We don't do formal - advice please

[Oakville Princess]

We're booked on the QE in late August and, since we never partake in any of the formal nights on cruises, we thought we'd just eat in the buffet on those nights (like we always do). It's our first time on Cunard and I didn't realize just how formal this ship is. It sounds as if you're not even allowed in the public rooms unless you're dressed in formal or semi-formal attire. Is this correct? Will we have to eat in the buffet every night and then go straight to our cabins, not allowed to watch any of the entertainment?

 

We're not slobs, we dress in what I would call "country club casual", no jeans, shorts or t-shirts, but it sounds as if that's not good enough for Cunard's public rooms except on the 2 casual nights. Could some seasoned Cunard cruisers tell me if it's really that strict on board? Thanks!

[Whitemarsh]

We're booked on the QE in late August and, since we never partake in any of the formal nights on cruises, we thought we'd just eat in the buffet on those nights (like we always do). It's our first time on Cunard and I didn't realize just how formal this ship is. It sounds as if you're not even allowed in the public rooms unless you're dressed in formal or semi-formal attire. Is this correct? Will we have to eat in the buffet every night and then go straight to our cabins, not allowed to watch any of the entertainment?

 

We're not slobs, we dress in what I would call "country club casual", no jeans, shorts or t-shirts, but it sounds as if that's not good enough for Cunard's public rooms except on the 2 casual nights. Could some seasoned Cunard cruisers tell me if it's really that strict on board? Thanks!

 

Is there a dress code on board?

 

During the day casual shirts, shorts, trousers and beachwear are ideal. The main restaurants require a casual wear dress code for breakfast and lunch, however you may wear shorts in either the Kings Court (Queen Mary 2) or Lido Restaurant (Queen Victoria & Queen Elizabeth). Evenings will be split into 3 different dress codes.

 

You will be notified of the evening's dress code in your Daily Programme. As a guide, these will be:

 

Formal evening wear consists of an evening or cocktail dress or smart trouser suit for ladies, a tuxedo, dinner jacket or dark suit for men. Military or Award decorations may be worn on formal nights. A range of gentleman's formal wear is available to hire on board.

 

Semi formal evenings would consist of an elegant dress, or smart trouser suit outfit for ladies, a smart shirt with tie and trousers with a blazer or sports jacket for men.

 

Elegant Casual nights require clothing such as stylish resort or leisure wear. Casual dresses or smart separates for ladies, open neck polo shirts and casual trousers (no jeans or shorts) for men. Jacket required but no tie. Children under 18 do not have a dress code but should dress as smart as possible in relation to the above

 

Does the dress code apply to all areas of the ship?

 

The dress code applies to all areas of the ship after 6.00pm each evening.

 

Should you wish to dress more casually in the evening, then you will be able to dine in the Kings Court (Queen Mary 2) and Lido Restaurants (Queen Victoria & Queen Elizabeth) though you should be aware that nearly all guests adhere to the evening's dress code and this helps to set the ambience for the evening.

 

 

I don't think you're a good fit for Cunard. The vast majority of Cunard passengers do adhere to the dress code throughout the ship, and this includes the public rooms and theatres. If you walk around at night in your "country club casual" you will stick out like a sore thumb, and you'll annoy others. You should probably look at Silversea or Seabourn, they pretty much just do "country club casual", so they'd be a good fit for your preferred attire.

[Salacia]

We're booked on the QE in late August and, since we never partake in any of the formal nights on cruises, we thought we'd just eat in the buffet on those nights (like we always do). It's our first time on Cunard and I didn't realize just how formal this ship is. It sounds as if you're not even allowed in the public rooms unless you're dressed in formal or semi-formal attire. Is this correct? Will we have to eat in the buffet every night and then go straight to our cabins, not allowed to watch any of the entertainment?

 

We're not slobs, we dress in what I would call "country club casual", no jeans, shorts or t-shirts, but it sounds as if that's not good enough for Cunard's public rooms except on the 2 casual nights. Could some seasoned Cunard cruisers tell me if it's really that strict on board? Thanks!

