Question for those who DO think we should dress nice in the MDR

I am of the mindset that we should dress up a bit for the MDR....so for those of you who are like-minded...

Can a 7 year old wear shorts on NON formal night? He will be wearing formal attire on the formal nights...but for the non formal nights...can he wear shorts? I don't mean technically I mean should he wear shorts I guess...now please note, I have no intension of sending him in like a t-shirt and jean shorts etc...but he has several outfits that have matching shorts with a collared or button down shirt....and I can't quite figure out if they are appropriate or not...I would have him wear these outfits to a casual church or picture day at school etc...so again, nice shorts...

Options please, but fingers crossed not the next great debate on MDR attire...

THANKS in advance.....

Shorts - Men, Women, and children = YES, as long as they aren't gym shorts or their woohoo is showing.

I would vote not personally. I think men should wear long pants for the dining room and include the little boys in that

Absolutely....dress shorts are fine for Casual Evenings

I love threads like this as all you have do to is point back to what Carnival says about it:

Cruise Casual Dress Code

• Men: sport slacks, khakis, Jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long) and collared polo shirts
  
• Women: summer dresses, casual skirts, pants, capris, dress shorts, Jeans (no cut-offs) blouses and tops
  
• Not permitted: Cut-off Jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, tee-shirts, gym or basketball shorts, baseball hats, flip-flops and bathing suit attire
  

Cruise Elegant Dress Code

• Men: dress slacks, dress shirts, and we also suggest a sport coat; men may also wish to wear a suit and tie or tuxedo
  
• Women: Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; ladies may also wish to wear an evening gown
  
• Not permitted: Jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, shorts, tee-shirts, sportswear, gym or basketball shorts, baseball hats, flip-flops and bathing suit attire
  

NO I get the technical answer (as indicated in original post) I wanted peoples personal opinion's on the matter as I am on the fence about it myself...it was my fault to say "can they" instead of "should they"

I would vote not personally. I think men should wear long pants for the dining room and include the little boys in that

I agree, but I think we may be in the minority.

Patti

If it's allowed then why shouldn't they? Everyone will try to tell you that eating in the MDR is like going to a Michellin starred restaurant. It's not. Nice, casual dress is just fine.

NO I get the technical answer (as indicated in original post) I wanted peoples personal opinion's on the matter as I am on the fence about it myself...it was my fault to say "can they" instead of "should they"

It really doesn't matter my personal opinion on this. The dress code says you "can", so you or your 7 year old "may." :)

FYI, my 4 year old grandson wore shorts on a family cruise a few years ago. Nobody batted an eye.

Please don't overthink or stress over this. It's fine...really.

I have three sons and a husband and think that as long as they’re freshly showered, and are wearing decent shoes they all look acceptable in the MDR on casual nights in long khaki pressed shorts with golf or button down shirts. I think your son will look fine. It is in the acceptable dress code as well.

That said my husband always chooses to wear long pants to dinner but if we’re in the Caribbean where it’s warm the boys will always choose shorts.

I think it is fine for boys or men for that matter to wear shorts with a collared shirt in the dining room. As long as they look nice and aren't in gym apparel.

Absolutely they can. Adults and kids alike. My son and I both wear shorts on non-elegant night. Just like someone else said, no basketball shorts but regular shorts are just fine.

We are of the more dressy type and yes, my 3 boys and husband wear nice shorts with polos or collared shirts on casual evenings.

I think it is fine for boys or men for that matter to wear shorts with a collared shirt in the dining room. As long as they look nice and aren't in gym apparel.

100% Agreement.... Plus Carnival's Dress policy states its ACCEPTABLE!! Not they enforce it for the non complyers anyway!!

Thanks for all the replies...I will probably be ok with the 7 year old wearing dress shorts...however, I won't let hubby do the same that is over my fence on the matter lol.....

You will see all ages in shorts. If you want to supercede Carnival's suggestions, that is fine, too.

I also believe Carnival's policy is sufficient.

I'm not the biggest fan of elegant night though. Some people enjoy it, but that's valuable suitcase space/weight.

I also believe Carnival's policy is sufficient.

 

I'm not the biggest fan of elegant night though. Some people enjoy it, but that's valuable suitcase space/weight.

A pair of Dockers is sooooo heavy and takes up so much space [emoji849]

^^^ I thought the same thing, the casual shirt you pack in place of the button down shirt is significantly lighter??? LOL

I think shorts are fine for a 7 year old.

Of course unless you are dining with Thurston and Eunice " Lovey " Howell. Even Thurston was known to go sans full cravat on elegant evenings.

Of course unless you are dining with Thurston and Eunice " Lovey " Howell.

Took me a minute on that one lol....but if the under 30s start going WHO???? it will just make me feel old lol

My wife won't let me wear a "Howell" hat to Formal Evening....sigh.

But to OP I would think that if the shorts match the outfit there's no problem.

I mean he's 7!!

I think that once children hit a certain age, say 9 or 10, then it is absolutely important to start being more strict on their attire in certain situations.

It teaches them that in certain situations the way you dress/act shows respect for themselves and others.

But when you are 7 just sitting fairly still for most of dinner is an achievement!

And if you can make it through that without spilling anything that's just a bonus!

(source: was a 7 yr old boy once and have since raised two daughters).

The less formal the better-- the wait staff seem to be dressed the same every night.

My wife won't let me wear a "Howell" hat to Formal Evening....sigh.

 

 

But to OP I would think that if the shorts match the outfit there's no problem.

I mean he's 7!!

 

 

I think that once children hit a certain age, say 9 or 10, then it is absolutely important to start being more strict on their attire in certain situations.

It teaches them that in certain situations the way you dress/act shows respect for themselves and others.

But when you are 7 just sitting fairly still for most of dinner is an achievement!

And if you can make it through that without spilling anything that's just a bonus!

(source: was a 7 yr old boy once and have since raised two daughters).

I agree and thanks and we have yet to see a meal without a spill lol...there is NOTHING messier then a 7 year old boy...at least mine lol....