Are most still dressing up to dinner or wearing approved laid back clothing?

[hazeleyez3]

I bring evening gowns for formal night. The rest of the time I usually wear nice slacks and a dressy blouse.

 

Personally, I don't dress up to go to the dining room (which I hope doesn't irritate people.) I usually just wear what I wore that day. Usually its some capris and a nice top. I don't do formal night..or cruise elegant..whatever they call it now..so I skip the dining room on those nights.

Have fun!! :D

 

Don't see anything wrong with that...unless of course you just came back from port and have dirt on your clothes. ;)

 

I think it is also nice that you understand the dresscode for formal nights and use alternate dining options. :)

[crusinpsychRN]

I believe on the 7 day or longer cruises people dress more elegantly than on the shorter cruises.

 

If you wear a black skirt or fancy evening slacks you can just switch out tops or accessorize them differently on elegant nights. No need to pack a lot.

[maui34]

Just off the Freedom 6 day. Had dinner in the MDR every night. There were 2 Formal nights, the rest casual. Casual nights were daisy duke short-shorts, tank tops,baseball caps, beach flip flops, tennis shoes. It was gross!

I am the poster child for shorts, flip-flops, and tee-shirts. But I wore Linen casual slacks and collared button up shirt. No tie. I felt over dressed. But I looked great.. Formal nights 40% men and women, dresses, heels, suits and ties. Not many beaded formal dresses like years ago. Some like myself still did resort casual, which fit in also. Have a great cruise.

[marshhawk]

I plan to dress up a little every night. I do pretend. Pretend that after dinner I am going to a show with my handsome husband. Do I perk up? or dress down. Cause I am going to a show with my husband after dinner. Perk up. Pretend I am going to a bar and casino to have a few drinks. Do I dress up, or dress down? I dress up, because I want to look like a million, when I'm surrounded by millions(remember this is pretend). I do not get to dress up M-S 365 days of the year, I have to be available 7 days a week in sales I get to dress for work, dress for casual dining...maybe 10 times a year I get to dress up. So I like the fact that since the crew treats me royally for one week, I can dress like a princess too. Remember, the more we lower our standards, the lower our standards go. Be a princess!:)

[cruisin' again]

Just off the Freedom 6 day. Had dinner in the MDR every night. There were 2 Formal nights, the rest casual. Casual nights were daisy duke short-shorts, tank tops,baseball caps, beach flip flops, tennis shoes. It was gross!

I am the poster child for shorts, flip-flops, and tee-shirts. But I wore Linen casual slacks and collared button up shirt. No tie. I felt over dressed. But I looked great.. Formal nights 40% men and women, dresses, heels, suits and ties. Not many beaded formal dresses like years ago. Some like myself still did resort casual, which fit in also. Have a great cruise.

 

My mother has always said "no one can be overdressed, the others are just underdressed"...that being said...It "frosts" me (to quote my father this time) that the airlines are charging so much to check baggage. So...I'm trying to pack the stuff for each of the 3 of us in our own carry-on sized bag...yes, I will have a pant suit for "elegant" night, but my husband will only be wearing slacks and a shirt/tie this time. Hopefully we can pack as lightly as I'd like to! Only have a couple of days...better find out soon! :eek:

[teltrainer]

Marshhawk,

 

As your southern neighbor in Charleston, I agree with you 100% I enjoy reading these threads but my husband and I dress the way we have always done - to please each other. I love to look nice for him and I know he dresses up to please me as well. I rarely get a chance to wear something elegant. With our work schedules we are early to bed people and never go out at night. On the ship we enjoy our nights out. When he tells me how beautiful I look (I'm 57 and not a model :) ), I melt.

 

It IS good to be the Princessa!!!

[G'ma]

This is the camp I fall in to. Both my husband and I have always enjoyed the traditional aspect of scheduled dining, same serving team, and getting a little dressed up. Formal night to us is a chance to wear clothes we normally don't wear and makes the trip more special.

