We see many posts in all the cruise line folders regarding dress, and what's appropriate. The last couple of years I've noticed cruisers dressing much more casually, even on formal nights. The cruise lines must be noticing it to, and reacting with many more options for alternate dining, and at times even having less formal nights.
Personally, I rather enjoy the couple of formal nights on a cruise. I believe it helps create a pleasant, and upscale ambience around the ship. Kind of helps remind us we're doing something special, by even being on a cruise.
Yet, some of this ambience is certainly lost when I'm sitting in the casino wearing a tux or suit, and the person in the chair next to me is in gym shorts.
What are your thoughts? Should do the cruise lines lay the dress codes aside, and allow U to wear what U want, when U want? OR ... Should dress codes be kept and enforced throughout the ship the entire evening?
Regards,
Kuki
I think the cruise lines should enforce the dress codes. The reason for the alternative dinning is for those that choose not to dress up. I certainly think that was a wise choice for those that just aren't into looking nice and making the cruise special. Thats just my opinion and I'm sure there are others out there that disagree.
Donna wrote:
>
> I think the cruise lines should enforce the dress codes. The
> reason for the alternative dinning is for those that choose not
> to dress up.
Donna,
The problem with this system is then the dining rooms (whether main or alternate) are the only place a dress code is in effect. The rest of the ship is "wear whatever u like". So, in a way there's nothing accomplished by having the dress code.
I do not believe on the ships that have allowed people a place to dress other than formal wear you will get them to change policy. Perhaps a solution would be to have a specific dining room, showroom and one of the lounge areas for people in just formal wear and the same for more casual wear. Myself I do not care for formal night but I do feel it should be available for those who do like it. Some of the rudist people I have met on a cruise was during formal nights. Some seem to think because they are all dressed up it makes them more important. I have had people push my wife, who is handicapped, out of the way to get in elevators or lines because she was only wearing a nice dress and not a formal. I do not see the point in renting a tux for one or two nights just for a cruise. I would rather spend the money on something I enjoy or really need. Perhaps a tour or souvenier for my grandkids. Again I do think there is enough room on the big shifts for both formal and nonformal wear.
Easy for me to give my opinion in that I am going on my first cruise in December. But I can tell you having three teenagers, the thought of having to make sure we all have enough fancy duds to wear is not something I am particularly thrilled about. Only time we dress formally is for a wedding and it's been a couple of years that we went to one. As mentioned in a previous posting about rude people in tuxedos, putting a fancy set of clothes on people who have no class to begin with seems artificial to me. On the other hand, when I get back from the cruise, will let you know if my opinion changes
Kuki wrote:
>
> Hey, the idea of formal and casual dress lounges is kind of
> interesting. Good thinking!
>
> Regards,
> Kuki
Hi Breeze,
You may be suprised at how even the teens enjoy getting dressed up once in a while?? It really makes the evening special, hope you're will like this. I'm sure they will love the cruise.
I know that there are those that disagree but I STILL like formal and even semi-formal nights and yes the dress codes should be enforced in the dining room. There are other options should someone choose not to dress for dinner. I'm really not all that old and certainly wasn't even rich enough to be considered anything except darn poor growing up, but we still wore decent and clean clothes to dinner and for Sunday dinner we always dressed in our best even though it was hardly 'dressy'.
Jim
Well, since most of you like formal nights I guess I'll be the spoiler! I have the pleasure of putting on panty hose and heels 5+ days per week, so I like to be able to spend my few vacations each year in attire that is comfortable and casual. That's one reason I'm so enamored of Windstar and other cruise lines with similar policies. On Windstar, we had dinner each night in an elegant setting, and while no one donned formal wear, everyone looked cool, comfortable and fashionable.
I love cruising but can't afford Windstar every time, so I tolerate and honor the formal dress code as required on other lines, even though I don't personally enjoy it. But I'm convinced that more ships will follow Norwegian and now Princess, with their new flexible dress policies. The industry is too competitive to subsist on repeat cruisers alone and the lines will need to do more to attract first-timers who enjoy the flexibility of land-based vacations. To me, the Princess solution is ideal. It allows flexibility, but those who enjoy the traditional cruise experience aren't forced to give it up. Everyone should have the vacation they really want so I hope this works out!
But as Kuki pointed out, none of these solutions address the problem of the guy in the tux sitting next to the guy in jeans in the casino or theater after dinner. Maybe you'll have to stick to Cunard or Crystal to avoid that scenario.
Dress Codes or Not?
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