Cruise Talk: "casual dress code"

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Author

Topic: "casual dress code"

topgun
First Class Passenger
Member # 928

posted 07-14-2000 06:01 PM

We seem to be grappling with some real problems when it comes to dress code when cruising.

To me casual is always the case for day wear. Normally shorts, shirt and sandals.

The problems arise during the evening when the whole dresscode thing gets unglued.

To me, formal means that you can put on all the tailors dummy gear etc if thats what you want to do, with a business suit and tie being perfectly acceptable. If you dont want to do this, stay away from the formal dining area and eat elsewhere.

The real problem seems to be "casual" wear on non formal evenings.

My definition of this is casual shirt, slacks and comfortable shoes {not sneakers].

Unfortunately, at this time, casual dress for evenings seems to be increasingly translated into shorts, T shirt and usually dirty running shoes with a reversed baseball cap completing the uniform.

Does anyone else have an opinion on this?

Posts: 759 | From: Burlington ont,canada Cruise center of North America | Registered: Nov 1999 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 07-14-2000 08:20 PM

topgun - on HAL it is usually stated as "elegantly casual". On these nights my husband used to wear a pair of Dockers or Tilley pants (no shorts), a nice shirt and his "new" topsiders. I wear a nice pair of slack, blouse and flat shoes (no sneakers).
Of course, then there is the night they have a BBQ on the Lido deck. I usually wear shorts and a golf shirt. In the past I have worn Bermuda shorts into the dining room on a casual BBQ night, when we have decided to eat dinner there and then go to the Lido for the entertainment - which they no longer have. These used to be fun nights - too bad they dropped on the 7 day cruises - don't know about 10 days.

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

K&K
First Class Passenger
Member # 1040

posted 07-14-2000 10:38 PM

To us dressing up is one of the great experiences of a cruise. It does bother me a little when people won't even make an attempt, aqnd where tee shirts on formal nights. I say stay home or go on a cruise where they don't require formal. HAL is the only line where we have actually seen someone asked to leave the dinning room! We even enjoy western night or what ever the theme we dress occordingly.
Kevin

Posts: 446 | From: Sandpoint,Idaho,USA | Registered: Jan 2000 | IP: Logged

bonny
First Class Passenger
Member # 1347

posted 07-14-2000 11:53 PM

I don't think shorts or jeans should be worn in the dining room, but other than that ,I think you should wear what you want. And when you say we should stay home if we don't want to dress up, I totally disagree! Cruising is not cheap. We spend a lot of money each time we go. I don't like being told that if I want to eat in the dining room, I have to dress. We paid for that food, we should be able to eat it. I want to relax on Vacation, I have to dress for work every day. I don't want to dress up on my time off. I don't know why people are so hung up on what you wear. Does wearing shorts and tennis shoes make someone a bad person? If it does, I know a lot of bad people.

Posts: 44 | From: Chicago | Registered: Jun 2000 | IP: Logged

Rachel Rodgers
Just Boarded
Member # 1295

posted 07-15-2000 06:01 AM

mithinks Bonny completely misses the point.

Posts: 7 | From: Lincoln ,England. | Registered: May 2000 | IP: Logged

topgun
First Class Passenger
Member # 928

posted 07-15-2000 08:21 AM

Bonny,I assume there are some five star restaurants wherever you live.

Would you have me believe that you would go out for an evening and dine in one of these places wearing shorts and tennis shoes? Your post confuses me.

[This message has been edited by topgun (edited 07-15-2000).]

Posts: 759 | From: Burlington ont,canada Cruise center of North America | Registered: Nov 1999 | IP: Logged

mrblanche
First Class Passenger
Member # 714

posted 07-15-2000 08:33 AM

I think I have mentioned before (and I was invited to this forum by someone who read a humorous article on dress codes by cruise line) that I have only seen one couple ever turned away from a formal night in the dining room.

He was wearing black engineer boots, black leather pants, and a black leather vest. No shirt.

She was wear knee-high black leather boots, a black leather skirt so short she either had nothing on under it or else black underwear, and a black leather halter top.

Everyone else has been admitted, including the character who wore a "tux" t-shirt, blue jeans, sneakers, and a sport coat.

Posts: 308 | From: Cedar Hill, TX | Registered: Aug 99 | IP: Logged

cruznut6
First Class Passenger
Member # 543

posted 07-15-2000 08:42 AM

bonny

When you accept your passenger/cruise tickets, it's a contract between you and them. You expect the cruise line to deliver what they promised. If they decided to make changes, you would have a perfect right to complain. With that said, they also have a right to expect you the passenger to adhere to their standards and principles. The dress code for every cruise line is described in detail and is done so it's fair to EVERYONE, not an individual's whim. If I decided to go nude(nasty thought:-), is that still OK? If following guidelines affects your lifestyle, don't complain when some one else doesn't agree with the rules affecting you.

