7 Cruise Formal Night Do’s and Don’ts Cruisers Need Know

Formal Night Do’s and Don’ts Every Cruiser Should Know

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Formal night is a classic cruising tradition that many cruisers look forward to, and some might even dread. In reality, these days cruise “formal nights” are a fun evening, where in most cases dress codes are suggestions, not strictly enforced.

That said, you’ll want to have the best formal evening possible. Whether your cruise line refers to this night as a “gala evening”, “dressy night”, or “chic evening” the experience is quite similar.

However, beyond cruise line dress codes there are some do’s and don’ts to know. In this post, I share what to expect and some ideas for how you can make the most of this special evening on a cruise.

Just for fun, I’ve included some of our own formal night photos and outfits from past cruises.

Formal Night Do’s and Don’ts for the Best Evening on a Cruise

1. do dress up.

Formal night Ilana and Frank dressed up

Formal night is the perfect occasion to dress up. Whether you wear a suit or a dress, looking your best is a great way to make a formal night extra special.

This cruise tradition has been going on for years, and many cruisers enjoy it. It’s nice to walk around the cruise ship and see other passengers look their best.

By dressing up, you’re not just participating in the fun, but also creating unforgettable memories.

2. Don’t Overthink What to Wear

Alaska-cruise-formal-night-outfit-men

At one time, cruise passengers wore tuxedos to the main dining room on formal nights. However, that is no longer the case.

In recent years, mainstream cruise lines have become more lenient than ever regarding formal night attire. Many cruise lines call it a “dress your best night,” meaning passengers can wear the clothing they feel most comfortable in.

Typically, guys will wear a collared shirt, pants, and a nice pair of shoes. While ladies will may wear a cocktail dress , summer dress, or pants and a nice top.

It’s not worth stressing over what to wear because cruise lines are not strict about what people wear on formal nights.

3. Do Take Pictures

family picture, multi-generational cruise

If you’ve spent time getting ready and looking your best, you’ll want to take some pictures. Taking pictures is a great way to remember your wonderful cruise experience, and if you get them printed, they will serve as a memento.

During formal night , several photo stations will be located around the cruise ship. At the photo stations, you can get amazing professional photos.

I was recently on a multi-generational cruise with my parents and grandparents, and we took photos on formal night to remember the occasion. I’m so grateful that we took these photos, as they will serve as an amazing memory from my cruise vacation.

4. Don’t Arrive Late

main dining room freedom of the seas older cruise ship

Since the formal night is extremely busy in the main dining room , arriving early or on time is a good idea. Arriving late will inconvenience the cruise staff, and you may need to wait for a table.

By sticking to your reservation time, you’ll have a smooth and enjoyable formal night, free from any potential inconveniences.

5. Do Plan Extra Time to Get Ready

Mediterranean-cruise-outfit-formal-night

Since formal night is an occasion where you’ll want to look your best, it’s a good idea to take the extra time to get ready. Some cruise passengers will even go the extra mile and get their hair and nails done at the spa.

When you’re getting ready for formal night, plan and expect it to take a little longer to get ready. This way, you’re not rushing to finish your hair or wear your formal night dress!

Another thing to consider is that you may want to take some photos. If that’s the case, leave your cabin 15-30 minutes early so you have enough time to take pictures.

Related: What to Wear on a Cruise Formal Night (and frequently asked questions)

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saga cruises formal evenings

6. Don’t Forget to Compliment Other Cruise Passengers

Royal Caribbean cruise formal night family

Many new cruisers may not realize that other cruisers are really friendly!

On formal nights, feel free to compliment other cruise passengers on the way they look. Giving a compliment is a nice gesture, especially since many people put in the extra effort to look their best during the formal night.

By complimenting others, you’ll make someone else’s evening!

7. Do Enjoy an Enhanced Dining Menu

Beef wellington main dining room on cruise ship

Typically, there is an enhanced menu in the main dining room on formal nights. Depending on the cruise line, dishes can range from beef Wellington to lamb chops, surf, and turf.

On formal nights, we always eat in the main dining room to enjoy the delicious dining room. Whether you prefer to eat in the buffet , specialty dining , or casual restaurants, eating in the main dining room on formal night is always worth eating in the main dining room.

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formal night do and donts

Final Thoughts On Formal Night Do’s and Don’ts Every Cruise Should Know

Cruise ship formal nights are a great opportunity for passengers to enjoy an elegant and enjoyable evening at sea. Formal nights are a long-standing cruise tradition, so understanding the do’s and don’ts is important!

Do you enjoy formal night on a cruise? Please let me know your tips and questions in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

If you enjoy this post please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please feel free to share on Facebook or Pinterest (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Author Bio: Ethan Schattauer has been cruising with his family since he was four years old and has been on more than 30 cruises. As a frequent traveler, Ethan shares his unique perspective on what cruising is like from a young person’s perspective. Ethan also writes about men’s fashion, travel and college advice on the website WhatToWearMen.com .

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Cruise Q&A: Beginner’s guide to Saga Cruises

Author: [email protected]

Published on: 19 October 2017

Updated on: 13 November 2020

Booking your first cruise can be a stressful and intimidating experience. Deciding where and when to go, is only the beginning of it. How do you pay? What sort of cabin should you choose? How do you find out about hidden extra costs? Do I need to pack any formal clothes? There is quite a

Booking your first cruise can be a stressful and intimidating experience. Deciding where and when to go, is only the beginning of it.

How do you pay? What sort of cabin should you choose? How do you find out about hidden extra costs? Do I need to pack any formal clothes? There is quite a bit to consider. But fear not, we’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions to make the process as easy as possible.

How old do I need to be to travel with Saga?

From relaxing hotel stays and scenic river trips, to cultural escorted tours and memorable ocean cruises, the varied collection is a perfect choice for anyone over 50 (a travelling companion can be over 40).

How much of a deposit will I have to pay?

For ocean cruises, Saga require £200 per person or 15 per cent of the cost of the holiday, whichever is greater, up to a maximum of £1,000 per person.

How do your discounts work?

On all Saga cruises, the company set aside a number of cabins within each grade at a discounted fare, with the highest discount of 35 per cent available on selected grades. These cabins are sold on a first come, first served basis. As cabins are sold, the discount begins to reduce and continues to reduce until those selected cabins are sold.

This means that the earlier you book, the higher the chance of securing a greater discount. You’ll find the latest prices on the website. During busy periods for booking holidays, the early booking discounts can reduce rapidly. When promoting new cruises for the first time, Saga contact customers on the advance registration list first, allowing them to secure the cabin of their choice and benefit from the best savings.

