Disney Cruise Line recently changed two of its guest policies — one regarding smoking and the other the dress code in the main dining rooms on its ships. Both new policies are the result of guest feedback, we’re told.
Beginning Nov. 15, smoking on stateroom verandas will be banned, and passengers who violate this new rule will be charged a $250 fee for stateroom cleaning and replacement of linens. (Smoking in interior spaces already was prohibited.) Common outdoor spaces on each of the four ships are designated for smokers. On the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, these include:
** Outdoors on Deck 4 starboard side from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. only
** The starboard side open-air decks 9 and 10 (excluding the Mickey Pool area).
On the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, smoking is permitted on:
** Deck 4 port side, aft, the outside Promenade Deck from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
** Deck 12 port side, aft, the outdoor area that is accessible through the Meridian Lounge
** Deck 13 port side, forward, by Currents Bar
Like many other non-smoking DCL passengers, I applaud this change. I have been fortunate to sail on several Disney cruises and in different types of rooms. It was disappointing when we paid extra for the veranda and couldn’t enjoy it at times because our neighbors were outside smoking.
Some say that tolerating smoking on the verandas must be expected, but I don’t agree. Perhaps if every stateroom had a balcony and every passenger paid the same rate, that argument might have some merit. It also would be different if the United States, where the Disney ships most often depart, had not set new standards in the last two decades of trying to minimize the health risks smokers impose on those around them.
This new policy protects the majority of non-smoking passengers while still giving smokers locations to light up. Plus, when veranda rooms are among the most expensive, all passengers should be able to use those balconies at their convenience — and not just when the smokers aren’t out.
The other change onboard Disney Cruise Line ships is in the dress code for the three main dining rooms on each vessel. Though the new policy is not yet posted on its website, Disney Cruise Line officials announced the company will relax its requirement of “cruise casual” attire — pants, capris, casual skirts and dresses — and allow passengers to wear shorts to dinner at Animator’s Palate, Parrot Cay, Lumiere’s, Triton’s, Enchanted Garden, Royal Palace and Royal Court.
I certainly understand why DCL has loosened this policy, but I can’t say it doesn’t make me a little disappointed. Clearly, passengers have said that wearing shorts would enhance the experience for them — or potential guests have said that “dressing up” for dinner has given them pause about a booking a Disney cruise.
Believe me, I get it. It does require planning and packing more clothes so that each member of the family has something to wear during each day and each evening. Plus, wrestling my young son into appropriate clothing each night got old.
But once we were on our way to a three-course dinner in dining rooms where three waiters take care of each passenger and dinner is served at fancy table settings, it’s apparent how appropriate the cruise casual dress code is. And the former dress code is not formal by any means — we routinely saw boys and men wearing khaki pants and golf shirts — but, for the most part, you did have to change for dinner and the nighttime Broadway-style show. Now, passengers are permitted to show up in shorts, and you can bet there will be plenty of inappropriate styles.
I could better understand the dress-code change if the main dining rooms were the only restaurants serving dinner, but they are not. There are quick-service restaurants by the pool, plus room service, which is complimentary, for the most part. Passengers can opt out of the dining rooms on any night, and some do for formal and semi-formal nights.
When Disney designed its cruise ships, Imagineers did so with a theme of sophistication that echoed the historical heyday of ocean travel. From the ships’ outward appearances to the design elements found in their dining rooms, bars and theaters inside, that well-thought-out design paid homage to a time when travel by ocean liner came with an air of elegance and adventure.
Now, with this more-relaxed dining dress policy, I fear that much of that feeling will be lost. Sure, the décor in the dining room will be just as spectacular as before. But as you look over at the diners around you, the experience will appear little different than what you might find in most any restaurant catering to tourists.
I have been on a Disney Cruise before and have one scheduled. I am thrilled with the new dress code, although we did not dress up on the last one. We are on vacation and want to be casual in every way. This does not mean people look sloppy or inappropriate. A nice pair of shorts and a collared shirt are quite presentable and more importantly comfortable. I do not know if we would frequent the dining room if we had to be formal.
