Disney Cruise Line allows shorts in dining rooms

By Tom Stieghorst

Disney Cruise Line will drop language prohibiting shorts in the communications to guests about suitable dining room attire.

The change applies to the three "rotational" restaurants on Disney ships, such as Animator's Palate, but not the extra-charge restaurants such as Palo or Remy.

Disney spokesman Mark Sadowski said the change was driven by feedback from guests. "We started hearing more and more that's what they wanted," he said. "Especially in warmer climates, its just a natural attire."

Other cruise lines that carry large family contingents, including Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International and Princess Cruises, all discourage shorts in the formal dining areas for dinner, although Norwegian says it really doesn't have a dress code.

Sadowski said swimwear will continue to be prohibited in the dining rooms.