Dress Attire for non formal nights

[CruiseTobey]

 

My response:

 

No frustration here.

 

1. Tell RCCL you don't want to pay the cruise fare but still want to eat in their "elegant" MDR - let's see what happens.

 

1. See response #2

 

 

2. Please tell me what "hotel or inn" you stay at where the "host" allows you to stay for free.

 

2. One may charge for accomodations and still be considered one's "host" (see definitions and note terms "inn, hotel and commercially". Why do you think the ships officer is called the Hotel Director?).

 

 

 

3. If you have read past posts, you would realize that my signature is a satirical condemnation of some other contributors to this message board, not my personal feelings.

 

3. My bad. Your responses led me to believe that you advocated same. Guess I read to much into them.

 

Finally:

 

 

For the record, I DO NOT condone wearing shorts in the MDR. I do, however, feel it is not the place of anyone to question what another chooses to do. If an individual truly wanted to wear shorts in the MDR and RCCL allows it, what is the big deal? It's not up to the passengers to set and enforce their own preconceived ideas of what is or is not appropriate. The best policy is to mind your own business and let others do the same.

 

Read my original post. I'm not trying to "set" or "enforce anything. I am merely pointing out that the core issue is Manners or lack thereof. And why shouldn't I point that out? After all the fate of civilization is at stake!

 

Bon Voyage to all!

 

 

Point taken. I also believe that one should follow what is expected of them in a given situation. It is for that very reason that I do not eat in the MDR, as my wife and I do not care to play dress up while on vacation. I wear suits several times a week in my real life and prefer not to do so when I'm on vacation. I understand that getting dressed up for dinner is a big deal to some, and I don't want to be the one to ruin the fantasy.

 

Just so you know I am not completely uncouth, I ALWAYS remove my baseball cap when eating in the Windjammer. Sure, I notice that other men may not do so, but that doesn't ruin my experience. Either that person doesn't know any better or just doesn't care - either way it's not my concern.

 

I appreciate the varied opinions put forth on this board. I just wish some weren't so condescending and arrogant when it comes to trampling on the affairs of others. It's YOUR vacation - don't let the actions (or lack thereof) of others ruin it for you!

 

Have a good one Traveler.

[WhansaMi]

I am not normally a rule follower but that is the rebel in me but if I have to wear long pants I begrudgingly/unhappily will and then change right after dinner for the night

 

First of all, I'm amused to see the thread I have come to both love and hate on the HAL board being replayed here on the RCCL board.

 

To avoid making the curious amongst you exert the energy to try to find my 4,763,983 previous posts on this topic, I will summarize my perspective:

 

I generally don't even notice what people wear, as long as their "bits" aren't falling out. I tried, on the Prinsendam, to keep some sort of count to report back to the next group, but kept forgetting. :-D

 

IMO, even those young ladies (and sometimes not so young ladies) who tend to expose all their bits should have a right to, as long as Larry Flint's photographer isn't hovering around them with 14 high intensity lights or a guy who looks uncannily like John Holmes isn't waiting in the wings.

 

I once set off an entire wave of disgust on the HAL boards by describing my lovely flowing designer dress, silk shawl and <gasp> Birkenstocks. Literally years later, I discovered one long time poster referred back to it, with much vitriol.

 

However, on HAL, the guidelines were *guidelines*, not rules. This will be my first RCCL cruise, so I don't know the truth of it first hand, but, if the *rule* is no shorts at dinner, I would probably expect my family to follow the rule, barring any compelling reason that isn't possible (like lost luggage, or having a leg in a cast, etc.)

 

That said, we always like the non-conformists, so, if you decide to challenge the rules, you are welcome at our table. We may be wearing long pants, but we don't judge others for not. ;-)

 

A question for RCCL previous passengers: another source of contention on HAL was that the entire night was "formal night", and the guidelines recommended that you remain in formal wear through the evening, in all public areas. This did not sit well with me (and, the were *guidelines* remember!) so immediately after dinner I headed upstairs to change into more comfortable clothing for the show or casino, etc. What generally happens in RCCL ships? Do most people remain in formal wear all evening? Do most change? Half and half? I don't know if I will change what I do, but it would be nice to be prepared.

