what passes for formal wear these days?

[galavant3]

 

 

Another idea I have come up with is having different dress codes based on time of year and/or location. For instance, a Caribbean cruise in the middle of July should not have a formal night -- or maybe only one formal night.

 

A third idea I have is RCI having some itineraries that are all-casual or maybe even all-formal.

 

What other suggestions do you have?

 

I realize that this is a hot debate topic here but in 16 cruises, we have not noticed or been seating with anyone that did not appear to make an effort on formal night. I'm sure the jeans and t-shirts are out there but based on our experience they are the small minority. Which could be why the cruise line has not been motivated to take action.

 

Once we were seating with a group of 20 somethings that made a name for themselves (not in a good way) the first afternoon on the ship. When formal night rolled around we were curious to see if they showed up and if they did, what they would be wearing. They weren't wearing what my definition of "formal" was but it was very obvious they acknowledged the evening and made an effort. We were so impressed.

 

I would prefer two formals nights or zero over one. We've been on cruises with one formal night and to take shoes/jacket etc for one night was a bit of a hassle.

[CruiseTobey]

Hey Travel,

 

There's an hour of your life you will never get back. Amazing the lengths some will go to in order to beat a dead horse.

 

The fact is that the people (we, the paying passengers) have spoken, and an increasing number of us are forgoing the fantasy of "formal night" and dressing neatly and comfortably. Who are we really offending? Money talks, and if the majority are not going to wear tuxes and gowns, RCI doesn't care. As long as we keep paying cruise fares, RCI will provide and support what the people want. The days of "formal night" are numbered (thankfully).

[miopyk]

 

I had a bunch of time on my hands this morning . . . .

 

The quote you have provided comes from a BLOGGER on the RCI website. What this person (Adele) states has absolutely no bearing on RCI rules & guidelines. The RCI guidelines are clear. It states that there is a dress code. They divide the dress code into three different levels - Formal, Smart Causal, and Casual. Let's look at the official dress code as posted on the RCI website:

 

Q: What are the dress codes onboard?

A: There are three distinct types of evenings onboard: casual, smart casual and formal. Suggested guidelines for these nights are:

 

Casual: Sport shirts and slacks for men, sundresses or pants for women

Smart Casual: Jackets and ties for men, dresses or pantsuits for women

Formal: Suits and ties or tuxedos for men, cocktail dresses for women

 

Let's dissect the statement and see if there is any ambiguity.

 

The first sentence states that "There are three distinct types of evenings onboard: casual, smart casual and formal."

 

-> Is a dress code optional? The second word in the statement is "are." This is the key to whether the dress code is optional or if a dress code is being intentionally implemented. By using this word, they are spelling it out for you -- there is a dress code and it is not optional.

 

-> Are there any modifiers or conditions to the first sentence? RCI does not provide any conditions in this statement where the dress code guidelines are suspended. However, there is a modifyer. They do state that this is for "evenings" which is not being debated here.

 

-> Is formal night not formal? RCI even goes further and provides a list of what the three different types of dress are named. The first two being casual and smart casual. The third is specifically named "formal." I am not sure why there is any confusion over this. If they did not intend the evening attire on formal nights to be formal, then why did they call it "formal" attire? If they called it "dress up" night and left everyone to their own ways, then I can see where people may be confused. But not only do they call that evening's attire "formal," they even provide examples of what formal wear should be -- and compare them to the other types of attire (which I will discuss further below).

 

The second sentence states "Suggested guidelines for these nights are:"

 

-> Is the dress code a suggestion? Although it has been established above that the dress code is not optional and that there is a formal night, this second sentence is where the non-formalists try to find a loop-hole in the dress code. They point to the word “suggested” as meaning that the dress code and formal attire on the formal evening is only a suggestion. If that was RCI’s intention, they would have used the word “suggestion” in the first sentence stating that there is a suggested dress code.

