A couple of Cunard questions from a wishful thinker

[dairymilk17]

Salacia - When I was on the QM2 in July, we saw people eating dinner in Kings Court in jeans and T Shirt, even on the Formal Night. There was one night when a lady was wearing a swimsuit with a kaftan over it.

When areas of Kings Court became separate restaurants, rather than the buffet style, passengers were more formally attired, but I felt that you could be in any part of Kings Court, any night, wearing Formal, Elegant Casual, or even regular Casual and no one would of minded

[carlmm]

..., we saw people eating dinner in Kings Court in jeans and T Shirt, even on the Formal Night. ....a lady was wearing a swimsuit with a kaftan over it.

 

.... felt that you could be in any part of Kings Court, any night, wearing ... even regular Casual and no one would of minded

 

How sad to read this.

This kind of behaviour is both against the letter and the spirit of Cunard's dress code.

[Ray66]

BTW, if I remember correctly, one venue where formal attire is not required is Kings Court, even after 6 p.m. although I have never been there during dinner hours, so I could well be wrong. I have read that in some of the speciality restaurants in Kings Court, semi-formal attire might be acceptable on formal nights, but I have no direct knowledge of that either and your reply indicates that is not the case. Ditto Todd English.

 

Correct. The only thing mentioned in the Daily Programme on the QV this month for the evenings in the Lido was quote " In the Lido shorts are not permitted for dinner or Late Night Snack. Swimwear & bathrobes are not permitted at any time".

 

And to quote TwoatSea:

 

Today I called Cunard - Was interesting - not necessarily matching what some on CC propose.

In case anyone else wants to know, the conforming dress code for dinner in King's Court is elegant casual - every night, even on formal nights, in all 4 sections of King's Court, even Chef's Galley. Elegant casual was described as a collared polo shirt, slacks, & jacket for men, and slacks/blouse/pants suit for women.

[BritNavyGal]

Salacia,

My husband wore a tuxedo, white shirt and black tie every formal night even in Todd English. I brought 3 long black skirts and then 4 glitter type tops to wear with the skirts. My husband changed vests and ties . We found the atmosphere very formal throughout the ship and grew tired of it after formal night 8...I believe there were 17 formal nights in total.

 

HI Granny Di, can I ask how long your voyage was for 17 formal nights? I am wondering how many formal nights will be on the 3 weeks circumnavigation around Australia.

[keithm]

How sad to read this.

This kind of behaviour is both against the letter and the spirit of Cunard's dress code.

Totally agree. We've had our tuxes cleaned on board & never had any issues. It's a bit pricey, but with all the smokers(at least in the past)our suites/tuxes can get pretty funky.

[keithm]

HI Granny Di, can I ask how long your voyage was for 17 formal nights? I am wondering how many formal nights will be on the 3 weeks circumnavigation around Australia.

Normally there's about 3 formal per week, but I'm sure that's subject to change.

[Granny DI]

HI Granny Di, can I ask how long your voyage was for 17 formal nights? I am wondering how many formal nights will be on the 3 weeks circumnavigation around Australia.

 

We were on a 3 segment cruise for 24 days in total. We had 2 TA's and an 11 night cruise to Norway. "Elegant Casual" nights were reserved for embarkation evening and the evening before disembarkation. "Elegant Casual" means jacket but no tie. We never saw a "golf" shirt on "Elegant Casual" nights...only dress shirts with no tie. The information we received prior to the cruise was incorrect as to the number of formal, semi formal and casual nights. There were more formal nights than we had anticipated. We had the late seating for dinner so perhaps that's why we saw more "formal" clothing. Based on my experience I would say expect a minimum of 14 formal nights. We are also going to do an Australian cruise but on the Diamond Princess.

[Whitemarsh]

We found the atmosphere very formal throughout the ship and grew tired of it after formal night 8...I believe there were 17 formal nights in total.

 

I read quite a few posts where people complain about formal nights and/or the number of them.

 

I wonder if anyone has suggested to Cunard how easy and informal a dedicated 'Hobo' night would be.

 

Imagine it.... No more arduous dressing for dinner or bathing for that matter. How carefree and relaxed we'd all be on 'Hobo' night.

;)

[Jimsgirl]

When doing B2B2B there are bound to be many formal nights because in essence the cruiser is doing 3 cruises total.

 

I did this in May/June. I used the same dresses for the same designation (Black/White,Big Band etc which took place on all three sections)I) just changed the necklace and stole and even these were worn 3-4 times.

 

It is purely a personal view, but I do not find putting on a "formal" (ie Long dress) more difficult than putting on any other variation of dress. viz pants, and blouse. I have to put on makeup, underwear, shoes etc no matter what.

[capnpugwash]

I read quite a few posts where people complain about formal nights and/or the number of them.

 

I wonder if anyone has suggested to Cunard how easy and informal a dedicated 'Hobo' night would be.