What if the price goes up after I’ve booked?

Once you have booked we will not add any additional cost to your holiday unless you select any extras. This is regardless of what happens to fuel prices, exchange rates or any other factors that might influence the holiday cost. So, you can sit back and look forward to your break without the worry of paying more!

What are Inside/Outside Guarantees?

The traditional way to book a cruise is to reserve your cabin number at the time of booking. However, if you’ve decided what type of cabin you want but don’t have a preference for a particular cabin or bed configuration then the Inside/Outside Guarantees could be good for you.

It means that you are guaranteed the minimum grade cabin in the category shown, just not the specific cabin. This will be allocated to you later on, sometimes as you embark the ship. If you choose not to accept your allocated cabin, which could be located anywhere on the ship, this is treated as a cancellation. There is a chance of an upgrade although this is subject to cabin availability and in no way forms part of this offer.

Can you cater for special diets?

Fine dining is an integral part of the cruising experience and Saga can cater for most dietary needs as long as let them know in advance. You can make Saga aware of your requirements at the time of booking.

Are your cruises suitable for single travellers?

There are many reasons why cruising with Saga is a fantastic way to holiday for solo travellers – from the small ships with their sociable and friendly atmosphere to the spacious cabins, fantastic value and onboard activities exclusively for solo travellers.

Is there a loyalty club?

Everyone who cruises with Saga for more than 35 nights is automatically rewarded with free membership of the Britannia Club. This brings an array of benefits, ranging from exclusive special offers, a dedicated booking line and a quarterly newsletter. There’s an extended chauffeur service, priority boarding and even a free cruise depending on your level of membership. There are five levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Sapphire and, for guests who sail over a thousand nights, the prestigious Diamond tier.

So whether you’re already a member of the Britannia Club, or just need a few more nights on board to qualify, choosing your next cruise is another step towards lots of additional delights!

What is the tipping policy?

If you are cruising on one of Saga’s own ships, gratuities and service charges are all included in the price of your cruise, so there is no need for you to budget for these costs once you arrive on board.

Can I pre-book my shore excursions?

We will send you excursion information 6-8 weeks before departure along with prices so you can plan and book your trips ashore in advance. You will be able to do this online.

While we would advise you to pre-book your excursions due to limited availability, it is also possible to arrange these on board through the Travel and Tours office.

How many formal nights can I expect on my cruise?

Not all cruises will have formal nights but generally you can expect 1-2 for every seven nights spent on board. On formal nights, it is impossible to overdress! A glamorous long dress and sequined shrug or pashmina are perfect partners for an elegant champagne dinner and a tuxedo and bow tie are the ultimate in sophistication (although a dark suit or dinner jacket would also be just fine!).

Are there laundry facilities on board?

Saga Sapphire and Saga Pearl II have well-equipped self-service launderettes on board. Alternatively, you may wish to use the laundry service for a charge instead.

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Evening Chic on Celebrity Cruises: What It Is and What to Wear for a Glamorous Night Out!

Planning a cruise with Celebrity Cruises and wondering what to wear on those special evening chic nights? Or even when they are?

Most cruises have Formal Night, but Celebrity cruises likes to do things a little differently…

To get some clarity on what to expect (and when,) we’ve got you covered.

Table of Contents

What Nights Are Evening Chic On Celebrity Cruises?

Evening Chic nights are special events that encourage passengers to dress up and enjoy a glamourous and sophisticated atmosphere onboard. Typically, the number of Evening Chic nights varies based on the length of your cruise.

For cruises that last 4-to-6 nights, you can expect to have one Evening Chic night. Meanwhile, on 7-to-11 night cruises, you’ll have two chic nights to look forward to.

Finally, if you’re embarking on a 12-night or longer voyage, your cruise will feature 3 Evening Chic nights.

It’s important to note that Celebrity Xpedition cruises do not have Evening Chic nights—instead, they promote casual attire for the entire duration of the cruise.

Remember, although Evening Chic nights are primarily scheduled on port days, the actual day may vary depending on the cruise itinerary.

So, it’s a good idea to check your specific itinerary or ask the crew for the exact dates once onboard.

Tuxedo for Formal Night on Celebrity Cruises

What Is Evening Chic?

Evening Chic is a dress code that Celebrity Cruises has introduced as their version of formal nights. It encourages you to dress to impress, showcasing your unique, glamorous, and sophisticated style.

Unlike traditional formal nights, which usually require tuxedos or gowns, Evening Chic allows you to express your personal flair while still maintaining an elegant atmosphere.

During Evening Chic nights, feel free to wear a cocktail dress, skirt, slacks, designer jeans, or an elegant dress top or blazer. You have a lot more flexibility.

Some guests even choose to pack a tuxedo or gown for these special evenings to capture memorable onboard photos.

The key is to combine comfort with a touch of glamour, so you can enjoy the night to the fullest.

Celebrity Cruises typically schedules Evening Chic nights based on the duration of your cruise. For cruises lasting 4 to 6 nights, you can expect one Evening Chic night.

On 7 to 11-night cruises, there will be two such nights, while cruises of 12 nights or more will have three. However, be sure to double-check your cruise’s specific itinerary, as schedules may vary.

Celebrity Cruises’ Dress Code Policy

Celebrity Cruises encourages guests to embrace their sense of style and sophistication on board. They have designed their dress code policy to cater for both comfort and elegance.

Evening Chic nights are a part of this policy, allowing you to showcase your unique fashion choices.

Guidelines for Men

Evening Chic means your attire should reflect a polished and refined look very similar to smart casual. Opt for dress shirts paired with slacks or chinos to create a classy ensemble.

Feel free to don a blazer or a sports jacket to elevate your outfit further.

Remember, footwear should complement your attire, so choose loafers or dress shoes to complete your look.

While some men may go the extra mile and wear a tuxedo or suit, it’s not required but encouraged for those who love dressing up.

Standard Evening Chic outfits for men are your basic smart casual outfits, think:

  • Pants or chinos (not jeans, unless designer and NOT ripped) with a dress shirt, button-down shirt or long sleeves
  • Optional sport coat or blazer
  • Tuxedo or dinner suit
  • NO Flip Flops, jeans, or T-shirts

Guidelines for Women

Women can choose from a variety of options, such as cocktail dresses, elegant skirts, or dressy tops paired with slacks or designer jeans.

