Celebrity Dress Code Discussion Thread

[dbsb3233]

There are many of us who dine in Select Dining and enjoy Formal Nights. The compromise was made when they provided all the other options for people who don't care to participate in Formal Evenings. There is no Formal Night if everyone can just wear what they like. It's interesting that no matter what they have done it's never enough for the casual folks.

 

You can be sure that if they ever do away with the Formal Nights the next battle will be that then people want to wear their shorts and t-shirts to dinner. Maybe they should just turn the dining room into a McDonalds and they could really save some money by not having to provide a nice dining experience.

 

There are lots of kinds of vacation experiences. Cruising has always been one of those experiences that was a little more special and provided an opportunity for a couple of special nights where everyone shines.

 

There are a lot of things that may not especially appeal to me but I wouldn't want them discontinued because it may not be something I like. In fact there are times when I don't feel like dressing up either. Then I just choose one of the other alternatives. It's not just about ME. It would be one thing if there were no other choices but that's not the case.

A lot of your complaints could be made about the "formal" people too. It works both ways.

 

But I'm not going to sit here and argue with you, as you clearly don't want any changes. I've given my feedback for the cruiselines to possibly listen to, and that's that. You obviously disagree. So be it.

Edited March 22, 2015 by dbsb3233

[dbsb3233]

It's a fine comparison. Being able to smoke aboard the ship is a reasonable expectation GIVEN that you follow the line's rules and policies. Similarly, being able to enjoy dinner in the MDR is a reasonable expectation GIVEN that you follow the line's rules and policies.

 

You're right, smoking isn't something you're specifically paying for in your cruise fare, BUT neither is dinner specifically in the MDR, unless you'd like to point me to that part of the contract - I can't seem to locate it.

It's stated (and quite well known) that MDR dining is included in your cruise fare (at no surcharge).

[Ma Bell]

I know Ma Bell. We like Celebrity a lot. However it costs more and more and cuts are there, except for suites. We have been exclusive to them since 2011. But .. Will there be a reason to be if all the lines are now the same quality with the same cuts. May as well go with price.

 

I actually think some of posts supporting the cuts and standards can be undermining the brand.

 

Personally we would be okay with smart casual. And I hope with new suite restaurant does not somehow erode the others. In fact, I hope it gets an upgrade.

 

I know, I hate to see the experience diminish for people who don't have either the means to afford a suite or have the loyalty status to get some extra perks. I guess I just shouldn't care because it's not going to affect me but I'm not built that way.

[Ma Bell]

It's stated (and quite well known) that MDR dining is included in your cruise fare (at no surcharge).

 

That's right, it's included with the stipulation that you abide by the dress code. It's the same deal for everyone.

[dbsb3233]

That's right, it's included with the stipulation that you abide by the dress code. It's the same deal for everyone.

We all know that. There's rules all over the ship for ANYTHING you do.

 

But that has nothing to do with what services are INCLUDED with the cruise fare vs what's extra. THAT was the point being made.

 

Ugh. I should know better than to get dragged into a back and forth on this.

Edited March 22, 2015 by dbsb3233

[LetsGetWet!]

It's stated (and quite well known) that MDR dining is included in your cruise fare (at no surcharge).

You mean like it's stated (and quite well known) what the minimum dress code to be allowed to have dinner in the MDR is?

 

What you won't find stated anywhere is that MDR dining is included in your cruise fare no matter what you want to wear to dinner.

 

MDR dining is included in your cruise fare for everyone, as long as you abide by the minimum required dress. If you CHOOSE not to dress according to that minimum dress than you have ALSO chosen to forego the included MDR dinner. Totally your choice. But what's NOT your choice is to say you have a right to an MDR dinner without meeting the stated minimum dress.

[hulamoon]

There are so many ships out there, we are all in one way or the other evaluating what is right for us and our hot buttons. Lol

[nurseact]

I really can't believe how upset people get over what others are wearing, does it really matter or effect your vacation? I have been on many cruises and I can only think of one or two times that what someone else was wearing even crossed my mind. Try enjoying yourself instead of being so pretentious.

[dbsb3233]

You mean like it's stated (and quite well known) what the minimum dress code to be allowed to have dinner in the MDR is?

 

What you won't find stated anywhere is that MDR dining is included in your cruise fare no matter what you want to wear to dinner.

