efforts" for a current formal night as you stated in the OP.

 

While, as a night owl, I probably would have liked the midnight buffets, it's totally understandable that they have been eliminated. Many have commented (in this and numerous other threads) how most of the food was wasted. And wasn't that before you had all the other offerings around the ship (such as the Promendae Cafe, Sorrento's, etc.) that you could still take advantage of at that time? "Back in the day" was there anywhere else on the ship you could get something to eat at midnight other than the buffet? Since you easily can now, that probably greatly contributed to their demise.

 

Our first cruise was in 2004 on Navigator. That was the only cruise we went on that had the Midnight Buffet, done as described in the MDR. You could come in and take pictures prior to its actual opening to enjoy the food. I can only imagine the amount of wasted food. Let's face it, I had eaten dinner only a few short hours ago. On that first Navigator cruise, it did have a Café on the Royal Promenade that was open 24 hours; so regardless of the Midnight Buffet (which was only 1 night on the 7 day cruise). When you use the phrase "Back in the day" that reminds me of the cruises that my in-laws told me about that they took in the 80's. It sounded to me, like they had a 'food orgy' each and every day.

 

I am glad we have gotten smarter -- lets leave it at that. I don't miss the Midnight Buffet. What I do wish they would have is more fruit at the Café Promenades or keep one small section of the WJ open that would have a fruit bar with some cookies or small finger cakes along with coffee/tea at least until midnight or 1am.

[GUT2407]

People talk about the mid night buffet as a waste of food, I must disagree, I used to work in hospitality and can say with 100% certainty that very little food, that hasn't gone on a customers plate is wasted.

 

It is used the next day, having been stored appropriately either on its own or as part of a dish [if Monday has beef on the menu bet you the next day there'll be something like beef strogonoff somewhere the next day] or fed to the staff.

[mcd2745]

My wife and I like the formal night(s). It is a bit of an occasion and romantic.

perhaps it could be considered that people would be more willing to play along on cruises in Europe and cool climste areas? A tux and heavy gown can indeed feel a bit weird on cruises to these beach destinations were you hop from one little island to the next and spend all day in beach wear.

Important also are the timings on formal nights. We have been on cruises were the formal nights were on port days with departure times of 8 pm, where most people spent their time on excursions and on shore. THEN getting all dressed uo is a hassle.

 

Totally agree. I've always felt strongly that itineraries matter - a lot - when it came to these formal night/dress code discussions. Carribbean cruises simply don't lend themselves well to formal nights. They make a lot more sense on intineraries like Alaska, Canada/New England, Baltic, British Isles, Trans-Atlantic/repos, etc. Also completely agree that, putting itinerary aside, any formal night should only be on a sea day.

[jrvidal]

[emoji122]🏻

[GUT2407]

I must say I hadn't realised this was an issue I have only ever had one formal nght that wasn't a sea day and that was a bit of a shock and I was told was related to obtaining certain supplies in that port and we sailed that day at about 4:00pm so plenty of time.

[S.A.M.J.R.]

A PP alluded to it, but I'd like to bring it up again. Do those of you who are upset because people don't dress up on formal night also get upset when people attend the 70's party or white party (or any theme party) not in costume? Should RCI make it a rule you can only attend those parties in costume? After all, if you're not in costume for that, aren't you "ruining the ambiance"?

[Paul65]

However, "back in the day", wasn't it offered every single night - not just on formal night? (And while I'm asking about "back in the day", wasn't pretty much every night formal more or less, and the "special" night was referred to as "Captain's Night" or something - where the Captain and other officers greeted everyone?) So if it wasn't something unique to the formal/"special" nights back then, I don't see why a midnight buffet would be something to "put some Chutzpah back into their efforts" for a current formal night as you stated in the OP.

 

It may depend how far "back in the day" you go. It's been almost 25 years since my first Royal Caribbean cruise, and they did have a midnight buffet of some sort every night (thought the elaborate one was only one night). The nightly dress back then was pretty much the same as now, with two formal nights on a 7 night cruise (though the level of participation was a little different).

[Paul65]

A PP alluded to it, but I'd like to bring it up again. Do those of you who are upset because people don't dress up on formal night also get upset when people attend the 70's party or white party (or any theme party) not in costume? Should RCI make it a rule you can only attend those parties in costume? After all, if you're not in costume for that, aren't you "ruining the ambiance"?

