Jeans for dinner

[Rogillio]

The problems is, "jeans" means different things to differnt folks.

Jeans includes:

expensive designer jeans

jagged blue jeans with an intentional hole in the knee

brand new blue jeans

black jeans

tan or brown jeans​

While I understand the intent is to keep some class in the dinning room, with a 12 day cruise and having to pack for chilly weather, warm weather, formal night, casual night, pirate night, swim attire, jeans, slacks, kakis, dockers, shorts, tee shirts, dress shirts, sports jacket, sweatshirt, sweaters, dress shoes, tennis shoes, flip flops, casual shoes.....

OK, I'm just whinning. Never feel sorry for someone taking a cruise! ;-)

~Mike

 

[nfowife]

I guess I might get flamed here, but I think nice jeans are totally fine. My DH will wear jeans with a collared button-down, belt, and nice shoes (not athletic sneakers) and I think he looks very well-put together. Same for me, I usually will pair nice dark jeans with a nice blouse or sweater. The problem with khakis is, they get tired looking/stained much faster than jeans. On a 12 night cruise, I can get jeans to go through a few nights of wears before I feel like they have to be washed/pressed. With khakis I usually get one, MAYBE 2 wears and then their done.

Obviously someone in stonewashed jeans with a budweiser t-shirt is not the look DCL wants in their dining rooms. But for me, my jeans are nice looking, tailored, and stylish.

 

[b00kw0rm429]

I agree with the jeans comment. I have a dark pair of "denim dress-pants" that I would feel very comfortable wearing to dinner with a great shirt, nice jewelry and heels. I have a pair of black pants that I wear to clean in/work out in that should never see the light of day! I think we just need to use good judgement. They are asking us to dress up a little. If you can do that in denim, more power to you. They are, I think referring to a category of "style" rather than the "material" your clothing is made from. It says "no jeans" not "no denim". Completely different.

 

[Noletucker]

what I did was buy 2 pair of no wrinkle black dockers and a pair of black travel capri's from coldwater creek. I only wore these at dinner, and if not enough time for a quick change, to the show at night. they never got dirty, they never wrinkled. Just wore different tops.
To me, these are much more comfortable, cooler and look nicer than jeans. I don't think I even took a pair of jeans on any of the cruises we have been on...too heavy!

 

[over50visits]

I guess I might get flamed here, but I think nice jeans are totally fine.

I absolutely agree, I think jeans are fine too. As another poster pointed out, there are some very stylish, expensive jeans. And once you sit down you never see folks pants during the meal!

But regardless of what I think, Disney asks we do not wear them. We can have a great discussion on the merits of jeans in the three upscale DCL dining rooms, courtesy to other guests, what we'd like to do on vacation, who it does/doesn't hurt, feeling of other cruisers, what we own in our wardrobe, etc. etc.

But Disney asks that we do not wear them. A reasonable, clear request. I'll honor it.

 

[Inkmahm]

I absolutely agree, I think jeans are fine too. As another poster pointed out, there are some very stylish, expensive jeans. And once you sit down you never see folks pants during the meal!

But regardless of what I think, Disney asks we do not wear them. We can have a great discussion on the merits of jeans in the three upscale DCL dining rooms, courtesy to other guests, what we'd like to do on vacation, who it does/doesn't hurt, feeling of other cruisers, what we own in our wardrobe, etc. etc.

But Disney asks that we do not wear them. A reasonable, clear request. I'll honor it.

Exactly.

The only night I will wear jeans to the major dining rooms is Pirate night and the jeans go with my pirate t-shirt outfit.

We really didn't care for one of our tablemate couples on our last cruise. They weren't "Disney people" and complained there was no casino, etc. And now that I think about it, they wore jean shorts and tshirts to dinner every night, too. I guess they just rubbed me the wrong way all the way around. It really isn't that difficult to follow the stated dress code.

 

[DisneyAnytime]

I would guess that on a 12 night cruise, you will eventually see a bit of everything at dinner, from the way under dressed to the supremely over dressed.

In the end, it's your cruise and your decision. And yes, you are correct in that there is a huge difference in the "jeans" you wear when working in the yard and the "denim pants" you might wear for an evening out. It's all about presentation. Personally, I've seen many gentlemen look better dressed in jeans and a button down shirt than others in "dress clothes" because of the way they were put together. Ladies too for that matter.

