Formal Night

[pilka214]

I liked the ship, hated the service. The price was right and the itinerary was great. But there were enough things that we disliked that I won't sail the Breakaway again.

NCL's Bigger ships suck when it comes to service... They're older ships (the jewel and gem) are ideal for service and entertainment. That line has truly lost it's way and started putting profits ahead of guest experience.

 

[Phonedave]

I'm not trying to be argumentative, but the way I interpret "optional" means no, you do not have to participate in the formal event, but if you want to dine in the dining room that's it's being held in, you should dress up. To me, it's a special occasion. I wouldn't expect to see a lot of tuxes or long gowns, but at the very least a nice pair of slacks and dress shirt. But, this is a common argument. Carnival had a forum like this and it was one of the hot topics that came up all the time.

DCL does make it optional, which in my opinion (and it is only an opinion) makes the entire event worthless. Either get rid of the optional formal nite in totality, or make it an "enforced" formal night.

Me, I happen to like formal nights - real formal nights, where everybody is dressed for it. The lack of an enforced one on DCL is one of the reasons I don't do DCL cruises anymore. To be clear, if it was JUST a lack of a real formal night, that would not stop me from cruising DCL. There are many reasons, that all combined, make DCL no longer an option - the lack of a real formal night is just one of them.

 

[Maelstrom Troll]

We did an Alaskan cruise last June and didnt participate in the formal night. We didn't feel out of place at dinner but we largely avoided the lobby and other areas where the formal functions were held.
We are stylish-casual dressers by nature with myself usually in a button down, dark jeans, and dress boots and my wife dressed similarly. The most formal piece of clothing I brought was a pair of khakis for Palo but as they now allow jeans I'll probably leave the khakis at home. I dont think we'll feel like we will be dressed inappropriately.

 

[pilka214]

I think i mentioned this earlier in the thread, but my two cents again. The ONLY reason I dress up for formal night is to get pictures with the characters in their formal attire.

 

[Hockey89]

That's my biggest complaint about the rotational restaurants. My first cruise in 2013 there was a dress code and nobody wore shorts in there. Last month, there were girls in short shorts and cutoffs. Guys were wearing flip flops and tank tops. I understand some people don't have a lot of money, but at least a polo shirt and dockers. First time at Palo I wore a suit, last month I skipped the jacket but still wore the shirt and tie. But there was guy in there with jeans a polo. It was a little disappointing.

The dress at sig places at Disney world is brutal... Wife beaters.... Shorts... Swim suits... All that and you are paying huge prices... It's pathetic Disney allows it but it is all about the money...

 

[Hockey89]

No, my hubby drives us to the airport and picks us up so there are 4 people in a normal mid size car. We can put a duffel in their lap I guess but we want to keep it down to a minimum. We take our 2 big roller suitcases that fill the trunk. There is nothing wrong with optional formal night. If you want to dress up and get your picture taken, great! But not everyone wants to do that and we all paid to be on that cruise so we should be able to eat at the restaurant that is included in the cost of the cruise. As long as a person is not wearing something offensive or is loud and disruptive, who cares?

If you don't get why it matters and the impact it sets on standards, I can't help you. Seeing people in bathing suits and wife beaters at the yachtsmen is a joke... If you don't think that takes away from the experience, I could not disagree more...

 

[21stamps]

NCL's Bigger ships suck when it comes to service... They're older ships (the jewel and gem) are ideal for service and entertainment. That line has truly lost it's way and started putting profits ahead of guest experience.

I leave on the Getaway soon.. and I have the Jewel booked for Alaska in June. I'm actually worried about the entertainment on the Jewel so I booked a SF room.. planning on ordering dinner service in the room during Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier.

We did an Alaskan cruise last June and didnt participate in the formal night. We didn't feel out of place at dinner but we largely avoided the lobby and other areas where the formal functions were held.
We are stylish-casual dressers by nature with myself usually in a button down, dark jeans, and dress boots and my wife dressed similarly. The most formal piece of clothing I brought was a pair of khakis for Palo but as they now allow jeans I'll probably leave the khakis at home. I dont think we'll feel like we will be dressed inappropriately.

I will not be wearing any dresses in Alaska. I'm only planning on packing one pair of heels. Need room in my luggage for cold weather gear and binoculars.

 

[jaklgreen]

If you don't get why it matters and the impact it sets on standards, I can't help you. Seeing people in bathing suits and wife beaters at the yachtsmen is a joke... If you don't think that takes away from the experience, I could not disagree more...

But we are not talking about Yahctsmen Steakhouse and people wearing swimsuits. I agree with you that that does not look good. We are talking specifically and ONLY about the Disney cruise line's OPTIONAL formal night where people can choose to dress up for some pictures. And they do not allow swimsuits in any of their dining rooms. The difference you will see on the cruise is there will be people dressed anywhere from cruise casual to a tux and ballgown. It is completely the cruisers choice and people should not be berated or segregated because they do not wear a suit or dress. If someone only wants to look at others that are dressed up then they can go to dinner at Remys.

