Celebrity Cruises Swaps Formal Nights for Evening Chic

[dbsb3233]

The problem with dress codes other than the traditional ones (semi-formal meant business suit, formal generally meant a tux, black tie also meant a tux, and white tie meant white tie and tails) is that no one knows what they mean.

 

How is evening chic different from smart casual?

 

Certainly, in Royal Caribbean, no one knows the difference between casual and smart casual.

 

It's like no one really knows what business casual means. In one office, it -may allow nice jeans and a nice t-shirt, while another means Dockers and a collared shirt.

The dress code is easily found on every cruiseline website FAQ (link below). But you're right that they tend to be vague. I do like that Celebrity's focuses more on what's NOT allowed, leaving people more choice above the minimum standard. I wouldn't want them to dictate exactly what we must wear.

 

Regarding the difference between smart casual and chic, that's spelled out there too but the difference is very minor for the minimums. I think the point is that those are the nights designated for the people that LIKE to dress fancier. Not that they can't any time, of course, but there will be more people on the ship doing it those nights, with the photographers all set up to do their thing.

 

http://www.celebritycruises.com/frequently-asked-questions#faq478

 

Note: T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps and pool wear are not allowed in the main restaurant or specialty restaurant at any time. Shorts and flip-flops are not allowed in the evening hours. The dress code will be enforced at all restaurants. And guests are asked to follow the Smart Casual or Evening Chic dress code in the Celebrity Theater for all evening performances. The daily program, delivered to your stateroom and available at the Guest Relations Desk, will be your guide to the correct attire each evening.

Edited June 30, 2016 by dbsb3233

[dbsb3233]

I seriously doubt that Celebrity will lower standards to that of shorts, tank tops & ball caps. They've been know in the past as being overly strict with the dress code & this is a welcomed change so that everyone can dress down on vacation without having to lug along the formal clothing. Smart casual is the best thing to happen for the old formal nights that they've done since they've changed the smoking rules.

This change will make us once again consider a Celebrity cruise since it's been quite a few years.

Oh ITA. I love the new rules, as packing a jacket and dress shoes for a 3 week trip was a waste of very precious luggage capacity.

 

I know they'd never lower the official dress code rules that much. I just meant I hope the door enforcement is strong to keep those sorts of things out. I'll admit to skirting the rules in the past, and being let in with no problem. But that was still wearing a nice dark red long-sleeve dress shirt + tie and slacks, just no jacket. We were still dressed up to follow the spirit of the theme, but technically short of the rule with no jackets.

 

Now there's really no excuse. A pair of nice-looking, lightweight long pants and a button-down dress shirt weighs next to nothing and takes up little luggage space. Now that they've conceded that much, I just hope they fully enforce it now.

[kelmac]

Somewhat odd to see NCL discussed as an alternative to Celebrity on a thread about formal nights and evening chic. Did an NCL cruise a couple of years ago on Breakaway and the dress every night onboard is more casual than any night on Celebrity. Many wore shorts to any of the dining venues. The ship was a lot more crowded than any Celebrity ship and do to poor design second hand smoke from the casino polluted the main public areas. The whole ambience is downscale from Celebrity.

 

I have been on two Celebrity cruises since Evening Chic and I think it works out well. On Evening Chic night there is a nice mix of dress. Those who want to wear gowns and tux/suit can feel comfortable and those who don't want to wear dresses or jackets and ties can feel comfortable. The designer jean option, I didn't see hardly anyone wearing jeans of any kind the whole cruise.

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Hi Charles,

 

I was focused more on food quality, and you are correct, NCL is much more casual. Since we eat all evening meals in the alternative restaurants, people are dressed casual, but no shorts, hats...,

 

In some ways the dress is more predictable on NCL compared to Celebrity. We like to dress up on Chic nights, so the contrast is greater when people dress down on Celebrity.

 

Celebrity is our favorite, "go-to" cruise line, but we find NCL is a better alternative for us compared to Princess, Royal Caribbean, or even HAL. The reason, is food quality.

 

Enjoy!

Kel:)

[cole'snana]

We were just on the Summit and they were already calling it Evening Chic.

