The virtues of formal nights & why we like them

[colonialinnkeeper]

Cunard, a Carnival cruise partner, seems to maintain their standards in dress and cruisers seem to abide by "the rules". We sailed on QM last year and loved the ambience and spirit of formal nights. Even on casual nights people dressed with jackets and country club level of dress. It gave the feeling that the evenings were special. And, those that didn't want to dress used the areas of the ship that didn't require the 6 p.m. dress code. The ship was sold out so the dress code doesn't appear to keep cruisers from choosing Cunard.

[swedish weave]

Cunard, a Carnival cruise partner, seems to maintain their standards in dress and cruisers seem to abide by "the rules". We sailed on QM last year and loved the ambience and spirit of formal nights. Even on casual nights people dressed with jackets and country club level of dress. It gave the feeling that the evenings were special. And, those that didn't want to dress used the areas of the ship that didn't require the 6 p.m. dress code. The ship was sold out so the dress code doesn't appear to keep cruisers from choosing Cunard.

 

Cunard is owned by and supported by Carnival corp. The major cruise lines allow some of their lines to maintain some of their policies, but if you study the background, you will learn that the parent company makes certain changes in the operations to reduce losses. When Princess absorbed Sitmar, they made changes and eliminated the Sitmar brand entirely. Now that Carnival owns several of the cruise lines, you see subtle changes that either reduce losses or generate profits.

 

Cruising is a big busiNess and their management does not operate on emotions. They make decisions based on revenue.

 

We can all point out items we would like to see changed or retained, but the cruise lines will do what they deem necessary to make money.

[umuva]

 

Carnival has absorbed many of the cruise lines that tried to maintain the restrictions and costly practices of the past, so they are in the best financial position of the three big mainstream lines.

 

 

 

Check the history of Carvival and you can see that they have absorbed several cruise lines that didn't manage their finances properly.

 

 

 

Hanging onto the past is important to some people, but if a company discourages the present trend of casual vacations, they will surely lose money and will be absorbed or will fail.

 

 

 

Enjoy your fancy attire, but don't expect the cruise lines to discourage those who desire a casual cruise.

 

 

 

You missed my point. You said cruise lines would be absorbed. I said ,basically, nobody would absorb CCC as they were the biggest by far.

As to hanging on to the past, I could quote Santayana. If you want everything to end up as Spirit Air, Ryan Air that is fine for you. Hanging on to a bit of decorum ( "fancy attire" to you, good taste to me) , behaviors, expectations, and manners is trying to maintain a bit of civility in a world slovenly behavior has taken over.

Casual may be fine. But what happens when even that is too formal for some?

If teachers are dressing like students and parents dress like their kids how much further does self gratification go?

 

 

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[swedish weave]

 

 

 

You missed my point. You said cruise lines would be absorbed. I said ,basically, nobody would absorb CCC as they were the biggest by far.

As to hanging on to the past, I could quote Santayana. If you want everything to end up as Spirit Air, Ryan Air that is fine for you. Hanging on to a bit of decorum ( "fancy attire" to you, good taste to me) , behaviors, expectations, and manners is trying to maintain a bit of civility in a world slovenly behavior has taken over.

Casual may be fine. But what happens when even that is too formal for some?

If teachers are dressing like students and parents dress like their kids how much further does self gratification go?

 

 

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Apparently you also missed my point.

 

If the scenario you descrobe is necessary to keep the company profitable, prudent managers will do it.

 

I did not imply that anybody would absorb Carnival Corp, but cruise lines that are unable to make money will either go under or be absorbed. Carnival and the other two big ones have absorbed quite a few over the years, and those who couldn't survive struggled to try to maintain the image of "class" while Carnival was hauling in the big bucks by catering to the "common folks"and selling lots of booze.

 

You can see that most of the mainstream lines are now leaning toward the practices that made Carnival successful.

 

Walmart was mentioned, and they have also achieved their success with a similar game plan while the "classy"stores are in trouble.

[umuva]

 

 

 

Apparently you also missed my point.

 

 

 

If the scenario you descrobe is necessary to keep the company profitable, prudent managers will do it.

