Does X really enforce the dress code during and after dinner?

Just wondering. We're going on Constellation in January and we're wondering what to expect. Will they really be enforcing the dress code during or after dinner? I was intrigued that they had both casual and informal nights. RCL seem to have given up on informal and now they have casual and formal. On formal nights, many people reverted to shorts and golf-shirts, etc. Does this happen on X?

On formal nights, many people reverted to shorts and golf-shirts, etc. Does this happen on X?

Sadly, yes it does. Just got off the 4/23/05 sailing on Century, and there were several slobs who were in denim cut off shorts and flip flops in the Theater on Formal Night.

On formal night, would it be frowned on to change from the suit to khakis and a sport shirt or is the intent that one stay dress formally until bed?

For formal nights, the idea is that people stay dressed up all night in the public areas -- show lounge, bars, restaurant, casino. It gives a debonaire atmosphere to the evening. It's dress-up night, and everyone gets to play James Bond :)

Now, before all the arguments about "but I just want to be comfortable since I'm on vacation" crop up, I have to ask: why not get attire suited to the evening's dress that IS comfortable? Such garments do exist.

Before all the arguments about "but I just want to be comfortable since I'm on vacation" crop up, I have to ask: why not get attire suited to the evening's dress that IS comfortable? Such garments do exist.

I happen to own such clothing, thanks. :)

I was just wondering if the dress code was for the dining room or for the ship for the rest of the night.

The intent is that guests remain in formal wear in public areas throughout the evening. I've seen signs posted to this effect outside the Theatre on formal nights, and have (rarely) seen senior staff members reminding guests that they should be properly attired when entering the Theatre.

Properly fitted, formal wear is just as comfortable as most "casual" wear, in my opinion. The key seems to be getting oneself accurately measured prior to the cruise, and not allowing vanity to play the "well I should be able to fit in a __" when ordering or choosing one's attire ;)

For formal nights, the idea is that people stay dressed up all night in the public areas -- show lounge, bars, restaurant, casino. It gives a debonaire atmosphere to the evening. It's dress-up night, and everyone gets to play James Bond :)

 

Now, before all the arguments about "but I just want to be comfortable since I'm on vacation" crop up, I have to ask: why not get attire suited to the evening's dress that IS comfortable? Such garments do exist.

Or don't take a vacation that requires you to dress up if you really dislike it so much.

Anne Maria

I happen to own such clothing, thanks. :)

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that you didn't...I was referring to the inevitable comments that come up on threads like this, which seem to turn into arguments about snobs and "I paid for this vacation and I'm going to enjoy it my way" by page three.... :(

Just trying to head it off at the pass, I guess.

Properly fitted, formal wear is just as comfortable as most "casual" wear, in my opinion. The key seems to be getting oneself accurately measured prior to the cruise, and not allowing vanity to play the "well I should be able to fit in a __" when ordering or choosing one's attire ;)

I couldn't agree more. Whenever we hear people (usually men) whine about how uncomfortable they are, we think they should buy clothes that fit. It is not uncommon to see men who rarely wear dress shirts wearing what they thnk is their size but in fact, is turning them purple from the head up.

We're happy to wear our formal attire for the whole evening and would be pleased to do so. We just didn't want to be the only ones.

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that you didn't...I was referring to the inevitable comments that come up on threads like this, which seem to turn into arguments about snobs and "I paid for this vacation and I'm going to enjoy it my way" by page three.... :(

Thanks for clarifying. It really was an innocent question.

I, too, am tired of folks who mutter "it's my vacation" while they act rudely. It not only indicates that they know their behaviour to be rude but they don't care about the comfort or expectations of others.

I couldn't agree more. Whenever we hear people (usually men) whine about how uncomfortable they are, we think they should buy clothes that fit. It is not uncommon to see men who rarely wear dress shirts wearing what they thnk is their size but in fact, is turning them purple from the head up.

 

We're happy to wear our formal attire for the whole evening and would be pleased to do so. We just didn't want to be the only ones.

I was very fortunate to once upon a time go to a menswear store where the salesperson was both smart enough and tactful enough to show me exactly where and why proper fitting was essential, and how a properly fitted garment looks far better than a smaller ill-fitting one. Made all the difference in the world, particularly when I had to agree with his "After all, no one but you ever will see the size tags, only how good you look."

I wear my formals throughout the evening as well, and explained to my 17 year old son that he was free to not wear them, as long as he didn't leave the cabin ;)

Here's something constructive we can do to prevent this conversation from spiraling that way as new people join in: let's start a list of tips for selecting/wearing comfortable formal wear.

FOR MEN

----------

Shirts should NOT choke you at all. If they do, keep trying larger neck sizes until you feel comfortable.

