Celebrity Dress Code Discussion Thread

[gek]

Wouldn't you say that allowing smart casual on formal night is an oxymoron? That would just be eliminating formal night. Then begins the battle for casual instead of smart casual. By the way, most people do behave a bit differently when they're all dressed up. It's just human nature.

 

It's no more an oxymoron than the term "Smart Casual AND ABOVE". On formal nights the "and above" part could be emphasised and encouraged but not made mandatory.

 

When people get dressed up I find that the fluids they consume have a much bigger impact on how they behave than their clothes. Being dressed up certainly doesn't seem to mitigate drunken behaviour. In fact most times it just makes it a bit worse. I've seen some pretty horrible things at formal work Christmas parties in my time.

[dbsb3233]

After seven or eight years of using my wife's CC account, I thought I should open one of my own, especially for this topic.

 

There was a time I packed a tux and the ridiculous accompanying shoes for each cruise we did. As we've learned (and sometimes been required) to pack less and lighter, the tux became an unwanted burden. On our six-week cruise, with a large number of formal nights, it made sense to pack a tux, but otherwise, it did not.

 

I'm retired now, but for most of my career I wore a coat and tie daily. A tux, while a step upscale, feels like work clothing to me. We've recently cruised several times on Azamara. There are no formal nights on Azamara ships, but there is smart casual, with even a tie (one of fashion's most absurd creations) thrown in occasionally. Maybe the clientele is different, but I've not observed boorish, loutish behavior due to the lack of tuxedos and gowns in the MDR.

 

I understand, slacks and a sport coat will meet the MDR requirements for "formal" dress (I think), but wished to express my opinion (which many here share, and many do not) that continuing a formal night, especially when passengers may have several weeks of non-cruising travels coupled with a cruise, and need luggage space for non-cruise activities, is silly.

Well said. For many of us, this isn't an issue of us being "slobs" and not liking to dress up, it's simply a luggage issue. I too worked a job where I wore a suit for many years. I don't mind dressing up. But when on a 14-day cruise with another handful of days in hotels on each end, the 3-4 lbs that a jacket and dress shoes takes up IS a significant displacement of other items to bring and souvenirs to take home.

 

Yes, it's possible to do laundry on the ship (for a hefty price). Yes, we can pay extra to go to a specialty restaurant instead. Yes, we can settle for another self-serve buffet meal like we're already tired of from breakfasts and lunches. (Room service isn't even an option for 2-4 people, IMO). But the point is, it's settling. And it seems silly that the clothes that are perfectly acceptable for 11 of 14 nights in the MDR aren't acceptable the remaining 3 nights.

 

For a 7-day cruise, no big deal. We have enough luggage space to bring jacket and extra shoes. But for a longer cruise we go through this exercise everytime trying to decide if we can "get by" with smart casual on formal nights or not. We bring slacks, dress shirt, and tie (they don't weigh much). It's the jacket and shoes that weigh the most and seem extraneous.

 

Maybe before our next long cruise we'll just stop into a Men's Warehouse and buy the cheapest, thinnest, lightest black sports jackets we can find for cruise purposes only, because this issue gets really annoying to deal with over and over. :cool:

[vulcan1971]

It always seemed backwards to me to pay extra to NOT dress formal.

 

I always thought it made more sense for the high end resturants (Murano, Tuscan, etc) to have the fancier dress codes, not the routine restaurant that's included with your cruise fare (the MDR). In the real world, the more expensive the restaurant, the fancier the dress (usually).

 

But of course, this way they probably get more people paying extra than they would the other way around. They're OK creating restrictions to drive people away from the "free" restaurant but not the ones that generate revenue.

 

Given that cover prices for restaurants are higher than in the past and passengers have commented here in various other threads that this would drive them away from going as often (or at all), I don't see the specialty dining venues any less busy now than I did 5 years ago. However, I think that if there were "formal" nights in specialty dining venues, I can guarantee you will see a drop in customer reservations. Who in their right mind would pay extra to dress up and eat?? That said, I don't think that the ship is engaging in mass collusion to motivate folks to pay for dinner just to avoid formal nights.

 

The "Smart Casual" dress code is a real trend on land and in many upscale or fine dining establishments. If the dress code on Celebrity changes, I will follow its requirements, whatever they are, or make alternate dining arrangements.

[gek]

It's kind of like someone who doesn't enjoy wine booking a party at a wine bar.

 

 

Unless of course that wine bar has really great food, a great no-smoking policy, great staff and is located in a very convenient location.

[vulcan1971]

People who make decisions about what to pack (or not to pack) because they don't have enough space in their luggage are the same folks that won't pay for an "extra bag fee" or decide to not use some ship laundry services because it's deemed "too expensive".

