Verified answer

I cruise Royal Caribbean all of the time so I'll answer based on experience. The main dining room on ships is consider the same as a fine restaurant so they expect proper dress every night except the first night when they realize that many people may not yet have their luggage and be able to change. On all nights, including the formal nights they request that you wear "sport or resort casual". Slacks, capris and the fancy pleated jeans will be OK. You cannot however wear faded, ragged, baggy, or jean with holes or tears in them. You cannot wear shorts at any time. If you show up dressed that way you will be denied access by the MatreD who will be standing by the entrance door. We saw this happen on our last cruise when a person showed up in shorts and was sent away. A shirt with a collar, a pullover or polo shirt, or a sweater is also fine for dinner any evening.

The formal nights are really a night when they request that you dress formal but its completely your choice.

Norwegian cruises are a little more on the "luxury" side, a little more formal, and a little more dedicated to the older crowd. As a general rule, you'll find a little younger crowd on Royal Carribean, maybe not as much emphasis on the pampering side of things, and a little bit younger, "fun ship" type of vibe. I've been on both, and both are great, so it's really whatever you prefer. Unfortunately, I am not a big gambler so I can't give you much specifics there. I'm sure you could check out the websites for each line and get many of your questions answered....

Yes, you can wear what you noted in your question. They will not kick you out or give you dirty looks. I bring my dressy jeans on all cruises and wear them to the dining room, not a problem. If you are really worried, just bring 1 pair of dress pants just in case. Everyone is having such a good time. Right? Have a great trip!

I think you and your dad will be fine. I just came back from a cruise. There was 2 formal nights, and the 1st one my family and I did not feel like dressing up, so we went to the buffet. Then on the 2nd night one we just said " To heck with them. if they don't like it then they don't have to look ". We went in and honestly, there were people in there wearing jeans and just a t-shirt. A few even had on long shorts. I swear, not one person even looked at us differently. We were so sorry then that we didn't go to the 1st one. Your there to enjoy yourself, not make others feel good about themselves. Your there for yourselves.

In fact, in March I'm going on another 12 day cruise and I plan to do the same.

If you are on a 7 night cruise, there will be 2 formal nights where you might want to wear dressy skirt and blouse or dress or nice slacks and dressy blouse.

For the other nights (less formal nights) blue jeans ARE NOT considered smart casual for the dining room. I would not recommend wearing blue jeans or even capri blue jeans in the dining room out of respect for the other guests.

You can wear your jeans for lunch or breakfast but not for dinner. Perhaps instead you can take a pair of black or dark colored slacks and just wear some nice blouses or tops with it.

Men also should not wear jeans in the dining room for dinner -- and no shorts for men or women for dinner time.

No they will not kick you out of the dining room, but it is not showing respect to the majority of other guests on the ship who are trying to enjoy a special dining atmosphere.

Have a great trip

Dress codes

Shipboard dress is casual during the day. Shorts and tasteful T-shirts are acceptable even in the dining room. At dinner, dress codes will vary daily, among the following:

Casual: Slacks and sport shirt for men (no jeans); slacks and blouse, sundress or pantsuit for women.

Informal: Jacket with or without tie for men; dress or pantsuit for women.

Formal: Dark suit or tuxedo for men; evening gown or cocktail dress for women.

Most 3- and 4-night cruises have one formal night; most 7-night cruises have 2 formal nights; most 10-day cruises have 3 formal nights, and so on. In general, the longer and more expensive (per day) cruises will be the most formal on formal night, but a dark suit and tie is acceptable attire on even the most exclusive ships. (In other words, don't buy a tuxedo for a single cruise).

http://vacationstogo.com/cruise_dress_code.cfm

Hope i helped!