01/05/2026
It's time for you cruise lines that operate out of the U.S. to straighten up your act, and decide what you want to be when you grow up. This big divide over "dress codes" is what you made. And you alone. If you're going to print your "dress codes" in brochures etc., then the least you can do is enforce it. If you're not going to enforce it (because you might offend a repeat passenger, etc.) Then quit printing it on your web-sights AND in printed material.
This just isn't fair to the traveling public, to the many travel advisors who just repeat what you print, or the traveling public. I'll never forget the nice upscale cruise line we put a locally owned bank group. (the CEO, branch managers, loan managers, etc. and a man walked by our table (with the CEO) And agrown man, likely in his 30's or 40's walked by us with flip-flops, black shorts, and a biker t-shirt, straggly hair, beard, and proceeded to "his" table. I was shocked, the CEO was shocked. This was a "formal night". We spoke with the head waiter and he told us just what their line of thinking is. IF they asked this big bruiser to leave, and he didn't want to, imagine the commotion this could turn into. It's simply better to let him do what he does and no one is hurt or insulted, etc. Since that time (at least 15 years ago), We watched the steady decline in "formal night" attire. As the public (and we Travel Advisors) have NO INPUT on these matters, it really bothers me that this has been going on for this long and NO ONE has addressed it in their procedures, printed materials, or in action of any kind. There are only two choices. How long can a decision take with only two choices???? Either enforce YOUR rules. Or remove the rule entirely. It's taken you over 20 years to sit on your hands and do nothing. We're tired of hearing from our passengers about this!
I hate complaining about something without offering a solution. As most of the popular cruise lines in the U.S. are touting all these extra cost, or should I say "alternative" restaurants, like the always present "Steak House", why don't you pick that one, and others you feel qualify as upscale and list these as suits or sport-coats and tie for gentlemen, and formal dresses or pant suits for ladies? ONLY!
ONE more comment. If you're going to cheapen the look of your main dining room (aka..no tablecloths) then you probably shouldn't worry about people cheapening dress codes to dine there. So remove that from your brochures etc. PLEASE