 

On our first cruise with our kids last year, they both embraced the concept of dressing nicely for dinner, even our then 14-year-old son. I'd planned to get him a suit, but he asked specifically for a tux for formal night...so I rented one for him and he really seemed to love wearing it. So much so that for our Pride cruise next summer he's already asked if he can get another tux.

 

I like the more "traditional" side of cruising also....and would never select the any-time dining concept. Again, that's something I can do at home. I enjoy having the same waitstaff, same table mates, etc. In addition, the waiters are so nice; they remember your name and know that you like espresso with lemon rind after dinner - greet you with a smile, etc. The service is relaxed and friendly.

 

I've taken my grandson once a year since he was 8. Our past cruise together was January on Liberty, 3 months shy of his 18th birthday. He has always dressed for dinner in the dining room...and on formal/elegant nights he wore either a tux or a suit.... As he got a little older, he didn't use the main dining room so much, preferring to hang with his newfound buddies eating everything in sight on Lido, the pizzeria and others. But, he's always joined in for the elegant night and always dressed for it. I also treat him to the supper club on those ships that have one and he's always dressed for that too.

 

I think that was the last cruise for us for a while....he's in college now and at 18 is in that "in between" age for cruisers; too old for the teen clubs and too young for the bar scene....

 

:p

[Senoj84]

Even though I know the dress code is more laid back now I still like to wear some nicer clothing to dinner. I'll wear some dressy capris or a summer dress.

[G'ma]

We dress for formal night. For the rest of the nights we make sure it's slacks (no shorts) and nice, but nothing that requires elaborate packing.

 

Exactly. It is possible to dress comfortably and look nice too....and without overpacking.

 

My suitcase is always a 22" roll-on-board....which means careful thought and planning.

 

I wouldn't wear shorts to dinner at home much less on a ship.

[Curt Jerome Wild]

So...I'm trying to pack the stuff for each of the 3 of us in our own carry-on sized bag...yes' date=' I will have a pant suit for "elegant" night, but my husband will only be wearing slacks and a shirt/tie this time. Hopefully we can pack as lightly as I'd like to! Only have a couple of days...better find out soon! [/quote']

For those who still want to pack a suit or jacket for their cruises...

I thought I would share this technique for packing a suit or just a jacket.

I've done this for years, and it saves so much space.

 

This is also for those people who are considering NOT packing a suit or tux - because they are concerned that garment bags are too big or bulky, etc.

 

With this technique, there is no packing reason to leave the suit behind.

This barely takes up any space, and retains the integrity of the suit's shape.

(I'm sure this would work for women's suits as well).

Click on this thumbnail, then on that page (to the right) where it says "Full size"

to get to a 5x7 printable size, in case you want to try the visual directions:

 

Here's one directly linked:

 

Hope this helps someone in the future. Pass it on!

[dan40]

I dont want this to turn into a dining room proper attire debate. As you can see Ive sailed many times before. This is the first time we will be flying where we have to pay for luggage since Southwest jacked up their prices and screwed up the schedule.

 

Im wondering if many people are taking advantage of the more laid back dress code recently. We will be gone 11 days and trying to pack as light as possible. I always would change into a dress or capris and nice blouse/top for dinner then change back. I still amd bringing the suit and gown but what about the other days?? I dont want to stick out , does it feel weird wearing nice shorts and top?

 

 

Carnival's "Cruise Elegant" rules allow you to dress up or dress down as you wish. The new code makes both "proper", doesn't matter what others are doing!

[bobsfamily]

Carnival's "Cruise Elegant" rules allow you to dress up or dress down as you wish. The new code makes both "proper", doesn't matter what others are doing!

Goodness - another time I AGREE with you! :D

As Dan says... it's up to YOU to do as you feel is right... not the person to the left or right (unless of course it is your wife, then you best listen).

[Cobra1365]

I think sometimes the home port may have a bit to do with that...

 

 

Well, this cruise was out of Manhattan and with the number of people we saw standing around with pants half way don't their butts and hats on sideways as we were ready to board, we were pleased to see people dress nicely for dinner.

