Non Existent Dress Code

[ppiew]

We were on the DREAM 4 day over New Years Eve and I was shocked at the lack of attention to attire worn in the dining rooms. Normally I don't care about this one way or the other, but it was flagrant! About 30% of the men had on cargo shorts and sandals, less than 10% had a suit or tux on - and this was every night in every restaurant. I saw oodles of women with tank tops and shorts with flip flops and frankly they acted as though they didn't give a darn! Never did i see any CM ask they to wear proper attire.

Remy's/Palo were exceptions as the code was enforced. I did see a gentleman offered shoes as he was wearing sandals which was a no no.

 

[mjbradeis]

We were on the DREAM 4 day over New Years Eve and I was shocked at the lack of attention to attire worn in the dining rooms. Normally I don't care about this one way or the other, but it was flagrant! About 30% of the men had on cargo shorts and sandals, less than 10% had a suit or tux on - and this was every night in every restaurant. I saw oodles of women with tank tops and shorts with flip flops and frankly they acted as though they didn't give a darn! Never did i see any CM ask they to wear proper attire.

Remy's/Palo were exceptions as the code was enforced. I did see a gentleman offered shoes as he was wearing sandals which was a no no.

Disney has relaxed the dress code to "Cruise casual": tank tops on women is a grey area in my opinion.

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/...uise-plans/faqs/onboard-dining/dining-attire/

 

[Dave2425]

Shorts and sandals are fine in the MDR.

 

[wdwwishes]

I'm with the OP on the being concerned about the lack of attention to dinner attire. I don't want to pack lots of fancy stuff and over pack when I travel but I agree that folks should look a little nicer than "I just got off Space Mountain" for dinner. Everyone's expecting high service, a quality experience etc. while on board. Why not put a just a little something nicer on? Just my two cents on atopic that really can get going.

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Shorts and sandals are fine in the MDR.

Agreed!

I've actually taken offence to OP's post. What one person wears vs another is no right or wrong doing unless of course something is hanging out which shouldn't be.

I wear whatver I'm comfortable in, and proud to say it! I normally wear shorts, t-shirts and always flip flops! My feet never see any kind of closed in shoes while on vacation unless their is a specific dress code :Ie Palo or Remy. I live in Canada, SNOW, so I enjoy allowing to let my feet breath!!!

In Palo or Remy is the only place I ever 'dress up' cause I love being casual. If someone in my party wants to dress up, great, but I wear what makes me comfortable and not what others think I 'should' be dressed in while on my vacation. I don't look bad, but I have no need to dress to impress!

My DH is the same! He hates flip flops, but does wear some sort of open toed shoes, shorts and a shirt. In my opinion, nothing wrong here and no harm done!

 

[ppiew]

well, when people dress better at home than when on a cruise i don't think much of it. Sorry. When the Navigator says 'cruise casual' no shorts, swimwear or tank tops (DCL's words on their website) i tend to dress in the groove, yet i saw every one of the above in the MDR's and to me it belongs on deck 11. and yes I too live in a cold (below 0) and snowy climate on the shore of Lake Superior.

 

[CastMember 02]

I feel that it is everyone's OWN vacation time. on nights that its cruise casual i agree that shorts and tees should be allowed, no questions. And on nights where its semi formal and formal at least slacks/polo for men and smart business casual for women should be expected.
Palo/Remy are different stories definitely an upscale look is required for both men/women.
I believe with the way DCL schedules the activities with no regard to meal times, shows, events that many guests feel they dont have time to change and if you have children, getting them to "change" as well can be a hassle. just my 2 cents. Happy Cruising

 

[erionm]

I wear what makes me comfortable and not what others think I 'should' be dressed in while on my vacation. I don't look bad, but I have no need to dress to impress!

Same here.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

well, when people dress better at home than when on a cruise i don't think much of it. Sorry. When the Navigator says 'cruise casual' no shorts, swimwear or tank tops (DCL's words on their website) i tend to dress in the groove, yet i saw every one of the above in the MDR's and to me it belongs on deck 11. and yes I too live in a cold (below 0) and snowy climate on the shore of Lake Superior.

