Dinner Attire on the Crystal ??

[TNCruzer56]

We are booked on the Crystal in September for the Greek Isles. My wife noticed last night that there are 2 formal nights on the cruise, indicating mandatory coat and tie in the dining room. This could be a deal breaker as I wore those in my 25-year sales career and vowed to never put a suit on again. I will dress in business casual, but not put a noose around my neck again. Can somebody advise on this? Thanks 

[Scoup]

I hope not either..... we are traveling Italy prior to the cruise and are limited on luggage!  Hope its smart casual!

When are you going in September?  We will be on her September 23

[TNCruzer56]

Sept 2nd-9th

[Vacation_on]

I'm looking for the answer to this exact question. Traveling with limited luggage for a few weeks. We plan on dressing nice but not full-on formal. 

[TNCruzer56]

18 hours ago, Vacation_on said:

I'm looking for the answer to this exact question. Traveling with limited luggage for a few weeks. We plan on dressing nice but not full-on formal. 

Same for us! I am NOT wasting the space that a sports coat takes up. If we have to eat in the buffet one night...so be it!

[Vacation_on]

I went around other forums and although the cruise line still says a sports coat is recommended, I received different feedback from other travelers. 

 

In a different forum, someone stated they had just come back early June from the 7- day Celestyal cruise and didn’t realize there was a formal night until the morning of. People were dressed “nice” but not formal. Wide range of outfits, best dressed were the crew. They also recommended given the schedule, to take advantage of the schedule at eating locally at the restaurants in the islands instead of the ship. 

 

My trip is is coming up. I’ll come back and reply how it goes for us. 

[TNCruzer56]

On ‎6‎/‎26‎/‎2019 at 3:10 PM, Vacation_on said:

. 

 

My trip is is coming up. I’ll come back and reply how it goes for us. 

Please do and be prepared for it to be HOT!!!

[sawston123]

No, you don't need a sportcoat to eat in the dining rooms on formal night. Men must wear pants to eat in the dining rooms,  unless you don't have any, then you can slide.

[cruiseesl]

I was on the Crystal on the June 3-10 cruise.  The pre-cruise literature mentioned two "formal" nights. I packed accordingly.  There turned out to be one "dressy" night,  the night of the Captain's Gala Cocktail Party, which essentially means that the captain poses for photos with the cruise passengers.  The captain and his officers wore dress uniforms and the cruise director wore a tuxedo--the only one I saw that evening. The male friends I traveled with wore jackets but no ties--they would have been fine with just collared shirts, though they looked good.  The female friends I traveled with wore pants and nicer tops. I was happy with the latter (a nice photo was taken) but dressier than that would have been unnecessary.

[snirpville]

On 7/1/2019 at 9:54 PM, cruiseesl said:

I was on the Crystal on the June 3-10 cruise.  The pre-cruise literature mentioned two "formal" nights. I packed accordingly.  There turned out to be one "dressy" night,  the night of the Captain's Gala Cocktail Party, which essentially means that the captain poses for photos with the cruise passengers.  The captain and his officers wore dress uniforms and the cruise director wore a tuxedo--the only one I saw that evening. The male friends I traveled with wore jackets but no ties--they would have been fine with just collared shirts, though they looked good.  The female friends I traveled with wore pants and nicer tops. I was happy with the latter (a nice photo was taken) but dressier than that would have been unnecessary.

 

Were there others places to eat if you didn't want to go to Captain's Party?

[cruiseesl]

The Gala part of the evening was being a little dressed up and posing the captain for a picture, then we all proceeded into the main theatre/lounge while the captain introduced his officers, and sparkling wine was served.  After that, it was dinner in the dining rooms or buffet as usual, no other location or special arrangement. Of course, even attending the photo op and introductions with the captain was optional.

[Fran Record]

Was there a Greek night when wearing blue & white was suggested?

[Vacation_on]

There was a night where people wore blue and white, but we decided to go eat elsewhere on shore. 

