Non Existent Dress Code

[Love2Cruz]

He's been covered for over 3 decades. We would always get stares when we first started dating as I'm all of 4'11, 90lbs. People would look at us like he was kidnapping me or something lol. We go to the four seasons Maui almost every year and most of the time people assume he is some rock star. Anyway, he and I were discussing the cruise the other day and he said "I'm totally gonna get kicked off the boat like those people with the baby did." We had a good laugh but honestly I am a little worried at the looks we will get. I hope he doesn't scare too many people lol.

Sometimes people may stare but might be thinking "nice ink" and not necessarily because they are scared. Tattoos don't have the stigma they once did, only old farts are bothered by them.

I have a couple of leg pieces and I know people look at my ink but it doesn't bother me when they look, it could be that they are admiring my artists work, or it could be, ew, she has a tattoo...either doesn't affect me.

 

[PortPerryMum]

I don't usually respond to these types of threads on any cruise forum, but since it has calmed down a bit towards the end, here's my 2 cents.... First, I agree with the poster who said: Dressing the part takes you further than wearing your PJs. I am also aware of times that airlines have bumped people that "look" like they are not in a hurry to get somewhere vs a business traveler in a suit and tie. I have always been told to dress the way you want to be treated. I do not want to be treated casually, I want to be respected and in a dining setting, served well. I do not care how you justify it, people do judge you (in life, in general) and often times are treated accordingly. Fair or not. Its life. It is your right to wear whatever you want to the MDR because DCL does not mandate it...for sure, but what you put out always comes back to you. Second, I do not want to bring a ball gown/tux on a cruise; that seems from a bygone time and I am not interested. I do, however, want to dress (what I consider) nicely for dinner--my version of that is a sundress or maxidress w/some nice jewelry and dressier sandals. These both are very comfortable clothing and take little space in my suitcase. My boyfriend will wear khakis/chino pants and a polo or SS button-down shirt to MDR dinners. My overall feeling is that the MDRs are beautiful and project an air of elegance and refinement. The waiters are also dressed each night to match; they are not in Disney tees and jeans. To me, the overall ambiance of the MDR is impacted--it is less "magical" (put very simply)--if most everyone is in tanks and shorts. I feel like I am eating in McDonald's rather than enjoying a meal at sea in a lovely restaurant. I don't judge or look down on those who choose to dress that way, but to me it negatively impacts the overall meal experience DCL is trying to create. I've read these vessels were modeled after ships of another era--to me, dressing up a bit for the meal in an elegant restaurant is part of that magical experience.

Well said!

 

[wilkeliza]

People need to get over it. You can dress nicely with out being in slacks and a full button down. DBF is glad the rules have switch to allow shorts. He now will wear khaki/chino shorts and a polo with boat shoes. Nothing wrong with it in my opinion. It is beach club casual so it is more than acceptable in our opinion. He has even been in fancy restaurants here in NYC in similar and has never ever been treated any differently.

I sometimes wear slacks and a nice blouse, a sun dress, or even dress shorts and a polo myself as a lady. It is 2014 after all not 1920.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

I wore a nice dress every night on my cruise in 2013. I hardly ever dress like that at WDW (unless it's a resort restaurant) so it was nice to "dress up" for dinner every night! We wore custom T-shirts for Pirate night but that was our AP night and I felt like it was okay to wear for that restaurant. I did bring a back-up outfit just in case.

My roommate who had only sailed on another cheaper cruise line (starts with a C) sailed in Nov with friends and I advised her to bring nice dinner clothes which she felt she didn't need…upon retuning she said she ended up dressing up (no jeans) nightly and how different and "luxury" it was compared to the other line she has sailed on! She also said her next vacation would be on DCL…caught the bug too haha!!

 

[DisneyNurse19]

I don't usually respond to these types of threads on any cruise forum, but since it has calmed down a bit towards the end, here's my 2 cents....

First, I agree with the poster who said:
Dressing the part takes you further than wearing your PJs. I am also aware of times that airlines have bumped people that "look" like they are not in a hurry to get somewhere vs a business traveler in a suit and tie.

