Dress code….what dress code???

No matter which cruise line you choose you will find there is a dress code some more formal than others, some more casual. As a cruise specialist it’s something I talk about every day, and I come across lots of passengers who love to dress up and feel it’s part of their cruise holiday. I also speak to others who really don’t want to dress up and want to dress casually throughout their cruise.

For me I have to say I love the more formal evenings , I love the dressing up, it’s such an amazing atmosphere on board your cruise ship when everyone has made a real effort and really makes your cruise feel special. As you know I have recently cruised with Royal Caribbean on board Navigator of the Seas. We had the most amazing time, we really did enjoy it. One thing I was surprised at this time cruising with Royal was just how many people seemed to totally ignore the dress code on board.

There were two dress codes, a mix of formal and casual, quite simple and easy to follow, there was always a little suggestion each day on the compass on what to wear. For casual it would clearly say shirts and trousers for men, no shorts and flip flops. Dresses, trouser suits for ladies.

We were on board for a week, and two of the evenings were formal. The first of these evenings I have to admit everyone made a big effort who dined in the main dining room. The Royal Promenade was buzzing with everyone in their tuxes and dresses, it was a fantastic evening. On the second formal night I was shocked to see passengers in the main dining room who had completely ignored the formal code, there were men with short sleeved shirts no ties, with t shirts on and jeans, with shorts on, with very casual sports t shirts. Not in any way formal yet not turned away from the dining room.

On the casual nights the dress code was so much more casual than I remember. Shorts that looked like swim shorts, baseball caps, beach flip flops you get the idea. I found myself feeling overdressed at times which has never really happened before on a Royal Caribbean ship.

I have to say that it did bother me a little. I think when you’re on a cruise ship and there is a dress code you should follow it. On formal night I think if you’re not dressed appropriately then there is nothing wrong with being asked to get changed or to go and dine in the casual dining restaurant. On speaking to the lady at the front desk of the restaurant it seems that although they are able to “suggest” a dress code they are not able to refuse passengers entry into the restaurant and no longer turn them away to get changed. This has changed since the last time I cruised with them hence I think the real casual feel to the ship.

Chatting to other passengers I found the reaction mixed, some passengers were not impressed with the ship allowing passengers to totally ignore the dress code, some had even complained about it. Others were of the opinion they were on their cruise and they could choose to wear what they wanted and didn’t understand why it should even bother the other passengers.

The cruise we did was a half term holiday cruise with over 1000 children on board so mostly families, I’m guessing this is part of the reason the cruise was just so casual.

What do you think? Should the cruise line uphold the dress code or does it not matter to you what your fellow passengers wear in the evening?

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences. thanks for reading Abbi x