What to wear when under MDR dress standards?

[Sandy1975]

Am I the only one that thought his "eat at 5 in bed by 6" was a reference to his everyday life and not necessarily his plan for onboard?

 

I got the same impression.

[flames9]

I should apologize......To me, I could care less what someone wears on a cruise! My cruise enjoyment is NOT based on other people, not sure how some one dresses really affects anyone. I'm sure you will be fine whatever route you choose to go, but it can be a tad cooler on a ship, so you may want to bring a blanket to keep warm. Have a great cruise.

[Lsimon]

... not sure how some one dresses really affects anyone. I'm sure you will be fine whatever route you choose to go...

 

Are you really sure of that? Are you really sure that that fiedav can be seated for dinner in the MDR even if they dress contrary to the minimum levels of the smart casual dress code?

 

I'm not sure of that at all. And I don't see how you can say that you are sure they'll be fine. You can say that there is a chance they might be fine but there is also a chance they'll be turned away.

 

I'm not trying to defend the dress code nor say what it should be or if there should even be one. I've simply been trying to answer the OP's question and point out that there may be an issue.

[flames9]

Are you really sure of that? Are you really sure that that fiedav can be seated for dinner in the MDR even if they dress contrary to the minimum levels of the smart casual dress code?

 

I'm not sure of that at all. And I don't see how you can say that you are sure they'll be fine. You can say that there is a chance they might be fine but there is also a chance they'll be turned away.

 

I'm not trying to defend the dress code nor say what it should be or if there should even be one. I've simply been trying to answer the OP's question and point out that there may be an issue.

 

Nope not sure at all! I hope it works out for him, I truly do.....there may be an issue there may not be.....But on a cruise, I don't stick my nose in anyone business! lol But online, I guess I have here, and apologize for that.

 

It is probably in his best interest to contact Celebrity and see what they have to say! One does get a lot of good info from CC...but on some issues, not so much!

 

Personally I am more concerned about his safety if some type of accident took place (such as the Concordia)

 

All the best

[Lsimon]

Thanks for the info, but I do want it "both ways." I don't see the dichotomy here.

 

How does my not conforming to the dress code demean other diners? My behavior is the same as other diners.

 

When I eat on land I don't see dress codes in restaurants. I've eaten in local places known for their good food, and I've paid well for the privilege. They never asked me to dress differently.

 

I know there are places that have a dress code like hotel dining. But you don't get much of a choice on-board - there's only one MDR. If I wanted pizza and burgers all the time I wouldn't mind not being allowed admission.

 

You say NCL has no dress code. How do you think Celebrity diners would feel of this policy was established on the line? Would there be a mass exodus of diners at the sight of a t-shirt? And why do you think that NCL feels that no dress code is a feature to be advertised?

 

I was using that as an example of a rule that has the same basis. What is the attitude in the MDR when there's a screaming child, or kids running around the tables, or even (God forfend) someone with Down's Syndrome?

So go on having a good time. I don't drink, and I have some manners, so you probably wouldn't notice me.

 

We all have different lifestyle standards. Some things we put above others. My major one is that if a person is doing something that doesn't affect me or others, they should be free to do it.

 

Incidentally, I don't expect to eat at five. Some nights I have gone up to eight or nine. The six PM bedtime is because the aide company cannot send people any later.

 

I think you are totally missing my points and the advice I was offering. You are also reading things into my responses that are not there. I was not trying to debate if the dress code is right or wrong. I am not saying that non-conformance is demeaning to others nor that it bothers me or anyone else.

 

All I was trying to do was answer your questions. The fact that you don't like my answers is too bad. If you want to disregard my advice and take the cruise that's fine with me. If you do and it works out in your favor I'll be fine with that and if I'm sitting at the next table your style of dress won't upset my evening at all. But if you book the cruise and it doesn't work out well for you then don't be surprised and don't come back to this forum and complain you were not warned of the possibility.

 

I'd also like to address a couple of other comments in your response quoted above: You can not compare what happens at a land based restaurant with no dress code to what happens on a ship that does have a dress code. How Celebrity passengers would respond to the elimination of a dress code is irrelevant to your question since your question related to the enforcement of existing dress codes not theoretical future changes.