 

Hi Oakville Princess. You'll be fine eating in the buffet dressed casually, but I'm afraid that if you're not dress according to the evening's dress code, admission to the theater and other public rooms is likely to be denied - in addition to the expression of disabbrobation you might receive from others:eek:

 

I gather you've already made final payment for your cruise. In view of that, perhaps you might want to pack at least one semi-formal outfit so that you can enjoy other areas of the ship in the evening besides the buffet. How long is your voyage, BTW? Regards, S.

[Ray66]

.... but it sounds as if that's not good enough for Cunard's public rooms except on the 2 casual nights. Could some seasoned Cunard cruisers tell me if it's really that strict on board? Thanks!

 

Your husband/partner will still need a jacket in the Britannia restaurant on Elegant Casual nights.

[MawganTr]

Not a criticism, a question... What made you book Cunard? We are cunarders through and through - in part due to the formality of the dress code. Try it. You may (will!) enjoy it!

 

 

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[BORDER REIVER]

Before I went on my first cruise (P&O), I "didn't do formal", but my partner persuaded me to give it a try, so I bought the necessary clothing and gave it my best effort, dressing according to the evening dress code each evening for 18 nights...and you know what, it didn't hurt, nobody laughed at me and I'm still alive. I'm now the proud owner of quite a few dress shirts, suits and a good tux and we are really looking forward to next years cruise with Cunard. When you see how magnificent people look on formal evenings, it's very hard not to want to be part of it all.

Unless you have decided that booking with Cunard is a big mistake and you'll never do it again, just take along enough to try a formal evening....my first effort was a black suit, plain white shirt and black tie and my partner had a black trouser suit. If you really like it, the ship sells clothing and if you hate it, you can eat in the Lido after that and you won't have spent too much.

[maitai999]

Cunard all the way for me - but having said that, ladies do wear trouser suits for formal nights and you will not look out of place in the Britannia restaurant or the theatre. Yes the majority of men have jackets and ties, and the ladies all have sequins and stoles around shoulders, but I have seen allsorts as long as no shorts. You may wish to avoid the Queens on a ball night, although many people watch in short and t-shirts from the overhanging verandahs above :)

 

During my last voyage, I saw guests declined from the Britannia as wearing shorts, rightly so. The Lido restaurant in the day is supposed to be no swimwear - I saw dressing gowns, wet costumes eek!!

[Jimsgirl]

Not a criticism, a question... What made you book Cunard? We are cunarders through and through - in part due to the formality of the dress code. Try it. You may (will!) enjoy it!

 

 

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I have to agree with Mawgan, booking Cunard is not a good fit for you. If you booked with an agent he/she did you a grave disservice in not informing you of the fact that Cunard is FORMAL. There are set times for dining in the dining rooms though not in the buffet, there are no conga lines, no games at the pool, and no announcements for bingo (though bingo is available) It is very "proper", not rowdy.

 

Your husband could get away with a dark suit, white shirt and tie, and if you could get a long skirt (maybe at a consignment store or similar) and wear it with a very nice blouse and perhaps a stole, wearing sandals with heels, and a small clutch purse you could get away with that.

 

Country club casual is perhaps too casual for formal and semi formal nights. If you are doing trans atlantic, then only nights that code of dress would fit in is first and last.

 

As said, those of us who cruise Cunard often do so because of the formality and the dress codes.

 

I am sorry that your travel agent was not more helpful to you when you made the booking.

[Ray66]

Cunard all the way for me - but having said that, ladies do wear trouser suits for formal nights and you will not look out of place in the Britannia restaurant or the theatre. Yes the majority of men have jackets and ties, and the ladies all have sequins and stoles around shoulders, but I have seen allsorts as long as no shorts. You may wish to avoid the Queens on a ball night, although many people watch in short and t-shirts from the overhanging verandahs above :)

 

 

Do they? I've never seen that! Glad I wasn't on your cruise.

