Dinner wear for guys

[John Reid]

Not intending to be sarcastic, but the truth is people wear whatever the heck they want and the posts provide a world of rationalizations for whatever the choice is. I, myself, have worn khaki shorts and a knit collared shirt several times on casual night. My usual for formal nights is dress pants and shirt and a tie. Too hard to pack suits and sports jackets these days.

 

And for choices not impacting others - on my second Carnival cruise, there was a young couple seated at a booth for four. They were dressed neatly - not over-dressed; not under-dressed. They were alone for two nights. On the third night, the other young couple assigned to the table arrived. New York Nets athletic shorts, sleeveless strap Nets jersey top, and Nets baseball cap on during dinner sideways. I think it did impact the couple; they did not return to the dining room for that assigned table for the rest of the cruise.

 

On the same cruise, a young female came to the dining room on formal night wearing a pink ruffled bottom the size of men's briefs or grandma undies. I exaggerate not; that was it for below the waist. She should not have been allowed in the dining room but was.

 

And its not just Carnival. I was on a Holland America cruise - a far more formal setting in general. One diner came to dinner each night in blue jean bib overalls. And this was before Duck Dynasty made that look the height of fashion!

 

Yes, the world is getting more casual. But in some settings there is still a line that shouldn't be crossed. Just because one can does not mean that one should.

[Alex of the Seas]

To the original questioner:

 

I agree with most that say long pants and a nice polo/golf shirt on Casual Nights, although I too have never seen Carnival refuse service to anyone, even in a tank top and board shorts.

 

For Elegant Night I recommend dress pants and a dress shirt as a minimum. I have done this and worn a tie and also have worn a jacket. The "Something Else to Consider" is what your partner will be wearing. On Elegant Night there are several stations set up for photographs. They have very nice backdrops, both formal and fun. If this is a special occasion cruise (B-day, anniv.) or your first cruise, you all might like a reminder. So, if cruising with your wife and she has a new dress and is dressed to the nines, what would you be comfortable wearing in a keepsake photo? Taking the pictures is free, so take as many as you want, at every station if you want. It only costs money if you want to take them home with you.

 

Before everyone jumps on me and says the photos are overpriced and who cares about them, I merely said it is something to consider. I never thought I would buy any pictures and they didn't cost anything to take and then I found a couple of them that we really liked and they bring back great memories, even after 12 cruises.

[63galaxie]

In my opinion, Carnival is a casual cruise-line. I will wear maxi dresses on casual nights and dress them up with a shawl or light jacket/shrug with jewelry for elegant nights. DH will wear khaki slacks and polos on casual nights and a long sleeved shirt with a tie for elegant nights. On Celebrity, we would wear formal wear and tuxes.

 

But that's just us. I don't care what others wear as long as it's clean and decent. I leave the rule-enforcing to someone else so I can relax and enjoy my vacation.

Edited July 5, 2014 by 63galaxie

[QJenk]

I know im in the minority here, but oh well. I think some people take the MDR way too seriously. During casual nights, I wear whatever I have on period.

 

During elegant nights, I wear a good ole shirt and tie.

 

I have never had any type of problems, so I really dont know what the big deal is

[HectorAchilleus]

Sadly, they make rules, but have never seen anyone refused. One cruise, saw lots of jeans(not in great condition) and t-shirts but the worst was a tall guy(so he definitely was seen) with a white t-shirt and cut off pants and he was permitted in on formal night. We dress as rules say but many do not think the rules are for them and many crew members are afraid to say anything because that person can then go to ship management and get them in trouble(using another reason they are reporting them).

 

On our last cruise (three weeks ago on the Liberty) we saw a man not admitted on cruise elegant night because he wore shorts and a ball cap. He was very angry, stating that he was NOT turned away on previous cruises. Carnival is in a precarious position, because if they do not consistently enforce the rules (which they do not) the anger part of their clientele, but if they ignore the rules entirely, others get upset.

 

I wear dockers or dress shorts on casual evening and a dress shirt (sometimes with a tie) on Elegant nights. The luggage restrictions and the fact that I am on vacation keep me from bringing a suit.

