No Formal Nights?

[shefinch]

We understand that Karl will only be there for the initial period with Kevin who is to be Maitre d' on the Odyssey

[wripro]

Thanks, Shelagh and Martita.

[Martita B.]

In addition to Karl, Guillaume (William) Colas will be aboard the Odyssey. Not sure as to his schedule. I would think during the World Cruise both will be aboard from time to time.

MB

[Stevmead]

I'm confused. Does doing away with the mandatory formal nights mean you can't were a tux and look just as elegant as you want to? Does the couple at the next table, very smartly attired but not formal, really ruin the experience for others? Really?

 

Just completed 4th Seabourn Cruise - 1/16/09 Panama Canal

[beargal]

Last week we received our Voyage info for our May cruise in the Med and it states, "There are no Black Tie (Optional) evenings during this cruise."

 

That was a surprise but even though we signed up for a 14 day cruise it is made up of two 7 day cruises and everyday is a port day (one Marina day). I will miss seeing everyone all dressed up but it will make packing much easier.

 

Rebecca

[GrannyLorr]

I'm confused. Does doing away with the mandatory formal nights mean you can't were a tux and look just as elegant as you want to? Does the couple at the next table, very smartly attired but not formal, really ruin the experience for others? Really?

 

Just completed 4th Seabourn Cruise - 1/16/09 Panama Canal

 

 

I completely agree Stevmead, what someone else wears is not my concern and certainly doesnt impact on my dinner in any way! It really is a shame how some people try to make Seabourn sound like the snobbiest ships afloat, when that is not the case at all. I can just imagine how many potential passengers they actually turn away from Seabourn! There have been posts in here where "potential" passengers have stated just that fact!! :(

[Host Dan]

I'm confused. Does doing away with the mandatory formal nights mean you can't were a tux and look just as elegant as you want to? Does the couple at the next table, very smartly attired but not formal, really ruin the experience for others? Really?

 

Just completed 4th Seabourn Cruise - 1/16/09 Panama Canal

In theory I agree... But in actuality it would be like wearing a costume to a non-costume party... Kind of out of place...

 

Host Dan

[shefinch]

I completely agree Stevmead, what someone else wears is not my concern and certainly doesnt impact on my dinner in any way! It really is a shame how some people try to make Seabourn sound like the snobbiest ships afloat, when that is not the case at all. I can just imagine how many potential passengers they actually turn away from Seabourn! There have been posts in here where "potential" passengers have stated just that fact!! :(

In the past it has never been thought "snobby" on Seabourn to keep up standards of dress!

[CruisinMatt]

Since when did dressing up = snobby??? :confused: I've met my fair share of sloppily dressed snobs.

[GrannyLorr]

Since when did dressing up = snobby??? :confused: I've met my fair share of sloppily dressed snobs.

 

The fact is that NO ONE is telling you that you CANT dress up, go for it...wear what you like, make your own decisions as Marja stated, she will probably continue to dress up, but her husband probably wont, how is that going to affect you?....and then you think that everyone else SHOULD think and act and dress like you think they should :rolleyes:..........maybe Seabourn should just introduce a "Class" system?? Will that take care of the "standards"??

[wripro]

Anyone can certainly wear what he/she wants. But there is a tone and quality to the dining room when everyone is dressed formally that just won't exist with a few here and there.

[Stevmead]

Anyone can certainly wear what he/she wants. But there is a tone and quality to the dining room when everyone is dressed formally that just won't exist with a few here and there.

 

The problem is that everyone can't wear what they want on suggested formal nights. Obviously everyone has their own opinion. Mine is that forced formal attire just makes the dining room more formal, not of improved tone or quality. I liken it to a 5 star restaurant. Tone and quality is a factor of the food and service and the manners of other diners. If the wife and I are celebrating a special occasion and want to get all gussied up for dinner, it matters not to us that we are over dressed. I certainly hope we are not making those less formally, but tastefully, attired uncomfortable.

 

Go Granny!

[Martita B.]

Seabourn guests have enjoyed dressing for dinner (restaurant) since the line was first established ~~for the passengers that do not want to dress, the Veranda, "2" is an option for them. The Odyssey will have several dining venues ~~some informal and casual.

I hope Seabourn's original standard of dress holds and not disappear! For many of us the dress code should be upheld.

(as for packing/luggage, it's quite easy to include a few blacktie pieces. I've been packing formal wear for 10 years)

Martita B.

[LaPaloma]

Martha--you got that one right!! If formal nights disapear so will a large segment of long time Seabourn passengers. Don

[Martita B.]

Don

Someone on the board mentioned "bean counter's" ~~I can easily name dozens of guests that cruise Seabourn regularly (several lenghtly times a year) that indeed want Seabourn to continue formal evenings and to enforce the dress codes. Are the "counter's" simply going to discount us? I hope not.

