Specialty Dining on formal nights

[LMaxwell]

We also dined at two decidedly non-chain restaurants. I didn't bother mentioning them, as no one not from the area would know of them. I also read the OP. My comment was specifically to the post I quoted, and directly to the context of the cite from the cruise lines web site.

 

By the way, if you are eating in a restaurant on a cruise ship, you are eating in a chain owned restaurant, and eating frozen food.

 

I was referring to your Red Lobster comment, not to the higher end restaurants you mentioned. I don't go to places like Red Lobster. I find the quality to be lower than either what I can prepare at home, or to the vast array of locally owned restaurants.

 

Regardless, I am confident I will be dressed just fine for the specialty restaurants onboard a cruise ship; and also not bothering those who wish to participate in formal night in the MDR. Except Keith. Keith might be bothered regardless.

[spiceyxi]

Seems like a few people here really like to judge others. To the OP Formal Nights are only in the MDR.

 

I have worn a t-shirt/polo shirt, shorts and flip flops to the Capital Grill on several occasions. Never an issues because it is a nice chain restaurant and not some sort of high dining experience.

 

To some of those that are judging individuals on how the dress please remember the most important thing for the dinners and passengers around you is not how they dress, but how they act. The way they act will be much more of a contributing factor of how your dinning experience goes. I would rather sit next to someone in swim shorts and a tank top who is being polite and courteous to the staff and others around them than someone dressed in tails who is rude and obnoxious.

[dtb55]

You do not have to dress formal in the specialty restaurants, even on formal nights. I know others will want to put in their two cents now but honestly the dress is suggested, You can go to the MDR on formal nights and you don't HAVE to dress formal. What is considered "business casual" in most workplaces is sufficient. Ok now all the folks that are hanging on to the past are going to chime in and say how if you don't dress formal it will ruin their cruise...LOL....seriously its 2016 the times they are a changing!!

 

 

 

Actually, it's not the past since Princess still calls it formal night. Not complying is, of course, your choice.

 

 

Denise

[Tripper10]

A tuxedo wouldn't help either.

 

You would be surprised, a tux will make anything look better.

[keithm]

Your goofy font purple text is near illegible, but before flinging insults around maybe try reading my original post. the only whining here is by Keith, possibly you as well.

First off, if you can't "read" the writing, perhaps get your vision checked(seriously!)Could be color blindness. As to your pics, perhaps that's totally allowable in Florida, though the rest. we went to the night before the cruise, would have booted you out. The pics you show are fine anywhere on any Princess ship, except at night in the main dining rooms. When Princess lowers the code to pure casual, then you can wear it anytime, but until that time...

[keithm]

A tuxedo wouldn't help either.

The only really overweight guy who looks good in a tux is the Penguin!

[keithm]

I'm not interested in the buffet for dinner, so don't really care what people where there. I think shorts are fine for the buffet. To be honest, I think they are fine anywhere, but Princess, and many other cruise lines, don't feel the same way at least regarding the sit down restaurants. In the evening after dinner I tend to change out of "dinner clothes" into something more comfortable

 

I live in hot and sunny south Florida where a pair of khaki or navy shorts is "the norm" and pants are seldom worn. I go out to plenty of restaurants; I don't dress slovenly and I am probably about average for any establishment I go into. If they allowed shorts in the main dining room I'd take advantage of it.

 

This is what is acceptable and seen in 99.9% of restaurants, year round, where I live. If this continues to bother you I invite you to start your own thread on it.

 

 

Those 2 guys look fine for the buffet. It's the guys dressed like Cletus(there's doin's afoot!)that just look crappy. There were an amazing amount of them on the Regal from Feb.7-14 After that point the pax were casual but not to that degree. Seemed to be the Superbowl crowd that week. I'm fine with what lines like Oceania go for..No suits/tuxes/ties but NO shorts & "t's" either.

