‘Intimidating’ dress code worries casual cruise guests – ‘Panic mode’

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Usually cruise ships only have a dress code for a few restaurants or for specific nights. However, some guests struggle to know what to wear.

One cruise guest wrote on Reddit that they were about to travel on their first cruise with their wife and three kids.

They said: “My wife has entered panic mode in regards to the whole casual and formal attire for dinners.

“We have a seven year old and two teenagers and neither of us wear anything close to formal attire in regular life.

“What can we honestly get by with each night? We are not trying to get in with bathing suits and flip flops, but the online dress code was intimidating enough to put my wife on alert that we need to pack far more than I had hoped.”

A regular guest said: “The elegant nights are optional. You are not required to participate if your family does not wish to do so!

“Just skip the dining rooms and hit the buffet or order room service if it makes you more comfortable.

“Please enjoy your vacation in the way that is most comfortable and enjoyable to you and don’t feel pressured to dress up.”

The majority of cruises will have a casual dress code in the buffet restaurant so guests don’t need to dress up.

Cruise holidaymakers can usually avoid formal night altogether if they don’t feel comfortable getting dressed up.

Another guest added: “A polo or button down with khakis is sufficient for men and teenage boys.

“For ladies, a decent dress or blouse and slacks should do it. You don’t need a full suit although many people enjoy doing that.”

They added that men should always wear closed toe shoes while women could wear dressy sandals.

One guest said: “It’s really business casual in my experience these days. No jeans, shorts, sleeveless shirts, sneakers, bathing suits, slogan clothing, baseball caps or hats.

“Just a little dressed up. And this is only in the dining rooms and some of the special restaurants.

“If you go to the buffets, there’s no code really. You’re not obligated to show up for the dining room, even if you sign up for it.”

Many cruise ships have a more relaxed dress code and some members of staff may not enforce it.

Royal Caribbean says that its smart casual dress code is “step up from your typical dinner wear.”

It adds: “Dress to impress with collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits. Jackets, sports coats and blazers are snazzy and welcomed.”

For formal nights, it advises passengers to “make it a night out in your best black-tie look.” The cruise line says there are usually one to three formal nights during a sailing and it is at the ship’s discretion.

Bare feet are not allowed at any time in any of the ship’s venues and tank tops are not permitted in the main dining room or specialty dining venues.

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