Decided to go unformal in April

[conniejb]

I dress up because I love any chance I get to do it since losing 92 lbs. But I never care what other people wear. Oh, and I do it for the photos too.

[Cheeseland Cruisers]

My wife looks AWESOME in the little black dress and platform heels, hell, I'd wear anything she wants to see her in it, and frankly living in the midwest, there's not that many occasions when it fits, so we'll be taking at least one relitively formal oufit. Plus, our two liitle boys look so damn cute in their little suits.

 

I personally hate wearing a tie, but I will do it for one or two nights. I am thinking of taking maybe the suit and another sportcoat for the 2nd elegent night.

 

I am honestly pretty OK with most things in the dining room aside from baseball hats, wife beaters, and (I know this will probably peeve off many) damn flip flops and crocs.

[johnlo81]

ill be bringing a suit minus the coat in february on the dream... my wife will probably wear a dress... this is only for elegant night... other nights i just wear shorts, sandals and a nice button down long sleeved shirt for dinner...

[jonbgd]

Well in the last 5 years they have "Eliminated" Formal night and have a new dress code that evens allows shorts in the MDR almost every night.

 

Steve

 

ill be bringing a suit minus the coat in february on the dream... my wife will probably wear a dress... this is only for elegant night... other nights i just wear shorts, sandals and a nice button down long sleeved shirt for dinner...

Where does it say shorts are OK in the MDR?????

 

This is from the Carnival site..................

Cruise Casual Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Sport slacks, khakis, jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long), collared sport shirts; Ladies - Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs).

Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Casual dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, gym shorts, basketball shorts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men and baseball hats.

Cruise Elegant Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Dress slacks, dress shirts. We also suggest a sport coat. If you wish to wear suits and ties or tuxedos, by all means we invite you to do so. Ladies - Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; if you‘d like to show off your evening gowns, that's great too!

Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Elegant dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, gym shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball hats

[steveaaaaa]

Where does it say shorts are OK in the MDR?????

 

This is from the Carnival site..................

Cruise Casual Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Sport slacks, khakis, jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long), collared sport shirts; Ladies - Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs).

Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Casual dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, gym shorts, basketball shorts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men and baseball hats.

Cruise Elegant Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Dress slacks, dress shirts. We also suggest a sport coat. If you wish to wear suits and ties or tuxedos, by all means we invite you to do so. Ladies - Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; if you‘d like to show off your evening gowns, that's great too!

Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Elegant dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, gym shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball hats

 

You quoted it above,I have highlighted in red for you for casual permitted and in green for casual not permitted.

 

So it clearly allows shorts.It appears to me that the sport shorts (ones with out pockets) are the type they don't want.

 

On a side note here,see whats not permitted on Elegant night in green also?

Gym shorts,so since they have specified gym shorts are not permitted on Elegant nights one might assume that dress shorts are. But I always state that shorts are allowed on MOST nights as I believe they should not be on Elegant nights,but thats my opinion.

 

Steve

[Nannymer]

We are with you! Will have dresses and jackets with us, but nothing formal...been there, done that, we just want to relax!!!:p

[SoonerOne]

DH and I have decided to leave the tux and long dresses at home this cruise. Will take nice slacks and dress shirts and ties for DH and black slacks and dressy tops for me. Anyone else doing the same.

 

We are doing the same...I promised the DH that he did not have to take even his jacket or ties, just slacks and nice shirts. I will wear the fly-away black slacks with dressy tops too. My DH hates dressing up because we are "supposedly" on vacation.:D

[johnlo81]

Where does it say shorts are OK in the MDR?????

 

This is from the Carnival site..................

Cruise Casual Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Sport slacks, khakis, jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long), collared sport shirts; Ladies - Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs).

Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Casual dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, gym shorts, basketball shorts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men and baseball hats.

Cruise Elegant Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Dress slacks, dress shirts. We also suggest a sport coat. If you wish to wear suits and ties or tuxedos, by all means we invite you to do so. Ladies - Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; if you‘d like to show off your evening gowns, that's great too!

Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Elegant dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, gym shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball hats

 

Carnival says that shorts are allowed in the MDR... When we cruised in April I think everyone had shorts on in the MDR with a nice shirt... People even had shorts on in the MDR on elegant night but I wear a nice suit without the coat... Makes the bag overweight for flying and I'm not paying extra to bring a coat when it's not required...

[jamstew]

I'm so happy to see this thread! I'm going on my first ever cruise (at age 64) on 2/28 with my son, and I'm not bringing a dress. I haven't owned anything dressy since I retired, and I'm not willing to put money into something I won't wear again. It will be dressy pants & semi-fancy tops for me, and my son will likely do nice slacks, button-down shirt and tie.

[steveaaaaa]

I'm so happy to see this thread! I'm going on my first ever cruise (at age 64) on 2/28 with my son, and I'm not bringing a dress. I haven't owned anything dressy since I retired, and I'm not willing to put money into something I won't wear again. It will be dressy pants & semi-fancy tops for me, and my son will likely do nice slacks, button-down shirt and tie.

