Formal evenings
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- Commodore
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Re: Formal evenings
We enjoy a couple of formal nights each week which is one reason we usually choose lines that offer them. If we wished to be less formal tgere are other lines which suit. What annoys me is people choosing a formal
line them moaning about it.
line them moaning about it.
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Topic author - Cadet
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Re: Formal evenings
Sadly I have, not all necessarily with the baseball caps - those are probably the exception, but certainly the quick change crew, unless they ate in the buffet.GillD46 wrote: ↑30 Apr 2019, 18:02Goodness, I’ve not seen that more than once or twice in 20+ Cunard trips.Midlandslass wrote: ↑30 Apr 2019, 17:33It’s often the case on Cunard that passengers will abide by the dress code in the dining room and then rush back to their cabins to change into shorts, t-shirts and baseball caps (worn backwards of course) to go to the production show.Ranchi wrote: ↑30 Apr 2019, 17:14Personally, I find smart casual a bit of a challenge; will that shirt go with those trousers etc? Never happier (dress wise) than on formal night; jacket-black, trousers-black, bow tie- black, shirt- white piqué, shoes- black. Big decision wing or normal?
Didn’t used to mind the informal dress code either; suit, blue/white or cream shirt and then choose from a small selection of ties.
I don’t have any problem with passengers opting to wear whatever they like as long as they are happy to abide by the dress code for certain venues. Having said that, it did seem somewhat incongruous to see someone in tee-shirt, shorts & what would be called things in Australia walking down the main drag at about 9:30 pm on Britannia last week - it was not a swelteringly hot night either.
I've never actually followed anyone to their cabin and watched them emerge in less than formal clothes
Generally on the Med fly cruises or the Caribbean.
Don't know how many Cunard cruises but have been sat at Diamond level for quite a few years.
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- Deputy Captain
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Re: Formal evenings
We stayed at a rather nice hotel in Malaga a couple of years back that had a dress code for dinner. This was clearly advertised. The amount of people who stood and argued with the restaurant manager was incredible. He was a tough cookie and wouldn't budge an inch.
Empty vessels .. and all that
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- Senior First Officer
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Re: Formal evenings
I could not agree with you more Onelife, nothing more I can add.Onelife wrote: ↑30 Apr 2019, 14:07Hi Midlandlass
Yes l think it is the thin end of the wedge and in the not too distant future we will start reading posts about how dress codes have fallen. It only takes a couple of scruffy "up yours l'll wear what l like merchants" to bring down the whole ambience of what is supposed to be a special (formal) occasion .
I don't know this for a fact but l presume most of us who enjoyed our first few cruises also enjoyed dressing for formal evenings? I personally think formal evenings should be strictly aderehed too....and all the scruffy sods who wish to flaunt this should make their way to the self service restaurants via a designated route that avoids me not having to see them.
When we are out to dinner at good restaurants (not chains) I like to dress accordingly, shirt, tie smart trousers and jacket, so it goes without saying that we enjoy the formal evenings when cruising and long may it last.
Don't worry, be happy
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- Deputy Captain
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Re: Formal evenings
It may be a generation thing Ray. We always make the effort if eating out while many youngsters seem happy to turn up in shorts and flip flops.
Empty vessels .. and all that
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- Site Admin
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Re: Formal evenings
I love the formal black tie nights (Mrs63 says I do!)
This is not a sexist comment but I find that some of the female passengers have a very "vivid imagination" as to what constitutes being formal and are able to get away with it. I have seen some women in what most would consider as a long beach dress on a formal night or in a jumper and skirt which would only just pass muster on a smart casual night. I have yet to see a female refused being served in a "black tie" bar but if a man was to enter in the equivalent then he would be asked to leave.
There is, to some extent, a degree of discrimination with the enforcement of dress codes.
This is not a sexist comment but I find that some of the female passengers have a very "vivid imagination" as to what constitutes being formal and are able to get away with it. I have seen some women in what most would consider as a long beach dress on a formal night or in a jumper and skirt which would only just pass muster on a smart casual night. I have yet to see a female refused being served in a "black tie" bar but if a man was to enter in the equivalent then he would be asked to leave.
There is, to some extent, a degree of discrimination with the enforcement of dress codes.
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Topic author - Cadet
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Re: Formal evenings
I think that’s spot on, not sexist at all.david63 wrote: ↑30 Apr 2019, 21:45I love the formal black tie nights (Mrs63 says I do!)