For all the smokers who think your smoke doesn’t really hurt anyone and that it is just a bad smell or an inconvenience: You are wrong. It does hurt me. It physically hurts me. A breath of second-hand smoke causes stabbing pains in my lungs. Even standing next to a smoker who has that ashtray smell causes me respiratory distress. I have an allergy to the smoke. Within 8 hours, I start to develop pneumonia-like symptoms and can plan on being sick for 2 weeks. There are places designated for smokers and I will avoid those like the plague. Please follow the rules and be considerate on the balconies.
I don’t agree with the smoking ban. If I paid my hard earned money for a veranda room than I should be able to enjoy it also. I mean come on people…it is “outside”, its not like we are smoking in our room. As far as the “Dress Code” goes, who cares what you are wearing to dinner as long as you are covered up and not in pajamas. Is it going to change the way your food tastes if someone isn’t all dressed to the hilt or if they are in shorts??? NO!!! So to all the snobby folks….don’t worry about other people so much & just enjoy your vacation!! I know I will!!
Am I understanding the no smoking rule on balconies correctly? If you pay $250 you can smoke on your balcony? How is this a smoking ban?
For those complaining about 2nd hand smoke: Although I understand cigarettes stink, the claim of me having a cigarette outside is hurting you is a bit much. In a car or building, yes, the smoke lingers but outdoors it dissipates. You may not like the smell, but there are a lot of smells I don’t like either so I walk away. Taking away our smoking outside on a balcony is a bit too much.
Like so many others have noted, the dress code for most restaurants seems to have dropped already. I honestly thought you could already wear shorts to these restaurants on-board. I will continue to dress-up because I think that’s what you do at a restaurant. If others choose to dress-down, that’s their business.
I don’t want to breath in unhealthy, foul-smelling smoke when I’m out on my verandah. The whole point of the verandah is to experience the fresh air. Smokers should go to their designated areas so they can expose each other to the carcinogens.
As a smoker, I support this ban. I cannot stand the smell of smoke coming inside my room. I try to be very courteous and smoke around corners, away from people, etc. I do like that they put the dedicated smoking areas near the bar and lounge. I don’t think that the ships or parks need to be smoke-free; Disney is very good about tucking those areas out of the way. For all of those who desparately want smoke on their verandah, you could get an e-cigarette as a compromise. It’s $8 instead of $250, and it won’t ruin other people’s trips.
I’m alarmed by the dress code changes, however. The restrictions weren’t overly formal; one pair of pants seems like a minimum requirement for any trip, and could be worn every day at dinner.
I have been on nine Disney cruises and have seen the atmosphere in the dining rooms steadily changing, even at Palo. There will always be people who do not follow the rules. I think Disney needs to institute (and enforce) a dress code that includes no “mini” shorts or tank tops. This is a family cruise – not a peep show. On our last cruise we had brunch at Palo and the man seated at the table next to us was wearing a tank top.
Well my family and I have been on several Disney Cruises,and I personally like the idea of cleaning up and dressing up for dinner. Trust me, a few summer dresses don’t take up too much space in the suitcase. And for men and boys, a pair of slacks and a few different shirts to go as well. But on every cruise starting from 2002 I’ve always seen somebody at dinner with shorts and a tee. To me they stood out. A good percent of us dressed!! Just my opinion!!
As a smoker I’ll just pay the extra $250 to smoke on my balcony. I dont know why Disney couldn’t have come up with a better solutuon to this problem like putting smokers on one side or at the back of the ship. As for the dress code, I’m also against it. We have a cruise booked and I’m upset that we will be dining in our dresses and pantsuits while those around us will be allowed to wear whatever they are comfortable in. As for drinking on a Disney cruise, I think its just as offensive to have drunks around my child! There are adult-only cruises for that sort of vacation.
I think the smoking ban sounds resonable. I am a smoker and I don’t mind going off to a smoking section if I want to light up. But some of these people’s comments who think they are so above everyone who smokes is just crazy to me. Drinking does hurt other people, too. More innocent people die from drunk drivers than secondhand smoke. And smokers don’t start fistfights after having too many cigarettes. There is no need to be catty and rude when talking about people’s choices.
