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The era of FORMAL NIGHTS is fading rapidly...



 
 
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  #1  
Old October 6th, 2007, 07:08 PM posted to rec.travel.cruises
Ike
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Posts: 80
Default The era of FORMAL NIGHTS is fading rapidly...

There was a time when virtually 100% of the men attending a
profesional baseball game wore a suit and a hat. "Sport shirts"
were for sports, and "tennis shoes" were for tennis.

And in those years, when the grand liners of history served only
the affluent, EVERY night was formal night. "Dressing for
dinner" was mandatory in the prime of the Queen and on the
superb Cunard ships, and men who never asked the cost of
anything would arrive with luggage that included several tuxedos
or dinner jackets plus a box of their favorite cigars, as their
wives brought an array of splendid gowns. They often traveled
with their servants...

Today, the vast majority of people who go cruising don't own
formal wear. Many don't even have suits, and if they did retain
something from their business history it probably no longer
fits. And some of today's cruisers ARE servants - on vacation...

I think the days of "formal nights" are numbered, and the dress
code will be ignored more and more frequently. Eventually, most
lines will go the way of Oceania, which gives up nothing in
food, service, and ambience and diners are welcome in khakis and
a golf shirt. That environment is certainly pleasant, just less
pretentious.

Of course, there are some who truly enjoy "dressing for dinner",
and for them there will be ships - or perhaps specific cruises -
that promote formal dining and the supposed elegance that goes
with it.

As for my wife and me, we're about to spend almost two weeks on
an Oceania cruise, with a few days ashore at each end. We'll
each use ONE small rolling bag - that will handle my dress
khakis, and her sequin'd jeans suit.

Ike
....tuxless - it'll never fit again!
  #2  
Old October 6th, 2007, 07:18 PM posted to rec.travel.cruises
clint
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Posts: 1,021
Default The era of FORMAL NIGHTS is fading rapidly...

If you don't own a suit you need to consider Greyhound buses for your
travel! Don't stink up my table(I'm a senior!!!)
"Ike" wrote in message
...
There was a time when virtually 100% of the men attending a profesional
baseball game wore a suit and a hat. "Sport shirts" were for sports, and
"tennis shoes" were for tennis.

And in those years, when the grand liners of history served only the
affluent, EVERY night was formal night. "Dressing for dinner" was
mandatory in the prime of the Queen and on the superb Cunard ships, and
men who never asked the cost of anything would arrive with luggage that
included several tuxedos or dinner jackets plus a box of their favorite
cigars, as their wives brought an array of splendid gowns. They often
traveled with their servants...

Today, the vast majority of people who go cruising don't own formal wear.
Many don't even have suits, and if they did retain something from their
business history it probably no longer fits. And some of today's cruisers
ARE servants - on vacation...

I think the days of "formal nights" are numbered, and the dress code will
be ignored more and more frequently. Eventually, most lines will go the
way of Oceania, which gives up nothing in food, service, and ambience and
diners are welcome in khakis and a golf shirt. That environment is
certainly pleasant, just less pretentious.

Of course, there are some who truly enjoy "dressing for dinner", and for
them there will be ships - or perhaps specific cruises - that promote
formal dining and the supposed elegance that goes with it.

As for my wife and me, we're about to spend almost two weeks on an Oceania
cruise, with a few days ashore at each end. We'll each use ONE small
rolling bag - that will handle my dress khakis, and her sequin'd jeans
suit.

Ike
...tuxless - it'll never fit again!



  #3  
Old October 6th, 2007, 07:58 PM posted to rec.travel.cruises
Thumper
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 277
Default The era of FORMAL NIGHTS is fading rapidly...

On Sat, 6 Oct 2007 13:18:47 -0500, "clint"
wrote:

If you don't own a suit you need to consider Greyhound buses for your
travel! Don't stink up my table(I'm a senior!!!)


You'r living in a time gone bye.
Thumper
"Ike" wrote in message
...
There was a time when virtually 100% of the men attending a profesional
baseball game wore a suit and a hat. "Sport shirts" were for sports, and
"tennis shoes" were for tennis.

And in those years, when the grand liners of history served only the
affluent, EVERY night was formal night. "Dressing for dinner" was
mandatory in the prime of the Queen and on the superb Cunard ships, and
men who never asked the cost of anything would arrive with luggage that
included several tuxedos or dinner jackets plus a box of their favorite
cigars, as their wives brought an array of splendid gowns. They often
traveled with their servants...

Today, the vast majority of people who go cruising don't own formal wear.
Many don't even have suits, and if they did retain something from their
business history it probably no longer fits. And some of today's cruisers
ARE servants - on vacation...

