Another take on Formal Nights, Dress Codes, et al

[poetic license]

Found this on the Princess boards; looks like it's a hotly debated subject there, too. For all that has been posted on this (maddening) subject, this one is worth sharing and commenting upon:

 

It's Not Just About Comfort...It's About Respect

I want to chime in on this subject, because in all my reading on the board, I've never seen anyone express my thoughts about dressing for formal nights.

 

I've heard many mention "comfort" as a reason for wearing jeans, or just a sundress. I've heard others object to that same attire because it just doesn't follow the rules or expectations. Some are even somewhat sarcastic and ask, "Do my jeans really ruin your vacation?" Of course, the answer should be no. But I want to ask everyone: what about respect?

 

Dressing up on a formal night can be a way of showing respect for both yourself and everyone else you are dining with. It can be a way of saying, not just with words but with action: I care about you AND me. I think beyond my own needs. I care enough to make this evening special by going the extra mile to create an atmosphere of celebration and style that occurs rarely in modern life. I respect you enough, stranger and family member alike, to take the time to look my best, be thoughful, and show you that sometimes certain nights should be special enough to create memories on unique levels.

 

I harken back to the early 80s when I graduated from High School in San Diego. Back then, Disneyland had a late night party for HS seniors called grad night (maybe it still happens). Any senior that wanted to come to Disneyland had to dress in business attire. That meant dresses or pants suits for the women and sportcoat and tie for the men. At the time, I heard they required this kind of attire to cut down on fights between hormone rich boys. But I think it was more than that.

 

I believe most people behave differently when they dress up. They are more likely to slow down, be curteous and respectful in their manner. We are worth it, aren't we?

 

So when people show up in jeans, they don't ruin my vacation. But in a small way I think they are telling me "You aren't worth it. This is just another night out for me and I care only about my comfort. I don't want to expend the extra energy to make this night unique for all of us. I only care about me."

 

There are so many different ways to vacation. Must cruising sink to the lowest common denominator? Must it become no more special than a night at Hooters? I want my fellow travelers to know I still care about some old traditions, and I care about the people I am with - I care enough to do something special like dressing up on formal nights, and even taking an extra step on the smart and casual night. I'll leave my jeans at home, waiting for the next time I go out to the neighborhood pub. There is a time and a place for everything. Beside, I feel very comforable in my best black suit with a beautiful chic silver tie, cuff links. and polished shoes. In fact....honestly.... I am HOT BABY!!! Come on, join me lets all be hot and sexy together!

Carrie

hosttink@cruisecritic.com

[excitedofharpenden]

Yep, it's all been said before, but some people just won't get it, no matter how it's said.

 

Phil

[Sugar*Magnolia]

Wow, I could not have said it better myself. It boils down to RESPECT. I beleive mroeso that you respect yourself first and then your fellow cruisers. Even my children adore getting dressed formal on cruises, heck I think a small part of the reason we LOVE to cruise is because there is that special air of glamour & we live by that look good feel good rule on a daily basis. My daughter, like me has worn gowns my son as my husband a tuxedo. If it comes down to notbeing able to afford or it claiming you can't- try resale, shop on eBay, allow yourself to feel special. Go the extra mile to say you care about yourself and others- yes Formal means just that! Hop a plane to any ole island if you dont know what formal means.

Smart casual doesnt mean levi cut offs either (oh, unless it is $200 jeans and a sequined top ;) Having said that, most people that enjoy dressing comment about those that dont, by every right. So, come on people..Look good feel good and it is all good! ;)

[spearmint]

Found this on the Princess boards; looks like it's a hotly debated subject there, too. For all that has been posted on this (maddening) subject, this one is worth sharing and commenting upon:

 

It's Not Just About Comfort...It's About Respect

 

 

 

I believe most people behave differently when they dress up.They are more likely to slow down, be curteous and respectful in their manner.

 

-- You are so right!

 

There are so many different ways to vacation. Must cruising sink to the lowest common denominator?

 

-- Some people think that it must; but let's hope that they are a small minority. And let's hope that the cruise lines like Celebrity don't get swayed by this type of mentality into relaxing the dress code enforcement any more than they already have. There are cruises that are informal; let those who want such take them. Or better still, perhaps those people should try the formal approach; they may find that they feel more special and will enjoy it!

[Texed]

Nicky,

 

Thanks for posting. It is very true.