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Dinner dress code for men


av3206

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Smart casual implies something like business casual. Do you wear shorts to the office?

On our cruise earlier this month, on formal nights the NO SHORTS IN THE DINING ROOM was in large bold print.

I never saw shorts in the dining room except on the first and last night when clothes were packed.

 

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It depends upon whether you want to address appropriately or not.  For dinner in the MDR or specialty restaurants, shorts aren't considered appropriate.  I agree with the advice to wear long pants and a collared shirt.  What you choose to do is up to you, but even on vacation it's best not to be selfish, to consider the norms because it affects the experience of the other guests (like folks who want a romantic dinner for two in a nice environment).  That said, there are always extenuating circumstance. When we lost our luggage and couldn't dress "formal", we notified our waiter in advance and he said "no problem".   So we enjoyed the nicer menu of MDR instead of eating at the WJ.  Happily, our suitcases arrived by day 4.

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11 hours ago, av3206 said:

It says smart casual does does that mean long pants or can I wear nice shorts?

I would never wear shorts to the MDR, but that's just me. Like wise I would never dictate to others, what they should or shouldn't wear. Nice shorts and a collared shirt would suffice. Personally, how somebody else dresses, doesn't affect the enjoyment of my meal. 

If people feel that it should be mandatory that people dress up for dinner,  I say they are probably on the wrong cruise line. There are cruise lines out that there that dictate such attire.

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I wear hiking pants with zip off leggings.  Shorts by day, long pants for MDR and back to shorts in the evening with nothing but a zip on each leg.  

Good from far.  Good enough with a collared shirt to look dressed up enough while keeping my suitcase light.  

I like them for flying as well.  Planes can be cool but when I land in hot, humid Florida the legs come off and instant shorts.  

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I used to dress up for dinner. Not anymore. If the cruise compass says casual that's exactly what I do I dress in shorts. If it says formal then I put on my pants.. No one has EVER asked me to leave any specialty restaurant or dining room on casual nights when I wear shorts. I wouldn't do it on formal night but if it says casual why not be comfortable.. I know its not in the rules but RC does a horrible job of ENFORCING their rules.. Maybe on Liberty as someone mentioned they do but I have been on Majesty, Enchantment, Vision, Mariner, Navigator, Independence, Oasis, Allure, Quantum, Anthem, Harmony, and Symphony for a total of 52 cruises and never had an issue wearing my shorts on casual nights. 

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9 minutes ago, AGSLC5 said:

 No one has EVER asked me to leave any specialty restaurant or dining room on casual nights when I wear shorts.  I know its not in the rules but RC does a horrible job of ENFORCING their rules.

To paraphrase Capt. Barbosa from Pirates of the Caribbean, "it's more of a guideline, than a rule."

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Again, it's not about rules.  It is about being sensitive to the other guests.  RCI does a good job of preparing multiple venues for multiple interests, needs, and wants.  It's a shame when you want to take your significant other or family or friend to a nice restaurant and other guests think they're at the pool deck.  It is just self-centered to ignore the expectations of others when they are so well publicized, with the exception of extenuating circumstances.  I am all for casual because I'm retired, but I also try to think about the other guests.  This is why social norms come into play, not structured rules.  Having lost my luggage, I can understand some situations, but I'd have to agree that we could all (myself included) practice more sensitivity on the next cruise.  I am probably preaching to the choir, but social norms are more than rules (which can be arbitrary and discriminatory)--- there is some underlying basis for suggested attire and social customs.  And the caribbean is a lot more laid back than Europe...

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1 hour ago, ChessE4 said:

This is why social norms come into play, not structured rules.  <snip> I am probably preaching to the choir, but social norms are more than rules (which can be arbitrary and discriminatory)--- there is some underlying basis for suggested attire and social customs.  And the caribbean is a lot more laid back than Europe...

