What to wear on formal nights

[dbsb3233]

Interesting, I have never done a Caribbean cruise - I would have expected them to be less formal, with everyone wearing shorts and swimwear all day...

For us it's about the length of the cruise. Alaska and the Caribbean are usually just 7 day cruises. And from US ports where we don't stay 2-3 extra days in hotel. It's not really a problem fitting a jacket and shoes into the luggage for just a 7 night trip.

 

But go to Europe or Asia or Australia, etc and you're frequently talking a 2 week cruise plus some hotel nights in a great departure city. That's where we look to get by with as little as possible because we have so many other clothes and other items we need to fit in. And more souvenirs that we want to bring home.

Edited July 12, 2015 by dbsb3233

[Crew News]

Tie is no problem. I get uncomfortable eating while wearing a jacket so it may be relegated to dressing the chair once I sit.

 

Not so much for those wearing suits but a good number of sports jacket wearers have hot flashes just prior to taking their seats in the dining room. This condition necessitates their jackets be removed and placed on the back of the chair while they regain their composure.

 

If you also have to remove your jacket after passing the MDR compliance inspection at the door, you will not be alone.

[Tennessee Titan]

Add in a tie and you will be dressed all right.

A tuxedo is not required.

I have not even brought a tie with me for the last 4 cruises. Just a suit with a mock turtle silk shirt

No one has ever said a word to me...

 

I eat early as you wish, notice tuxes mostly for the late sitting.

[Globaliser]

I am taking my first HAL cruise next month to Alaska on the Amsterdam and wanted to get a feel for what HAL and other cruisers consider "formal" wear. I'm in my 30's and am very fashion forward. I tend to purchase higher end clothing and ties don't often make an appearance in runway shows anymore - sport coats and tuxedos might as well be a death sentence for a designer. For formal night, would this suit featured at fashion week in Milan from Fendi for their spring/summer collection be fine for the MDR?

Doesn't this post belong in this thread: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2230783?

 

:D

[sofietucker]

Just in case I missed it earlier, you have PLENTY of options for formal nights!

 

For tuxedos, you might try consignment shops and costume shops (that is, the ones that do theater wear for the actors, which will also sell "good" recycled clothing--NOT Party City). Or vintage stores. Not thrift shops though. You may even find some very nice dinner jackets (the white ones--more formal than a regular tux, in fact) or morning coats (gray, with tails--most often seen on grooms at fancy weddings). These items may also show up in estate sales. Minor alterations will still cost less than buying new.

 

And don't forget these formal options: kilt or military dress (smashing!). If you don't have one already, you may also find the latter at an Army-Navy store--of course, only wear if you have the RIGHT to do so! Be prepared that these types of wear will evoke questions from your table mates.

 

If from Texas, AZ or points north, a dress western suit with bolo tie & dress cowboy boots (but those guys usually have it sussed out). Bolo tie is AZ's state neckwear--DH wears his with a dark suit too.

 

Even rental shops will sell a tux for less if the style is on its way out. Or borrow your buddy's funeral suit if you don't have a dark one.

 

For any of the above, do check an etiquette guide for the allowed accessories: some require a specific type of tie, shoes, buttons--when can you wear a cummerbund? Etc. I believe with ship's rental--and possibly outside--you may still have to buy your own shirt, tie, cummerbund, buttons, cufflinks. Correct me on this.

 

Ideally, the level of formality depends on the formality of your lady's outfit, such as ballgown (tux/kilt/military a must) vs cocktail dress (tux okay, dark suit fine). You can follow red carpet looks on this (gulp).

 

And match the formal level of your lady/gent same-sex partner; try matching tuxes with fabulous bow ties & cummerbunds, aka "creative black tie"--which is also a thing, for both straight & gay. (We also once saw a group of guys all with matching ties/cummerbunds in a Redskins football theme. But that's a cult unto itself...)

 

Okay, return to your regular programming.

Edited July 13, 2015 by sofietucker

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Just in case I missed it earlier, you have PLENTY of options for formal nights!

 

For tuxedos, you might try consignment shops and costume shops (that is, the ones that do theater wear for the actors, which will also sell "good" recycled clothing--NOT Party City). Or vintage stores. Not thrift shops though. You may even find some very nice dinner jackets (the white ones--more formal than a regular tux, in fact) or morning coats (gray, with tails--most often seen on grooms at fancy weddings). These items may also show up in estate sales or at above shops if unsold. Minor alterations will still cost less than buying new.

 

And don't forget these formal options: kilt or military dress (smashing!). If you don't have one already, you may also find the latter at an Army-Navy store--of course, only wear if you have the RIGHT to do so! Be prepared that these types of wear will evoke questions from your table mates.

 

If from Texas, AZ or points north, a dress western suit with bolo tie & dress cowboy boots (but those guys usually have it sussed out). (Bolo tie is AZ's state neckwear--DH wears his with a dark suit too.)

 

Even rental shops will sell a tux for less if the style is on its way out.

