Interesting read, as always. Haven't cruised since Oct. 2019, Northern Lights. Being a colder weather cruise, late Fall, no overly casual dress. I like to dress up, basically don't care what people wear. I don't take shorter cruises or go to the Caribbean, warm weather cruises. I think things being more casual everywhere have an impact (church, events, graduations, etc.)
What I don't get is the hardline taken about this. I've been cruising since since the 1980s, when formal was formal. People dressed up and cruising was way different. Times have changed, but I still like cruising. If I want to dress nice for dinner every night my choice. If others don't, not a problem. I'm never as dressy as some or as casual as others. I would never wear shorts in a dining room any time of day, capris, yes.
To me, key is, Princess isn't usually enforcing dress codes. Who am I to get upset with what others are wearing? I'm in my 70s, I worry about myself when I travel, especially because I'm alone. Getting upset with others, nope.