[WhansaMi]

This question came up last week on the allure during an officer ask and answer session, and the head of that department said the guidelines are that, just guidelines, and the will not turn away anyone who wants a meal. After a little banter with the person asking why the guidelines are not enforced, the officer made it clear this policy of letting people wear what they want is not changing anytime soon. So, bottom line wear whatever makes you happy. If it spoils someone else's dinner, they have greater issues to deal with, that won't be solved by you wearing a suit.

 

There we go. The definitive answer, by those in the know.

 

Thank you!

[pthree]

I guess its up to the cruisers. Most nights I stayed in my dress I wore to dinner, with the exception of formal nights. I made sure that my attire was comfortable enough for me to have on for the rest of the evening.

 

What generally happens in RCCL ships? Do most people remain in formal wear all evening? Do most change? Half and half? I don't know if I will change what I do, but it would be nice to be prepared.

[traveling1969]

"Have a good one Traveler."

 

And you as well:).

[dvond]

First of all, I'm amused to see the thread I have come to both love and hate on the HAL board being replayed here on the RCCL board.

 

To avoid making the curious amongst you exert the energy to try to find my 4,763,983 previous posts on this topic, I will summarize my perspective:

 

I generally don't even notice what people wear, as long as their "bits" aren't falling out. I tried, on the Prinsendam, to keep some sort of count to report back to the next group, but kept forgetting. :-D

 

IMO, even those young ladies (and sometimes not so young ladies) who tend to expose all their bits should have a right to, as long as Larry Flint's photographer isn't hovering around them with 14 high intensity lights or a guy who looks uncannily like John Holmes isn't waiting in the wings.

 

I once set off an entire wave of disgust on the HAL boards by describing my lovely flowing designer dress, silk shawl and <gasp> Birkenstocks. Literally years later, I discovered one long time poster referred back to it, with much vitriol.

 

However, on HAL, the guidelines were *guidelines*, not rules. This will be my first RCCL cruise, so I don't know the truth of it first hand, but, if the *rule* is no shorts at dinner, I would probably expect my family to follow the rule, barring any compelling reason that isn't possible (like lost luggage, or having a leg in a cast, etc.)

 

That said, we always like the non-conformists, so, if you decide to challenge the rules, you are welcome at our table. We may be wearing long pants, but we don't judge others for not. ;-)

 

A question for RCCL previous passengers: another source of contention on HAL was that the entire night was "formal night", and the guidelines recommended that you remain in formal wear through the evening, in all public areas. This did not sit well with me (and, the were *guidelines* remember!) so immediately after dinner I headed upstairs to change into more comfortable clothing for the show or casino, etc. What generally happens in RCCL ships? Do most people remain in formal wear all evening? Do most change? Half and half? I don't know if I will change what I do, but it would be nice to be prepared.

 

Most people change for rest of the evening, you will not feel like an outcast for having shorts on after dinner

[Bakincakes]

Those who can muster up the energy to dress in formal wear usually change after dinner, unless of course, they head directly to a show or perhaps the casino.

 

Others just continue to wear whatever they managed to put on to have dinner.

[BeachChik]

This question came up last week on the allure during an officer ask and answer session, and the head of that department said the guidelines are that, just guidelines, and the will not turn away anyone who wants a meal. After a little banter with the person asking why the guidelines are not enforced, the officer made it clear this policy of letting people wear what they want is not changing anytime soon. So, bottom line wear whatever makes you happy. If it spoils someone else's dinner, they have greater issues to deal with, that won't be solved by you wearing a suit.

 

This should be posted in every thread about dress codes.

