Thread: Will Solstice be TOOOO Formal ?

Hi Out There

I know nobody really knows for sure until she's had some passengers on board, but the more I investigate about it the more I'm beginning to wonder.... We are on a 12 night cruise - E. Med in August 09, I've read from the X web site that there are to be 3 Formal, 3 Informal & 6 Casual nights. We, or rather DH don't have a problem with dressing up for the in a suit & tie once or twice (I like to dress up all the time - formal nights will just be a little dressier) - but suits and ties are not his regular way of dressing, so he won't be at his most comfortable on these nights. But taking out these 3 nights we are still left with another 9 nights where I'm not really sure how casual he can go.

Some posters on forums say Informal / Casual nights "jacket with tie / without tie / without jacket etc..." and in particular they say with Solstice being a new ship then passengers should make the effort.

He would never dream of going out for an evening in anything less that nice trousers/jeans and a smart shirt at home - I know jeans are out (plus wouldnt want to be wearing them in the heat of the med in August), but does he really have to wear jackets/ties every night - well I guess getting him to wear a jacket in the evenings wouldnt be too much of a hurdle.

Yes, there are the alternative casual dining venues, but part of the reason for cruising is to enjoy the supposedly MARVELLOUS food, which I'm not so sure you would get so much of in the casual areas.

What are the views of the lovely people on this site.. have I made the wrong choice ?

I think the Solstice will probably adhere to the dress code that is in place. My DH wears a sport coat and open neck shirt on smart casual and you'll see a lot of the men wearing the same. Of course, you'll also see ties, but I'm seeing less and less of that. That leaves only 3 nights he'll need to wear a tie.

Garry

Garry, I think you might be able to name the casual dining venues, but it is my understanding that Solstice will have more casual dining options than is currently offered on other Celebrity ships. So Figgis, you might be able to do the casual option of some of those dressier nights. What we don't know is weather or not the dress code will be in place in some or all of the entertainment venues. If that is the case they may request that you be dressed to code for the theater or a special party ect. If you like productions shows, they are usuall yon the formal nights, so you might want to do formal if just for that reason. Currently they request that people be dressed for the theatre. I have never seen any one under dressed turned away, but I have heard of it happening.

Would DH be more open to the idea of renting a tux? My husband doesn't wear a suit to work but he loves getting all the way dressed up in his tux. It makes it seem like a very special occasion.

Suzanne, I didn't mean to confuse. I was talking about dress in the main dining room. I'm sure there will be other venues that will be more casual but usually the specialty restaurants require a jacket.

Garry