I am disappointed with the relaxed dress code. I suppose it’s no surprise – have you been to a wedding or funeral lately??? I don’t think a pair of chino capris is too much to ask!
Good for Disney on the smoking ban for rooms/verandas. Hey smokers, I get that you paid just as much money to enjoy your veranda. And there it is just waiting for you to go sit on it. No one said that you HAD to smoke because you were outside. And there are designated smoking areas provided to you. It’s not my fault that you are too lazy to get off your butt and go use them. Sadly, I don’t feel that the $250 charge is high enough as the more stubborn low class passengers will continue lighting up and just pay the fee. If it were up to me they would be evicted from the room and placed in an inside cabin close to the crew quarters with absolutely NO refund of the difference in price. Smoking absolutely DOES affect other peoples health. And just who do these people think they are that they have the RIGHT to make other people sick just because they have a dirty habit? Comparing smoke to alcohol doesn’t make sense at all. Alcohol makes the person drinking it sick. That’s not my problem. However, secondhand smoke does make others ill and you have no right to affect others in that way PERIOD. If we are to draw a comparison based on how alcohol ruins other peoples fun by witnessing drunken slobs making spectacles of themselves, then I would have to remind whomever is making that comparison that there definitely IS a law against public drunkenness. So again, apples to oranges.
Love the smoking ban on the verandas. I have never booked a veranda simply because I love the sleep we get in an interior room but I find secondhand smoke very irritating….nearly as irritating as the comment from the person willing to pay the $250 charge. But I guess that kind of attitude is to be expected when confronting someone’s addiction.
Disappointed in the dress code relaxation. I thought it was pretty relaxed as it was. I won’t mind if someone is wearing nice shorts but I don’t want to see Miley Cyrus chicken butt while I dine….on chicken, lol.
In regards to the smoking ban – I think it’s an absolutely fabulous idea and support it 100%. As someone already stated, Disney is a FAMILY oriented company. The parks & resorts have designated smoking areas and the ships should follow suit. Adults choose to smoke or not smoke. Children do not have a choice in the matter and they should not be subject to health risks because of an adult habit. The fact is, smoking poses health risks to smokers and those around them.
Disney has these guidelines in place to cater to the majority of their clientele, which happen to be families with children.
I agree 100% with the smoking ban on verandahs, for all the reasons people have mentioned. It also appears that there are roughly an equal number of comments claiming that $250 is an “exorbitant” fee as there are people making comments claiming they will just pay it and smoke, so Disney probably has the right number!
I also agree with the attire change…I dress up every day for work, so it’s not at all appealing to me to dress up on vacation. However, there’s an easy solution here that I’m surprised Disney did not implement…with 3 dining room rotations going on, and 2 seatings per night, there are a total of 6 “groups” of people going through the dining rooms. Why not ask those cruising whether they want to dress up or not, and group the rotations accordingly? I would think having at least one of the “groups” designated as requiring more formal attire for dinner would not be a problem.
If they can’t fill up at least one of the six groups with people that feel this way, then they’ve made the right decision already!
I definitely agree with the smoking ban. I’ve been on other cruise lines and the smoking is allowed in the casinos and its so bad that the smell is throughout the entire ship!! That is a great policy.
I also agree with the dress code. I HATE getting dressed up. I wouldn’t go on a cruise for that reason. I will only go on Norwegian because their dress code is what ever you want to wear. I don’t get dressed up on any night. I will bring a couple of blouses to wear on dress up night and that’s it. I don’t wear dressy dresses or gowns, I will only wear dungarees and tops. I pay the same as you so why should I only be allowed to go to outdoor fast food restaurants or the buffet? If you want to get dressed that’s your perogative but If I don’t want to get dressed, that’s my perogative. We should be treated equally. I don’t wear shorts or ripped clothes, etc. But I do wear what makes me comfortable!
I too am very disappointed about the dress code changes. As you pointed out, there are other casual dining options available aboard the ships if the guest does not want to get “dressed up”. In my opinion “Cruise Casual” is not even really near formal or semi-formal! How hard is it to put on a nice sun dress or capri pants to look nice for dinner?
