Celebrity Dress Code Discussion Thread

Hi Everyone,

In an effort to create an improved experience regarding Dress Codes, we are trying out a new feature, by creating a "Sticky" thread. This New thread is to be used for all discussions regarding Celebrity's Dress Code policy.

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. This is in lieu of having multiple simultaneous threads containing various discussions. We will combine all new posts and threads to this thread. Please follow our lead and post your questions and comments about Celebrity's Dress Code policies on this thread.

If you have any questions, you are welcome to email us.

Thank you to all for participating in our community !

Sincerely,

Host Andy

Host Walt

Here is the current Celebrity policy (as of October 12, 2014):

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What to Pack

So what do you pack? You'll need three types of clothing-casual or day wear, clothes for sightseeing (this clothing also needs to take into account what excursions you have planned) and evening wear. When you're on the ship or in a port of call, stylish resort wear is fine for everyone. If you're traveling in a warmer climate, this includes walking shorts and polo shirts, swimsuits and cover-ups, lightweight slacks or skirts and a light sweater. For cooler climates, you'll want casual clothing that can be layered. Don't forget to pack a raincoat or umbrella, and perhaps a waterproof hat and gloves. On any Celebrity Cruise it's smart to bring comfortable, rubber-soled shoes, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. And, remember to pack your prescription medications and other personal care items you'll need.

Evening Attire

Evenings aboard Celebrity include two types of dress: "Smart Casual and Above" and "Formal."

"Smart Casual and Above"

Ladies: Skirt or pants (no holes, rips or tears) with a sweater or blouse.

Gentlemen: Pants (no holes, rips or tears) with a sports shirt or sweater. Shirts must have sleeves.

"Formal" attire:

Ladies: Cocktail dress, gown, or a dressy pantsuit.

Gentlemen: Tuxedo, suit or dinner jacket with slacks.

Note: T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps and pool wear are not allowed in the main restaurant or specialty restaurant at any time. Shorts and flip-flops are not allowed in the evening hours. The dress code will be enforced at all restaurants. And guests are asked to follow the "Smart Casual and Above" dress code in the Celebrity Theater for all evening performances.

The daily program, delivered to your stateroom and available at the Guest Relations Desk, will be your guide to the appropriate attire each evening. A casual dress code applies at all times onboard Celebrity Xpedition®.

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Good idea!

The original post should be amended with Celebrity's wording for the Specialty restaurants in that they are Smart Casual every night. The way the Celebrity quote reads makes it sound like there are 2 codes--"Smart Casual and Above and Formal" in "all restaurants." Not a big deal but could confuse some new cruisers.

Thanks!

great idea.

It is very confusing. On our last cruise Formal night was only mandated in the main dining room. Speciality and BLU were Smart casual.

So what is it All formal or just the MDR?

It is very confusing. On our last cruise Formal night was only mandated in the main dining room. Speciality and BLU were Smart casual.

 

So what is it All formal or just the MDR?

Just the MDR.

All specialties and Blu are smart casual and above.

I cannot wait for the serious comments about wanting to wear "designer jeans" or "tailored shorts" for formal nights because they look so classy!

And, Andy, thanks for the sticky! This is a great idea.

Thank you, this is brilliant!

I've backed off from using Cruise Critic in the last 9 months or so because so many threads were getting rather cantankerous, especially on on this subject... on both sides! This is a great step forward. :D

The 32 page cruise book that I downloaded for my November 8th cruise does not say formal in ALL restaurants. It says Smart casual is the accepted dress in speciality and BLU restaurants.

Celebrity does not seemed to be aware of their own dress codes on formal nights.

Most people do not read Cruise Critic and can only go by the Cruise Book that they get from Celebrity. No wonder that there are the same questions each week about dress codes and drink packages and boarding times.

Yes, Andy's message is missing key parts...

"Smart Casual & Above" attire includes:

Ladies: Skirt or pants (no holes, rips or tears) with a sweater or blouse. Gentlemen: Pants (no holes, rips or tears) with a sports shirt or sweater. Shirts must have sleeves.

"Formal" attire includes:

Ladies: Cocktail dress, gown, or dressy pantsuit. Gentlemen: Tuxedo, suit, or dinner jacket with slacks.

The dress code in Celebrity’s specialty restaurants, including Blu, is “Smart Casual & Above” for every night of the cruise, regardless of the evening dress code in the main restaurant.

