We don't do formal - advice please

[2irisheyes]

people in our local supermarket who wear torn vests and tracksuit bottoms half way down their own botton

 

This made me smile - very polite. Just noticed the second botton/bottom.

[Menelaus]

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!

Oakville Princess You have booked your cruise for you, so enjoy it. Dress as Salacia says and you will be fine. Remember of the thousands of people who cruise with Cunard very very few have ever heard of Cruise Critic. So like everything else with your research choose the most reasonable answers and advice.

As for the "fashion police" consider their name.:rolleyes:

[stephy66]

I agree with almost everyone on here regarding how you should dress. I absolutely think the dress code should be followed, as that is part of the whole experience for every passenger. But I do think there could be an assumption that the op will turn up for dinner in shorts etc. I think it could be easier for women to fit in with the dress code than men. One persons best frock is another's daily normal wear, both acceptable. Whereas if a man isn't in at least a black suit you are for the chop. As long as one recognises that an effort should be made, the rest is subjective. I often wear cocktail dresses on a formal night, and don't feel out of place, because I have made an effort and others wear the same. In addition to what you wear, it is how you behave that counts.

 

I hope the op will continue with their booking and enjoy the best in cruising without worry xx

[bazzaw]

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

 

.

 

I strongly dispute this - it is NOT likely to happen at all.

 

Barry

[bazzaw]

 

 

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

 

Here - here!! :rolleyes: I'll warrant that the great majority of them would not have the temerity OR intestinal fortitude to say anything aloud to a fellow passenger about their dress. God help them if they did dare! :p

 

Barry

[Salacia]

I strongly dispute this - it is NOT likely to happen at all.

 

Barry

 

I yield to your greater knowledge. However, I've seen it happen (10 voyages on QM2). One example: my husband and I were in line to enter Britannia Dining room one night when the dress code called for semi-formal attire. The maître d emergered from dining room to have a quiet word with the man in font of us on line who was not wearing a jacket. The passenger's reaction was animated, but he left the line (leaving his nicely dressed companion by herself).

 

As it turned out, that passenger was seated at a table adjoining ours. He reappeared wearing a jacket sans tie. For at least 15 minutes he ranted about being made to put on a jacket. Happily for him, he was seated at a table for six who shared his angst.

 

And so my point is that maybe the easiest thing to do for all concerned is just to comply with the dress code in it's simplified form (or else pull out all the stops - the choice is an individual one). It would seem that enforcement is random, but the simple thing is to elimate the need for enforcement by following the dress code. Obviously, that is just my personal opinion. Cheers -S

[Whitemarsh]

Here - here!! :rolleyes: I'll warrant that the great majority of them would not have the temerity OR intestinal fortitude to say anything aloud to a fellow passenger about their dress. God help them if they did dare! :p

 

Barry

 

Well, actually, that has happened Barry. Except that the shoe was on the other foot, as they say. The man who had the "temerity & intestinal fortitude" to say something aloud to a fellow passenger about their attire, was in fact having a go at someone for being attired in a tuxedo.

 

From my experience, and what I've read on here, the people who adhere to the dress code are too polite, and gobsmacked, to say anything to someone who's deliberately flouting the dress code.

[Whitemarsh]

partial quote-

And so my point is that maybe the easiest thing to do for all concerned is just to comply with the dress code in it's simplified form (or else pull out all the stops - the choice is an individual one). It would seem that enforcement is random, but the simple thing is to elimate the need for enforcement by following the dress code.

 

Good point, and it's also the most considerate course of action.

[bazzaw]

I yield to your greater knowledge. However, I've seen it happen (10 voyages on QM2). One example: my husband and I were in line to enter Britannia Dining room one night when the dress code called for semi-formal attire. The maître d emergered from dining room to have a quiet word with the man in font of us on line who was not wearing a jacket. The passenger's reaction was animated, but he left the line (leaving his nicely dressed companion by herself).

 

As it turned out, that passenger was seated at a table adjoining ours. He reappeared wearing a jacket sans tie. For at least 15 minutes he ranted about being made to put on a jacket. Happily for him, he was seated at a table for six who shared his angst.

 

And so my point is that maybe the easiest thing to do for all concerned is just to comply with the dress code in it's simplified form (or else pull out all the stops - the choice is an individual one). It would seem that enforcement is random, but the simple thing is to elimate the need for enforcement by following the dress code. Obviously, that is just my personal opinion. Cheers -S

 

Salacia

 

Sorry if I didn't make myself clearer :) It is your contention -- "admission to the theater and other public rooms is likely to be denied " --that I disagree with. Certainly admission to the MDR is likely to be restricted by staff - but not so for the theatre and "other public rooms". Hence, it is possible for passengers to get around the ship and enjoy their cruise without going formal (if they so wish)

 

Barry

[Salacia]

Salacia

 

Sorry if I didn't make myself clearer :) It is your contention -- "admission to the theater and other public rooms is likely to be denied " --that I disagree with. Certainly admission to the MDR is likely to be restricted by staff - but not so for the theatre and "other public rooms". Hence, it is possible for passengers to get around the ship and enjoy their cruise without going formal (if they so wish)

 

Barry

 

Barry, truth is, I've never been to any show on any of the cruise ships I've been on, so I have no personal experience of what goes on (or how anyone is dressed) in the theaters. Sorry if I gave that impression, I was just going by what I've read (my bad). I live in NY and go to Broadway as often as possible, but on a ship I just enjoy being on the sea. I do enjoy hearing tablemate's review of the shows on the ship - can't tell you how funny and entertaining their reviews have been!:D

 

But regarding your comment that "it is possible for passengers to get around the ship and enjoy their cruise without going formal": there remains a certain expectation of adherence to the dress code [in public areas] which is followed by the overwhelming majority of passengers, based on my observation -noting that the formal dress code on Cunard allows for several options.