[Charles4515]

Hi Charles,

 

 

 

I was focused more on food quality, and you are correct, NCL is much more casual. Since we eat all evening meals in the alternative restaurants, people are dressed casual, but no shorts, hats...,

 

 

 

In some ways the dress is more predictable on NCL compared to Celebrity. We like to dress up on Chic nights, so the contrast is greater when people dress down on Celebrity.

 

 

 

Celebrity is our favorite, "go-to" cruise line, but we find NCL is a better alternative for us compared to Princess, Royal Caribbean, or even HAL. The reason, is food quality.

 

 

 

Enjoy!

 

Kel:)

 

 

 

Yes, I agree if you eat only in the alternate restaurants on NCL you will have better food quality than on Celebrity. Unfortunately on our last NCL cruise we had to eat in the MDR twice because we had group of 20 and wanted to dine together a couple of times. It was not good. Poor food and service in the MDR. But the food quality in the MDR on our recent Summit was only good both Evening Chic nights. The other nights we ate there it lacked. Beef in particular was inedible on the non Evening Chic evenings. The best food onboard was at Qsine and Tuscan. I would have added another night at Tuscan if I could do over, get the three night specialty restaurant package. Considering that the cost of a NCL cruise generally runs less and the NCL alternate restaurants are not as high priced as the Celebrity restaurants doing only alternate restaurants on NCL is the way to go.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[kelmac]

We were just on the Summit and they were already calling it Evening Chic.

 

Hi cn,

 

Evening Chic was in place when we were on the Equinox this past December (2015).

 

Enjoy!

Kel:)

[keithm]

I seriously doubt that Celebrity will lower standards to that of shorts, tank tops & ball caps. They've been know in the past as being overly strict with the dress code & this is a welcomed change so that everyone can dress down on vacation without having to lug along the formal clothing. Smart casual is the best thing to happen for the old formal nights that they've done since they've changed the smoking rules.

This change will make us once again consider a Celebrity cruise since it's been quite a few years.

Give them a shot. Nice slacks & a polo shirt will be fine. We usually dress up a little more. The Eclipse is certainly more dressy. Probably due to the longer trips. The smart casual generally on the Eclipse was more nice "smart casual".. Armani Jeans on some pax. Though I'm not a jeans guy at night, they do look pretty decent. Unfortunately my slender days are behind me as much as my front is in front of me(did I just say I'm fat?)

[keithm]

Depends on the itinerary as well, though. People going on a Caribbean cruise in the dead of winter back home are going to get away from the cold. They don't necessarily want to put on a tuxedo for a meal that lasts hours, especially when it's 90 degrees and humid outside.

 

The days of formal attire are coming to a close in all facets of society, even in traditional places like weddings and charity balls. Formal attire on cruises has always been somewhat of a costume party anyway.

Being in the catering business, I don't see a slackening of dresscodes at weddings. If it's hot & an outside venue, people will change after the ceremony, but that's about it.

[LMaxwell]

Being in the catering business, I don't see a slackening of dresscodes at weddings. If it's hot & an outside venue, people will change after the ceremony, but that's about it.

 

It depends. I went to a formal attire wedding last month, and next week I go to one that is specified as resort casual and they say "please no jackets or ties". There's all kinds.

[floridalover5623]

Being in the catering business, I don't see a slackening of dresscodes at weddings. If it's hot & an outside venue, people will change after the ceremony, but that's about it.

 

I haven't been to any weddings in Florida since we've moved here but funerals are definitely more casual, especially this time or year. :D

[keithm]

I haven't been to any weddings in Florida since we've moved here but funerals are definitely more casual, especially this time or year. :D

I certainly couldn't see an outdoor affair being formal. In door, perhaps. That heat/humidity is really nasty that's for sure.

[keithm]

It depends. I went to a formal attire wedding last month, and next week I go to one that is specified as resort casual and they say "please no jackets or ties". There's all kinds.

We get a few of those, but it's not too common. We do like the Hawaiian Luau weddings. Those are always a riot. We have clothing for all occasions. Haven't done a nude one yet, though.

