We've taken a number of cruises all over the world and have cruised with a number of different cruise lines and we're appalled that so many people choose not to follow the dress code rules. It is always quite clear in the brochures as to what is required - why can't other passengers show some respect for their fellow guests. There is nothing worse than trying to enjoy a formal evening amongst passengers who have made no effort to dress appropriately.

I understand what Frequent Cruisers are saying. It's rather deflating to spend time dressing nicely for a special evening and then be surrounded by those who have made no effort at all. I've seen it happen in the cocktail lounges where I have been playing piano - the mood is set as being elegant and special, everyone is nicely attired, and then in walks a rowdy trouble maker, a little worse for wear, dressed in something entirely casual and inappropriate. It kills the mood and spoils the moment for everyone.

Janek and I like to dress up on a cruise - it's what a cruise is all about! Ha ha ha ha! And even on casual nights we still make an effort - why not! If passengers don't want to make an effort on formal nights they should stay in their staterooms. The dress code is for the whole ship, not just in the dining room, and seeing passengers wandering about in shorts and T-shirts after dinner spoils the atmosphere.

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I was on cruise once where a guy changed into his shorts and tank top after dinner every night. Dress code was only resort casual - but still!!!!!!!! He wasn't even much to look at. Flat chest, beer tummy, hairy back - not a vision to savour in the bar every night!

please, allie, share the name of the ship on which you spotted the shorts-and-tank top guy so I can give it a wide berth (forgive the pun). casual is one thing but this is something else. and a hairy back to boot. it's almost impossible for the officers to do anything about it but surely the guy had a friend along who could have had a quiet word with him. Or was he the one with the matching T-shirt and Hawaiian boxer shorts who'd forgotten his sandals in the cabin?

We’re off on a first time cruise on the Crystal Harmony (lucky us!) but my wife and I are at odds over what I can wear in the evening. Yes, I’ve read the Crystal guidelines – on formal evenings a tux, dinner suit or a dark suit and it seems on informal evenings I can even get away with a sports jacket. But my wife insists I get a tux. She claims most of the men on a cruise wear a tux or a dinner suit and we’ll feel out of place. I’m claiming my business suit which has stood me in good stead for years should be okay. Who’s to notice anyway. Any support for my viewpoint from frequent cruisers?

I’ve got egg on my face! I meant the Crystal Symphony of course (my wife is standing over me making noises trhat sound like “Tsk Tsk”) not the Harmony on which we enjoyed a wonderful Alaska trip many years ago. I heard that the Harmony is now sailing in Asia somewhere. Anyway, I’m still looking for some support for my old suit!

You’re on the Crystal Symphony and you’re grumbling about getting a new tux?! I’m on your wife’s side ... you’re going to feel like an idiot in your old suit. You’re on holiday on a luxury cruise liner .... go get that new tux and get into the “feel good” mood.

If you’re worried about shaming your fellow-passengers with your dressing and you can’t check your cruise line’s dress code on the Internet, then do what we do, which is ask your travel agent for details of the ship’s requirements. They deal with these inquiries all the time and have it at their fingertips.