 

 

 

I did not imply that anybody would absorb Carnival Corp, but cruise lines that are unable to make money will either go under or be absorbed. Carnival and the other two big ones have absorbed quite a few over the years, and those who couldn't survive struggled to try to maintain the image of "class" while Carnival was hauling in the big bucks by catering to the "common folks"and selling lots of booze.

 

 

 

You can see that most of the mainstream lines are now leaning toward the practices that made Carnival successful.

 

 

 

Walmart was mentioned, and they have also achieved their success with a similar game plan while the "classy"stores are in trouble.

 

 

 

As I said, Spirit Air. We can all march down to the lowest common denominator. "Attention Walmart shoppers." (Walmart destroyed small businesses in many places. And small towns in some cases)

Make you happy?

 

 

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[swedish weave]

 

 

 

As I said, Spirit Air. We can all march down to the lowest common denominator. "Attention Walmart shoppers." (Walmart destroyed small businesses in many places. And small towns in some cases)

Make you happy?

 

 

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I am happy that someone understands the reality of the business world.

 

Survival of the fittest comes to mind.

 

If anyone wants to pay the price, you can find cruise lines rhat will provide the experience you are seeking, but you cannot expect the mainstream lines to change their business model to cater to the few who want to satisfy champagnE tastes on a beer budget. They need to cater to the wishes of the majority of their guests.

[DreamflightPat]

It is a few die hards who are fussy about what other passengers are wearing. The cruise lines have not had actual formal nights for years.

I am sorry I disagree with you. Cunard have formal nights and everyone respects it. It is so lovely to walk around the ship on these nights and seeing everyone dressed up. Totally classy.

[floridalover5623]

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/wear-cruises-formal-night-royal-caribbean-61327.html

 

I think this also holds true on Princess.

 

 

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It sure does. About the only thing that differs is;

"Royal Caribbean requests that guests who do not participate in formal night avoid the main show lounge, but the casinos, dance clubs and bars cater to everyone regardless of dress."

[Charles4515]

I am sorry I disagree with you. Cunard have formal nights and everyone respects it. It is so lovely to walk around the ship on these nights and seeing everyone dressed up. Totally classy.

 

 

Cunard is a niche line. I have been on Cunard. Three ships. Not at all representative. The demographics are interesting but no mainstream line can make it appealing to that demographic. Mainstream lines like Princess and Royal Caribbean have large fleets to fill up. They can't make everyone dress up. They would be out of business as their potential passengers would flee to NCL or all inclusive resorts. Cunard has older three ships and no new ones on order. That should tell you something about the market. I like what Celebrity has done with Evening Chic. Those who like to dress up very formal can still do it. And they do. It doesn't have to be either/or. Celebrity has new ships on order.

Edited June 26, 2017 by Charles4515

[chamima]

Cunard is a niche line. I have been on Cunard. Three ships. Not at all representative. The demographics are interesting but no mainstream line can make it appealing to that demographic. Mainstream lines like Princess and Royal Caribbean have large fleets to fill up. They can't make everyone dress up. They would be out of business as their potential passengers would flee to NCL or all inclusive resorts. Cunard has older three ships and no new ones on order. That should tell you something about the market. I like what Celebrity has done with Evening Chic. Those who like to dress up very formal can still do it. And they do. It doesn't have to be either/or. Celebrity has new ships on order.

 

 

I really didn't want to get caught up in this argument but........................:o

Do you really think someone would choose to go on a cruise or not go based on the cruise line's policy of formal night dress? Don't you maybe think it might have more to do with length of the cruise, ports and price? (and maybe what's included in that price)

[Charles4515]

I really didn't want to get caught up in this argument but........................:o

 

Do you really think someone would choose to go on a cruise or not go based on the cruise line's policy of formal night dress? Don't you maybe think it might have more to do with length of the cruise, ports and price? (and maybe what's included in that price)

 

 

I know a lot of people who would not cruise on Cunard because of their dress policy. They are scared off by it. I tell them QM2 is like a the museum to the ocean liner past. Do it at least once to experience history. But that does not seem to convince them, as a reason to overlook their dress policy. I am in the don't care camp about their dress policy, I don't have Cunard crossed off but on the other hand I have not booked Cunard in years. Those who like formal nights should book them but with three ships you would be limiting yourself with ports, prices and length.

