Regent Goes Clothing Optional...

... Oh wait, that's optional clothing for formal night. Sorry for the confusion.

Following the trend in the industry, and truly their own passengers' preferences and actual habits onboard their ships, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced a revised dress code. Beginning with the 2009/2010 New Year's sailings, the evening dress code will consist of Elegant Casual for most sailings, with longer sailings adding 2 "Formal Optional" nights.

In reality, the "formal" nights on Regent the past few years have been more "elegant casual" than what cruise traditionalists would consider classic formal nights, and this step toward what I'd call more "contemporary formal" nights brings the line's official policy more in line with the actual experience. And in my opinion, more in line with the vast majority of their target demographic, both current passengers and future cruisers.

For those interested, here's the exact policy:

Daytime Dress Code (until 6 p.m.) During the day, resort style clothing (including shorts, warm-up suits, jeans and sneakers) is acceptable in all public areas. Bare feet are acceptable only on the Pool Deck. Note: Bathing suits, while acceptable at the Pool Bar and Grill, are not considered appropriate in any indoor venue.

Evening Dress Code (after 6 p.m.) Two types of dress code have been established for evenings in public areas: Elegant Casual and Formal Optional. The number of Formal Optional nights is dependent upon the length of the cruise, as follows: • Cruises of fifteen nights or less will be Elegant Casual for the duration • Cruises of sixteen nights or more will have two Formal Optional nights

Elegant Casual: Skirt, or slacks (no jeans) with blouse or sweater, pant suit or dress for ladies; slacks (no jeans) and collared shirt for gentlemen. Sport jackets are optional. Note: Jeans, T-shirts, baseball caps, shorts, sneakers and bathrobes are not considered appropriate in any public area after 6 p.m.

Formal Optional: While guests are welcome to dress each evening as per the Elegant Casual dress code, during Formal Optional evenings, guests may opt for a more formal choice of clothing including gowns and cocktail dresses for ladies; tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suit with tie for gentlemen.

Great job, Regent! This will help your guests and potential guests to feel very comfortable in their choice, and easier for agents to ensure they properly explain this often very confusing aspect to cruising to their clients.

Carnival Revises Dress Code

Perhaps in an attempt to clarify what is and is not expected onboard, but probably more specifically to prohibit the use of those wheeled shoes (sometimes called Heelies) onboard (thank you, Carnival!), Carnival has released a new dress code policy for all their ships effective May 19, 2008:

What to wear?

Casual attire is the order of the day. We suggest shorts, sundresses, tank
tops, etc. for the ladies, and for men; shorts, polo shirts, T-shirts, etc. will do.
We suggest you wear rubber-soled, low heeled or flat shoes for extra traction
while onboard. The use of any footwear with wheels, including but not
limited, to Heelys© shoes, is prohibited on board our ships. For dining you
may want to dress up a bit and/or bring along a light sports jacket or
cardigan.

Most evenings we have a Cruise Casual dress code, but there are those
Cruise Elegant evenings one or two nights throughout your "Fun Ship"
voyage, where you will have the opportunity to showcase your more elegant
attire. For those who want casual attire for dinner time, the Seaview Bistro on
the Lido Deck is open nightly, and has a more relaxed theme. Both dress
codes for the dining rooms are described below.

Cruise Casual Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Sport slacks, khakis,
jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long), collared sport shirts; Ladies - Casual
dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants,
dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs). Not permitted in the dining room during the
Cruise Casual dinner for ladies and gentlemen: gym shorts, basketball
shorts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, and sleeveless shirts
for men.

Cruise Elegant Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Dress slacks, dress
shirts. We also suggest a sport coat. If you wish to wear suits and ties or
tuxedos, by all means we invite you to do so. Ladies - Cocktail dresses,
pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; if you`d like to show off your evening
gowns, that's great too! Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise
Elegant dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops,
bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear,
and baseball hats.

Special Sailings
For Canada/New England/Alaska cruises: Sweaters, lightweight jackets
and raincoats are suggested. Casual clothes that can be layered easily are
highly recommended. Bring a heavier sweater if you are traveling to the
glaciers, along with a raincoat and umbrella, because it is often cold and
windy in such areas.

For South America and Europe cruises: Comfortable shoes and a just-incase
raincoat. Bring a sweater if you are traveling to the glaciers, along with
a raincoat and umbrella, because it is often cold and windy in such areas.

Special note: It is essential that you wear the proper apparel when visiting
the Vatican and other religious sites (no bare legs or shoulders).