However, RCI is using the word “suggested” in the second sentence to mean “to propose as desirable or fitting.” The reason it fits this definition (there is more than one definition of suggested) is because the sentence is subsequently followed by a list of each of three dress types and specific examples of each type. RCI is providing examples of what types of clothing are desirable and fitting for those specific evenings.

 

-> Are guidelines enforceable rules? This is another wiggle-word that anti-formalists also use in their argument against following the dress code. Once again, we will turn to Webster’s dictionary. A guideline is “an indication or outline of policy or conduct.” Some may try to turn this definition around in saying that guidelines are very malleable and can be extremely broad. However, a more careful understanding is that a guideline is broad because it encompasses many facets of the entire body of rules – but still must stay within the boundaries of those rules. More specifically, in this case, RCI is showing some flexibility with their guidelines. They are stating that there are various dress types for different evenings, and that there is flexibility in each of these three distinct types. For instance, on formal night, it does not limit male passengers to only a tuxedo, but also allows men to wear a suit and tie. Each of the other types also has some flexibility as well. The rules even allow the flexibility of what style of suit to wear on formal night.

 

-> Is the dress code enforced? This is the major issue with RCI. Although RCI is stating that they have these rules, what good are they if they are not being enforced? This is something that needs to be addressed at the corporate level. According to the answer from the Q&A by Goldstein (see a few posts above), they are aware of it and are working on it, and admits that there are many instances where they do not enforce the rules, or cannot because of the difficulty of the situation or the difficulty of the person. However, one thing he did not say was that a dress code did not exist or that RCI (and its staff) was unwilling to at least try to enforce it. [Yes, what a President of a company says is very relevant.] He stated “Across the fleet we follow the formal night dress guidelines that are printed in the Cruise Compass.” There is nothing ambiguous about the words “we follow the formal night dress guidelines.” It is in the enforcement of such guidelines that they are experiencing the problem – although RCI is trying to deal with it. I do not know how anyone can interpret those words as “we have rules, don’t care about them, so wear whatever you want.”

 

The last part of the RCI dress code provides:

 

Casual: Sport shirts and slacks for men, sundresses or pants for women

Smart Casual: Jackets and ties for men, dresses or pantsuits for women

Formal: Suits and ties or tuxedos for men, cocktail dresses for women

 

-> Can a passenger wear a polo and jeans on formal night? Since it has been established that there is a dress code that RCI is trying to enforce, and that one of three types of dress allowed is formal attire, one would have to logically conclude that one should wear the type of clothing listed for that evening. RCI provides examples of what is appropriate (i.e., “desirable and fitting”) to wear on formal night. That attire would include suits and ties for men, and cocktail dresses for women. Nowhere in the description of formal attire does it state anything about polo shirts/sport shirts or jeans/dungarees/fancy jeans in their examples. Even if someone even had the remotest notion that there is a grey area, that argument is invalid because RCI lists three types of dress, and the closest to a polo shirt and jeans would be the “sport shirts and slacks” listed under casual. I guess that someone could argue that there may be a grey area between casual and smart casual attire, so if someone wore a polo shirt and fancy jeans on a smart casual night, there is a weak argument to do so. One would also have to argue that “slacks” and “jeans” are also comparable. However, to get from the casual level of dress to the formal level of dress is not feasible. Just as a side note, the fact that RCI lists three different styles of dress and also provides distinct examples of all three is another fact that backs up the reality that formal nights and formal wear are not optional, but an actual rule.

 

Summary

 

What it comes down to is that there is a formal night that is not optional. There is a list of examples provided by RCI as to what formal wear is. When you signed up for the cruise and agreed to all the terms and conditions of RCI, you agreed to follow the dress code. Either follow the dress code in the MDR, or don't eat there.

 

However, once again, if the rules for formal nights are to be changes, what suggestions do you have. I had suggested dividing the levels of the MDR into formal and casual. Some have commented that this can be seen as being elitist. I do not agree. This has nothing to do with who has money or who does not. It is giving people a choice as to wear formal clothing or not. Same service, same food, and no one is denying anyone from selecting the formal or non-formal dining.