[Colo Cruiser]

I am sorry I disagree with you. Cunard have formal nights and everyone respects it. It is so lovely to walk around the ship on these nights and seeing everyone dressed up. Totally classy.

 

 

Absolutely.

[Colo Cruiser]

I really didn't want to get caught up in this argument but........................:o

Do you really think someone would choose to go on a cruise or not go based on the cruise line's policy of formal night dress? Don't you maybe think it might have more to do with length of the cruise, ports and price? (and maybe what's included in that price)

 

 

LOL.....I agree. :D

[Charlie1422]

I have recently booked our first cruise on Princess and have a question about formal nights. I apologise if this is not the proper forum. On our most recent cruise on HAL I was one of the very few men wearing a tuxedo on both formal nights. So much so that I had pretty much decided to leave it at home on our October cruise on HAL and just wear a sport coat and tie etc. Reading this I'm wondering if I would be out of place doing the same on Royal Princess. Any advice would be appreciated. Not taking sides in this debate. Thanks.

 

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[Cairn Mom]

I know a lot of people who would not cruise on Cunard because of their dress policy. They are scared off by it. I tell them QM2 is like a the museum to the ocean liner past. Do it at least once to experience history. But that does not seem to convince them, as a reason to overlook their dress policy. I am in the don't care camp about their dress policy, I don't have Cunard crossed off but on the other hand I have not booked Cunard in years. Those who like formal nights should book them but with three ships you would be limiting yourself with ports, prices and length.

 

 

 

Hi Charles,

 

This is a thread for people who enjoy formal nights. We may differ on what constitutes formal dress, but we all like the atmosphere of a formal night. You are not going to change our minds,and we are not going to change yours. As Keith suggested, you should start a thread of like minded people. You are completely entitled to your opinion as we are entitled to ours. Happy cruising ⚓️

 

 

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[Charlie1422]

Hi Charles,

 

This is a thread for people who enjoy formal nights. We may differ on what constitutes formal dress, but we all like the atmosphere of a formal night. You are not going to change our minds,and we are not going to change yours. As Keith suggested, you should start a thread of like minded people. You are completely entitled to your opinion as we are entitled to ours. Happy cruising ⚓️

 

 

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I never stated I didn't enjoy formal nights. I just wanted to know what the norm was!!! I have discovered that CC has very sensitive folks though. Sorry I asked.

 

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[chamima]

I have recently booked our first cruise on Princess and have a question about formal nights. I apologise if this is not the proper forum. On our most recent cruise on HAL I was one of the very few men wearing a tuxedo on both formal nights. So much so that I had pretty much decided to leave it at home on our October cruise on HAL and just wear a sport coat and tie etc. Reading this I'm wondering if I would be out of place doing the same on Royal Princess. Any advice would be appreciated. Not taking sides in this debate. Thanks.

 

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My husband has always worn his tux on formal nights and so far hasn't felt out of place.

We do eat dinner in late traditional which, as the name suggests, draws a more "traditional" crowd so that may influence what we see.

Our last Princess cruise was a 14 night New Year's so that might have have made a difference. We tend to take longer cruises.

(We also spent 28 nights on Celebrity in February where, because of their new dress policy, he didn't take his tux and was probably in the dressier group of passengers in just a suit.)

[dickinson]

I never stated I didn't enjoy formal nights. I just wanted to know what the norm was!!! I have discovered that CC has very sensitive folks though. Sorry I asked.

 

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there is another poster with the name Charles. Yours says Charlie so I don't think they were talking about you.

 

As for your question about the tux.... My dh wears a tux and we see others too. Much might depend on the cruise you are taking. We have been taking longer cruises where the average age seems to be at least in the 50's to 70's. I don't know what it is like on a 7 day cruise. If you are on a 7 day or less cruise in the Caribbean or Mexico you might want to start a thread asking about that. I think Alaska probably is more suits and sport coats. You can never go wrong in a tux but if it makes you feel uncomfortable if no one else is wearing one then I would definitely post your own thread about the type of cruise you are going on.

