Caribbean Cruises on MSC, never been refused MDR in shorts! 5 cruises this year...on 3 different ships.

[NMsunset]

Hello Fellow MSC Fans and the critics-

You are allowed to wear shorts/skirts/skorts/kilts etc in the MDR, Specialty Restaurants, Theater, Lounges...there are suggested costumes, formal, and other themes...but never have seen it enforced on MSC in the Caribbean in last 5 years.

Myth that shorts are not allowed on ladies and or gents of any age in the MDR and/or Yacht Club is just not accurate.

There is much commentary again about people being kicked/escorted/ jailed/ drawn & quartered...usually from the same keyboard warriors on this forum that promote this myth and comment on it.

 

It is your cruise to enjoy in your manner, speaking the language of your choice, and wearing the apparel you are comfortable in (within the enforced MSC guidance).

Much of the banter from the monocle and top hat crowd on this forum sounds familiar to me.

 

Some say it is the me, me, me crowd that wears shorts (clutching my pearls)...while they are trying to shame/force others to their me, me, me world view....tad hypercritical.

 

Similar points of view about hair styles, music, swimwear, etc...one-sided perspectives for sure.

 

I do not shame anyone in a gown, tux, or costume of any style...in fact several occasions, I complement them and offer to take their pictures and have a nice exchange of words...

 

I would never ask to change tables due to another person's wardrobe choice, nationality, if they have a walker/wheelchair, lisp, language, hairstyle, same sex partner/orientation/pronouns etc.

Those that do make the table changes, well that speaks volumes about character, acceptance, kindness, empathy... 

Enjoy YOUR Cruise the way you want, in shorts or formal...

Cheers!

[kwokpot]

1 hour ago, NMsunset said:

Hello Fellow MSC Fans and the critics-

You are allowed to wear shorts/skirts/skorts/kilts etc in the MDR, Specialty Restaurants, Theater, Lounges...there are suggested costumes, formal, and other themes...but never have seen it enforced on MSC in the Caribbean in last 5 years.

Myth that shorts are not allowed on ladies and or gents of any age in the MDR and/or Yacht Club is just not accurate.

There is much commentary again about people being kicked/escorted/ jailed/ drawn & quartered...usually from the same keyboard warriors on this forum that promote this myth and comment on it.

 

It is your cruise to enjoy in your manner, speaking the language of your choice, and wearing the apparel you are comfortable in (within the enforced MSC guidance).

Much of the banter from the monocle and top hat crowd on this forum sounds familiar to me.

 

Some say it is the me, me, me crowd that wears shorts (clutching my pearls)...while they are trying to shame/force others to their me, me, me world view....tad hypercritical.

 

Similar points of view about hair styles, music, swimwear, etc...one-sided perspectives for sure.

 

I do not shame anyone in a gown, tux, or costume of any style...in fact several occasions, I complement them and offer to take their pictures and have a nice exchange of words...

 

I would never ask to change tables due to another person's wardrobe choice, nationality, if they have a walker/wheelchair, lisp, language, hairstyle, same sex partner/orientation/pronouns etc.

Those that do make the table changes, well that speaks volumes about character, acceptance, kindness, empathy... 

Enjoy YOUR Cruise the way you want, in shorts or formal...

Cheers!

What ship are you on? I'm on the Seashore right now and I would say 50%of the men are wearing shorts for dinner. I had dinner last night at Butcher's Cut, (Excellent meal) and 1/3 of the men there were wearing shorts. 

[gmbhardy]

Absolutely great post.  I’ve had dinner experiences compromised by loud and obnoxious, self serving idiots but never by someone wearing shorts.

[styles27]

1 hour ago, NMsunset said:

Hello Fellow MSC Fans and the critics-

You are allowed to wear shorts/skirts/skorts/kilts etc in the MDR, Specialty Restaurants, Theater, Lounges...there are suggested costumes, formal, and other themes...but never have seen it enforced on MSC in the Caribbean in last 5 years.

Myth that shorts are not allowed on ladies and or gents of any age in the MDR and/or Yacht Club is just not accurate.