Note that T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps and pool wear are not allowed in the main restaurant or specialty restaurants at any time. Shorts and flip-flops are not allowed in the evening hours. The appropriate dress code will be enforced at all restaurants. Additionally, you are asked to follow the "Smart Casual & Above" dress code in the Celebrity Theater for all evening performances.

The daily program, delivered to your stateroom and available at the Guest Relations Desk, will be your guide to the correct attire each evening. A casual dress code applies at all time onboard Celebrity Xpedition®.

Yes, Andy's message is missing key parts...

Please reread Andy's post. It includes the actual stated policy issued by Celebrity. See the Celebrity statement: http://www.celebritycruises.com/plan-and-book/before-you-go-getting-ready?tab=before_you_go_getting_ready#before_you_go_getting_ready/plan-and-book/before-you-go-getting-ready%3Fsubtab=true

Also, this is from an article on Cruise Critic:

Celebrity Cruises

The Code: Celebrity's Web site states that you'll need two types of evening clothes for a cruise. Most nights are "Smart Casual and Above," meaning a sport shirt and slacks for men, while women will be comfortable in a skirt or pants and blouse, or casual dress. On "Formal" nights, both men and women may prefer more dressy attire, such as an evening gown for women and a tuxedo or dress suit for men.

Number of Formal Nights: Cruises of four to six nights have one formal night; seven- to 11-night cruises have two, and 12 or more nights have three.

Nightly Casual Option: Casual dining is offered most nights on every cruise, depending upon the itinerary, and is served in the International Marketplace, outdoor grill, the Aquaspa Cafe and Cafe al Bacio & Gelateria.

Written Restrictions and Jeans: T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, tank tops, caps and poolwear are not allowed in the main or specialty restaurants. Shorts and flip-flops are not allowed during evening hours. As long as jeans don't have holes, rips or tears, they are permitted on "Smart Casual and Above" nights.

Please reread Andy's post. It includes the actual stated policy issued by Celebrity. See the Celebrity statement: http://www.celebritycruises.com/plan-and-book/before-you-go-getting-ready?tab=before_you_go_getting_ready

 

Also, this is from an article on Cruise Critic:

 

Celebrity Cruises

The Code: Celebrity's Web site states that you'll need two types of evening clothes for a cruise. Most nights are "Smart Casual and Above," meaning a sport shirt and slacks for men, while women will be comfortable in a skirt or pants and blouse, or casual dress. On "Formal" nights, both men and women may prefer more dressy attire, such as an evening gown for women and a tuxedo or dress suit for men.

 

Number of Formal Nights: Cruises of four to six nights have one formal night; seven- to 11-night cruises have two, and 12 or more nights have three.

 

Nightly Casual Option: Casual dining is offered most nights on every cruise, depending upon the itinerary, and is served in the International Marketplace, outdoor grill, the Aquaspa Cafe and Cafe al Bacio & Gelateria.

 

Written Restrictions and Jeans: T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, tank tops, caps and poolwear are not allowed in the main or specialty restaurants. Shorts and flip-flops are not allowed during evening hours. As long as jeans don't have holes, rips or tears, they are permitted on "Smart Casual and Above" nights.

The link takes you to a getting prepared/travel documents where you have to tab through to packing. If you want a thread that is clear and concise don't post links and quote only half the info. As you can see there have already been questions posed on this here. I would have thought the purpose of this sticky was to make things clear.

The link takes you to a getting prepared/travel documents where you have to tab through to packing. If you want a thread that is clear and concise don't post links and quote only half the info. As you can see there have already been questions posed on this here. I would have thought the purpose of this sticky was to make things clear.

The pertinent part of the Celebrity policy is stated in Andy's post. The link was provided for those who wanted to see the full statement by Celebrity and, as well, in the event that Celebrity changes policy at some future date the link should provide the update.

Hope that helps.

My point. Celebrity site says one thing and the cruise documents say something else.

My point. Celebrity site says one thing and the cruise documents say something else.

This isn't the first time Celebrity has issued ambiguous policy statements. Remember when they first established the new smoking rules? There were three different policy communications issued simultaneously.

Fortunately if a passenger chooses to go with the cruise doc's and the Maitre d' goes with the web site policies, if the issue on ship requires it, the passenger can pull out a copy of the cruise documents.

My point. Celebrity site says one thing and the cruise documents say something else.

Don't worry your cruise documents say the same as the website. I posted the policy direct from the FAQ's not an outdated what to pack link.

Don't worry your cruise documents say the same as the website. I posted the policy direct from the FAQ's not an outdated what to pack link.

