? past cruisers..Kids w/ dress shorts?

[dtheboys]

Ok,
I want the kids to fit in and not feel uncomfortable at dinner.
I have a 8 year old and 14 year old DS that will be cruising w/ us in April.

From any Past Cruisers.......
1. Do any of the kids wear DRESS shorts w/ a nice shirt to dinner?
If so what percentage do you feel is in shorts?

The young kids look so cute in shorts, and a dress shirt.
I just don't want the kids to wear dress shorts, and feel out of place!
I can have my kids read this post, and see what PAST cruisers have noticed. That way it's just not MOM saying what they should wear.

Thanks

 

[alwatlers]

We were on the 4 day Wonder in 2000 for Christmas and both of my ds wore dress shorts(emphasis the dress). I had them wear a polo shirt and a nice sweater vest. They looked very handsome. My boys are short and stocky and it would be very hard to find pants to fit them at the time(they were 4 and 9). Now that they are getting taller I am going to try and get pants for the younger one(who will be 8 when we go in October) The older one will 13 and has one pair of dockers. I will bring 2 pairs for both and rotate them. Also I am planning on them not wanting to eat with Dad and I everynight. I say if they look nice then don't worry about it. They wore this on Carnival as well and nobody ever said anything to us about it. You are there as paying guests and should be comfortable. Now my DH and I both dress up but we want the boys to happy. Just remember no casual shorts and t-shirt and wear dress shoes or nice white (clean) sneakers.

 

[tkd lisa]

On the 7 day, I didn't see very many boys at your son's ages in shorts of any type at dinner (except on tropical night). The 3-5 year old set is often in dress shorts, but imo that's a bit different. Of course, it's your right for them to dress however you want, but if you're on the 7 day, I think the 14 year old will probably see very few boys his age in shorts. I know many people do the zip off pants to allow easy changing after dinner.

 

[dtheboys]

Thanks....
I want them to feel comfortrable, and not out of place.....
This gives us an excuse to dress up the kids.
I think this country has gone too casual.
It is alway's so nice to see kids dressed up!
He needs some new dress pants anyhow.........
REALLY..........Thanks for you honest answers...once again.... I want the kids to have a good time and not feel out of place...

 

[lotsofboys]

My DSs were 8,8 & 5 on our first 7 day cruise and although I had them wear dress pants and shoes each night (except Tropical & our Saturday night dinner in Parrot Cay) I specifically looked for shorts and dress shirts and agree with Lisa there were few if any and mostly on little, little boys 3 and under I would even say.
On our last cruise, 2/7/04, I would say I saw none, however, the weather wasn't as warm and we had late seating LAP rotation so we had far fewer really young kids in our rotation. DSs were 10, 10 & 7.

And remember, if you are like most people and looking forward to a great family picture on formal night you may be disappointed if you and DH are all dressed up and DSs are not.

Have a great trip

 

[geffric]

My boys are 12 and 10. For our cruise, we are takling 1 pair of dress slacks each, dress shirt and tie plus sports jacket. For the more causal night they will have zip off pants and polo shirts..

 

[NYGiantsRule!]

My DS's (11 and 14) wear dockers and a collared shirt for most dinners, except formal and semi-formal nights when they were a suit. They can go back and change after dinner, but they are old enough to start conforming to the dress code. The only night I would consider shorts is Tropical/Mexicali night.

 

[Katdb]

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to say how happy I am that your children will be nicely dressed (without making them terribly uncomfortable).

When I was younger, I was always dressed up at a nice restaurant, but I find nowadays, even in nice restaurants, children and adults alike come in in jeans and t-shirts.

I personally find nothing nicer than a well dressed child, and I think it gives them something to be proud of.

Again, just my ideas, but it's nice to see children dressing nicely!

Katdb

 

[Tiiiigergirl]

IMHO I think there is nothing quite as cute as a little (emphasis on little ~ meaning about age 4 and under) boy in dress shorts. When I see those chubby, dimpled knees I just want to squeeze them. My rule of thumb would be that if the knees aren't dimpled then it is time for long pants. I would guess that 8 is too old and 14 definitely is to old for dress shorts. Again just my opinion and what I've noticed.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Hey now... dimpled knees being the rule- my son wouldn't have been able to wear the dress shorts since he was about 1yrs old. LOL He thinned out early on....

I know many people do the zip off pants to allow easy changing after dinner.

Funny you should mention that. My son will have just turned 7 when we go on our first cruise and we plan on taking one pair of dockers (khaki colored) but also some of the navy "dressier" type pants... not really dressy but not jeans... that zip off to make long shorts. They are dressy enough for him to wear to church- and are perfect for easy changing from pants to shorts. I don't think I'd have a problem with him wearing dress shorts to dinner though... but then he's a very small 6yr old at the time.... not a big one. LOL