Regent Dress Code

[pappy1022]

In line once for Compass Rose, I heard the gentleman in front of us being told that a collared shirt was required but the Regent person told him that he couldn’t stop him from being served in CR. It sounded like a suggestion not a hard fast rule. The man’s shirt was very classy and looked expensive and he politely apologized and went and changed his outfit to comply with the dress code. In another situation, there was a different man that didn’t have a collared shirt but he didn’t care. It didn’t bother me but I couldn’t believe the amount of disgusted stares that guy got from other tables. Regent doesn’t seem to want to enforce their rules, so some people will always try to push the envelope. Yes, I am talking to you chair hogs. 

[Gator73]

4 hours ago, pappy1022 said:

In line once for Compass Rose, I heard the gentleman in front of us being told that a collared shirt was required but the Regent person told him that he couldn’t stop him from being served in CR. It sounded like a suggestion not a hard fast rule. The man’s shirt was very classy and looked expensive and he politely apologized and went and changed his outfit to comply with the dress code. In another situation, there was a different man that didn’t have a collared shirt but he didn’t care. It didn’t bother me but I couldn’t believe the amount of disgusted stares that guy got from other tables. Regent doesn’t seem to want to enforce their rules, so some people will always try to push the envelope. Yes, I am talking to you chair hogs. 

Well-said . . . the reason enforcement is lax has no other explanation in my mind than Management has indicated to the front line staff (i.e., Maître d's, host/hostesses, bar staff & servers) that they're at most empowered to mention the dress code to those not in compliance but otherwise are not to make a fuss if someone refuses to comply. [The same applies to the deck & pool bar staff vis chair hogs.]  Personally, this regularly divisive dress-code issue is one Regent needs to diffuse as it impacts the civility & community experienced aboard ship as well as in forae such as these.  And, the only way to diffuse it is either

a) stick with the policy & empower front-line staff to enforce it (that means these employees know Management will unequivocally back them up) letting current & potential future customers know what's expected of them as well as what won't be tolerated, or

b) do away with the policy entirely and hope existing customers who value some basic qualities in evening attire will still remain loyal to the line when "anything goes" varied evening garb becomes the "norm.".

[Dolebludger]

Here are my observations from our Splendor E. Caribbean cruise which ended a dozen or so days ago. 
 

MEN: wear pants not made of denim. It doesn’t matter if the pants are cut like jeans ( patch rear pockets, rivets, etc.) just as long as they aren’t made of denim fabric. Shirts should have collars, worn tucked in or out. Or you can wear a dress “T” shirt with a sports jacket. Wear shoes, of course, but the type doesn’t seem to matter. I wore leather shoes cut like sneakers, and nobody cared. And don’t wear a hat in any dining venue. 
 

WOMEN: wear a dress or pants with a nice top. Shoes, of course, — the exact type doesn’t seem to matter.

 

Even on a longer cruise with “formal optional evenings”, you can still opt for the casual  code, and you’ll have plenty of company.

[pappy1022]

Agree that there are plenty of options within the Regent dress code. It’s not a big deal to bring clothes that are comfortable just for the evening. If you want to dress up, go for it. If you don’t want to dress up just follow the basic rules. No one needs to look up or down at anyone who follows the rules. 

[Archipelago]

So are polo shirts with a sweater okay on an Antarctic cruise for most nights ? Don't mind a coat and tie for formal optional . Just wondering about polo and sweaters . I like that combo but do not want to be turned away or shunned. 

[gb58]

Just now, Archipelago said:

So are polo shirts with a sweater okay on an Antarctic cruise for most nights ? Don't mind a coat and tie for formal optional . Just wondering about polo and sweaters . I like that combo but do not want to be turned away or shunned. 

Absolutely. Whatever gave you the idea they wouldn't be?

[Archipelago]

Okay great ! I dress nice and just want to fit in !

[Pcardad]

3 minutes ago, Archipelago said:

Okay great ! I dress nice and just want to fit in !

If you wear a shirt with a collar, you are fine.

[pappy1022]

15 hours ago, Pcardad said:

If you wear a shirt with a collar, you are fine.

Yep. They care less about the pants and the shoes. I’ve seen people with sneakers but a collared shirt, so they pass the test.

