dinner dress code for women About This Page:

[martinthurn]

We have the PassPorter guide but it has NOT helped us understand what women should wear for dinner. I guess our first question is, what the heck is "casual dress" and "upscale casual dress" as stated in the guide book???

[moneyhappy]

Casual - no bathing suits.

upscale casual - no shorts, tanks, or jeans

[feonag]

I wear capris and a nice shirt

[Pris]

I usually wear slacks and a nice top. I've seen just about anything, but I would stay away from shorts and jeans.

[Colexis Mom]

I mainly wore nice capris and a nice shirt (with heeled sandals).

[MickeyWatch]

I usually wear a summer dress or sun dress with sandals.

[Dave Marx]

I'm sorry we haven't been clearer. We refer to dress in many places in the book, but in only one or two of those places do we use short-hand terms like "casual attire," and "upscale casual," which are in line with the terms DCL itself uses when it posts the evening's suggested dress. I refer you to page 145 in the current (ninth) edition, which provides an overview. The sections devoted to each dining room also include a paragraph on dress.

We and the cruise line use "casual attire" to distinguish that from "formal," "dress-up," and "semi-formal." "Casual attire" refers to the generally-acceptable dress at dinner on nights other than Formal, Semi-Formal, and Dress-Up nights. As far as the cruise line is concerned, it's a guideline, with a short list of unacceptable items, rather than a list of what is specifically acceptable.

Over the years, DCL and the other cruise lines have been relaxing dress requirements. No matter how relaxed they make them, there are those who object to being asked to dress "nicely." We hear statements like, "My husband refuses to wear a button down shirt away from the office (or 'only wears tank tops, jeans, and a baseball cap when he's not at work'), so he doesn't want to go cruising." Since the cruise lines want to fill their ships, they've essentially moved away from any notion of an enforced dress code. This is no longer First Class Salon on the Titanic. You can be fairly confident that anything you wear to dinner other than swimwear and, perhaps, oily coveralls from the auto repair shop, will be acceptable. Basically, if you'd wear it to a casual full-service restaurant back home, it'll be OK.

The only time we use "upscale casual" is in regard to Palo Brunch, and it's simply an indication that, while casual, "nicer" casual clothing is called for.

As we indicate in the book, even on Formal Night there's a wide range of attire, from "casual" through true formal wear. A smaller and smaller percentage wear true formal (10%-25%) on Formal Night, the majority wear what they might to a fancy restaurant or evening (non-formal) wedding reception back home - simple evening dresses or pantsuits, men's suits or sport jackets. The remaining 25% wear "standard" casual anyway. They're all welcome.

[num1DVCfan]

Old Navy has some cute sun dresses on sale right now in their stores and oldnavy.com

I just went there at lunch to stock up for dinner clothing.

[pixie08]

Yes, and while Dh has been able to wear nice shorts (i.e. khakis) and a short sleeve collared button down to Palo brunch on The Magic, it was not allowed on the Dream. Only pants for men (no jeans) and collared shirts like polos. So pack appropriately if you plan on visiting Palo & Remy (jackets) as well.

Although I know you asked about women - it is a bit easier. I would say nice slacks, capris, skirts, tops, and shoes. Stay away from flip flops, tees and casual jean shorts and you will be fine. For formal, semi formal some people dress up and there are all degrees from tuxes and ball gowns to little black dresses simply styled different on the different evenings (I have done this to save packing space!)