 

Another idea I have come up with is having different dress codes based on time of year and/or location. For instance, a Caribbean cruise in the middle of July should not have a formal night -- or maybe only one formal night.

 

A third idea I have is RCI having some itineraries that are all-casual or maybe even all-formal.

 

What other suggestions do you have?

 

Sorry, but there is more than a degree of ambiguity in the above, the "code" is not enforced on board any ship I've been on and the information I quoted is on RCI's website and so I assume was checked by them before publishing. On that basis the "code" is open to interpretation and I can continue to choose what to wear as can you and all of the other fun loving people that go cruising to enjoy their holidays.

 

Oh, and I love the bit about Formal Dress Code being in my contract, very inventive. Do you really think RCI would sue a customer for wearing the "wrong clothes" in the MDR. I'm guessing you're not a legal expert or you might have spotted that RCI probably wouldn't see that as a way of winning new customers and would probably lose a lot of existing ones. I can just see the Captain announcing on formal night "you will all adopt the formal dress code or be thrown in the brig and taken to court when we arrive back at port".

 

Let's be clear here. RCI is treading a fine line between people like me and people like you and the reality is they know they can't please all of the people all of the time. They're in business to make money and that means attracting new customers as well as keeping their existing ones. So of course they can't afford to switch off a significant market by imposing unnecessary rules on people that will ultimately lose them money. So they're flexible. They'll tell you what you want to hear and do the same to me. That'll keep most of the people happy most of the time which is probably as good as it gets.

 

The way the world is today I really don't think the halcyon days of cruising a la Titanic will ever return and in fact unless you go on a line that specialises in that way of doing things RCI will probably get more casual.

 

Top marks for effort though I enjoyed your response.

 

Miopyk

[sbw80]

Do you really think RCI would sue a customer for wearing the "wrong clothes" in the MDR.

 

Probably just have to walk the plank :rolleyes: Welcome

aboad the 1984 cruise line, please welcome your cruise dictator... Big Brother... yeah

[miopyk]

Sorry wanted to add one more thing.

 

I can't remember how many cruises I've been on but it's a lot and mostly with RCI. Some of you may think I'm obnoxious, selfish or rude and I'm happy that you are free to come to those conclusions.

 

I have never been asked about my state of dress in the MDR on formal night by any member of staff or for that matter any other passenger.

 

I've seen many other people wearing anything but formal wear in the MDR on formal night and I don't recall seeing them being questioned about it either.

 

But, I'm curious. There certainly seems to be a lot of passion about this and being openminded I'd be interested to know why.

 

Why are you so adamant that everyone must dress correctly on formal night?

 

Don't go into huge detail but tell me why you think it's so important. That way the people on my side of the fence might be a bit more understanding.

 

That doesn't mean I'm going to change by the way but thought I'd ask.

 

Miopyk

[Paul65]

Oh, and I love the bit about Formal Dress Code being in my contract, very inventive. Do you really think RCI would sue a customer for wearing the "wrong clothes" in the MDR. I'm guessing you're not a legal expert or you might have spotted that RCI probably wouldn't see that as a way of winning new customers and would probably lose a lot of existing ones. I can just see the Captain announcing on formal night "you will all adopt the formal dress code or be thrown in the brig and taken to court when we arrive back at port".

 

While that lengthy post by Travel R was a bit over the top, nowhere did it suggest the cruise line suing people or throwing them in the brig for not adhering to the dress code. Even the things that are more strict rules do not result in those kind of measures. You will neither be sued nor thrown in the brig for reserving chairs, trying to sneak on some booze or for smoking a cigar on their balcony. If they wanted to make the suggested dress mandatory, it would just be a matter of refusing entry to the dining room for those not appropriately dressed, no lawsuits or incarceration required. So you're being a bit over the top in your response, as well.