If you’re feeling particularly glamorous, you may even opt for a gown to make a statement, but its completely unnecessary.

An elegant top with a dressy skirt is a great look.

Accessories like scarves or pashminas can add a touch of sophistication, while dressy shoes, such as heels or stylish flats, will add the finishing touch to your outfit.

Just ensure that your outfit aligns with the guidelines provided, and you’ll be ready to enjoy an unforgettable night full of elegance and style.

Guidelines For Kids

On chic night, it is mandatory for boys to wear full-length trousers in the main and some specialty restaurants.

However, smart pumps are allowed as long as they are not trainers.

In addition to the footwear, boys must also wear a collared shirt or a smart collared polo to complete their outfit.

It is important to note that adherence to the dress code is required in order to maintain the desired atmosphere in the restaurant on these special nights.

Not wearing formal attire or smart casual can get you denied access to the main dining room or specialty restaurants.

Evening Chic Nights on Celebrity Cruises

Evening Chic outfit for Celebrity Cruises

Cruise Length and Frequency

Evening Chic nights are a glamorous and sophisticated event on Celebrity Cruises. Depending on the length of your cruise, you can experience different numbers of Evening Chic nights.

For cruises of 4 to 6 nights, there is one Evening Chic Night, while for cruises lasting 7 to 11 nights, you’ll have the pleasure of participating in two Evening Chic nights.

If you’re lucky enough to be on a cruise of 12 nights or more, you’ll enjoy 3 Chic Nights.

Remember, dressing up for these events is key to making the night memorable and fun, so pack accordingly!

Specific Cruise Ships

It’s important to note that not all Celebrity Cruises ships follow the same dress code rules.

Most of the Celebrity Cruises ships offer Evening Chic nights, giving you the opportunity for more sophisticated attire and a special night out.

On the other hand, the Celebrity Xpedition cruise ship has a different dress code policy. For those planning to cruise on this specific ship, casual attire is acceptable throughout the entire cruise duration.

This will allow you to focus on exploring the remarkable destinations without worrying too much about dressing up for specific nights.

Additional Tips for Evening Chic

When preparing for Evening Chic night on your Celebrity cruise, remember to embrace your personal style while sticking to the dress code.

Although many think of it as a ‘formal night,’ it really is just smart casual attire. You don’t have to rent out a ball gown or suit and tie.

Don’t worry too much about over-(or even under)-dressing. As long as you’re dressed to impress (NO FLIP FLOPS!), you’re on the right track.

To best prepare for these nights, consider the length of your cruise. On a 7-night cruise, typically, two evenings are designated as Evening Chic nights.

You can plan two outfits OR take advantage of the laundry service onboard.

Planning your outfits in advance can help take the stress out of getting ready for the big night.

Make sure to pack versatile clothing items that can be dressed up or down. For example, a flattering pair of slacks, a skirt, or even designer jeans can be matched with various tops to create different looks.

Bring a few elegant dress tops or blazers to mix and match with your chosen bottoms. This way, you’ll have several outfits that are both chic and comfortable.

Accessorizing can add an extra touch of glamour to your ensemble. Whether it’s a statement necklace, a pair of eye-catching earrings, or a stunning clutch, the right accessories can elevate your outfit and showcase your personal style.

Don’t forget to bring along complementary shoes – think heels or dressy flats – for a complete, polished look.

Even though you are cruising in warm climates, it’s a good idea to pack a light sweater, a scarf, or a pashmina.

The evenings may cool down, and you’ll want to stay comfortable while enjoying the ship’s decks or your stateroom veranda .

Finally, remember that Evening Chic nights are an opportunity to make memories with loved ones or new friends.

Don’t stress about the outfit too much. A formal gown is the last thing you need to make the night memorable.

Don’t forget to take pictures before or during the event to capture the fun and add them to your souvenir collection.

Summary: Evening Chic on Celebrity Cruises

When planning for your Celebrity cruise, you’ll want to know when to don your evening chic attire. Typically, on a 7-night cruise, you can expect formal nights on days 2 and 6, which often coincide with sea days.

However, on a 9-night cruise, the evening chic nights might vary, so it’s best to check your specific itinerary for more accurate information.

As you prepare for your evening chic outfits, keep in mind that the goal is to dress up in a sophisticated and glamorous way.

This can include wearing a cocktail dress, skirt, slacks, designer jeans, an elegant dress top, or even a blazer.

Some guests may choose to go all out with a tuxedo or gown for special onboard photos, but that’s entirely up to you and your personal style.

Don’t worry about the weather on your cruise; it’s always a good idea to bring along a lightweight sweater or fleece, as nighttime temperatures might drop, especially when enjoying the starry sky from your stateroom veranda or on one of the ship’s decks.

A scarf or pashmina can also add a touch of elegance while providing warmth during the cooler evenings.

Prepare for your Celebrity cruise’s evening chic nights by packing a few stylish and elegant outfits, along with some versatile accessories to stay comfortable during the cooler nighttime hours.

With a touch of glamour and sophistication, you’ll be ready to enjoy the fantastic dining experiences, take memorable photos, and create lasting memories during your time on the ship.

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  • Saga Cruises

Women - formal attire

By JEExplorer , August 22, 2019 in Saga Cruises

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So I was informed by a SAGA Chat person that I could wear a dark lounge suit where there are formal nights but I am female.  However no advice when I pointed this out. 

How formal do I have to be?  I would wear smart trousers or long skirt and a glittery (appropriately cocktaily) top and flats but damned if I am going to do cocktail dresses.  Would relly appreciate comments from Saga Cruise regulars.

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lincslady

JE -   that is exactly what I wear for formal nights (have done some 6 or more  Sagas), and did suggest this on another thread.  Evening tops, smart trousers or long skirt, and flat shoes are perfectly fine.  I  don't wear dresses, and certainly do not have 'cocktail' dresses, but obviously some women do, and they are fine also.

50+ Club

I took a long black skirt and three different evening tops; certainly didn’t feel out of place and it simplified the packing! There seemed to be a great mixture of things worn by the ladies for the formal evenings. The majority of men did wear dinner jackets.  

500+ Club

I no longer 'do' any sort of glittery/lacy/velvet tops or dresses or trousers, I am more of a White Stuff than a Phase Eight sort of person, so if I can ever persuade my OH that Saga is NOT too old for him (he is 74 by the way!) then I will have to think very hard about what I will wear.  I'm not buying clothes just for holidays.  It's the only thing that puts me off about most cruises from the UK.  We discovered the joy of cruising with Viking three years ago, after about 30 cruises with a variety of other companies, and certainly won't go back to the more mainstream lines, but Saga's new ship looks a possibility.   I guess in time they will drop the formal codes.

