MSC Dinner dress code?

[LeighDee]

Have a MSC cruise of the Divina coming up in June.  I noticed that the "dress code" says "Resort casual - no shorts allowed".  Other than formal nights, I have always been able to wear an Aloha shirt and nice shorts to dinner.   Is this frowned upon on MSC?

[cellfree]

Very much a variety of “ensembles” regardless of the dress code on any given night. Just off the Seashore and in my opinion the night that was most popular in terms of dress code being adhered to was “white night.”

[alyssamma]

1 hour ago, LeighDee said:

Have a MSC cruise of the Divina coming up in June.  I noticed that the "dress code" says "Resort casual - no shorts allowed".  Other than formal nights, I have always been able to wear an Aloha shirt and nice shorts to dinner.   Is this frowned upon on MSC?

On the seashore now and just asked about the dress code for the YC was told for formal night def no shorts. On other nights tbey.preder long pants but will serve you on shorts.

 

 

[neptuno]

One would hope that those who choose to ignore the dress code and wear shorts to dinner,  would politely choose to dine in the buffet, out of respect for the guests in the main dining room.

[cellfree]

2 hours ago, LeighDee said:

Have a MSC cruise of the Divina coming up in June.  I noticed that the "dress code" says "Resort casual - no shorts allowed".  Other than formal nights, I have always been able to wear an Aloha shirt and nice shorts to dinner.   Is this frowned upon on MSC?

I admit I know nothing about YC attire. As I said earlier, there is a variety of attire in Main Dining Room. Shorts worn by either men or women were not a problem in Main Dining Room, scantily dressed women were also not a problem.

Edited April 25, 2022 by cellfree

[no1talks]

3 hours ago, neptuno said:

One would hope that those who choose to ignore the dress code and wear shorts to dinner,  would politely choose to dine in the buffet, out of respect for the guests in the main dining room.

I respectfully disagree. Let people be casual if they want. Not everyone can "act natural" while dressed up for a meal. One can study a room of dinners and immediately spot those who are ill at ease in mandatory finery. far be it from me, to condemn them to the buffet or deck grill. 

"He that is without a crooked Half-Windsor among you, let him first cast the first penny loafer."

If anyone would be expected to hold ill will for extra-casual passengers in the MDR, that person would be me. I tux up every evening in time for before-dinner cocktails and I dress for sea days, too. Here's a lunch pic...

(The higher the hair, the closer to God. 😉)

[Solent Richard]

7 hours ago, cellfree said:

Very much a variety of “ensembles” regardless of the dress code on any given night. Just off the Seashore and in my opinion the night that was most popular in terms of dress code being adhered to was “white night.”

Similarly on the Virtuosa just over a month ago. However, on the 'Elegant' night it was also quite obvious that the majority made the effort which was most gratifying.

[Solent Richard]

3 hours ago, no1talks said:

I respectfully disagree. Let people be casual if they want. Not everyone can "act natural" while dressed up for a meal. One can study a room of dinners and immediately spot those who are ill at ease in mandatory finery. far be it from me, to condemn them to the buffet or deck grill. 

"He that is without a crooked Half-Windsor among you, let him first cast the first penny loafer."

If anyone would be expected to hold ill will for extra-casual passengers in the MDR, that person would be me. I tux up every evening in time for before-dinner cocktails and I dress for sea days, too. Here's a lunch pic...

(The higher the hair, the closer to God. 😉)

 

Well done Sir, a man after my own heart...

 

 

*****

 

[jcathers1]

Certainly, everyone can agree that SOME sort of dress code for meals is appropriate (no swimwear, must be wearing shirt or shoes, etc.). That being the case, it's only a matter of setting appropriate expectations and then enforcing them. I see no issue in expecting a certain type of attire in the YC or MDR, especially if it's only on certain dates. It shows a respect for oneself, others around you, and the service staff. 

[alyssamma]

12 hours ago, neptuno said:

One would hope that those who choose to ignore the dress code and wear shorts to dinner,  would politely choose to dine in the buffet, out of respect for the guests in the main dining room.

Why? How does it affect the quality of your meal to see someone in shorts?

 

There was a guy in a  kilt yesterday. And another guy in a tux. Some were in jeans.

 

Enjoy your cruise and don't worry about what other people are wearing.

[alyssamma]

26 minutes ago, jcathers1 said:

Certainly, everyone can agree that SOME sort of dress code for meals is appropriate (no swimwear, must be wearing shirt or shoes, etc.). That being the case, it's only a matter of setting appropriate expectations and then enforcing them. I see no issue in expecting a certain type of attire in the YC or MDR, especially if it's only on certain dates. It shows a respect for oneself, others around you, and the service staff. 

This i 100% agree with. Follow the rules, whatever they are. Personally I don't wear shorts in the YC dining room, but it's because I am following the rules. Post covid things seem to be more relaxed, but since they still recommend long pants, I'll follow that.