 

I choose to use ship laundry services (sparingly) so I don't need to take a second suitcase and I don't need to over-pack the one checked bag I am taking.

 

Sometimes, I choose to book Aqua Class to eat in Blu.

 

Sometimes, I choose to dine in specialty restaurants to avoid formal nights.

 

Sometimes, I eat in the Oceanview on formal nights.

 

Everybody has choices... and everybody makes a choice. Choosing to NOT follow dress code means you choose not to eat in the MDR on formal nights.

[dbsb3233]

I would tend to agree with you, but unfortunately most of the people coming here to discuss what's ACTUALLY allowed in practice are setting the stage (purposefully or otherwise) for lowering the dress standard by talking about preferences and occasional sightings of inappropriate attire in the MDR. Since no person is on every cruise of every ship all year long, it's a gross generalization to say that trends are forming from the few comments that come back here.

 

The amount of luggage a person chooses to travel with (and what they choose to pack) is a personal choice and should have no bearing on the dress code of any particular cruise line. Luggage space is only as "limited" as you choose to make it.

 

...

 

This thread was made a "STICKY" by forum moderators for a reason. It was intended to be a place for people to come to and get information (not opinion or "preferences"). Each person can have their own "preference" for what they will or won't pack. However, it shouldn't be a "preference" to decide if/when you will or will not follow the cruise line code of conduct, crew directives/guidelines, or stated dress codes as they pertain to the different venues (including the MDR).

Hmmm, we seemed to have shifted from mostly agreement to a lot more disagreement in this reply. ;)

 

Here's the direction the host gave us in the first post of this thread:

 

"We have established this thread, as the "go to" thread for all discussions pertaining to Celebrity Cruise Line's Dress Code policies. This thread is intended to make it easier for all Cruise Critic members to discuss current policies and any future changes."

 

Maybe we're interpreting that differently, but "current and any future changes" sure seems to allow for discussion of future changes we'd like to see (i.e. opinions and preferences).

 

And while the amount of luggage one chooses to bring is a technically a choice, it's similar to the "choice" of paying extra to eat at a specialty restaurant. The common limit allowed for international air travel is 1 suitcase and one carry-on. Yes, you can pay extra (like $150 RT) for each extra bag. Yes, you can try to find a spot for more than 2 suitcases in a stateroom (good luck). Yes, you can hire people to lug your bags around that you can't handle on your own (which is effectively one suitecase + one carry-on to fit on top). But as a practical matter, most people don't do those things and don't WANT to do those things. The standard is one 50 lb suitcase + one carry-on.

[dbsb3233]

Who in their right mind would pay extra to dress up and eat??

Just look at restaurants on land. How many upscale (formal dress) restaurants have have $ or $$ prices? Virtually none. The formal dress restaurants are usually the $$$$ or $$$$$ ones.

[vulcan1971]

And while the amount of luggage one chooses to bring is a technically a choice, it's similar to the "choice" of paying extra to eat at a specialty restaurant. The common limit allowed for international air travel is 1 suitcase and one carry-on. Yes, you can pay extra (like $150 RT) for each extra bag. Yes, you can try to find a spot for more than 2 suitcases in a stateroom (good luck). Yes, you can hire people to lug your bags around that you can't handle on your own (which is effectively one suitecase + one carry-on to fit on top). But as a practical matter, most people don't do those things and don't WANT to do those things. The standard is one 50 lb suitcase + one carry-on.

 

Yes, I am aware of the costs... and, like you, I pack in a similar way that is "practical" such that I am physically capable of handling my luggage on my own without extra or "paid" assistance.

 

I usually pack one checked bag (according to whatever weight limit applies to me) and 1 carry-on bag. I choose to fill it with what I know I will use and choose to do laundry to address not being able to pack more clothes.

[LijeBaley]

And while the amount of luggage one chooses to bring is a technically a choice, it's similar to the "choice" of paying extra to eat at a specialty restaurant. The common limit allowed for international air travel is 1 suitcase and one carry-on. Yes, you can pay extra (like $150 RT) for each extra bag. Yes, you can try to find a spot for more than 2 suitcases in a stateroom (good luck). Yes, you can hire people to lug your bags around that you can't handle on your own (which is effectively one suitecase + one carry-on to fit on top). But as a practical matter, most people don't do those things and don't WANT to do those things. The standard is one 50 lb suitcase + one carry-on.