1,000+ Club

Mrs Miggins

Viking is lovely and hopefully our first Saga cruise on Sept 5th will also be great.

I would also prefer a more 'elegant casual' dress code similar to Viking, although there were certainly quite a few sparkly tops on our Viking cruises too.  

Saga is going to have to fill 2 ships with nearly 2000 clients soon.  They will  have to entice clients away from other cruise lines, and formal nights do put off those who are used to Azamara, Oceania, Viking etc.

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55 minutes ago, Mrs Miggins said: Viking is lovely and hopefully our first Saga cruise on Sept 5th will also be great. I would also prefer a more 'elegant casual' dress code similar to Viking, although there were certainly quite a few sparkly tops on our Viking cruises too.   Saga is going to have to fill 2 ships with nearly 2000 clients soon.  They will  have to entice clients away from other cruise lines, and formal nights do put off those who are used to Azamara, Oceania, Viking etc.  

I agree, we haven’t done Formal nights for many years, it was partly what put us off ever booking P&O or Cunard. Yes, twenty years ago we did, it was a novelty then, but today it seems an old fashioned concept. Many of the main stream US lines have ‘downgraded’ Formal to mean perhaps a sports jacket and tie for men and equivalent for women, although some still really dress up, that is increasingly not the norm. 

I suspect some regular ‘Saganauts’ will be horrified at the idea of going less formal but filling two larger ships each week is going to mean some changes I’m sure. 

I agree with you.  I was not keen on the idea of the formal dressing.  I do wonder whether there is a possibility that when the Spirit of Adventure is also sailing there will be a chance that one of the ships will do fly cruises.  If Saga are hoping to attract a slightly younger age of passenger they may find that there is a limited number of people able to spare more than two weeks at a time for their holidays.  That does severely limit the itineraries that are possible from the UK.  It would be much more of a hassle to take formal clothes by air, particularly for men.  Perhaps in that case, at least there might be the option of not having to wear formal clothes in the buffet.  Just a hope!

Glenndale

Maybe if comments regarding a slight relaxing of the dress code was made by all of us on our end of cruise comments form, then the powers that be might take notice.

We still cruise with Cunard which has formal nights so OH takes his DJ but he also enjoys the country club casual approach of Oceania.

I think ladies have s lot more lee way on formal nights as to what is deemed suitable.

On 8/23/2019 at 11:32 AM, Mrs Miggins said: Viking is lovely and hopefully our first Saga cruise on Sept 5th will also be great. I would also prefer a more 'elegant casual' dress code similar to Viking, although there were certainly quite a few sparkly tops on our Viking cruises too.   Saga is going to have to fill 2 ships with nearly 2000 clients soon.  They will  have to entice clients away from other cruise lines, and formal nights do put off those who are used to Azamara, Oceania, Viking etc.  

I shall be stepping out of my usual Cunard comfort zone and have booked Spirit of Discovery for an 18 day cruise this October. I know of several other seasoned Cunarder's who have also booked  various cruises on the new ship.

We have no intention of lowering our dress standards, we'll be bringing Cunard's 'evening wear standards' along with us too,  so I guess formal evening on Saga will be here to stay for quite some time yet . 😉   

It will be interesting to read how the different cruisers respond to Discovery - Cunarders, who obviously either enjoy dressing up, or at least don't mind, and the Oceania/Viking aficionados, who definitely prefer the casual approach.  I have a feeling both groups will enjoy her, and be willing to alter their dress standards a bit as necessary! 

Nevertheless, I think in time the code will veer more towards that of, say,  Seabourn, where formal optional requires a jacket to be worn by men on those evenings, and though some still appear in their dj or suit, more and more are tending towards a blazer or sports coat, often without a tie.  As Seabourn is a pretty upmarket outfit, most people look fairly well dressed anyway.

Your cruise, Bell Boy, is a lovely itinerary.  Do come back here with a report afterwards, please.

1 hour ago, Bell Boy said: I shall be stepping out of my usual Cunard comfort zone and have booked Spirit of Discovery for an 18 day cruise this October. I know of several other seasoned Cunarder's who have also booked  various cruises on the new ship. We have no intention of lowering our dress standards, we'll be bringing Cunard's 'evening wear standards' along with us too,  so I guess formal evening on Saga will be here to stay for quite some time yet . 😉   

Even on Cunard the standards are slipping to some extent.

In spite of formal dress being required all over the ship there were some in the theatre who were not in formal dress.

Presumably they had dined in the buffet?

Whatever, I feel there should be an option for those who don't want to get 'gussied up' to be able to dine in the Grill.

Wow, a bit of a hornet’s nest stirred here. 

I don’t consider that Azamara (Viking/Oceania) styles of clothing are a lowering of standards. It’s that rather snobby attitude that wearing formal is a superior vibe that has always put me off Cunard. If that atmosphere pervades SoD, it will be our first and last Saga cruise. 

 I feel sure that existing Saganauts will not be at all 'snobby' about dress on board.  I personally hope that what I have predicted in my second paragraph will happen - those who want to dress formally may do so, but those of us who prefer something a bit more casual - including us - will prevail in the end.  Seabourn a few years ago did require dj or suit for formals, and then changed the wording to formal optional for those evenings, and it has worked well.

As someone has already suggested, putting it in writing in your post cruise questionnaire is the best way to persuade Saga to change the rule.  

50 minutes ago, cinnamon said: Wow, a bit of a hornet’s nest stirred here.  I don’t consider that Azamara (Viking/Oceania) styles of clothing are a lowering of standards. It’s that rather snobby attitude that wearing formal is a superior vibe that has always put me off Cunard. If that atmosphere pervades SoD, it will be our first and last Saga cruise. 

 I believe you have misunderstood my comments, my comments are not snobby at all, nowhere have I mentioned that wearing a Tux is superior.   After Cunard, Seabourn is one of my preferred cruise lines (where I have enjoyed many platinum  sea days)  I've also sailed Azamara on two occasions and with Oceania once. I'm quite happy with 'Country club casual'  and will go along quite happily with the flow . 

Every cruise line has their own characteristics, their 'dress codes' are often an 'integral part of their brand image'.

