Dress code observation

[DeckChairExpert]

We have observed the MDR dress code is not being enforced on several of our previous cruises which have enhanced our dining experiences with wife beater shirts, backward worn head ware, R rated tattoos, daisy dukes, cargo shorts, questionable message t-shirts and other fashion shortcuts.

While understanding it is not good business to turn people away and enforcement could expose other social abrasions I would venture the thought RCL could seat these relaxed diners in an area on one deck instead of taking it on themselves to expand our understanding of decent exposure.

Main dining is one of the experiences we enjoy on RCL but it seems changes are deemed necessary by someone.

That person would be making an incorrect assumption.

Please uphold the published dress code for the main dining room or make known the revised rules.

[Pooch]

Fashion police at it again.  My husband wears neat clean shorts and a button down or polo shirt to dinner.  I will wear a sundress or other dress probably with a light sweater.  We keep our elbows off the table, napkins in our laps, use our inside voices and chew with our mouths closed.  I’m not having dinner in the WJ.  I’m afraid you will just have to deal with it.  Pay attention to your table mate instead of other diners.

[smokeybandit]

99% of passengers in the MDR are wearing at least something half decent. Pretty good odds really.

[WAYNO]

Many folks look forward to a formal dinner.  I try to respect that.

Other folks however, scream nobody is going to tell them how to dress. 

Royal must pick their battles.

The formal dining experience is going away.  The Main Dining Room is becoming  a casual restaurant.  And this also could cause folks to switch to premium cruise lines. 

[ChessE4]

4 hours ago, Pooch said:

Fashion police at it again.  My husband wears neat clean shorts and a button down or polo shirt to dinner.  I will wear a sundress or other dress probably with a light sweater.  We keep our elbows off the table, napkins in our laps, use our inside voices and chew with our mouths closed.  I’m not having dinner in the WJ.  I’m afraid you will just have to deal with it.  Pay attention to your table mate instead of other diners.

No, OP isn't fashion police, but pointing out that some cruisers don't make enough of an effort, lost suitcases aside. We all know that, nothing new.   But with escalating prices, it would be great for Royal to have a nice dining environment on each ship for those special celebrations. It is precisely because we are paying attention to our tablemates that we want a special experience, at least on formal nights. There is casual, and there is inappropriate. Most of us avoid the latter. 

[Pattycruise]

Trying to think how they’d make that happen? Would it be an additional question at booking? “Early dining or late or my time? Will you be dressing appropriately in slacks and a shirt that covers your armpits or will you be dressing in wife beaters and cut off shorts? Because that will determine where we seat you”   Meanwhile Royal can’t always get reservations straight as it is.  Good luck!

[ScottD]

I've rarely seen "inappropriate"  Shorts and t-shirts are not what I would consider inappropriate,  maybe a tank top or a bathing suit- yes, shouldn't be worn to dinner. But someone showing up in khaki or nice cargo shorts and a plain colored tshirt or polo shirt is just normal, relaxing dinner clothing to most people on a warm weather vacation.  I don't dress up for formal night, but it's the one night I throw on a pair of dark jeans and my one button down or polo shirt I brought along and I think that's more than enough.  I couldn't imagine letting what the table next to me was wearing affect my special occasion or nightly meal 

[OCSC Mike]

24 minutes ago, ScottD said:

I couldn't imagine letting what the table next to me was wearing affect my special occasion or nightly meal

+10000000

To each their own but agree 100%.

[Carlos A.]

3 hours ago, ScottD said:

I couldn't imagine letting what the table next to me was wearing affect my special occasion or nightly meal 

Exactly! Everyone enjoys their vacation as they want. 

[HeWhoWaits]

I think the OP's issue is with there being a published "dress code" which isn't followed or enforced. Get rid of (most of) the "dress code," and just establish as policy what's already being allowed to happen anyway.

[smokeybandit]

There are attire recommendations, but other than no bathing suit-type clothes, not really a dress code.

[DoomSlayer]

On 12/16/2024 at 10:56 AM, DeckChairExpert said:

...

While understanding it is not good business to turn people away and enforcement could expose other social abrasions I would venture the thought RCL could seat these relaxed diners in an area on one deck instead of taking it on themselves to expand our understanding of decent exposure.

...

Probably would be easier to separate and seat the fashion police in a separate area.