Where I disagree with you, it that I feel the social norm has already changed.  Shorts are acceptable dress in nice restaurants where I live (Chicago area) and I would agree the Caribbean is more laid back.  So I see no reason to only wear pants.

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2 hours ago, ChessE4 said:

Again, it's not about rules.  It is about being sensitive to the other guests.  RCI does a good job of preparing multiple venues for multiple interests, needs, and wants.  It's a shame when you want to take your significant other or family or friend to a nice restaurant and other guests think they're at the pool deck.  It is just self-centered to ignore the expectations of others when they are so well publicized, with the exception of extenuating circumstances.  I am all for casual because I'm retired, but I also try to think about the other guests.  This is why social norms come into play, not structured rules.  Having lost my luggage, I can understand some situations, but I'd have to agree that we could all (myself included) practice more sensitivity on the next cruise.  I am probably preaching to the choir, but social norms are more than rules (which can be arbitrary and discriminatory)--- there is some underlying basis for suggested attire and social customs.  And the caribbean is a lot more laid back than Europe...

I respectfully disagree with you. I agree with Atlantix it is now very socially acceptable to wear shorts to a nice restaurant. I do this all the time and see many others in the restaurant doing this.. I highly doubt the ones not dressed in shorts are thinking gee I am here with my friends or family and I am really upset people are wearing shorts.. I just really don't think thats the case. And if its the case for you I don't really understand it. Why focus on me and what I am wearing I always sit at a private table so I am not bothering anyone. I just personally on casual nights don't feel the need to take my shorts off. I don't understand why that would effect your experience. At a nice restaurant if someone is wearing shorts does that really bother you? Do you really notice? I honestly care more about the people I am with and talking, laughing, and having a good time with than strangers wearing shorts.. Again not trying to attack you and you are of course entitled to your opinion but I just really don't get it.. Plus everyone has different circumstances.. I have a disability and it causes me to have sensory issues and honestly shorts are the most comfortable thing for me to wear. Now I know on formal nights I have to bite the bullet and be uncomfortable for 2 hours and I do it.. But on casual nights why should I sit and suffer just because it offends some random stranger that I am wearing shorts? I guess I will never really understand this but oh well like I said you are of course entitled to your opinion and I respect that I just respectfully disagree. 

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Hi,

I like to dress up since I'm a housewife and I do not have many opportunities to look pretty. For me, a cruise is a romantic place where all family members can look at their best and take beautiful pictures for posterity. We own a gorgeous family picture taken on a cruise 9 years ago… I also like to look at all those elegant people, it reminds me of long-past balls, I feel a bit like a princess!

However, not everybody in my family thinks the same. My 21 year old DD does not like fancy dressing. My 9 year old DD does, I bought her 2 nice dresses for the occasion, but she doesn't like formal pictures. And my men do not want to play the game at all. 

My DS, 18, does not want pictures of him to be taken. He does not even own any long pants apart from jeans, I got him a black levi's khaki. And my DH wears suits all year-round for work, so for him suit = work, he is on holiday, he wants to relax and be comfortable. Moreover, he's a bit… overweight… so he feels uncomfortable in suits and tie, especially for eating. Thus, he makes an effort to wear long pants and a polo shirt on formal nights, in order to "fit in" and please me, but that would be it.

I agree that formal night is part of the game and people should make an effort on those days, in consideration for others. But it is also THEIR vacation, they want to enjoy it their way. After all, every guest pays for their cruise. Wearing long pants and a polo shirt instead of a tuxedo is not being rude to anyone. I think.

 

 

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A couple of things having read through this post.

Europe is not always more “formal” - wearing smart, tailored shorts is acceptable at work nowadays. I work for a large multinational company who do not bat an eyelid at tailored shorts. As does my partner at another large company who don’t mind that he (and others) wear shorts to work as long.

As a poster above said, if I am on holiday or eating out at a restaurant at home, I’m more focussed on enjoying time with those I am with than other people’s legs.