 

MDR dining is included in your cruise fare for everyone, as long as you abide by the minimum required dress. If you CHOOSE not to dress according to that minimum dress than you have ALSO chosen to forego the included MDR dinner. Totally your choice. But what's NOT your choice is to say you have a right to an MDR dinner without meeting the stated minimum dress.

::sigh:: You're missing the whole point.

 

I wasn't referring to the CURRENT dress code, I was offering an idea for how I think it might better serve more people, allowing more people to participate in the MDR dinners they've PAID for without undue burden with their luggage.

 

I get it. Some people don't want it changed (and probably want it rolled back to the stuffy way it was 20 years ago while we're at it). We disagree.

Edited March 22, 2015 by dbsb3233

[LetsGetWet!]

::sigh:: You're missing the whole point.

 

I wasn't referring to the CURRENT dress code, I was offering an idea for how I think it might better serve more people, allowing more people to participate in the MDR dinners they've PAID for without undue burden with their luggage.

 

I get it. Some people don't want it changed (and probably want it rolled back to the stuffy way it was 20 years ago while we're at it). We disagree.

Nope, not missing anything. Yes, we disagree. Celebrity targets a more upscale experience than other lines. There are plenty of cruise lines that target a different experience & clientele. I'm pretty sure that the majority of Celebrity cruisers aren't in favor of the dinner dress being dumbed down. There plenty of other cruise lines that offer that if that's what you're after.

 

You keep emphasizing that you've PAID for your MDR dinner. There are many things which are included at no extra charge, IF you choose to participate and meet the requirements. That includes the MDR if you dress appropriately, your balcony & the casino & other venues if you choose not to smoke, the nightclubs if you meet the age requirement, and many more. Virtually no one partakes of all the things you've PAID for. It depends on what you want, and what you're willing to go along with the rules for.

[LetsGetWet!]

This one of the things that amazes me. Many people came to Celebrity because they had a more upscale cruise experience at a reasonable price. The corporate people take their cue from the people they attract. If people insist on always bringing things down to the minimum thing they can get away with, so will the cruise line. Why give an upscale experience to people who don't care?

I actually think some of posts supporting the cuts and standards can be undermining the brand.

Exactly! Many are drawn to Celebrity for the advertised more upscale experience. So I sure hope those who lobby to have it dumbed down to the lowest common denominator don't prevail. There are plenty of other lines out there that seem to be participating in the "race to the bottom" already.

[dbsb3233]

Nope, not missing anything. Yes, we disagree. Celebrity targets a more upscale experience than other lines. There are plenty of cruise lines that target a different experience & clientele. I'm pretty sure that the majority of Celebrity cruisers aren't in favor of the dinner dress being dumbed down. There plenty of other cruise lines that offer that if that's what you're after.

 

You keep emphasizing that you've PAID for your MDR dinner. There are many things which are included at no extra charge, IF you choose to participate and meet the requirements. That includes the MDR if you dress appropriately, your balcony & the casino & other venues if you choose not to smoke, the nightclubs if you meet the age requirement, and many more. Virtually no one partakes of all the things you've PAID for. It depends on what you want, and what you're willing to go along with the rules for.

Again, you're missing the point. We all know what the guidelines CURRENTLY are. You don't need to keep harping on that over and over. I'm discussing what I think would be a more inclusive way for more people to partake in what they've paid for without tying up limited luggage capacity for clothes that have no other use on the cruise other than to get into the MDR to be served dinner (where their other clothes are normally just fine every other night). That's it. That would be a CHANGE to the guidelines as they currently exist.

 

How this inapt "smoking" thing keeps popping up is just strange. You don't have to bring extra clothes to smoke. Celebrity isn't providing you cigarettes as a benefit of your cruise fare. And most people don't go to nightclubs because they don't like nightclubs. But EVERYONE eats. And not just on "smart casual nights" either. It's a core feature of the cruise fare, not just some "extra" that few people care to partake in.

 

Ugh. I should have known this topic would deteriorate fast. It's the cruise equivalent of politics. :cool:

Edited March 23, 2015 by dbsb3233

[gek]

If you walk into Blu or a Specialty Restaurant on a "Formal Night" you will probably see the vast majority dressed in gear that would easily pass muster in the MDR. This is despite the fact that these restaurants are Smart Casual and Above and people could choose to dress less formally if they wish (which some do).