[LMaxwell]

First off, if you can't "read" the writing, perhaps get your vision checked(seriously!)Could be color blindness. As to your pics, perhaps that's totally allowable in Florida, though the rest. we went to the night before the cruise, would have booted you out. The pics you show are fine anywhere on any Princess ship, except at night in the main dining rooms. When Princess lowers the code to pure casual, then you can wear it anytime, but until that time...

 

Good thing I live in Florida [emoji51]

 

I like the jacket in your avatar. I'd wear that!

 

Don't worry, I will have on khaki pants and either a polo or button up tommy bahama style shirt for dinner regardless of which venue I choose.

[kennicott]

We do enjoy formal nights, I still wear my tux then. Sad for us to see the majors getting rid of them. As for formal in the MDR vs. specialties you have to sort of watch each ship as they tend to experiment on board. For instance, most of the time they seem to allow casual in the specialties on formal nights, but last fall we witnessed just the opposite and saw a fellow getting the heave-ho for wearing a T-shirt with collar (polo shirt) in Crown Grill. In order to avoid problems with degradation of service and quality in the MDRs we usually dine most of the time in other venues, particularly on formal nights we use either Sabatini's or Crown Grill where rarely do you experience someone not dressed nicely.

 

On our more recent Princess voyages the specialty restaurants were very good, particularly Sabatini's, We also book the "Crab Shack" almost every time we had the opportunity (Do yourself a favor where and don't miss that if you love shell fish, true, a little messy so you are better off casual there). Alfredo's on the two new larger ships, Royal and Regal, is another where one can dress up a bit and enjoy good service, this is a sit down hand-tossed Neapolitan-style pizza, with linen table clothes, flowers, etc. which is no extra charge (note, this is not to be confused with the cheap pizzas they hand out almost 24 hours a day on the Lido deck at no extra charge as well).

 

On the longer voyages Princess offers the Chef's Table. The Chef's Table is for dinner only but you have to get on a list, it is an extremely eloquent multi-course dinner with wine selections included for each course and you get a lot of extras with it like the Princess cook book and special talks behind the scenes with the top chefs. Another good one we also love is the extra charge "Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar" it is very good, even has caviar and excellent oysters, sushi, extra charges depend upon the item. "Gelato" is a super high end ice cream style eatery, extra charges depend upon the treat. On our cruise in January we ate dinner at Sabatini's (5) times, Crown Grill (1), Seafood Terrace (2), Crab Shack (2), MDR (2). Alfredo's (3).

[mmckm]

i could care less about what someone else wears. Wear whatever you want its not going to ruin my vacation. As long as you don't sit beside me and fart and burp loudly throughout dinner i'm fine. Also make sure you have bathed and don't stink. I do wear a suit and dw dresses very nice. I don't even notice the way other people are dressed, its none of my business.

[LMaxwell]

We do enjoy formal nights, I still wear my tux then. Sad for us to see the majors getting rid of them. As for formal in the MDR vs. specialties you have to sort of watch each ship as they tend to experiment on board. For instance, most of the time they seem to allow casual in the specialties on formal nights, but last fall we witnessed just the opposite and saw a fellow getting the heave-ho for wearing a T-shirt with collar (polo shirt) in Crown Grill. In order to avoid problems with degradation of service and quality in the MDRs we usually dine most of the time in other venues, particularly on formal nights we use either Sabatini's or Crown Grill where rarely do you experience someone not dressed nicely.

 

On our more recent Princess voyages the specialty restaurants were very good, particularly Sabatini's, We also book the "Crab Shack" almost every time we had the opportunity (Do yourself a favor where and don't miss that if you love shell fish, true, a little messy so you are better off casual there). Alfredo's on the two new larger ships, Royal and Regal, is another where one can dress up a bit and enjoy good service, this is a sit down hand-tossed Neapolitan-style pizza, with linen table clothes, flowers, etc. which is no extra charge (note, this is not to be confused with the cheap pizzas they hand out almost 24 hours a day on the Lido deck at no extra charge as well).