However, what I don't expect, is for those 'country club casual' cruise lines, to change things for me. What  does get my goat, are those folks who are already quite happy with a less formal cruise experience  and expect other lines ( on which they are not seasoned guests on ) to change dress  codes just to suit them. 

I have never sailed Saga before so this will be a completely new experience for me, however , I did noticed in their pre cruise information that their formal evening dress codes will be 'strictly enforced ( their words not mine  😉 ) 

Your final sentence, to quote , "If that atmosphere pervades it'll be your last Saga cruise". Cinnamon,  why not just go with the flow and enjoy the characteristics of Saga  ( even if that means a formal evening or two)  otherwise keep to what you are more comfortable with.   

I haven’t said that Saga should change for us. Only that the need to go Formal nearly put us off. What felt ‘snobby’ was the phrase about  ‘lowering standards’. 

We will be going with the flow and will stay open minded. Who knows, without the need to handle luggage on flights, taking extra clothes will be easier and we may enjoy getting all togged up again as we used to do 20 years ago.  It really depends on how the atmosphere surrounding all that pans out. 

What is really surprising me on SOD is the very casual dress by some on the ‘smart casual’ nights. I have observed hoodies, jeans and flip flops.  

7 minutes ago, sweep said: What is really surprising me on SOD is the very casual dress by some on the ‘smart casual’ nights. I have observed hoodies, jeans and flip flops.  

I nothing like that on the Gourmet Spain cruise;  we did have dinner in the main dining room every night, perhaps it was different in the Grill?

No this is the main dining room.  We haven’t been to the grill in the evening yet. 

28 minutes ago, sweep said: What is really surprising me on SOD is the very casual dress by some on the ‘smart casual’ nights. I have observed hoodies, jeans and flip flops.  

Wot ! on 'sixty and seventy year olds' ! .....You are certainly joking. I've not yet had the experience of Saga , but there is one thing I know , Saga guests have a wealth of cruising experience , not to mention a disposable income , they don't pay a premium and then walk around in the evenings like that .   

I think we have probably had enough discussion about this!  My feeling is that for those who are prepared to go with the flow, they will almost certainly love so much about the ship and their trip that they will be perfectly prepared to go along with whatever regime is  current.  We would prefer not to have to go formal, but are willing to do so  in view of all the other good things - not just the ship and the staff, but not needing to fly, having the fairly unstressed travel to the port, with as much luggage as you like and no need to handle it yourself, and the delightful helpful staff on board with pretty good food and no need to sign and pay for your drinks (shortly on Discovery, current on Sapphire).  Not to mention included insurance and tips,and what looks like a really beautiful, tasteful ship interior, with no 'bling'.  (Did anyone see the programme about Regent Explorer?)

9 hours ago, Bell Boy said: I shall be stepping out of my usual Cunard comfort zone and have booked Spirit of Discovery for an 18 day cruise this October. I know of several other seasoned Cunarder's who have also booked  various cruises on the new ship. We have no intention of lowering our dress standards, we'll be bringing Cunard's 'evening wear standards' along with us too,  so I guess formal evening on Saga will be here to stay for quite some time yet . 😉   

I would not expect you to “lower your standards”.  I am sure you enjoy the formal nights, and you should be able to dress up just as much as you want.

We used to do this too.  Now we fly to our embarkation as I am not keen on sea days.  We also have done lots of cruises on a variety of cruise lines, but latterly prefer smaller ships with a refined atmosphere.

our only cruise out of the Uk was enjoyable but only because we were with friends.  I found a large ship full  of mainly UK cruisers not quite to my taste.

i must confess that it was the price point that made us book with Saga.  Both Viking and Azamara were extremely expensive on their Norwegian itineraries.  Longer cruises than our 7 day Saga trial but significantly higher per firm costs.

i do get offers fromCunard at much lower prices, but I accept that that would only be Britannia class.  Not too keen on the Class Distinction on Cunard and also now on the mass market lines like Celebrity.

i am looking forward to our Saga cruise and will dress according to the guidelines.

Howevet having just read the Cunard guidelines it would appear that Cunard are more relaxed than Saga.

Perhaps I am wrong but Cunard appear to offer dining options for those who do not wish to  attend formal nights but Saga do not.  

4 hours ago, lincslady said: ... (Did anyone see the programme about Regent Explorer?)

Yes, and we thought it looked absolutely ghastly.  No thanks!

5 hours ago, Bell Boy said: Wot ! on 'sixty and seventy year olds' ! .....You are certainly joking. I've not yet had the experience of Saga , but there is one thing I know , Saga guests have a wealth of cruising experience , not to mention a disposable income , they don't pay a premium and then walk around in the evenings like that .   

Okay, so you haven't been on Saga yet but you are making assumptions about their guests.  Whereas 'sweep' is reporting what they have actually experienced on board.

Perhaps you should wait until you have experienced Saga before passing judgement.

10 minutes ago, Tigrou said:   Okay, so you haven't been on Saga yet but you are making assumptions about their guests.  Whereas 'sweep' is reporting what they have actually experienced on board. Perhaps you should wait until you have experienced Saga before passing judgement.    

It was much better tonight.  Perhaps it was because people had been ashore and just hadn’t bothered to change.  

I commented because I was surprised and it certainly wasn’t the same standard as our usual cruise line which is Oceania.  

I might add that everyone is smartly dressed on formal nights with 90% of the men wearing DJ, the others in suits.  Ladies wear the whole range from long dresses to smart trousers and tops. 

9 hours ago, cinnamon said: It’s that rather snobby attitude that wearing formal is a superior vibe that has always put me off Cunard. If that atmosphere pervades SoD, it will be our first and last Saga cruise. 

I had fun on QM2 looking at so many people who apparently prided themselves on their 'evening dress standards' but who would not have passed muster for the formal dinners which were part of my working life.  It was similar to when the men in a wedding party wear morning suits when clearly none of them have ever worn one before, somewhat cringe-worthy.

Haha

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saga cruises formal evenings

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  • Saga Cruises

Women - formal attire

By JEExplorer , August 22, 2019 in Saga Cruises

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So I was informed by a SAGA Chat person that I could wear a dark lounge suit where there are formal nights but I am female.  However no advice when I pointed this out. 

How formal do I have to be?  I would wear smart trousers or long skirt and a glittery (appropriately cocktaily) top and flats but damned if I am going to do cocktail dresses.  Would relly appreciate comments from Saga Cruise regulars.