 

Is the MDR really that much better than other restaurants just because a formal dress code is (sometimes) enforced? If you changed the formal dress code from mandatory to optional would things change much? Personally I don't think so given my experience in Blu and specialty restaurants.

 

It won't happen though because that mandatory dress code is what drives a lot of people to the other options and that makes money for Celebrity.

[zactak]

You look adorable! But I think, just keeping with the dress code, a sport coat a the minimum would be better. He could try it, but I would have a sport coat (or suit and tie) in the ready just in case. That attire looks great for the casual nights. I love bow ties!!!! But go with the solid color shirt . . .

Just read the part where you lost your job . . so sorry! I hope this cruise is extra special and that you are fortunate enough to gain employment soon!!!. Good Luck.

 

 

Well, thank you for the compliment :) I love bow ties too. Actually, I love dressing up and I keep telling my companion that I'm disappointed I won't get to dress up. I really wanted to rent a tux, but I'm sure I'll look dapper either way.

 

I am definitely going to live up this cruise and enjoy it with a job or without :)

[keithm]

I really can't believe how upset people get over what others are wearing, does it really matter or effect your vacation? I have been on many cruises and I can only think of one or two times that what someone else was wearing even crossed my mind. Try enjoying yourself instead of being so pretentious.

The reason is that a lot of pax paid good money & like to dress the occasion. The pax that dress slovenly(shorts & T shirts at dinner)DO take away from that experience. You then get more pax who "try" to test the limits. There are lines(Carnival etc.) that allow shorts in the MDR. I hope that they at least have some sense of decorum to insist on a decent shirt to go with it. I have no desire to sail with a ship load of Onslows! Those that do, can choose a cheesey line or stay home!

[Priya2]

As I said above, I like to dress up. Its a nice change from the routine of day-to-day life where (in the UK at least), people don't even dress up for ballet at the theatre anymore! However, I'd rather share a table with someone casually dressed, but friendly and interesting, than with a patronising, uptight person.

[tip]

And I have no desire to sail with a shipload of Hyacinth's! Those who do could always sail with Cunard;)

Edited March 24, 2015 by tip

[ImaginationCruiseBride]

Exactly! Many are drawn to Celebrity for the advertised more upscale experience. So I sure hope those who lobby to have it dumbed down to the lowest common denominator don't prevail. There are plenty of other lines out there that seem to be participating in the "race to the bottom" already.

 

 

 

I keep reading about the more upscale experience, but we choose our cruises based on the schedule and destination, and I basically see cruising as transportation from port to port....that being said, we are sailing Celebrity to Alaska this spring because it was cheaper than both Carnival and Princess for the exact same itinerary...so if they are trying to provide a more upscale experience they wouldn't have lowered their prices to lower than everybody else's and they wouldn't have thrown in so many perks that we are both sailing for the price of one. Maybe the beloved "snobbish" cruise line that some pine for has realized they would rather have money from more people than please the few. I honestly have no idea why Celebrity is so much cheaper than the others, but they are, and the fact that they are speaks volumes about who they are trying to attract.

[Beanb41]

I keep reading about the more upscale experience, but we choose our cruises based on the schedule and destination, and I basically see cruising as transportation from port to port....that being said, we are sailing Celebrity to Alaska this spring because it was cheaper than both Carnival and Princess for the exact same itinerary...so if they are trying to provide a more upscale experience they wouldn't have lowered their prices to lower than everybody else's and they wouldn't have thrown in so many perks that we are both sailing for the price of one. Maybe the beloved "snobbish" cruise line that some pine for has realized they would rather have money from more people than please the few. I honestly have no idea why Celebrity is so much cheaper than the others, but they are, and the fact that they are speaks volumes about who they are trying to attract.

 

The name of the game is to put 2800 passengers at a profit on their big ships. It is the almighty dollar that speaks volumes not whether Joe Average has a jacket and tie on in the MDR

[GUT2407]

As I said above, I like to dress up. Its a nice change from the routine of day-to-day life where (in the UK at least), people don't even dress up for ballet at the theatre anymore! However, I'd rather share a table with someone casually dressed, but friendly and interesting, than with a patronising, uptight person.

 

 

Yep

[DYKWIA]

 

I actually think some of posts supporting the cuts and standards can be undermining the brand.

 

.

 

The brand Celebrity has chosen is Modern Luxury. Look at their marketing material, no one over 50 , no one in a tuxedo, no signs of bingo or string quartets and piano bars (going by memory on that last one).