 

On the longer voyages Princess offers the Chef's Table. The Chef's Table is for dinner only but you have to get on a list, it is an extremely eloquent multi-course dinner with wine selections included for each course and you get a lot of extras with it like the Princess cook book and special talks behind the scenes with the top chefs. Another good one we also love is the extra charge "Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar" it is very good, even has caviar and excellent oysters, sushi, extra charges depend upon the item. "Gelato" is a super high end ice cream style eatery, extra charges depend upon the treat. On our cruise in January we ate dinner at Sabatini's (5) times, Crown Grill (1), Seafood Terrace (2), Crab Shack (2), MDR (2). Alfredo's (3).

 

I've had lunch at Alfredo's and thought it was good; but do they offer more proteins or a different menu at dinner time? I thought the food was very good; enjoyed the antipasto as well, but need something a bit "more" than pizza or all carb based for dinner. Some chicken or fish dishes would be great.

 

My folks rave about the Crab Shack; one of their favorites.

 

I've done Chef's Table on Royal Caribbean (and have their cookbook). It was truly a unique event, but man, when we were done I could have just about killed for a hamburger!

 

Thanks for the tip on the Ocean Seafood bar. I thought it was mostly shellfish; did not realize they offered Sushi there.

 

Given the amount of choices maybe I don't need "a" specialty restaurant; we could perhaps "dine around"? could be fun.

 

Given the wording of Princess website though, if I was "bounced" out of a specialty restaurant when dressed smart casual I'd let the maitre D know all about it, and then the next stop would be to guest services to raise a stink with the food and bev manager or equal. I don't mind skipping the MDR to be in compliance; I do mind shifting goalposts though.

[LMaxwell]

i could care less about what someone else wears. Wear whatever you want its not going to ruin my vacation. As long as you don't sit beside me and fart and burp loudly throughout dinner i'm fine. Also make sure you have bathed and don't stink. I do wear a suit and dw dresses very nice. I don't even notice the way other people are dressed, its none of my business.

 

I'd never dream of going out to dinner without showering up first, no worries.

[kennicott]

Given the wording of Princess website though, if I was "bounced" out of a specialty restaurant when dressed smart casual I'd let the maitre D know all about it, and then the next stop would be to guest services to raise a stink with the food and bev manager or equal. I don't mind skipping the MDR to be in compliance; I do mind shifting goalposts though.

 

I wouldn't be concerned, if anything Princess is drifting farther away from formal attire, much to our chagrin. They just completed a large opinion survey of selected regulars in an attempt to get an idea how a reduction in required dress standards would set with guests. No, we weren't invited to participate, guess you have to have more than 300 sailing days with Princess in order to get recognition.

 

The situation I mentioned, where the dude got bounced from the Crown Grill due to sub-standard dress, occurred on the Caribbean Princess last October. Another thing they did then, when you called for reservations in a specialty on a formal night, they reminded you that it was a formal night and they couldn't accommodate you if you didn't agree with the dress stipulation.

 

After the cruise I mentioned this happening on a pertinent thread, nobody else had heard of such, and we hadn't either before that. Matter of fact, we were on the Regal two months ago and ate dinner six times in Sabatini's and Crown Grill, three nights when formal, when there were folk dressed in Hawaiian shirts and polo shirts in there then.

[LMaxwell]

I wouldn't be concerned, if anything Princess is drifting farther away from formal attire, much to our chagrin. They just completed a large opinion survey of selected regulars in an attempt to get an idea how a reduction in required dress standards would set with guests. No, we weren't invited to participate, guess you have to have more than 300 sailing days with Princess in order to get recognition.

 

The situation I mentioned, where the dude got bounced from the Crown Grill due to sub-standard dress, occurred on the Caribbean Princess last October. Another thing they did then, when you called for reservations in a specialty on a formal night, they reminded you that it was a formal night and they couldn't accommodate you if you didn't agree with the dress stipulation.