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lincslady

JE -   that is exactly what I wear for formal nights (have done some 6 or more  Sagas), and did suggest this on another thread.  Evening tops, smart trousers or long skirt, and flat shoes are perfectly fine.  I  don't wear dresses, and certainly do not have 'cocktail' dresses, but obviously some women do, and they are fine also.

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I took a long black skirt and three different evening tops; certainly didn’t feel out of place and it simplified the packing! There seemed to be a great mixture of things worn by the ladies for the formal evenings. The majority of men did wear dinner jackets.  

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I no longer 'do' any sort of glittery/lacy/velvet tops or dresses or trousers, I am more of a White Stuff than a Phase Eight sort of person, so if I can ever persuade my OH that Saga is NOT too old for him (he is 74 by the way!) then I will have to think very hard about what I will wear.  I'm not buying clothes just for holidays.  It's the only thing that puts me off about most cruises from the UK.  We discovered the joy of cruising with Viking three years ago, after about 30 cruises with a variety of other companies, and certainly won't go back to the more mainstream lines, but Saga's new ship looks a possibility.   I guess in time they will drop the formal codes.

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Mrs Miggins

Viking is lovely and hopefully our first Saga cruise on Sept 5th will also be great.

I would also prefer a more 'elegant casual' dress code similar to Viking, although there were certainly quite a few sparkly tops on our Viking cruises too.  

Saga is going to have to fill 2 ships with nearly 2000 clients soon.  They will  have to entice clients away from other cruise lines, and formal nights do put off those who are used to Azamara, Oceania, Viking etc.

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55 minutes ago, Mrs Miggins said: Viking is lovely and hopefully our first Saga cruise on Sept 5th will also be great. I would also prefer a more 'elegant casual' dress code similar to Viking, although there were certainly quite a few sparkly tops on our Viking cruises too.   Saga is going to have to fill 2 ships with nearly 2000 clients soon.  They will  have to entice clients away from other cruise lines, and formal nights do put off those who are used to Azamara, Oceania, Viking etc.  

I agree, we haven’t done Formal nights for many years, it was partly what put us off ever booking P&O or Cunard. Yes, twenty years ago we did, it was a novelty then, but today it seems an old fashioned concept. Many of the main stream US lines have ‘downgraded’ Formal to mean perhaps a sports jacket and tie for men and equivalent for women, although some still really dress up, that is increasingly not the norm. 

I suspect some regular ‘Saganauts’ will be horrified at the idea of going less formal but filling two larger ships each week is going to mean some changes I’m sure. 

I agree with you.  I was not keen on the idea of the formal dressing.  I do wonder whether there is a possibility that when the Spirit of Adventure is also sailing there will be a chance that one of the ships will do fly cruises.  If Saga are hoping to attract a slightly younger age of passenger they may find that there is a limited number of people able to spare more than two weeks at a time for their holidays.  That does severely limit the itineraries that are possible from the UK.  It would be much more of a hassle to take formal clothes by air, particularly for men.  Perhaps in that case, at least there might be the option of not having to wear formal clothes in the buffet.  Just a hope!

Glenndale

Maybe if comments regarding a slight relaxing of the dress code was made by all of us on our end of cruise comments form, then the powers that be might take notice.

We still cruise with Cunard which has formal nights so OH takes his DJ but he also enjoys the country club casual approach of Oceania.

I think ladies have s lot more lee way on formal nights as to what is deemed suitable.

On 8/23/2019 at 11:32 AM, Mrs Miggins said: Viking is lovely and hopefully our first Saga cruise on Sept 5th will also be great. I would also prefer a more 'elegant casual' dress code similar to Viking, although there were certainly quite a few sparkly tops on our Viking cruises too.   Saga is going to have to fill 2 ships with nearly 2000 clients soon.  They will  have to entice clients away from other cruise lines, and formal nights do put off those who are used to Azamara, Oceania, Viking etc.  

I shall be stepping out of my usual Cunard comfort zone and have booked Spirit of Discovery for an 18 day cruise this October. I know of several other seasoned Cunarder's who have also booked  various cruises on the new ship.

We have no intention of lowering our dress standards, we'll be bringing Cunard's 'evening wear standards' along with us too,  so I guess formal evening on Saga will be here to stay for quite some time yet . 😉   

It will be interesting to read how the different cruisers respond to Discovery - Cunarders, who obviously either enjoy dressing up, or at least don't mind, and the Oceania/Viking aficionados, who definitely prefer the casual approach.  I have a feeling both groups will enjoy her, and be willing to alter their dress standards a bit as necessary! 

Nevertheless, I think in time the code will veer more towards that of, say,  Seabourn, where formal optional requires a jacket to be worn by men on those evenings, and though some still appear in their dj or suit, more and more are tending towards a blazer or sports coat, often without a tie.  As Seabourn is a pretty upmarket outfit, most people look fairly well dressed anyway.

Your cruise, Bell Boy, is a lovely itinerary.  Do come back here with a report afterwards, please.

1 hour ago, Bell Boy said: I shall be stepping out of my usual Cunard comfort zone and have booked Spirit of Discovery for an 18 day cruise this October. I know of several other seasoned Cunarder's who have also booked  various cruises on the new ship. We have no intention of lowering our dress standards, we'll be bringing Cunard's 'evening wear standards' along with us too,  so I guess formal evening on Saga will be here to stay for quite some time yet . 😉   

Even on Cunard the standards are slipping to some extent.

In spite of formal dress being required all over the ship there were some in the theatre who were not in formal dress.

Presumably they had dined in the buffet?

Whatever, I feel there should be an option for those who don't want to get 'gussied up' to be able to dine in the Grill.

Wow, a bit of a hornet’s nest stirred here. 

I don’t consider that Azamara (Viking/Oceania) styles of clothing are a lowering of standards. It’s that rather snobby attitude that wearing formal is a superior vibe that has always put me off Cunard. If that atmosphere pervades SoD, it will be our first and last Saga cruise. 

 I feel sure that existing Saganauts will not be at all 'snobby' about dress on board.  I personally hope that what I have predicted in my second paragraph will happen - those who want to dress formally may do so, but those of us who prefer something a bit more casual - including us - will prevail in the end.  Seabourn a few years ago did require dj or suit for formals, and then changed the wording to formal optional for those evenings, and it has worked well.

As someone has already suggested, putting it in writing in your post cruise questionnaire is the best way to persuade Saga to change the rule.  

