Clueless first-timer needs advice about cruises please

"Jean O'Boyle" wrote:

I feel that it is a form of defiance; one has the option of going to the
buffet that night, which has often put tablecloths, silver and crystal on
the tables and usually has the same menu as the main dining room... It is
feeling more comfortable eating with others who do not wish to participate
in formal night.. To me, it's good manners and showing consideration for
others while honoring the cruise line's dress code for that night...

I think you are right, Jean. It sounds like defiance to me, too, when BT
refers to passengers who might want to be more formally dressed as part of the
"penguin parade". Reverse snobbery is still snobbery.

(Lee) wrote:

Bob Thomas wrote in message
. ..
On Wed, 04 Aug 2004 05:43:02 GMT, "William Coleman"
wrote:

I'm just against *all* cruisers
having to lug around heavy and bulky suits and jackets simply to
satisfy those who cannot digest a meal unless formally dressed.

Usually, two out of seven evening meals on a cruise are formal. That
means five evening meals are digested while dressed casually. What's
your point?

snip

I have never travelled without something respectable to dine in, but
this blanket, over-the-top approach, is just plain inconsiderate.

See, I still don't get your slant. You have all the info before you
before you book a cruise vacation. If it doesn't suit you, don't pick
that cruise. What IS inconsiderate is your hostile attitude towards
folks that enjoy the dress up aspect of a cruise.

Why should the pretentious snobs be
given preference?

Please stop calling folks who like to dress up "pretentious snobs".
There's really no reason for you to be so insulting.

Lee, thanks for taking the time to explain in detail what many of us were
thinking when we read the OP's remarks.

Bob Thomas wrote:

In other words, in order for you to feel comfortable you want to exile
those who don't dress up to a lesser part of the ship?

In your case, the short answer might just be: YES.

However, for others less obstinate who are reading this thread:

Very often the casual areas are set up very nicely on formal evenings for
casual diners to enjoy a fine meal in more casual clothes. You apparently
consider this a "lesser part of the ship". Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. I
have read some very positive comments by some who have experienced those
alternative venues, though I can't speak from personal experience.

You don't need to wear a tuxedo for formal evening, and most men on most ships
don't wear tuxedos, though many do, but you should wear a dark suit, or at
least a jacket and tie and decent slacks, no running shoes or sandals. If you
don't want to do that, you will have other options available to you.

You will have opportunities off the ship to use these articles of clothing,
especially if you are in Europe for an extended time, trust me. I lived there,
not just visited, and you will have more options on land, too. You may have
the opportunity to dine someplace special that may require something more than
casual clothes.

Bob Thomas wrote:

In other words, in order for you to feel comfortable you want to exile
those who don't dress up to a lesser part of the ship?

In your case, the short answer might just be: YES.

However, for others less obstinate who are reading this thread:

Very often the casual areas are set up very nicely on formal evenings for
casual diners to enjoy a fine meal in more casual clothes. You apparently
consider this a "lesser part of the ship". Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. I
have read some very positive comments by some who have experienced those
alternative venues, though I can't speak from personal experience.

You don't need to wear a tuxedo for formal evening, and most men on most ships
don't wear tuxedos, though many do, but you should wear a dark suit, or at
least a jacket and tie and decent slacks, no running shoes or sandals. If you
don't want to do that, you will have other options available to you.

You will have opportunities off the ship to use these articles of clothing,
especially if you are in Europe for an extended time, trust me. I lived there,
not just visited, and you will have more options on land, too. You may have
the opportunity to dine someplace special that may require something more than
casual clothes.

Bob Thomas wrote:

In other words, in order for you to feel comfortable you want to exile
those who don't dress up to a lesser part of the ship?

In your case, the short answer might just be: YES.

However, for others less obstinate who are reading this thread:

Very often the casual areas are set up very nicely on formal evenings for
casual diners to enjoy a fine meal in more casual clothes. You apparently
consider this a "lesser part of the ship". Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. I
have read some very positive comments by some who have experienced those
alternative venues, though I can't speak from personal experience.

You don't need to wear a tuxedo for formal evening, and most men on most ships
don't wear tuxedos, though many do, but you should wear a dark suit, or at
least a jacket and tie and decent slacks, no running shoes or sandals. If you
don't want to do that, you will have other options available to you.

You will have opportunities off the ship to use these articles of clothing,
especially if you are in Europe for an extended time, trust me. I lived there,
not just visited, and you will have more options on land, too. You may have
the opportunity to dine someplace special that may require something more than
casual clothes.

ojunk (JEFFCOUD) wrote:

No, in fact it is the cruise line's recommendation for the atmosphere they
are trying to put forth. You just don't want to get it obviously.

I agree, and the cruise line is doing this because that atmosphere is something
the majority of their passengers want. If that atmosphere is diminished, fewer
of their paying passengers will be satisfied.

ojunk (JEFFCOUD) wrote:

No, in fact it is the cruise line's recommendation for the atmosphere they
are trying to put forth. You just don't want to get it obviously.

I agree, and the cruise line is doing this because that atmosphere is something
the majority of their passengers want. If that atmosphere is diminished, fewer
of their paying passengers will be satisfied.

Sue and Kevin Mullen wrote:

It is also possible to rent a tux through the cruise line, so you don't
have to pack one.

Yes, thanks for reminding us, Sue. That would certainly save on packing for
the original poster, and it's not an expensive option.

Sue and Kevin Mullen wrote:

It is also possible to rent a tux through the cruise line, so you don't
have to pack one.

Yes, thanks for reminding us, Sue. That would certainly save on packing for
the original poster, and it's not an expensive option.

Juliana L Holm wrote:

Not a single person has said ever in this thread that you MUST have a tux.
Why is that what you always return to? It's not true that you must have
a tux. It may be true you need slacks and a jacket. Or just slacks.

And a tie for formal evenings.