 

I don't get upset about people not dressing up on formal night, but I think your example is quite different. You get cruise documents that let you know about things like how many formal nights there will be on the cruise. I don't remember ever seeing that there will be a 70s party that you should pack for. Some people, either from past cruise experience or word of mouth, know that there will be some kind of 70s dance party and might bring something special to wear for it, but a good percentage of the passengers probably don't know anything about it, until they see it on the daily schedule.

[Sitzmark]

I don't get upset about people not dressing up on formal night, but I think your example is quite different. You get cruise documents that let you know about things like how many formal nights there will be on the cruise. I don't remember ever seeing that there will be a 70s party that you should pack for. Some people, either from past cruise experience or word of mouth, know that there will be some kind of 70s dance party and might bring something special to wear for it, but a good percentage of the passengers probably don't know anything about it, until they see it on the daily schedule.

 

Not that different for some people. If you haven't been on a cruise before, and you simply follow the ad on the TA website that has a hundred pictures of people on beaches and what appears to be a theme park atmosphere, how would you know? It's often pointed out that most cruisers don't come to message boards, so they wouldn't read it here. Even on Royal Caribbean's own website I had to click around a bit before I found the information on it. If the cruise documents which are received well within the 100% penalty period are the first someone hears of it, I can imagine they might be annoyed by it. You might have time to plan for it but may not feel terribly inclined to do it. I have a cruise booked now and have not received any communication on the number of formal nights, which nights they are or any other information on dress code. It almost seems as if they would rather not bring it up until it's too late.

[Paul65]

Not that different for some people. If you haven't been on a cruise before, and you simply follow the ad on the TA website that has a hundred pictures of people on beaches and what appears to be a theme park atmosphere, how would you know? It's often pointed out that most cruisers don't come to message boards, so they wouldn't read it here. Even on Royal Caribbean's own website I had to click around a bit before I found the information on it. If the cruise documents which are received well within the 100% penalty period are the first someone hears of it, I can imagine they might be annoyed by it. You might have time to plan for it but may not feel terribly inclined to do it. I have a cruise booked now and have not received any communication on the number of formal nights, which nights they are or any other information on dress code. It almost seems as if they would rather not bring it up until it's too late.

 

I still see it as quite different. It may not be the drilled into you by the cruise line, but I don't a high percentage of people plan a cruise without even ever looking at the "what to pack" recommendations.

 

There is information there about things like formal evenings, but not about 70s parties. I think it's a bit of a reach to suggest they're trying to hide it from you "until it's too late."

[Sitzmark]

I still see it as quite different. It may not be the drilled into you by the cruise line, but I don't a high percentage of people plan a cruise without even ever looking at the "what to pack" recommendations.

 

There is information there about things like formal evenings, but not about 70s parties. I think it's a bit of a reach to suggest they're trying to hide it from you "until it's too late."

 

The only reason I looked at the what to pack recommendations is because of the conversation here. If I wanted their recommendations on what to pack, I'd still probably wait till I was getting ready to pack which would be a day or two before we left, but frankly since it's a beach vacation, I probably wouldn't bother.

 

I've been to many Caribbean all inclusive resorts and never encountered this kind of silliness surrounding the dress code. It seems that a great many of the people on these boats have the cork in way too tight.

 

FYI, I found info on the 70s, 80s and prohibition parties about as easily as I found the formal info on the RCI website. The info is there if you look for it, but hidden away if you don't seek it out.

Edited April 29, 2015 by Sitzmark

[Paul65]

I guess we just have different perspectives, Sitzmark. If I'm looking for information on cruising, one of the headings on their website is "What to know before you go" and the first item under that heading is "What to pack." From my perspective, that is not "hidden" at all.

 

But we also have a different perspective on what a cruise is. You see it as a beach vacation, and I see it as a cruise vacation. I will probably go to a beach once, or maybe even twice, on a seven night Caribbean cruise, but that doesn't make it a "beach vacation" to me. I suppose some people might think of it as a casino vacation, because they spend a lot of time there. Others may think of it as a shopping vacation or a dining vacation. Different perspectives.

[Stitchman]

I must say I hadn't realised this was an issue I have only ever had one formal nght that wasn't a sea day and that was a bit of a shock and I was told was related to obtaining certain supplies in that port and we sailed that day at about 4:00pm so plenty of time.