I have always been told to dress the way you want to be treated. I do not want to be treated casually, I want to be respected and in a dining setting, served well.

I do not care how you justify it, people do judge you (in life, in general) and often times are treated accordingly. Fair or not. Its life. It is your right to wear whatever you want to the MDR because DCL does not mandate it...for sure, but what you put out always comes back to you.

Second, I do not want to bring a ball gown/tux on a cruise; that seems from a bygone time and I am not interested. I do, however, want to dress (what I consider) nicely for dinner--my version of that is a sundress or maxidress w/some nice jewelry and dressier sandals. These both are very comfortable clothing and take little space in my suitcase. My boyfriend will wear khakis/chino pants and a polo or SS button-down shirt to MDR dinners.

My overall feeling is that the MDRs are beautiful and project an air of elegance and refinement. The waiters are also dressed each night to match; they are not in Disney tees and jeans. To me, the overall ambiance of the MDR is impacted--it is less "magical" (put very simply)--if most everyone is in tanks and shorts. I feel like I am eating in McDonald's rather than enjoying a meal at sea in a lovely restaurant. I don't judge or look down on those who choose to dress that way, but to me it negatively impacts the overall meal experience DCL is trying to create.

I've read these vessels were modeled after ships of another era--to me, dressing up a bit for the meal in an elegant restaurant is part of that magical experience.

Totally agree

 

[ocspartan]

. I don't judge or look down on those who choose to dress that way, but to me it negatively impacts the overall meal experience DCL is trying to create. I've read these vessels were modeled after ships of another era--to me, dressing up a bit for the meal in an elegant restaurant is part of that magical experience.

I'm not going to try to disagree with you per se bc it is all individual opinion, but what's funny is the argument for both sides is that the vacation is about ME... Like how enforcing a dress code impacts YOUR magical experience or how some who don't want to dress up its bc its "MY" vacation... In the end it's not about trying to fit in, everyone on either side is just trying to enhance their own vacation....

Yes the vessels were designed to bring you back to a different era, and in that era.. An era when third class and second class passengers weren't allowed in the dining room.... So say everyone in an inside room ocean view room as an example... Not everything from the past was better.... Also animators palate is closer to a rainforest cafe than it is French laundry or Napa rose....

 

[Zeppelin]

7th DCL cruise coming this August; except for formal/semi-formal night when i'll wear a tie and jacket, i always wear shorts (neat) a sport shirt and sneakers to dinner....don't have room to pack more pants, dress shirts, etc...

 

[Zeppelin]

I don't usually respond to these types of threads on any cruise forum, but since it has calmed down a bit towards the end, here's my 2 cents....

First, I agree with the poster who said:
Dressing the part takes you further than wearing your PJs. I am also aware of times that airlines have bumped people that "look" like they are not in a hurry to get somewhere vs a business traveler in a suit and tie.

I have always been told to dress the way you want to be treated. I do not want to be treated casually, I want to be respected and in a dining setting, served well.

I do not care how you justify it, people do judge you (in life, in general) and often times are treated accordingly. Fair or not. Its life. It is your right to wear whatever you want to the MDR because DCL does not mandate it...for sure, but what you put out always comes back to you.

Second, I do not want to bring a ball gown/tux on a cruise; that seems from a bygone time and I am not interested. I do, however, want to dress (what I consider) nicely for dinner--my version of that is a sundress or maxidress w/some nice jewelry and dressier sandals. These both are very comfortable clothing and take little space in my suitcase. My boyfriend will wear khakis/chino pants and a polo or SS button-down shirt to MDR dinners.

My overall feeling is that the MDRs are beautiful and project an air of elegance and refinement. The waiters are also dressed each night to match; they are not in Disney tees and jeans. To me, the overall ambiance of the MDR is impacted--it is less "magical" (put very simply)--if most everyone is in tanks and shorts. I feel like I am eating in McDonald's rather than enjoying a meal at sea in a lovely restaurant. I don't judge or look down on those who choose to dress that way, but to me it negatively impacts the overall meal experience DCL is trying to create.