 

Good for you and enjoy. Its post's like yours that makes all the bashing I get worth it.:D

 

Steve

[jonbgd]

You quoted it above,I have highlighted in red for you for casual permitted and in green for casual not permitted.

 

So it clearly allows shorts.It appears to me that the sport shorts (ones with out pockets) are the type they don't want.

 

On a side note here,see whats not permitted on Elegant night in green also?

Gym shorts,so since they have specified gym shorts are not permitted on Elegant nights one might assume that dress shorts are. But I always state that shorts are allowed on MOST nights as I believe they should not be on Elegant nights,but thats my opinion.

 

Steve

 

Carnival says that shorts are allowed in the MDR... When we cruised in April I think everyone had shorts on in the MDR with a nice shirt... People even had shorts on in the MDR on elegant night but I wear a nice suit without the coat... Makes the bag overweight for flying and I'm not paying extra to bring a coat when it's not required...

My Bad I guess misread I live in shorts year round at home and get wierd looks walking in the rain in shorts and flip flops(its not like its snowing)

But have never worn shorts in the MDR Probably wont either as we tend to dress up more on cruises than some others I guess Thats cool each to their own Some other cruisers attire wont change the way my food tastes:D

 

Btw for those guys with chicken legs please cover them up as the only chicken legs I want to see is on my plate:p

[babyher]

DW and I wore exactly what you are planning to wear on our Miracle cruise last year.

 

And there were quite a lot of others with the same idea.

 

That is our new "elegent night dress" of choice for our future Carnival cruises

[Curt Jerome Wild]

One of the great things about the current Carnival Dress Code, is that it allows people to dress up or dress down with a wide range within the Dress Code.

And for my buddy Steveaaaaaaa

Gym shorts,so since they have specified gym shorts are not permitted on Elegant nights one might assume that dress shorts are.

You know what they say about assuming, right... ;-)

 

But, just to be clear - there is no way on the Planet Earth that shorts of any kind are in the code for Elegant Night.

Dress Shorts, and dress shorts only are in the code for casual night.

Shorts of any kind are SO not appropriate for Elegant Night that they spell it out for you 4 different ways - just to be sure!

No shorts (so that already means no shorts of any kind, period), then just to reiterate and be sure - no gym shorts, no basketball shorts, no cut-off jeans.

So, no shorts on Elegant Night.

 

Cruise Casual Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Sport slacks, khakis, jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long), collared sport shirts; Ladies - Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs).

Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Casual dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, gym shorts, basketball shorts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men and baseball hats.

Cruise Elegant Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Dress slacks, dress shirts. We also suggest a sport coat. If you wish to wear suits and ties or tuxedos, by all means we invite you to do so. Ladies - Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; if you‘d like to show off your evening gowns, that's great too!

Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Elegant dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, gym shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball hats.

 

And then since it's one of the other things that seems to be missed a lot...

A Polo Shirt is a "Collared Sport Shirt". That is the definition.

So, a polo is allowed on Casual Nights.

A Polo Shirt is in no way, shape, or form a Dress Shirt.

So, no Polos on Elegant Night.

Dress Shirts have buttons that go all the way down the shirt.;)

 

But other than that, please enjoy and have fun dressing up or down within the Dress Code. It fits for almost everyone!:cool:

[cathyz]

I have stayed in Morgan Hill a few times. There is an RV park there. Nice community

There is a park there, south of town. We like MH, been here 26 years.

[cathyz]

My Bad I guess misread I live in shorts year round at home and get wierd looks walking in the rain in shorts and flip flops(its not like its snowing)

But have never worn shorts in the MDR Probably wont either as we tend to dress up more on cruises than some others I guess Thats cool each to their own Some other cruisers attire wont change the way my food tastes:D

 

Btw for those guys with chicken legs please cover them up as the only chicken legs I want to see is on my plate:p

DH wears nice shorts and a silk tommy bahama shirt on the casual nights in the MDR and fits right in, but then he doesn't have pale chicken legs because he too wears shorts year round, so is relatively tan too. But on elegant nights, he does wear slacks and a dress shirt.

[jonbgd]

DH wears nice shorts and a silk tommy bahama shirt on the casual nights in the MDR and fits right in, but then he doesn't have pale chicken legs because he too wears shorts year round, so is relatively tan too. But on elegant nights, he does wear slacks and a dress shirt.

I have many TB shirts and wear shorts alot but just never have in the MDR as my GF always has a few new tops and other clothes she wants to wear and Im her escort so I need to look good as well;)

But saying that maybe in the future

Us California folks do have that advantage of nice weather and able to wear shorts but the rest of the country needs some color on those legs

Those guys that have the white legs and sandals with the socks just crack me up how does their wife let them out in public like that:D

BTW ive been your way many of times for the MMG as they use to have some great bands of our youth play there and it is not as crowded as the Garlicfest

[ladycaveat]

I've decided to forgo the two formal nights and pack a couple extra sweatshirts instead. With the weather forcast for this coming week (I leave on Saturday for the Western Caribbean) . . . it's gonna be very chilly to say the least. I'll be very happy to grab something to eat on Lido Deck on those two formal evenings.