[dan40]

Goodness - another time I AGREE with you! :D

As Dan says... it's up to YOU to do as you feel is right... not the person to the left or right (unless of course it is your wife, then you best listen).

 

 

Your BRILLIANCE is starting to show!!!:D

[mathgeek1978]

I have seen so many people say that "the food tastes the same" regardless of what others are wearing.

 

Of course the food tastes the same. But it's not about the taste of the food. It's the atmosphere and the experience. Remember what you wore to your high school prom, your wedding, or your friends/family member's wedding?

 

But, you say, these are special ocassions. Well, formal nights are the special ocassions on cruises. Many people do not have many opportunities to attend formal dinners. Formal nights give us that opportunity. If everyone is dressed elegantly, it will greatly enhance the experience and enjoyment for everyone.

[MrPete]

I have seen so many people say that "the food tastes the same" regardless of what others are wearing.

 

That's because those making that statement don't know the difference between eating and dining.

[Kurbanfan]

That's because those making that statement don't know the difference between eating and dining.

 

Or it could just mean that some of us don't let trivial things bother us while we are dining;)

[MrPete]

Or it could just mean that some of us don't let trivial things bother us while we are dining;)

 

I didn't notice. Were you one that made that statement, or are you speaking for those that made that statement?

[fireofficer5]

I have seen so many people say that "the food tastes the same" regardless of what others are wearing.

 

Of course the food tastes the same. But it's not about the taste of the food. It's the atmosphere and the experience. Remember what you wore to your high school prom, your wedding, or your friends/family member's wedding?

 

But, you say, these are special ocassions. Well, formal nights are the special ocassions on cruises. Many people do not have many opportunities to attend formal dinners. Formal nights give us that opportunity. If everyone is dressed elegantly, it will greatly enhance the experience and enjoyment for everyone.

Well said.

[Kurbanfan]

I didn't notice. Were you one that made that statement, or are you speaking for those that made that statement?

 

What someone is wearing in the MDR on a cruise ship does not change the flavor of my food nor does it change the atmosphere while I am dining.........I'm sure I am not alone with my experience as I am sure neither are you........

[MrPete]

What someone is wearing in the MDR on a cruise ship does not change the flavor of my food nor does it change the atmosphere while I am dining.........I'm sure I am not alone with my experience as I am sure neither are you........

 

If that's your cup of tea, fine.

 

I like to dine at places that have interesting wall furnishings, intriguing window treatments, courtious and well dressed servers, and finely dressed occupants. After all, they are my backdrop as well.

 

Some don't mind sitting in a corner with red paint, wooden tables, and good food. Next to them is the couple in jeans and tatoos. But the food is still good!

[bobsfamily]

Your BRILLIANCE is starting to show!!!:D

WOW - I thought it was something else... Thanks

[bobsfamily]

If that's your cup of tea, fine.

 

I like to dine at places that have interesting wall furnishings, intriguing window treatments, courtious and well dressed servers, and finely dressed occupants. After all, they are my backdrop as well.

It's amazing... just like a broken record...

Don't go to dinner then... or try another line.

The MDR has most of your statement... Cruise elegant is just that.. NOT formal.

BUT you can dress formal any time you want to, just do not expect the other passengers to do so... remember they are on vacation also.

[amytodd]

Todd and I are sailing with you on the Miracle. Todd always wears pants in the dining room, I wear a casual dress or capri's with a nice top. On formal (elegant) we dress up. Todd & Tucker will both be in Tuxedos and I will have a gown. The pictures are wonderful to have. Tucker just asked this morning about his tuxedo and said he can't wait for pictures! He outgrew another one, so we have to go get a new one this weekend.

[MrPete]

It's amazing... just like a broken record...

Don't go to dinner then... or try another line.

The MDR has most of your statement... Cruise elegant is just that.. NOT formal.

BUT you can dress formal any time you want to, just do not expect the other passengers to do so... remember they are on vacation also.

 

I've yet to not find what I'm looking for on a Carnival cruise.