Cruise Elegant vs. Cruise Casual: How do you feel about this?

[winddawn]

I like the suggestion that anytime dining could be cruise casual every night. And then those that prefer cruise elegant nights could choose the set dining time of either early or late seating. That seems to offer the best of both worlds. Thanks to the people who suggested that.

[SMSACE6]

How important are Carnival's cruise elegant nights to you? Assuming the dining room food wouldn't change on cruise elegant nights if the dress code changed, do you think cruise elegant nights should continue as is, or do you think every night should be cruise casual?

 

I think it is fine as it is, only because on Carnival, I feel that the requirements are really not that hard to adhere to. Men dont need to bring a tux anymore, and women dont need to bring ball gowns. Just once or twice per cruise, a little more upscale dress seems reasonable to me, and seems fair to "both" sides of the debate.

 

For those that dont want to do those elegant nights in the MDR, then Lido is always available, as well as room service. This just my opinion though, and I accept that other's will differ. To each their own.

 

But if Carnival went to cruise casual every night, it would probably not impact me, because, I dont really look at what others are wearing, I will continue to dress the same way I always do, cruise casual, to cruise elegant.

[Don Kehote]

I think it has more to do with people want other people to at least meet the minimum dress requirements established by the host. There is a cruise line that already does as you and adriennerm want, it's called NCL.

False: I don't care what anyone wears at all. As long as they don't stink, they don't affect my dining.

 

Personally, I want to wear a diaper and propeller beanie.

[SNJCruisers]

I like the concept of the distinction but since there are so many that want to violate the rules and dare CCL to call them on it (which for the most part they don't - on casual evening they even allow men in sweaty baseball caps and tank tops which is just gross!) when I sail with Carnival I have seriously lowered my expectations. We dress within the code for elegant, which is still causal to us.

 

 

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Don't bother sailing on NCL if Carnivals lax attitude regarding dress code bothers you. Saw a multi generational family with son and father both in shirt, cutoffs and baseball caps, with the son wearing his backwards of course. And this was in their "formal" steakhouse Cagney's.

[sparks1093]

False: I don't care what anyone wears at all. As long as they don't stink, they don't affect my dining.

 

Personally, I want to wear a diaper and propeller beanie.

 

Obviously my comment does not apply to everyone because very few comments could actually apply to everyone. I think your choice of attire would be fine- over on NCL:loudcry:.

[mahan92]

I adore elegant night. I understand why some people don’t want to dress up on vacation, but I’m coming from a total opposite perspective. I work in a daycare . My daily dress is jeans and t-shirts....I don’t dare wear anything nicer cause it will get ruined. I spend my days wiping noses, changing dirty diapers....sometimes downright disgusting diapers, and dealing with the occasional stomach issues...to be delicate. I have no energy for makeup, my nails are worn down to the quick, and I’m so tired most of the time that I want to collapse. However, when I get ready for a cruise...I go get a mani/pedi and suddenly my toes are pretty and shiny and my ragged nails are covered. I get my hair done and actually pack makeup. I love getting out a nice dress on elegant night and fixing myself up. I look in the mirror and see someone that slightly resembles a human being instead of a worn out zombie!! [emoji4]

 

My husband has to wear a uniform to his job so he enjoys dressing up for a night as well. Totally understand how people who have to dress up all the time might not want to on vacation, but for us it’s actually a treat!

 

 

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[Ocean Dancer]

I adore elegant night. I understand why some people don’t want to dress up on vacation, but I’m coming from a total opposite perspective. I work in a daycare . My daily dress is jeans and t-shirts....I don’t dare wear anything nicer cause it will get ruined. I spend my days wiping noses, changing dirty diapers....sometimes downright disgusting diapers, and dealing with the occasional stomach issues...to be delicate. I have no energy for makeup, my nails are worn down to the quick, and I’m so tired most of the time that I want to collapse. However, when I get ready for a cruise...I go get a mani/pedi and suddenly my toes are pretty and shiny and my ragged nails are covered. I get my hair done and actually pack makeup. I love getting out a nice dress on elegant night and fixing myself up. I look in the mirror and see someone that slightly resembles a human being instead of a worn out zombie!! [emoji4]

 

My husband has to wear a uniform to his job so he enjoys dressing up for a night as well. Totally understand how people who have to dress up all the time might not want to on vacation, but for us it’s actually a treat!