[Pooch]

Now, hey you, mister, can't you read?
You got to have a shirt and tie to get a seat
You can't even watch, no, you can't eat
You ain't supposed to be here

[SPS]

12 hours ago, Pooch said:

Now, hey you, mister, can't you read?
You got to have a shirt and tie to get a seat
You can't even watch, no, you can't eat
You ain't supposed to be here

And the sign says you got to have your Sea Pass Card to get inside

[Crown&AnchorEsq]

I know its a bit of "old man yells at cloud" but I do miss the more formal dress requirements.  Does someone wearing shorts in the MDR ruin my vacation? No.  But there was something special about everyone going black tie and it encouraged all involved to make a little extra effort.

I understand why people do not want to do it and I am the firs to admit that because I am not required to, I usually do not put in as much effort.  The reality was that even that was never really strictly enforced so when they relaxed the stated requirements, you end up with shorts in the dining room.

[Sealegs]

I see formal attire not really going away, but gradually moving to smaller venues. For instance, the Empire Supper Club has a formal dress code, including mandatory jackets for men. Other venues may follow suit, as there is definitely a demand for that kind of atmosphere as is evident just from this thread. 

[Pooch]

30 minutes ago, Sealegs said:

I see formal attire not really going away, but gradually moving to smaller venues. For instance, the Empire Supper Club has a formal dress code, including mandatory jackets for men. Other venues may follow suit, as there is definitely a demand for that kind of atmosphere as is evident just from this thread. 

And to me, that is the solution that perhaps the OP hinted at, a set venue that DOES enforce a more formal dress code.  I don’t think the MDR is this venue.  It is the only complementary sit down dining venue and as such cannot be restrictive.  Not naked, no swimwear, shirts/shoes required ie; much the same as a comparable land restaurant.  

[Peter D]

Back when Royal attempted Dynamic Dining on Quantum of the Seas, they attempted to do everyday formal with 'The Grande'.  It did require a jacket to go there and it didn't last.  Years ago, a head waiter told my father 'see you tomorrow evening'.  When my father told him that he wasn't coming to dinner due to not dressing up, head waiter told him 'nonsense, come to the dining room, this is your vacation, and dress as you like'.  I don't see Royal walking back any of these 'formal' requirements for MDR. 

On formal or 'dress your best' nights ,I enjoy seeing others that are dressed up.  They all look great, I am not really interested in it myself.  We did dress up for Empire Supper Club, and I will do it again for something like that.

On all other evenings, I pay zero attention to what others are wearing.

[twangster]

I think it is more offensive to attempt to force others to wear clothing to meet your personal preferences than anything I’ve seen before worn in the MDR.

Royal does’t have a dress code.  They have suggestions that are just that, a suggestion that can be followed or ignored.  

People on vacation may desire to take a break from dressing up for work every day of their life.  Some people don’t want to bring formal wear or don’t have room for it when paying for luggage on a flight to a cruise.  Whatever someone’s reason to not dress formally is, that is well within their privilege to exercise on Royal Caribbean.

There are cruise lines that do have strict dress codes.  If that’s is your thing that’s great.  Cruise on those cruise lines.  Don’t expect a family friendly mass market cruise line to have or enforce a dress code.  

[HeWhoWaits]

1 hour ago, Pooch said:

And to me, that is the solution that perhaps the OP hinted at, a set venue that DOES enforce a more formal dress code.  I don’t think the MDR is this venue.  It is the only complementary sit down dining venue and as such cannot be restrictive.  Not naked, no swimwear, shirts/shoes required ie; much the same as a comparable land restaurant.  

Speaking to the highlighted part of your statement

The attire range seen in the MDR is like an Applebees or a Cracker Barrel. I go to such places in shorts and sandals much more often than I do wearing long pants and closed-toe shoes (the advantage of not considering it cold unless it's below 50 and either wet or windy).

The MDR, although a shadow of its former self, conveys an atmosphere much classier than those establishments. MDR feels like it should at least precipitate khakis, a polo shirt, and decent shoes rather than what I wear to take the grandkids to a playground. If I don't feel like dressing sufficiently for going in to the office, I just go to the WJ which IS more like Golden Corral.

[ScottD]

22 minutes ago, Peter D said:

  When my father told him that he wasn't coming to dinner due to not dressing up, head waiter told him 'nonsense, come to the dining room, this is your vacation, and dress as you like'.  I don't see Royal walking back any of these 'formal' requirements for MDR.

