Dress code on a cruise is always a topic that creates discussions and arguments.
I have already talked about this topic several times on the blog, and I always like to emphasize one thing: everyone is free to dress as they wish.
However, let’s also remember one more thing. Cruises are public places and therefore it is necessary to dress with a certain decency, avoiding clothes that may offend other passengers.
The formal night
Formal night is a special type of theme night that is featured on lots of cruise lines.
The idea is for the guests to enjoy an elegant and classy evening where everyone dresses in a very refined manner.
Let’s get straight to the point, not everyone loves it. Just as not everyone loves all the other theme nights that are on cruise ships.
However, the discussion I’m about to tell you about didn’t stem from a matter of taste but from what I would call a “medical” issue.
Why can’t the lady wear dress shoes?
According to the message, sent to Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, the passenger can’t wear dress shoes:
I have a condition with my feet that does not allow me to wear any dress shoe or tennis shoe. Not for a long period of time anyway.
I wear flip flops and sparkly style sandal style flip flops at dinner each night in the MDR and if we go to the steak restaurant fir supper. I was subjected to such rude hurtful comments on our Roll Call page when I said this.
I was called “trash” and worse. I do not understand why people just cannot deal with it or turn the other way. My flip flops have a cushioned bottom on the inside also so they don’t make noise unless they get wet.
I was told that I should not wear these because I am a rule breaker and wearing my shoes is “disgusting.”
Crocs get involved
This request generated a lot of comments on social media.
Many passengers supported and comforted the lady, saying that sparkly style sandals are still good for formal nights.
However, the discussion heated up when someone brought up Crocs.
After that, a passenger added:
As long as her feet are pedicured and not all crusty and gross toenails – it’s all good. It’s about the feet- not the shoes. Except for crocs. No crocs in the mdr please. People can wear a nice pair of shoes for an hour at dinner then change.
Another passenger said:
IMHO, crocs are just too ugly to wear unless you’re under the age of ten, or have foot problems that make wearing any other shoes extremely uncomfortable. Just saying.
Well, what that last passenger said is, in my opinion, exactly the point of the situation.
If a person has health problems, he or she is obviously justified and can wear whatever is most comfortable for him or her.
At the same time, there are some pairs of crocs or sandals that are very cute and stylish and can be worn on these occasions. They are not among the clothing items that are not allowed on a cruise.
It just seems like one of the many controversies that start on the web and lead people to argue with each other. Simply follow common sense.
I hope there won’t be a debate about the clothing as well; in case you need it, you can find the article on how to dress for the main dining room here.
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