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-   -   Seriously, How Many of You Truly Enjoy Formal Nights? (https://www.fodors.com/community/cruises/seriously-how-many-of-you-truly-enjoy-formal-nights-168916/)

xxx Jan 16th, 2003 05:19 PM

Lois, you should be fine, some wear gowns some do not, a lot of sequins are usually seen. On ours it is 2 formal and one casual-formal. Wear the silk pants that p.m. A basic black dress is also fine. You see it all from very dressy, to semi-dressy.

Cruiser Jan 16th, 2003 05:26 PM

Lois, a cocktail dress is okay in my book. A nice silk pant suit would be fine , too. Dress up black pants or skirt with nice blouses or scarves and just have a good time.<BR> IMO, people hardly notice what you are wearing unless it is far to either end of the continuum. I hardly remember what my tablemates where from night to night. Many think dress is such a big deal, but personalities have a longer, lasting impression at least to me.<BR> I love Celebrity and I, too ,like to dress up a couple times on the week long sailing.<BR> Just get out there and cruise and enjoy yourselves!!

Lois Jan 16th, 2003 05:31 PM

hi.. thank you cruiser and xxx for the nice responses:)... I thought I would be ok with them..nice to hear (read) positive answers..<BR>I am traveling on this cruise SOLO..I was told by my sister ( she cruises 2 or 3 times a year) that Celebrity has a variety of ages.. I am 44.. so hoping at least my table at dinner has some nice folks there!<BR>Thanks again for the input

xxx Jan 16th, 2003 05:42 PM

Good for you Lois. I hope you have a wonderful time.

Lois Jan 16th, 2003 05:46 PM

thanks so much! and when I come back I will let you know how much fun I had too!! SMILE

Grumpy Jan 16th, 2003 06:43 PM

XXX---Glad I got your attention. Your post is just another example of unproductive sniping. <BR><BR>You said, “She probably mentioned they were lawyers as an example that they always have to dress up during the week and therefore prefer to dress down on vacation, it does get tiresome, obviously you wouldn't know. … Why did you feel the need to question her? Jealous?”<BR><BR>Why did you not let Shannon speak for herself? In what way did she need your help?<BR><BR>My interpretation of the comment was obviously an attempt by Shannon to show how important she was. The law and formal nights have nothing to do with one another. Many people dress for work in suit and tie, as do I. That comment would have sufficed.<BR><BR>Now, as to being “jealous,” if you would have taken the time to look, instead of shooting from the fingers, you could have found my back ground, as I disclosed it in a previous post.

BUNNY Jan 16th, 2003 07:55 PM

I love formal nights...and have you ever heard of knee highs or thigh highs? If you wear a long gown they would be perfect. Also who would know ( except you ) if you did not wear stockings or pantyhose at all? My husband bought a new tux for cruising and our son's wedding, they are available in dicount warehouses at great prices! Also gowns need not be expensive either.<BR>And if the clothing fits right, why should they feel uncomfortable?

Paul Therault Jan 16th, 2003 09:20 PM

Wow, what a surprise! The majority of Fodorites voting for formal nights.<BR><BR>I too love those elegant evenings.<BR><BR>Thanks Lenore. Great question.<BR><BR>Paul

Linda Jan 17th, 2003 04:31 AM

Lenore,<BR>I know dressing up is a very personal preference. But I enjoy that little bit of &quot;civilization&quot; that seems to be going by the way side. It reminds me of kinder gentler folk.<BR>I do believe it can be done with simplicity though. Once long black skirt and tank can have two jackets for variety, same shoes and bag, different earrings, there you are.<BR>Do be sure to take your husband to a great alterations place along with his Tux or suit and be sure he will be comfortable in his dress clothes. There's no reason to be less comfortable in dressy clothing. Think how handsome he'll be and that beautiful picture of you two, all dressed up, to keep from now on.<BR>Have fun.<BR>Linda

Lenore Jan 17th, 2003 07:15 AM

Wow! I have to admit I'm surprised to see all the nods for dressing up. My personal experiences with our table mates (through six cruises) have been just the opposite.....most people complain about having to dress up and being uncomfortable. I do remember a 20-something nanny commenting that she loved formal nights because it gave her a rare opportunity to get decked out. My job demands professional business attire M-T and casual day on Fridays. I have to wear suits, dresses, panty hose and heels almost everyday for work, so I don't really look forward to it on vacation. However, we always follow the dress code of the ship and dress appropriately each evening.