There is much commentary again about people being kicked/escorted/ jailed/ drawn & quartered...usually from the same keyboard warriors on this forum that promote this myth and comment on it.

 

It is your cruise to enjoy in your manner, speaking the language of your choice, and wearing the apparel you are comfortable in (within the enforced MSC guidance).

Much of the banter from the monocle and top hat crowd on this forum sounds familiar to me.

 

Some say it is the me, me, me crowd that wears shorts (clutching my pearls)...while they are trying to shame/force others to their me, me, me world view....tad hypercritical.

 

Similar points of view about hair styles, music, swimwear, etc...one-sided perspectives for sure.

 

I do not shame anyone in a gown, tux, or costume of any style...in fact several occasions, I complement them and offer to take their pictures and have a nice exchange of words...

 

I would never ask to change tables due to another person's wardrobe choice, nationality, if they have a walker/wheelchair, lisp, language, hairstyle, same sex partner/orientation/pronouns etc.

Those that do make the table changes, well that speaks volumes about character, acceptance, kindness, empathy... 

Enjoy YOUR Cruise the way you want, in shorts or formal...

Cheers!

So you’re saying the recent reports about people being asked to leave are false?

 I’ve seen people being “gently informed” at the check in podium of the MDR that there is a dress code, and no they didn’t seat them. 
 

It seems to depend on the crew member in charge at the time, which is unfortunate because then there’s no consistency fleet wide of their own dress code policy. 
 

https://www.msccruisesusa.com/manage-booking/before-you-go/what-to-wear

 

 

[Two Wheels Only]

I believe that the issue comes down to what the dress code is vs. the suggested dress vs. enforcement of the dress code. 

 

It's like the yellow and black "suggested" speed signs....

 

 

 

vs. the white and black speed limit signs...

 

 

...vs the enforcement of the speed limit sign. 

 

 

Someone driving 40mph on the ramp isn't breaking the speed limit. 

Someone driving 55mph is breaking the speed limit but probably won't get pulled over and given a ticket (enforcement). 

 

 

MSC has given on the website...

 

 

WHAT TO WEAR ON A CRUISE

 

We want to make sure you are always prepared when cruising with MSC. Below are some suggestions to make sure you pack appropriate clothing for the various activities you will undertake during your cruise.

 

Daytime Attire

Casual wear is recommended for daytime attire. Shorts and T-shirts are permitted

 

Evening Wear

A more polished look is recommended for evening wear when dining in the Main Dining Rooms and Specialty Restaurants and while enjoying the entertainment in the theater, bars, and lounges. Collared shirts, tailored pants or shorts, skirts, and dresses are suggested. Layers and a light jacket or sweater are suggested for cooler nights and in the ship’s air-conditioned public areas.

 

Gala Night

On Gala Night, dress to impress! Whether that means a tuxedo, suit and tie, evening gown or cocktail dress, or perhaps it’s your very best jeans and polo shirt, your attire should fit your own level of elegance. The only thing required is your smile.

 

Theme parties

We organise various daytime and evening Theme Parties on board. You may wish to bring 60s and 70s floral gear for the Flower Glory Party, white clothing for the White Party, and something green, white and red for the our MSC Little Italy entertainment

 

Dress Restrictions

Specific restrictions may be enforced by onboard staff members including restaurant hostesses and management. At no point is swimwear allowed in any formal dining venue for any meal, including breakfast and lunch. Shorts, flip flops, and tank tops are not allowed for Evening Wear or Gala Night in the Main Dining Rooms, Specialty Restaurants, or MSC Yacht Club. T-shirts are not allowed to be worn for Gala Night. Dress code rules that are posted outside the buffet should be followed.

 

 

So what we are left with is a series of suggestions, a dress code which MAY be enforced, and staff which can "police" in a matter that they feel is appropriate. 

 

Can someone be refused to be seated for dinner because of shorts or asked to return to their stateroom to put on long pants? Yes. 

Does that always happen? No. 

 

 

[MsTabbyKats]

Where do I even start.

 

How does "what someone wears" affect the taste of your food?  You're in the MDR to eat and unless the person smells, I don't see a problem.

 

The people who "get up and walk away" are the people with problems.

