RCCL - 7 night cruise - must hubby bring jacket? dress shorts for men in dining room?

[jsargent34]

boy am i judgemental.....

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Until Voyager of the Seas



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Explorer of the Seas 5/2003
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USS Kauffman (FFG-59) 92-94
USS Connole (FF-1056) 90-92
(Hey they're cruises too!!!)

[Cruise Junky]

Personally, I think there's a huge difference between wearing pressed trousers and a nice shirt than shorts and a polo shirt at a formal dinner. If I invited someone to a black tie dinner, which is exactly what formal night is, and they showed up looking like they just came in from the beach, yes I'd be judgemental but I assure you I'm not missing any of life's experiences.

Some Ship, Some Itinerary, Somewhere in the Med.
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Alaska - Dawn Princess
Coastal - Island Princess

[jezzdogg]

I am not sorry if you feel that I am judgemental, but if I invite 200 people to my son's wedding in October(which it actually is) and we say formal, someone coming in a pair of pressed pants and clean shirt, just does not cut it, especially, because that person does not "feel"{ like dressing up! Same was going anywhere else - if you go to work there are dress codes, especially where I work and you can get written up/ or fired for not adhereing to them--hear that all the time " did not feel like it"" Grow up!!

norm

[abridalmaven]

On NCL there is an optional formal night. We decided to dress up. And the slob that made the comment asking if we were getting married, was the rude, judgemental one. I honestly think some of the people who do not dress up just to be defiant and go out of their way to look like they just got out of bed are the ones who are being rude. I think there is a world of difference between those who make am effort and those who are just slobs because they can be and they know they are annoying people. And then there is the flip side, those who are offended by those who chose to dress nice. Why should I have to explain my judgement to follow the hosts suggestions?
And here is the BIG one that I am sure will bring flames, if dress clothes are that uncomfortable, then you have not bought ones that fit properly. I owned a bridal store and I know if the clothes are made right and fit properly, there is no difference in comfort. It takes me no more effort getting showered and ready for work than it does getting ready for a formal dinner.

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[PhoenixCruiser]

Attire threads always make me laugh [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] So thanks for the entertainment folks!!

We too could care less, nor remember, what our tablemates wear. We don't [B]judge[/B] people on what's outside, what's inside is what really matters *to us*. Only you can make or break a vacation, or life for that matter....

###

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[Cruiserx6]

Just had to jump in and give my comments. What part of "FORMAL" do some of you not understand. It is not about judging other people. If they do not want to dress up they have other options (go to the windjammer or order room service in your room). All the literature states "FORMAL NIGHTS" So son't take away from those of us that do enjoy dressing up and come to the dining room in anything less that a suit or at least a sportcoat with a tie.
You will even feel better about yourself because you will look so nice. And I certainly do not believe that jokester that said RCI has changed their dress code. Come on people either go with the flow or use alternative dining.

Carol

[jsargent34]

maybe this will also help clarify...


several people have called rci customer service with some questions and here are new answers and new policies:

[I]If for example I like to drink Natural Light from the can, which is not served on any rci ship, can I bring it on board?[/I]

[B]Due to the recent surge in smuggling, we have relaxed the regulations that pertain to beverage consumption on board. any guest that desires any product is now entitled to bring it on board with no questions asked. We will be modeling many of our new policies after a new and innovative concept that we are calling "Make your own cruise vacation" and "Create your own experience." After much review, RCI has determined that trying to offer a product that has been so successful, had challenges and inherrent flaws. In realizing that some guests may not "like" to eat, do, wear, or adhere to certain things, we have adopted these policies to ensure that all guests enjoy THEIR cruise at the expense of others, and all rules, regulations, traditions, and customs. Each guest must now choose a title prior to boarding, i.e. Captain, Owner, Head Waiter, Beverage Manager, etc. so that they may be able to create rules to suit their needs as the cruise goes on.[/B]

Wow! Royal Caribbean is very forward thinking here... What a concept, it's almost like a "choose your own adventure" book. This will be great for cruising because anarchy is such a successful concept especially because it allows everyone their own personal freedoms to ensure no one will ever be hampered by the strain and DIS-COMFORT of such things as having to wear a pair of pants, a shirt, and god forbid a tie/jacket....