I think the days of "formal nights" are numbered, and the dress code will
be ignored more and more frequently. Eventually, most lines will go the
way of Oceania, which gives up nothing in food, service, and ambience and
diners are welcome in khakis and a golf shirt. That environment is
certainly pleasant, just less pretentious.

Of course, there are some who truly enjoy "dressing for dinner", and for
them there will be ships - or perhaps specific cruises - that promote
formal dining and the supposed elegance that goes with it.

As for my wife and me, we're about to spend almost two weeks on an Oceania
cruise, with a few days ashore at each end. We'll each use ONE small
rolling bag - that will handle my dress khakis, and her sequin'd jeans
suit.

Ike
...tuxless - it'll never fit again!



  #4  
Old October 6th, 2007, 08:21 PM posted to rec.travel.cruises
notaguru
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 8
Default The era of FORMAL NIGHTS is fading rapidly...

clint wrote:
If you don't own a suit you need to consider Greyhound buses for your
travel! Don't stink up my table(I'm a senior!!!)




Clint,

Nothing I (or anyone) could do would worsen the odor at your
table. It would be great if you posted your cruise plans so
those who enjoy your company can join you.
  #5  
Old October 6th, 2007, 10:29 PM posted to rec.travel.cruises
Val Kraut
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 87
Default The era of FORMAL NIGHTS is fading rapidly...

Sounds like you're trying to write future history in the hope it will become
true.

Actually on our last cruise the vast majority of the men wore Tuxes or in
some cases dark suits. And in many cases the majority of the men had sports
jacets on casual nights. There are many who still enjoy formal ocassions and
will continue to do so.

You're right in that the cruise industry is rapidly expanding, and given the
mess at airports will continue to attract new travelers some of whom have
never owned a tie or jacket in their life. My hope is that things don't
always have to move to the lowest denomenator. Understandably someone who
wants a cheap crusie consisting of beaches and booze will not want to waste
half his bar bill on a tuxedo.

So my prediction is one or two things will happen - they'll be two types of
crusies the relaxed atmosphere, and ones that contunue to provide
interesting ports of call, interesting excursions, and interesting events
such as formal nights on board.

The other alternative is back to multiple classes on the ship - where first
class has its formal nights etc, and second class gets a cafeteria.

By the way servants on vacation might enjoy being treated with class - just
because they're servants doen't mean they can't own a suit.

Things are also cyclic and rebound. In the 70s ball room dancing almost died
and was replaced but invent it yourself gyrations. It was often impossible
to determine a particular persons partner. Now formal Ball Room dancing is
back again strong. I predict this will happen again with formal events.


Today, the vast majority of people who go cruising don't own formal wear.
Many don't even have suits, and if they did retain something from their
business history it probably no longer fits. And some of today's cruisers
ARE servants - on vacation...



  #6  
Old October 6th, 2007, 11:32 PM posted to rec.travel.cruises
Rick[_3_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 115
Default The era of FORMAL NIGHTS is fading rapidly...

On Oct 6, 2:08 pm, Ike wrote:
There was a time when virtually 100% of the men attending a
profesional baseball game wore a suit and a hat. "Sport shirts"
were for sports, and "tennis shoes" were for tennis.


And Women uesed to was clothes on a wash board in a bucket.
Ice was delivered daily to keep your frig cold. News Papers were a
nickel. Times have changed


And in those years, when the grand liners of history served only
the affluent, EVERY night was formal night. "Dressing for
dinner" was mandatory in the prime of the Queen and on the
superb Cunard ships, and men who never asked the cost of
anything would arrive with luggage that included several tuxedos
or dinner jackets plus a box of their favorite cigars, as their
wives brought an array of splendid gowns. They often traveled
with their servants...


Now you arrive by Air Plane for $69 then to the pier in a taxi
with your carryon luggage and rolling
suiter. Suitcases so big that they don't fit into trunks of cars.
Wearing shorts a tee shirt and drunk off your as* from $5 airline
drinks.


Today, the vast majority of people who go cruising don't own
formal wear. Many don't even have suits, and if they did retain
something from their business history it probably no longer
fits. And some of today's cruisers ARE servants - on vacation...


Casual Fridays are now Monday thru Friday. Why, because the
days of the white shirts and ties are long gone. Even at IBM! Suits
and
ties don't even belong on Wall Street. Why should they on Vacations?


I think the days of "formal nights" are numbered, and the dress
code will be ignored more and more frequently. Eventually, most
lines will go the way of Oceania, which gives up nothing in
food, service, and ambience and diners are welcome in khakis and
a golf shirt. That environment is certainly pleasant, just less
pretentious.