 

Or borrow your buddy's funeral suit if you don't have a dark one.

 

For any of the above, do check an etiquette guide for the allowed accessories: some require a specific type of tie, shoes, buttons--when can you wear a cummerbund? Etc. I believe with ship's rental--and possibly outside--you may still have to buy your own shirt, tie, cummerbund, buttons, cufflinks. Correct me on this.

 

Ideally, the level of formality depends on the formality of your lady's outfit, such as ballgown (tux/kilt/military a must) vs cocktail dress (tux okay, dark suit fine).

 

Or match the formal level of your lady/gent same-sex partner; try matching tuxes with fabulous bow ties & cummerbunds, aka "creative black tie"--which is also a thing, for both straight & gay).

 

Okay, return to your regular programming.

 

 

Ships rental, at least on cruise line formal wear website, includes all the appropriate accessories. Shoes are available, but extra. I was able to buy a new tuxedo 10 years ago for the price of a rental at a local discount formal wear place locally. Smaller cities may have to look online or eBay....

[POA1]

Ships rental, at least on cruise line formal wear website, includes all the appropriate accessories. Shoes are available, but extra. I was able to buy a new tuxedo 10 years ago for the price of a rental at a local discount formal wear place locally. Smaller cities may have to look online or eBay....

A friend of ours has rented several times, and you are correct about rentals including everything but the shoes, socks, and underwear. Our friend took a pair of black dress shoes and shined them up with one of those silicone shining sponges. You'd have been hard pressed to tell that his shoes weren't formal unless you were down on the floor. At that point, you'd have been 98% passed out....

[kazu]

Not so much for those wearing suits but a good number of sports jacket wearers have hot flashes just prior to taking their seats in the dining room. This condition necessitates their jackets be removed and placed on the back of the chair while they regain their composure.

 

If you also have to remove your jacket after passing the MDR compliance inspection at the door, you will not be alone.

 

Men have hot flashes too? Good to know. Thankfully women that do don't choose to remove their clothing and hang it on the back of the chair :p;)

 

Frankly, if DH removed his jacket, I could lose my composure :p

[Wakepatrol]

That's $28.34 per night's wear if you have 3 formal nights, $42.50 per night's wear if you have 2.

 

That's more than double the Hotel Service Charge or 3/4 average alcohol-based drinks per night's wear. Working with my budget, that's not really economical for clothes you can't keep. I'd rather pack my own non-formal but still nice clothes than waste $42.50/night. But each to their own.

 

Just wear it every single day and you'll get your money's worth

[dbsb3233]

Just wear it every single day and you'll get your money's worth

Everyday-wear clothes would be much more efficient, that's true. Unfortunately they don't allow everyday-wear clothes on all nights in the MDR (thus the conflict).

 

(I know you were just joking though. :p )

[kazu]

Just wear it every single day and you'll get your money's worth

 

 

ha! ha!

 

We had two great roll call members on our first P'dam cruise that joked they would be in their tuxes every day :)

[Juliamay]

This is such a subjective topic but always worth a read. We are treating my teen sons to a Mediteranean cruise in a few weeks. Both my husband and one of my sons own tuxedos, however I will rent for the three of them. Here is my reasoning:

 

1) We are traveling from Seattle to Barcelona and then from Venice to home - a couple of nights in each city. Carrying suits and shoes etc would be a burden.

 

2) This is my FIRST and maybe ONLY time to have all three of them dressed up. I want it!!

 

3) I believe my sons will both benefit from being "dapper dudes" (my wording) and it will add to the experience. In the Seattle area, it is very unusual for people to dress up - it is an informal city.

 

Happy sailing to everyone!

 

Julia in Woodinville, WA

 

(If I was a person who really didn't want to dress on formal nights, I would remember that the MDR menus are also available in my stateroom and I might do a fancy verandah dinner. It is your holiday - you should enjoy every minute.)

[dbsb3233]

(If I was a person who really didn't want to dress on formal nights, I would remember that the MDR menus are also available in my stateroom and I might do a fancy verandah dinner. It is your holiday - you should enjoy every minute.)

While a valid point about the food itself, the terms "hot, humid, windy, uncomfortable, and no-service" come to mind as well. And that's if one even has a verandah. And not a group of friends/family they want to dine with. While technically an option (for some), I don't really see that as a viable option.

 

Pretty much just have to use up valuable luggage space, or pay to rent onboard, to get into the MDR on formal nights. Or hope for a less strict door person that allows nice-but-not-quite-formal smart casual past the door. But that's always a roll of the dice.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

This is such a subjective topic but always worth a read. We are treating my teen sons to a Mediteranean cruise in a few weeks. Both my husband and one of my sons own tuxedos, however I will rent for the three of them. Here is my reasoning:

 

 

 

1) We are traveling from Seattle to Barcelona and then from Venice to home - a couple of nights in each city. Carrying suits and shoes etc would be a burden.

