I don't understand Formal Night/Semi-Formal Night

[BluOrchid2]

I understand what they are, I just don't understand how they work. Are they according to restaurant? Like is Lumiere's a Formal attire restaurant, and anytime you eat there you must dress formally? Or is it a certain day of the week, and WHEREVER you are eating that night, you must dress formally?

Also, what percentage of men on formal night would you say wore a tux? And does formal for women mean a floor-length gown? Or would one below the knees work if it was really dressy?

 

[mmouse37]

Formal night is usually held on the same night each week. Same for semi-form night. It does not matter what restaurant you are in...on formal night you dress formally and dine in whatever dining rooms you are scheduled to be in. so, technically you could be in Lumiere's on Formal or if you have a different rotation you could be in either Animator's or Parrot Cay. The whole ship observes formal night so even if you scheduled in Parrot Cay you would still dress formally.

I would say the percentage of men in tuxes on formal night would be 20%. Most men wear suits but people definaley do get dressed up and only a few choose you not dress up.

For women, a long dress or a cocktail dress or a dressy pant suit would be fine.

Here is what I wore on one of our formal nights and the other link is what the whole family wore on one formal night....the guys just wore suits and my girls wore there prom dresses.

http://community.webshots.com/photo/48196942/48728853GWewMZ

http://community.webshots.com/photo/48196942/48728383IIyrEs


MJ

 

[BluOrchid2]

Awesome answer, thank you very much! I think my husband and my FIL are set on wearing tuxes, FIL has already bought his and we just booked the cruise last Sunday! Can you say over-excited? We're not going until September!!!

And at least now I know that one of the dresses I already own will work for one of the nights. Thanks again for your reply!

 

[mmouse37]

You are very welcome!!!

MJ

 

[kcashner]

Formal night and semi-formal night are based on which itinerary you are doing, not which restaurant you are in. Basically, it is listed as "suggested attire" on the Navigator, and there is a brief reception where you can meet the captain and get a free drink in the atrium area.

Attire is really an "anything goes." We have always gotten with the spirit of the evening and dressed up. For a guy, a suit is fine. However, your gentlemen will not be out of place in a tux or a military uniform. For a woman, any long or dressy short dress is appropriate. There are always a few that don't dress up, but...there are always a few.....

There is also the opportunity for a formal family photo if you'd like.

I've never really seen any difference between formal and semi night...I generally take 2 dressy outfits and wear whichever fits my mood.

It's nice to be in Lumiere's on formal night...the setting matches the clothing...but it isn't worth getting worked up over. I really think some people make too big a thing about their dining rotations. The bottom line is that by the end of the cruise, you will have had each of the menu options in each of the appropriate restaurants. Parrot Cay on tropical night was nice, but now that it is Pirate night, no restaurant really "fits."

 

[lbgraves]

I agree that it really doesn't matter which rotation you have and where you eat formal & semi formal night. Great service & tablemates are what really matters. We enjoyed ourselves every evening.