MB

[cruiseyguy]

I'm sure Seabourn has put a lot of thought into this issue as have the luxury lines and they know what they have to do to grow. As for the "regulars" going somewhere else--where might that be? All of the luxury lines (with the exception of Crystal) are moving in the same direction--casual/country club casual. Good luck finding a land resort that even requires a jacket for dining.

[SeabournGirl]

On formal mights - it IS an entire different tone and atmosphere - and it isn't just the Tuxes and beaded gowns. It's the little extras only done on a formal night: The elegant receiving line to meet the Captain followed by champagne & caviar; The main course at dinner served under covered dish with the waiters coming over to wish you a good meal in the native language of one of the waiters while doing "Viola" and lifting the covers; the ice cream bon bons and special triple chocolate creme brulee; The Officers hosting tables of 10 and socializing in the Club afterwards. It is just a different feeling on these nights that many passengers look forward to.

 

Imagine the Captains Welcome Reception with guests in golf shirts and khaki pants. It simply will not be the same.

 

If Seabourn goes all casual, then Oceania becomes a viable alternative for me. I have not sailed on Oceania because I prefer the formal nights, but many of my friends do cruise on them and love it. So, if Seabourn goes to no formal nights, they may lose many long time, loyal passengers that will now think of Seabourn as just one of many cruise lines they sail on instead of the ONLY choice.

 

Seabourn is an upscale, luxury cruise line with passengers having all the expectations that goes along with that. I hope they don't keep catering to the masses instead of those that have always chosen Seabourn because of the style & level of service.

[LaPaloma]

I've always liked the expression, don't fix what isn't broke! Most of us have enjoyed the formal atmosphere for years...we live in such a drab society these days, it is a nice shot in the arm for people to be at their finest. Let those who like to be casual..do so..in the proper venue..and let us go on enjoying that which drew us to these wonderful ships in the first place. Lola

[Host Dan]

Why does Seabourn feel that they have to follow what other lines are doing?? I too like the expression, if it isn't broken, why fix it? Seabourn seems to be eliminating what makes them "special". I can't imagine a TA crossing with A. No formal nights, and B. On a ship that holds more than DOUBLE the guest capacity of the triplets. This does nothing but water down the experience.. Can you say "DILUTED"?

 

Host Dan

[Martita B.]

What is to become of the Captain's welcome and farewell receptions? I can not visualize a Master's "casual" party!:confused:

Perhaps Seabourn plans to discontinue these as well.

Martita B.

[Jim Avery]

Other than the obvious difference of being on a big ship, Transatlantic on Queen Mary 2 is still a formal event, especially in the Grills Class. First & last are coat & tie, the other 4 formal and most men wear tuxes. I agree that it is special to "dress up" and people do seem to behave differently in formal attire as opposed to shorts and t shirts (perfectly fine in Jost van Dyke). I can understand your disappointment in the ending of the formal nights even though I have never sailed SB. We have met many wonderful people from all over the world on our transatlantics but you do lack the intimacy and camaraderie found on small ships like SeaDream.

[Naveron]

I agree with SeabournGirl: It was a lovely experience to have the stewards "escort" me to my table, even when I returned to my table after going to the ladies. (Even though my tottering on my heels probably did not inspire confidence that I could make it without a stumble..)

 

I really do think people behave more graciously (consciously or unconsciously) when they have to dress up. That's what I loved about Seabourn, the guests were very nice to each other. I didn't find this to be so on Windstar (with no dress up).

[hikndog]

No formal night, no dress code, not to worry. As a retired airline pilot I can assure that eventhough our passengers no longer dress as if they respect themselves or their fellow passengers airline service hasn't changed in the last twenty years. When companies lower standards they invite their guests to mimic those lower standards. Four years ago and six Seabourn cruised later I now see passengers at afternoon tea in swim suits where they used to be well dressed. If Seabourn believes they can keep their outstanding reputation and cater to those who dress as if they just came from the gym, then, like the airlines they will become simply transportation. See ya at grayhound.

[Martita B.]

hikndog

I appreciate your post! Believe it or not I still dress to fly! Sometimes in 1st class and other times, coach.......but I am still dressing up! Certainly not as my Mother and I use to dress: suits, hats, heels and gloves, but I am still careful as to looking "dressy!"

Thanks again!

Martita B.

[surfersgirl]

We didn't book 6 of the next 12 months on SB because of "formal nights", we like the small ship atmosphere, the friendly staff ,the ports of call and of course the people we meet.

We live a very casual lifestyle and of course it is nice to have a chance to "dress up" for a change but it is not the major consideration when we book a cruise if it has 1 or 3"formals" per leg, it just means I pack an extra tie for the husband and I rotate the evening wear (I'm getting better at "weighing clothes on a hanger" to see if they would be too heavy to buy)

 

I am more concerned if I'm going to be docked right in the middle of things or out in a container dock 1 or 2 hours from the city if the ship is too big (Hong Kong or Singapore are good examples).

Jean