[Kim Fontaine]

Some styles of cargo pants are made in the zip offs: carry in a back pack the zip off portion: if stopped at the entrance of MDR... pullout the zip off portion and proceed to zip them on holding up the line while you do it: 'There! does that pass inspection now/" :

On the other hand if you really must wear 'shortstyle gear, why not buy men's Clam diggers: usually tied with a rope and cut to hang halfway between calf and knee:LOL

I'm a gal: I have to wear a brace over my left foot and ankle: I always wear long pants to cover the brace and horrible looking shoes that require inserts. Wish my problem was as simple as can i or can't I wear shorts:(

 

We are cruising on the Westerdam just before Christmas: I bet no one stops me and asks why I am not wearing 'formal attire" as i gimp across the floor;) Enjoy your up coming cruises: I plan to:)

[kropkat87]

First of all, I'm amused to see the thread I have come to both love and hate on the HAL board being replayed here on the RCCL board.

 

To avoid making the curious amongst you exert the energy to try to find my 4,763,983 previous posts on this topic, I will summarize my perspective:

 

I generally don't even notice what people wear, as long as their "bits" aren't falling out. I tried, on the Prinsendam, to keep some sort of count to report back to the next group, but kept forgetting. :-D

 

IMO, even those young ladies (and sometimes not so young ladies) who tend to expose all their bits should have a right to, as long as Larry Flint's photographer isn't hovering around them with 14 high intensity lights or a guy who looks uncannily like John Holmes isn't waiting in the wings.

 

I once set off an entire wave of disgust on the HAL boards by describing my lovely flowing designer dress, silk shawl and <gasp> Birkenstocks. Literally years later, I discovered one long time poster referred back to it, with much vitriol.

 

However, on HAL, the guidelines were *guidelines*, not rules. This will be my first RCCL cruise, so I don't know the truth of it first hand, but, if the *rule* is no shorts at dinner, I would probably expect my family to follow the rule, barring any compelling reason that isn't possible (like lost luggage, or having a leg in a cast, etc.)

 

That said, we always like the non-conformists, so, if you decide to challenge the rules, you are welcome at our table. We may be wearing long pants, but we don't judge others for not. ;-)

 

A question for RCCL previous passengers: another source of contention on HAL was that the entire night was "formal night", and the guidelines recommended that you remain in formal wear through the evening, in all public areas. This did not sit well with me (and, the were *guidelines* remember!) so immediately after dinner I headed upstairs to change into more comfortable clothing for the show or casino, etc. What generally happens in RCCL ships? Do most people remain in formal wear all evening? Do most change? Half and half? I don't know if I will change what I do, but it would be nice to be prepared.

 

I did notice the first formal night EVERYONE seemed dressed to the nines all evening long. We ate in the WJ (just got back yesterday). It was all I could do to get DH to dress up for the last formal night. But by then he was all into the MDR! Tho he would have been happy to eat in the WJ every night I told him please NO. The 2nd formal night not as many were dressed into the night-so I don't know if that means not as many went or they changed clothes. I never heard of this wearing the formal wear all evening long wherever you went on the ship. We did change clothes after dinner since I felt terrible keeping DH in his full suit all night and my waist band was pretty tight after eating! I also felt under dressed just being on the ship in shorts with everyone in formal attire-at least it felt like everyone was that first formal night.

 

I myself think I would feel terrible in shorts in the MDR. We were "allowed" to eat there the first night due to no luggage yet but again I felt very under dressed. DH said he felt just FINE. He is of the opinion what does it matter what you wear. Plus we have lived in FL for 16 years-there is almost no dress code anywhere!

 

It was a wonderful cruise no matter what anyone wore.

[JKHawaii]

This is directly from the Royal Caribbean website:

 

"Remember, shorts, T-shirts, and bathing suits are not considered appropriate attire in the dining rooms at dinner. Casual dress dining is available nightly in the Windjammer Cafe. And be aware you'll also need smart casual attire for some of our specialty restaurants."

 

Now, as was pointed out, you can wear shorts and most people will not mind. A few people might point and laugh, but that's their problem. We don't want you throwing a trantrum in front of your 9-year-old.

 

It always amazes me when someone asks about the guidelines and then argues about them. It's your vacation and since you're from Jersey, do what you want!