 

Absolutely right! While I am fortunate with a suite to have alternative dining choices, many do not without paying extra for them. It is so facile to suggest bringing extra luggage. That is not the way I, and I suspect most of us, now travel. Not only are there the added costs in fees and tips (which could make that formal MDR experience quite expensive), it is sometimes impossible to bring extra luggage. Last year I followed a two-week European river cruise with a ten-day cycling tour of Sicily. This year, a 12-day cycling tour of France will be preceded by a two-week Celebrity cruise and five days in London. Not only am I packing cycling shoes, pedals and spandex (!) in addition to the normal clothing required, but the cycling tour operators limit me to ONE suitcase and ONE carry-on.

 

If Azamara's ships can maintain a level of decorum without requiring passengers to play "dress-up," as though they were either in a James Bond movie or reliving their high-school prom, why can't Celebrity? Mind you, I said a "level of decorum." Flip flops and wife-beater shirts are not what I'm advocating. I would like to see a end to the pretense that we're in the casino at Monte Carlo.

Edited March 25, 2015 by LijeBaley

[GazW]

...Who in their right mind would pay extra to dress up and eat??...

 

I know this quote was commented on previously...but is that a serious question? So you pay extra to dress down??

 

That I did not know. Maybe that's another revenue stream for Celebrity, You can come into the MDR on Formal night in your wife-beater - $20 - and $10 for the shorts....

[Host Walt]

...Here's the direction the host gave us in the first post of this thread:

 

"We have established this thread, as the "go to" thread for all discussions pertaining to Celebrity Cruise Line's Dress Code policies. This thread is intended to make it easier for all Cruise Critic members to discuss current policies and any future changes."

 

Maybe we're interpreting that differently, but "current and any future changes" sure seems to allow for discussion of future changes we'd like to see (i.e. opinions and preferences)...

This is correct. Our intention was to consolidate all discussions into a single thread, which has happened, but not to limit the discussion to any particular elements.

[vulcan1971]

I know this quote was commented on previously...but is that a serious question? So you pay extra to dress down??

 

 

My comment/question was rhetorical in nature.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone 6 Plus on the T-Mobile 4G LTE Network using Tapatalk Pro

[tip]

...If Azamara's ships can maintain a level of decorum without requiring passengers to play "dress-up," as though they were either in a James Bond movie or reliving their high-school prom, why can't Celebrity? Mind you, I said a "level of decorum." Flip flops and wife-beater shirts are not what I'm advocating. I would like to see a end to the pretense that we're in the casino at Monte Carlo.

 

Thank you, very well said.

 

Now the pro-formal folks will most certainly disagree.

[GazW]

My comment/question was rhetorical in nature.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone 6 Plus on the T-Mobile 4G LTE Network using Tapatalk Pro

Aah. I apologise for misinterpreting the nuance.

[flames9]

Some people have used cruise ships to facilitate part of a move..lots of luggage!!

[elena7seas]

Absolutely right! While I am fortunate with a suite to have alternative dining choices, many do not without paying extra for them. It is so facile to suggest bringing extra luggage. That is not the way I, and I suspect most of us, now travel. Not only are there the added costs in fees and tips (which could make that formal MDR experience quite expensive), it is sometimes impossible to bring extra luggage. Last year I followed a two-week European river cruise with a ten-day cycling tour of Sicily. This year, a 12-day cycling tour of France will be preceded by a two-week Celebrity cruise and five days in London. Not only am I packing cycling shoes, pedals and spandex (!) in addition to the normal clothing required, but the cycling tour operators limit me to ONE suitcase and ONE carry-on.

 

If Azamara's ships can maintain a level of decorum without requiring passengers to play "dress-up," as though they were either in a James Bond movie or reliving their high-school prom, why can't Celebrity? Mind you, I said a "level of decorum." Flip flops and wife-beater shirts are not what I'm advocating. I would like to see a end to the pretense that we're in the casino at Monte Carlo.

 

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I really wish that people could put forward their own opinions without stooping to make disparaging remarks directed at people who hold a different opinion.

[LijeBaley]

It is my opinion that I'm being required to play "dress-up," as though I was in a James Bond movie, or reliving my high school prom, if I want to dine in the MDR on formal nights. It is also my opinion, and my opinion only, that this is indeed a silly bit of "pretend."

 

I do not see that those opinions disparage people who don't believe tuxedos, gowns and dinner jackets are a silly pretense.

[Got2Cruise]

I'm will be a first time Celebrity Cruiser this summer. Got a very good deal for Summit to Bermuda. My opinion is that if Celebrity wants to stay in business and stay relevant they will need to drop the mandatory formal dress. I have to say the Onslow comments had me LOL. There is a huge difference between dressing like a slob and being dressed respectfully yet not in a tuxedo. Folks need to realize the year is 2015 not 1985. In the end if Celebrity thinks they will make more money and attract more customers by relaxing the dress code, they will.

