The requested theme of the evening is formal. The ship is elegant. Attire becomes a part of the scenery unless you live in your own private bubble. But people are always looking for others to tell them they can do whatever they like and wear whatever they choose. What
DCL wants you to wear is obvious from the attire it shows people wearing in their promotional DVDs, commercials and brochures. What guests end up wearing is usually highly influenced by what they read on message boards instead. The question about formal night attire never goes away because people want reassurance from others that it's okay to do as they please instead of as requested. Unless DCL redesigns their dining rooms and atrium to resemble a fast food joint, my husband and I will continue to dress for and enjoy formal and semi-formal theme nights. But DCL will not force you to do the same.