Jeans in Dining Room for Dinner?

[SarahDevorah]

So, I knew there would be at least one or two wanting to argue. Thankfully just one or two... here are my answers; 

Murt22: Thank you! I agree. It's not a reason not to book. 
Squawkman: Thank you for the info, as well! Much appreciated. 
Perigrina652: I am not judging... IF you read what I said you will see that this is what I have been told by the friends who have taken Viking Cruises, which was one of my concerns. Rather than judging me for my concern, as you have, people like Murt22 and Squawkman simply addressed my concern. 
As to why I would still book, as Murt put it, this is not a reason not to book. 
Heidi13: As I said, I have taken several cruises, BUT my cruising experience is limited because in my experience there is less adventure to be had on cruises. I prefer adventure tours where you push yourself to your physical limits. Therefore, I have curtailed cruises... they are pleasant and lovely but a little canned. Still, I'd like to take my partner on this cruise. As for being "good citizens," I just could not disagree more! In fact, that very attitude is the only real reason I would not want to book with Viking.This is a vacation! Wearing leggings is not being a bad citizen! Lordy! That is too limited a life view for me. It also seems to me, at least, an uptight, highly-rule bound, mildly elitist view. Judgement? Yes, I suppose so. But you did nail my fear. A ship full of that is not what I want to do. That said, I'm happy to travel with people who believe differently than I do. Just don't shove it down my throat. 
Eggtuary: Thank you as well!! It really does help a lot, and takes the hard-edge off the previous comment by Heidi, making me feel safer to take this cruise.  Much appreciated! 
 

[Jim Avery]

Hi Andy,

I don't think someone who is predisposed to a number of dislikes based, as mentioned, on third party information would care to hear my tales of tuxedos and cocktail dresses or ball gowns strictly enforced after 6pm.  Based on the posters preconceived notions of Viking and the wants expressed it would seem that an open concept no rules sort of line would please her.  Carnival comes to mind or possibly Virgin Cruises.🥃

[CILCIANRQTS]

That settles it - effective immediately the Viking dress code will be “Walmart modern”! 😉😎

[SarahDevorah]

Jim, I hate Carnival. I grew up going to the Palm Court on weekends. I am well-versed in the art of fine everything. And... I don't find it exciting. I find pushing my limits exciting. Carnival is the Walmart of cruiselines. Definitely not exciting. Still, I like the Viking itinerary I found and will continue my booking. This will be the cruise that is either the start of many more, or the one I had to do to know I prefer the thrill of adventure. My early years were filled with string quartets and escargot. I want my late ones filled with something more.

[SarahDevorah]

CILCIANRQTS, I imagine you're being cheeky, superior, and sarcastic, but I still found it funny. As though anyone here knows anything about anyone. Funny how we judge so harshly. 

 

[Breckski]

I understand the rules of Viking, and we certainly abide by them when.  But can someone answer @SarahDevorah's question:  "I'm wondering what the reasoning is"

 

My assumption is that Viking feels passengers would rather not see other passengers in jeans when eating.  But does anyone think I'm missing something.

 

In my experience over the years the dress code at nice restaurants has gotten more and more relaxed.  I live in a ski resort town in Colorado, so dress is pretty casual at restaurants that I'd consider nicer than anything Viking has to offer.

 

[Haqdeluxe]

38 minutes ago, CILCIANRQTS said:

That settles it - effective immediately the Viking dress code will be “Walmart modern”! 😉😎

I'm going to need photo and illustrated examples if expected to fully and properly comply... please 😁

[Haqdeluxe]

50 minutes ago, SarahDevorah said:

Jim, I hate Carnival. I grew up going to the Palm Court on weekends. I am well-versed in the art of fine everything. And... I don't find it exciting. I find pushing my limits exciting. Carnival is the Walmart of cruiselines. Definitely not exciting. Still, I like the Viking itinerary I found and will continue my booking. This will be the cruise that is either the start of many more, or the one I had to do to know I prefer the thrill of adventure. My early years were filled with string quartets and escargot. I want my late ones filled with something more.