 

Some people want them to enforce the dress code. I prefer to leave it as-is. Some will not dress up for various reasons, whether it be lost luggage or lack of planning/not knowing about the guidelines or simply not caring about the guidelines. And even if it's the latter, though it does show some lack of respect, I don't think people should be kick out of the dining room.

[slicerboy]

I believe a pair of slacks and a Tommy Bahama shirt is fine for formal nights. Obviously the DW thinks otherwise but when on vacation I like to be comfortable. We go through this every cruise. LOL

[Paul65]

Why are you so adamant that everyone must dress correctly on formal night?

 

If you've paid attention, you probably know that I'm not one who is adamant that everyone must dress correctly. But, there is a suggested dress in order to convey a certain ambiance to the evening. It's not that different from going to some sort of reception or ball, where a certain type of dress is suggested - it's about atmosphere. In most such cases, you will not be kicked out for ignoring the suggested attire, but following the suggestions is the courteous thing to do.

 

So, I feel that those who refuse to follow the suggestions are lacking in social courtesy. But, I don't look around the dining room in order to judge people for what they wear. I don't know anyone's particular circumstances, and sometimes there are good reasons beyond just, "I don't want to." But, on a discussion board, if someone comes along to boldly declare their I-don't-give-a-darn attitude, I don't mind calling it what it is. :cool:

Edited June 4, 2013 by Paul65

[GUEST080219]

If the suggestions were enforced rules I would have not booked a cruise with them and I guess they know it as well. Lets be honest, when all cruise lines add more and more ships and increase the overall available beds they just can not afford to upset any large group. So they will tell both of the extremes what they want to hear.

 

A few years ago I would never have dared to cruise on RC or a line that cares to have a dress suggestion but now I feel confident enough to be sure to have a great time even though I don't even own a suit or a tie.

[Eriksgarden]

If you've paid attention, you probably know that I'm not one who is adamant that everyone must dress correctly. But, there is a suggested dress in order to convey a certain ambiance to the evening. It's not that different from going to some sort of reception or ball, where a certain type of dress is suggested - it's about atmosphere. In most such cases, you will not be kicked out for ignoring the suggested attire, but following the suggestions is the courteous thing to do.

 

So, I feel that those who refuse to follow the suggestions are lacking in social courtesy. But, I don't look around the dining room in order to judge people for what they wear. I don't know anyone's particular circumstances, and sometimes there are good reasons beyond just, "I don't want to." But, on a discussion board, if someone comes along to boldly declare their I-don't-give-a-darn attitude, I don't mind calling it what it is. :cool:

 

:::applause:::

[sbw80]

Well i for one will always dress up for formal night but i'll gladly share my table with anyone regardless of what they are wearing (Even sandals and white socks Mr King). I think there are important issues in the world, i do not think that clothing options on a cruise ship is one of them :)

[cjdixon4]

I'm a little embarrassed that I'm still reading this thread, but....hey, I love my CC friends. You're all addicting! LOL

Here are my final thoughts (maybe). It will be easier for you to switch to a luxury cruise line where the formal attire rules are clear and absolute, than to expect RCI to make a federal case out of Formal Night. It's not going to happen. People who don't want to dress-up aren't going to. The Maitre'd isn't going to "expel" people from the dining room for not wearing a ballgown or white tie and tails. RCI won't divide the dining room floor by formal attire, khaki/dockers, wife-beaters & shorts, etc. Accept it, it won't fly. Wanna drop that one in RCI's "Suggestion Box"....then have at it.

 

As for me....Meh, who cares?!? I'm at the stage in life where I couldn't care less what anybody thinks about what I'm wearing. Someone would have to be pretty ballsy to say something to me about it. While they're staring at me and my clothes, I'll be enjoying my steak dinner.

There are 24 hours in a day, and you only spend 1 to 1 1/2 of it in the MDR. Relax and cruise!

Now I think I'll go start up another thread about tipping....:rolleyes:

[ryano]

 

Some people want them to enforce the dress code. I prefer to leave it as-is. Some will not dress up for various reasons, whether it be lost luggage or lack of planning/not knowing about the guidelines or simply not caring about the guidelines. And even if it's the latter, though it does show some lack of respect, I don't think people should be kick out of the dining room.