My parents had taken our family on two Disney cruises back when they were on the Big Red Boat, and all of us (4 girls age 2-17yrs!) were expected to dress for dinner and be on our best behavior. It saddens me that parents are not instilling the importance of etiquette to their children. A Disney Cruise can be a great environment to teach them these skills while the kids are having so much fun they don’t realize they are being taught an essential life lesson.
Unfortunately, many areas of the travel industry have suffered the same fate of having to bow to the pressure of the ignorant who see dressing up and acting appropriately as a thing of the past. 5 Star resorts now have people parading in their lobbies in nothing more than scant bikinis and flip flops and first class usually has a handful of passengers who do not even bother changing out of their pajamas and slippers.
How do we get back the glamour days where vacationing was a privilege?
I, for one, have not been on a Disney Cruise yet. I must say I am planning one for this year. I was a bit annoyed that I had to “dress up.” In fact, dressing up stresses me out. I don’t like to wear (or eat in) clothes that I don’t feel comfortable in, and shopping for something that I may wear only once is such a waste to me. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t intend on going to dinner looking shabby, but I don’t want to wear a dress and uncomfortable shoes either. As for my 5 year old son, he would agree. This IS a Disney Cruise after all, which means–Children! Save the dress up for the adult cruises with your partner/spouse. So, I’m glad for this change.
The next thing I want to see changed is seating with other parties for meals. I want to feel comfortable enough to converse with my family, and I don’t want strangers interjecting. I certainly don’t want to feel obligated to strike up conversation or introduce myself and give personal information. I’m on vacation with my FAMILY, it’s not a “singles” cruise where I need to meet others. Just my opinion 🙂
I really disagree with the smoking policy. I love Disney cruises and have never smelled any smoke on the verandas. It is breezy out there and do not believe that second hand smoke at sea will harm anyone. People complain because they do not smoke. I, with my experience have been bothered more by drinking and screaming of some people that do not know how to act on a cruise ship.
I am not going to say that I will not cruise on Disney again but I know other cruise ships are more smoke friendly. I think this is not a good marking tool for Disney.
I am a smoker. When I vacation, I enjoy my cigarettes. I am 100% in favor of the verandah smoking ban. Even though I smoke, I am extremely aware of how bothersome second-hand smoke can be to asthmatics, children, the elderly, etc. The fact is that smoking is a gross habit and it bothers most people, and truly puts them at heightened risk for lung-related diseases and problems. If you are too lazy to take a walk and find a smoking area, then perhaps you should find another cruise provider. Disney cruise ships are family-oriented and the smoking ban reinforces that. Go somewhere else. It’s that simple. And for those who are concerned that Disney may be alienating smokers – I’m pretty sure they’ll do just fine without you if they choose to go somewhere else.
I also gotta agree with the relaxing of the dress code for dinner. Me wearing clean, appropriate, khaki shorts (unlike smoking) does not impact anyone else’s ability to dress up, or their enjoyment of their meals. I too look forward to not double-packing on our next trip. On the other hand, I am 100% behind one of the restaurants to be designated as semi-formal, granting that high-end experience to those who want it.
I must say I have yet to take a Disney cruise. But I am disappointed with both decisions.
Part of the fun of a cruise is to dress up.
And as for the new smoking policy I am really disappointed. I know that my smoke bothers non-smokers but I am also on vacation. I do try hard and I do follow the rules so I would not bother others, but if Disney ever makes the parks smoke free then they will lose my business along with many others. We already are treated like the “great unclean”
Personally I wish they hadn’t changed the dress code but I can see both sides to that argument so I’m not that disappointed.
The change to the smoking policy, however, I’m completely on board. I recently went on vacation with a friend and we ended up in a smokers room at a Holiday Inn. (We didn’t check the reservation closely enough and by the time we got there, they were out of non-smoking rooms.) No big deal, we thought. It was already late and we were only going to be there one night. Even though we could smell the smoke, that night wasn’t too horrible. But the morning! We could tell people were up and smoking because the smell kept getting worse and worse and worse. By the time we were ready to check out, we were miserable. My point is I don’t think smokers realize how pervasive their smoke is and how miserable it makes non-smokers. It’s not like perfume. We’ve all had to deal with someone wearing too much perfume or cologne and it just stinks! Smoking is not just about the smell. It’s how that smoke gets into everything and if you’re not used to it, it can literally make you sick. So I’m sorry you can’t smoke on your balcony. At least you can still go out on the balcony. Before, some non-smokers couldn’t even go out on the balcony because of neighboring smokers.
