‘Intimidating’ dress code worries cruise guests

Cruise passengers may have to dress formally for some restaurants (Image: Getty)Usually cruise ships only have a dress code for a few restaurants or for specific nights. However, some guests struggle to know what to wear.One cruise guest wrote on Reddit that they were about to travel on their first cruise with their wife and three kids.They said: ‘My wife has entered panic mode in regards to the whole casual and formal attire for dinners.’We have a seven year old and two teenagers and neither of us wear anything close to formal attire in regular life.’What can we honestly get by with each night? We are not trying to get in with bathing suits and flip flops, but the online dress code was intimidating enough to put my wife on alert that we need to pack far more than I had hoped.’READ MORE: Cruise passenger moans about problem with balcony Men may need to wear collared shirts for some venues (Image: Getty)A regular guest said: ‘The elegant nights are optional. You are not required to participate if your family does not wish to do so!’Just skip the dining rooms and hit the buffet or order room service if it makes you more comfortable.’Please enjoy your vacation in the way that is most comfortable and enjoyable to you and don’t feel pressured to dress up.’The majority of cruises will have a casual dress code in the buffet restaurant so guests don’t need to dress up.DON’T MISSTravel chaos on Ryanair flight as woman refuses to give up seat [NEWS]Cruise guests issue passenger warning – costs ‘more money’ [WARNING]The UK’s best seaside hotel is perfect for staycations [STAYCATION] Pool areas will usually be very casual (Image: Getty) The world’s largest cruise ports (Image: Express)Royal Caribbean says that its smart casual dress code is ‘step up from your typical dinner wear.’It adds: ‘Dress to impress with collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits. Jackets, sports coats and blazers are snazzy and welcomed.’For formal nights, it advises passengers to ‘make it a night out in your best black-tie look.’ The cruise line says there are usually one to three formal nights during a sailing and it is at the ship’s discretion.Bare feet are not allowed at any time in any of the ship’s venues and tank tops are not permitted in the main dining room or specialty dining venues.