 

[pilka214]

I leave on the Getaway soon.. and I have the Jewel booked for Alaska in June. I'm actually worried about the entertainment on the Jewel so I booked a SF room.. planning on ordering dinner service in the room during Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier.

I used to work on the getaway, do not miss "Burn the floor" it is phenomenal, don't feel overly compelled to see "Legally Blonde" it's cute, but also just meh. The illusionarium show is worth the upcharge. The ship is actually very nice, lots of great venues and bars, the casino is so so. any specific questions i'd be happy to answer.

Also when your on the Jewel i have little doubt you'll have a fantastic time. I believe "Dingo" Dave Klooster will be your cruise director, if he is definitely tell him Joey says Hi. We worked together on the norwegian dawn a couple years back.

 

[jaklgreen]

I used to work on the getaway, do not miss "Burn the floor" it is phenomenal, don't feel overly compelled to see "Legally Blonde" it's cute, but also just meh. The illusionarium show is worth the upcharge. The ship is actually very nice, lots of great venues and bars, the casino is so so. any specific questions i'd be happy to answer.

Also when your on the Jewel i have little doubt you'll have a fantastic time. I believe "Dingo" Dave Klooster will be your cruise director, if he is definitely tell him Joey says Hi. We worked together on the norwegian dawn a couple years back.

I have a question. Since you worked on the cruise ship, is it possible to navigate the ship and completely avoid the casino and the travelling smell of cigarettes from it? I am allergic to cigarettes and between the casinos and other smoking areas it is keeping me from sailing other ships. With the Disney cruise I know where the smoking section is and how to avoid it and that smoking is not permitted on balconies.

 

[pilka214]

I have a question. Since you worked on the cruise ship, is it possible to navigate the ship and completely avoid the casino and the travelling smell of cigarettes from it? I am allergic to cigarettes and between the casinos and other smoking areas it is keeping me from sailing other ships. With the Disney cruise I know where the smoking section is and how to avoid it and that smoking is not permitted on balconies.

Honest answer, the casino on the getaway is probably the ships largest flaw. It's on deck 7, between decks 6, and 8 with a large atrium and staircase running through the center of it... so the smoke smell may float into the areas around it, however I myself in 3 months on board never noticed it drifting outside the Casino.

Im positive it doesn't effect the venues on the two levels surrounding itto, namely headliners comedy club, ll bistro and teppenyaki just below it, and I often hung out at the bars above it on deck 8 without any noticeable issues... the one "club" venue on board is basically in the casino so that one dance club would be the exception (sorry the name escapes me at the moment)

The casino is not as easy to avoid as on other ships, it's smack in the middle of the main decks in the dead center of all the venues.... but I think with a little planning you can get past the smoke without too great a concern.

 

[jaklgreen]

Honest answer, the casino on the getaway is probably the ships largest flaw. It's on deck 7, between decks 6, and 8 with a large atrium and staircase running through the center of it... so the smoke smell may float into the areas around it, however I myself in 3 months on board never noticed it drifting outside the Casino.

Im positive it doesn't effect the venues on the two levels surrounding itto, namely headliners comedy club, ll bistro and teppenyaki just below it, and I often hung out at the bars above it on deck 8 without any noticeable issues... the one "club" venue on board is basically in the casino so that one dance club would be the exception (sorry the name escapes me at the moment)

The casino is not as easy to avoid as on other ships, it's smack in the middle of the main decks in the dead center of all the venues.... but I think with a little planning you can get past the smoke without too great a concern.

Thank you for the reply.

 

[21stamps]

Honest answer, the casino on the getaway is probably the ships largest flaw. It's on deck 7, between decks 6, and 8 with a large atrium and staircase running through the center of it... so the smoke smell may float into the areas around it, however I myself in 3 months on board never noticed it drifting outside the Casino.

Im positive it doesn't effect the venues on the two levels surrounding itto, namely headliners comedy club, ll bistro and teppenyaki just below it, and I often hung out at the bars above it on deck 8 without any noticeable issues... the one "club" venue on board is basically in the casino so that one dance club would be the exception (sorry the name escapes me at the moment)

The casino is not as easy to avoid as on other ships, it's smack in the middle of the main decks in the dead center of all the venues.... but I think with a little planning you can get past the smoke without too great a concern.

I noticed last night that Burn the Floor says PG-13 on the website.
I cancelled my reservation . It looks awesome and both me and kiddo love dancing and listening to Latin music. Why is it PG-13?

 

[ChuckElias]

Honest answer, the casino on the getaway is probably the ships largest flaw. It's on deck 7, between decks 6, and 8 with a large atrium and staircase running through the center of it... so the smoke smell may float into the areas around it,.

This is also true on the Breakaway. Huge flaw. Breakaway even has a restaurant (Shanghai Noodle Bar) that sits right at the edge of the casino, with no wall separating it. So if you eat there, you're sure to smell cigarette smoke.

And I'm not trying to be contrary, just to disagree with pilka, but the smoke from the casino was DEFINITELY noticeable throughout the atrium on the Breakaway.

 

[ChuckElias]

I noticed last night that Burn the Floor says PG-13 on the website.
I cancelled my reservation . It looks awesome and both me and kiddo love dancing and listening to Latin music. Why is it PG-13?