 

You ask why I think that NCL feels that no dress code is a feature to be advertised. That's easy! They advertise it to let people like you, meaning those that do not want to be subject to dress codes, aware that you don't have to worry about it on NCL. We all look for different things in a cruise and it only make sense that NCL advertise things that set them apart from the others.

 

Above all else, please understand I'm not trying to say your style of dress is wrong in any way. I've just been trying to help provide you with the facts about what is in place on Celebrity currently and some suggestions of what else you might consider if you don't like what Celebrity offers.

[DennisAndJudy]

I think you are totally missing my points and the advice I was offering. You are also reading things into my responses that are not there. I was not trying to debate if the dress code is right or wrong. I am not saying that non-conformance is demeaning to others nor that it bothers me or anyone else.

 

All I was trying to do was answer your questions. The fact that you don't like my answers is too bad. If you want to disregard my advice and take the cruise that's fine with me. If you do and it works out in your favor I'll be fine with that and if I'm sitting at the next table your style of dress won't upset my evening at all. But if you book the cruise and it doesn't work out well for you then don't be surprised and don't come back to this forum and complain you were not warned of the possibility.

 

I'd also like to address a couple of other comments in your response quoted above: You can not compare what happens at a land based restaurant with no dress code to what happens on a ship that does have a dress code. How Celebrity passengers would respond to the elimination of a dress code is irrelevant to your question since your question related to the enforcement of existing dress codes not theoretical future changes.

 

You ask why I think that NCL feels that no dress code is a feature to be advertised. That's easy! They advertise it to let people like you, meaning those that do not want to be subject to dress codes, aware that you don't have to worry about it on NCL. We all look for different things in a cruise and it only make sense that NCL advertise things that set them apart from the others.

 

Above all else, please understand I'm not trying to say your style of dress is wrong in any way. I've just been trying to help provide you with the facts about what is in place on Celebrity currently and some suggestions of what else you might consider if you don't like what Celebrity offers.

 

Very well said.

[hughdm]

OP has refuted many points put forward but not the suggestion to wear specially designed garments for the challenged that use velcro, etc. Why it that?

[cruise pup]

OP has refuted many points put forward but not the suggestion to wear specially designed garments for the challenged that use velcro, etc. Why it that?

 

Why? Is he on trial? He doesn't owe anyone an explanation. He only asked about the clothes he does wear. I really want to be there when a maître d' gives a guest in a wheelchair a difficult time about not being in proper attire, especially when people who have no difficulties whatsoever apparently can enter the mdr in in appropriate attire.

[kitty9]

OP has refuted many points put forward but not the suggestion to wear specially designed garments for the challenged that use velcro, etc. Why it that?

 

The key point to everything the OP has written was when he said that even when he wasn't disabled, all he wore were shorts and tshirts, even to work. I think that comment explains it all.

 

d4m, if you had read all the posts, you would see that I am in a similar position to the OP, being disabled and confined to a scooter because of post polio. I do know for a fact, and I do know many disabled persons, who disabilities appear to be far more involved than the OP's, that even quadriplegics dress in things other than shorts.

 

It's also interesting that he refuted things written by Lsimon, but for some reason the OP hasn't refuted my comments perhaps because I know from where I speak, being disabled since age 2. And as a disabled person, and someone who for many years has fought for disabled rights via the ADA, I get a bit peeved when a disabled person feels that their disability puts them above following basic conventions. That kind of behavior puts all persons with disabilities in a bad light.

[SpokaneDan]

I am sorry but have to chuckle reading through this thread. On HAL forum, we have heated dress code discussion as well. I actually find the posters here very civil and tactful (to OP, you are welcome to read HAL's dress code threads for comparison, your question is politely answered here). Carnival, Princess, and HAL all have dress codes reinforcement (with varying degree of strictness). I was denied entrance to Princess MDR on a formal night for wearing a short sleeve dress shirt (Caribbean cruise). That was not pleasant, but a lesson. I'd be prepared to have an alternative dinning experience if I could not oblige Celebrity's MDR dress code.