But as a PP stated, if DCL makes a request, I'll honor it...but I'm just a nerd that way. LOL

 

[Anal Annie]

I think the dress code is clear and personally, I have never considered jeans or shorts proper attire for dinner in the dining rooms on either ship. They are nice restaurants not TGI Fridays or Applebees so I think one should dress appropriately. I also never considered it to be age specific (ie OK for kids). I've always considered "Cruise Casual" to be at least equal to "Business Casual" which is IMO dressier than "Casual Friday". My DH & DS always wears at least Docker type slacks or linen slacks with some form of a button down or polo shirt on casual nights. Sport coat, shirt & tie for semi-formal night & Palo. Formal night would either be a suit or rented tux.

 

[Rogillio]

I sent an email to DCL asking about jeans. Here is the reply:


Dear Mike,

Thank you for choosing a Disney Cruise Line vacation!

I am happy to assist you.

Dining attire varies by venue or theme night on your cruise.
Unfortunately, the email you received has incorrect information about
"Cruise Casual" attire. In general, most meals are "Cruise Casual"--
jeans, khakis and capris are permitted; however, we ask that Guests
refrain from wearing shorts, swimwear or tank tops in the dining rooms.

Below is the recommended attire for your cruise itinerary and is subject
to change:

*Nights 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12: cruise casual
*Night 2: "formal night" - formal wear for men: tuxedo or suit; for
women: gown or dress
*Night 9: pirate night with deck party - cruise casual or bring your
best pirate outfit!
*Nights 11: "semi-formal night" - semi-formal wear for men: suit/jacket;
for women: dress or pantsuit.

Palo is our romantic alternative restaurant exclusively for our Guests
18 years and older. To maintain this elegant feeling during the various
dining options, a dress code is in place for the Palo Champagne Brunch,
Palo High Tea and Palo Dinner.

-Palo Champagne Brunch and/or Palo High Tea:
Cruise casual wear suggested.
No shorts, swimwear, tank tops or blue jeans are permitted.

-Palo Dinner:
Men - A dress shirt or jacket is required.
Women - A dress or pantsuit is recommended.
No shorts, swimwear, tank tops or blue jeans are permitted.

These requirements are not mandatory; however, in order to re-create a
classic and memorable dining experience for you and all our Guests, we
recommend the attire schedule that is planned for your upcoming cruise.


I hope this information has been helpful. If you require further
assistance in planning your visit, please feel free to contact us.

We look forward to sailing with you!

Have a Magical Day!

Stephanie
Reservations Department
Disney Cruise Line

 

[jilljill]

Mike thanks for getting the official word from DCL regarding jeans and other dress in the dining rooms. That's the best email I've seen from them on this subject.

 

[dylan'smom]

Unfortunately, the email you received has incorrect information about "Cruise Casual" attire. In general, most meals are "Cruise Casual"-- jeans, khakis and capris are permitted; however, we ask that Guests refrain from wearing shorts, swimwear or tank tops in the dining rooms.

And there you have it -- another conflicting description from DCL!!!

My rule of thumb w/ DCL has always been to ask again if I didn't like the original information received. LOL

But when most of us are trying to honor our host's dress code, it would be nice to have ONE statement. The information I received said no jeans, and I did not see jeans in the dining rooms last month (although there could have been a few). I started packing accordingly, and khakis are so much lighter anyway!!

Oh well. DS would LOVE for jeans to be listed as okay. He's worn dockers or khakis on 8 cruises!

On a side note: In the Navigator there were descriptions of appropriate dress for Palo. Jeans were only "forbidden" for dinner (NOT brunch or tea). But...the brunch reservation card we received in our room onboard said "no jeans plz" Go figure!!!!!!

 

[Redeemed&Loved]

Completely agree! A great reference for future dress questions!

 

[b00kw0rm429]

I fail to understand why people cannot follow the rules/recommendations of DCL. Part of the cruise experience is that you do dress nice for dinner. Does it irritate me when someone shows up looking like a slob? Yes.

I have come to the conclusion that some passengers think that DCL is an extention of the Disney Parks. A cruise should be a step or two above the park experience when it comes to behavior and dress. Will some here disagree? Of course, but everyday there are posts on this board questioning the recommended dress on DCL. Fortunately more passengers follow the recommendations that not. It is part of the cruise experience.

I think it is more along the lines of different forms of dress for different boats and different itineraries. There are certainly people who disregard, but most of us want to follow the rules. Looking like a slob and wearing denim are very different. GLad to see that cruise casual includes denim pants, but not shorts. Makes my life easier!

 

[brucechase]

This is from the cruise documents that DCL sent me for our Western Caribbean cruise (Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Castaway Cat) on the Magic.