[Paphillyguy]

I have posted this before but it bears repeating.  I have seen many people dressed very nicely in a nice khaki short and polo shirt and some people dressed very offensively in what they consider dress wear.  To each their own. 

[MsTabbyKats]

1 hour ago, Paphillyguy said:

I have posted this before but it bears repeating.  I have seen many people dressed very nicely in a nice khaki short and polo shirt and some people dressed very offensively in what they consider dress wear.  To each their own. 

Absolutely!

 

 

[Bobbiegentry]

4 hours ago, NMsunset said:

Hello Fellow MSC Fans and the critics-

You are allowed to wear shorts/skirts/skorts/kilts etc in the MDR, Specialty Restaurants, Theater, Lounges...there are suggested costumes, formal, and other themes...but never have seen it enforced on MSC in the Caribbean in last 5 years.

Myth that shorts are not allowed on ladies and or gents of any age in the MDR and/or Yacht Club is just not accurate.

There is much commentary again about people being kicked/escorted/ jailed/ drawn & quartered...usually from the same keyboard warriors on this forum that promote this myth and comment on it.

 

It is your cruise to enjoy in your manner, speaking the language of your choice, and wearing the apparel you are comfortable in (within the enforced MSC guidance).

Much of the banter from the monocle and top hat crowd on this forum sounds familiar to me.

 

Some say it is the me, me, me crowd that wears shorts (clutching my pearls)...while they are trying to shame/force others to their me, me, me world view....tad hypercritical.

 

Similar points of view about hair styles, music, swimwear, etc...one-sided perspectives for sure.

 

I do not shame anyone in a gown, tux, or costume of any style...in fact several occasions, I complement them and offer to take their pictures and have a nice exchange of words...

 

I would never ask to change tables due to another person's wardrobe choice, nationality, if they have a walker/wheelchair, lisp, language, hairstyle, same sex partner/orientation/pronouns etc.

Those that do make the table changes, well that speaks volumes about character, acceptance, kindness, empathy... 

Enjoy YOUR Cruise the way you want, in shorts or formal...

Cheers!

I don’t know you but I like you already!!

 

Dress Code = Dress Suggestion. 

[SirWolf]

Like with many things in life there is a big difference between men’s dress shorts and men’s adventure/sport shorts.

Passengers wearing the same shorts all day.. on the beach.. on the pool deck.. and in the dining room are not my idea of appropriate dress code for the dining room.. especially when these passengers wear flip-flops and take them off while having dinner..

I guess I am old-school but dressing accordingly when dress code is expected .. is my way of showing respect to fellow passengers.

[Stockjock]

I presume that this message is in response to my thread yesterday about the guy who got kicked out of the restaurant for wearing shorts.  If so, it probably would have made more sense to add a comment to that existing thread, rather than creating an entirely new thread.  But whatever.

That said, as I clearly mentioned, the fellow who was kicked out was wearing shorts on Gala Night.  This is a different situation versus wearing shorts on a "normal" night.  I personally wouldn't wear shorts to dinner on any night, but that's just me and it's not prohibited other than on Gala Night.

Edited September 27, 2022 by Stockjock

[styles27]

2 minutes ago, Stockjock said:

I presume that this message is in response to my thread yesterday about the guy who got kicked out of the restaurant for wearing shorts.  If so, it probably would have made more sense to add a comment to that existing thread, rather than creating an entirely new thread.  But whatever.

That said, as I clearly mentioned, the fellow who was kicked out was wearing shorts on Gala Night.  This is a different situation versus wearing shorts on a "normal" night.  I personally wouldn't wear shorts to dinner on any night, but that's just me and it's not prohibited other than on Gala Night.

I agree, why not just post a comment on that thread?

Some people are clearly here to stir the pot 🙄

[1kaper]

55 minutes ago, Stockjock said:

I presume that this message is in response to my thread yesterday about the guy who got kicked out of the restaurant for wearing shorts.  If so, it probably would have made more sense to add a comment to that existing thread, rather than creating an entirely new thread.  But whatever.