The description on the Breakaway called it a "sensual" experience, but honestly, there was nothing objectionable at all. I don't know why it's PG-13. I loved it, and I'm a bit of a prude. (I walked out of Rock of Ages, due to the overwhelming sexual content).

 

[21stamps]

The description on the Breakaway called it a "sensual" experience, but honestly, there was nothing objectionable at all. I don't know why it's PG-13. I loved it, and I'm a bit of a prude. (I walked out of Rock of Ages, due to the overwhelming sexual content).

Do you feel like 3 shows on a 4 port cruise is too much scheduling? From what I can see of summer "dailies", the family activities- circus school etc are at 6pm.
I actually just cancelled the dining package that I bought, along with the dining reservations.
As of now we have excursions at all ports- most starting at 8-9am. Cirque Dreams dinner show, Million Dollar Quartet, and I know we'll do Margaritaville for lunch one day. I don't want to over schedule so I think we'll play the restaurants by ear.. hopefully can fit 1 or 2 in and just pay for them at that time.

I just want to enjoy the "freestyle" aspect, and what I had originally scheduled was quite regimented.

Final questions (hopefully), I do not want to buy a week long spa pass.. do they sell a 1 day pass on board? Do I even need a 1 day pass if I'm just getting a massage? Will I have access to the entire spa at that time?
The only time kiddo would go to the kid's club would be during my massage, do we still need to do Open House on the first night?

Thank you so much for all of your help!! I only know 1 couple who has sailed NCL before, and they were in the Haven on the Epic in Europe, 2 adults who are really no help with my questions.., so basically I don't have anyone to personally ask.lol

 

[ChuckElias]

Do you feel like 3 shows on a 4 port cruise is too much scheduling?

I hate to avoid answering your question directly, but (1) I was on a 9-night itinerary, so 3 shows wouldn't have been excessive for me and (2) I only did a couple of the main shows on my cruise. I just wasn't interested in some of them. I went to Rock of Ages and walked out; and I went to Burn the Floor, which I loved; and I went to the magician, which was impressive from a skill standpoint, but not from a show-performance standpoint.

Having said that, I can tell you from my DCL sailings that I loved having 3 shows on a 7-night, 4-port itinerary. It definitely wasn't too much for me, personally. If you like the shows, then it's not too much. For me, personally, I don't think it has to do with the number of ports on the itinerary. (If I'm putting too much emphasis on the "four ports" part of your question, I apologize.)

do they sell a 1 day pass on board?

I was told yes, but only on port days. And you can't get it ahead of time. And they might not offer it in every port.

Do I even need a 1 day pass if I'm just getting a massage?

No.

Will I have access to the entire spa at that time?

I'm not 100% sure, but I strongly suspect that you will not.

The only time kiddo would go to the kid's club would be during my massage, do we still need to do Open House on the first night?

And I'm sorry, but I have no idea about this one. Do they require parents to attend an Open House normally? I hadn't heard that.

Thank you so much for all of your help!! basically I don't have anyone to personally ask.lol

You need a good travel agent!

 

[21stamps]

I hate to avoid answering your question directly, but (1) I was on a 9-night itinerary, so 3 shows wouldn't have been excessive for me and (2) I only did a couple of the main shows on my cruise. I just wasn't interested in some of them. I went to Rock of Ages and walked out; and I went to Burn the Floor, which I loved; and I went to the magician, which was impressive from a skill standpoint, but not from a show-performance standpoint.

Having said that, I can tell you from my DCL sailings that I loved having 3 shows on a 7-night, 4-port itinerary. It definitely wasn't too much for me, personally. If you like the shows, then it's not too much. For me, personally, I don't think it has to do with the number of ports on the itinerary. (If I'm putting too much emphasis on the "four ports" part of your question, I apologize.)


I was told yes, but only on port days. And you can't get it ahead of time. And they might not offer it in every port.

No.

I'm not 100% sure, but I strongly suspect that you will not.

And I'm sorry, but I have no idea about this one. Do they require parents to attend an Open House normally? I hadn't heard that.

You need a good travel agent!

Thank you so much for answering. The reason the four port make such a difference to me is because there is just so much to do on the and I don't know how we are going to fit all of that in. I know my kid will want to be on the waterslides, the ropes course and mini golf, as well as the sports deck..and I know we will definitely attend the daily scheduled "family activity".

I wish I could have used a travel agent for this, and for Alaska. My NCL cruises are booked thru the CAS department, so can't use one

Oh and I used Siri to type for me, so please insert punctuation where necessary

 

[pilka214]

I noticed last night that Burn the Floor says PG-13 on the website.
I cancelled my reservation . It looks awesome and both me and kiddo love dancing and listening to Latin music. Why is it PG-13?

As already mentioned, don't worry about the PG13 rating on burn the floor, it really is just dancing. Rock of ages on the breakaway is a bit extreme for children, but a genuinely hilarious show... but closer to an R rating for sure.

As for the Spa questions, i do have a friend who is still the spa manager on NCL's ships if you need your questions answered with anymore certainty I can definitely ask