Here here. As it should be. I think any Caribbean cruise should
get rid of
Formal Nights and at most just be semi formal. A shirt and tie is all
that should
be required. Those days of the full tux at dinner are over. Who are
you trying
to impress?

Of course, there are some who truly enjoy "dressing for dinner",
and for them there will be ships - or perhaps specific cruises -
that promote formal dining and the supposed elegance that goes
with it.


By all means if they want to dress in Full Formalwear they
shoud.
Just don't begrudge me for not. To each their own.


As for my wife and me, we're about to spend almost two weeks on
an Oceania cruise, with a few days ashore at each end. We'll
each use ONE small rolling bag - that will handle my dress
khakis, and her sequin'd jeans suit.


You should eat where ever you want. Dress as you want. Just so
long as you don't show
up to Formal Night in a Tropical Shirt and Sandles you should dress as
you
like. Just be respectful of those around you. I no longer bring the
full Tux for
Formal Nights. Pants, Shirt & Tie. I'm respectful to those around me
and make
the effort to remain in the dress code for the evening. I don't ned
to impress anyone
or put on aires that I'm someone I'm not. You should either. Nor
should you feel guilty
for it.

Ike
...tuxless - it'll never fit again!


Unless your back in 1938 its not needed.


  #7  
Old October 6th, 2007, 11:43 PM posted to rec.travel.cruises
Val Kraut
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 87
Default The era of FORMAL NIGHTS is fading rapidly...

Casual Fridays are now Monday thru Friday. Why, because the
days of the white shirts and ties are long gone. Even at IBM!


This is a Human Resourse trick to lower your self esteem so they can pay you
less.


  #8  
Old October 6th, 2007, 11:52 PM posted to rec.travel.cruises
[email protected]
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Posts: 11
Default The era of FORMAL NIGHTS is fading rapidly...

Peanut Ike wrote:

men who never asked the cost of
anything would arrive with luggage that included several tuxedos
or dinner jackets plus a box of their favorite cigars, as their
wives brought an array of splendid gowns. They often traveled
with their servants...


"Trudy, I would like tea waiting for me in my room when I return."

"Yes, mam."

  #9  
Old October 7th, 2007, 12:12 AM posted to rec.travel.cruises
Charles[_1_]
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Posts: 3,112
Default The era of FORMAL NIGHTS is fading rapidly...

In article . com, Rick
wrote:

Casual Fridays are now Monday thru Friday. Why, because the days of
the white shirts and ties are long gone. Even at IBM! Suits and
ties don't even belong on Wall Street. Why should they on Vacations?


Suits and ties are still standard business attire in the Northeast.

Vacations are another matter. The formal dinner evenings have been a
cruise vacation tradition. Certainly they would not be part of a
camping vacation. To me the old saying of when in Rome do as the Romans
applies. I find that people are still wearing suits or tuxes on formal
evenings, 95% are doing that--- so I am still wearing my tux. If you
want to be a rebel, fine. I don't care. I choose not to be a rebel in
this matter at this time.

I don't ned to impress anyone or put on aires that I'm someone I'm
not. You should either. Nor should you feel guilty for it.


Why would dressing up be putting on airs or trying to impress anyone?

--
Charles
  #10  
Old October 7th, 2007, 01:11 AM posted to rec.travel.cruises
[email protected]
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Posts: 11
Default The era of FORMAL NIGHTS is fading rapidly...



On Oct 6, 7:12 pm, Charles wrote:

Suits and ties are still standard business attire in the Northeast.


Peanut Charles,

No. Ties and slacks are business attire in the Northeast. Suits died
out in the 60's as "standard".

If you want to be a rebel, fine. I don't care. I choose not to be a rebel in
this matter at this time.


From what Rick posted, I don't think he was implying he is a rebel. I

think he was saying it's time to end the trick or treat atmosphere.
We're all grown people here. I think it should be expected and even
required to dress nice, but heck, should we all bring top hats too?
Formal night is really a toast to the ladies; I know they like
dressing up far more than I do -- I have no problem putting on a tie,
but I have no interest in going back to my room after dinner to change
for whatever I have planned for that night (and I know the women have
no intention of going back to change either).

Why would dressing up be putting on airs or trying to impress anyone?


I agree, it's not putting on airs, but a cruise ship vacation is not
the place to be puttin' on the tux. Award ceremonies, yes. Weddings,
yes. It's make-believe. It's trick or treat. If someone decided one
day, we should all wear tuxes on our birthdays, would you do it? No.
Someone way before us set this "standard" that is just a waste of
packing space, especially considering King Tut's plastic sarcophagus
is fifteen paces from the exit. I'm not packing it. I'm not renting
it. I'm wearing a tie.

- Peanut David

 




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