Thread: dress code in Dining room

We are traveling on the Carnival Liberty, I was reading their dress code and except for formal nights, I understand it to read that men can wear dress shorts (Dockers) for dinner in the dining room, with a collared shirt, is this true and do most men wear shorts or do they just go with the long pants. I am also assuming women can wear dress shorts, which I am planning on wearing a few nights. What do most men wear at dinner? We went shopping and got my husband a nice jacket pants and shirt for formal night. Now is a navy blue Jacket acceptable for formal night or when they say "formal" do they mean Black Tie? Just trying to be prepared for everything and I would hate to be turned away at dinner time. My motto is "always be prepared for everything"

Thanks for any info. This message board is so full of information I am going to be so prepared.

Thanks again,
Sue

Hey Sue

Carnival has relaxed their dress code recently and what you are suggesting would seem to fit their expectations. Even before the "official" new dress code, folks were wearing nice shorts to dinner on casual nights without anyone batting an eye. There is no more "black tie" on Carnival, so hubby's outfit would be just fine.

I just came home after being on the Mariner of the Seas for 7 days. (Royal Caribbean) I was shocked at dinner to see men wearing shorts. My husband wanted to kill me because I had him wearing dockers and jeans every night.

I don't see what the big deal is about wearing shorts to dinner as long as you don't come straight from the pool wearing flip flops. My son on the other hand, he pretty much wore his shorts to dinner every night except formal night of course.

We were on the Liberty at the end of April, and in the newsletters each day (Carnival Capers), they show the dress code for dinner for that particular evening. It ranges from "casual" to "smart casual" to "elegant". They strongly discourage shorts at dinner; however, I did see a few who showed up wearing them anyway. On formal night, my husband work black pants, a dress shirt and a tie, and the rest of the nights, he simply wore a polo shirt with the black pants.

The first night on board is somewhat more casual, since some folks still hadn't had their luggage delivered to their room, so they wore the same clothes that they were wearing at embarkation.

The buffet is still an option for anyone who doesn't want to dress up.

This is from the Carnival web site---I have bolded pertinent info.

What to Wear?

Casual attire is the order of the day. We suggest shorts, sundresses, tank tops, etc. for the ladies, and for men; shorts, polo shirts, T-shirts, etc. will do. We suggest you wear rubber-soled, low heeled or flat shoes for extra traction while onboard. The use of any footwear with wheels, including but not limited, to Heelys© shoes, is prohibited on board our ships. For dining you may want to dress up a bit and/or bring along a light sports jacket or cardigan.


Most evenings we have a Cruise Casual dress code, but there are those Cruise Elegant evenings one or two nights throughout your “Fun Ship” voyage, where you will have the opportunity to showcase your more elegant attire. For those who want casual attire for dinner time, the Seaview Bistro on the Lido Deck is open nightly, and has a more relaxed theme. Both dress codes for the dining rooms are described below.


Cruise Casual Dining Dress Code:
Gentlemen - Sport slacks, khakis, jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long), collared sport shirts;
Ladies - Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs).

Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Casual dinner for ladies and gentlemen: gym shorts, basketball shorts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, and sleeveless shirts for men.

Cruise Elegant Dining Dress Code:
Gentlemen - Dress slacks, dress shirts. We also suggest a sport coat. If you wish to wear suits and ties or tuxedos, by all means we invite you to do so.
Ladies - Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; if you‘d like to show off your evening gowns, that's great too!

Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Elegant dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball hats.

You know what Sue, I have sailed Carnival and other lines and yes I am a formal night girl!! But I am going to tell you what I think, Lots of lines are relaxing the dress codes, yes shorts may be allowed on some, but I suggest dockers, even one pair that will wear for a week for the guys, just in case they won't allow shorts, also cute skirts and tops, capris, sun dresses will work also for girls. On formal night a cute dress and nice top/skirt will also work as well as a shirt and tie with the dockers. With the way airline charges are on airlines, more people are going to take less of the bulky formal wear, and neat and pretty/handsome, is the key here!! As long as you look good they will not turn you away.

Sue ... Per above, Carnival has a relaxed dress code. By wearing what you've planned you'll be perfect -- neither underdressed, nor overdressed!

And that is the big reason why I will be sticking with HAL and Celebrity. I kinda like the more formal attire.

But that is why there are multiple cruise lines out there!

Why do people want to wear shorts to dinner? I don't get it at all. Do they do this if they go to a fancy restaurant at home or in a hotel on holiday?

Originally Posted by johnthed0g

Why do people want to wear shorts to dinner? I don't get it at all. Do they do this if they go to a fancy restaurant at home or in a hotel on holiday?

I think some people may want to wear shorts because it means less to pack (luggage fees) and getting wrinkled (now to find an iron or send it out to laundry for pressing).

As to whether they do that at home or in a hotel, they just might! I've seen some very nice tailored shorts and suit jacket outfits. Dressed with the right accessories they could look dressier than a pair of capris and nice blouse.