String quartets and escargot?  Through some fois gras and toast in... what more could you ask for? 🤔 😄

[Peregrina651]

1 hour ago, SarahDevorah said:

Rather than judging me for my concern,

 

Sorry if that is the way you see it, as judging you personally (which I was not), but I stand by what I said without apology.

 

 

 

 

 

[RMMcC]

I obviously can't speak for Viking but like any business they lay out guidelines for their cruises (casinos, level of entertainment, decor, dress code etc.etc.) so a prospective customer can get a general feel for what to expect if they choose to purchase one of their offerings.  The cruise industry includes a vast range of what is offered for prospective customers and it's up to the "guest" to choose what shipboard experience they prefer.  My wife and I no longer want formal nights/evening cocktail dress/jackets with tie etc so the guidelines helped us choose Viking since we don't mind dressing a bit nicer than our jeans in the evenings ... full disclosure though, we do eat in the World Cafe about half the time and keep our jeans on for the evening.  We honestly have not found that Vikings guidelines in particular attracted snobby or "slightly pretentious" passengers.  Every cruise has a different crowd of course but we have enjoyed most of all fellow passengers and love the ambiance of the ships overall.    

[CurlerRob]

2 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

... I can assure you the average Viking pax is an amateur at elitism. 

 

I don't want to be considered an amateur. I promise to try much harder to demonstrate elitism - honest! 🍺🥌

[CILCIANRQTS]

1 hour ago, SarahDevorah said:

CILCIANRQTS, I imagine you're being cheeky, superior, and sarcastic, but I still found it funny. As though anyone here knows anything about anyone. Funny how we judge so harshly. 

 

Superior is too strong a word, but there is no denying there are classes of people in our society who vary according to the trait being discussed. I was only discussing dress. ✌️

[CILCIANRQTS]

1 hour ago, Haqdeluxe said:

I'm going to need photo and illustrated examples if expected to fully and properly comply... please 😁

https://ruinmyweek.com/trashy/people-of-walmart/

[SarahDevorah]

Thank you CILCIANRQTS. And also RMMmC. It's exactly what I was hoping to hear. As I tried to convey at the beginning, my friends who've travelled with Viking imparted a mixed sort of review that didn't phase me at the time, but now that I'm booking a cruise, started me worrying. One family said "The trip was great but the people were awful!" We've been very lucky to have amazing tours but there was on tour on which many of our tourmates were drunk and obnoxious. After that, I worried more about our immediate envirnronment. Anyway, thank you very much for the reassurance! 

Perrigrina, I feel the same. I found your words cold and bordering unkind. I'd prefer to end our discussion. Thanks for the input though. 

[Haqdeluxe]

41 minutes ago, CurlerRob said:

 

I don't want to be considered an amateur. I promise to try much harder to demonstrate elitism - honest! 🍺🥌

Evidently I'm not doing as good a job at pulling off being an elitist as I thought, 🤔

[Jim Avery]

2 hours ago, SarahDevorah said:

Jim, I hate Carnival. I grew up going to the Palm Court on weekends. I am well-versed in the art of fine everything. And... I don't find it exciting. I find pushing my limits exciting. Carnival is the Walmart of cruiselines. Definitely not exciting. Still, I like the Viking itinerary I found and will continue my booking. This will be the cruise that is either the start of many more, or the one I had to do to know I prefer the thrill of adventure. My early years were filled with string quartets and escargot. I want my late ones filled with something more.

That's my point.  Viking is very quiet and laid back.  Not what I would call "exciting".  And there are string quartets every evening...  No lie.🥃

[Hanoj]

Since “manners maketh the man,” I am relieved to read Viking’s evening dress code is “for gentlemen” and applies for all dining venues, performances and special events (except the World Cafe). Trousers and a collared shirt required (not defined), though jeans (also not defined) are not permitted. So, is a man who wears jeans in the evening were not permitted behaving in an ungentlemanly manner?