 

Now there is something we can finally agree on! :D Well said.

[CruiseTobey]

If you want to get to the heart of the matter, the question isn't about style of dress or "social courtesy", but why Formal night even exists at all? Most affordable cruise lines these days are increasingly casual. Why? To appeal to the widest demographic and thus gain access the most revenue.

 

Formal nights are a relic belonging to the bye-gone days of shuffleboard and wool blankets on wooden deck chairs. While one can still access these things (I happen to enjoy shuffleboard), no one is required to employ them. So why is a pretend atmosphere of "luxury" dining akin to the 1950s foisted upon the modern fare-paying public?

 

Answer: RCI makes a lot of money driving the idea of a high-end dining experience (tux rentals, flowers, overpriced photos), though the actual event is really not that special. But RCI will still be reluctant to do away with formal night. It is in their best interest to keep the "old-timers" (not age, but opinion) happy, at least until they find enough new cruisers to outnumber them. What you are seeing is RCI beginning to recognize that fact.

 

Take comfort that there are still cruise lines that can give you that "Jack and Rose" fantasy. Until you run out of money, that is.

 

Dress cleanly and neatly when going to dinner. That's all you really have to do on a cruise line like RCI.

Edited June 4, 2013 by CruiseTobey

[WetToes]

 

Formal nights are a relic belonging to the bye-gone days of shuffleboard and wool blankets on wooden deck chairs. While one can still access these things (I happen to enjoy shuffleboard), no one is required to employ them.

 

 

 

Dress cleanly and neatly when going to dinner. That's all you really have to do on a cruise line like RCI.

 

We love shuffleboard too. Spent a lot of time playing on Celebrity.

 

I agree.

[2adults2kids]

Real men do formal nights (to whatever degree of dress), but that's probably due to the fact that real women had forced them to do so via a verbal beating. This conjures up real emotions of days gone by like prom, wedding, etc causing the real fun to begin after dinner when it all comes off and we convert to our "ultra-casual" underwear.

 

That is the only reason I do a formal night.

 

So, to be clear the dress of the day goes from ultra-casual to semi-resort sub-tropical to swimwear submarine to t-shirt buffet line (GQ style, of course) to mid-range formal to ultra-casual sheetwear. Got it.

[bigque]

I realize that this is a hot debate topic here but in 16 cruises, we have not noticed or been seating with anyone that did not appear to make an effort on formal night. I'm sure the jeans and t-shirts are out there but based on our experience they are the small minority. Which could be why the cruise line has not been motivated to take action.

 

Once we were seating with a group of 20 somethings that made a name for themselves (not in a good way) the first afternoon on the ship. When formal night rolled around we were curious to see if they showed up and if they did, what they would be wearing. They weren't wearing what my definition of "formal" was but it was very obvious they acknowledged the evening and made an effort. We were so impressed.

 

I would prefer two formals nights or zero over one. We've been on cruises with one formal night and to take shoes/jacket etc for one night was a bit of a hassle.

 

And also the resoning could be that 99% of each cruise that leaves out is full of people (1st timers and multi-cruisers) that are not members of cruise critic and they go by what they read when they book their cruises and that is that there are formal nights. That is the way I took it and brought aqlong a suit on my 1st cruise long before I was here on cruise critic! JMO!

[Paul65]

If you want to get to the heart of the matter, the question isn't about style of dress or "social courtesy", but why Formal night even exists at all? Most affordable cruise lines these days are increasingly casual. Why? To appeal to the widest demographic and thus gain access the most revenue.

 

Formal nights are a relic belonging to the bye-gone days of shuffleboard and wool blankets on wooden deck chairs. While one can still access these things (I happen to enjoy shuffleboard), no one is required to employ them. So why is a pretend atmosphere of "luxury" dining akin to the 1950s foisted upon the modern fare-paying public?