That said, as I clearly mentioned, the fellow who was kicked out was wearing shorts on Gala Night.  This is a different situation versus wearing shorts on a "normal" night.  I personally wouldn't wear shorts to dinner on any night, but that's just me and it's not prohibited other than on Gala Night.

 

ah. 
I was going to say I saw a man in a baseball jersey full unbuttoned with nothing underneath being seated in the dining room on my MsC cruise. It wasn’t formal night though.  
 

what someone wears to supper does not bother me but I figured if he was allowed, they weren’t strict at all. 

Edited September 27, 2022 by 1kaper

[racephoto]

First and foremost, you say you’ve never seen this on your cruises “in the Caribbean.” This was on a European sailing, on a ship that, as far as I know, has never sailed in the US/Caribbean. Lots and and lots of things are different between MSCs Carib sailings and their European ones. And on ships like the one I’m on now, the Meraviglia, that do both, some things are a mix of the two styles.

[BklynBorn47]

59 minutes ago, racephoto said:

First and foremost, you say you’ve never seen this on your cruises “in the Caribbean.” This was on a European sailing, on a ship that, as far as I know, has never sailed in the US/Caribbean. Lots and and lots of things are different between MSCs Carib sailings and their European ones. And on ships like the one I’m on now, the Meraviglia, that do both, some things are a mix of the two styles.

Hello there,

We are on the Meraviglia too right now - our first MSC, We boarded in Marseille after flying from Istanbul after B2B on Windstar Legend.

LOVING the international vibe.

[racephoto]

18 minutes ago, BklynBorn47 said:

Hello there,

We are on the Meraviglia too right now - our first MSC, We boarded in Marseille after flying from Istanbul after B2B on Windstar Legend.

LOVING the international vibe.

Nice!! Yeah, I'm enjoying it too.  It's definitely a nice blend of MSC's European style and the styles of American Cruise lines. I'm really looking forward to Madeira. I loved the Azores and I'm hoping I will love Madeira as much. Can't wait to see how much storm dodging we'll have to do on the crossing!

[styles27]

2 hours ago, racephoto said:

First and foremost, you say you’ve never seen this on your cruises “in the Caribbean.” This was on a European sailing, on a ship that, as far as I know, has never sailed in the US/Caribbean. Lots and and lots of things are different between MSCs Carib sailings and their European ones. And on ships like the one I’m on now, the Meraviglia, that do both, some things are a mix of the two styles.

Completely agree that European cruises are so different than Caribbean cruises when it comes to how people dress. 

I LOVED the way Europeans dressed on our Mediterranean cruise because I love to dress up. 
When people dress up the entire atmosphere is different…in the best possible way in my opinion. 
European cruisers do it right!! 
 

Have a wonderful time and I hope your crossing is smooth!

[awhcruiser]

Why was this thread even started?

[Nunagoras]

5 hours ago, racephoto said:

First and foremost, you say you’ve never seen this on your cruises “in the Caribbean.” This was on a European sailing, on a ship that, as far as I know, has never sailed in the US/Caribbean. Lots and and lots of things are different between MSCs Carib sailings and their European ones. And on ships like the one I’m on now, the Meraviglia, that do both, some things are a mix of the two styles.

This! Long gone are those times when MSC was mostly such an Italian thing for the Italians, or for the Italians plus a few other EU citizens alike. Long gone are consequently the days where I was sort of viewed as such a "2nd class" guest for not being an Italian... Paradoxically those were the wonderful good ole MSC days, and their glorious ones to say the least. That was when the Musica class vessels were their flagship and when MSC had less than 10 ships overall!... Some might claim their service was far worse than it is now... for me it was nicer, yeah, perhaps a little bit less demanding, but surely more relaxed... I'd to describe that MSC's era as a company where simplicity would meet sophistication... It seems not anymore. On my last 2 cruises (2017 on the UAE and 2018 TA from Brazil to Portugal) the experience was just like what you described for some of the newer builds; a mix between the American way and the European way; and I believe the difference is dwindling by the day. I understand that from a business point of view it makes things easy to just Americanize the experience, once cruising is just seen as an American sort of experience in general. But, there are my wonderful memories about my early days cruises some 15-20 years ago!... And yes; it seems from what I've read on those boards that US sailings mainstream cruise dress schemes are clearly going down the road by the day, while here in Europe sailings people are becoming less formal, but at least making their effort!...