[tazmancruiser]

I like to dress up . I wear a suit, sometimes nice sport coat tie or rent tux. Wife always looks nice.

We do pack light on the plane. With price increases and learning what to bring and not to bring on a cruise you get smarter after years of cruising.

I think some of the remarks have gotten a little nasty.

You are on vacation, enjoy, have a good time.

[Priya2]

I like to dress up . I wear a suit, sometimes nice sport coat tie or rent tux. Wife always looks nice.

We do pack light on the plane. With price increases and learning what to bring and not to bring on a cruise you get smarter after years of cruising.

I think some of the remarks have gotten a little nasty.

You are on vacation, enjoy, have a good time.

Well said :)

[LetsGetWet!]

After seven or eight years of using my wife's CC account, I thought I should open one of my own, especially for this topic.

 

There was a time I packed a tux and the ridiculous accompanying shoes for each cruise we did. As we've learned (and sometimes been required) to pack less and lighter, the tux became an unwanted burden. On our six-week cruise, with a large number of formal nights, it made sense to pack a tux, but otherwise, it did not.

 

I'm retired now, but for most of my career I wore a coat and tie daily. A tux, while a step upscale, feels like work clothing to me. We've recently cruised several times on Azamara. There are no formal nights on Azamara ships, but there is smart casual, with even a tie (one of fashion's most absurd creations) thrown in occasionally. Maybe the clientele is different, but I've not observed boorish, loutish behavior due to the lack of tuxedos and gowns in the MDR.

 

I understand, slacks and a sport coat will meet the MDR requirements for "formal" dress (I think), but wished to express my opinion (which many here share, and many do not) that continuing a formal night, especially when passengers may have several weeks of non-cruising travels coupled with a cruise, and need luggage space for non-cruise activities, is silly.

Just an observation, no more no less. I just found your choice of profile pictures interesting given your opinion expressed above! :)

[LetsGetWet!]

requiring passengers to play "dress-up," as though they were either in a James Bond movie or reliving their high-school prom

Ah, and he has to degenerate into the insults for those who disagree... :rolleyes:

It is my opinion that I'm being required to play "dress-up," as though I was in a James Bond movie, or reliving my high school prom, if I want to dine in the MDR on formal nights. It is also my opinion, and my opinion only, that this is indeed a silly bit of "pretend."

 

I do not see that those opinions disparage people who don't believe tuxedos, gowns and dinner jackets are a silly pretense.

Hmm, ok. Then it is my opinion that those who talk about tuxedos, gowns and dinner jackets being a silly pretense, but then use a picture of themselves in a tux for their profile picture - are obviously off the chart "silly." But hey, its just my opinion and I don't see that that opinion disparages you. ;)

Edited March 26, 2015 by LetsGetWet!

[nuvibeJaiy]

Cruising Summit and see X website states no shorts or flip flops in the evening on the "ship". Is this an enforced rule? What if I'm at the pool? Does no one "dress down/day causal" in the evenings? Being forced to wear, what I call Business Casual, in the evenings defeats the purpose of a vacation. I do understand dressing for a nice plated dinner setting, but that's it.

 

Please advice as I'm practically buying a new wardrobe for this cruise and not liking it.

[gek]

Cruising Summit and see X website states no shorts or flip flops in the evening on the "ship". Is this an enforced rule? What if I'm at the pool? Does no one "dress down/day causal" in the evenings? Being forced to wear, what I call Business Casual, in the evenings defeats the purpose of a vacation. I do understand dressing for a nice plated dinner setting, but that's it.

 

Please advice as I'm practically buying a new wardrobe for this cruise and not liking it.

 

This is a common misconception. The no shorts or flip-flops rule refers only to the restaurants (and perhaps the theatre). It is most certainly not enforced anywhere else.

[tunaman2011]

Cruising Summit and see X website states no shorts or flip flops in the evening on the "ship". Is this an enforced rule? What if I'm at the pool? Does no one "dress down/day causal" in the evenings? Being forced to wear, what I call Business Casual, in the evenings defeats the purpose of a vacation. I do understand dressing for a nice plated dinner setting, but that's it.

 

Please advice as I'm practically buying a new wardrobe for this cruise and not liking it.

 

Greetings

 

You will find plenty of casually dressed cruisers in the casino and at the bars. You can also dine at the buffet, Bistro on Five and probably at the Lawn Club (only on Silly and Reflection). The theater is listed as "smart casual" but if you enter via the uppermost deck and stay in the "nosebleed" section you probably won't be noticed.

 

Good Sailing

Tom