In the classic days of cruising, dinner was a formal event on both Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise ships.
Cocktail attire was customary on most nights of a cruise. On formal nights, cruisers went all out with their best black-tie looks, including tuxedos and evening gowns.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line takes stand on Covid-era change
Although both cruise lines typically still have at least one formal night on each sailing, dress codes have relaxed significantly and many passengers choose to keep it much more casual during their vacations.
On its Cruise Elegant evenings, Carnival Cruise Line still recommends sport coats for men and cocktail dresses for women, but cruise casual dining dress codes apply on other nights. Passengers are welcome to dress up for dinner on any night, but the cruise line only requires a smart casual style of dress that’s not strictly enforced.
For some passengers who miss the days of dressing to impress on a cruise ship, cruise casual just doesn’t cut it and today’s formal nights no longer offer a true “high class on the high seas” feel.
Should there be a place on a fun-focused Carnival cruise ship that still upholds formal dress code standards?
Some passengers think so.
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.
Image source: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival cruise passenger appeals for formal steakhouse dining
Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald recently received a request on his popular Facebook page from a passenger who wants the cruise line to set a stricter dining dress code for the specialty dining steakhouse on board its ships.
“Formal night is not what it used to be. Back in the day dress codes meant something. Now people have no standards,” the unnamed passenger proclaimed. “My suggestion is to allow those of us who do have standards to have a formal dress code every night in the steakhouse.”
The passenger even advised on exactly what standard of dress should be upheld.
“It should be jacket and tie for the men and nice dresses for the ladies,” the passenger proposed.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line passengers reject major dining change
In a poll on his Facebook page, Heald invited passengers to vote on whether they agreed that a formal dress code should be implemented for the steakhouse aboard Carnival cruise ships.
Nearly 23,000 people voted against every night becoming formal night in the Carnival Cruise Line steakhouse. About 2,400 people voted in support of a formal dress code being applied to the specialty restaurant.
The poll results and comments on the post show that a majority of passengers think formal dress codes are best left in the past and don’t fit with Carnival’s “Fun Ship” vibe.
Most passengers want a more fun, less formal atmosphere
“Honestly, people need to quit worrying about how dressed up other people are,” wrote Crystal A. Moore. “Times have changed, and in general things are a lot less formal. Your food isn't going to taste any different because someone isn't in a ball gown.”
Though most agree that formal dress codes are a thing of the past, some passengers think that cruisers should at least adhere to Carnival’s cruise casual dress code when eating in the main dining room or specialty dining restaurants.
Related: Video: A look at Carnival Cruise Line's late-night buffet
“I do believe both the Steakhouse and Dining Room should have some standards,” asserted Mike Delf. “I’m tired of seeing tank top shirts and ball caps on men. Women also need to be dressed appropriately. I’ve even seen swimsuits with cover ups in the dining room.”
The cruise line does note on its website that men’s sleeveless shirts, baseball hats, bathing suit attire and some other casual clothing items are not permitted in its main dining rooms. This rule is not strictly enforced, however.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Have questions about booking a cruise? Schedule a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner Postcard Travel Planning or call or text Amy Post at 386-383-2472.
Other commenters reminded passengers that cruising with Carnival is about having fun and doing what makes you feel happy and comfortable.
“I'm always amazed by how many people let other people influence their fun,” wrote Kellie Murphy. “If you want to dress formally every night, that's awesome. If you prefer to be more casual every night, that's awesome too. I can 100% say that I'm not paying attention to what you wear every night. I'm worrying about myself and what makes me happy. Maybe you could try to do the same.”
Are you taking a cruise or thinking about taking one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to have all your questions answered.