From the DCL website:

Q:What should I wear to dinner?
A:The dress code for dinner varies by the venue or theme night of your cruise. In general, most meals are "cruise casual"—no swimwear or tank tops. Most cruises also have special theme nights with optional opportunities to get dressed up for a special family photo. Here's a breakdown of events by cruise itinerary:

On 3-night cruises:
•One cruise casual night—No swimwear or tank tops
•One pirate or tropical night (deck party)
•One "optional dress-up night"—jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women

On 4-night cruises:
•First night is cruise casual—no swimwear or tank tops
•One pirate or tropical night (deck party)
•One optional dress-up night—jacket for men, and dress or pantsuit for women
•Final night is cruise casual—no swimwear or tank tops

On 7-night cruises:
•First night is cruise casual—no swimwear or tank tops
•One themed night (pirate, tropical or other themed deck party)
•3 additional cruise casual nights—no swimwear or tank tops
•One formal and one semi-formal night—two great opportunities to dress-up and take advantage of the onboard photography services. Though optional, we recommend: Dress pants with a jacket or a suit for men, and dress or pantsuit for women

Dress code at Palo:
•Men: Dress pants and dress shirt (a jacket is optional)
•Women: Dress or pantsuit
•No jeans, shorts, capri pants, flip-flops or tennis shoes

Dress code at Remy:
•Men: Dress pants with jacket (sports or suit jacket) is required—ties are optional.
•Women: A dress, cocktail dress, pantsuit or skirt/blouse is required
•No jeans, shorts, capri pants, flip-flops or tennis shoes

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/planning-center/my-cruise-plans/faqs/onboard-dining/dining-attire/

The inclusion of "shorts" has been removed (some time ago) from the "banned" list.

 

[annaruth674]

I don't understand people getting upset about what other people wear to dinner. If it is vulgar or extremely skimpy, sure, I can see that. But I have never felt affected by what other cruisers wear to dinner. I can't even tell you what my other tablemates wore most nights, I honestly didn't notice other people around the MDR. I say dress how YOU feel comfortable. You want to dress up? Go for it!! You want to embrace casual and wear shorts and a tank top? Good, enjoy your vacation! There's no pressure either way, everyone can do what makes it a more enjoyable cruise for them!

And if you're one that is bothered by the casual attire of others, you may be able to enjoy your cruise more if you spend less time paying attention to how others are dressed, choose not to let it affect you, and just enjoy your evening the way you like it!

 

[ppiew]

Obviously my interpretation of 'cruise casual' differs from others - so be it. I have my opinion just as others have theirs. It just seems strange to say no tank tops and then let everyone wear them. Might as well drop ALL restrictions.

 

[jahber]

We were on the DREAM 4 day over New Years Eve and I was shocked at the lack of attention to attire worn in the dining rooms. Normally I don't care about this one way or the other, but it was flagrant! About 30% of the men had on cargo shorts and sandals, less than 10% had a suit or tux on - and this was every night in every restaurant. I saw oodles of women with tank tops and shorts with flip flops and frankly they acted as though they didn't give a darn! Never did i see any CM ask they to wear proper attire. Remy's/Palo were exceptions as the code was enforced. I did see a gentleman offered shoes as he was wearing sandals which was a no no.

From what you've described, everyone actually WAS following the dress code. So, hooray! No "rule breakers" for once!

Edited to add: regarding tank tops, it's pretty much universally accepted that women can wear nice tank tops. What DCL is referring to is almost certainly those undershirt tank tops or the super-casual ones.

 

[MinnesotaChill]

We just returned from our first DCL cruise and I was a bit surprised at the attire too, but not necessarily in a bad way. When I cruised on Holland America in the past it was much more dressy, and I completely over packed dressy clothes for DCL.

I did find, however, that since we had early dining, it was nearly impossible some days to return from port, change and get to dinner on time unless we severely cut our port time short. For one excursion they got us back to the ship 45 minutes later than our info had said (our info should have been updated and wasn't) and we had no choice but to go straight to the dining room. I was embarrassed as we'd been on a beach all day, but we were in the same "boat" as everyone else on our excursion, so at least we weren't the only ones!