Bob

Posts: 161 | From: Mount Laurel, NJ, USA | Registered: Apr 99 | IP: Logged

Paddy
First Class Passenger
Member # 357

posted 07-15-2000 08:46 AM

Ummm, I really do think that dressing ups is great. I love being in plays and having to dress up as rich characters who wear suits - great fun! (I was Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon in Titanic in February). But it really can be a drag every night. 2 nights a week as formal are fine for me, but I think they could introduce 1 or 2 nights as "Informal". I think then people would know the parameters. But bonny does raise an important point that there is no such thing as a cheap cruise. We seem to forget that even a free hundred dollars could make a big change in someones life and we seem to take it for granted that we are lucky enough to enjoy it. But we spend whatever amount on a cruise and shouldn't be forced to do anything we don't want. But then again, we shouldn't force other people to feel uncomfortable by wearing informal clothes while they aren't. If you really can't be bothered making a tiny effort to put a shirt on etc. get room service.

Paddy.

P.S. I really don't see any problems with jeans and t-shirts as long as they aren't worn all the time.

Posts: 763 | From: Belfast, Ireland | Registered: Aug 99 | IP: Logged

gizmo
First Class Passenger
Member # 972

posted 07-15-2000 08:49 AM

I think its nice to get dressed up for dinner. On HAL my husband wears dockers,loafers and a golf shirt on the casual nights. I wear a slack outfit with sandles. The other nights he wears dockers with a blazer and on formal nights we dress to kill, tux, fancy dresses! If you do not like the rules, find a cruiseline that is casual. I like to dine in elegance, and I do take offence to people who think because they "paid for it" are entitled to show up in shorts, flip flops, etc. The brochures all state the dress code, so if you do not like it , don't go!

Posts: 686 | From: Kennesaw Ga. (origianlly from Philly) | Registered: Dec 1999 | IP: Logged

jwine
First Class Passenger
Member # 634

posted 07-15-2000 09:19 AM

topgun - I agree with your descriptions 100%.
Unfortunately the cruise lines no longer have the guts to turn people away who are not dressed in accordance to their rules. Not too many years ago they did have the guts to turn people who were not properly dressed away at the door, but we have unfortunately become a 'politically correct society" and no ones feelings can be hurt. I could live without the formal nights, but with the alternative dining there is no reason someone should not be dressed properly. All the cruise lines spell out what is considered "casual dress" and say "no jeans, shorts, tank tops, etc". If they have rules, then they should enforce them. As I said the formal nights I could live without, but I do not like going to the dining, as we did on the Voyager and have a majority of the people in tanks, cutoffs and the worst baseball caps, on forward and backwards. If I had wanted to eat in McDonalds, I would have stayed home. Also, it does seem when people are dressed in this manner their behavior is usually more obnoxious.

Posts: 223 | From: Cincinnati, OH USA | Registered: Apr 99 | IP: Logged

bonny
First Class Passenger
Member # 1347

posted 07-15-2000 10:29 AM

Some of you are being a bit ridiculous. I did say no shorts, no jeans. I agree with that. But I don't own formal attire, I don't have a need for it in my life and when my feet hurt, I wear tennis shoes, not heels. I think men would be a bit more understanding if they had to wear pantyhose and heels after a day at the beach. You want formal, go on the high class cruise line. The main stream cruisers now, are a younger generation. Get with the times! Forget the pomp and circumstance and enjoy life!

Posts: 44 | From: Chicago | Registered: Jun 2000 | IP: Logged

LizB
First Class Passenger
Member # 1243

posted 07-15-2000 10:35 AM

Bonny...
I say go CARNIVAL!

Posts: 133 | From: S.Dennis,MA, USA | Registered: Apr 2000 | IP: Logged

K&K
First Class Passenger
Member # 1040

posted 07-15-2000 10:37 AM

Bonny; Everyone else has said it better than I did. I hope now that you can see the point. You paid alot for the cruise and you are correct that you paid for the food, However you did so under the aspices that you would do it within the rules of the cruiseline and their dress code. You dress for work everyday so you understand a dress code. Please do not stay home just dress accordingly or go on a line that does not require formal nights the rest of us paid for our food too!
Kevin

Posts: 446 | From: Sandpoint,Idaho,USA | Registered: Jan 2000 | IP: Logged

bonny
First Class Passenger
Member # 1347

posted 07-15-2000 11:02 AM

I'll just give up, because I seem to be beating a dead horse on this issue. I don,t know when any of you were on your last cruise. I cruise twice a year and I've been on every line and I still think you will have to change your way of thinking or you should stay home and quit cruising! The old timers are dying off and the there are a lot of people my age cruising.