As I look forward to our cruise coming up, I’m disappointed to hear this change of policy about the dress code. I don’t think it’s too much to ask people to be casual! So we all don’t have to experience the sloppy that will no doubt be sitting at your table for dinner.
I love the smoking policy. Having just sailed (on a non Disney) cruise this past April, we could not use our balcony several times because of our neighbors smoking. Now if the other cruise lines would just adopt this policy too!
I think the dress code policy is good too especially since a Disney cruise is geared toward families. That has got to be a pain to pack all of the extra clothes, particularly with the extra baggage fees the airlines now charge.
I have not cruised with Disney, hope to one day. But as a smoker do feel I have some thoughts on the matter of smoking areas. While I do understand those purchasing balcony cabins will be offended if their neighbors smoked. But some smokers took a balcony cabin so they could enjoy their vice. I would never want my habit to destroy anyone’s vacation, however, it must be made clear to people booking the reservations of this policy. Also the $250.00 charge on this offense is extreme.
On the issue of dress in the dinning rooms I strongly feel this is a mistake. Many years ago I spent time being an administrator for a high school service club. We cared for over 165 clubs in three states with 5000 members. Once a year we held an annual convention for the high schoolers. The dress code varied once, casual clothing for one of the annual meeting. The rowdiness and disorder increased in general and special convention meeting was distracting. After requiring coats and ties of the young (it was a male only club at the time) men the following year, the meeting became orderly and professional. I believe Disney will experience the same and should revert back to a more formal attire at dinner. The attire of some may and will offend other dinners.
I honestly had no idea there was a dress code to ‘dress up’ for dinner. When I went on the Fantasy last May I wore shorts to lunch and dinner every night except for the nights we went to Palo and Remy.
Love that smokers are banned on the verandas. Can’t wait until they are banned from parks too. Legoland in CA is smoke free so is Sesame Place. Come on Disney, let’s have smoke free parks! I don’t see why a majority has to pay for a minority who want to ruin their health!
Thank goodness that the ban on smoking will take place. For almost an entire cruise we couldn’t enjoy our verandah due to neighbors smoking. Feels like a waste of money.
As far as the dining … 1) It angered me when I spent the time/money on dressing my self and my kids per the dress code to only find that many families did not adhere to the same code. I saw kids in cover-ups. Women in shorts. Even on Formal nights. No one was turned away. 2) Time management!! Nothing was worse than realizing dinner is an hour away and having to rush to the room.
I am all for the smoking ban, but I do understand smokers being upset. The ultimate factor for me on this decision is that smoking is harmful for others around you. As for the change in dress code. I don’t see how someone coming to dinner in shorts or in smart casual offends anyone else. Are we really looking around at people sitting at dinners wondering if they are wearing shorts or pants? Do I really care if you decide to wear a polo shirt or a t-shirt? I care that my family is enjoying themselves and don’t care if table 102 abides by the dress code. If we want to bring back the golden age of cruising with the dress code as some have suggested, should we also bring back the different classes and restrict certain classes from being with other classes? Should the men retire to a smoking room and sip brandy while the women mingle amongst themselves?
My vote is that I disagree with the ban on verandah smoking. However, in most places, I generally pay the fee up front, go ahead and smoke outside, and haven’t had any troubles so far. I do think that the Disney parks smoking areas are plentiful, though.
I think the change to the smoking policy is fantastic! Unlike alcohol which some postings here have compared it to, smoking directly impacts other people. One cannot get ill from being around others who are drinking, but can from being near smokers. If smokers could fully contain their smoke, I (and many others) would have no issue with smoking on the ship (or in the parks). Considering how many kids are on DCL and the prevalence of asthma, smoking should be limited to only specific areas.