This is exactly what happened to us last year when we sailed for the first time in a while. We told our server we wouldn't be there for formal night. He said "come dressed how you are now, it's only formal for those who want pictures" 

[Pooch]

2 hours ago, HeWhoWaits said:

Speaking to the highlighted part of your statement

The attire range seen in the MDR is like an Applebees or a Cracker Barrel. I go to such places in shorts and sandals much more often than I do wearing long pants and closed-toe shoes (the advantage of not considering it cold unless it's below 50 and either wet or windy).

The MDR, although a shadow of its former self, conveys an atmosphere much classier than those establishments. MDR feels like it should at least precipitate khakis, a polo shirt, and decent shoes rather than what I wear to take the grandkids to a playground. If I don't feel like dressing sufficiently for going in to the office, I just go to the WJ which IS more like Golden Corral.

And I would not go to even Applebees in my “run around the playground with my grandkids” clothes.

 I would venture to to say that many current cruisers don’t view the MDR as it used to be.  They don’t remember that.  All they know is that’s where you go for dinner.  They don’t know, or care, that it used to be fancy,

[smokeybandit]

3 hours ago, HeWhoWaits said:

The attire range seen in the MDR is like an Applebees or a Cracker Barrel.

I've never seen a cocktail dress, suit and tie or tuxedo at either of those places.

[twangster]

6 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

I've never seen a cocktail dress, suit and tie or tuxedo at either of those places.

Challenge accepted. 

[HeWhoWaits]

14 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

I've never seen a cocktail dress, suit and tie or tuxedo at either of those places.

I've been to both places wearing a suit and tie - after church but before going home on a Sunday.

I have not, however, done so in a tuxedo or a cocktail dress.

[Biaggio]

On 12/16/2024 at 7:00 PM, WAYNO said:

Many folks look forward to a formal dinner.  I try to respect that.

Other folks however, scream nobody is going to tell them how to dress. 

Royal must pick their battles.

The formal dining experience is going away.  The Main Dining Room is becoming  a casual restaurant.  And this also could cause folks to switch to premium cruise lines. 

Works the other way around. I’m on vacation. I’m not going to wear a suit jacket to dinner. Collar shirt and nice slacks is as far as I’ll go. If the formal night was enforced I’d find another cruise line or just visit the windjammer. 

[ChessE4]

On 12/18/2024 at 3:54 PM, Pooch said:

And I would not go to even Applebees in my “run around the playground with my grandkids” clothes.

 I would venture to to say that many current cruisers don’t view the MDR as it used to be.  They don’t remember that.  All they know is that’s where you go for dinner.  They don’t know, or care, that it used to be fancy,

Yes, that's it in a nutshell. And as long as Royal makes money, I don't think the executives care either. We have explored smaller ship cruising, which is more enjoyable at a cost. Will try river cruising, too.

[smokeybandit]

On 12/18/2024 at 1:54 PM, Pooch said:

I would venture to to say that many current cruisers don’t view the MDR as it used to be.  They don’t remember that.  All they know is that’s where you go for dinner.  They don’t know, or care, that it used to be fancy,

Cruises, flights, even sporting events all used to be fancy. That era is obviously gone.

[MaryCS62]

3 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

Cruises, flights, even sporting events all used to be fancy. That era is obviously gone.

I have a picture of myself, @ 12 years old, in the 70's, flying from NY to California (dad's company transferred him there) - we were flying first class - I'm wearing a skirt, blouse, blazer, nylons & dress shoes - and the rest of the family was dressed up as well. Last time I flew was about 15 years ago - jeans, t shirt, sneakers.

 

[LTR]

I'm going to wear my wife's cocktail dress to MDR next time just to REALLY spice things up 

[tonyfsu21]

On 12/16/2024 at 9:14 PM, ChessE4 said:

No, OP isn't fashion police, but pointing out that some cruisers don't make enough of an effort, lost suitcases aside. We all know that, nothing new.   But with escalating prices, it would be great for Royal to have a nice dining environment on each ship for those special celebrations. It is precisely because we are paying attention to our tablemates that we want a special experience, at least on formal nights. There is casual, and there is inappropriate. Most of us avoid the latter. 

Go to the Empire Supper Club…. Issue resolved.