 

 

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After I get the wood chips out of my hair, can we be friends??:halo:

[mahan92]

After I get the wood chips out of my hair, can we be friends??:halo:

 

 

 

Absolutely!!! [emoji4]

 

 

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[jamscckmc]

We don't dress up on Carnival to the extend we would on RC and Princess but we follow the guidelines. I don't understand when people say they pack light do to flying. I pack a dress that weighs only a few ounces(less than shorts and a top). My husbands dress pants don't really weigh more than his shorts. He brings a very light weight button down dress shirt on elegant nights and polo shirts the others nights. I have my fly to cruise clothes that are very light weight. Capris and thin cotton blouses for casual nights. Being middle age we don't feel comfortable in tee shirts with sayings on them in the MDR. Last cruise there was a women in f*** Donald Trump tee shirt in the MDR among lots of children. Our last two Carnival cruises(Conquest and Pride) they weren't stopping anyone on elegant night. There were plenty of sagging basketball shorts and cutoff so short their butt was hanging out, men in tank tops and lots of baseball caps. I really don't care what others wear but I don't want butts or hairy armpits in my face while I'm eating. If you don't want to dress up that's fine, but at least be decent.

[bUU]

I don't understand when people say they pack light do to flying.

Generally, it is because people are confounding the issue. It refers to bringing gowns, jackets, belts, and shoes that are needed for no other activity, items that are the objects of some over the top whining within the discussion or related discussions, concerns that are actually about changes to what attire is acceptable on formal nights, but seemingly focused on items that are themselves not actually required. Despite claims that such things are observed often, very few if any Cruise Critic members boast that they regularly go to dinner in the MDR in absolute and direct violation of the minimum requirements of the dress code. Rather, they fulfill the minimum, with luggage space and weight (not just weight, as you seemed to be saying) both among several other reasons why they don't seek to surpass the minimum requirement by much. Meanwhile, those unhappy with what the minimum actually is, as evidenced by the cruise lines' statements and actions taken together, sometimes present the matter as if compliance is not compliance, because they prefer other people comply with their own personal expectations rather just than with dress code itself. Of course, folks realize that it is wrong to judge others based on their own personal preferences so they present the grievance as if there actually was a violation rather than just their not being obeyed.

 

 

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Edited October 6, 2017 by bUU

[Doggielover68]

We don't dress up on Carnival to the extend we would on RC and Princess but we follow the guidelines. I don't understand when people say they pack light do to flying. I pack a dress that weighs only a few ounces(less than shorts and a top). My husbands dress pants don't really weigh more than his shorts. He brings a very light weight button down dress shirt on elegant nights and polo shirts the others nights. I have my fly to cruise clothes that are very light weight. Capris and thin cotton blouses for casual nights. Being middle age we don't feel comfortable in tee shirts with sayings on them in the MDR. Last cruise there was a women in f*** Donald Trump tee shirt in the MDR among lots of children. Our last two Carnival cruises(Conquest and Pride) they weren't stopping anyone on elegant night. There were plenty of sagging basketball shorts and cutoff so short their butt was hanging out, men in tank tops and lots of baseball caps. I really don't care what others wear but I don't want butts or hairy armpits in my face while I'm eating. If you don't want to dress up that's fine, but at least be decent.

 

 

 

The problem with having to bring a dress is that you generally need accessories, shoes, etc to go along with it. If I bring a pair of black pants I can get away with wearing my black sneakers that I wear every day...yes, even on elegant night. I've never seen anyone turned away because of shoes. We usually cruise for 2 weeks at a time so every "small" item adds up fast.