People are on holiday in a hot country (countries in this case) and don’t want to overheat in trousers, just in case their calves might offend someone.

If calves and knees put people off their meal, should women not be covering up their legs in their entirety too? Sounds like the Victorian times when flashing an ankle was considered a scandal! 

All the above aside, I am thoroughly looking forward to dressing up on formal nights! On one of which I am wearing a knee length dress. More scandal or is that allowed I wonder...

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Style and etiquette do not always see eye to eye since both are based on geographical social norms. I was brought up where men do not wear hats inside, especially at the dinner table. Social norms for others include wearing your pants almost to your knees. I guess you could wear your base ball cap and pants backwards if it suits you and if you don't care what other people think. Wearing shorts at formal tea with Queen of England would most likely not be allowed. At a formal dinner onboard, wearing shorts might be considered a faux pas in some eyes but again, if you don't care what some people think, go for it.

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We always do smart casual and then nicer/fancier stuff for formal nights.  We do "dress up" fancy as a rule so we make it fun for us and get some good family pictures in the process.  That being said, what everyone else wears has no baring on my experience at dinner and once they sit down - no one will know that they have shorts or pants on at that point. 

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I used to take sport jacket with me but gave it up as it takes too much space and whatever I can save in weight is going out (now days with the extra payment for suitcase if flying). 

I will take with me dress pants and few dress shirts for official night.

Just came back from a cruise in Europe  , short pants were very common .

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I also feel it depends on the kind of cruise you are having.. I am a gambler and I go on many cruises just me and my best friend. Our goal is to eat and then get back to the casino to get a good spot at the black jack table.. However we are also foodies and not a fan of windjammer so we eat in all restaurants.. Like I stated before we wear shorts except on formal night where we put on pants and thats the kind of cruise we want.. However once a year my boyfriends family takes us on a "family cruise" all 16 of us. When we are on that cruise we must dress for dinner everynight to the point that I literally have to go shopping just for cruise clothes.. But I know going into that cruise what I have to do and so my point is I think it depends on the kind of cruise your having. Maybe your just with a best friend and you want to be super casual or maybe it is a big family cruise where you need to be more formal for pictures and all that.. All I am saying is I don't understand why other people care what others are wearing on casual nights everyone has a different circumstance and I think we should all just try and focus on our own vacations and do what's right for us. 

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23 hours ago, Mljstr said:

Smart casual implies something like business casual. Do you wear shorts to the office?

On our cruise earlier this month, on formal nights the NO SHORTS IN THE DINING ROOM was in large bold print.

I never saw shorts in the dining room except on the first and last night when clothes were packed.

 

I wear scrubs in the office. Could I wear them as that is my business casual... Oh by the way...with or without bodily fluids??

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Some folks are going to be sensitive to others, some aren't.  It is your choice.  Perhaps think about what your parents or teachers might say -- are you acting like the person you want to become?    When I was a teen and a young man, I accidentally offended people I cared about because I didn't fully understand social conventions.  I choose not to do that now, when I am aware of my surroundings.   That is all I am saying.  On any cruise, some guests will err towards being self-centered and others to being more sensitive of others, knowing they are from diverse backgrounds.  No one is denying anyone rights to dress as they please - that is not the point. 

Everyone who has posted has a valid feeling or perception.  I just ask that you think about others, since we don't always see a lot of that in the social media or certain TV networks.

 

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It is always best to think about others which is why I often give up a prime spot on a railing at a glacier when I've taken a few pictures - let someone else enjoy it.  Being courteous to others when boarding elevators or waiting to order a drink at a bar comes naturally. 

However I draw the line at dressing up for others so some of them might feel better, maybe?  I don't notice what other folks wear in dining rooms.  It has zero impact on the taste of my meal or the company I am sharing.   This applies in land restaurants and on ships.  That's not to say I wear crappy clothes with a "just off the beach" look but I haven't packed a jacket or tie for a cruise in a while now.  I wear long pants and on formal nights a long sleeve short with a collar when I eat in the MDR.  