 

Now let's talk about jeans on formal nights...:D

[kyriecat]

My mom is in a similar situation to kitty 9. She uses a wheelchair and cannot walk or stand. She has a lovely wardrobe (better than mine :p) that includes mostly elastic waist pants and dressy blouses. Her regular clothes are acceptable for the dress code and she seems fine with wearing pants. She doesn't wear dresses because they are problematic for her, but dressy pants and a sparkly blouse work fine for formal nights. I don't think it would occur to her to use her disability as an excuse to be disrespectful of an establishment's attire request.

 

Regarding shorts in specialty restaurants: On Silhouette in October my husband and I were looking at the menu for Murano to decide whether we wanted to try it for lunch. My husband was wearing some tailored Bermuda-type shorts that hit mid-knee (nice shorts, not atheletic style). The host for Murano saw us and told my husband that he would have to change into pants if he wanted to dine there. This was during lunch time, which is usually less formal than during dinner. I was wearing capris, which were okay. My husband changed into pants (no big deal) and we had a lovely lunch.

 

A few days later we were eating at Qsine for dinner. A couple showed up for their reservation. She was dressed appropriately but he was wearing wrinkled shorts and a white undershirt that was at least a size too small for his girth. He had a good inch of hairy bare belly showing between the hem of his shirt and the waistband of his shorts. The shirt was thin and so tight that it was see-through. We were close enough to the door to hear the host politely remind the man about the attire requirements. The man became beligerant and loudly asked if the host was calling him a slob. Obviously there is no correct answer to that question. The man then started with "I'm on vacation and no one can tell me what to wear" and demanded to see the captain. The host was flustered and could tell that the man was disrupting the dinners of most of the Qsine patrons. The host decided that seating the couple would be a lesser evil than allowing the man to continue his tirade and escorted them to a table.

 

I have seen shorts and tee shirts worn to dinner on formal night at least a couple of times on Royal Caribbean ships. On a Holland American ship, there was a sign about the dress code posted by the dining room on the first formal night. That night men who did not meet the code requirements were allowed into the dining room but given a reminder about the policy. Formal nights 2 -4 the men who showed up without a jacket were given one to wear. Some of the jackets had to be Goodwill rejects from the 70s. One man was given a hideous green, orange, and grey plaid number. He seemed to have a sense of humor and took pride in strutting around the MDR with it. I haven't seen shorts on Celebrity and have heard that Celebrity sometimes inforces the jacket requirement and gives out jackets to those without.

 

If the OP is denied entry into his dining venue of choice because of his shorts, he can always take a cue from the beligerant man at Qsine and cause a scene. I'm sure if he mentions his disabiliy and uses the word discrimination loudly enough, he will be seated.

 

It's sad to hear that Antoine's has sold out. I haven't eaten there in almost 10 years, but I can remember when they were a fine establishment. When my husband and I visited New Orleans several times a year (pre-Katrina), we would frequently dine there. My husband always wore the requested jacket and tie and I would wear a cocktail dress.

[melsuli]

I don't wear shorts and a t-shirt every evening. The aide comes and puts me to bed at six - I eat at five. I'd like to wear other things, but with no use of my legs, shorts and a t-shirt are pretty much it. If I dressed in pants and shirt it would take I don't know how long to get me dressed. If I was female I'd dress in something like a sari, but I'm not.

 

Also, I'm 69 and think that Carnival-style cruising is the last thing I'd want. In fact, the main draw of Celebrity is the up-market attention and the good food. Absolutely the opposite of a "Fun Cruise."

 

The only idea I have is a very lightweight blanket over my legs from the waist down and a polo shirt. I could bring an large megaphone-style hearing tin trumpet and complain loudly about how bad things are in the world today. :)

 

Incidentally, the last time I had anyone comment of my dress was when I could walk and was wearing jeans. It was in New Orleans (I think it was called Antoines) and the jeans somehow took on the aspect of a pair of ordinary pants once the leader of our group brought out the Company's American Express card.

 

I don't want to appear a slob, and my clothes are new several times a year. But this seems to me to be like telling someone they can't go here or there on the ship because the are using crutches.

 

IMHO you would have no problem eating in the MDR (inc formal evenings) should you decide to choose this option.;)

[hughdm]

Why? Is he on trial? He doesn't owe anyone an explanation. He only asked about the clothes he does wear. I really want to be there when a maître d' gives a guest in a wheelchair a difficult time about not being in proper attire, especially when people who have no difficulties whatsoever apparently can enter the mdr in in appropriate attire.

