How Formal is Formal

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athena484

Guest
I am sailing on the Grand with my 15 yr son and how formal is formal? Nice shirt and pants or is tie required?

Thanks.
 
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Sharkin

Guest
I'm sure you will get no end of opinions on this subject and here is mine. Formal is suit and tie at minimum, although a tuxedo is preferred. With that said, you will see all sorts of interpretations on this theme and I doubt the cruise line will enforce formal requested, suggested, recommended or however they phrase it in their guidelines. We enjoy dressing for dinner and I would like everyone else to as well, but I understand and accept that not all my fellow vacationers share this point of view. By the way this doesn't mean my evening is ruined spoiled or otherwise less enjoyable because some people don't subscribe to my "Grand vision" of formal dining.
 
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ljeanbrown

Guest
Suit and tie would be the best for a 15 yr. old. Yes I would have him wear a tie. A tux is not needed for a teen but you will see men wearing them as well as many other kinds of clothing.




Laurie :wave
 
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p.g.

Guest
I saw very few tuxes on the Grand and almost none on the Carnival ships I've been on. I think mostly older gentleman wear tuxes( just what I've observed) . Asuit and tie would be fine for a 15 yr old on formal night and quite frankly he could get away without a tie if he wears one of those new style collarless shirts.
 
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wwinfl91

Guest
I would even suggest that you can get by with a conservative sports coat or blazer and dress pants. Generally the cruise lines would prefer a tie although I have seen people seated many times without one even on formal nights. I have seen teenagers turned away from being seated because they showed up for formal night without a coat or tie. This happened at least twice on HA: ships we were on. In one case the father took the son back to the cabin and he came back with him wearing one of the father's sports coats.

Fewer and fewer people seem to be wearing Tuxs at least on the cruises we have been on recently.

Happy cruising
 
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asctony

Guest
How many times does a young man dress up today? Why should he not experience a suit and tie? He should be taught what formal means and how to dress while he is young. What better way to do so than explain to him what a cruise dress code means and how good he can feel dressing up and looking sharp! Happy Cruising!!!
 
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scamper

Guest
You will see people dressed in everything from a tux to a nice shirt and slacks for formal night . However, The way in which people dress does not dictate what formal means. Formal is either a tux or a dark suit and tie. Remember if everyone starts dressing very casual for dinner the cruise ship might just start making their service just casual. The information from Princess is actually very clear on what is expected on formal nights.
 
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ljeanbrown

Guest
You said it scamper and I agree with you! Formal means formal not casual. They have alternate dining options if you prefer not to dress in formal attire.




Laurie :wave
 
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DesrtDrmr

Guest
If you are getting all dolled up for Formal Night, it would be fun to rent a tux onboard for your son........that way you don't have to mess with getting one, packing it, and taking it back. It would just be in your cabin when you got on, and you'd leave it there when you went home. It would be great for a family picture, and he would feel pretty special.
Just a thought..................... (of course, you know your son best......)
 
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rellyrod

Guest
We actually rented a tux online through Princess for my husband. It is inexpensive, we didn't have to lug it around or pack it, and it was waiting for us in our room when we got onboard.

Have fun!
 
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lamayboy

Guest
nice slacks, nice shirt, and a nice tie, and you will be fine!!! He is a kid on vacation, I am sure with that said, you will have no brows raising!
 
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asctony

Guest
Lamayboy: Regardless if he is a kid or boy, he is a young man. Why not allow him to experience an occasion where he can dress up and wear a suit? How many times does a young man wear a suit today? It is not something one should be afraid of or not want to try. It will not harm him, turn him into something odd, etc. Happy Cruising!!!
 
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