[perakcruiser]

7 minutes ago, alyssamma said:

There was a guy in a  kilt yesterday. And another guy in a tux. Some were in jeans.

 

Enjoy your cruise and don't worry about what other people are wearing.

The point is that MSC is so international that it is close to impossible to enforce a dress code. One time there were many guests from West Africa on board, they dressed up definetely, but in a style I would call oh very casual. Same with Arab guests. And certainly for a Scotsman his clan kilt is the thing to wear at a formal event. 

 

So one should understand the "gala" and "elegant" in the way he feels comfortable to enjoy these nights. Make photos and create memories. Anyway, usually the people will share the table with same nationalities, which is a good thing. I would not enjoy to join the dinner table with Italian guests where the 5 year old kids are constantly better dressed than me at my wedding.

[jcathers1]

4 hours ago, perakcruiser said:

The point is that MSC is so international that it is close to impossible to enforce a dress code. One time there were many guests from West Africa on board, they dressed up definetely, but in a style I would call oh very casual. Same with Arab guests. And certainly for a Scotsman his clan kilt is the thing to wear at a formal event. 

 

So one should understand the "gala" and "elegant" in the way he feels comfortable to enjoy these nights. Make photos and create memories. Anyway, usually the people will share the table with same nationalities, which is a good thing. I would not enjoy to join the dinner table with Italian guests where the 5 year old kids are constantly better dressed than me at my wedding.

 

"Formal" and "elegant aren't terms that each person gets to define for themselves, at least not in this context. These definitions are set by the cruiseline. You can choose to disregard if you like, but it's not due to lack of clarity on expectations. 

[JAGR]

59 minutes ago, jcathers1 said:

 

"Formal" and "elegant aren't terms that each person gets to define for themselves, at least not in this context. These definitions are set by the cruiseline. You can choose to disregard if you like, but it's not due to lack of clarity on expectations. 

I haven't seen the term "formal" used for several years.  I think the reference to Gala and Elegant are the more current terms.  We may agree it's the same thing (I dress well for these dinners, BTW), but the difficulty is MSC roils the waters with suggested dress, not required:  "For Gala evenings, the dress code is more formal. We suggest a tuxedo, dinner jacket, or dark suit and tie for men and a dressy outfit, formal gown, or cocktail dress for women."  That vagueness goes to different staff on different cruises.  Our B2B in YC on Seashore last month saw almost a fourth of the male guests in shorts in the evening, an nothing was said. A few years ago (pre-COVID), we saw guests sent to change on both Seaside and Divina. 

[carlmm]

Is it really that different on US-based cruises than on European ones?

 

On my two MSC "post" covid cruises in Europe, I did not see a single man in shorts in the MDR and neither in the bars and lounges on any given night.

 

To the OP and your original question "I have always been able to wear an Aloha shirt and nice shorts to dinner.   Is this frowned upon on MSC?" Again, in Europe you definitely would stick out, unless maybe on deck for the tropical night party, yet even there the vast majority did wear long pants/trousers.

[perakcruiser]

20 hours ago, jcathers1 said:

"Formal" and "elegant aren't terms that each person gets to define for themselves, at least not in this context. These definitions are set by the cruiseline. You can choose to disregard if you like, but it's not due to lack of clarity on expectations. 

You are making the popular mistake that you think that everything must be as in your home country. Above was stated "For Gala evenings, the dress code is more formal. We suggest a tuxedo, dinner jacket, or dark suit and tie for men and a dressy outfit, formal gown, or cocktail dress for women."  

You think in any other MSC information than in the one for US/UK the word "tuxedo" exists? And the phrase "dress code" does also not exist, usually there is a word like "recommendation". 

[jcathers1]

No, I'm not making that mistake. MSC has set a standard for dress during certain occasions and in certain places. That standard can be in myriad languages (and it is), but the standard doesn't change.

 

Do you really think the English version reads, "For Gala evenings, the dress code is more formal. We suggest a tuxedo, dinner jacket, or dark suit and tie for men and a dressy outfit, formal gown, or cocktail dress for women.", and in the other languages it reads, "Wear whatever the hell you want because you probably don't know what a tuxedo is."? I'm guessing not.

[no1talks]

42 minutes ago, perakcruiser said:

And the phrase "dress code" does also not exist,

I admit I'm not a native speaker of German, but I'm pretty sure Kleiderordnung means the exact same thing as dress code.

 

I've not looked at MSC's websites for other parts of the world. Aren't they in other languages, to elimate missinderstanding of English phrases?

[JAGR]

54 minutes ago, no1talks said:

I admit I'm not a native speaker of German, but I'm pretty sure Kleiderordnung means the exact same thing as dress code.