 

 

Yes it really is a big issue and I think RCI need to know it too.

but just because 30% of the punters don't like dressing up for a lovely formal night, don't spoil it for the ones that enjoy it.

 

And it has nothing to do with food, dining rooms or anything like that lol :) x

[ckelly14]

I think the family demographic has really influenced the loosening of dress standards on cruises. I have 2 RCCL cruises upcoming for the next year, both with children 10 and 11 years old. I may bring a suite but I doubt I'll head out to purchase a suite for my children, so they may be off to the the kid's club for formal nights (or I may need to break the "rules"). :)

 

This seems a bit strange to me, since we eat out at least once a week with the kids at home, and I have never donned a suite for these meals even though the venues are arguably nicer than anything I will find in the MDR. I also get a chuckle to all the references to a poly shirt and slacks as sports attire ("meet you on the 19th hole!"), when I wear a polo shirt at work and my son wears the same attire to his private school. Perhaps this is what makes a cruise a cruise?

 

Hands down good food improves my evening enjoyment much better than good dress!

[cjdixon4]

 

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".

 

The last one I went to was several years ago. It was on the pool deck, with loud music and liquor flowing. Wasn't fun, at least not for me.

[RocketMan275]

Yes it really is a big issue and I think RCI need to know it too.

but just because 30% of the punters don't like dressing up for a lovely formal night, don't spoil it for the ones that enjoy it.

 

And it has nothing to do with food, dining rooms or anything like that lol :) x

 

How one reacts to how someone else dresses is a personal choice. Those choices determine whether an evening is spoiled or not. It has nothing to do with how some choose to dress but it has everything to do with how others choose to react.

[iancal]

Just got off a 17 day RCI cruise. We only travel with casual clothes.

 

Skipped the MDR on formal nights. But we certainly noticed a great many people throughout the ship and in the showrooms who did exactly the same as us.

 

We no longer have the desire to bother with formal nights in the MDR. Not do we see much point in bringing along extra clothes that we will only wear for a few hours on two or three evenings.

Edited April 29, 2015 by iancal

[Paul65]

We no longer have the desire to bother with formal nights in the MDR. Not do we see much point in bringing along extra clothes that we will only wear for a few hours on two or three evenings.

 

So do you just go to dinner in the clothes you've been wearing all day, or do you bring along other "extra clothes that [you] will only wear for a few hours on two or three evenings"?

[Sitzmark]

How one reacts to how someone else dresses is a personal choice. Those choices determine whether an evening is spoiled or not. It has nothing to do with how some choose to dress but it has everything to do with how others choose to react.

 

The happiness of other people is not the first concern of most people. Therefore people who give up the power over their own happiness and grant it to others, are likely to find themselves disappointed.

[yknot13]

As per RCI-

Cocktail dresses, gowns or dressy pantsuits are appropriate for women.

A jacket is required for men, along with pants (with no holes, rips or tears) and a sports shirt (must have sleeves) or sweater.

Swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps and pool wear are not allowed in the main restaurants or specialty restaurants at any time.

[Paul65]

As per RCI-

Cocktail dresses, gowns or dressy pantsuits are appropriate for women.

A jacket is required for men, along with pants (with no holes, rips or tears) and a sports shirt (must have sleeves) or sweater.

Swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps and pool wear are not allowed in the main restaurants or specialty restaurants at any time.

 

Where did you find that. I've never seen it stated that a jacket is required for men.0

[yknot13]

But wait a minute, now another area of RCI info states -Cocktail Dresses for women, Suit and Tie or Tux for men.

No wonder we are all confused.

[Sitzmark]

As per RCI-

Cocktail dresses, gowns or dressy pantsuits are appropriate for women.

A jacket is required for men, along with pants (with no holes, rips or tears) and a sports shirt (must have sleeves) or sweater.

Swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps and pool wear are not allowed in the main restaurants or specialty restaurants at any time.

 

That's one version, but then there are the reviews based on real life observations

 

from cruiseadvice org

"Dress Code for Oasis of the Seas main dining room: For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, bare feet and tank tops are not permitted. For gentlemen, nice shirts and shorts are acceptable "

Edited April 29, 2015 by Sitzmark