On page 4 of the Magic cruise, there is a section titled "The Big Bags" and it is what to pack on the MAGIC WESTERN CARIBBEAN cruise:

DAYS
Casual wear (shorts, slacks, sundresses, jeans)
Comfortable Shoes (sandals, sneakers, boat shoes)
Beach and pool wear (swimsuits, wraps, T-shirts)
Closed toe sneakers (for workout room and walking shore excursions)

EVENINGS
Don't forget a jacket or sweater
Yes it is the tropics, but nights can be a bit breezy.
Dining Attire. Most restaurants require cruise casual wear. No shorts swimwear or tank tops, please.
Nicer dining attire. On semi-formal night, a suit or jacket is recommended for men and a dress or pantsuit for women. This dressier attire is also required at Palo
Optional formal attire. The Captain's Welcome Party is a formal evening, with black tie optional. Tuxedo rental is available. Check out the Formalwear brochure included in this kit.
Themed Nights. After dinner attire can get a little crazy thanks to fun-filled themed parties att he Rockin Bar D and the Pirates IN the Caribbean deck party. Themed attire is welcomed.

Several things to note. This is the MAGIC ship. Formal attire is optional. Jeans are not prohibited in the main dining rooms.

I don't see any problem at all with wearing jeans to the dining room and DCL states that you can.

 

[JanyJan]

And there you have it -- another conflicting description from DCL!!!

My rule of thumb w/ DCL has always been to ask again if I didn't like the original information received. LOL

But when most of us are trying to honor our host's dress code, it would be nice to have ONE statement. The information I received said no jeans, and I did not see jeans in the dining rooms last month (although there could have been a few). I started packing accordingly, and khakis are so much lighter anyway!!

Oh well. DS would LOVE for jeans to be listed as okay. He's worn dockers or khakis on 8 cruises!

On a side note: In the Navigator there were descriptions of appropriate dress for Palo. Jeans were only "forbidden" for dinner (NOT brunch or tea). But...the brunch reservation card we received in our room onboard said "no jeans plz" Go figure!!!!!!

Please tell me it didn't literally say "no jeans plz" otherwise I'd have a hard time taking their request seriously!

 

[gismo1554]

Days
• Casual wear (shorts, slacks, sundresses, jeans)
• Comfortable shoes (sandals, sneakers, boat shoes)
• Beach and pool wear (swimsuits, wraps, t-shirts)

Evenings
• Don’t forget a jacket or sweater. Yes, it’s the tropics, but the nights can be a bit breezy.
• Nice dining attire (no jeans or shorts at dinner, please)
• Optional formal attire
• Themed attire is welcome for Pirates IN The Caribbean night. [/COLOR]

I guess you could argue with this that it actually doesn't say "Cruise Casual dress - no jeans" it just says nice dining attire. Clearly my family will not be doing nice dining on our cruise! One of the reasons I like DCL is that you can wear jeans and a smart top to dinner and not feel out of place. I understand the no shorts but I think the no jeans is going a step too far.

I accept dressing up for Formal and Semi-formal but whats the difference between semi formal and cruise casual if you are insisting on no jeans? Surely for men this would therefore be the same attire?

Part of the reason I booked DCL was because it did allow jeans at dinner and changing the rules after I've paid seems nuts. The DCL website still states only no shorts swimwear and tank tops so I don't see why smart jeans are an issue. As for those that say I'm ignoring DCLs rules to be honest I think they are ignoring the fact that I paid for a cruise with one lot of "rules" and they then changed it. I know it seems silly but I know for a fact I could not have convinced my other half to come on a cruise if he had known he had to wear pants to dinner each night. He hates dressing up and this is one of the reasons we decided to go for DCL. Yes DCL is a step up from what you would wear to dinner at the park but I don't think its a step up from what you would wear to a signature restaurant at Disney. Now to me a Cruise Casual night should be the same, which for my other half was a smart pair of jeans and a smart shirt.

Anyway this is just my opinion. I have travelled on 5 DCL cruises and even in jeans have often felt over dressed compared to some families. There will always be people that wont dress for dinner but I just think making the rules even more strict will actually just mean more people break them. I'm not suggesting that they reduce the rules as I do think you should dress up more for dinner than you would elsewhere - hence my other half will be wearing a shirt not a t-shirt to dinner as he would somewhere like TGI Fridays. If anything, surely DCL should be trying to enforce the rules they have rather than making other people who are actually following the rules, feel uncomfortable?

 

[jilljill]

I guess you could argue with this that it actually doesn't say "Cruise Casual dress - no jeans" it just says nice dining attire. Clearly my family will not be doing nice dining on our cruise! One of the reasons I like DCL is that you can wear jeans and a smart top to dinner and not feel out of place. I understand the no shorts but I think the no jeans is going a step too far.

