A different dress code question

[Jjg34219]

We are on the Empires of Mediterranean in July. We know its going to be hot, and we live in Florida so hot is not a problem for us. Most evenings we will choose to dine in the World Cafe as my wife enjoys the better variety of options to fit her mostly vegetarian diet. Being mid summer Im thinking I will likely dress in nice dressy shorts with a polo for dinner, but theres a dress code requirement for the other areas of the ship for evenings…my question is does that mean I will need change into long pants if we choose to hit the Explorers Lounge after dinner for example? Its not that I have issues changing, thinking more about dress code in heat of the summer.

 

[WanderingBrit]

That is what the dress code calls for, yes. As to what is actually enforced - another matter.

[Haqdeluxe]

Have not seen your planned shorts being a problem in the Explorer Lounge at any time. Long pants (other than jeans) are the norm when dining in the MDR and either specialty restaurant.

Cheers 

[Hockeyump]

My husband has worn smart shorts in the Explorers Lounge, no problem.

[CDNPolar]

3 hours ago, Jjg34219 said:

 Being mid summer Im thinking I will likely dress in nice dressy shorts with a polo for dinner, but theres a dress code requirement for the other areas of the ship for evenings…my question is does that mean I will need change into long pants if we choose to hit the Explorers Lounge after dinner for example? Its not that I have issues changing, thinking more about dress code in heat of the summer.

 

 

No, you will be fine in the Explorer Lounge, and The Star Theatre.

 

The dress code does not however change on a Viking ship based on the time of year or region of the world that you are sailing.

 

It is just the dining venues - other than the World Cafe - that have a dress code.

 

You may however be "cool" as the ship can be colder in some areas.

[Cienfuegos]

I agree with the observation that dressy shorts are OK in the Explorer Lounge, and would add a suggestion.

 

On our Trade Routes cruise (Bergen to Barcelona) there was a considerable temperature range. One gentleman often wore Bermuda shorts (almost to the knee) with almost to the knee knee socks. And good shoes. It was a very dapper appearance.

 

Definitely not a ratty gym shorts appearance...

[duquephart]

Dress code is for dining venues. Explorers Lounge is not a dining venue.

[WanderingBrit]

33 minutes ago, duquephart said:

Dress code is for dining venues. Explorers Lounge is not a dining venue.

 

That's not what the Viking FAQ states. The dress code applies to all "dining venues, performances, and special events". I would interpret that to include all areas in the ship where live music is performed in the evening, including Explorers Lounge.

 

As I said in my reply, enforcement is another issue - but the published dress code is what it is.

[Hanoj]

4 hours ago, WanderingBrit said:

 

That's not what the Viking FAQ states. The dress code applies to all "dining venues, performances, and special events". I would interpret that to include all areas in the ship where live music is performed in the evening, including Explorers Lounge.

 

As I said in my reply, enforcement is another issue - but the published dress code is what it is.

 

So, as long as there is not a performance or special event in the Explorer's Lounge, explorers can wear shorts?

[OneSixtyToOne]

5 hours ago, WanderingBrit said:

 

That's not what the Viking FAQ states. The dress code applies to all "dining venues, performances, and special events". I would interpret that to include all areas in the ship where live music is performed in the evening, including Explorers Lounge.

 

As I said in my reply, enforcement is another issue - but the published dress code is what it is.

 

55 minutes ago, Hanoj said:

 

So, as long as there is not a performance or special event in the Explorer's Lounge, explorers can wear shorts?

I think you are being overly broad in your interpretation of “performance.” There are musicians playing as background music in many parts of the ship. I would not elevate this to the category of a performance that requires a dress code. My interpretation of performance requiring a dress code is limited to the theater and possibly the nightclub. No one is dressing up to sit in the living room to read a book and listen to the “performance” in the Atrium. A little common sense goes a long way and unfortunately, that is what is lacking in the self-entitled who have no consideration of others.

 

Restaurants require you to be escorted to  your seat by staff and there is typically a manager at the entrance. This is the appropriate time for enforcement. I can’t see how this is possible in the Atrium or Explore’s lounge where there are multiple entrances. The servers are not going say anything. It’s up to management to raise the issue.

