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#1
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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