50 minutes ago, cinnamon said: Wow, a bit of a hornet’s nest stirred here.  I don’t consider that Azamara (Viking/Oceania) styles of clothing are a lowering of standards. It’s that rather snobby attitude that wearing formal is a superior vibe that has always put me off Cunard. If that atmosphere pervades SoD, it will be our first and last Saga cruise. 

 I believe you have misunderstood my comments, my comments are not snobby at all, nowhere have I mentioned that wearing a Tux is superior.   After Cunard, Seabourn is one of my preferred cruise lines (where I have enjoyed many platinum  sea days)  I've also sailed Azamara on two occasions and with Oceania once. I'm quite happy with 'Country club casual'  and will go along quite happily with the flow . 

Every cruise line has their own characteristics, their 'dress codes' are often an 'integral part of their brand image'.

However, what I don't expect, is for those 'country club casual' cruise lines, to change things for me. What  does get my goat, are those folks who are already quite happy with a less formal cruise experience  and expect other lines ( on which they are not seasoned guests on ) to change dress  codes just to suit them. 

I have never sailed Saga before so this will be a completely new experience for me, however , I did noticed in their pre cruise information that their formal evening dress codes will be 'strictly enforced ( their words not mine  😉 ) 

Your final sentence, to quote , "If that atmosphere pervades it'll be your last Saga cruise". Cinnamon,  why not just go with the flow and enjoy the characteristics of Saga  ( even if that means a formal evening or two)  otherwise keep to what you are more comfortable with.   

I haven’t said that Saga should change for us. Only that the need to go Formal nearly put us off. What felt ‘snobby’ was the phrase about  ‘lowering standards’. 

We will be going with the flow and will stay open minded. Who knows, without the need to handle luggage on flights, taking extra clothes will be easier and we may enjoy getting all togged up again as we used to do 20 years ago.  It really depends on how the atmosphere surrounding all that pans out. 

What is really surprising me on SOD is the very casual dress by some on the ‘smart casual’ nights. I have observed hoodies, jeans and flip flops.  

7 minutes ago, sweep said: What is really surprising me on SOD is the very casual dress by some on the ‘smart casual’ nights. I have observed hoodies, jeans and flip flops.  

I nothing like that on the Gourmet Spain cruise;  we did have dinner in the main dining room every night, perhaps it was different in the Grill?

No this is the main dining room.  We haven’t been to the grill in the evening yet. 

28 minutes ago, sweep said: What is really surprising me on SOD is the very casual dress by some on the ‘smart casual’ nights. I have observed hoodies, jeans and flip flops.  

Wot ! on 'sixty and seventy year olds' ! .....You are certainly joking. I've not yet had the experience of Saga , but there is one thing I know , Saga guests have a wealth of cruising experience , not to mention a disposable income , they don't pay a premium and then walk around in the evenings like that .   

I think we have probably had enough discussion about this!  My feeling is that for those who are prepared to go with the flow, they will almost certainly love so much about the ship and their trip that they will be perfectly prepared to go along with whatever regime is  current.  We would prefer not to have to go formal, but are willing to do so  in view of all the other good things - not just the ship and the staff, but not needing to fly, having the fairly unstressed travel to the port, with as much luggage as you like and no need to handle it yourself, and the delightful helpful staff on board with pretty good food and no need to sign and pay for your drinks (shortly on Discovery, current on Sapphire).  Not to mention included insurance and tips,and what looks like a really beautiful, tasteful ship interior, with no 'bling'.  (Did anyone see the programme about Regent Explorer?)

9 hours ago, Bell Boy said: I shall be stepping out of my usual Cunard comfort zone and have booked Spirit of Discovery for an 18 day cruise this October. I know of several other seasoned Cunarder's who have also booked  various cruises on the new ship. We have no intention of lowering our dress standards, we'll be bringing Cunard's 'evening wear standards' along with us too,  so I guess formal evening on Saga will be here to stay for quite some time yet . 😉   

I would not expect you to “lower your standards”.  I am sure you enjoy the formal nights, and you should be able to dress up just as much as you want.

We used to do this too.  Now we fly to our embarkation as I am not keen on sea days.  We also have done lots of cruises on a variety of cruise lines, but latterly prefer smaller ships with a refined atmosphere.

our only cruise out of the Uk was enjoyable but only because we were with friends.  I found a large ship full  of mainly UK cruisers not quite to my taste.

i must confess that it was the price point that made us book with Saga.  Both Viking and Azamara were extremely expensive on their Norwegian itineraries.  Longer cruises than our 7 day Saga trial but significantly higher per firm costs.

i do get offers fromCunard at much lower prices, but I accept that that would only be Britannia class.  Not too keen on the Class Distinction on Cunard and also now on the mass market lines like Celebrity.

i am looking forward to our Saga cruise and will dress according to the guidelines.

Howevet having just read the Cunard guidelines it would appear that Cunard are more relaxed than Saga.

Perhaps I am wrong but Cunard appear to offer dining options for those who do not wish to  attend formal nights but Saga do not.  

4 hours ago, lincslady said: ... (Did anyone see the programme about Regent Explorer?)

Yes, and we thought it looked absolutely ghastly.  No thanks!

5 hours ago, Bell Boy said: Wot ! on 'sixty and seventy year olds' ! .....You are certainly joking. I've not yet had the experience of Saga , but there is one thing I know , Saga guests have a wealth of cruising experience , not to mention a disposable income , they don't pay a premium and then walk around in the evenings like that .   

Okay, so you haven't been on Saga yet but you are making assumptions about their guests.  Whereas 'sweep' is reporting what they have actually experienced on board.

Perhaps you should wait until you have experienced Saga before passing judgement.

10 minutes ago, Tigrou said:   Okay, so you haven't been on Saga yet but you are making assumptions about their guests.  Whereas 'sweep' is reporting what they have actually experienced on board. Perhaps you should wait until you have experienced Saga before passing judgement.    

It was much better tonight.  Perhaps it was because people had been ashore and just hadn’t bothered to change.  

I commented because I was surprised and it certainly wasn’t the same standard as our usual cruise line which is Oceania.  

I might add that everyone is smartly dressed on formal nights with 90% of the men wearing DJ, the others in suits.  Ladies wear the whole range from long dresses to smart trousers and tops. 

9 hours ago, cinnamon said: It’s that rather snobby attitude that wearing formal is a superior vibe that has always put me off Cunard. If that atmosphere pervades SoD, it will be our first and last Saga cruise. 

I had fun on QM2 looking at so many people who apparently prided themselves on their 'evening dress standards' but who would not have passed muster for the formal dinners which were part of my working life.  It was similar to when the men in a wedding party wear morning suits when clearly none of them have ever worn one before, somewhat cringe-worthy.