 

 

Edited March 4 by OneSixtyToOne

[CDNPolar]

2 hours ago, OneSixtyToOne said:

 

I think you are being overly broad in your interpretation of “performance.” There are musicians playing as background music in many parts of the ship. I would not elevate this to the category of a performance that requires a dress code. My interpretation of performance requiring a dress code is limited to the theater and possibly the nightclub. No one is dressing up to sit in the living room to read a book and listen to the “performance” in the Atrium. A little common sense goes a long way and unfortunately, that is what is lacking in the self-entitled who have no consideration of others.

 

Restaurants require you to be escorted to  your seat by staff and there is typically a manager at the entrance. This is the appropriate time for enforcement. I can’t see how this is possible in the Atrium or Explore’s lounge where there are multiple entrances. The servers are not going say anything. It’s up to management to raise the issue.

 

 

 

Agree - you can wear shorts at any time in public areas (the Living Room) and the Explorer Lounge day or evening.

[Frisky070802]

Even for shows in the theater, I don't recall any particular dress.  I wouldn't worry about that. 

[Jim Avery]

On Neptune WC have seen everything from wifebeaters to bib overalls.  No standards enforced at all.  Nor its it at home in restaurants so I guess the new norm.  I need to wear out all my decent clothes so I can update my wardrobe...🥃

[CDNPolar]

1 hour ago, Jim Avery said:

On Neptune WC have seen everything from wifebeaters to bib overalls.  No standards enforced at all.  Nor its it at home in restaurants so I guess the new norm.  I need to wear out all my decent clothes so I can update my wardrobe...🥃

 

I am going to catch some flak for this statement, but I don't really care what you wear, as long as it is clean and it covers what should be covered...

 

What I cannot tolerate is a man wearing a "wifebeater" in the dining room, or the World Cafe, where I have to have view of his hairy pits while I eat.  Don't care about any other fashion.

 

We were recently on a Viking river cruise over Christmas and New Year.  I was quite shocked at the dress code that many chose for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.  Many of the folks on this cruise were wearing "outfits" that I wouldn't wear to Costco on a Saturday.  We had one woman whose wardrobe consisted of only  black tights and metal t-shirts.  At least she changed the t-shirt daily.

 

I again, only have that one pet peeve and other than that, I don't care what you wear. I however will continue to come back from a shore excursion, shower and move to the more elegant casual for dinner.  This makes ME feel good, and I am only here for ME.

 

 

[oskidunker]

On 3/5/2024 at 6:04 AM, CDNPolar said:

 

I am going to catch some flak for this statement, but I don't really care what you wear, as long as it is clean and it covers what should be covered...

 

What I cannot tolerate is a man wearing a "wifebeater" in the dining room, or the World Cafe, where I have to have view of his hairy pits while I eat.  Don't care about any other fashion.

 

We were recently on a Viking river cruise over Christmas and New Year.  I was quite shocked at the dress code that many chose for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.  Many of the folks on this cruise were wearing "outfits" that I wouldn't wear to Costco on a Saturday.  We had one woman whose wardrobe consisted of only  black tights and metal t-shirts.  At least she changed the t-shirt daily.

 

I again, only have that one pet peeve and other than that, I don't care what you wear. I however will continue to come back from a shore excursion, shower and move to the more elegant casual for dinner.  This makes ME feel good, and I am only here for ME.

 

 

Looking like crap makes some people happy. I cant stand the t shirt generation 

[BradDFWTX]

Spent two weeks on Viking Polaris in the Antarctic...wore nice shorts and Tommy Bahama shirts most days / nights....put on pants when we went to the specialty restaurants. Even going outside in the day was pretty comfortable.

[CDNPolar]

13 hours ago, BradDFWTX said:

Spent two weeks on Viking Polaris in the Antarctic...wore nice shorts and Tommy Bahama shirts most days / nights....put on pants when we went to the specialty restaurants. Even going outside in the day was pretty comfortable.

 

Often expedition cruises have a much more relaxed dress code.

[longterm]

On 3/7/2024 at 2:13 PM, oskidunker said:

Looking like crap makes some people happy. I cant stand the t shirt generation 

Nice.