[Stockjock]

1 hour ago, awhcruiser said:

Why was this thread even started?

It should have been an add-on remark to the thread I had done the previous evening about the fellow who got kicked from the MDR for wearing shorts.  Not sure why it seems to be gaining traction.

Imagine if we took every remark to a current thread and started a new thread with it.

[NMsunset]

Many Cruisers or potential MSC cruisers are looking for Facts, not biased opinions.

Fact: MSC determines dress code Recommendations and or Requirements, along with how they choose to enforce those on a case by case basis. Not the internet fashion police🤣

 

Many folks on here are Caribbean cruisers and on MSC, my recent multiple ship and cruise experience in the last 5 years, wearing shorts are never an issue in MDR on Gala and Formal nights along with YC, theater, lounges, etc...

 

Unlike many on this forum, I do not care if other passengers are in a T-shirt or a tux...it has ZERO impact on my cruise experience.

 

Many times there are words/phrases/ideas/perceptions that are put forward that actually mask the underlying mindset.

All people, in all clothing choices, from all lands/cultures are always welcomed at any table I occupy!

Enjoy your cruises!

Cheers

[styles27]

33 minutes ago, NMsunset said:

Many Cruisers or potential MSC cruisers are looking for Facts, not biased opinions.

Fact: MSC determines dress code Recommendations and or Requirements, along with how they choose to enforce those on a case by case basis. Not the internet fashion police🤣

 

For “potential MSC cruisers looking for facts” 

Fact-

Does MSC have a no shorts policy on gala and evening wear nights in the MDR/YC DR listed on their website?

Yes they do. 

Fact

Do some people wear shorts on gala night in the MDR/YC DR?
 I’ll take you for your word that yes that has happened on at least 5 cruises that you’ve been on. 
 

I personally have never seen men allowed to wear shorts on gala night in the MDR. That doesn’t mean it never happens. The fact is I’ve never seen it. 
 

See the difference. 
 

Wear what you want. It’s nobody’s business.
 I will always be that person who is the over dressed one in a crowd and I don’t care. It makes me feel good to dress up. 🤷🏻‍♀️


 

 

 

 

 

 

[NMsunset]

Fact the MSC website is for all ships and destinations.

 

The Daily Program(s) are tailored to the specific cruise and ship you are enjoying. 

Those Daily Planners only "Suggest" Dress for Evenings

Example from May on Seashore eastern Caribbean 

See below:

If you have Daily Program from any MSC cruise that states requirements on Dress, do share images for us to all learn the Facts.

 

 

 

[NMsunset]

2 hours ago, styles27 said:

 

Hi Styles-  this we are fully aligned with each other:

Wear what you want. It’s nobody’s business.
 I will always be that person who is the over dressed one in a crowd and I don’t care. It makes me feel good to dress up. 🤷🏻‍♀️

 

Bet you look sharp dressed up...feels good👍
just like I feel relaxed and comfortable in shorts on my vacation...

all good stuff!

Some on this forum have suggested that it is their business what others wear or should wear...and how they are  justified to be rude and change tables and comment it ruins their meal, or that the way you dress is disrespectful....then the myth of MSC being "kicking" someone out of MDR. Using drama/hyperbole in post titles...and attempting to say it is a rule...when it is only a Suggestion or Recommendation.

 

 

 

2 hours ago, styles27 said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

[no1talks]

1 hour ago, NMsunset said:

"Fact the MSC website is for all ships and destinations."

Fair enough. The screencap below about Dress Restrictions is from the website. I added the underlining. While MSC softly suggests what one should wear, they also warn of enforcement should one flout the restrictions. The only thing demonstrated by a string of clean getaways on fautes de vêtements is (if I may coin a phrase) Sartorial Survivor Bias. 


https://www.msccruisesusa.com/manage-booking/before-you-go/what-to-wear#:~:text=Dress Restrictions&text=Shorts%2C flip flops%2C and tank,Restaurants%2C or MSC Yacht Club.