Personally I think this will be a fantastic boon to the cruise industry. Look for other lines to follow suit shortly.

Again, I guess I am just judgemental - but the absurd notion that following the rules would impose or hinder someones "comfort level" is ridiculous....

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Until Voyager of the Seas



Mariner of the Seas 1/2004
Explorer of the Seas 5/2003
Voyager of the Seas 4/2001
USS Kauffman (FFG-59) 92-94
USS Connole (FF-1056) 90-92
(Hey they're cruises too!!!)

[nosnobunny]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>I am also of the opinion that people that make up their mind on adherence to dress code alone ARE being judgemental. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It looks to me like there are lots of judgements being made here. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]

Beth

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Mariner of the Seas Reali-Tini Cruise Oct. 16/05

[trish1c]

There are some universal truths floating around in here:

1. Fashion / dress is about expression;

2. What's on the inside (character) is more important than what's on the outside (fashion);

3. rules are not made to be broken! Seriously, what's next -- "it's my vacation & if I don't want to go to muster, I won't"; "it's my vacation & if I want to give my little kids alcohol, they're my kids & it's my vacation so I can". Where does it end?

Asking a Q about what the parameters are is OK. Announcing you are planning to flaunt them, is not.

Trish

[elkdude]

I spoke to a friend who was on the 4/18 sailing of the AOS and said (to my surprise) there were people in the dining room, on formal nights, wearing shorts. We are going on th 6/27 AOS sailing and will dress formally, per the guidelines when in the dining room. I agree with a prior post; don't want to dress up? then go to one of the other dining venues - Windjammer, Johnny Rockets, or order room service.

elkdude

Sovereign of the Seas 7/89
Nordic Empress 7/94
Disney Magic 7/99
Adventure of the Seas 6/04

[amaddog10]

going on the explorer in august...and as for formal nite...i'm bringing my tux...if for no other reason than when i go into the casino, i'll feel like....Bond, James Bond.

Dressing up adds to the experience, IMHO...if you don't care to...that's fine...its not going to spoil my vacation...just try to be neat and presentable...i don't want to eat dinner, on formal or other nites, looking at your hairy back thru your torn wifebeaters....and i'm sure that wearing that doesn't make you any less of a nice person...ummmm...ok...maybe a little inconsiderate, or mirror impaired, but still a nice person.... [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

[KimStead]

Just to add my 2 cents to this little debate. Living in southwest Florida, it is appropriate to wear dress shorts to dinner, country club etc. unless it is a formal evening. While my husband is wearing slacks to the main dinning room, I do take offence to the implication that wearing dress shorts must mean you are a slob, or need to eat at the buffett. As we are sailing to the carribean, another hot climate, I fail to see the fluster here, and may just hide my husbands slacks a couple of nights, and oh my god he would have to where his shorts, that he could were out to dinner at home......
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Until Explorer

[hdawson]

For those that don't want to see the cruise experience dumbed down to nothing more than a week at the beach or mountain cabin, take the time to speak to the Maitre d and let him/her know that you appreciate some enforcement of their stated dress standards. Be proactive.
If enough speak up, just maybe they will remind some people of the various dining options that may be more to their taste and comfort level.

[imsulin]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by KimStead:
Just to add my 2 cents to this little debate. Living in southwest Florida, it is appropriate to wear dress shorts to dinner, country club etc. unless it is a formal evening. While my husband is wearing slacks to the main dinning room, I do take offence to the implication that wearing dress shorts must mean you are a slob, or need to eat at the buffett. As we are sailing to the carribean, another hot climate, I fail to see the fluster here, and may just hide my husbands slacks a couple of nights, and oh my god he would have to where his shorts, that he could were out to dinner at home......
[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

But, KimStead, the dining room on a cruise ship is not in Florida, and the dining room is air-conditioned. Have you been on a cruise before?