I'm not really sure what your problem is unless you dispute Celebrity's statement as quoted by Andy and can be found on Celebrity's website, "[t]he dress code will be enforced at all restaurants."

You quote FAQ's which were also posted by Celebrity and contradicts their policy statement under the planning tab and in the cruise documents.

As Walt said, Celebrity never seems to get any policy statements straight. What really matters, and what this thread is all about, is what the de facto dress code aboard a Celebrity ship really is and how the dress code can be expected to be "enforced."

Take a deep breath and chill.

Remember one thing . Maybe 95 percent of people that cruise only read their cruise documents and would not even know that there is such a thing as Cruise Critic.

HOST ANDY & HOST WALT have provided the correct info as it APPEARS on Celebrity Documentation (Celebrity Website - Already Booked - Before You Go - Packing - Evening Attire). This is the same info that appears in Celebrity's Brochures, as well as in Cruise Docs / Contract, and the FAQs section of the website.

 

So what do you pack? You'll need three types of clothing-casual or day wear, clothes for sightseeing (this clothing also needs to take into account what excursions you have planned) and evening wear. When you're on the ship or in a port of call, stylish resort wear is fine for everyone. If you're traveling in a warmer climate, this includes walking shorts and polo shirts, swimsuits and cover-ups, lightweight slacks or skirts and a light sweater. For cooler climates, you'll want casual clothing that can be layered. Don't forget to pack a raincoat or umbrella, and perhaps a waterproof hat and gloves. On any Celebrity Cruise it's smart to bring comfortable, rubber-soled shoes, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. And, remember to pack your prescription medications and other personal care items you'll need.

 

 

Evening Attire

 

Evenings aboard Celebrity include two types of dress: "Smart Casual and Above" and "Formal."

 

"Smart Casual and Above"

 

Ladies: Skirt or pants (no holes, rips or tears) with a sweater or blouse.

 

Gentlemen: Pants (no holes, rips or tears) with a sports shirt or sweater. Shirts must have sleeves.

 

"Formal" attire:

 

Ladies: Cocktail dress, gown, or a dressy pantsuit.

 

Gentlemen: Tuxedo, suit or dinner jacket with slacks.

 

Note: T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps and pool wear are not allowed in the main restaurant or specialty restaurant at any time. Shorts and flip-flops are not allowed in the evening hours. The dress code will be enforced at all restaurants. And guests are asked to follow the "Smart Casual and Above" dress code in the Celebrity Theater for all evening performances.

 

The daily program, delivered to your stateroom and available at the Guest Relations Desk, will be your guide to the appropriate attire each evening. A casual dress code applies at all times onboard Celebrity Xpedition®. [/Quote]

 

The closing statement above, is the one that Celebrity uses in informing guests on how to determine when what aspects of the Dress Code are in effect, and for what venues.

 

I agree, that it leaves the bit about Smart Casual being a full time option in the Specialty Restaurants out (as well as Blu). And makes no reference to the fact that a Guest could eat in the Buffet or get Room Service and remain in casual wear.

 

But perhaps that is "somewhat intentional" on Celebrity's part

 

Wishing to encourage Pax to change from their Casual / Daywear / Portwear (Celebrity uses all 3 terms as referenced in the FAQs as well) to Smart Casual in the very least for Dinner / Evening aboard... Which coincidentally meshes with what is the stated Dress Code for the Celebrity Theatre:

 

And guests are asked to follow the "Smart Casual and Above" dress code in the Celebrity Theater for all evening performances. [/Quote]

 

Cheers!

Ps... Personally I like the STICKY. I think it makes it quite clear what the expectation is for Celebrity Paxs by Celebrity. If one "chooses" to interpret beyond that (ie go without a tux, suit or dinner jacket) then they should not be all that surprised if a Maitre D tells them they are not dressed appropriately for a venue, as per the Dress Code.

Hopefully that is not Celebrity's "somewhat intentional" intent. I would be hopping mad if I dragged formal wear half way across the world when I was booked in AQ and went to dine in Blu only to find I had no need for the clothing I lugged with me.

When sailing with Celebrity and not in AQ, I follow the code in the MDR, but much happier with moving up the pole with Oceania, Azamara and the like.

The question of the dress code in the specialty restaurants and Blu on formal nights has been hashed out before on these boards. In late December 2012 and early January 2013, there was a long discussion of the issue because several ships were requiring formal wear on formal nights in the specialty restaurants. (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1757572&highlight=dress+code+formal) Using the Wayback Machine, I compared the text of the Packing section on the website posted by Host Andy with the same section as it existed in October 2012. The two Packing sections were identical. Then as now, the dress code FAQ noted that the dress code in the specialty restaurants and Blu was smart casual and above at all times regardless of the dress code in the main restaurant.