[sparks1093]

The problem with having to bring a dress is that you generally need accessories, shoes, etc to go along with it. If I bring a pair of black pants I can get away with wearing my black sneakers that I wear every day...yes, even on elegant night. I've never seen anyone turned away because of shoes. We usually cruise for 2 weeks at a time so every "small" item adds up fast.

 

The only foot wear that I am aware of that is prohibited is flip flops, so I don't know why sneakers would be turned away.

[LMaxwell]

Just got off Carnival Victory today. Other than table cloth, didn't notice anything different in dining room. Few more sport jackets and suit jackets, but not many. In general people looked "nice" all 4 nights as a whole. I saw plenty of jeans, shorts, athletic clothes, etc. but absolutely nothing offensive (to me).

 

On elegant night I took my dress button up, long sleeve, dress shirt to the laundry room for a quick iron. No go. Some one there ironing like 10+ garments. Waited a bit and gave up. Ended up wearing a golf polo instead (The Nike Dry-fit type material that never wrinkles) w my khakis and looked solid midpack.

 

I did pack a pair of pants I wore ONCE for 90 minutes, along with a pair of dress shoes and socks, undershirt for dress shirt, and the aforementioned dress shirt that didn't get worn. I almost packed my sport jacket but my wife talked me out of it before we went. I don't recall seeing people in their formal wear later at night on lido, down at the atrium bar on 3, passing the casino on 5, in the nightclub on 5, etc. I changed right after dinner and I think many others do as well.

 

 

 

All other nights in the DR I wore khaki shorts, boat shoes, and either button up short sleeve shirts or polo shirts and was solid mid to upper pack. Always shower and style hair before dinner. The food was very good on all nights, except elegant night was the ONLY night our favorite dish (we get the Indian Vegetarian as an appetizer) was not available. Service was the same except when it grinds to a halt for "the show".

 

I like how Norwegian does "Norwegian Night Out" You know it is a designated night for additional photo opportunities / portraits if you feel like getting glitzed up (You can do it any night, anyways). But it is entirely optional participation and the actual dress code for the ship never changes during the duration of the cruise. I think it is great to have these photo opportunities available for people that want them. But other than table clothes and photo backgrounds I don't see anything different on elegant nights versus casual nights.

 

Either make elegant night truly spectacular, or quit guilting me into dragging clothes I don't really want to wear anyways to get the service and food I've paid for. The Dining Room is not elegant, it is fantastic people watching though.

 

We did buy two photos. Of our kids. On casual nights.

[LMaxwell]

The only foot wear that I am aware of that is prohibited is flip flops, so I don't know why sneakers would be turned away.

 

My wife's "sandals" will tell you that flip flops are fine.

[LMaxwell]

The problem with having to bring a dress is that you generally need accessories, shoes, etc to go along with it. If I bring a pair of black pants I can get away with wearing my black sneakers that I wear every day...yes, even on elegant night. I've never seen anyone turned away because of shoes. We usually cruise for 2 weeks at a time so every "small" item adds up fast.

 

Funny how that works.

 

My wife's dresses are cocktail/sundress types. They weigh nothing and can be rolled up into the size of a hand towel. She wears the same "sandals" every night, no jewelry ever. For her packing a dress takes up as much space as a t-shirt.

 

For me I need different shoes, socks, belt, undershirt, plus the long pants and long sleeve shirt. Its the dress shoes that really start eating up luggage space.