 

The key point to everything the OP has written was when he said that even when he wasn't disabled, all he wore were shorts and tshirts, even to work. I think that comment explains it all.

 

d4m, if you had read all the posts, you would see that I am in a similar position to the OP, being disabled and confined to a scooter because of post polio. I do know for a fact, and I do know many disabled persons, who disabilities appear to be far more involved than the OP's, that even quadriplegics dress in things other than shorts.

 

It's also interesting that he refuted things written by Lsimon, but for some reason the OP hasn't refuted my comments perhaps because I know from where I speak, being disabled since age 2. And as a disabled person, and someone who for many years has fought for disabled rights via the ADA, I get a bit peeved when a disabled person feels that their disability puts them above following basic conventions. That kind of behavior puts all persons with disabilities in a bad light.

 

Yes Kitty9. My point was that he seemed to ask for opinions, suggestions, and solutions and then tried to refute almost all of them except the ones he couldn't.

[Merriem]

It appears that none of the posters have been in your situation. Correct, this should not affect them whatsoever as nobody has been designated fashion police.

 

Frankly, if I were in this situation I would contact special need department and get their take on this. I see absolutely nothing wrong with a light weight blanket. Geez, who intends to look under it? Frankly those people with other special needs are given dispensation for other reasons.

 

Good luck and please get in touch with Celebrity rather than people on the net.

 

Your suggestion to contact Celebrity is excellent.

[fiedav]

Am I the only one that thought his "eat at 5 in bed by 6" was a reference to his everyday life and not necessarily his plan for onboard?

 

Yes, that's correct.

 

Sorry if I confused anyone.

[spookwife]

 

I And as a disabled person, and someone who for many years has fought for disabled rights via the ADA, I get a bit peeved when a disabled person feels that their disability puts them above following basic conventions. That kind of behavior puts all persons with disabilities in a bad light.

 

BINGO.. since all most disabled/differently abled/special needs people want is to be treated like everybody else.. then the OP needs to conform to the stated dress code, period. not get special treatment or exemptions by playing the handicapped card.

 

if someone who is able bodied is turned away for wearing shorts in the MDR on formal night, then dammit so should anyone in a WC or scooter. they aren't any more special than the AB person and has zero right to expect to be granted dispensation.

[fiedav]

I think you are totally missing my points and the advice I was offering. You are also reading things into my responses that are not there. I was not trying to debate if the dress code is right or wrong.

 

All I was trying to do was answer your questions. The fact that you don't like my answers is too bad.

 

Its not that I "don't like your answers." It's just that I hoped that someone here would have a reason for the dress code. You supplied more info than anyone else, and for that, thank you.

 

But if you don't want to debate the dress code, then don't debate it.

 

I'd also like to address a couple of other comments in your response quoted above: You can not compare what happens at a land based restaurant with no dress code to what happens on a ship that does have a dress code. How Celebrity passengers would respond to the elimination of a dress code is irrelevant to your question since your question related to the enforcement of existing dress codes not theoretical future changes.

 

You ask why I think that NCL feels that no dress code is a feature to be advertised. That's easy! They advertise it to let people like you, meaning those that do not want to be subject to dress codes, aware that you don't have to worry about it on NCL.

I don't like the idea of "people like you." From what I see of individuals' pictures of life on board, I'd fit right in to the Celebrity passenger profile. I'm aged 69, have white hair, and I haven't enjoyed a wild night out since my early 20s, or a drink since my mid-fifties.

 

Above all else, please understand I'm not trying to say your style of dress is wrong in any way. I've just been trying to help provide you with the facts about what is in place on Celebrity currently and some suggestions of what else you might consider if you don't like what Celebrity offers.

Yes, and I appreciate that.

 

But surely someone (not necessarily you) could give me some reason why Celebrity enforces a dress code. And it's not like I could have the same dining experience just down the road, especially if I want to eat specialty restaurant food.

[Fouremco]

BINGO.. since all most disabled/differently abled/special needs people want is to be treated like everybody else.. then the OP needs to conform to the stated dress code, period. not get special treatment or exemptions by playing the handicapped card.