 

Imagine it.... No more arduous dressing for dinner or bathing for that matter. How carefree and relaxed we'd all be on 'Hobo' night.

;)

If you wish to have a hobo night, you should look at another Line perhaps Carnival or Ocean Village, I understand they do Australia.

[Whitemarsh]

If you wish to have a hobo night, you should look at another Line perhaps Carnival or Ocean Village, I understand they do Australia.

 

I will certainly look into it. Thanks for the advice.

 

[david,Mississauga]

...

It is purely a personal view, but I do not find putting on a "formal" (ie Long dress) more difficult than putting on any other variation of dress. viz pants, and blouse. I have to put on makeup, underwear, shoes etc no matter what.

 

Regarding the other sex, I am amazed at how many men carry on as if it is a big deal to put on a DJ. It's just trousers and a jacket. The shirt and tie don't have to be difficult. I admit it sometimes takes me a while to fiddle with shirt studs and tie the bow tie neatly, but I always bring one shirt that doesn't require studs and (I'm not sure if I should admit this on this site) a ready-tied bow tie for those occasions when I'm either in a hurry or just having a bit of difficulty. I never wear the ready-tied bow tie more than once on a crossing, so I hope that mitigates the offence and will prevent me from being expelled from the club.

 

Cheers,

David

[Salacia]

Could it be the number of "costume changes" during the day that might make a difference to some? Here's an example of one day on a recent cruise: change from pj's into gym clothes. After the gym, shower and dress for breakfast in MDR. After breakfast, change to pool clothes. After pool, change for lunch. Try to stay in the same clothes until dinner by avoiding another swim. Shower (including for many women, formal makeup and hair do) & dress for formal dinner. After dinner, back to pj's, unless a stroll on deck is called warranted. That's at least six changes in one day.

 

Granted, one could stay in the same clothes from breakfast until 6 pm if one limited his/her activities. The number of costume changes wouldn't amount to a large amount of effort on a short cruise, but on a longer cruise with port calls and variations in climate??

 

All I'm suggesting is that these things affect different people differently and there seems to be little tolerance or understanding for anyone who even hints that after a while, under certain circumstances, the dress code can become somewhat time consuming and even perhaps a bit onerous. Personally, I don't see the need to vilify anyone who experiences that feeling, or minimize their feelings by scarcastic suggestions like a Hobo Night.

 

And for the record, I actually enjoy changing into different outfits several times a day, especially dressing in my gowns with full regalia on formal nights. But I neither ask nor expect everyone (including DH) to feel the same at all times.

 

Salacia

[Whitemarsh]

Personally, I don't see the need to vilify anyone who experiences that feeling, or minimize their feelings by scarcastic suggestions like a Hobo Night.

 

Oh for pete's sake. No one is being vilified in this thread - we're just exchanging opinions.

 

Apart from me that is - maybe I'm being vilified? :eek: How could you think my 'Hobo Night' suggestion was sarcastic? Can you not see how relaxed and carefree dear Fred and Judy are as a result of their Hobo attire? :)

 

And for the record, I actually enjoy changing into different outfits several times a day, especially dressing in my gowns with full regalia on formal nights. But I neither ask nor expect everyone (including DH) to feel the same at all times.

 

Salacia

 

I'm very glad to hear it. I'm sure you are a vision and a delight to behold.

 

And I personally feel the same way. Maybe we are future BFF.

 

I do think that getting dressed for dinner isn't as onerous and debilitating a requirement as some make it out to be. It's part of the Cunard deal, that's why I have chosen Cunard for my upcoming cruises. If I wanted rock climbing walls and jelly wrestling competitions I would have selected another cruise line.

[Norfolk Brit]

I do think that getting dressed for dinner isn't as onerous and debilitating a requirement as some make it out to be.

 

You haven't seen the staff clambering into the cast-iron garments that she fondly imagines suppress her flabby bits:eek:.

 

Between you and me, it all just materialises somewhere else.

Sir Martin:cool:

[Salacia]

I wonder if anyone has suggested to Cunard how easy and informal a dedicated 'Hobo' night would be.

 

Imagine it.... No more arduous dressing for dinner or bathing for that matter. How carefree and relaxed we'd all be on 'Hobo' night.

;)

 

Margatebne, apparently, I owe you an apology for thinking your suggestion about a 'Hobo' night with no dressing for dinner or bathing was scarcasm. I never imagined you were being serious. My mistake.

 

Salacia

[garigoun]

[quote=Margatebne;25456802

 

. If I wanted rock climbing walls and jelly wrestling competitions I would have selected another cruise line.

 

 

Where? Where? What line is that?

An Excited Gari.

[Salacia]

Where? Where? What line is that?

An Excited Gari.

 

Gari, I don't know about where to find jelly wrestling...but you can wrestle for jam at the breakfast buffet in Kings Court :D:D:D Salacia

[Whitemarsh]

Margatebne, apparently, I owe you an apology for thinking your suggestion about a 'Hobo' night with no dressing for dinner or bathing was scarcasm. I never imagined you were being serious. My mistake.