 

I've not looked at MSC's websites for other parts of the world. Aren't they in other languages, to elimate missinderstanding of English phrases?

Well, Perakcruiser is Malaysian, so the German for dress code may not help. Maybe try 'kod pakaian'?  For what it's worth, I think the concern was with "dress code" interpreted as a 'set of rules', often written, with regards to what clothing groups of people must wear.'  The use of must versus suggested has a very different connotation, regardless of the language used.  Health codes may require something, but generally MSC suggests something.  To each his own, I suggest.

Edited April 26, 2022 by JAGR

[Paphillyguy]

On 4/24/2022 at 8:52 PM, neptuno said:

One would hope that those who choose to ignore the dress code and wear shorts to dinner,  would politely choose to dine in the buffet, out of respect for the guests in the main dining room.

Just a question, how does someone wearing a nice pair of shorts and the dress/polo shirt affect you in any way?   I do wear long pants to diner on a cruise but I am not offended by a nice pair of shorts and a shirt for dinner.  

[Oxo]

Everyone wears a nice pair of shorts. Never seem un-nice pair of shorts.  Just like nice shirt. LOL

[Nunagoras]

On 4/25/2022 at 2:25 PM, jcathers1 said:

Certainly, everyone can agree that SOME sort of dress code for meals is appropriate (no swimwear, must be wearing shirt or shoes, etc.). That being the case, it's only a matter of setting appropriate expectations and then enforcing them. I see no issue in expecting a certain type of attire in the YC or MDR, especially if it's only on certain dates. It shows a respect for oneself, others around you, and the service staff. 

This, exactly. While I understand the very reality of each time more restricted plane luggage free weight allowance which is what is really the culprit of those so many dress code CC threads, IMHO, on the other hand, that is really a question of setting on appropriately to the place in question's normalcy expectations. One doesn't go on a swimsuit to a casino, and normally, no dark suit and tie to the beach!... Certainly, when packing for a cruise I make my choices in accordance to what will to be expected where I'm going. Yeah, I bear in mind with the restrictions, but I was not under dressed on any occasion. A long pair of pants/trousers is not that bad to carry on and one can easily to wear them for the flight. My jacket usually goes dressed for the flight (one less piece inside the bags), and all is good. Following what has been the trend I ceased to wear a tie for formal nights, but that's it. I respect the desire, from both the companies and most of the cruisers to have, at least a once a week special occasion. Either way: Going to dinner at any day on a cruise ship is for me like going for dinner at a good restaurant in town.

[Oxo]

I am not singingly you out, only using your statement which I find repeated very often as an excuse.

 

Why do people try to use the excuse of:

'While I understand the very reality of each time more restricted plane luggage free weight allowance which is what is really the culprit of those so many dress code CC threads, IMHO, on the other hand, that is really a question of setting on appropriately to the place in question's normalcy expectations. '

 

Are you not allowed up to 50 lbs per bag? If you don't check in a bag, then you use a carry on. OK, if you only bring a carry on I can understand the lack of clothes.

 

We can get a gown and suit in a 50lb bag for a 7 day cruise. We no longer bring a tux for me, but still bring a suit.

 

Do we mind those that dress in a nice shirt and slacks? No, it is their cruise and they can dress within reason how they like.

 

Stay Safe and Happy Cruising!

 

[morpheusofthesea]

3 hours ago, Nunagoras said:

Going to dinner at any day on a cruise ship is for me like going for dinner at a good restaurant in town

Not required BUT "Why you should always dress when you go out to eat. Yes, it still matters. By Sam Dangremond, Town & Country. John Winterman, who used to work for Daniel Boulud as maître d' at Daniel, and for Charlie Trotter before that, and asked if he thinks dressing up for dinner still matters."

"Absolutely," said Winterman, who's now managing partner at Batârd in New York City. "I break it down into self-respect and respect for others." Would someone's appearance affect the table they were assigned at, say, Daniel?

"On the record, yes," he said. "If someone comes in making an effort and looking fabulous and glamorous and they know they're in for a premium experience at a premium price, you give them a fabulous table in the middle of the room. And people react to that, when they see a crowd that's well-dressed and beautiful and sparkling.

[RudiRatlos]

7 hours ago, no1talks said:

I admit I'm not a native speaker of German, but I'm pretty sure Kleiderordnung means the exact same thing as dress code.

 

I've not looked at MSC's websites for other parts of the world. Aren't they in other languages, to elimate missinderstanding of English phrases?

They are, and as I am german I can tell you they are not necessarily a literal translation - the tuxedo is missing on the german MSC website, they just suggest wearing a jackett or dark suit and tie.

 

"Kleiderordnung" might be correct for "dress code", but the german "Kleiderordnung" would mean a fixed set of rules that you are expected to follow. It says "Kleiderempfehlung" which means "clothing recommendation".

Edited April 26, 2022 by RudiRatlos
typo