Enforcing a dress code policy

Black tie nights. Formal attire, smart casual, resort casual, semi-formal. They all have different names and all mean a different type of expected outfits.

I get frustrated at the lack of respect shown by some people who think the rule doesn’t apply to them. That the’re exempt and can wear what they like. Absolutely you can wear what you like and we all should have a choice on what to wear at dinner but please pay attention to the dress code policy and respect it.

This is for everyone’s enjoyment on board. I mean we all go on cruises, we all know what to expect. When I go into dinner and I see someone with an oversized shirt or a baseball cap I think to myself what part of Formal do you not understand? There’s a sign on the restaurant and notices in your cabin advising that “Tonight’s Attire is Formal” Is it really that hard to obey this? If you don’t want to participate then don’t, simply take yourself to the self service and look as casual or as scruffy as you like but don’t ruin it for everyone else who makes the effort.

I don’t always thinks it’s the customers fault, well yes, they turn up and have a complete disregard for the rules but perhaps those who stand on the door welcoming guests into the restaurant should speak up and refuse them entry. Politely remind the customer formal attire is expected and anyone not dressed formally will have to be refused entry and advised to eat elsewhere.

The problem is the staff are too afraid to confront anyone. To avoid confrontation they simply let them come in. The restaurant manager should be making sure his or her staff enforce the rule. The customer isn’t always right. Let’s be honest, if you were in a restaurant in jeans and T-shirt and everyone else dressed up wouldn’t you feel a little out of place? I’d be most embarrassed.

Cruise lines need to perhaps start putting a polite notice on the restaurant door and in customers cabin reminding them that the dress code is enforced and to be adhered to or you will be refused entry. If you then fail to ignore this polite notice and still turn up you should absolutely be refused. Cruise lines should also put it in their terms and conditions. I appreciate not everyone wants to dress up but seriously just one or two nights a week isn’t like every night and should be respected.

What do you think? Do you like to dress up, do you think there’s too many or not enough formal nights and how do you think the cruise lines should tackle this problem?