[Charlie1422]

I never stated I didn't enjoy formal nights. I just wanted to know what the norm was!!! I have discovered that CC has very sensitive folks though. Sorry I asked.

 

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My apologies to Cairn Mom, I guess I'm the sensitive one! I will put my glasses on next time!

 

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[Charlie1422]

there is another poster with the name Charles. Yours says Charlie so I don't think they were talking about you.

 

As for your question about the tux.... My dh wears a tux and we see others too. Much might depend on the cruise you are taking. We have been taking longer cruises where the average age seems to be at least in the 50's to 70's. I don't know what it is like on a 7 day cruise. If you are on a 7 day or less cruise in the Caribbean or Mexico you might want to start a thread asking about that. I think Alaska probably is more suits and sport coats. You can never go wrong in a tux but if it makes you feel uncomfortable if no one else is wearing one then I would definitely post your own thread about the type of cruise you are going on.

Thank you .

 

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[TXNewlyweds]

My DH and I have taken 2 cruises, both on Royal Caribbean. Our next cruise is on NCL in December. Someday we'll try Princess. We really enjoy dressing up for dinner every evening of our cruises. It makes it something special -- like 7 date nights in a row! And while we're still working, our social calendar isn't filled with dressy events so we enjoy dressing for formal nights as well. Gives DH a chance to wear his wedding suit and I get to wear something special as well. We view a cruise as an escape from the ordinary and don't see the point in dressing as we would every day at home. I expect we will pack the same for our NCL cruise even if there is no designated formal night.

 

I agree, there's something special about looking around at everyone looking their best.

[MrMan]

I have suspected for a while now that all the formal loving people don't actually dress formal at all. They think black pants and a bedazzled top pass for formal.

 

 

 

I think the guys get a bad wrap on formal wear as my observation is the guys are more formal than the ladies. And your right the black slacks and "sparkly top" is the men's equivalent of Dockers and a Polo shirt

 

 

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[HaveDogWillTravel]

I have recently booked our first cruise on Princess and have a question about formal nights. I apologise if this is not the proper forum. On our most recent cruise on HAL I was one of the very few men wearing a tuxedo on both formal nights. So much so that I had pretty much decided to leave it at home on our October cruise on HAL and just wear a sport coat and tie etc. Reading this I'm wondering if I would be out of place doing the same on Royal Princess. Any advice would be appreciated. Not taking sides in this debate. Thanks.

 

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Hi there,

You will definitely be in good company wearing your tux. We've done 7, 10 and 15 day cruises on Princess and regardless of itinerary DH has always worn his tux on formal night along with many others. You will not be alone or out of place.

If our upcoming 5 day Cabo cruise has a formal night we will even pack it for that.

 

Walking on deck, listening to the ocean, star gazing, playing shuffleboard, having a martini, all while dressed to the nines with your sweetheart is about the most romantic thing ever in our humble opinion.

And now that Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo and Prada have gorgeous dress shoes that are flats I can walk forever in them. :D

 

We love it and are so glad that Princess still has formal nights and a large portion of clientele that appreciate it as well.

I hope you have a great time!

[Charlie1422]

Hi there,

You will definitely be in good company wearing your tux. We've done 7, 10 and 15 day cruises on Princess and regardless of itinerary DH has always worn his tux on formal night along with many others. You will not be alone or out of place.

If our upcoming 5 day Cabo cruise has a formal night we will even pack it for that.

 

Walking on deck, listening to the ocean, star gazing, playing shuffleboard, having a martini, all while dressed to the nines with your sweetheart is about the most romantic thing ever in our humble opinion.

And now that Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo and Prada have gorgeous dress shoes that are flats I can walk forever in them. :D

 

We love it and are so glad that Princess still has formal nights and a large portion of clientele that appreciate it as well.

I hope you have a great time!

Thank you!

 

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[Cairn Mom]

My apologies to Cairn Mom, I guess I'm the sensitive one! I will put my glasses on next time!

 

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Lol- Np

 

 

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