Other than the clothes...what's so great about formal night

[annabell7178]

Hi all. I'm going on my first cruise in Dec. '07.

I'm trying to read as much as I can so I'm prepared.

That being said....I have read a lot about formal nights. Everyone seems to think you shouldn't miss them. However, other than the clothes, could someone explain what makes the formal night stand out. Is it the same as any other night in the dining room except you are dressed up? Do you get free drinks or something? Is the food special?

Sorry if this has been explained but I haven't seen anything with actual details of what happens on formal night.

Thanks for any and all responses.

BTW I'm going to go even if the only difference is the formal ware, but I'm curious if there is anything else to it.

[GaryI]

That is usually the lobster night, which is kinda special to some of us. It is just fun to do something different. If you don't want to dress up it is no big deal, just eat on the Lido.
A lot of people do that. That is beauty of a cruise do what you want.
Gary

[lifeisschool]

They usually have lots of nice photo op stations set up so you can get a really nice picture taken!

[venice]

the excitement that is in the air..watching what other people are wearing..since this is your first cruise you should experience the formal night in it's fullest,,,,then on future cruises make a decision whether you want to participate or not..but the first time...do it up right !!!

[Kuki]

Aside from the ambience the ship attempts to set with the atmosphere, the first formal night is called the Captain's Welcome Aboard dinner, and there is indeed free drinks at the pre-dinner cocktail party. The formal nights are generally also known for the best menu offerings as well.

The big production shows are also on formal nights.

[annabell7178]

Thanks for the quick responses. A family/friends picture would be great. I guess the atmosphere must be up a notch that night. Just another reason to count the days until I go.

[cherylroy]

I"m not one to dress up and still don't dress up to the extent some others do! However the ONLY thing I like about the first formal night is the Lobster. That is the ONLY reason I go...lol

[Honeybear]

AHHH Formal Night!!! I'm not much for dressing up either but I'd wear anything (well almost lol) just get get to be there! The lobster! The rest of the food! The ATMOSPHERE! BUT most of all, for me, it's the WAITERS!!!! Singing and Dancing (with the cruisers joining in if possible)! It is just so wonderful. Do not miss it! If dressing up is a problem, wear your little black dress "everybody" has one of those. Just don't do yourself an injustice by missing this! It's just the greatest.

[Wennfred]

I think its seeing everyone all dressed up, its like crashing a big party you wasn't invited too.


Fred

[Deakon]

More than all those things.. Formal night is a throwback to how people cruised back in the golden age of cruising.. You make your entrance, have a picture taken and show your best stuff off... The tuxedos and huge gowns may not always be there, but the formality of it is.