Formal night has been a big part of cruising for decades, but not everyone agrees it still belongs on modern cruise vacations.
Some passengers love getting dressed up for an elegant evening, while others believe a relaxing holiday shouldn’t come with strict clothing expectations.
With cruise fares, specialty dining, and onboard extras already costing plenty, it’s understandable that travelers want more freedom to enjoy their vacation their own way.
Should cruise lines protect the tradition of formal night, or is it finally time to let passengers decide what dressing for dinner looks like?
Formal night has been a big part of…
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A big part of the vacation is dressing up. The younger millennials should consider it a costume affair- let them dress up as their favorite furry if they dislike it so much-then everyone can distinguish them right away.
Dress for the buffet, eat at the buffet. Very casual. Wear your pajamas if you like. Many do. See, something for everyone. D
I personally prefer the approach adopted by Explora cruises, Elegant , resort, casual. When on a long trip with a cruise incorporated it saves me having to try and make room in my luggage for dressing formally, rather dressing in a nice pair of slacks and collared shirt.
Choose the appropriate cruise that works for you. Personally I love the formality of Cunard Queen Mary 2.It makes the cruise something special - completely different from everyday at home. I understand it's not for families with children or people who prefer to just dress the same as they were at home. Horses for courses.
I say it depends on the sailing. If it is a longer sailing on a more upscale line, then yes, this is good. My wife and I do enjoy being fancy for dinner. If it is a shorter, more budget-friendly cruise, then probably not necessary.
Antony Soprano would say,lose the hat this ain’t a hot dog stand.
Style is always in style. Every ship has alternative dining venues for baseball cap and T-shirt passengers. There are lines that cater to them as well. “Traditionally,” a T-shirt is underwear. Formal wear on a formal night shows respect for the dining salon, cuisine, those who prepare and serve it, and fellow passengers. Anomalous that proper attire is deemed controversial … but the folks on the right don’t object to the tablecloth. Lah de dah, I wonder if they know what they’re eating or how it’s prepared, or which utensils to use. Apropos tradition, the youngster isn’t learning proper manners. This isn’t a fast food joint or bleachers at a ballpark. Jeepers, he’s playing a video game at dinner. At least his elbows aren’t on the table.
Like all dying traditions formal night will go away on its own or transform to a more casual setting as it already has on some major lines. I would be exaggerating if I said that 20% of guests were dressed in formal attire on my last few sailings via Royal, Carnival, & Celebrity cruise lines
Modern cruise ships have multiple dining rooms. I wish they would set aside just ONE where the dress code is enforced on formal night. Cruises and funerals are the only time I get to dress up anymore, and I much prefer dressing up for a cruise.