 

I used to love to dress to the nine for formal nights but . . . with the weight restrictions airlines now have ($125 for one pound over on United flights) . . . I'd rather be warm . . . . :p

 

Too funny . . . I'm replying to myself . . . :p

 

I am so glad I took some warm clothes with me on my Carnival Dream cruise (just got back today) and didn't take my formal attire. The weather was cold, windy and on and off rain. The only really nice day we had was on Thursday in Costa Maya. But regardless of the weather . . . I had a ball . . . :D

[1stimescardy]

I am REALLY worried about this because my BF is not a dresser upper... he is willing to do some things for me for this cruise, and even offered to rent a tux for formal nights... BUT... on casual nights is where I am completely lost. I want him to look nice but he WILL NOT and I repeat will NOT wear a polo shirt.

 

My BF is a musician and his basic attire is jeans, boots and a T-shirt... he is going a long stretch for me in things I am getting him to wear but He is not budging on polo shirts for casual dress...

 

What can he wear?????????? I still want him to look nice.

[harrodsfan]

I don't think it is so much the "hassle" and I don't think it really has to do with how many cruises you've been on. There is a "hassle" to dealing with luggage if you're travelling by air. If you have a lot of other luggage, then you might have to choose between your formal clothes and other things.

 

To me it is the comfort and enjoyment.

 

I agree. The more my husband and I travel the more casual we are. Of course we do go to a number of black tie events at home every year.

Traveling these days is such a hassel..we are traveling lighter and lighter.

[LLD]

It is very sad that everyone wants to dress down. It appears everyone is intimidated by the words "Formal" or "Elegant". Personally, I hate seeing shorts, flipflops, baseball caps, tank tops and men's hairy armpits and thier hairy legs at dinner. I have seen people not even change to go into the dining room at night. They are in the same sweaty, dirty clothes that they wore all day. Lots of people never get to go on a cruise and when you do have the opportunity don't you want to feel like it is a special event? I like to enjoy my dinner in the dining room with nice clothes on. I do not spend tons of money on clothes, you can get good bargains out there and still look nice at night. Packing an extra pair of dress pants takes up no more room than it does to pack and extra pair of shorts in your suitcase. And for women, packing a cocktail dress is no big deal. LEt's get over this "I have no more room in my suitcase" as an excuse to not get dressed and your issue about being uncomfortable with "dress" clothes on.

 

You can wear your shorts and t-shirts and flipflops all day long but get changed for dinner! If you don't get changed for dinner it is the same as if you were home, where, unfortunately it is the same situation where nobody get dressed for dinner. At least on a cruise you are in a nice atmosphere and you can look extra special and you have the opportunity to dress up a bit. Sad that it is changing and now those of us who get dressed up are looked at as the wierd ones!

[meadcher]

Since you have to pay extra for checked bags anymore on the airplane you need to pack as light as possible.

[cruisincory]

I am REALLY worried about this because my BF is not a dresser upper... he is willing to do some things for me for this cruise, and even offered to rent a tux for formal nights... BUT... on casual nights is where I am completely lost. I want him to look nice but he WILL NOT and I repeat will NOT wear a polo shirt.

 

My BF is a musician and his basic attire is jeans, boots and a T-shirt... he is going a long stretch for me in things I am getting him to wear but He is not budging on polo shirts for casual dress...

 

What can he wear?????????? I still want him to look nice.

 

he will not need to dress up on Casual night to look good. Just have him put a shine on them boots, wear his jeans, and a nice t-shirt(not stretched, stained, or anything with holes). As for formal night, don't know what to tell ya. I am the same as him, always in jeans, t-shirts and my Rocky boots. But, I will get into my suit on formal night for my wife (the only time she see's me in a suit is for funerals and weddings) so I dont mind dressing up for her one night on a cruise. Just tell him you will make it worth his wild if he will dress up for you one night, my wife told me that and I had the suit on in 5 mins..:D

[kathy_bc]

We are in the unformal group this year. We are travelling ultra light - just one suitcase and one carryon. We will just eat in the buffet each night, as I didn't want to bring another suitcase with just our nicer clothes. Might be "freeing" for us to not have to dress up. We are travelling before and after the cruise, which is another reason why I didn't want to bring dressier clothes that won't get worn anywhere else. This is our first time travelling on Carnival (well I went on one with a girlfriend long ago, but I can't even remember it much), so from what I'm hearing it's not as stringent as RCCL, but I still would feel uncomfortable if I went to the dining room in pants and a polo shirt.

[Chowder_17]

We rented a tux for my husband since we are doing a vow renewal during the cruise. However, the renewal most likely won't be done until the last sea day. So, he was planning on wearing the tux for the 1st formal night, our one night at the steakhouse, and for the vow renewal, and probably the 2nd formal night as well.

 

Hopefully, there will be others dressed nicely as well.

 

Do people typically dress nicer for the steakhouse?

[Lady D.]

This is how DH and I do most cruises...sometimes we just skip formal night all together and just totally relax...like we will do Feb 28 2010 on the Conquest.