 

After the cruise I mentioned this happening on a pertinent thread, nobody else had heard of such, and we hadn't either before that. Matter of fact, we were on the Regal two months ago and ate dinner six times in Sabatini's and Crown Grill, three nights when formal, when there were folk dressed in Hawaiian shirts and polo shirts in there then.

 

Sounds like a restaurant manager was having a bit of a power trip on the Caribbean Princess.

[floridalover5623]

I wouldn't be concerned, if anything Princess is drifting farther away from formal attire, much to our chagrin. They just completed a large opinion survey of selected regulars in an attempt to get an idea how a reduction in required dress standards would set with guests. No, we weren't invited to participate, guess you have to have more than 300 sailing days with Princess in order to get recognition.

 

The situation I mentioned, where the dude got bounced from the Crown Grill due to sub-standard dress, occurred on the Caribbean Princess last October. Another thing they did then, when you called for reservations in a specialty on a formal night, they reminded you that it was a formal night and they couldn't accommodate you if you didn't agree with the dress stipulation.

 

After the cruise I mentioned this happening on a pertinent thread, nobody else had heard of such, and we hadn't either before that. Matter of fact, we were on the Regal two months ago and ate dinner six times in Sabatini's and Crown Grill, three nights when formal, when there were folk dressed in Hawaiian shirts and polo shirts in there then.

It appears that it might have been an uninformed crew member that caused the misconception about the dress and from what I've been reading the situation has corrected itself.

I would have just printed out Princess's rules & presented them to the head waiter for an explanation.

We recently had a voucher for a meal in Sabatini's & the person on the phone wouldn't let us use it for any night other than the first evening. (which was subsequently corrected) Not all of the crew members are familiar with all the rules especially if they're new in that position.

[shredie]

Sounds like a restaurant manager was having a bit of a power trip on the Caribbean Princess.

 

Or some ill-informed staff member answered the phone. Isn't there something in writing that states the upcharge dining venues are always smart casual? I'm sure I've seen such a thing somewhere.

[kennicott]

It appears that it might have been an uninformed crew member that caused the misconception about the dress and from what I've been reading the situation has corrected itself.

I would have just printed out Princess's rules & presented them to the head waiter for an explanation.

Not all of the crew members are familiar with all the rules especially if they're new in that position.

 

The logic of the lone employee being ignorant of company policy doesn't jibe here. If so, it would have had to be a conspiracy of ignorance among multiple employees since all those waiting tables in the Crown Grill and Sabatini's were tuned in, including the maitre D's, as well as all those taking reservations. Now, don't forget, this practice occurred throughout the entire two week cruise, not just one night. Would make more sense that the "Staff Captain" had decided to see what the ramifications would be by introducing a new rule.

 

I don't buy into any of that rationale though. Rather, I believe it was company policy by design to give it a one voyage shot, on one ship, in order to get an idea of guest reaction, good or bad.

 

As far as this practice being a deviation of written company policy as outlined in the cruise contract, on board rules, various FAQ responses, etc. don't forget those verbalisms are always laced with qualification statements that supersede stated rules/policies subject to Captain's prerogative or company discretion. HAL does this all the time, regarding smoking policy on their ships.

[LMaxwell]

I don't buy the uninformed crew member either. Someone on a power trip.

 

Princess website actually isn't laced with weasel words and out clauses on this topic. The onboard staff would be wrong. What are they going to do; DENY service to those who didn't bring formal wear?

[kennicott]

 

Princess website actually isn't laced with weasel words and out clauses on this topic. The onboard staff would be wrong. What are they going to do; DENY service to those who didn't bring formal wear?

 

Haw, in a word "yes". At least in that case you were allowed to eat in the MDR or buffet without formal dress, it was the specialties where they really enforced formality.