I wear t-shirts a lot (not white ones but those I've picked up here and there on my travels), especially when I'm relaxing on board. If someone doesn't like it, they should feel free to give me wide berth, leaving more room on board for me to enjoy myself.

For dinner I wear button shirts and slacks; certainly wouldn't want to cause another traveler to get angina.

 

Or they can go sail Cunard.

 

Edited March 13 by longterm

[longterm]

On 3/4/2024 at 3:52 PM, OneSixtyToOne said:

There are musicians playing as background music in many parts of the ship. I would not elevate this to the category of a performance that requires a dress code.

Exactly. Having spent my college years playing clubs and restaurants, I can say from experience that playing piano in a bar or restaurant is a millimeter higher in stature from Muzak in the PA system, and more often than not, given every bit as much respect.

[CatalinaUK]

One of the reasons that I have been reluctant to book another cruise has bern the dress code. And, again, the dress code is partly why Viking appeals. 

 

I dress well, as does my husband. We are both inspired by 1940s and 1950s fashion. But I've experienced people grumbling about my outfits being too colourful (think pink hair & a turquoise sweater set worn with brown pencil skirt) and my husband has heard mean comments about his traditional sailor tattoos. Not on Viking, I must add! 

 

But the way I think about it: we all pay the same amount of money to be on the ship and enjoy its amenities. If someone feels hard done by someone else's idea of a fancy outfit, well. Personally I wouldn't consider black leggings & a tshirt to be fancy - but I don't know their normal lifestyle. Maybe they have a medical issue which makes wearing anything with a "hard" waistband impossible? Maybe they have sensory issues? Maybe they work a job where they have to look polished from head to toe, and they want to relax? 

 

I know that some people on previous cruises have judged me & my husband for looking different. I didn't enjoy it and I hope never to pass judgement on others in that way. 

 

Viking appeals because they don't have formal nights the way other lines do and they are generally very lowkey. 

[duquephart]

1 hour ago, longterm said:

Nice.

I wear t-shirts a lot (not white ones but those I've picked up here and there on my travels), especially when I'm relaxing on board. If someone doesn't like it, they should feel free to give me wide berth, leaving more room on board for me to enjoy myself.

For dinner I wear button shirts and slacks; certainly wouldn't want to cause another traveler to get angina.

 

Or they can go sail Cunard.

 

 

I'm with you. I buy t-shirts everywhere I go and have lots of what I consider to be nice ones. One of my favorites is a Minnesota Kicks (tried to get soccer going in the late 70's) which reads "It Takes Leather Balls to Play Soccer."

[CDNPolar]

15 hours ago, CatalinaUK said:

One of the reasons that I have been reluctant to book another cruise has bern the dress code. And, again, the dress code is partly why Viking appeals. 

 

I dress well, as does my husband. We are both inspired by 1940s and 1950s fashion. But I've experienced people grumbling about my outfits being too colourful (think pink hair & a turquoise sweater set worn with brown pencil skirt) and my husband has heard mean comments about his traditional sailor tattoos. Not on Viking, I must add! 

 

But the way I think about it: we all pay the same amount of money to be on the ship and enjoy its amenities. If someone feels hard done by someone else's idea of a fancy outfit, well. Personally I wouldn't consider black leggings & a tshirt to be fancy - but I don't know their normal lifestyle. Maybe they have a medical issue which makes wearing anything with a "hard" waistband impossible? Maybe they have sensory issues? Maybe they work a job where they have to look polished from head to toe, and they want to relax? 

 

I know that some people on previous cruises have judged me & my husband for looking different. I didn't enjoy it and I hope never to pass judgement on others in that way. 

 

Viking appeals because they don't have formal nights the way other lines do and they are generally very lowkey. 

 

Dress is such a personal thing.  Today individual dress choice is even more complicated as we welcome and accept gender fluidity into our worlds.  Gender fluidity often also impacts what we wear.

 

I have said this before.  We like to dress up a bit - not formal - but a bit for dinner.  This makes us feel good.  It is about US, not you, not the crew, it is about us feeling good about ourselves.  I am of an age that we used to dress up to fly on a plane, to go to the stage theatre, and out to dinner.  I don't want to be that formal now, but still like to dress to a point that makes ME feel good about my appearance.  I do believe that dress codes of the past should remain in the past now.