[resistk]

You will have no problems, disregard the advice that says otherwise. The dress code is only enforced in the Britannia and not the theater or other areas like the casino, bars, etc. And you do not even need to dress all that formal, a dark sports jacket with tie and dark pants will suffice. On the QM2 people where everything from kilts to highly improvised "formal wear." I saw on teen in the britannia with a tie and zip up jacket on formal night and no one died of a stroke. If an employee gives you any trouble just ignore them and say "ya ne panemayo!"

[Thaxted]

You will have no problems, disregard the advice that says otherwise. The dress code is only enforced in the Britannia and not the theater or other areas like the casino, bars, etc. And you do not even need to dress all that formal, a dark sports jacket with tie and dark pants will suffice. On the QM2 people where everything from kilts to highly improvised "formal wear." I saw on teen in the britannia with a tie and zip up jacket on formal night and no one died of a stroke. If an employee gives you any trouble just ignore them and say "ya ne panemayo!"

 

I do hope that you're mistaken. Perhaps they could intimidate a Cunard employee with your Russian rebuke, but I'm not sure that some of their fellow passengers could be dealt with so easily. :D

 

Besides, country club casual does not encompass a dark sports jacket, dark slacks, and a tie. A fashion expert at the Wall Street Journal describing country club garb puts it this way: "Try an open-collar, long-sleeved linen shirt—maybe in cool French blue or peach—or a fine-gauge silk knit polo shirt, worn with khaki trousers and loafers or fisherman sandals. A sport coat is optional—depending on the weather and your own individual style."

 

Most of us would agree, I'm sure, that there's absolutely nothing wrong with an outfit like this in its proper setting. But that setting is not a Cunard formal night.

[BlueRiband]

You will have no problems, disregard the advice that says otherwise. The dress code is only enforced in the Britannia and not the theater or other areas like the casino, bars, etc. And you do not even need to dress all that formal, a dark sports jacket with tie and dark pants will suffice. On the QM2 people where everything from kilts to highly improvised "formal wear." I saw on teen in the britannia with a tie and zip up jacket on formal night and no one died of a stroke. If an employee gives you any trouble just ignore them and say "ya ne panemayo!"

 

That's not what I observed on the 5-nighter. If anything the first timers took "Black and White Ball" literally.

[resistk]

Been on the QM2 17 times and have never had a problem on formal night - as long as its black and you have a tie - no one can tell if its a tuxedo, suit or $50 sports jacket and $20 black pants. You see quite a few military get ups too that have seen better days. And as soon as I get into the britannia, off comes the jacket for the rest of the night.

 

Now on the QV that's another story, never saw so many bow ties in my life.

 

On the June westbound TA, seemed like almost everyone under 50 was sporting a tatoo.

[Whitemarsh]

On the June westbound TA, seemed like almost everyone under 50 was sporting a tatoo.

 

Tattoos are to the 'noughties' what piercings were to the 90's - every second person seems to have one.

 

You will have no problems, disregard the advice that says otherwise. The dress code is only enforced in the Britannia and not the theater or other areas like the casino, bars, etc. And you do not even need to dress all that formal, a dark sports jacket with tie and dark pants will suffice. On the QM2 people where everything from kilts to highly improvised "formal wear." I saw on teen in the britannia with a tie and zip up jacket on formal night and no one died of a stroke. If an employee gives you any trouble just ignore them and say "ya ne panemayo!"

 

So that's how the dress code 'rebels' get away with it, they rudely ignore the staff. Thanks for enlightening us, it gives us an insight into the mindset of these individuals.

[Classiccruiser777]

Not respecting the dress code is disrespectful to the passengers that travel on Cunard for the formality.

[Salacia]

PARTIAL QUOTE

Been on the QM2 17 times and have never had a problem on formal night - as long as its black and you have a tie - no one can tell if its a tuxedo, suit or $50 sports jacket and $20 black pants..