[LMaxwell]

Generally, it is because people are confounding the issue. It refers to bringing gowns, jackets, belts, and shoes that are needed for no other activity, items that are the objects of some over the top whining within the discussion or related discussions, concerns that are actually about changes to what attire is acceptable on formal nights, but seemingly focused on items that are themselves not actually required. Despite claims that such things are observed often, very few if any Cruise Critic members boast that they regularly go to dinner in the MDR in absolute and direct violation of the minimum requirements of the dress code. Rather, they fulfill the minimum, with luggage space and weight (not just weight, as you seemed to be saying) both among several other reasons why they don't seek to surpass the minimum requirement by much. Meanwhile, those unhappy with what the minimum actually is, as evidenced by the cruise lines' statements and actions taken together, sometimes present the matter as if compliance is not compliance, because they prefer other people comply with their own personal expectations rather just than with dress code itself. Of course, folks realize that it is wrong to judge others based on their own personal preferences so they present the grievance as if there actually was a violation rather than just their not being obeyed.

 

 

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I dress to, or slightly above, the minimum. Probably, as I said, midpack. While I'd love to pack less luggage, my reason for wanting the minimum reduced is I am on vacation to be away from work and work style clothes. I'm far more comfortable in my khaki shorts and boat shoes and polo than I am dressed even to elegant "minimum" and I am dressed that way just long enough to get through dinner. Why stay dressed up around the shop in a less comfortable way when nothing else except dinner and optional photos have anything at all to do with "elegant"?

 

And I know a lot of people say ships are cold, well I'm never cold on a ship. I don't even sleep under the blanket and bring a fan. I think the ships are hot enough to start.

 

And given my observations this week Carnival doesn't give a damn one way or the other what you do. They are there for money and are going to work to make the guest happy. We asked for a window and got a booth at back of dining room where there was, unbelievably, ample space between tables, great sea views, and away from the main ruckus.

 

If Carnival wants to fool me w elegant night they could uncover the piano sitting unused on the dining room balcony and get someone to play it.

[LMaxwell]

I'm sorry but elegant night stops being elegant the minute the waiters start twirling napkins and dancing on the tables. Any day on a cruise is special and clothing really has nothing to do with it.

 

I agree.

 

I find the dancing to be a demerit. It's fun, but it's NOT classy, and it interrupts service. I'm not sure the hardest working staff on the ship feel like being entertainers either. And unfortunately the grand piano on the dining room balcony remained unused on elegant night as well.

 

Some things I noticed were that the American Feast menu had many fewer offerings than the standard American Table menus featured on all other nights. (Side dishes absent, Indian Vegetarian absent (asked for it and was still not available)). The table cloth didn't really make up for this.

 

After looking at the elegant night 'Feast" menu my wife said "There's not another one of these nights, is there?" and not in a "hoping" way.

[ozzy77]

I personally get excited for a "dress up"!oppertunity. I have lost 100lbs and have been buying "new"(goodwill) cruise clothes...i realized over the last year i actually bought 3 formal dresses So now which one to bring is my dilemma....92 days till my cruise but only one formal night.

[Doggielover68]

Your accessory for your black slacks becomes the top, one you may not wear for any other occasion. I have a very plain LBD I bought for $10 a couple of years ago. I wear it during the day with a sweater over the top or a tee underneath in cool weather, or simply by itself. For elegant night. I can wear it plain with a scarf and black flats and I'm now wearing "elegant" clothing.

 

 

 

I guess my point is a dress doesn't have to be only for dressing up. In my world, however, I love thrift shopping and have found some fabulous cocktail dresses for cheap. I'll wear them once on a cruise and donate them back to the thrift store. Everyone needs a hobby. :hearteyes:

 

 

 

Ever since I was little, I've never liked wearing dresses. Even as an adult, I can never seem to find anything that is comfortable or fits quite right. When my husband and I got married, I picked out a $15 clearance dress from a department store and ended up wearing leggings under it because it was cold out lol. I wouldn't even call the tops I wear for elegant night accessories because they are just plain cotton shirts that I wear during the day and at night. On our last cruise, every shirt I brought was the exact same shirt in different colors. I guess I am just unusual.