I accept dressing up for Formal and Semi-formal but whats the difference between semi formal and cruise casual if you are insisting on no jeans? Surely for men this would therefore be the same attire?

Part of the reason I booked DCL was because it did allow jeans at dinner and changing the rules after I've paid seems nuts. The DCL website still states only no shorts swimwear and tank tops so I don't see why smart jeans are an issue. As for those that say I'm ignoring DCLs rules to be honest I think they are ignoring the fact that I paid for a cruise with one lot of "rules" and they then changed it. I know it seems silly but I know for a fact I could not have convinced my other half to come on a cruise if he had known he had to wear pants to dinner each night. He hates dressing up and this is one of the reasons we decided to go for DCL. Yes DCL is a step up from what you would wear to dinner at the park but I don't think its a step up from what you would wear to a signature restaurant at Disney. Now to me a Cruise Casual night should be the same, which for my other half was a smart pair of jeans and a smart shirt.

Anyway this is just my opinion. I have travelled on 5 DCL cruises and even in jeans have often felt over dressed compared to some families. There will always be people that wont dress for dinner but I just think making the rules even more strict will actually just mean more people break them. I'm not suggesting that they reduce the rules as I do think you should dress up more for dinner than you would elsewhere - hence my other half will be wearing a shirt not a t-shirt to dinner as he would somewhere like TGI Fridays. If anything, surely DCL should be trying to enforce the rules they have rather than making other people who are actually following the rules, feel uncomfortable?

I sent an email to DCL asking about jeans. Here is the reply:


Dear Mike,

Thank you for choosing a Disney Cruise Line vacation!

I am happy to assist you.

Dining attire varies by venue or theme night on your cruise.
Unfortunately, the email you received has incorrect information about
"Cruise Casual" attire. In general, most meals are "Cruise Casual"--
jeans, khakis and capris are permitted; however, we ask that Guests
refrain from wearing shorts, swimwear or tank tops in the dining rooms.

Below is the recommended attire for your cruise itinerary and is subject
to change:

*Nights 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12: cruise casual
*Night 2: "formal night" - formal wear for men: tuxedo or suit; for
women: gown or dress
*Night 9: pirate night with deck party - cruise casual or bring your
best pirate outfit!
*Nights 11: "semi-formal night" - semi-formal wear for men: suit/jacket;
for women: dress or pantsuit.

Palo is our romantic alternative restaurant exclusively for our Guests
18 years and older. To maintain this elegant feeling during the various
dining options, a dress code is in place for the Palo Champagne Brunch,
Palo High Tea and Palo Dinner.

-Palo Champagne Brunch and/or Palo High Tea:
Cruise casual wear suggested.
No shorts, swimwear, tank tops or blue jeans are permitted.

-Palo Dinner:
Men - A dress shirt or jacket is required.
Women - A dress or pantsuit is recommended.
No shorts, swimwear, tank tops or blue jeans are permitted.

These requirements are not mandatory; however, in order to re-create a
classic and memorable dining experience for you and all our Guests, we
recommend the attire schedule that is planned for your upcoming cruise.


I hope this information has been helpful. If you require further
assistance in planning your visit, please feel free to contact us.

We look forward to sailing with you!

Have a Magical Day!

Stephanie
Reservations Department
Disney Cruise Line

gismo1554, please read the entire thread. I have quoted the 'official' email response that Rogillio received from DCL yesterday. In that email it is clearly spelled out from them that jeans are acceptable in the main dining rooms on cruise casual/Pirate nights. Also in the same response is what is acceptable attire for the other nights and for Palo.

 

[tfc3rid]

Palo Brunch will turn you away if you have jeans... The last time we cruised, my sife's brother wore an expensive pair of jeans and they told him to please return to his stateroom and change...

Palo will make you do it, the main dining rooms, not so much.

 

[dylan'smom]

Please tell me it didn't literally say "no jeans plz" otherwise I'd have a hard time taking their request seriously!

Okay, my fingers got lazy, , but they did say please!!!

It just is so funny they give conflicting requests on the same cruise!

Palo Brunch will turn you away if you have jeans... The last time we cruised, my sife's brother wore an expensive pair of jeans and they told him to please return to his stateroom and change...

Palo will make you do it, the main dining rooms, not so much.

Yes, the Navigator AND Palo reservation confirmation will say no jeans. They agree on that one.

 

[tinkattude6]

We have been on 4 DC and my husband wore black jeans to dinner at least once every cruise.He always wore a nice shirt. We saw people less casual then he was so. Just as long as you look nice and neat.