 

Salacia

 

I graciously accept your apology. I cannot speak for Fred and Judy (seen here having fun in their relaxed and casual 'Hobo' attire) but I'm sure that they are similarly inclined.

 

 

 

Regards,

;)

[phoebecat]

Adding my two pennyworth to the debate ...

 

HOBO nights (sad to say) exist on Queen Victoria anyway - they are EVERY night for some people. Just back from Round British Isles 170th Anniversary Cunard cruise - fabulous voyage, wonderful ship (our fifth Cunard cruise) booked again for next year BUT ...

 

Dress code is NOT adhered to and NOT enforced despite letter from Peter Shanks CEO in our cabin on arrival saying it will be

 

Cocktail party on formal night - men turned up in polo shirts and shorts and NOT ejected

 

Formal night in Britannia - man turned up in three quarter length trousers and not ejected

 

When you ask the staff why they don't challenge these individuals they reply either with a shrug and say 'its not our job' or they say that people turn round to them with the reply 'Ive paid x thousand of dollars for this crusie and I will dress how I want to'

 

On Formal nights, we were in the nightclub, Commodore Club and bars and theatre along with people who had eaten in the Lido, one presumes, and then come along to all the social events in their jeans. Despite it saying clearly in the Daily Programme that the dress code is throughout the ship - people know it isn't, and therefore take the mickey.

 

What to do?

 

We were told by other cruisers equally incensed that if we thought it was bad on Cunard, we should (or shouldnt!) try other cruise lines (names not to be mentioned). We felt the same, and will stay with Cunard as at least they set the standard, even if they dont or cant enforce it and people take the mickey. For the record, the worst offenders were the Spanish, Germans and then the American and UK guests in equal measure.

 

Very disheartening for those of us who slob around at home and want to make a Real Effort whilst on board and who, when we do (first elegant casual night) are stopped by another guest and asked 'Why are you wearing a dress honey? It's elegant casual tonight - you are overdressed'. I jest not.

[LibraLass41]

I don't understand why people buy a cruise on a well known formal cruise line like Cunard and then don't adhere to the dress code.... if you want casual cruising there are plenty of casual cruise ships... why do people buck the trend and insist on wearing casual clothes on formal nights.?

 

Its a shame.

 

Same with P&O , most people wear tux on formal night -about 90% with a few more in lounge suits... but there will always be a few who won't play the game. I was sat in a long dress and wrap, hubbie in tux in the theatre and a bloke came in with a pale blue football shirt on and jogging bottoms...its plain weird sitting next to someone who just will not wear the dress code of the evening.

[Jimsgirl]

LibrLlass 41

 

I also wonder why someone who "boasts" that they are "not dressing up" then book for Cunard. They book knowing "the expectiations" then insist the rest of the passengers should "stop being stuff shirts".

 

There are so many lines that do not have formal nights, I do wish they would use those and leave me to enjoy my few days of being "a Queen".

Fortunately it does become obvious when one of these "uncivilised people" are on the same cruise, and I can then stay far away from them.

 

As for "elegant Casual" I think that is a contradiction , and so I wear a full length understated dress.

[Salacia]

In my local area, restaurants and clubs that have a dress code firmly but politely will not admit those who are not dressed accordingly. I don't understand why Cunard does not have a similiar policy for their main restaurants, clubs, casinos and theaters. Perhaps a more casual venue such as Kings Court could be suggested for those not in compliance with the evening's dress code.

 

I wonder if creating some pub type area for those dressed in elegant casual attire would help solve the apparently increasing problem of non-compliance with the dress code. Do you think that would work?

 

Salacia

[Pringles]

I recently returned from a cruise to Norway on QM2 with my wife and children. We had D5 interconnecting inside staterooms. These were small but well planned out and the reality is that we spent little time in them. Channel 39 on the TV showed the view from the bridge so although I would have liked a balcony I am not sure it would have offered good value to me. I did on more than one occasion switch on th TV at 4.30am and see where we were and then throw some clothes on and head up to the Observation deck!

 

We spent very little really, a few souvenirs, a few drinks (My wife doesn't drink), a spa, that is all really. A few dollars for room service each time but even that is not compulsory but fair.

The tips were $55 a day for us but the staff were great and deserve every penny. The only tours we wanted to do I just planned and did it ourselves by using the internet and timetables etc.

 

All in all, you can spend as much or as little as you want.

[Colin_Cameron]

Re: Jelly(Jello) Wrestling.

 

Trivia question a few years ago, on Caronia. "In ladies jelly, or jello, wrestling; what flavour is the jelly?"

 

There was around 140 people playing trivia that day and my wife was the only one that knew the answer. AND I WANT TO KNOW HOW!

 

I'm still not entirely convinced by her explanation. Colin.