[jsargent34]

poke poke at the hornets nest...

i may be inclined to believe that wearing shorts to the dining room, however "dressy" may not make YOU a "slob," but you'll certainly be dressed like one....

someone mentioned earlier the "mystique" associated with dressing up, speaking of, I just packed my suit - anyhow, those who must, will dress down and LOOK LIKE (not be perhaps) slobs if they so desire....

thankfully i never drank from the "comfortable" punch for cruising, as i am looking forward to wearing a suit next monday...

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Until Voyager of the Seas



Mariner of the Seas 1/2004
Explorer of the Seas 5/2003
Voyager of the Seas 4/2001
USS Kauffman (FFG-59) 92-94
USS Connole (FF-1056) 90-92
(Hey they're cruises too!!!)

[girlzillla]

If you are dressed by the rules, what does it matter if someone else isn't? It's certainly not going to make the meal taste any different.

To Merrylg, the teacher wearing high tops... I'd go for Vans Old School Sneakers, they won't be as bulky to pack.

Mariner of the Seas 02/08/04
Navigator of the Seas 01-2003

[cruisecrasy]

Sad that so many of you say ' I dress up but don't care if others don't' - yah right - what a simplistic and almost 'cowardly' way out!! How wld u respond if: some people used your lawn as a bathroom, some disobeyed the traffic signs, some beat u up or broke into your home - well u get the picture and it 'ain't' pretty. U are for rules & codes or you are against' em - no being 'picky' as to which ones u like or don't or fence sitting allowed 'cause then you are aiding & abetting 'bad' behavior. Consider that if the WW2 soldiers had thought like u do we wld all be saluting Hitlers picture today. With gradual erosion of civilized behavior over time it will cease to exist...not a pleasant thought! 'Kudos' to all of u who do 'stand and are counted'. It is an honor to be among u here and on my cruises. Happy future cruisin'! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]

[This message was edited by cruisecrasy on 06-12-04 at 04:56 AM.]

[girlzillla]

Personally, I don't think not being bothered by others attire is the "cowardly" or "simplistic" way out. I'm not going to let seeing other cruisers not dressed in the "suggested" attire ruin my cruise experience. It's not worth it, the cruise is too short not to enjoy every minute of it. There are so many more wonderful things on the ship to grab my attention. JMHO.

The rules you've listed are set for the health, safety and well being of the individual and others. I think breaking the "suggested" rule of dressing for formal night or any night in the dining room does not risk the health, safety or well being of the individual or others. You may not like it, but like I asked before, why let it bother you?

Mariner of the Seas 02/08/04
Navigator of the Seas 01-2003

[GreggNKara]

Ill ask it Ill ask it...


What the frig are dress shorts?!?!

The kind of get up that Angus Young from AC/DC wears?

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[jezzdogg]

For those of you, who say it does not matter what anyone else wears to dinner formal night( shorts, etc)..How woukd you feel, if they were sitting at your table/ with you dressed as per the suggestions on the cruise compass.
Let's face it as long as its not at your "table" most would not care, but happen at there table....
Everyone, pays good money to go on the cruises, but dress standards/ are dress standards for the dining room, and if you feel like you want to dress as a "free spirit," and not dress as per then there are other dining revnues that you can go to, we do not have that option.
That is one of the reasons we keep going back to Celebrity( and even Princess that I do not like for other reasons) thery have dress standards and shorts, etc will not be tolerated in dining room
sorry if I am rambling

norm

[greybear]

Cruisecrasy,

That is one of the worst analogies I have ever read. To equate a suggested dress attire to actual criminal offences is ludicrous. The histrionics of this thread really does amuse me.

I feel sorry for all of you that obsess over other people's presentation and would suggest that you go to the Doctor's office - or hospital - to get those posts dislodged and removed from your respective a**es. You'll feel much better and more comfortable on your upcoming cruises...

Flame away!

[hdawson]

Greybear. I'ts not the presentation as much as it is courtesy and respect. It ain't Mickey D's or Golden Corral.