[UUNetBill]

On 4/6/2024 at 9:56 AM, Scout16 said:

Being from West Virginia I have thought about wearing the "national costume", blue denim overalls (no holes, no stains, and unfaded) and a bright plaid collared shirt.  I have not done this yet, but it would be in recognition of my heritage. 

Must be why I'm not welcome back in Parkersburg after a 43-year absence - I don't own overalls nor a bright plaid shirt.  I wear shoes, too.  😄

[UUNetBill]

On 4/7/2024 at 9:47 AM, papaflamingo said:

My two cents.... "why do people care what other people wear?"  Doesn't matter.

When we book Regent we pay to have a total experience.  Part of that is the decorum around the ship. The "promised" experience and decorum includes the dress code. The Dress Code is very  specific for both day and night If you don't want to follow the dress code, find a cruise line that is more in sync with your desired vacation experience.  That's it.  Doesn't matter why I care or even IF I care, what matters is it's Regent's ship and as such it's their right to make whatever rules they want.  When you agree to cruise with them you agree to abide by the rules.  So be an adult and abide by the rules. Not that hard folks. 😏 

Amen, my friend.

[UUNetBill]

I have less of a problem with the relaxed dress expectations in society than I do with people who openly and loudly argue with people enforcing the policies.  Regent's dress code is both relaxed and easy to follow.  

 

When you agree to sail on Regent, you agree to abide by their policies, plain and simple.  If the policy allowed jeans, I'd be fine with jeans.  But if the policy prohibits jeans and you cause a scene because 'there are expensive designer jeans', well, THAT'S when I have a problem with you.  Quit being an ass and go change your pants.

 

Like papaflamingo said - you don't like it, you can choose another line.

[UUNetBill]

PS - threads on dress code, chair hogs, and tipping never disappoint, do they?  🤣

[mnocket]

On 4/11/2024 at 5:50 AM, pappy1022 said:

In line once for Compass Rose, I heard the gentleman in front of us being told that a collared shirt was required but the Regent person told him that he couldn’t stop him from being served in CR. It sounded like a suggestion not a hard fast rule. The man’s shirt was very classy and looked expensive and he politely apologized and went and changed his outfit to comply with the dress code. In another situation, there was a different man that didn’t have a collared shirt but he didn’t care. It didn’t bother me but I couldn’t believe the amount of disgusted stares that guy got from other tables. Regent doesn’t seem to want to enforce their rules, so some people will always try to push the envelope. Yes, I am talking to you chair hogs. 

This aligns with my impression that Regent passengers care a lot more about the dress code than Regent does. 

[NDOMA]

We were on Regent in Japan September of 2023 and I found passengers dressed up more than on Regent Caribbean and Alaska cruises, just like they do in the Mediterranean.   

 

The weather was cool and rainy, and I thought the main dining room was often chilly.  With laundry included, you will likely have space to bring a sports coat or suit jacket in case you feel you need it to keep warm.  

[papaflamingo]

18 hours ago, mnocket said:

This aligns with my impression that Regent passengers care a lot more about the dress code than Regent does. 

  I wont' dare speak for others, but for me and many others who have posted, Regent passengers care more about respect for other Regent, the crew members (who are forced to confront passengers), and fellow passengers, rather than being entitled and selfish and more than happy to put hard working crew members in a position of having to correct them at possible risk of anger and complaints. 

Maybe...JUST MAYBE... if everyone abided by the easy and flexible rules (yes including no smoking on balconies and no lounge hogging) then we wouldn't be having these discussions and the crew wouldn't be put in an uncomfortable situations. 😏 

[Pcardad]

14 minutes ago, papaflamingo said:

  I wont' dare speak for others, but for me and many others who have posted, Regent passengers care more about respect for other Regent, the crew members (who are forced to confront passengers), and fellow passengers, rather than being entitled and selfish and more than happy to put hard working crew members in a position of having to correct them at possible risk of anger and complaints. 

Maybe...JUST MAYBE... if everyone abided by the easy and flexible rules (yes including no smoking on balconies and no lounge hogging) then we wouldn't be having these discussions and the crew wouldn't be put in an uncomfortable situations. 😏 

Agreed, everyone should have the personal honor to adhere to the rules...