And I doubt Disney is worried about alienating smokers- given the price of cigarettes/tobacco, non-smokers have far more disposable income to spend on vacations!
Find it interesting that some smokers equate smoking with drinking. I’ve suffered no lung damage from drinkers but certainly do have physical problems with smoke. Seems time that Disney Cruises with such a high number of children aboard would limit smoking, and notice that is “limit” not ban. As to dress, I was interested to see the comment of one parent that they brought one outfit for each child. Seems both sensible and a great part of a child’s education. The former dress code seemed just fine.
I think the beauty of the dress code change is that it’s great for everyone. If you want to dress up you can and if you don’t, you don’t have to. I know people are worried about people pushing boundaries by wearing too short shorts or bathing suits, etc, but I recall seeing lots of super short dresses with plenty of cleavage. Just because it’s a dress doesn’t make it classy, just as wearing shorts doesn’t mean your not classy. To each his own.
I am thrilled with the smoking policy change. As a mom to an asthmatic boy who is herself allergic to cigarette smoke this change made the decision to finally splurge and go on a Disney cruise. We pay an exorbitant amount of money for a verandah cabin it’s ridiculous that we should be trapped inside because someone wants to exercise their right to pollute the air. Way to go, Disney! Kudos!!!!!
I’m a non-smoker myself, but there’s no reason that Disney couldn’t make accommodations for smoking verandas on one side or the ship or the other, particularly if they designated those cabins would be at the aft end of the ship so the smoke would always be away from non-smokers.
Although I don’t look forward to seeing how some people will interpret “shorts” as dining attire – – I don’t relish seeing butt cheeks across the table while I’m dining on fine food – I noticed on our April cruise my husband and I were definitely in the minority in our “business casual” attire so I’m nor surprised at the change. Since we fly to Port Canaveral it will be easier to pack without the extra long pants and dresses. As for the non-smoking on verandas, I can’t imagine why on earth a cruise line with a majority of their clientele being families with small children would have EVER allowed smoking on the verandas in the first place!! So, I guess I’m resigned to the clothing change and happy as can be about the smoking change!
Happy about both changes!
Hate when people smoke on the verandahs near me, so this means more time out there for me.
DH will be thrilled about the shorts. I don’t see that it will detract from the experience. If your family still wants to dress up, then do it. If your DH, like mine, grumbles about it, it’s one less battle to fight. I can see that it could get dicey, but if the shorts are dressy and nice, then what’s the harm. It’s everyone’s vacation and not everyone wants to dress up.
I applaude the change in the smoking policy, but I am a bit disappointed in the dress code change. I agree with Kristin that some cruisers will take advantage and show up for dinner in inappropriate attire, even by new casual dining standards.
I hope that they do maintain at least one formal/semi-formal night on the cruises. I think most guests on a Disney Cruise enjoy the formal night. On our cruise on the Fantasy in May, it certainly appeared that the lines for family and couples photos were longer on this night than any other. It would be a shame to lose that.
My family (including grandkids) enjoy dressing up a little for dinner. It makes us feel special as who dresses up for dinner at home? We also dress in costume for Pirate Night! In July we saw many people disregarding the dress code and not a thing was said (even at Palos) and they were still served. A new dress code will only cause more bending of the new code!
I don’t smoke but we pay for connecting veranda rooms so my son-in-law can smoke. Even my husband enjoys a cigar on vacation. They have never been told by a neighbor that the smoke bothers them. I go on the veranda early and I have never been bothered by smoke! Spending the additional money now to enjoy a veranda won’t be worth it to us! My husband has already said he’s done with Disney Cruises.
What next? They probably won’t let me bring my 1 bottle of wine on board to enjoy a glass in my room? Or the will they have to stop selling alcohol on the ship because somebody doesn’t like it? We are all on vacation! Don’t sweat the small stuff! Have fun and be glad you can afford to go n a cruise!