This is not a sexist comment but I find that some of the female passengers have a very "vivid imagination" as to what constitutes being formal and are able to get away with it. I have seen some women in what most would consider as a long beach dress on a formal night or in a jumper and skirt which would only just pass muster on a smart casual night. I have yet to see a female refused being served in a "black tie" bar but if a man was to enter in the equivalent then he would be asked to leave.
There is, to some extent, a degree of discrimination with the enforcement of dress codes.
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- Commodore
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Re: Formal evenings
Well it should be.Manoverboard wrote: ↑30 Apr 2019, 18:16It can be the case that Dress Codes are ' required ' in many of the ship's areas but that the Theatre is NOT one of them.
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Re: Formal evenings
david63 wrote: ↑30 Apr 2019, 21:45I love the formal black tie nights (Mrs63 says I do!)
This is not a sexist comment but I find that some of the female passengers have a very "vivid imagination" as to what constitutes being formal and are able to get away with it. I have seen some women in what most would consider as a long beach dress on a formal night or in a jumper and skirt which would only just pass muster on a smart casual night. I have yet to see a female refused being served in a "black tie" bar but if a man was to enter in the equivalent then he would be asked to leave.
There is, to some extent, a degree of discrimination with the enforcement of dress codes.
Q
I agree David.
Mrs S and I have often said, 'how does she get away with calling that formal attire'. It's always the men that get pulled up about not being properly dressed, never the women.
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- Senior First Officer
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Re: Formal evenings
Midlandslass, I wasn’t disputing what you posted. We must have been more fortunate, though I did once see someone in the Queen’s Room wearing a football shirt.Midlandslass wrote: ↑30 Apr 2019, 18:32Sadly I have, not all necessarily with the baseball caps - those are probably the exception, but certainly the quick change crew, unless they ate in the buffet.GillD46 wrote: ↑30 Apr 2019, 18:02Goodness, I’ve not seen that more than once or twice in 20+ Cunard trips.Midlandslass wrote: ↑30 Apr 2019, 17:33
It’s often the case on Cunard that passengers will abide by the dress code in the dining room and then rush back to their cabins to change into shorts, t-shirts and baseball caps (worn backwards of course) to go to the production show.
I've never actually followed anyone to their cabin and watched them emerge in less than formal clothes
Generally on the Med fly cruises or the Caribbean.
Don't know how many Cunard cruises but have been sat at Diamond level for quite a few years.
Gill
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- Ex Team Member
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Re: Formal evenings
Guess I am different to most of you, if anything I 'tolerated' formal evenings. Been there done that!
Now we don't even bother packing formal gear but we do dress in smart casual (as defined by the cruise line) - I point blank refuse to wear ties these days under any circumstances (always hated them). I don't know why but over the years I have actually grown a serious distrust of anyone in a 3 piece suit and a certain level of caution towards anyone in a suit and tie - stupid, I know.
On formal nights we will either book one of the allowed select dining venues or go to the buffet restaurant (which is surprisingly busy with people in formal, smart casual, football and beach bum outfits). After dinner we head down to the show lounge/theatre/bars and enjoy the entertainment with everyone else - sadly the theatre seems to be full of waiters taking all the seats.
I print out the web page stating where formal gear is required, just in case I come across someone who is unaware - I have seen the odd sourpuss with a face on them that looks like they are sucking wasps dipped in mace as they look us up and down, but they never say anything. in fact the only comments we have heard, on multiple occasions, are 'you look much more comfortable than us' or 'Are you allowed to remove your formal gear?' (er, yes, it is not compulsory - and I show them my print out after which most seem to go back to the cabin to get changed, leaving us to look after their seats).
I don't complain if people want to dress up and I don't expect them to complain if I decide not to. Just follow the requirements, as laid out in your T&C and other guidance .... if someone does not like them then that is their problem not mine ... and I am on holiday ... so I don't care about their problems.
Now we don't even bother packing formal gear but we do dress in smart casual (as defined by the cruise line) - I point blank refuse to wear ties these days under any circumstances (always hated them). I don't know why but over the years I have actually grown a serious distrust of anyone in a 3 piece suit and a certain level of caution towards anyone in a suit and tie - stupid, I know.
On formal nights we will either book one of the allowed select dining venues or go to the buffet restaurant (which is surprisingly busy with people in formal, smart casual, football and beach bum outfits). After dinner we head down to the show lounge/theatre/bars and enjoy the entertainment with everyone else - sadly the theatre seems to be full of waiters taking all the seats.
