Lax dress codes

I've noticed over the years that people are tending more to under-dress at dinner. (I said under-dress, not undress.) I'm no longer surprised to see people show up in shirtsleeves, when a jacket and tie are expected, or in just a sport coat (with or without a tie), when a tuxedo, dinner jacket, or (at the very least) a dark suit is required.

This trend may have peaked -- or should I say "bottomed out"? -- and a backlash may be in the offing. I've been told that a few cruise lines (Celebrity and HAL come immediately to mind) will be a bit more aggressive in enforcing their dress codes in the dining room, particularly on formal nights. I, for one, applaud that policy change.

-- Joe L., CruiseCounselor