I have never been on a cruise before and wanted to get a better idea of what exactly formal dinners are.
My cruisemate and i do not like dressing up at all. However, i didnt want to miss out on the food i assume is served.
so on these formal nights, do they ban you from eating if you in casual clothes? Can you then have the food room serviced or eat the same menu in a diffrent dining room?
Would a plain black shirt and pants for a man be ok, or do you have to button down?
Any other information is appriciated.
Thanks.

They will not refuse you dinner if you are wearing pants and shirt. I would really suggest you try the dressing up however. If you don't own a suit you can rent a tuxedo for a reasonable fee on the ship. Check Celebrity.com for the number to call. Many people enjoy the formal dinners. I know I enjoy it and consider this training for my children for balls and other formal occasions to come. In fact I have been on several cruises and am always dissapoointed by some cruise lines that seem to have less people formally dressed for the formal dinner (such as NCL and Carnival). . On Celebrity almost everyone will be wearing either a Tux or Dark Suit. You might feel a little out of place without at least a jacket.

I would suggest that if you can, purchase at least a jacket to put on for formal night. At least a shirt and tie for the evenings that are formal. You really will feel out of place f you don't have on at least a jacket. You could order room service if this makes you uncomfortable or go to the buffets. It's reall a lot of fun to go to dinner on formal nights. It's only an hour to put on the fancy clothes then you can go change!

We do not like to "dress up" either. But to dine in the elegance and service on the "formal" and "informal" nights it was well worth the effort! It is really quite fun, just for the change of dressing up for something other than funerals. Now after purchasing 3 very nice dresses for under $30 an outfit, I have something to wear if someone gets married. Being a t-shirt and shorts kind of gal I just might start "dressing up" for the fun of it at home! lol

The Galaxy we were on, the Orion Resturant requests no shorts or jeans at any time but as the waiter told me on a "casual" dinner, "I will look the other way this time " when I showed up with my Bahama Mama t-shirt and shorts. I will be sure to make an extra effort to abide by the resonable request on my next cruise though and bring a better assortment of clothing. I can guarentee one thing though, YOU WILL NOT GO HUNGRY ON A CRUISE SHIP! LOL!

it won't kill you and you might enjoy the experience. No need for gowns and prom dresses, but a nice cocktail dress for women and slacks and sports jacket for men would suffice. Just don't show up in shorts and tank top. You'll feel dumb if you do. Another suggestion is eating at an onboard restaurant or call room service.

People don't get that dressedup. Last cruise we left the fancy stuff home and then we lost our luggage. Did formal night in casual clothes. It was the only thing that we had to wear. Did not feel out of place. You can always eat at alternative dining or try room service-food is the same. BTW room service will deliver to any place on the ship. Find a nice romantic spot on deck and order up. It's especially lovely on deck if there is a full moon. Enjoy!