Dress pant waists should NOT bind you at all. If they do, try pants with larger waists or with different cuts that hit your waist in different places.

Shoes should not slip, rub, or be too tight. Also, break in your shoes by wearing them around the house, but with athletic socks to pad your feet a little.

It his sometimes too hot to wear a suit in the tropics, but suit fabrics come in different weights. Try "tropical weight" wool in a suit. It's light and breathable, but wears very well and lasts a long time.

FOR WOMEN

--------------

Hate pantyhose? Don't wear them. Do you feel you need them for control and to eliminate rubbing? Then try Spanx super panties or the thigh-length panties that Leggs is selling now.

Dress shoes should be comfortable, and if your feet tend to swell on cruises buy them a half size larger than usual. Right now richly embroidered, sequinned, and beaded slippers are in fashion -- they make a nice alternative to high heels.

Evening wear should not bind at the hips, waist, bust, or neck. Don't be wedded to the number on the label, buy what actually fits.

Stretchy fabrics are very comfortable, and these days you can find stretch silk and satin in eveningwear. Be careful when shopping, though: sometimes dresses made with stretchy fabrics are lined with non-stretch, which makes no sense to me.

Any other tips?

NCL is known for "Freestyle" - this is such a "civilized approach" to one's cruise vacation. We luv the "eat anytime & w/anyone" - one "formal" night & is regulated to the "formal dining room". Folks who like to go formal probably wouldn't appreciate this. Folks who prefer to relax, enjoy, pack light do enjoy it. It is a bit of bother when you've gone to all the effort to "keep formal" then here comes the ol shorts & flip flops!... I have found the more upscale cruise lines have the most success w/ "dress codes". We've sailed the Constellation twice. Both times the dress code was not enforced, although shorts were not permitted for the evening dining room - actually saw people turned away. Some people save their money a very long time so they can take a cruise vacation. Not everyone has nor can afford to buy new "formal". I don't care what people wear so long as they smell nice and have good manners (which, sadly, this has not always been true for too many tablemates. grrrrr.....)

for every rule made, somebody is gonna try to break it;) Bon Voyage, and Happy Mother's Day to all:)

See, that's the beauty of there being so many choices out there -- there's a cruise line and ship and itinerary to suit everyone's vacation dreams.

Not everyone has nor can afford to buy new "formal".

This is true. And no one is saying people should run out and put themselves into debt buying clothes for a cruise. However, some of my tips are VERY inexpensive. If someone's excuse is that they hate dressing up because they hate pantyhose, then they can skip the pantyhose for free. If someone's excuse is that they hate dressing up because they hate the choking feeling of their dress shirt, then they can get something simple and cheap to expand the neck area of their shirt -- there's something that will attach to the button and through the collar button hole, but doesn't show under the tie. I forget what it's called, though, sorry.

there's something that will attach to the button and through the collar button hole, but doesn't show under the tie. I forget what it's called, though, sorry.

I think that's called a "dickie"

I always thought a "dickie" was that fake turtleneck thing that some people wear under their regular collard shirts. It has no sleeves or shoulders or anything, it is just a turtleneck with some of the back and chest attached, enough to tuck into your shirt collar in the back and shirt front opening in the front. At least, that's what it is in women's clothing.

:rolleyes:I'm thinking of "collar extender," but I don't think that's it either.

I always thought a "dickie" was that fake turtleneck thing that some people wear under their regular collard shirts. It has no sleeves or shoulders or anything, it is just a turtleneck with some of the back and chest attached, enough to tuck into your shirt collar in the back and shirt front opening in the front. At least, that's what it is in women's clothing.

 

:rolleyes:I'm thinking of "collar extender," but I don't think that's it either.

Now that you say that, I'm pretty sure you're right.

I would totally be one of would dress up only for dinner, so I'm glad to know. I think my formal clothes will be comfy enough. Thanks!

Will they really be enforcing the dress code during or after dinner?

This really shouldn't be necessary, should it?

This really shouldn't be necessary, should it?

I'm sorry but I don't understand your comment

To get back to the OP question: It depends on the particular cruise and crew. I have seen people denied entrance to the theater because they were not conforming to dress code on some Celebrity cruises, on others they did not enforce it.

Thanks. My aim was not to see if I could get away with something or, apparently, offend some folks with my khakis and golf shirt. I just had been in some situations where I was the only one (or one of the few) who observed the dress code and I felt over-dressed.

I think that's called a "dickie"

I thought that those were those fake turtleneck thingies from the 70's.

Actually, they were quite popular with skiers. Used to ski with a t-shirt, a dickey, sweater and then ski jacket. Putting on a turtleneck sweater was just too much clothing. The dickey protected the neck and when necessary the face (you could pull them almost up to your nose).