[The Fox]

And then there are those of us who live in the country, by a small town, that doesn't have an Applebee's or anything close to it. We have no use for formal clothes. But we do enjoy a sit down dinner in the MDR.

[Leroyr55]

Hope to never see this in the MDR. 

[WAYNO]

Gotta back off.  Folks have rights.

[HeWhoWaits]

On 12/20/2024 at 10:18 PM, tonyfsu21 said:

Go to the Empire Supper Club…. Issue resolved.

Is that available at the same price as MDR?

[Doug_Texas]

Years ago I did wear a tux and we got our family pictures.  Then I stopped and started wearing a suit - I still do for family pictures.  Over time people dressing nice for dinner has ended.  I see the same shorts and flip flops at the MDR and specialty dining as I also see at church on Sunday.  Society has just changed.  Sleeveless T-shirts, shorts and flip flops are welcome anywhere on the ship.  Just got off Harmony and both Jamie’s and Sabor sported WJ dressed customers.  RCL isn’t going to enforce anything like dress standards, age limits in Solarium, or curfews - they will only enforce safety related behaviors.

Royal and Carnival are mass market cruise lines.  It’s a floating amusement park - adjust your expectations.  Dress is the same super casual all over the ship and we should accept the market Royal caters to or pick a different cruise line. The D+ perks keep me coming back but I know WJ attire is what I’ll see everywhere.  I think it would help with the customer dissatisfaction if Royal would just quit saying anything about passenger attire. 

[jarestel]

I never saw the appeal of dressing up in costumes in order to eat food but it doesn't bother me if others want to do it. Royal Caribbean isn't going for the same demographic as Cunard.

[Last2Know]

On 12/17/2024 at 11:31 AM, HeWhoWaits said:

I think the OP's issue is with there being a published "dress code" which isn't followed or enforced. Get rid of (most of) the "dress code," and just establish as policy what's already being allowed to happen anyway.

Selective enforcement of published policies encourages selective outrage. I’ve sailed with RCL long enough to remember people being turned away for dress code violations at the MDR.
 

Here are my top three non-enforced policies: 

1.  Casino smoking policy - published as “permitted during casino operating hours for active players in designated areas only”.  Casinos are effectively a smoking lounge 24/7.

2. Pool deck chair policy.  No reserving chairs.  

3. No towels or swim attire in the Windjammer.  

[Cole Thornton]

Just got off of Harmony and there were those that clearly and totally disregarded all attempts by Royal to hold some standard for the MDR.  I think people nowadays just don’t care how they present themselves, and don’t tell me they cant afford to some slacks and a button down, but can pay the price for cruise and drink package.  At a minimum go to GoodWill store and buy some clothes.  It is evident that they couldn’t care less.  You have to feel sorry for their kids who are old enough to realize their folks are slobs.  You can see the embarrassment in their faces.  And before anyone gets worked up, I’m not talking about those dressed in nice shorts or slacks and nice shirts.  This is pointed at the guy in his flip flops, daisy dukes and a wife beater undershirt.  I wish Royal would stop picking and choosing which rules they are going to enforce.  Maybe it would help for them to add what the minimum allowed is with what they are suggesting.  Only a fool would not recognize that the decor and formality of the MDR speaks to proper attire.

[ChessE4]

10 hours ago, Cole Thornton said:

Just got off of Harmony and there were those that clearly and totally disregarded all attempts by Royal to hold some standard for the MDR.  I think people nowadays just don’t care how they present themselves, and don’t tell me they cant afford to some slacks and a button down, but can pay the price for cruise and drink package.  At a minimum go to GoodWill store and buy some clothes.  It is evident that they couldn’t care less.  You have to feel sorry for their kids who are old enough to realize their folks are slobs.  You can see the embarrassment in their faces.  And before anyone gets worked up, I’m not talking about those dressed in nice shorts or slacks and nice shirts.  This is pointed at the guy in his flip flops, daisy dukes and a wife beater undershirt.  I wish Royal would stop picking and choosing which rules they are going to enforce.  Maybe it would help for them to add what the minimum allowed is with what they are suggesting.  Only a fool would not recognize that the decor and formality of the MDR speaks to proper attire.

Yes, there are always those who, for whatever reason, don't follow instructions. But getting too worked up about it doesn't help your cruise experience. I have given up trying to change others' behavior in such matters as it doesn't really hurt anyone. But I do notice.  Still, we have more serious problems to address...