 

Answer: RCI makes a lot of money driving the idea of a high-end dining experience (tux rentals, flowers, overpriced photos), though the actual event is really not that special. But RCI will still be reluctant to do away with formal night. It is in their best interest to keep the "old-timers" (not age, but opinion) happy, at least until they find enough new cruisers to outnumber them. What you are seeing is RCI beginning to recognize that fact.

 

Take comfort that there are still cruise lines that can give you that "Jack and Rose" fantasy. Until you run out of money, that is.

 

Dress cleanly and neatly when going to dinner. That's all you really have to do on a cruise line like RCI.

 

 

Interesting, but I don't think you're right. Sure, they make some money off of tux rentals and photos, just as they make money off of BINGO, casino, spa, bar sales, etc. etc. That doesn't mean this is the only reason the cruise lines offer them.

 

And, dressing for dinner is not a "relic belonging to the bygone days..." Just because you happen to think any formal-dress night is some kind of fantasy harkening back to some olden day of luxury doesn't make it so. Being ultra-casual at all times just isn't everyone's desire or requirement for a vacation.

 

As for RCI "beginning to recognize"....the formal night situation hasn't really changed in the last couple decades, so I'm not sure what they're just beginning to recognize. In my experience, the percentage of people ignoring the formal dress has gone up a bit over those years, but on my first RCI cruise in 1993, there was no "enforcement" of dress suggestions, and some people went more casual.

 

Oh, and we usually take advantage of the "overpriced" photos on formal night and choose a nice shot to buy. We could always just take our own photos (which we do), but if we wanted to have a photo session elsewhere and go home with an 8x10 plus a release to make copies of it, if we like, for $19.95, good luck with that. :cool:

 

Formal nights are just something that have been a part of mass-market cruising from its beginning, and some people who don't like it want to say it's an outdated relic. Times change, of course. None of us dress "formally" the way they did in the 1800s. Some day, perhaps formal nights will disappear from RCI, but today, at least on the cruises I've done, most people participate and seem to enjoy it.

 

By the way, I basically agree with your closing statement, except that there is not really even a requirement that you have to be dressed cleanly and neatly.

Edited June 4, 2013 by Paul65

[CRUISEFAN0001]

Who knows....maybe the Moderators will change the thread heading to "The Neverending Story..." :D :cool:

[CruiseTobey]

Interesting, but I don't think you're right. Sure, they make some money off of tux rentals and photos, just as they make money off of BINGO, casino, spa, bar sales, etc. etc. That doesn't mean this is the only reason the cruise lines offer them.

 

And, dressing for dinner is not a "relic belonging to the bygone days..." Just because you happen to think any formal-dress night is some kind of fantasy harkening back to some olden day of luxury doesn't make it so. Being ultra-casual at all times just isn't everyone's desire or requirement for a vacation.

 

As for RCI "beginning to recognize"....the formal night situation hasn't really changed in the last couple decades, so I'm not sure what they're just beginning to recognize. In my experience, the percentage of people ignoring the formal dress has gone up a bit over those years, but on my first RCI cruise in 1993, there was no "enforcement" of dress suggestions, and some people went more casual.

 

Oh, and we usually take advantage of the "overpriced" photos on formal night and choose a nice shot to buy. We could always just take our own photos (which we do), but if we wanted to have a photo session elsewhere and go home with an 8x10 plus a release to make copies of it, if we like, for $19.95, good luck with that. :cool:

 

Formal nights are just something that have been a part of mass-market cruising from its beginning, and some people who don't like it want to say it's an outdated relic. Times change, of course. None of us dress "formally" the way they did in the 1800s. Some day, perhaps formal nights will disappear from RCI, but today, at least on the cruises I've done, most people participate and seem to enjoy it.

 

By the way, I basically agree with your closing statement, except that there is not really even a requirement that you have to be dressed cleanly and neatly.

 

Paul,

 

I appreciate your well-thought out response. Good points to think about.