 

 

Right..that's all it takes to meet dress code..and for a woman, the ubiquitouis black gown! Frankly, that is pretty simple for all! Oh, just to mention, I bought a beautiflul black gown (silk chiffon, with shawl) on sale for 49USD...cheaper than a pair of jeans! I have enough jeans anyway...and when I have no use for the gown, I shorten it to cocktail length. And if I don't use if that, I'll add a jacket and wear it to dinner. Or a funeral. Or cut the top off and use that with the too many pairs of jeans I already own. The mind boggles with possiblities. (Also, there are places in the USA where women donate gowns for young women's senior prom).

[Aussieflyer]

Oakville Princess, Do not be put off by some of these replies. Formality of dress is a common theme on this board and is a favourite topic of many Cunarders. Take note of Salacia's post - something a bit dressy for you, dark suit (or jacket/pants - the dress code does not say "tuxedo only" even though some people seem to wish it did :)), tie (bow tie is spiffy) for DH if you want to do the formal. The website is quite confusing to say dress codes apply all over the ship from 6pm but also that more casual clothing is allowed in King's Court - they can't have it both ways. There have been a few threads on this before especially for those with late seating. There have also been many comments about people not dressed formally going to the shows etc. Some people have had their knickers in a knot about it but the ship has not sunk from shame.

[MawganTr]

It really does seem a shame if you choose to not take part in dressing up to some degree. It would be like going to a fancy restaurant and ordering fish fingers and chips. The dress code is part of the experience of sailing with Cunard. If its not your thing then Cunard may not be the best cruise line for you.

 

 

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[Salacia]

That's not what I observed on the 5-nighter. If anything the first timers took "Black and White Ball" literally.

 

:eek:

[Cruise NH]

Hi Oakville Princess,

 

Enjoy your trip on Cunard, don't be put off by some of the comments here.

 

We love Cunard, we just completed our 8th crossing and we've also done a Med cruise. Some of the people on this board can be so helpful, but others, well others are kind of clothes snobs and really not representative of who you see on an actually cruise.

 

Most of the people on board will be just like you, down to earth, interested in the ship and where they're going, not on who's wearing what. We do take formal clothes but a lot of people just wear suits and they look perfectly ok. Still others are in the buffet in more casual clothes, their choice.

 

As to after dinner activities, I will relate one story. A few years ago on a crossing there was a couple from Canada on board. They wore t-shirts and casual pants every day, even to the Royal Court Theater in the evening. They sat stage right, front row every night and no one enjoyed the entertainment more. We watched them every night and, yes we initially were kind of shocked to see them among the sea of tux and suit wearers, but they were obviously very confident people. They paid their fare and they were going to watch the shows. After being shocked...I thought it was great. To each his own.

 

Enjoy your trip, don't worry about the clothes police.

[BORDER REIVER]

I'd just like to ask a question at this point. We have asked to be on 2nd seating for dinner, but as I don't usually get dressed for dinner until around an hour beforehand, does the evening dress code allow for me to remain in daywear if I wanted to go from our cabin to the deck to take in the scenery?

[eratog2]

I'd just like to ask a question at this point. We have asked to be on 2nd seating for dinner, but as I don't usually get dressed for dinner until around an hour beforehand, does the evening dress code allow for me to remain in daywear if I wanted to go from our cabin to the deck to take in the scenery?

 

Yes, no problem, it's the formal areas of the ship like the champagne bar etc.

 

Hi Oakville Princess,

 

 

We love Cunard, we just completed our 8th crossing and we've also done a Med cruise. Some of the people on this board can be so helpful, but others, well others are kind of clothes snobs and really not representative of who you see on an actually cruise.

 

Most of the people on board will be just like you, down to earth, interested in the ship and where they're going, not on who's wearing what. We do take formal clothes but a lot of people just wear suits and they look perfectly ok. Still others are in the buffet in more casual clothes, their choice.

 

Enjoy your trip, don't worry about the clothes police.