[LMaxwell]

I personally get excited for a "dress up"!oppertunity. I have lost 100lbs and have been buying "new"(goodwill) cruise clothes...i realized over the last year i actually bought 3 formal dresses�� So now which one to bring is my dilemma....92 days till my cruise but only one formal night.

 

Every night can be elegant night if you want it to be. Have Fun.

[ORB]

Carnival isn’t our “favorite” line, I suppose, but I’m looking forward to getting on the Pride in 9 days and I know it isn’t likely to be my last Carnival cruise. We chose this cruise because we liked where it’s going (provided the weather cooperates) and we really liked the price. I do get a sense sometimes that Carnival is positioning itself as the Motel 6 of cruise lines, but they still have interesting itineraries and we still like being on a cruise ship--even when the food isn’t what it used to be, we have yet to lose weight on a cruise. So we check the dress code for whatever the line asks and pack accordingly. Carnival has the lowest requirements short of Norwegian. We will meet it, but it will be nice not to have to pack the extra clothes. I’ll enjoy not dressing up on this Carnival cruise, and I’ll enjoy dressing a little better when we take Princess to Hawaii next year.

[pearose]

Sometime in the last 50 years people across this great planet of ours have decided that "clothes" are no longer a symbol for much of anything. The majority of us are no longer influenced in a positive way by what others wear and we no longer think it important to keep up with the "joneses" who relied on clothing to show their superiority when their brains couldn't keep up with the masses.

 

 

 

I don't "ever" look at what people wear...I couldn't relate what anyone wore yesterday to our extended family get together. I can remember the yummy tasting food and the good conversation, the jokes and the teasing, and the way the experience made me happy. I 'think' there were some sweat pants in the mix, and an assortment of foot attire, and Grandma's beautiful necklace she received as a gift from a native American friend of hers. Beyond that, nada.

 

 

 

Going on vacation should be a chance for all of us to wear what we find comfortable. As long as our privates are hidden (something fancy dress for women doesn't always ensure) and we are clean and our smell doesn't compete with the food (ahh, fancy perfumes and moth balls) who really cares. And if we want nice fancy and overly expensive family photos showing us dressed outside of our normal comfort zone who is stopping us from doing that.

 

 

 

As in all things on a cruise....worry about yourself and your significant others and let everyone else be. They (whoever they are) can only ruin your 'vacation' if you let them.

 

 

HERE HERE!! Could not have said it better myself! Everything I have always wanted to say but couldn't quite put it into words. thank you!

 

 

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[GlamorousGirl]

I like the concept of the distinction but since there are so many that want to violate the rules and dare CCL to call them on it (which for the most part they don't - on casual evening they even allow men in sweaty baseball caps and tank tops which is just gross!) when I sail with Carnival I have seriously lowered my expectations. We dress within the code for elegant, which is still causal to us.

 

 

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I am as appalled as you. The dress code is clearly posted outside the dining room, yet people completely ignore it and it is not enforced. This was extremely disappointing to us. As for formal night, I don't get to dress up much at home -we save our money for travel instead of going out at home - so I love having a reason to dress up for a change. No formal night would be a huge drawback that would make me reconsider booking on a ship.

[LMaxwell]

I am as appalled as you. The dress code is clearly posted outside the dining room, yet people completely ignore it and it is not enforced. This was extremely disappointing to us. As for formal night, I don't get to dress up much at home -we save our money for travel instead of going out at home - so I love having a reason to dress up for a change. No formal night would be a huge drawback that would make me reconsider booking on a ship.

 

Dress to the nines as often as you wish that makes you happy. The dining room experience is basically exactly the same all evenings, nothing special is done on elegant night besides a table cloth. So if you enjoy going to dining room all dressed up for photos or what have you, just do it on any /all nights that you wish

[golfb4cruzing]

This is always a sticky subject when we cruise. I detest long pants and anything doing with dressing up. I did it for 20 years (not including military) for work. I would go in swim trunks for the week if she let me.What you have on is of no interest to me and doesn't change the meal.