Host Andy and another poster asked for clarification from Celebrity. The official Celebrity Cruises poster ("Celebrity Cruises") wrote:

Celebrity Guests,

Our dress code for specialty restaurants remains smart casual for every night of the cruise, regardless of the evening dress code in the Main Dining Room. Thanks to all who have participated and this discourse to make us aware of any inconsistencies. Please keep us updated on the issue.

Thanks

Celebrity Cruises Manager (E.S.P)

(http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=36516897&postcount=167)

A reply on behalf of Mr. Bailey said in part:

Our Specialty Dining Venues onboard have a dress code of Smart Casual or

above. The definition of Smart Casual is as follows. Guest of course can

choose to dress more formally on Formal nights if they so wish.

(http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=36544945&postcount=188)

So in spite of the language in the Packing section, the FAQ on the dress code prevails and officially, Celebrity only requires smart casual and above in specialty restaurants and Blu at all times. Clearly, the Packing section text needs to be modified to bring it into compliance with the Celebrity dress code.

Finally, if you explore each restaurant via the restaurant description section (http://www.celebritycruises.com/onboard-celebrity/cruise-restaurants), all of the specialty restaurants and Blu indicate a smart casual dress code at all times. Only the main restaurant indicates a variable dress code. Its dress code is shown as "Smart Casual and Above most days; Formal Attire on Formal Nights."

Hope this helps.

Dave

Thanks, Dave.

Two rhetorical questions.

1. What do "enforced" and "all" mean in the sentence, "The dress code will be enforced at all restaurants?"

2. What happened to Mr. Bailey's answer, "Our Specialty Dining Venues onboard have a dress code of Smart Casual or above. The definition of Smart Casual is as follows. Guest of course can choose to dress more formally on Formal nights if they so wish.

As always the good folks at Celebrity can't ever get their policy statements to be in synch and clearly the IT folks who manage the Celebrity website have not discussed the content of the site with Mr. Bailey.

Doesn't say much for Celebrity's Customer Relations executives, does it?

Thanks, Dave.

 

Two rhetorical questions.

 

1. What do "enforced" and "all" mean in the sentence, "The dress code will be enforced at all restaurants?"

 

2. What happened to Mr. Bailey's answer, "Our Specialty Dining Venues onboard have a dress code of Smart Casual or above. The definition of Smart Casual is as follows. Guest of course can choose to dress more formally on Formal nights if they so wish.

 

As always the good folks at Celebrity can't ever get their policy statements to be in synch and clearly the IT folks who manage the Celebrity website have not discussed the content of the site with Mr. Bailey.

 

Doesn't say much for Celebrity's Customer Relations executives, does it?

 

 

Not Dave, but the applies to all restaurants is referring to the shorts, flip flops, beach attire. It's just not written very well. As you've noted, their website is a train wreck. They updated their dress code policy to be clearer but didn't touch their what to pack area

Thanks, Dave.

 

Two rhetorical questions.

 

1. What do "enforced" and "all" mean in the sentence, "The dress code will be enforced at all restaurants?"

 

2. What happened to Mr. Bailey's answer, "Our Specialty Dining Venues onboard have a dress code of Smart Casual or above. The definition of Smart Casual is as follows. Guest of course can choose to dress more formally on Formal nights if they so wish.

 

As always the good folks at Celebrity can't ever get their policy statements to be in synch and clearly the IT folks who manage the Celebrity website have not discussed the content of the site with Mr. Bailey.

 

Doesn't say much for Celebrity's Customer Relations executives, does it?

 

 

I take the sentence, "The dress code will be enforced at all restaurants" to mean that Celebrity will require all dinners to comply with the dress code in effect at a particular restaurant on a particular day. Many people think that while Celebrity has no problem defining a dress code, they choose not to enforce it.

I don't understand your second rhetorical question. Help me out. :D

Dave

The group we were with (Aqua Class) all decided to dress formal when it was formal night in MDR even though we were in Blu. All 3 times(2wkcruise). Just because we all liked the fancy part of cruising. My husband and I also dress up for Tuscan and Murano, again because it's nice to dress up! It seems to me the and above part of the description means dressing up is okay. Our world at home is so casual we don't mind being fancy on the cruise!

Always dress up for formal but I am sure that Celebrity enforces nothing. It was even very casual about using the hand sanitiser when entering restaurants and dining areas.