 

I'm sorry, but this is the kind of attitude that is creeping on now and totally dissipates the Cunard experience for the rest of us. The dress code is in the brochure, on the internet, on the forums - why would somebody who "doesn't do formal" book on Cunard?? And then for someone who is a seasoned Cunard traveller to tell them it's OK???

 

As for a clothes snob - that I am not! What I am is someone who appreciates the elegance of Cunard and who follows the dress code accordingly - as it is published by Cunard!

[Whitemarsh]

Hi Oakville Princess,

 

Enjoy your trip on Cunard, don't be put off by some of the comments here.

 

Which ones? The ones where an opinion was expressed that you don't agree with?

 

We love Cunard, we just completed our 8th crossing and we've also done a Med cruise. Some of the people on this board can be so helpful, but others, well others are kind of clothes snobs and really not representative of who you see on an actually cruise.

 

I'm guessing the "helpful" people are those that posted opinions and advice that you agree with? Otherwise other contributions aren't helpful?

 

What the OP will find on the ship is a passenger contingent of which the vast majority does adhere to the dress code. And no amount of differing advice proffered by 'wishful thinkers' is going to change that.

 

Most of the people on board will be just like you, down to earth, interested in the ship and where they're going, not on who's wearing what. We do take formal clothes but a lot of people just wear suits and they look perfectly ok. Still others are in the buffet in more casual clothes, their choice.

 

It is humanely possible to take an interest in clothes and be down to earth. What's also possible is to have a casual disregard for dress-codes and be arrogant and dismissive of those who do take an interest in clothes.

 

As to after dinner activities, I will relate one story. A few years ago on a crossing there was a couple from Canada on board. They wore t-shirts and casual pants every day, even to the Royal Court Theater in the evening. They sat stage right, front row every night and no one enjoyed the entertainment more. We watched them every night and, yes we initially were kind of shocked to see them among the sea of tux and suit wearers, but they were obviously very confident people. They paid their fare and they were going to watch the shows. After being shocked...I thought it was great. To each his own.

 

Why was their disregard for the ambiance on board, and the feelings of others, great? If they also decided they preferred eating with their hands, at the table, in the Britannia Restaurant, would you also celebrate their "confidence". As you say, they have paid their fare.

 

Enjoy your trip, don't worry about the clothes police.

 

Yes, they should enjoy their trip, however I would also like to think that someone, somewhere, gives a fig about the enjoyment of those passengers travelling with them. The majority of them will be adhering to the dress code, and will have booked with Cunard because they appreciate, and enjoy, the ambiance that the dress code provides. Why should the feelings and enjoyment of one couple override the majority?

[turquoise 6]

We're booked on the QE in late August and, since we never partake in any of the formal nights on cruises, we thought we'd just eat in the buffet on those nights (like we always do). It's our first time on Cunard and I didn't realize just how formal this ship is. It sounds as if you're not even allowed in the public rooms unless you're dressed in formal or semi-formal attire. Is this correct? Will we have to eat in the buffet every night and then go straight to our cabins, not allowed to watch any of the entertainment?

 

We're not slobs, we dress in what I would call "country club casual", no jeans, shorts or t-shirts, but it sounds as if that's not good enough for Cunard's public rooms except on the 2 casual nights. Could some seasoned Cunard cruisers tell me if it's really that strict on board? Thanks!

Cunard is not the right Line for you. You have options.. check out the Cruise Critic reviews and find the right cruise that fits your needs.

[BORDER REIVER]

As for a clothes snob - that I am not! What I am is someone who appreciates the elegance of Cunard and who follows the dress code accordingly - as it is published by Cunard!

 

I think a true clothes snob would be a clothes snob wherever they happened to be, not just on a cruise. I like to see dress codes followed by all, both on cruises and in restaurants ashore, but at home I really like my jeans and tee shirts. The again, maybe I am a clothes snob, because I Tut Tut at the large amount of people in our local supermarket who wear torn vests and tracksuit bottoms half way down their own botton. A smart pair of jeans and a neat tee-shirt would be dressing-up for some of them.