I've read these vessels were modeled after ships of another era--to me, dressing up a bit for the meal in an elegant restaurant is part of that magical experience.

that's great- for you....personally if people on a 7 day cruise who I don't know and i'll never see again want to judge me based on what i'm wearing to dinner then they are the fools...

i would agree i would rather not see people with an untidy appearance or gosh forbid and untidy smell at dinner...but if someone is neatly dressed in shorts and sandals thats fine IMO....

 

[Minniesgal]

I am kinda with the OP in this one. I am really disappointed that Disney Dining is getting more and more casual. For me getting showered, doing my hair and make up and getting dressed for dinner is part of what makes going out for dinner an occasion. Turning up in my day clothes makes it feel like dining at home and less special.

I feel the same at WDW when you go for a Signature meal and people turn up in shorts and flips flops sweaty from then parks or soaking from a rain storm it detracts from the overall special feeling of dining out for everyone and turns it into something mundane and ordinary.

I have often wondered if it is because I am from the UK. We don't eat out regularly Only on special occasions (birthdays, wedding anniversaries). We don't see eating out as just "getting food". We see it as a special occasion and dress accordingly and getting ready is as much part of the evening as the meal. I find it very very disappointing that dining out on Disney Cruises and in Disney Signatures is becoming very casual and under stated. For me it isn't about judging others it is about the night feeling special and out of the ordinary.

 

[jcemom]

Both DD and I enjoyed dressing for dinner on our cruise. We didn't go all out, but I wore dress pants and nice blouses, with heels, while DD wore cute girly dresses. I honestly didn't notice how anyone else in the dining room was dressed. Our tablemates (we were three pairs of moms with similar aged daughters) dressed pretty much the same way DD and I dressed. I even chatted with those at the table next to us a few times and still didn't notice what they were wearing. It just wasn't important, I guess.

I don't really care what others wear. Inappropriate behavior would be much more likely to draw my attention.

 

[MillauFr]

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.

The only place where the main dining room is a high quality experience is on the Cruise DVDs the marketing department sends out. I found the service to be excellent but the atmosphere and food quality are no better than the average mass market chain restaurant. I just think the style of dress is declining to match the overall experience of the main dining rooms.

 

[tinkerone]

i don't, and never have, understood the dressing debate. dh and i could sit down and have dinner in any of the dinning rooms and once we walked out would not be able to tell you what the waiters wore never mind what you were wearing.

my focus is on dh and our day and what we want to discuss. its all about the joy of being together with no phones or work related issues to tend to. no demands on either of us. it truly is about us. why would i waste our time looking at what you are wearing. why would i care when i have the man i love with me. sorry but your just not that important.

i'm not going to waste a minute on the people around us because i'm in the moment with dh. what you have on is just not worth my time so put on the glad rags or just the everyday nothing special rags. i'm to busy to care.

 

[Skywalker]

I'm hoping come december to really offend whomever with my purple mohawk & matching converse

You're hoping to offend? What are you, 15 years old or something? Being yourself is one thing, but "hoping to offend" is another thing entirely. Most people grow out of that.

Anyway, I don't think its possible to "not notice" what other people are wearing. No one is that oblivious. Cruising used to be kind of special, but instead of people opting for casual vacations, they chose cruises and then demanded they be casual. Oh well.

 

[Love2Cruz]

You're hoping to offend? What are you, 15 years old or something? Being yourself is one thing, but "hoping to offend" is another thing entirely. Most people grow out of that.

Anyway, I don't think its possible to "not notice" what other people are wearing. No one is that oblivious. Cruising used to be kind of special, but instead of people opting for casual vacations, they chose cruises and then demanded they be casual. Oh well.

Lighten up Francis, I'm sure that statement was meant in a "tongue in cheek" sort of way.