 

I do think that if you are clean, and your clothes are clean, then heck, dress the way you want to to express yourself.

 

@CatalinaUK We would love to dine with you in your 40's 50's fashion.  Let them grumble.

 

We also like Viking because there are no formal nights.  I went on one cruise many years ago now with two formal nights and what a production, and for what exactly.  Never again, or if there was a formal night, then I would put on shorts and go to the buffet. 

[Murt22]

Favorite outfit seen on our Alaskan cruise was a pastel seersucker suit with shorts worn by a lovely white - haired man with a handle bar mustache. 

[longterm]

4 hours ago, CDNPolar said:

 

Dress is such a personal thing.  Today individual dress choice is even more complicated as we welcome and accept gender fluidity into our worlds.  Gender fluidity often also impacts what we wear.

 

I have said this before.  We like to dress up a bit - not formal - but a bit for dinner.  This makes us feel good.  It is about US, not you, not the crew, it is about us feeling good about ourselves.  I am of an age that we used to dress up to fly on a plane, to go to the stage theatre, and out to dinner.  I don't want to be that formal now, but still like to dress to a point that makes ME feel good about my appearance.  I do believe that dress codes of the past should remain in the past now.

 

I do think that if you are clean, and your clothes are clean, then heck, dress the way you want to to express yourself.

 

@CatalinaUK We would love to dine with you in your 40's 50's fashion.  Let them grumble.

 

We also like Viking because there are no formal nights.  I went on one cruise many years ago now with two formal nights and what a production, and for what exactly.  Never again, or if there was a formal night, then I would put on shorts and go to the buffet. 

We go often to both the Dallas and Fort Worth Symphony concerts, and it's really interesting to see what people wear these days.

Symphonies all over the country are in trouble from poor attendance; some are doing better than others, but generous donations by local people have saved symphonies. Because they are so desperate to fill the seats, to pay the salaries of their orchestras, no one is distressed to see people wearing jogging pants (yes, I've seen that), shorts, t-shirts (yep, that too), as well as women dressed to the nines in evening gowns. We tend to go somewhere in the middle--no jacket, but a nice dress shirt and slacks for me, beautiful dress on my lovely wife. 

 

At first I was surprised to see the disparity in clothing, but I'm glad to see people attending symphony concerts. I have lots of musician friends in Nashville who were afraid their jobs were going to go away; Nashville has an excellent symphony, due to all the world-class musicians who move there. Fortunately, some wealthy donors stepped up and made huge endowments that allowed the Nashville Symphony to continue. 

 

I tend to look at cruises the same way; Viking wants to keep their ships at capacity, so that they can continue to provide the best possible experience for us. If someone wants to wear casual clothes during the day, I'm fine with it; we do like to dress a little better for dinner, but I like not having to pack a dinner jacket--we're carryon people.

[CDNPolar]

2 hours ago, longterm said:

We go often to both the Dallas and Fort Worth Symphony concerts, and it's really interesting to see what people wear these days.

Symphonies all over the country are in trouble from poor attendance; some are doing better than others, but generous donations by local people have saved symphonies. Because they are so desperate to fill the seats, to pay the salaries of their orchestras, no one is distressed to see people wearing jogging pants (yes, I've seen that), shorts, t-shirts (yep, that too), as well as women dressed to the nines in evening gowns. We tend to go somewhere in the middle--no jacket, but a nice dress shirt and slacks for me, beautiful dress on my lovely wife. 

 

At first I was surprised to see the disparity in clothing, but I'm glad to see people attending symphony concerts. I have lots of musician friends in Nashville who were afraid their jobs were going to go away; Nashville has an excellent symphony, due to all the world-class musicians who move there. Fortunately, some wealthy donors stepped up and made huge endowments that allowed the Nashville Symphony to continue. 

 

I tend to look at cruises the same way; Viking wants to keep their ships at capacity, so that they can continue to provide the best possible experience for us. If someone wants to wear casual clothes during the day, I'm fine with it; we do like to dress a little better for dinner, but I like not having to pack a dinner jacket--we're carryon people.

 

Agree with everything that you say, and we have seen the same thing - dress code and enforcement of dress code is just dropping away in so many places.