[sleepless]

Yeah I usually wear my little boy pants for formal nights, sometimes even rent a tux, if the mood hits me, but always with flip flops. :D

 

 

DH wore flip flops on formal night, with a tux.:eek: For some reason on that cruise only, his feet were very swollen.:( He was not able to were shoes. I am not sure anyone noticed. At least, people were too polite to comment. I never look at the feet of other passengers. Unless, of course to see some of the unique footwear some of the younger ladies wear.:confused:

 

Your flip flops are fine with me.

[sleepless]

The problem is guys like you, no tolerance for others who don't want to conform. I think I'll take these one at a time, I'm not all that special, I am very cool, I have worn a hat to church and shorts too because my God doesn't care what i wear just that I'm there, I would never run a red light or even speed because that might hurt someone. Respect isn't in the clothing. I don't do funerals, I prefer seeing people when they're alive but if I did go the people that know me would expect me in shorts. Recently went to a wedding for one of my daughter's friends to which I wore shorts, the bride's mom came up to thank me because Kristin would have been disappointed if I had gone away from who I am. You don't know me yet you judge me. I don't judge you, you want to go with the flow feel free to do so . You see, in my eyes, "guys like attitudes like you" are the real problem

 

 

I respect and applaud your rebellion. People are way to politically correct today. Frankly, with the way things are in society right now, we could use a little not violent rebellion, a lot more individuality, and a lot less political correctness.

 

If it wasn't for the rebels in our country, we would still be paying high taxes to the crown for tea.

[struther1]

DH wore flip flops on formal night, with a tux.:eek: For some reason on that cruise only, his feet were very swollen.:( He was not able to were shoes. I am not sure anyone noticed. At least, people were too polite to comment. I never look at the feet of other passengers. Unless, of course to see some of the unique footwear some of the younger ladies wear.:confused:

 

Your flip flops are fine with me.

Exactly, for the life of me I can't understand why anyone would ever be upset with what i have on my feet

[struther1]

I respect and applaud your rebellion. People are way to politically correct today. Frankly, with the way things are in society right now, we could use a little not violent rebellion, a lot more individuality, and a lot less political correctness.

 

If it wasn't for the rebels in our country, we would still be paying high taxes to the crown for tea.

Amen

[poncho1973]

Recently on the Freedom on both formal nights, we saw women in dresses so short and tight that they might as well have been wearing shorts. I don't know how some of them sat down through dinner without exposing themselves because they were THAT short. :eek:

 

I thought you found it best not to be critical of what people wear to the MDR?

[Onessa]

My DD's school has been tweaking it's dresscode -- Not a fun time! Whenever you try to write down what is appropriate and what is not appropriate, problems will ensue. The problem (for example) is not that any pair of shorts with less than a three inch inseam IS inappropriate, it is more of a case that if someone is wearing a pair of shorts that is a size too small for them. In women's size 00, our school's summer marching band uniforms have an inseam of 2.75" and on the tiny little freshmen girls who wear that size, the shorts are most definately modest.

 

So dresscodes are hard. RCCI's dresscodes are pretty simple -- and I do not find them overly onerous to follow.

 

Dressing nicely -- covering that which shold be covered, not looking like you just stopped in after cleaning out the gutters, etc -- simply is a sign that you have respect for yourself, respect for your fellow dining companions, and respect for the staff.

 

Deliberately flaunting the rules shows that you do not care about yourself and those around you. Will your flaunting the rules "ruin" my cruise -- no; but if you are my tablemate and this is part of a pattern of your rude behavior, do not be surprised if I request a table change before you start eating with your feet or the like :).

 

There is another thread about smoking on balaconies on RCCI cruises -- I know the rules, I do not care for cigarrette smoke -- so I had booked my last five cruises on another line that does not allow smoking on their balconies and when I found an itinerary on RCCI that I really wanted to go on, I booked an ocean view knowing that I would be irratated by smokers (but that the smokers were fully within their rights to light up). While I prefer a balconey, this was a concession that I made. When I got back from port, if I was wearing shorts, I changed into clothes that adhered to the dress code for dinner -- it caused me no physicial pain and if I wanted to do more afterwards, I knew that a after 2 minute trip to my cabin after dinner, I could be back in shorts if conditions/activities required them.