 

To me, this is the best part of these boards: We can each have differing viewpoints but still have civil conversation. At least we then have a better chance of understanding each other.

 

I do draw the line, however, at being clean and neat. Everyone on board has a private shower and (hopefully) clean clothes. Save 'em for dinner.

[Paul65]

I do draw the line, however, at being clean and neat. Everyone on board has a private shower and (hopefully) clean clothes. Save 'em for dinner.

 

:D I certainly agree that it is appropriate and polite to be clean and neat. It's just not enforced.

[abridalmaven]

Real men do formal nights (to whatever degree of dress), but that's probably due to the fact that real women had forced them to do so via a verbal beating. This conjures up real emotions of days gone by like prom, wedding, etc causing the real fun to begin after dinner when it all comes off and we convert to our "ultra-casual" underwear.

 

That is the only reason I do a formal night.

 

So, to be clear the dress of the day goes from ultra-casual to semi-resort sub-tropical to swimwear submarine to t-shirt buffet line (GQ style, of course) to mid-range formal to ultra-casual sheetwear. Got it.

Really? My husband went out and bought a new tux all on his own, and he updates the accessories periodically. I never forced him to, he likes wearing it.

[2adults2kids]

Really? My husband went out and bought a new tux all on his own, and he updates the accessories periodically. I never forced him to, he likes wearing it.

 

No, not really. My post was more of sarcasm and humor than of truth. :cool: Or was it...??? :eek:

 

To each his/her own. Like I said in a prior post, my body has a temperature control problem and I'm sure that contributes to my dislike of suits. I do get dressed up though. Just no convincing me to wear a jacket (at least for long.)

 

And I still think the women had something to do with the layers of clothes for the men. So tell the truth...is this some kind of sick joke? Have women convinced the simple-minded men to sweat their **** off in eternal formalwear suffering while they themselves receive full body airiness to their legs, arms, bosoms, and nether regions? Life just ain't fair sometimes!!! :D

[RocketMan275]

Eriksgarden-

 

I think for those who are stuck on being surrounded by "hoity-toity" type of attire at dinner time, and I use that term loosely....RCI has some other options: Celebrity and Azamara. I'm told that they don't play around with their dining room standards. LOL :cool:

 

Not exactly correct. From the Azamara website: "In keeping with our friendly yet sophisticated onboard environment, we encourage guests to follow a “resort casual” dress code. Out of respect for others, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps, bathing suits, shorts and jeans are not allowed in the dining room or specialty restaurants. When dining at Windows Café, guests must wear footwear and a cover-up or shirt. Formal evening wear is not expected nor required in our restaurants. If you prefer to dress more formally, you are welcome to do so. Please note that tuxedo rentals are not available onboard."

 

Now Celebrity does have formal nights and their forum here on CC has as many treads as this forum. Theirs does seem to be a bit more contentious as I've seen posters say they would ask that those not adhering to the code to be removed from the MDR.

 

But isn't it interesting that the top RCI cruise line Azamara does not have formal nights?

[cjdixon4]

Not exactly correct. From the Azamara website: "In keeping with our friendly yet sophisticated onboard environment, we encourage guests to follow a “resort casual” dress code. Out of respect for others, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps, bathing suits, shorts and jeans are not allowed in the dining room or specialty restaurants. When dining at Windows Café, guests must wear footwear and a cover-up or shirt. Formal evening wear is not expected nor required in our restaurants. If you prefer to dress more formally, you are welcome to do so. Please note that tuxedo rentals are not available onboard."

 

Now Celebrity does have formal nights and their forum here on CC has as many treads as this forum. Theirs does seem to be a bit more contentious as I've seen posters say they would ask that those not adhering to the code to be removed from the MDR.

 

But isn't it interesting that the top RCI cruise line Azamara does not have formal nights?

 

 

 

Thanks for sharing. I had heard that Azamara was a bit stuffy in regards to the dinner dress requirements. They're known as an upscale line.