 

Anecdotally, I realized when re-reading the dress code ahead of our second VO cruise that I had unwittingly worn jeans to an entertainment venue during our first cruise the year before. We had dressed appropriately for our dinner at Manfredi’s and taken a stroll on the promenade before retiring to our stateroom, or so I thought. While I changed into my jeans, my DW noted the band was playing music we liked in Torshavn so we went and I didn’t think about changing, believing then that the code applied only to the restaurants. We had a great time and it included dancing. I’m happy to report not one guest or staff person said anything or otherwise made conspicuous my dress code impropriety. 

 

The moral of the story? We all make assumptions, often varying, about many things we think others understand in the same way. As a licensed financial professional, I tend towards being conscientious, even to the point of being fastidious. I admit to feeling a bit embarrassed when re-reading the dress code, but I remain grateful this embarrassment didn’t occur that night on the ship from a comment, look or confrontation. I expect the dress code isn’t enforced at the entertainment venues as vigorously as at the restaurants, but it was a pleasant non-issue.

 

What are jeans? Since not defined by Viking, the question is relevant, even if tedious. Jeans historically are considered pants made from denim. First introduced over 150 years ago by Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis, “blue jeans” have become increasingly popular since the 1960’s. Denim jeans are now sold in various shades of blue and many other colors. There are now pants marketed as “jeans” that are made from other fabrics besides denim and in many colors. The common theme among the modern array of pants called “jeans” is their 5-pocket styling, with and without rivets. Some of these pants are made with exactly the same fabric as chinos, the difference only being the pant style, most notably in the pockets design.

 

When pleated trousers (with suits, dress slacks, and chinos) ceased being sold, I began wearing high end pants in the 5 pocket style for business casual purposes (i.e., situations not requiring a tie or jacket). Thus, I consider Viking’s “jeans not permitted” as applying to denim trousers. 

[Mrs Miggins]

Well the Wimbledon Men’s Semifinals were a little tame today so I thought I would find some light relief on the Viking board.  
it is hilarious.  Someone who loves adventure and climbing mountains has friends who have been on a Viking cruise who complain of it being elitist, and disliked their fellow cruising passengers but is going to book anyway.

Could this be a calamity ?  A Viking cruise is not an adventure and nobody climbs mountains.   They go on organised shore excursions, enjoy some lovely places, complain about cobblestones, worry about tipping, and whether a short sleeved Hawaiian shirt is suitable for Manfredi’s!

Surely an expedition ship is the answer.  Of course you have to be fairly elite to afford their prices.




 

[1985rz1]

There's a wide gap between "dressing up" and wearing jeans with a T-shirt. To me, a simple, clean shirt with a collar (i.e. not a T-shirt) and a nice pair of Dockers doesn't seem like dressing up.

Edited July 14, 2023 by 1985rz1

[Breckski]

1 hour ago, Mrs Miggins said:

 A Viking cruise is not an adventure and nobody climbs mountains.   They go on organised shore excursions, enjoy some lovely places, complain about cobblestones, worry about tipping, and whether a short sleeved Hawaiian shirt is suitable for Manfredi’s!

 

 

10 minutes ago, 1985rz1 said:

There's a wide gap between "dressing up" and wearing jeans with a T-shirt. To me, a simple, clean shirt with a collar (i.e. not a T-shirt) and a nice pair of Dockers doesn't seem like dressing up.

 

The dress code is an interesting topic to me and one small item that is likely indicative of numerous policies Viking is contemplating for their future as they expand.  

 

Viking cruises are not an adventure and Dockers are more appropriate for dinner than jeans -  both of these comments seem a little dated to me.  Maybe a valid sentiment of the typical Viking client.  However, I think the under 60 crowd enjoy a bit of adventure in their vacation and likely have a pair of jeans they feel far more presentable than Dockers.  

 

It'll be interesting to see if the younger (relatively speaking) crowd embraces this mindset in a way that allows for expansion or if Viking decides to change their focus a little.  

 

 

 

[Twitchly]

1 hour ago, mwike said:

 

 

The dress code is an interesting topic to me and one small item that is likely indicative of numerous policies Viking is contemplating for their future as they expand.  