Disappointed with the change in the dress code. I have noticed more and more that most people just can’t be bothered to change out of their bathing suits or cut-off jeans to have dinner, and it was nice to see Disney enforcing a bit more of a stringent dress code. It’s just a matter of respect and it harkens back to the early days of cruise ships, when dinner was a bit more formal and people actually cared about how they looked / presented themselves. I hate to think what people are going to show up in now.
I hope Disney don’t publicize this too much.
Thrilled with the smoking ban though!
Just like everything else in this world, particularly the good ol’ USA, we are dumbing down to the lowest common denominator. Folks were already wearing shorts (and pajamas) to the dining rooms anyway even with stated policies. Can’t imagine how their creative interpretation of this new lax policy will translate.
It’s a sad day when wearing pants to a multi-course dinner served in a nice dining room by well-clad staff can be considered “playing dress up.” This is particularly disappointing considering Disney has always given folks who prefer to dress down other options for dinner.
IMHO, there are two reasons to choose DCL – the ship and the entertainment. Ok, maybe Castaway Cay is a third. But dining and service are average to below average for the price point. Palo is about on par with what I would expect in the main dining rooms of this kind of cruise. Aside from the atmosphere the DCL main dining rooms are akin to giving Applebee’s a contract to run Citrico’s.
When our kids were young we took them on cruises and to Broadway shows to teach them there are times and places that call for the dignity and respect that lead us to get dressed up. Clearly, both of these are now lost causes. Weddings and funerals will likely be next. Interestingly, today our children seem to think that proms require limousines.
This is just another Disney business and they will do whatever it takes to keep occupancy and margins high. The consumer just needs to be aware and prepared to make an educated buying decision. Sites like this help tremendously.
I agree with the sentiment – it is great going to formal dinners; meeting new people, looking your/their best; so few opportunities to do that with families, at least where we live, and really adds to the experience. But the children issue can be a hassle; how about a compromise, Disney – maybe relax the expectation just for children?
I disagree with the smoking ban, the smokers pay just as much as you do to have the veranda and I will pay the extra $250 to keep smoking on my veranda. So if it upsets you I am sorry but I paid my hard earned money for that privilege and I think that I Disney is going to start alienating smokers they should start limiting alcohol consumption too because drunks ruin more vacations than a little second hand smoke
I’m happy about the dress code change. This may help convince my husband that hates dress pants to book a cruise. As a smoker, I am also happy about the change in that policy. I don’t think it’s necessary to smoke on the verandahs. I make my own choices and they shouldn’t affect others.
I am a little disappointed about the dress code too. I think dressing up is part of the fun of a cruise. I wear jeans or yoga pants pretty much every day of my life. A cruise is the only time my dresses get to leave the closet.
I felt that the Disney Cruise Line got it about right with their dress code. No long dresses and formal dinner jackets like the ocean going liners of years gone by, but people still looked relatively smart. We enjoyed changing for dinner although, it has to be said that I come from Europe where, in general, things are more formal and people do “dress up” more. It’s just a sign of changing times, I suppose, but I will never wear shorts to dinner!!!
We complained the last two cruises because the people on both sides of us were smokers and we could not use the verandah at all. One or the other were always out there, sometimes both. Having asthma, relagated me to not use it and so I complaind – at least they could put smokers on the one side of the ship and non-smokers on the other? They generously did offer to move us, so I asked if the room they were moving us to had smokers on either side and they indicated they did not know. So we stayed put and ended up on other decks to sit outside.
The extra cost, for what ended up being an extra large window, bothered me a bit.
Other cruise lines have already had put this new rule into practice. I applaud them – better late than never. I have two cruises booked at this time, both with verandah’s, and I look forward to using them!
As for the dining dress code being relaxed, I guess when I and others are sitting down eating,and the table clothes are draped all over us, I have no idea if they are even wearing ANY pants at all. I don’t see any difference except I might be more comfortable and will indeed, be able to pack lighter.
I am sorry but I disagree it is alot of extra clothes and wieght in the suitcases with two children just so we can play dress up for dinner. I dont agree that wearing long pants equals sophistacation. And lets not forget we are on vacation most of us dress in long pants everyday for work. I applaud the non-smoking policy for the verandas nothing ruins a nice ocean view lounge like the smell of cigarette smoke.