 

if someone who is able bodied is turned away for wearing shorts in the MDR on formal night, then dammit so should anyone in a WC or scooter. they aren't any more special than the AB person and has zero right to expect to be granted dispensation.

So, Scots are granted dispensation and allowed to wear kilts on formal nights (which I fully support), but you wouldn't grant a disabled person in a wheelchair any form of dispensation whatsoever. An interesting perspective.

 

[fiedav]

And as a disabled person, and someone who for many years has fought for disabled rights via the ADA, I get a bit peeved when a disabled person feels that their disability puts them above following basic conventions. That kind of behavior puts all persons with disabilities in a bad light.

 

I love the idea of "basic conventions."

 

I hardly think that wearing special clothes to eat is a "basic convention." Formal clothes on formal night is OK by me, so long as you accept that some people don't want to wear them.

 

And the ADA says clearly that an organization that offers services to AB people should offer the same service to handicapped people. I was amazed to find that any hotel that offered shuttle service to airports and cruise ports must also offer it to disabled people at no extra charge.

[SusieV]

 

But surely someone (not necessarily you) could give me some reason why Celebrity enforces a dress code. And it's not like I could have the same dining experience just down the road, especially if I want to eat specialty restaurant food.

 

Obviously, it's because that's what they feel the majority of the clientele want. They feel that by marketing themselves like this, they will do better financially as opposed to following the lead of lines that have reduced their dress code.

 

Just because it's something you personally don't enjoy or see the practicality of, doesn't mean that other passengers don't enjoy it very much.

 

In my mind, asking that is like asking why a restaurant serves Italian instead of Chinese. Plain and simple, because they want to and think it's good business acumen.

 

Edited to ad- they are offering the same service to disabled people as they are to able bodied. If you put on a pair of pants and a polo shirt, you're welcome to eat in any dining room or restaurant you like on a casual night, or even the specialty restaurants on formal night since they are smart casual only. There's no discrimination here.

[fiedav]

If the OP is denied entry into his dining venue of choice because of his shorts, he can always take a cue from the beligerant man at Qsine and cause a scene. I'm sure if he mentions his disabiliy and uses the word discrimination loudly enough, he will be seated.

 

But I don't want to cause a scene. I just want to be seated, eat my meal quietly, and depart.

 

It's sad to hear that Antoine's has sold out.

They certainly "sold out" when we visited. The check for ten of us was just under a thousand dollars.

[fiedav]

if someone who is able bodied is turned away for wearing shorts in the MDR on formal night, then dammit so should anyone in a WC or scooter.

 

Fine. I can't walk or stand, and weigh around 250 pounds.

 

Will you help carry me to my table? :)

[fiedav]

not get special treatment or exemptions by playing the handicapped card.

 

Ah, the old "handicapped card."

 

We're issued with dozens of decks when we become disabled.

 

Unfortunately, just about all of them are bad news.

 

Thou must ask for help in most cases.

 

Thou will be unable to reach many things in the kitchen.

 

Thou will be unable to travel more than a mile or so from home unless you rent a handicapped van, which starts at $83.

 

Thou will be overcharged for everything. Thou won't know what you are being overcharged for, because there are next to no published prices on the web.

 

Thy family will be involved in your medical care, even if you have medical aides.

 

I wish I had an AB card to play - it sounds much better than the hand I was dealt (by a surgeon in a prestigious hospital).

[fiedav]

Obviously, it's because that's what they feel the majority of the clientele want. They feel that by marketing themselves like this, they will do better financially as opposed to following the lead of lines that have reduced their dress code.

 

This "majority of the clientele" seem to be unable to give their reasons here.

 

In my mind, asking that is like asking why a restaurant serves Italian instead of Chinese. Plain and simple, because they want to and think it's good business acumen.

And also, because restaurants almost exclusively serve only one kind of food.

 

And if I want to eat Chop Suey in an Italian restaurant, that's impossible because they don't have the ingredients or the utensils or the skills.

 

That's a huge world of difference between just saying, "Yes, you can go in," or not.

[hughdm]

There is a dress code because very many of us who cruise like special occasion nights. We like to dress up and we like to see others in their finery too. It's called 'decorum'. Try it, it's fun!