 

You should hear the squawking from HAL smokers and gamblers when HAL decides to close the casino to smoking for an entire voyage and guests don't find out until they board. Remember, Princess and Hal are both part of the Holland American Group, CEO--Stein Kruse.

 

Your Princess cruise contract, which we all agree to says: -----"Except as otherwise provided, Carrier may, for any reason, without prior notice, cancel the cruise; deviate from the scheduled ports of call, route and timetable; call or omit to call at any port or place or "CANCEL OR MODIFY ANY ACTIVITY ON OR OFF THE SHIP";"

[LMaxwell]

Haw, in a word "yes".

 

Then I guess I'd just go back to the MDR in my khakis and polo and not pay Princess any extra money.

[keithm]

Good thing I live in Florida [emoji51]

 

I like the jacket in your avatar. I'd wear that!

 

Don't worry, I will have on khaki pants and either a polo or button up tommy bahama style shirt for dinner regardless of which venue I choose.

Of course, you should KNOW who the Avatar is! What you said you plan to wear sounds fine.

[keithm]

i could care less about what someone else wears. Wear whatever you want its not going to ruin my vacation. As long as you don't sit beside me and fart and burp loudly throughout dinner i'm fine. Also make sure you have bathed and don't stink. I do wear a suit and dw dresses very nice. I don't even notice the way other people are dressed, its none of my business.

Had a woman give off a belch in the buffet on the Regal, which really caused me to look. Her response was "Oh! Where did that come from!?" I looked at her & said "Well, certainly not from this table!" She got looks from all around. she looked like the wife of Cletus!

[keithm]

I've had lunch at Alfredo's and thought it was good; but do they offer more proteins or a different menu at dinner time? I thought the food was very good; enjoyed the antipasto as well, but need something a bit "more" than pizza or all carb based for dinner. Some chicken or fish dishes would be great.

 

My folks rave about the Crab Shack; one of their favorites.

 

I've done Chef's Table on Royal Caribbean (and have their cookbook). It was truly a unique event, but man, when we were done I could have just about killed for a hamburger!

 

Thanks for the tip on the Ocean Seafood bar. I thought it was mostly shellfish; did not realize they offered Sushi there.

 

Given the amount of choices maybe I don't need "a" specialty restaurant; we could perhaps "dine around"? could be fun.

 

Given the wording of Princess website though, if I was "bounced" out of a specialty restaurant when dressed smart casual I'd let the maitre D know all about it, and then the next stop would be to guest services to raise a stink with the food and bev manager or equal. I don't mind skipping the MDR to be in compliance; I do mind shifting goalposts though.

If you're dressed Smart Casual I'd doubt you'd get the boot. Never saw anyone dressed smart casual get refused at dinner. In shorts yes, but not smart casual.

[keithm]

I wouldn't be concerned, if anything Princess is drifting farther away from formal attire, much to our chagrin. They just completed a large opinion survey of selected regulars in an attempt to get an idea how a reduction in required dress standards would set with guests. No, we weren't invited to participate, guess you have to have more than 300 sailing days with Princess in order to get recognition.

 

The situation I mentioned, where the dude got bounced from the Crown Grill due to sub-standard dress, occurred on the Caribbean Princess last October. Another thing they did then, when you called for reservations in a specialty on a formal night, they reminded you that it was a formal night and they couldn't accommodate you if you didn't agree with the dress stipulation.

 

After the cruise I mentioned this happening on a pertinent thread, nobody else had heard of such, and we hadn't either before that. Matter of fact, we were on the Regal two months ago and ate dinner six times in Sabatini's and Crown Grill, three nights when formal, when there were folk dressed in Hawaiian shirts and polo shirts in there then.

Even Celebrity allows smart casual at ALL times in their specialty rest. I'm sure Princess will go the same way. We still dress up, but reserve tuxes only for Cunard.

[mph045]

This is what I usually wear when going about town!!:D