[NYC-London]

On 4/15/2024 at 9:47 AM, pappy1022 said:

Yep. They care less about the pants and the shoes. I’ve seen people with sneakers but a collared shirt, so they pass the test.

Guilty as charged with regard to wearing sneakers into Compass Rose, sometimes while also wearing a dress. On more than one occasion, after spending the day walking and exploring a city (one day I exceeded 40,000 steps!), my feet were just too swollen to fit into either my shoes or sandels so it was one of three choices:  1) sneakers, 2) slippers, 3) barefoot.

 

It is on nights like these that I would have preferred a more casual dining option - I know that room service is available which I have utilized on many occasions, but there are some nights where we were scheduled to dine with friends and I would never cancel because my shoes don't fit.

[jjs217]

25 minutes ago, NYC-London said:

Guilty as charged with regard to wearing sneakers into Compass Rose, sometimes while also wearing a dress. On more than one occasion, after spending the day walking and exploring a city (one day I exceeded 40,000 steps!), my feet were just too swollen to fit into either my shoes or sandels so it was one of three choices:  1) sneakers, 2) slippers, 3) barefoot.

 

It is on nights like these that I would have preferred a more casual dining option - I know that room service is available which I have utilized on many occasions, but there are some nights where we were scheduled to dine with friends and I would never cancel because my shoes don't fit.

Bring a pair of bigger shoes.

[NYC-London]

36 minutes ago, jjs217 said:

Bring a pair of bigger shoes.

Are you volunteering extra room in your suitcase? 

[Pcardad]

1 hour ago, NYC-London said:

Guilty as charged with regard to wearing sneakers into Compass Rose, sometimes while also wearing a dress. On more than one occasion, after spending the day walking and exploring a city (one day I exceeded 40,000 steps!), my feet were just too swollen to fit into either my shoes or sandels so it was one of three choices:  1) sneakers, 2) slippers, 3) barefoot.

 

It is on nights like these that I would have preferred a more casual dining option - I know that room service is available which I have utilized on many occasions, but there are some nights where we were scheduled to dine with friends and I would never cancel because my shoes don't fit.

Regent allows alternative footwear for medical issues.

[jjs217]

15 minutes ago, NYC-London said:

Are you volunteering extra room in your suitcase? 

Sorry - no extra room.  I usually bring about 8 pairs of shoes for a two week cruise.  My husband has stopped trying to understand.

[UUNetBill]

1 hour ago, papaflamingo said:

Maybe...JUST MAYBE... if everyone abided by the easy and flexible rules (yes including no smoking on balconies and no lounge hogging) then we wouldn't be having these discussions and the crew wouldn't be put in an uncomfortable situations. 😏 

Is smoking on balconies still a thing?  As a former smoker I'm pretty tuned into the smell of smoke and fortunately I can say I've never smelled balcony smoke in over a hundred nights on Regent.

 

(Of course, having said that I'm guaranteed to have a balcony puffer upwind from me on my next cruise...)

[UUNetBill]

1 hour ago, jjs217 said:

Sorry - no extra room.  I usually bring about 8 pairs of shoes for a two week cruise.  My husband has stopped trying to understand.

I would understand - I'm the shoe person in my family.  I mean, yeah, my wife brings shoes...but I bring SHOES.  She once called me Billmelda Marcos.  I earned that nickname...

[rcandkc]

3 hours ago, UUNetBill said:

Is smoking on balconies still a thing?  As a former smoker I'm pretty tuned into the smell of smoke and fortunately I can say I've never smelled balcony smoke in over a hundred nights on Regent.

 

(Of course, having said that I'm guaranteed to have a balcony puffer upwind from me on my next cruise...)

I have never smelt smoke while on our balcony and I can smell it a mile away.  On our first Regent cruise about 12 years ago, a young couple kept smoking on balcony.  They were warned to stop or they would be put off the ship.  Apparently, they continued one more time.  Security showed up to escort them off.  That got through to them and they were given one more chance. They behaved after that. 
This same couple was proudly showing shots of a whale they took in Juneau with a beautiful blue sky.  Juneau had been rainy all day.  It was a pic of a pic in brochure. 😜