 

A related question - Is it inappropriate to dress down for the comedy club, shows, casino, etc. AFTER dinner on a cruise elegant night?

[Disconnections]

A related question - Is it inappropriate to dress down for the comedy club, shows, casino, etc. AFTER dinner on a cruise elegant night?

 

This is Carnival. Not Cunard.

[CTCruisers]

What is considered casual for men to wear in the dinning room? On formal night what would be doable without wearing a suit? Thanx!!!:o

 

I wear a polo and jeans on cruise casual and a polo and khakis on cruise elegant nights in the dining rooms. You do not need a jacket.

[nurseamanda]

I don't think it's inappropriate to dress down after. Everyone else who skipped MDR in favor of the buffet is already in their usual cruise casual attire and they still go to the shows. I'm not going to spend the entire night in something uncomfortable while on vacation!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[CruiseHealing]

Non elegant night, nice golf shirt and shorts. Elegant night nice (Typically Brand New for elegant night) golf shirt and slacks.

 

When I moved to Florida many years ago I gave my suits and sport coats to those poor souls that are required to wear them for work. Man do I LOVE the FLORIDA lifestyle.

[CruiseHealing]

To the original questioner:

 

So, if cruising with your wife and she has a new dress and is dressed to the nines, what would you be comfortable wearing in a keepsake photo?

 

This is really the point for us. Before the cruise we talk about having pictures and use of the picture. If it is just for the book shelf, then golf shirt it is. But, if the photo is for Christmas cards, then I will bring a sports coat and tie.

 

I think it all depends on what type of cruise you want (casual / relaxation/ limited packing) and purpose of the photographs.

[CruiseHealing]

If you want to see how this discussion has changed over the years, search this same subject, but go back 7 to 10 years. Golf (Polo) shirts and slacks on Elegant Night would get you flamed to no end. There were still a lot of tux and suit enthusiast back then that were trying to hold onto an old cruise tradition. I agree with most comments here, travel restrictions, airline baggage costs and our more comfortable lifestyle has changed the cruising industry when it comes to Formal (Elegant) Dining. I know some cruise lines are still clinging onto those traditions, but this is a Carnival message board and it truly reflects what most Americans are considering Cruise Elegant Nights.

[JimAOk1945]

Elegant Night seems to be more and more "country club casual." On our last Carnival cruise, I wore a suit and tie. I looked around in the MDR and didn't see very many other men wearing suits.

 

My wife says I look great in a suit. Personally, I would rather dress comfortably in slacks and a collared shirt. :D

 

Happy cruising!

[Jbjgirl4life]

We're going on our 3rd cruise Aug 31st. First time for our daughters and first time we plan on doing the elegant night. But my question is, do you see many guys wearing jeans? My husband wears nothing but jeans, and we got him new jeans, vest, and dress shirts. But I'm worried he won't be able to go in. It's not his jeans are all ripped up. There dark and new. Can anyone help me.

[Badfinger]

We're going on our 3rd cruise Aug 31st. First time for our daughters and first time we plan on doing the elegant night. But my question is, do you see many guys wearing jeans? My husband wears nothing but jeans, and we got him new jeans, vest, and dress shirts. But I'm worried he won't be able to go in. It's not his jeans are all ripped up. There dark and new. Can anyone help me.

 

He will get in no problem They won't even look twice.

 

Now if he was wearing bright neon yellow running shoes and had one of those hats that holds two bear cans, he might have a problem.

 

I wear khakis and a short sleeve shirt with button down color (no tie) and have no problems. Last year the gal at the door did not want to let our 13 year old son in as he had some shorts and a nice polo. I guess is was the shorts...but they after a consultation from what I assume was a more senior person, the let us in.

[Jbjgirl4life]

Thank you. Nope no bright neon yellow shoes or crazy hat. Just nice black boots, new jeans we just picked up, dress vest, and dress shirts to match the our dresses. Cause we want to get pictures. We don't do much elegant dinning. So all the tux and fancy dresses are out.

[sjn911]

Take off your baseball a when dining!!!!!!!!!!

 

PLUS ONE!! Wherever you are!!! :D:D:D

 

Indoors only or under a tent cover only..LOL.

Edited July 31, 2014 by sjn911