We saw just about everything in our dining room, but were with a big group and learned to just go with the flow... and to pack fewer dresses next time around!

 

[ppiew]

I am Not 'bothered' or 'upset' by what others wear, it was merely an observation and a personal opinion to which we are all entitled.

 

[erionm]

Unless the clothing is truly offensive (graphic image/language or exposing far too much skin), they are not going to prevent someone from eating in the MDR.

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Same here.

 

[flinkerfrosch]

I don't understand people getting upset about what other people wear to dinner. If it is vulgar or extremely skimpy, sure, I can see that. But I have never felt affected by what other cruisers wear to dinner. I can't even tell you what my other tablemates wore most nights, I honestly didn't notice other people around the MDR. I say dress how YOU feel comfortable. You want to dress up? Go for it!! You want to embrace casual and wear shorts and a tank top? Good, enjoy your vacation! There's no pressure either way, everyone can do what makes it a more enjoyable cruise for them!

And if you're one that is bothered by the casual attire of others, you may be able to enjoy your cruise more if you spend less time paying attention to how others are dressed, choose not to let it affect you, and just enjoy your evening the way you like it!

Well said, agree 100%!

 

[flinkerfrosch]

I am Not 'bothered' or 'upset' by what others wear, it was merely an observation and a personal opinion to which we are all entitled.

Yes, you're absolutely entitled to your opinion, but that's the problem with text messages, emails etc..they sometimes get interpreted the wrong way.
It did seem though that your 1st post was being very judgemental and that you were/are bothered by the way some people dress in the MDR's.
I do agree with some that said the time restraint can be a factor. I've had many excursions where I've literally rushed onto the ship, to my room for 5 mins to brush my hair and change my 2 young ones, but NO time for me to do anything! That being said, even if I did have 10 extra mins I would still wear my 'usual' attire and not be ashamed or worried what others think.
I've never seen any CM in my last 7 cruises in the last 11 months ever tell anyone to leave due to what they were wearing. I've seen it all in the dining rooms (attire wise) and couldn't be bothered in the least and focus on my family and all the wonderful memories we're creating!
I am not meaning to bash you in any way, that's not my intention. I think your post just struck a few nerves due to the fact that the way you described some of the people you observed in the MDR's is exactly the way others cruise and we've never had a problem with it.
If DCL truly had an issue, I'm sure they would turn people away before you even step foot in the dining room, but I doubt that will ever happen.

Besides the attire issue, I hope you had a fabulous cruise!!

 

[263a2879]

Yes, you're absolutely entitled to your opinion, but that's the problem with text messages, emails etc..they sometimes get interpreted the wrong way. It did seem though that your 1st post was being very judgemental and that you were/are bothered by the way some people dress in the MDR's. I do agree with some that said the time restraint can be a factor. I've had many excursions where I've literally rushed onto the ship, to my room for 5 mins to brush my hair and change my 2 young ones, but NO time for me to do anything! That being said, even if I did have 10 extra mins I would still wear my 'usual' attire and not be ashamed or worried what others think. I've never seen any CM in my last 7 cruises in the last 11 months ever tell anyone to leave due to what they were wearing. I've seen it all in the dining rooms (attire wise) and couldn't be bothered in the least and focus on my family and all the wonderful memories we're creating! I am not meaning to bash you in any way, that's not my intention. I think your post just struck a few nerves due to the fact that the way you described some of the people you observed in the MDR's is exactly the way others cruise and we've never had a problem with it. If DCL truly had an issue, I'm sure they would turn people away before you even step foot in the dining room, but I doubt that will ever happen. Besides the attire issue, I hope you had a fabulous cruise!!

I 100% AGREE!! I'm on the cruise (and following Disney dinner attire suggestions) to enjoy myself...not to impress anyone else.

 

[nhgirl]

Well then it appears to be that you are outnumbered.