 

Viking cruises are not an adventure and Dockers are more appropriate for dinner than jeans -  both of these comments seem a little dated to me.  Maybe a valid sentiment of the typical Viking client.  However, I think the under 60 crowd enjoy a bit of adventure in their vacation and likely have a pair of jeans they feel far more presentable than Dockers.  

 

It'll be interesting to see if the younger (relatively speaking) crowd embraces this mindset in a way that allows for expansion or if Viking decides to change their focus a little.  

 

 

 

Good points. I have often thought this myself. We’re a little younger than the average age we see on Viking cruises, and we definitely skew more informal. I don’t associate jeans or shorts with being too “Carnival” or “Walmart.” (Both terms smell just a teensy bit snobbish to me, frankly.) 

 

But I know that many — most — of the people we cruise with have a more extensive cruising background than we do and are used to a certain formality that comes with cruising, which they enjoy. We respect that. Maybe when we’re both retired we’ll see dressing up as more of an enjoyable event. In the meantime, it’s not like Viking is requiring tuxes and evening gowns. 

As you say, it will be interesting to see what changes the next generation of cruising will bring.

Edited July 15, 2023 by Twitchly

[CILCIANRQTS]

1 hour ago, Twitchly said:

Good points. I have often thought this myself. We’re a little younger than the average age we see on Viking cruises, and we definitely skew more informal. I don’t associate jeans or shorts with being too “Carnival” or “Walmart.” (Both terms smell just a teensy bit snobbish to me, frankly.) 

 

But I know that many — most — of the people we cruise with have a more extensive cruising background than we do and are used to a certain formality that comes with cruising, which they enjoy. We respect that. Maybe when we’re both retired we’ll see dressing up as more of an enjoyable event. In the meantime, it’s not like Viking is requiring tuxes and evening gowns. 

As you say, it will be interesting to see what changes the next generation of cruising will bring.

The Walmart folks are different from you and me.

(With apologies to F. Scott Fitzgerald).

[Heidi13]

12 hours ago, SarahDevorah said:

Heidi13: As for being "good citizens," I just could not disagree more! In fact, that very attitude is the only real reason I would not want to book with Viking.This is a vacation! Wearing leggings is not being a bad citizen! 

 

Wearing legging in an environment where there is no dress code is not an issue. If you don't like Viking's dress code I suggest finding another cruise line that better meets your expectations.

 

[Gracie115]

16 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

You have yet to sail with Viking, hence you are judging them based on the comments of a very small, yet very vocal, percentage of the folks who actually sail on the ships. "Snob" is the last word I would use to describe the Viking guests I have sailed with over the last 13 years. Diverse, yes but snobs, for the most part, no (there are always exceptions).

 

All cruise lines have dress codes. People want guidelines for dress so that they know what to pack and can dress appropriately. Many people just want to fit in. They want to know what they can leave home and what they should plan on packing.

 

 

We are booked on our 1st Viking cruise and wondering, since I know you have a lot of experience with Viking and also that you have done the Egypt trip with them, just how the dress is for dinners on that trip.  Did you find it a bit more casual than other less adventurous trips?  We'd love to be able to pack far less for this since it includes several flights and accommodation changes.  I'm not asking if jeans are being worn as we have no intention of bringing any, the Egypt trip far too warm for jeans in our opinion. 

Edited July 15, 2023 by Gracie115

[SarahDevorah]

Great question Gracie115. Looking forward to hear from the Viking experienced.

Heidi, once again (I've actually said this three times, but I think people only read the equivalent of sound bites these days.) a dress code will never prevent me from booking an intinerary I like a lot. My only concern was the attitude of typical Viking passengers. From this forum, I feel more comfortable. People seem pretty down to earth. Not all, for sure! But most, and that's good enough for me!

Again, to explain... I have some great friends who've sailed with Viking. One family are educated, middle class, and mild in personality - they said it was "nice," and have continued to sail. Another family, closer to me, are highly educated, very wealthy ranch owners but not mild in personality. They loved the tour but hated the passengers who they described as judgmental and snobby. I wanted to gauge the truth. My sense from the answers here, is there's a bit of both. I can live with that.