[Vacation_on]

On 6/27/2019 at 2:57 PM, TNCruzer56 said:

Please do and be prepared for it to be HOT!!!

 

As long as men wear long pants, you’re good. Some people wore dress shirts but that was about it. They won’t allow you in shorts, though. Although women got away with shorts in some instances. 

Different from other cruises is that the Crystal stays sometimes until late at night on port, so you can easily find a place to eat and make a reservation for night time. Santorini, you do have to pay for the lift but it’s pretty walkable after the other cruise ships have left. So go to shore and eat there if you can. 

For weather, July was definitely hot and a hat and sunglasses was a must have. Get the hat that has the tie on the chin so it doesn’t blow away with the wind. 

 

Enjoy your trip!

[xrae]

After you are paid in full, there is a "pre-departure information" pdf booklet you should be able to download. 

I am going to copy what is in the booklet. Your adherence to these guidelines is up to you: 

 

Formal Evening
During our 7 night and 4 night cruises, we host Gala
Night and the Captain’s Cocktail in honour of our
guests, and we ask that you attend in formal dress:
a cocktail dress or something smart for the ladies,
jacket and tie for the men.

 

What to Wear: 

The weather in the Mediterranean is mild and
pleasant year-round. If you cruise with us during
the warmer part of the year, from May through
September, light-coloured cotton clothes will help
keep you cool. You should also bring swimsuits,
if you plan to swim in our pool or at one of the
incredible beaches we’ll visit, as well as sunglasses
and a hat which, combined with a good sunscreen,
will help protect you from the Mediterranean sun.
If you intend to use one of the well-equipped gyms
on our ships, make sure to bring proper clothes and
shoes (but don’t worry about a towel, we’ll provide it).
Air-conditioning is strong on the ship and because
of the occasional sea breeze in the afternoon,
we suggest that you also pack a light jacket or a
windbreaker.

 

Dressing for our Shore Excursions
Light-coloured cotton or sports clothes that
“breathe” will help keep you cool on our excursions.
Make sure that you wear comfortable shoes for all
excursions. If you plan to visit the beach you’ll need
a swimsuit, as well as sunglasses and a hat which,
combined with comfortable shoes and a good
sunscreen, will help protect you from the brilliant
Mediterranean sun. If you will be visiting a religious
or pilgrimage site, please dress respectfully in long
trousers or a skirt that falls below the knee, and
please remember to cover your shoulders.

 

Afternoons
We do not permit bathing suits or shorts in the
restaurants, but we serve a delicious lunch buffet on
our pool deck every day, so you can remain poolside
without having to change out of your swimwear.

 

Evening wear
In our restaurants, casinos, lounges and nightclubs,
and in the other open spaces on our ships, your
attire should be “country club casual” - relaxed, yet
elegant - after 6:00 pm.
 

Dress up
On each Celestyal cruise ship calendar you’ll find
special evening events, including Gala Night, the
Captain’s Cocktail (both during our 7 night cruises)
and our famous Greek Night. For Gala Night and
the Captain’s Cocktail, please attend in formal
dress: a cocktail dress or something smart for the
ladies, smart casual for the men. Remember, the
photographer will be there for a memory photo. For
Greek Night we hope you’ll wear blue and white, the
colours of the Greek flag. Check your daily program
for a schedule of all evening events.

 

Footwear
For your safety and comfort on board we suggest
sports, flat deck shoes with low heels or sandals.
These types of footwear will make it easier for you to
navigate the cruise ship decks and stairwells. Please
do not walk barefoot on the open decks.

 

Accessories
You’ll need a hat, sunglasses, a bathing suit, sandals
and perhaps a small umbrella. Why not visit our on
board shops where you will be able to buy suntan oil,
eye protection, bathing suits among other goods?
We also recommend you bring a camera (for photos,
for video, or for both), and make sure you recharge
your batteries before you sail - you won’t believe
the number of opportunities you’ll have to shoot
incredible photos and videos.