 

The reality is somewhat different...whilst the line seems to be pitching to a group of people who may sometimes be described as DINKYS, maybe new cruisers. These are not "onslows" as has beens suggested. The current make up of passengers still on many cruises is very different, much older and many people used to the traditional way of cruising.

[DYKWIA]

 

I actually think some of posts supporting the cuts and standards can be undermining the brand.

 

.

 

The brand Celebrity has chosen is Modern Luxury. Look at their marketing material, no one over 50 , no one in a tuxedo, no signs of bingo or string quartets and piano bars (going by memory on that last one).

 

The reality is somewhat different... The line seems to be pitching to a group of people who may sometimes be described as DINKYS, maybe new cruisers. These are not "onslows" as has beens suggested. The current make up of passengers still on many cruises is very different, much older and many people who are used to the traditional way of cruising and unsurprisingly don't want it to change.

 

The modern luxury tag is a bit of a problem I think, because whilst we've had a fab time with celebrity, unless you're staying in a suite it's more like a floating Marriott hotel, very nice but not luxurious. Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental are hotel brands that exude Modern Luxury to me, not Marriott.

Edited March 24, 2015 by DYKWIA

[Priya2]

The brand Celebrity has chosen is Modern Luxury. Look at their marketing material, no one over 50 , no one in a tuxedo, no signs of bingo or string quartets and piano bars (going by memory on that last one).

 

The reality is somewhat different...whilst the line seems to be pitching to a group of people who may sometimes be described as DINKYS, maybe new cruisers. These are not "onslows" as has beens suggested. The current make up of passengers still on many cruises is very different, much older and many people used to the traditional way of cruising.

It may be worth mentioning that I'm 56 this year and my partner is 63. Much of my youth was spent enjoying Punk and my partner enjoyed the 60s :D We do actually enjoy a piano bar and a string quartet, but IMHO, we're also pretty cool (tolerant, chilled-out and friendly). Ours has no reason to be an intolerant age group, and on our travels, we have met some very unpleasent, intolerant, right wingers who are much younger than us.

 

Also, I don't know what an onslow is (American expression?), but based on context. I'm guessing its insulting. The OP using the term does seem to enjoy insulting others. I think of them as male him and in his 80s, but you never know ;)

[dbsb3233]

I keep reading about the more upscale experience, but we choose our cruises based on the schedule and destination, and I basically see cruising as transportation from port to port....that being said, we are sailing Celebrity to Alaska this spring because it was cheaper than both Carnival and Princess for the exact same itinerary...so if they are trying to provide a more upscale experience they wouldn't have lowered their prices to lower than everybody else's and they wouldn't have thrown in so many perks that we are both sailing for the price of one. Maybe the beloved "snobbish" cruise line that some pine for has realized they would rather have money from more people than please the few. I honestly have no idea why Celebrity is so much cheaper than the others, but they are, and the fact that they are speaks volumes about who they are trying to attract.

I totally agree. While we've only used Celebrity one time so far, I didn't notice them to be any more "upscale" than RCCL, Princess, or NCL. Even Carnival wasn't much different.

 

But just like you, we view cruising more as convenient transportation between ports than anything else. It's simply an easier way to travel and see lots of destinations without checking in and out of hotels constantly, packing and unpacking, shlepping bags around, on and off planes and buses, hunting for restaurants for every meal, etc.

 

I haven't necessarily found the X cruise fares to be any cheaper (although that probably just depends on the destination), but the 321 and SIS promos are certainly better than what most have been offering the last few years. Maybe X was more upscale and exclusive in the past (I really don't know), but clearly they're making an attempt to appeal to a more mainstream clientele now.

 

We choose cruises not by which cruise line we like better, but by itinerary and price.

Edited March 24, 2015 by dbsb3233

[DYKWIA]

 

Also, I don't know what an onslow is (American expression?), but based on context. I'm guessing its insulting. The OP using the term does seem to enjoy insulting others. I think of them as male him and in his 80s, but you never know ;)

 

 

The late great Geoffrey Hughes (came to fame in a British Soap, Coronation Street) but here playing Onslow in BBC's Keeping Up appearances. Some seem to believe that anyone who doesn't want to wear a tux is an Onslow and should clear off to another cruise line.

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2180326/Geoffrey-Hughes-dead-Corrie-actor-68-dies-year-battle-prostate-cancer.html