Posts: 44 | From: Chicago | Registered: Jun 2000 | IP: Logged

gohaze
First Class Passenger
Member # 586

posted 07-15-2000 11:07 AM

Strikes me that over the last 20 years there has been an erosion of standards of dress not only on cruise ships but ashore as well. Bonny is just an example of this attitude of the "ME" generation, and as long as they concentrate on the CCL/RCI/Premier level and don't bother me, good luck to them and their ice rinks, rock walls et al. ...peter

Posts: 1909 | From: Vancouver.BC | Registered: Sep 99 | IP: Logged

cruznut6
First Class Passenger
Member # 543

posted 07-15-2000 11:08 AM

bony

get real! I'm sorry it's an inconvenience for your to "dress up", but many others still think once or twice a week isn't killing anyone and still believe it's special to do so. Why do you think it's OK to lessen someone elses expectations of formal night? I don't think everyone must where a tux or gown, but would it be so horrible to where nicer clothes a few nights a week? I'm in casual clothing all week and look forward to these few formal nights, as many others do. Believe me, I love being in casual clothing too, but with the many alternatives in dining today, you have a choice where to dine and dress;those who want to dress-up only have the main dining room to use. You have a right to dress as you see fit; all I ask is your respect my rights for the same thing without affecting me.

Bob

Posts: 161 | From: Mount Laurel, NJ, USA | Registered: Apr 99 | IP: Logged

2kewl4u
First Class Passenger
Member # 1421

posted 07-15-2000 11:34 AM

Jesus, bonny! Not a very good attitude for a manager. Some people wanna dress up, and some people will wear short leather skirts, commando style. That's their problem. Who cares? Just mind your own business. You will never see your cruise buddies again, anyway!

Posts: 52 | From: USA | Registered: Jul 2000 | IP: Logged

topgun
First Class Passenger
Member # 928

posted 07-15-2000 11:34 AM

The use of the expression "me generation" struck a nerve in an earlier reply.

This attitude probably leads to many of the difficulties in defininng casual dress regardless of age.

It seems to encompass a group that includes other attributes such as:

Lack of coutesy to others
Lack of good manners
No consideration for another persons rights or feelings

Posts: 759 | From: Burlington ont,canada Cruise center of North America | Registered: Nov 1999 | IP: Logged

2kewl4u
First Class Passenger
Member # 1421

posted 07-15-2000 11:41 AM

Exactly, topgun. I am still a young student, but I never disrespect my elders. Wow, I thought cruising would actually get me away from the never-ending supply of stupid people!

Posts: 52 | From: USA | Registered: Jul 2000 | IP: Logged

Paddy
First Class Passenger
Member # 357

posted 07-15-2000 12:01 PM

The bottom line here is that there is a dress code designed to give a level of sophistication that most people seek on a cruise and a sense of solidarity. It should be observed and if you don't like it, sail with another line dine elsewhere.

Paddy.

Posts: 763 | From: Belfast, Ireland | Registered: Aug 99 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 07-15-2000 01:12 PM

Bonny - the "old timers" may be dying off, but there will always be more to take their place and some day, God willing, you will be there too. As2kewl4u, said "lousy attitude for a Manager". Think you should stick to the budget cruises.

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Rachel Rodgers
Just Boarded
Member # 1295

posted 07-15-2000 02:36 PM

I dont know about some cruise lines not enforcing a dress code, but I do not reccommend turning up for dinner on any Pacific and Orient ( P&O ) ship, out of Southampton without correct attire. Even the Queen Mother would be asked to change.Dressing up once or twice a year is fun for goodness sake.

Posts: 7 | From: Lincoln ,England. | Registered: May 2000 | IP: Logged

2kewl4u
First Class Passenger
Member # 1421

posted 07-15-2000 02:47 PM

Sympatico:

Yah, um, NO! I wasn't trying to bite someone's head off here!

Posts: 52 | From: USA | Registered: Jul 2000 | IP: Logged

M.S.Grumple
First Class Passenger
Member # 1340

posted 07-15-2000 03:09 PM

Bonny - Exactly WHAT do you manage?
Certainly trust it has nothing to do with 'the public'

Posts: 280 | From: Burlington, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jun 2000 | IP: Logged

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