As for cruising being special, it still is....but one doesn't have to be dressed to the nines for it to mean something special. Being with my family, enjoying my family's company, watching my DD's eyes lit up when she interacts with the characters or the princesses, getting in some R & R is what my cruise vacation is about..It's a break from reality, a great stress reducer and a time to make family memories....it's certainly is NOT about being bothered about what the table next to me is wearing because as posters have already said, I couldn't tell you what even the people at my table were wearing as we were too busy making conversation and enjoying the fact that we were on a DISNEY cruise.

 

[SweetSpot]

After many DCL cruises and years reading this board, I find it so sad for the people who have a problem with how people dress when these threads pop up. When I am at dinner on a ship my family and I are talking about our day and laughing with each other. We don't waste our time looking around the room and judging and talking about other people. What other people wear at their dinner with their family should have no impact on your dinner with your family. Truth be told, when someone is sitting at a table you really have to look hard to notice that they are wearing shorts or sandals. Life's to short for that.

 

[tigger2002]

I don't usually respond to these types of threads on any cruise forum, but since it has calmed down a bit towards the end, here's my 2 cents....

First, I agree with the poster who said:
Dressing the part takes you further than wearing your PJs. I am also aware of times that airlines have bumped people that "look" like they are not in a hurry to get somewhere vs a business traveler in a suit and tie.

I have always been told to dress the way you want to be treated. I do not want to be treated casually, I want to be respected and in a dining setting, served well.

I do not care how you justify it, people do judge you (in life, in general) and often times are treated accordingly. Fair or not. Its life. It is your right to wear whatever you want to the MDR because DCL does not mandate it...for sure, but what you put out always comes back to you.

Second, I do not want to bring a ball gown/tux on a cruise; that seems from a bygone time and I am not interested. I do, however, want to dress (what I consider) nicely for dinner--my version of that is a sundress or maxidress w/some nice jewelry and dressier sandals. These both are very comfortable clothing and take little space in my suitcase. My boyfriend will wear khakis/chino pants and a polo or SS button-down shirt to MDR dinners.

My overall feeling is that the MDRs are beautiful and project an air of elegance and refinement. The waiters are also dressed each night to match; they are not in Disney tees and jeans. To me, the overall ambiance of the MDR is impacted--it is less "magical" (put very simply)--if most everyone is in tanks and shorts. I feel like I am eating in McDonald's rather than enjoying a meal at sea in a lovely restaurant. I don't judge or look down on those who choose to dress that way, but to me it negatively impacts the overall meal experience DCL is trying to create.

I've read these vessels were modeled after ships of another era--to me, dressing up a bit for the meal in an elegant restaurant is part of that magical experience.

Very well said.

,

 

[tigger2002]

Wow...the month that has passed since the last debate about clothing went by fast

Who wants to start up the saving of pool chairs and seats in the theater?

Nah that's old stuff....let's talk about the parents letting their kids get away with anything.

,

 

[NFLDERS]

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.

This.. because if cruisers are going to do as they darn well please (dress code) then what's the point.

 

[smadath]

I don't see much difference between wearing a nice tank top and wearing a sundress if you're seated at a table. People can basically see what type of top you have on, at least until you stand up, which you do when you enter and when you leave. So, I don't get why tank tops are frowned upon, but sundresses seem to be acceptable.

I don't know. Maybe I'm weird.

 

[Growingupisoptional]

Yeah.... I see a lot of stink eyes and stares in our near future. My husband has full sleeves and a full back piece. People either think he's a serial killer or someone famous

I love so so many of you already
I agree with sweet pea, life stop short to be gossiping about what other wear...unless the SERVER is in a stained undershirt standing over my food scratching an armpit I really don't care
At the same time I COMPLETELY see value in the oldendays thing were people dressed up for flights and like...the Titanic...because it was a HUGE DEAl and a privilege and I get that...it is a privilege! I also totally understand and agree with taking pride in your appearance, but asking pride does not at all mean worry what other people think or dress for others... I'm not sloppy but if I work in a office all day and would rather not wear that stuff on vacation I won't or if Im in the trades like I am now...I may feel like its a great and rare opportunity for me to look nice!
Anyway this thread is about a poll as to ones OWN attire... Lol I voted: dress up really nice once option
Love y'all can't wait to cruuuuuise!