If I sailed a luxury line or a different line that stated a dress code I would follow it.  Royal does not have a dress code.  Period.  I paid as much or more than my fellow guests and I'm not dressing up for any of them.  I have no issue with folks that choose to dress up, that is their choice.  I do not consider this to be self centered or damaging to other guests in any way just as someone who wears a tuxedo hasn't damaged me or my experience in any way.

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Last thought from me in this topic; if someone wearing shorts is ruining your life/holiday then (a) you’re lucky that’s all you have to worry about and (b) maybe you need to get a hobby.

 

Also, funny that no one has still commented on why they find shorts offensive but not women in knee length skirts or dresses - why are men’s legs more worrisome than women’s?

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5 hours ago, twangster said:

It is always best to think about others which is why I often give up a prime spot on a railing at a glacier when I've taken a few pictures - let someone else enjoy it.  Being courteous to others when boarding elevators or waiting to order a drink at a bar comes naturally. 

However I draw the line at dressing up for others so some of them might feel better, maybe?  I don't notice what other folks wear in dining rooms.  It has zero impact on the taste of my meal or the company I am sharing.   This applies in land restaurants and on ships.  That's not to say I wear crappy clothes with a "just off the beach" look but I haven't packed a jacket or tie for a cruise in a while now.  I wear long pants and on formal nights a long sleeve short with a collar when I eat in the MDR.  

If I sailed a luxury line or a different line that stated a dress code I would follow it.  Royal does not have a dress code.  Period.  I paid as much or more than my fellow guests and I'm not dressing up for any of them.  I have no issue with folks that choose to dress up, that is their choice.  I do not consider this to be self centered or damaging to other guests in any way just as someone who wears a tuxedo hasn't damaged me or my experience in any way.

I signed up just to give a big thumbs up to this post. If you want to sneer at people for dressing smart but not as stuffy as you go find a different cruise line.

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The only person I dress to impress is my wife...if she thinks dressing formal is appropriate and she is going to "get dolled up" for dinner then youre damn right Im going to dress nice.  Otherwise I would rather be comfortable and I quit caring about what others think about me a LONG time ago.  Life is so much better when you mind your own business and just live your own life.  If everyone would worry about them, get a job and mind their own business well.....that would fix 90% of the world today.

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+1 to dressing for only one person (my soulmate).  Each night I ask her what she wants me to wear.  It takes me less than 15 minutes.  Making her happy makes me happy.

With respect to what others wear, I like to apply the old French Proverb:

"Praise the god of all, drink the wine, and let the world be the world."

Wear whatever you want ... we are not watching.

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1 hour ago, Yo2slick said:

The only person I dress to impress is my wife...if she thinks dressing formal is appropriate and she is going to "get dolled up" for dinner then youre damn right Im going to dress nice.  Otherwise I would rather be comfortable and I quit caring about what others think about me a LONG time ago.  Life is so much better when you mind your own business and just live your own life.  If everyone would worry about them, get a job and mind their own business well.....that would fix 90% of the world today.

This is pretty much the way I see it. 

One more thought.....

If a woman wears a 2 piece swim suit into the MDR, I'm not going to say anything. But my wife will.....to me.  Like it's my fault she's there.... ?

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23 hours ago, ChessE4 said:

Some folks are going to be sensitive to others, some aren't.  It is your choice.  Perhaps think about what your parents or teachers might say -- are you acting like the person you want to become?    When I was a teen and a young man, I accidentally offended people I cared about because I didn't fully understand social conventions.  I choose not to do that now, when I am aware of my surroundings.   That is all I am saying.  On any cruise, some guests will err towards being self-centered and others to being more sensitive of others, knowing they are from diverse backgrounds.  No one is denying anyone rights to dress as they please - that is not the point. 