I print out the web page stating where formal gear is required, just in case I come across someone who is unaware - I have seen the odd sourpuss with a face on them that looks like they are sucking wasps dipped in mace as they look us up and down, but they never say anything. in fact the only comments we have heard, on multiple occasions, are 'you look much more comfortable than us' or 'Are you allowed to remove your formal gear?' (er, yes, it is not compulsory - and I show them my print out after which most seem to go back to the cabin to get changed, leaving us to look after their seats).
I don't complain if people want to dress up and I don't expect them to complain if I decide not to. Just follow the requirements, as laid out in your T&C and other guidance .... if someone does not like them then that is their problem not mine ... and I am on holiday ... so I don't care about their problems.
Last edited by Kendhni on 01 May 2019, 07:43, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Formal evenings
And that is the crux of the issue - there are some (many) who want to rewrite those rules to suit [pun intended] their requirements.
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- First Officer
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Re: Formal evenings
It can be difficult for someone doing a short cruise for the first time to see if they like it. Why pay out for formal clothes if you are unlikely to get any further use from it if you decide cruising is not for you. That is no excuse though for not packing some smart clothes like black slacks and a nice blouse for a lady and a smart shirt, tie and jacket and trousers for a man. These can usually be used in ones everyday life. I love to see the young children all dressed up, even little lads in smart suits and they seem to enjoy all the attention they receive.
Like allatc, I would be irritated at having to pack formal gear just for 2 nights.
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- Commodore
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Re: Formal evenings
That kind of agrees with my point. If someone is cruising for the first time and doesn't like dressing up, then surely choose one of the informal lines which doesn't require it? Why choose to try something they know they're not going to like? Even if it's a 2-nighter, surely the point for the cruise company is to demonstrate a sample of their product. There'd surely be (even more) complaints if someone did a taster cruise where they could wear their shorts and t-shirt into the dining room and then found it was different when they committed to 14 night?
It's funny that you only ever seen this sort of discussion in a cruising context. Or have I missed it? Is there any other kind of holiday where people scan the brochure, choose something they don't like and then expect it to change to suit them?
BTW I have no problem whatsoever with those who don't like dressing up and are happy to use the less formal venues on those nights. It's the "I'll what I like, where I like and when I like, I've paid for my holiday and I don't care who I upset" brigade that annoy me. Because I pay for my holidays too with the expectation of a certain ambience, as advertised in the brochures, for a couple of nights a week.
Last edited by Mervyn and Trish on 01 May 2019, 10:27, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Formal evenings
Nudist resort?Mervyn and Trish wrote: ↑01 May 2019, 10:20Is there any other kind of holiday where people scan the brochure, choose something they don't like and then expect it to change to suit them?
Last edited by david63 on 01 May 2019, 10:26, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Formal evenings
So long as you wear a bow tie!david63 wrote: ↑01 May 2019, 10:26Nudist resort?Mervyn and Trish wrote: ↑01 May 2019, 10:20Is there any other kind of holiday where people scan the brochure, choose something they don't like and then expect it to change to suit them?
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Re: Formal evenings
We love the dressing up, mainly I suppose because nursing uniform is NOT glamorous! I probably dress up more on the casual nights than needed too, just because I can!
My daughter absolutely loved being able to dress like a 'princess' too, and she got so much attention on formal night..which she fully appreciated! I did find though that as she wore a pretty dress every night, I did hear coments of 'isnt it just a casual night?' Apparently you can't win either way!
My daughter absolutely loved being able to dress like a 'princess' too, and she got so much attention on formal night..which she fully appreciated! I did find though that as she wore a pretty dress every night, I did hear coments of 'isnt it just a casual night?' Apparently you can't win either way!
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- Able Seaman
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Re: Formal evenings
In all the writings of formal V Not formal,This is one of the best posts i have ever witnessed. We too are like Kendhni.. We cruise how we want,but adhere to the rules and avoid the areas we are not allowed in on formal evenings.Kendhni wrote: ↑01 May 2019, 07:42Guess I am different to most of you, if anything I 'tolerated' formal evenings. Been there done that!
Now we don't even bother packing formal gear but we do dress in smart casual (as defined by the cruise line) - I point blank refuse to wear ties these days under any circumstances (always hated them). I don't know why but over the years I have actually grown a serious distrust of anyone in a 3 piece suit and a certain level of caution towards anyone in a suit and tie - stupid, I know.