[cruisecrasy]

greybear - Please reread my post. I believe this is a little like 'missing the forest for the trees'. I am referring (yes - and being dramatic I will admit) to breaking rules & codes and to 'shrugging & saying who cares' which is becoming all to common these days. The 'clothing' issue is only a small minor point in it all but representative of a problem that is growing...If u break a rule even in a minor way what about the next fellow breaking it even further - till it ceases to exist at all. That being the case, we can all go 'nude' in the dining rooms soon right - OK - a bit too dramatic but u get my point? 'Nuff said..Happy future cruisin' all! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]

[bUU]

This is actually being discussed on another cruise board right now. (Big surprise, eh?) I thought I'd put my two cents from there here as well:

There are two sides to the issue... where the conflict gets out of hand is when one side or the other decides that their perspective should prevail over the others, rather than respecting that reasonable folks can disagree, and that it is in everyone's best interest to find a consensus position.

Don't get me wrong: If the cruise line says, "Formal dress required for this dinner," then there is no issue here. Nothing to discuss. You should wear what they specify -- period -- or you go without. However, that's not the case.

Quoting Royal Caribbean's literature: "Suggested guidelines for these nights are..." I don't see any indication of rules; just suggestions. This isn't a casual error, but rather a deliberate nod to a block of customers that would respond negatively to the implementation of such guidelines as rules.

Today's reality is that the cruise lines have responded to what their customers want by reducing the level of formal dress codes and relaxing the requirement into a suggestion. They've done that deliberately to best serve their primary obligations.

Cruise lines offer their services to an open market, where the customer decides what is and isn't the best value for the money spent. So the "obligation" of a cruise line is to offer cruising to meets the expectations/specifications of the most profitable set of cruisers. We, the general public, determine how and why cruise lines maintain the standards they maintain (or don't maintain), and a cruise line would rue the day it decides to tell us what we should want.

I work, very hard, to try to look at every context from the perspective of others. It is difficult at times, but I feel it is important to do so. Casting the behavior of those who believe differently as universally negative is dangerous, IMHO. I suppose my feeling about this is rooted in my concern about how readily such a perspective can be applied to something like religious beliefs -- I've had a lifetime of folks disrespecting my religious beliefs because I've not been part of the majority religion since I left my parent's home. While dress codes may not match religious beliefs in terms of importance, the same rationale applies concerning respect for others, I believe.

And please keep in mind, I'd never go to a formal dinner, even if the dress code is merely a suggestion, wearing jeans and a t-shirt! I'd either substantially comply with the suggestion or go without. But that's me -- I can readily make such decisions for myself, but abhor the idea of placing expectations on others that they have legitimately not subscribed to themselves.

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[allamricn]

Bicker-- Incredibly powerful point regarding "suggested" vs. "mandatory"

If RCL required a coat/blazer for dinners, either (A) they would turn away each and every gentleman at the door or (b) they would have the "coat rental" lol like other fine dining establishments.

My whole posts were about choices and acceptance. If I truly had my druthers, I would not wear a suit to dinner, because in my line of work, I wear them every day and don't really want to wear one on my vacation. I know there are other men who totally agree with this feeling. BUT, I will be bringing a suit to wear for formal nights, NOT because of the "fashionistas" on this board who would look down their noses at me if I didn't, but for myself and my GF who thinks the idea of dressing up is fun. She loves me in a suit, and well, her and my opinons are the only ones that matter to me, not what others think. If I let what others think affect me, I would just be a follower and not an individual.

I am very embarrassed at the posts that equate "peeing on lawns" etc to suggested dress codes. There is no comparison. If its the "follow the rule" argument, then again, there is only a "suggested" guideline, nothing set in stone. If it said "black tie optional", that doesn't mean it is STRONGLY suggested I wear a tux. I don't own one, and I am not about to go drop more $ that I could spend on other things just for an "optional" dress suggestion.

I think all of us, including those who I term the "fashionistas" should read Bicker's post again and again, because it was well worded in how we should approach this issue.