 

 

 

2) This is my FIRST and maybe ONLY time to have all three of them dressed up. I want it!!

 

 

 

3) I believe my sons will both benefit from being "dapper dudes" (my wording) and it will add to the experience. In the Seattle area, it is very unusual for people to dress up - it is an informal city.

 

 

 

Happy sailing to everyone!

 

 

 

Julia in Woodinville, WA

 

 

 

(If I was a person who really didn't want to dress on formal nights, I would remember that the MDR menus are also available in my stateroom and I might do a fancy verandah dinner. It is your holiday - you should enjoy every minute.)

 

 

That will be a picture for the ages!

[charlie44oscar]

So it looks like HAL is just making recommendations and stating what looks like formal clothing. Is that correct?

 

My plan for smart casual nights is black slacks and a short sleeve sweater. Also, I have a short sleeve blouse and a black casual skirt, which was what I wore on a Carnival cruise. So smart casual nights will not be a problem. I just wanted to know what people wear in the specialty restaurants on formal nights.

 

We have been on many HAL cruises and find that on Gala nights and in the Pinnacle that a jacket is required for men. If you don't wear one you may be asked to do so. On Seabourn cruises that is definitely the case

[RocketMan275]

We have been on many HAL cruises and find that on Gala nights and in the Pinnacle that a jacket is required for men. If you don't wear one you may be asked to do so. On Seabourn cruises that is definitely the case

 

On our Westerdam cruise in March 16 and our Oosterdam cruise in Mar 17, there was no requirement to wear a jacket to the Pinnacle on Gala nights. I wore a polo and cargo pants and was not questioned.

[Robb]

After almost 70 cruises we have chosen to go totally informal, on formal nights we will either go to specialty restaurants or the buffet.

[Mermen]

We're going on our first HAL cruise, a 14-night to Alaska in September. I'm with Robb...husband and I have worn formal for decades, on ship and on land. Tuxes can help make a man look amazing, but then, so can a pair of nice jeans and sports coat. A tux doesn't help a man behave like a gentleman though, and we've seen plenty of men in tuxes, who behave like a Neanderthal.

 

All in the eye of the beholder I imagine. As Yves Saint Laurent said, "Fashion fades but style is eternal". :). We probably won't bring a sports coat, and if turned away, will order formal night to our Neptune Suite! :D

 

In our years of cruising, have never seen anyone turned away. We have never seen the Maitre'D distribute a jacket to a cruiser. Good Lord, would it be a one size fits all? :confused: Happy cruising!

Edited June 17, 2017 by Mermen

[OlsSalt]

After almost 70 cruises we have chosen to go totally informal, on formal nights we will either go to specialty restaurants or the buffet.

 

Thank you for choosing not to go to the main dining room on Gala Night. Good attitude. Win win.

[iancal]

We travel light with casual clothes. We will have no issue meeting HAL's requirements even if we decide to dine in the MDR on Gala nights.

[RocketMan275]

yone turned away. We have never seen the Maitre'D distribute a jacket to a cruiser. Good Lord, would it be a one size fits all? :confused: Happy cruising!

 

Couple of years ago when RCI opened an "always formal" dining area on it's Quantum class ships, posters reported the Maitre'D distributing jackets to male passengers.

 

If the jacket didn't fit, passengers were instructed to carry the jacket over one arm and place it on the back of the chair while dining.

 

When the supply of jackets ran low, the passenger carried the jacket over one arm and then gave it to the escorting waiter who returned it to the Matre'D for distribution to another passenger.

 

I'm sure passengers carrying jackets over their arms contributed greatly to the 'ambiance' of the dining room.

 

The same effect could have been achieved by the Matre'D waiving a jacket in the general direction of the dining room.

[OlsSalt]

Think of Gala Night as special occasion encouragement for those who like to dress up when on a cruise ship, and not as punishment for those that do not.

[sandbag7]

Think of Gala Night as special occasion encouragement for those who like to dress up when on a cruise ship, and not as punishment for those that do not.

 

Or think of it as an opportunity to get out that 3 Stooges tie; classics never go out of style.

[RocketMan275]

Think of Gala Night as special occasion encouragement for those who like to dress up when on a cruise ship, and not as punishment for those that do not.

 

Why should passengers be "encouraged" to dress up?

[Florida_gal_50]

Couple of years ago when RCI opened an "always formal" dining area on it's Quantum class ships, posters reported the Maitre'D distributing jackets to male passengers.

 

If the jacket didn't fit, passengers were instructed to carry the jacket over one arm and place it on the back of the chair while dining.

 

When the supply of jackets ran low, the passenger carried the jacket over one arm and then gave it to the escorting waiter who returned it to the Matre'D for distribution to another passenger.

 

I'm sure passengers carrying jackets over their arms contributed greatly to the 'ambiance' of the dining room.

 

The same effect could have been achieved by the Matre'D waiving a jacket in the general direction of the dining room.

Was the food better in that dining room? I wonder why those that didn't dress up felt compelled to go there.