Haha

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saga cruises formal evenings

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COMMENTS

  1. How formal are the formal nights these days?

    I did do a search on formal attire, and the most recent answer I could find was from 2019 ~four years ago, and pre-Covid, so things could have changed. Are the majority of passengers in DJs and evening gowns these days? Husband still has a DJ, but it's been some years since I've owned an evening gown. We are contemplating booking for the Adriatic at Easter cruise.

  2. A question about Formal Evenings

    Could someone who knows how formal evenings are made known, tell me when you get to know which of the evenings on a booked cruise will be formal evenings? Do you get that sent to you a week or two before departure, or do you have to call Saga to ask which of the evenings will be formal?

  3. Formal night options

    We are first timers with Saga and are travelling next week on Celtic Escape Spirit of Discovery. If we decide to eat in the Grill on the formal night ie we are in smart casual attire rather than evening dress can we still use the bars /lounges ? Advice appreciated.

  4. What to Expect on an All-Inclusive Saga Cruise

    Fine dining and formal evenings are a great all-inclusive cruising tradition, so why not indulge in the best - especially when this means chef-prepared breakfasts, delicious lunches and lavish dinners, daily afternoon tea, and unlimited tea and coffee. With so much choice on offer, whether you are looking for light bite or a perfectly seared steak, you're sure to experience delicious food ...

  5. Formal nights

    It includes a what to wear section, and on a 7 night cruise you are likely to have 2 formal nights. Unlike most lines nowadays, Saga does like men to wear a DJ or suit, and most do so, with just a few perhaps in a blazer or other jacket. Most women do not wear long full evening dresses, more often a long skirt or black trousers and evening top ...

  6. Boutique Cruises

    Introducing Boutique Cruising with Saga - the prestige experience for those looking to cruise the waves with elegance.

  7. How formal are the formal nights these days?

    I did do a search on formal attire, and the most recent answer I could find was from 2019 ~four years ago, and pre-Covid, so things could have changed. Are the majority of passengers in DJs and evening gowns these days? Husband still has a DJ, but it's been some years since I've owned an evening ...

  8. 7 Cruise Formal Night Do's and Don'ts Cruisers Need Know

    Formal night is a classic cruising tradition that many cruisers look forward to, and some might even dread. In reality, these days cruise "formal nights" are a fun evening, where in most cases dress codes are suggestions, not strictly enforced.. That said, you'll want to have the best formal evening possible.

  9. First time on Saga

    Saga Cruises. First time on Saga - information please. We are serial P&O cruisers and are seriously thinking about trying out Saga next year. In particular the cruise to Iceland in June 2022 onboard Spirit of Discovery. We would be interested on hearing members views on the ship (good and bad).

  10. Formal nights

    We are booked for 7 nights on Spirit of Discovery in September and can find no information on dress codes. Do Saga have formal nights? We have really enjoyed them on other cruise lines and are hoping for at least two on our forthcoming cruise.

  11. Formal nights

    There are one or two formal nights in a week long cruise according to the FAQ. Saga's lack of detail prior to booking, or post booking and prior to final documents, is frustrating but you will know how many formal nights there are long enough before you sail for you to organise your smart clothes. If you dig into the FAQ you'll find what Saga ...

  12. Fine Dining Restaurants

    Spirit of Discovery. Ocean cruise. All regions. 2 passengers. Fine dining is one of the biggest attractions of the ship, and you can look forward to a range of contrasting restaurants, all serving world-class dishes day and night. The main dining venues are The Grand Dining Room and more informal Grill, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  13. Does Saga have "themed" formal nights.

    No. Formal nights on Saga are pretty much none events, not even a cocktail party. That was the case on my recent (and first) Saga ocean cruise. Apart from a slightly more elaborate menu and an additional sorbet course it was pretty much the same as any other evening, apart from the fact that most people were wearing black tie.

  14. Saga cruises

    Europe forums. Mediterranean forum. Mediterranean forums. Hooperville. Barry, United... 6 posts. 13 helpful votes. Saga cruises - dress code for formal and informal dining. 15 Oct 2023, 11:03.

  15. Saga cruises

    Join Princess Cruises® for a journey that is as vibrant as a sunset over the Aegean Sea. Princess' Mediterranean voyages are a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences, complete with personalized service and seriously unbeatable value. And with the debut of Sun Princess® and Star Princess® in 2024 and 2025, trust us—you're in for a treat.

  16. Cruise Q&A: Beginner's guide to Saga Cruises

    Everyone who cruises with Saga for more than 35 nights is automatically rewarded with free membership of the Britannia Club. This brings an array of benefits, ranging from exclusive special offers, a dedicated booking line and a quarterly newsletter. There's an extended chauffeur service, priority boarding and even a free cruise depending on ...

  17. Formal nights

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  18. Formal nights

    Formal nights are traditionally a highlight of our cruises. They'll be: One formal night for cruises from four to seven nights. Two formal nights for cruises of eight to 11 nights. Three formal nights for cruises of 12 to 21 nights. Usually on sea days, will not know until onboard. The dates will be listed in the today programme.

  19. Fine Dining & Restaurants

    Enjoy all-inclusive fine dining during a Saga ocean cruise on board Spirit of Adventure with British and International dishes to lush specialty cuisine.

  20. Women

    It's the only thing that puts me off about most cruises from the UK. We discovered the joy of cruising with Viking three years ago, after about 30 cruises with a variety of other companies, and certainly won't go back to the more mainstream lines, but Saga's new ship looks a possibility. I guess in time they will drop the formal codes.

  21. Evening Chic on Celebrity Cruises: What It Is and What to Wear for a

    Planning a cruise with Celebrity Cruises and wondering what to wear on those special evening chic nights? Or even when they are? Most cruises have Formal Night, but Celebrity cruises likes to do things a little differently… To get some clarity on what to expect (and when,) we've got you covered.

  22. Women

    Seabourn a few years ago did require dj or suit for formals, and then changed the wording to formal optional for those evenings, and it has worked well. As someone has already suggested, putting it in writing in your post cruise questionnaire is the best way to persuade Saga to change the rule. 1.

  23. Women

    So I was informed by a SAGA Chat person that I could wear a dark lounge suit where there are formal nights but I am female. However no advice when I pointed this out. How formal do I have to be? I would wear smart trousers or long skirt and a glittery (appropriately cocktaily) top and flats but d...