[Beanb41]

The difference between smart casual and elegant chic is in the eye of the wearer, nothing more nothing less. If on a particular night you want to be a bit more flashy then do it if not don't. No one cares apart from some writers on blog forums

[ceurope88]

It is music to myhubby's ears. but can he really ditch even the sports coat. We travel very light. never check in luggage .This news really helps. But need to be sure. Any ideas?

[ceurope88]

To clarify my other post- i do not mean sloppy attire. I w'd like to know if a dress down shirt with a tie and dress pants for men considered "chic" which can be interpretted in many different ways. My main concern is the 'no jacket " part. I always like to dress up but female clothing can be light-weight. The killer is the man's jacket ( heavy and bulky to carry) . We travelled a month with a carry-on ( doable if U get overnight-dry outfits) . well.... some washing though.

[bEwAbG]

Yes, for sure. You didn't believe the other 400-something posts (in just this thread) talking about it? And the 8 months of onboard experience people have shared? A shirt with tie and slacks is fine. Doesn't even need the tie. Read Celebrity's FAQ if you want further proof.

 

http://www.celebritycruises.com/frequently-asked-questions

Edited July 13, 2016 by bEwAbG

[twins_to_alaska]

Celebrity FAQ says

 

Men should feel comfortable wearing:

 

• Pants or designer jeans with a dress shirt, button-down shirt or sweater

• Optional sport coat or blazer

 

 

So go ahead and leave that sports coat at home.

Edited July 13, 2016 by twins_to_alaska

[bengaltiger1]

To clarify my other post- i do not mean sloppy attire. I w'd like to know if a dress down shirt with a tie and dress pants for men considered "chic" which can be interpretted in many different ways. My main concern is the 'no jacket " part. I always like to dress up but female clothing can be light-weight. The killer is the man's jacket ( heavy and bulky to carry) . We travelled a month with a carry-on ( doable if U get overnight-dry outfits) . well.... some washing though.

 

 

I am on the Eclipse now. There were quite a lot of dinner suited men and ladies in long evening gowns. Plus there were plenty of men in smart shirts with smart trousers. Not all were wearing ties. They did not look out of place. Also, ladies in cocktail dresses or beautiful tops with smart trousers.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[floridalover5623]

Celebrity FAQ says

 

Men should feel comfortable wearing:

 

• Pants or designer jeans with a dress shirt, button-down shirt or sweater

• Optional sport coat or blazer

 

 

So go ahead and leave that sports coat at home.

 

I wondering what they consider "designer" jeans. Mine look presentable but are no way considered "designer jeans".

[bEwAbG]

I wondering what they consider "designer" jeans. Mine look presentable but are no way considered "designer jeans".

 

It doesn't matter. Truly. Someone will say "think dress jeans" as if that will really mean anything, either. Just look presentable and you'll be fine.

[floridalover5623]

It doesn't matter. Truly. Someone will say "think dress jeans" as if that will really mean anything, either. Just look presentable and you'll be fine.

 

I really didn't think they would be that strict about the look.

I'll bet they don't really care if the shirt is button down or Polo style.

[Beanb41]

I really didn't think they would be that strict about the look.

I'll bet they don't really care if the shirt is button down or Polo style.

 

You are correct in both assumptions

[ReneeFLL]

......The days of formal attire are coming to a close in all facets of society, even in traditional places like weddings and charity balls. Formal attire on cruises has always been somewhat of a costume party anyway.

 

I totally don't understand where you are coming from. A costume party is to wear a costume and have fun. Halloween comes to mind. Formal events are to dress up elegantly and to look your best. Something special and different.

[bEwAbG]

I totally don't understand where you are coming from. A costume party is to wear a costume and have fun. Halloween comes to mind. Formal events are to dress up elegantly and to look your best. Something special and different.

 

A dinner on a cruise ship is not a formal event just because people are wearing tuxedos. It's a costume party.

[LMaxwell]

A dinner on a cruise ship is not a formal event just because people are wearing tuxedos. It's a costume party.

 

This. There's no mutual significance to the event for everyone on board such as at a wedding, retirement party, charity ball, etc.