David Jan 17th, 2003 09:11 AM

I prefer the &quot;elegant casual&quot; of Windstar. I am going on Seabourn soon for fourteen days with four formals and that is the part of the cruise I like the least. It's so much easier when you don't have to pack the tux, the sports jackets and all the accessories. Much easier to pack nice shirts and sweaters. And with all the food, I have to worry about my tux being comfortable towards the end of the cruise.

pat Jan 17th, 2003 09:50 AM

Have to wear scrubs at work and sure don`t dress up much otherwise Love being able to dig out the fancy clothes and dress up on a cruise. Beside, it`s fun to see what othe people are wearing.

sally Jan 17th, 2003 10:03 AM

I also wear &quot;whites&quot; all day. I look foward to dressing up for the cruise. It is different than the ordinary day for me. Afterall, that is what a vacation is all about. Doing something totally different than every day.

Roy Jan 17th, 2003 10:47 AM

My wife and I enjoy formal nights very much. We would not cruise on a line that did not have formal nights. In fact when booking a cruise we seek out those ships and cruise lines that are more formal. If we didn't like it, we would look for a cruise ship that was more casual.

H. Simpson Jan 17th, 2003 10:52 AM

I can't imagine what a cruise would be like without a formal night. It's frightening.

Pepper Jan 17th, 2003 12:08 PM

I've only been on one cruise so far, next one is in April 03, and I don't have sequins to wear (call me Cinderella) but I quite enjoy dressing up for dinner, and seeing lots of glitter !!

xxx Jan 17th, 2003 01:19 PM

to H.Simpson --HOMER-- a cruise without a formal nite is sheer bliss--<BR>Don't need tux or jacket , yet you have the best of both worlds on those types of cruises--<BR><BR>5 Star dining, upscale people and clothing, small ship and NO formals anywhere--<BR><BR>Try it- most MEN love this kind of cruise as they don't have to lug a tux or sportcoat around....And once they have tried it, it is very hard geting them back into traditional cruising...<BR><BR>And NO,the people are not sloppy-not in jeans,have LOTS of lawyers,docs, upscale businessmen-- GREAT GREAT GREAT///<BR><BR>And Everyone on the cruise has this same idea of cruising- treat the ship as your own yacht!!<BR><BR>Pooh on the mega liners with the masses on vacation- and give me a small ship geared for quiet casual and tons of elegance!!

Sandy Jan 17th, 2003 04:41 PM

I am not a lawyer but I, too, have to wear a suit and pantyhose (and pumps) everyday to work . . . but, my daughter just got married in Sept and I have this gorgeous dress that I paid a fortune for and I am looking forward for someplace to wear it.<BR><BR>Yes, this will be great! I'm going to love formal night, I know it. And, my hubby will look so handsome . . . even after 38 years.<BR><BR>Our first cruise . . . a little dancing, a little wine, a little romance . . . I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it.<BR><BR>Sandy

HighSeasWitch Jan 17th, 2003 08:50 PM

I love formal evenings and look forward to them. I too dress during the week, but dressing up on formal evenings are entirely different. And, by the way, hasn't anyone caught on to the idea that you don't have to wear pantyhose -- sexy, strappy high heeled sandals with red painted toe nails are to die for!!!<BR>Just ask my husband!!!!

Paul Therault Jan 18th, 2003 12:15 AM

Sequins are not necessary. Seems to be NYC thing. Also I am getting to see a lot less ties with tuxes. Take a look at the Academy Awards and you will see the latest in fashion. Assorted vests under tuxes with matching bow-ties are great looking. Stay away from cumberbunds.<BR><BR>Paul


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