Question on kids dress codes for dinner

[tmbacon]

OK, so this might be a really silly question - I definitely get the dress code for adults, i.e. "cruise casual" - no tanks, swim suits, shorts, etc., plus one "dress up" night for our 4-day cruise. My question is, does the "no shorts" rule also apply to kids? We have 2 boys who will be age 4 and 6 at time of cruise - we can do the whole polo-shirt thing for them for their tops, but must they absolutely wear pants/jeans just as the adults do, and no shorts?

Also, for the "dress up" night, do the boys need to DEFINITELY be wearing a jacket/tie? We are an extremely casual family and don't really own anything fancy for the boys, so I just want to make sure we are prepared - heck, maybe it will actually be an excuse for us to go out and buy some "real" clothes for the boys!

[kcashner]

Shorts are totally permissible on the Wonder on kids or adults. The "no shorts" request was removed on the WONDER more than a year ago. Also, the "dress up" night is listed as "dress up optional." They can wear their shorts on that night too if you choose; many people choose not to dress up.

On the MAGIC, the "no shorts at dinner" remains on the Navigator.

[tmbacon]

Originally Posted by kcashner

Shorts are totally permissible on the Wonder on kids or adults. The "no shorts" request was removed on the WONDER more than a year ago. Also, the "dress up" night is listed as "dress up optional." They can wear their shorts on that night too if you choose; many people choose not to dress up.

On the MAGIC, the "no shorts at dinner" remains on the Navigator.

Hi kcashner that's great to know, as we are on the Wonder. Looks like we dodged yet another year of buying jackets and ties for the boys - guess we can spend that money on something else now!

[disneylove69]

I think many people don't do the dress up thing since the airlines changed the luggage fees. We saw people in jeans and dressed up.

[TAKitty]

I made our boys wear long dress pants to dinner each night and wondered why after seeing how everyone else was dressed. I saw adults in short shorts and tank tops. It was hard to justify to the kids why they seemed to be the only ones dressed up.

I was actually surprised by how casual the dress code is. I would let your young boys wear jeans and as other people have said, they don't need a jacket for dress up night.

However, many people do take dress up night as an opportunity to get a nice family picture taken.

[kcashner]

Both ships have become more casual over the years, particularly the Wonder. I also believe that a lot has to do with luggage regulations on planes, as well as the emphasis on comfort on the ships.

[klcason]

We cruised when my son was 6 and 7, the last in May 2009. He never wears long pants at home and didn't on the cruise either. He wore nice shorts and a polo or oxford with sandals every night. I didn't notice that he stuck out, even on formal night!

Kayla

[Missy_rntt]

I posted this in reply to a similar question. The formal night was actually fun. I'm a single parent and my son is 12. What we did for him was to get a pair of nicer perma press white shorts (not the long or baggy ones!) I had him wear a shirt and tie with a navy blazer and matching navy kneesocks. It was 'dressy" but not overly so and the formal experience was wonderful for him.

[rileysmommy]

My ds and my nephew usually wore golf/polo type shirts and khaki-type long pants to dinner at night. On formal night they both wore a long sleeve button-down shirt and a tie. While the dress code has been lifted for the Wonder we still find it nice to dress for dinner. And since we drive to FL there is no issue with the extra luggage thing.