What is acceptable "cruise casual" for a teenage boy?

[Deb in IA]

Our DS is 16. He wears cargo shorts and "nice" t-shirts (no logos or words, usually solid gray with a navy trim around the collar).

Will that be OK for the cruise casual nights? I've heard that the shirts are supposed to have a lapel-type collar, like a button-down or a polo.

Thanks!

 

[sinnika]

We just got back from the 10 night med. My DS 14 wore nice t shirts and cargo shorts or jeans for some of the cruise casual nights. He did dress up more for some of the events at night in the vibe (dances).

 

[KSDisneyDad]

From Disney:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faqs/onboard-dining/dining-attire/

Question
What should I wear to dinner?
Answer
Dining Dress requirements vary by venue or theme night on your cruise. In general, most meals are "Cruise Casual"—no shorts, swimwear or tank tops. Most cruises also have special theme nights with additional attire requirements. Here's a breakdown of these events by cruise itinerary.

On 3-night cruises:

One cruise casual night—no shorts, swimwear or tank tops
One pirate or tropical night (deck party)
One "dress-up night"—jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women
On 4-night cruises:

First night: cruise casual—no shorts, swimwear or tank tops
One pirate or tropical night (deck party)
One "dress-up night"—jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women
Final night: cruise casual—no shorts, swimwear or tank tops
On 7-night cruises:

First night: cruise casual—no shorts, swimwear or tank tops
Three additional "cruise casual" nights—no shorts, swimwear or tank tops
One pirate or tropical night (deck party)
One formal and one semi-formal night—formal wear for men: tuxedo or suit; for women: gown or dress; semi-formal wear for men: suit/jacket; for women: dress or pantsuit.

That said, Disney NEVER enforces these published guidelines. So, he could wear pretty much anything he desires. I think these guidelines are there just so guests dress up a bit. There is no suggestion about collared shirts and the request for "no shorts" has been beaten up ad naseum on this board.

In other words, don't worry about it. Many guests wear shorts/t-shirts to dinner even on the "dress-up" nights, especially on the shorter cruises.

 

[rosiep]

I think he'll be fine!

The current trend here seems to be to wear your pants down below your butt. I think it looks ridiculous...but I once wore elephant pants so who am I to judge??

 

[Zandy595]

DS15 will be wearing polo or button down short sleeve shirts and khakis. He wears t-shirts and cargo shorts everyday at home, so IMO that isn't dressy enough for dinner on the ship.

something like this

 

[deanna23]

My sons age 15 and 13 wear dress slacks or docker type pants and docker type shoes and polo's. I want them to look nice for once. deanna

 

[DisneyOHFan]

My DS wears Dockers and polo shirts to dinner each night. Granted, there are many kids in shorts in the dining room, but I'm not comfortable with that for our family.

 

[maria-fan-22]

IMO I would have him wear long pants and some type of shirt with a collar. I think after the first night he will feel much more comfortable being dressed this way. Honestly Cargo Short and a T-shirt(What I wear everyday as well) Seems way too casual for the Main Dining rooms on DCL.

 

[NHdisneylover]

My son is only 12 but he always wears khaki slacks and a golf or short sleeve button front shirt on casual nights.
No one will kick your son out in shorts--but persoanlly I feel it is respectful to follow the published guidelines and I, well really we in our family, enjoy dressing up for dinner--it adds to the feeling of really being away from every day life.

 

[DREAM WAVES]

I read all the reports about what kids should wear & brought accordingly.... however my son wore a bathing suit one night because of teen activities he had to run out to & my neice wore pjs one night because the kids club had pj night that started during our dinner. Not great planning for kids who have 2nd dining. I'd say pack a few nice things you might like for pictures sake but otherwise dont over pack on the dressy clothes. FYI- my kids werent the only ones in shorts, pjs & bathing suits. And yes I can follow rules no shorts but with Disney's schedules hard to do & still get to dinner.

 

[PoohJen]

My sons age 15 and 13 wear dress slacks or docker type pants and docker type shoes and polo's. I want them to look nice for once. deanna

Ditto for my 3 teenage boys - khakis/dockers and a polo. Land's End sells some nice tye dye polos in the past which are fun. You may be surprised - my sons never once complained in 5 cruises about dinner wear. (in the interest of honesty, when the younger ones were under 10, I had them often wear khaki shorts with polos to dinner, unless it was formal night). I do let them wear sandles with the khakis if they choose.

Have a great cruise!

 

[lbgraves]

DS first cruised at age 5 and even then wore what DH wore to dinner, pants with a dress shirt or polo shirt.