On formal nights we will either book one of the allowed select dining venues or go to the buffet restaurant (which is surprisingly busy with people in formal, smart casual, football and beach bum outfits). After dinner we head down to the show lounge/theatre/bars and enjoy the entertainment with everyone else - sadly the theatre seems to be full of waiters taking all the seats.
I print out the web page stating where formal gear is required, just in case I come across someone who is unaware - I have seen the odd sourpuss with a face on them that looks like they are sucking wasps dipped in mace as they look us up and down, but they never say anything. in fact the only comments we have heard, on multiple occasions, are 'you look much more comfortable than us' or 'Are you allowed to remove your formal gear?' (er, yes, it is not compulsory - and I show them my print out after which most seem to go back to the cabin to get changed, leaving us to look after their seats).
I don't complain if people want to dress up and I don't expect them to complain if I decide not to. Just follow the requirements, as laid out in your T&C and other guidance .... if someone does not like them then that is their problem not mine ... and I am on holiday ... so I don't care about their problems.
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- Deputy Captain
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Re: Formal evenings
Same here Welshynurse.
I probably dress to a higher standard than necessary but then, to be fair, I probably always have.
Even 'back in the day' when my friends went out in a Fred Perry, Levis and Airwairs, I was in a Ben Sherman, Tonic suit and highly polished brogues.
I like names and brands and like to look smart most of the time.
I wouldn't dream of going out in what I'd call, kick around the house clothes.
I remember going to dinner with some friends a few years back to what is quite a posh restaurant.
He turned up like he'd just left the garden.
It was amplified because his wife had clearly made a great effort.
He's a wealthy guy, so I know it's not a money issue, just that he couldn't be ars*ed
Each to their own, but I like the odd dress up night.
I probably dress to a higher standard than necessary but then, to be fair, I probably always have.
Even 'back in the day' when my friends went out in a Fred Perry, Levis and Airwairs, I was in a Ben Sherman, Tonic suit and highly polished brogues.
I like names and brands and like to look smart most of the time.
I wouldn't dream of going out in what I'd call, kick around the house clothes.
I remember going to dinner with some friends a few years back to what is quite a posh restaurant.
He turned up like he'd just left the garden.
It was amplified because his wife had clearly made a great effort.
He's a wealthy guy, so I know it's not a money issue, just that he couldn't be ars*ed
Each to their own, but I like the odd dress up night.
Empty vessels .. and all that
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- First Officer
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Re: Formal evenings
We enjoy the formal evenings as it's the only opportunity we seem to get now a days to dress in that style! One of the reasons we choose P&O is the dress code being adhered to by the majority, although on recent cruises last year we noticed a decline.
Our next cruise is with Princess in Australia and we're not going to take formal for that one, shall wear smart casual and use alternative dinning on the formal evenings. We found the Americans on our last Princess cruise did not "do" the formal dress but still used the dinning rooms/restaurant.
Our next cruise is with Princess in Australia and we're not going to take formal for that one, shall wear smart casual and use alternative dinning on the formal evenings. We found the Americans on our last Princess cruise did not "do" the formal dress but still used the dinning rooms/restaurant.
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Topic author - Cadet
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Re: Formal evenings
It's OK I didn't think you were disputingGillD46 wrote: ↑01 May 2019, 07:35Midlandslass, I wasn’t disputing what you posted. We must have been more fortunate, though I did once see someone in the Queen’s Room wearing a football shirt.Midlandslass wrote: ↑30 Apr 2019, 18:32Sadly I have, not all necessarily with the baseball caps - those are probably the exception, but certainly the quick change crew, unless they ate in the buffet.
I've never actually followed anyone to their cabin and watched them emerge in less than formal clothes
Generally on the Med fly cruises or the Caribbean.
Don't know how many Cunard cruises but have been sat at Diamond level for quite a few years.
We tend to eat early, around 6:30 to 7pm and go to the early show, maybe you like to dine late?
Every cruise is different and the same cruise viewed thru different eyes can be perceived in different ways.
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- Senior First Officer
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Re: Formal evenings
We tend to go in about 7.15-7.30 and normally just about make the first show - if it’s something we want to see. Yes they’re all different.
Gill
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- Second Officer
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Re: Formal evenings
Manoverboard wrote: ↑30 Apr 2019, 18:07Funny thing is that many years ago we had a similar experience to yours … everybody was slagging him off but it transpired that the airline had lost all his luggage so he had no other choices
good point mob, but this was first night out of southhampton, hence the raincoat! lol
regards gilly.