Everyone who has posted has a valid feeling or perception.  I just ask that you think about others, since we don't always see a lot of that in the social media or certain TV networks.

So, just to check.  Sometime in the future, you walk into the MDR wearing pants and you realize that 75% of people are in shorts.  Do you immediately turn around, return to your cabin, and change into shorts in order to be sensitive to the social convention?  If not, you can't expect that of those that want to wear shorts now.

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So, just to check.  Sometime in the future, you walk into the MDR wearing pants and you realize that 75% of people are in shorts.  Do you immediately turn around, return to your cabin, and change into shorts in order to be sensitive to the social convention?  If not, you can't expect that of those that want to wear shorts now.

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  • You sound a little defensive, which not the point.  My point is that some people don't seem to understand the basis for social guidelines, which I believe involves sensitivity to others.  That was the point.  Being dressed to the 9's on formal night while being rude isn't following the established guidelines, as most members here agree.  Being rude isn't socially acceptable, and it ruins the evening for some. I stand by my belief that there are a diversity of opportunities on RCI ships for a diversity of lifestyles, and we can embrace that by using a little common sense and following clearly communicated RCI guidelines at particular venues, where that is feasible.
  •  
  •                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               To your point, In a parallel universe on another planet where the MDR guidelines were to wear shorts, I'd wear shorts.  There would be an underlying reason for that guideline apparent to most everyone.  Reminds me of some Star Trek episodes....  I will stand down but wish to point out that this all started because someone asked a question for which there is a "book" RCI answer, which has been communicated.  Ciao

W

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Here's my thoughts on this...Is this a public venue or private? Either way it's up to the establishment for policing there policy's and enforcing rules.  I do however dislike when they state formal attire and people show up in t-shirt and shorts, but its not up to me to enforce there rules...I say don't let them in or change the attire guidelines.  It is considered rude to show up in inappropriate attire knowing what the dress code is.  That to me shows disrespect to the establishment and those around that your clearly a "it's all about me" entitled individual and no respect to others.

 Last night was our second formal night and i did see people in t-shirts and jeans, t-shirts and shorts (not dressy) with the majority in appropriate attire. 

Maybe Royal Caribbean should have those not in designated attire in one dining room and the rest in main dining.  Just a thought.

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2 minutes ago, mworkman said:

 Either way it's up to the establishment for policing there policy's and enforcing rules.  

I agree.

Rules are only rules if they are enforced. If you are making rules for the majority, you need to enforce those rules with the minority. Make up your mind RC. 

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On ‎6‎/‎19‎/‎2019 at 6:07 PM, whenismynextcruise said:

This topic comes up a lot and it always makes me wonder.....are pants that hard to wear? All medical or physical disclaimers aside....they are just longer shorts :)

Honestly I think it has to do more with packing. Your in a warm environment, pants take up extra suitcase space. I get your point but if I fly to Miami for a week, there will be no long pants in my case. Its vacation in the heat and comfortable is the word.  

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Yeah, the hubs is not so keen on wearing pants on the cruise. And do they designate no jeans?  Frankly, I think nice khaki shorts are nicer than jeans in most cases.  On formal night, we'll likely go elsewhere (tho it's the Majesty, so not a TON of other options).  But want to plan to go to the MDR most other nights. We'll bring a couple of polo shirts for him to wear (probably only for dinner) and maybe one pair of pants.

But I guess this all begs the question - should there be ANY limits to the dress code in the MDR?  I mean, are tank tops, tube tops and cutoffs ok?  Folks might say that's silly, but seriously, if we all draw our own line, who knows where it stops.  Naked night?  Ok, so THAT'S def too far! ?

Again, we're a casual couple (that both dress in business attire for work) that will choose to skip the formal night. But I like the suggestions on relaxing the dress code for the MDR or one of the dining rooms. Tho maybe on bigger ships w/ more options, it isn't as big of a deal.  

 

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