 

Salacia

[bazzaw]

Salacia

 

I envy your ability to go to Broadway!! :) While on QE, during the day (on one day), they put on a display of the full capabilities of the sound, lighting and stage movement systems. It was mind boggling!! :eek: You may be surprised at the shows that they do put on - not always good and I am afraid that it is mostly the storyline and choreography that sometimes let it down. On QV , they had a show called something like "Victoriana". When the curtain lifted, the audience audibly gasped!! The stage setting was fantastic (including falling snow) - the following first half of the show was wonderful - and then later ,it turned "weird"!! :p On your next cruise, you SHOULD see attend one of the production shows :)

 

Barry

[southwestie]

While I fully agree that the formal dress code is wonderful and one of the reasons I have sailed cunard many time.

 

However, the OP does not wish to dress , and people are saying that the ships after dress code after 6pm, it is only the MDR and alternative restaurants that are dress code, the OP is free to use kings court , the theater and other areas if they wish to do so., the OP should be made to feel welcome and I hope he/she is

 

In the Cunard brochure "Cunard voyages 2012-2013 they is no mention of the times

 

The main uk brochure 2012- 2014 also states "effective from 6pm, not where

on the Cunard web site it states dining rooms only

 

while it USED to be ship wide , it no longer is

 

http://www.cunard.co.uk/FAQs/

[southwestie]

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!

 

 

While I fully agree that the formal dress code is wonderful and one of the reasons I have sailed cunard many time.

 

However, the OP does not wish to dress , and people are saying that the ships after dress code after 6pm, it is only the MDR and alternative restaurants that are dress code, the OP is free to use kings court , the theater and other areas if they wish to do so., the OP should be made to feel welcome and I hope he/she is

 

In the Cunard brochure "Cunard voyages 2012-2013 they is no mention of the times

 

The main uk brochure 2012- 2014 also states "effective from 6pm, not where

on the Cunard web site it states dining rooms only

 

while it USED to be ship wide , it no longer is

 

http://www.cunard.co.uk/FAQs/

[southwestie]

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!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

 

Cunarders are ships, not the passengers lol:)

[Whitemarsh]

While I fully agree that the formal dress code is wonderful and one of the reasons I have sailed cunard many time.

 

However, the OP does not wish to dress , and people are saying that the ships after dress code after 6pm, it is only the MDR and alternative restaurants that are dress code, the OP is free to use kings court , the theater and other areas if they wish to do so., the OP should be made to feel welcome and I hope he/she is

 

In the Cunard brochure "Cunard voyages 2012-2013 they is no mention of the times

 

The main uk brochure 2012- 2014 also states "effective from 6pm, not where

on the Cunard web site it states dining rooms only

 

while it USED to be ship wide , it no longer is

 

http://www.cunard.co.uk/FAQs/

 

It looks like you're suggesting that the evening dress code only applies in the main dining rooms. If this is the case, then there is no dress code outside of the dining rooms and people could, if they so wished, walk around in any attire of an evening, be it shorts, jeans or whatever. Suggesting to people that they should feel welcome to do this seems to be an odd position to take for someone who thinks the dress code is "wonderful".

 

Your suggestion to the OP that the dress code doesn't apply to the whole ship is contradicted - in writing - by Cunard itself, via it's FAQ.

 

https://ask.cunard.com/help/cunard/life-on-board/enforced_dresscode

 

If, as you suggest, the dress code doesn't apply outside of the main dining rooms, why would Cunard put the exact opposite of what your saying in it's FAQ section?

[brigittetom]

You have to wonder what ever happened to the old rule of simply dressing appropriately? Some in the younger generations have decided that it is just too much effort and they will decide what is appropriate by simply wearing what they feel like wearing at the time. Some may feel it's progress. Others feel they are being cheated. Bottom line, it doesn't matter what anyone thinks...it is what it is. All you have to do is look around while shopping.

 

Cunards policy is not to offend any paying passenger. There are men from different cultures in the casino every single eveing on every trip. Absolutely no dress code required. Apparently they are spending money so.....:)

 

It's hard to fault those who decide not to dress for the other activities.

[southwestie]

It looks like you're suggesting that the evening dress code only applies in the main dining rooms. If this is the case, then there is no dress code outside of the dining rooms and people could, if they so wished, walk around in any attire of an evening, be it shorts, jeans or whatever. Suggesting to people that they should feel welcome to do this seems to be an odd position to take for someone who thinks the dress code is "wonderful".

 

Your suggestion to the OP that the dress code doesn't apply to the whole ship is contradicted - in writing - by Cunard itself, via it's FAQ.

 

https://ask.cunard.com/help/cunard/life-on-board/enforced_dresscode

 

If, as you suggest, the dress code doesn't apply outside of the main dining rooms, why would Cunard put the exact opposite of what your saying in it's FAQ section?

 

 

Whay I am saying is that somewhere it all went wrong in the wording, I am sure this is what the UK is saying, clearly the Aussie site is to me right, I was always told formal ship wide after 6pm and thats how I like it, However if the poster is from the Uk then he/she is right, and yes persuade them to dress, but they dont have too, maybe this is why we see so many on TAs in kings court etc .

 

However I may have missed something so please check it, you will find hard to see the UK site unless you use a proxy site

[Aussieflyer]

What you posted on the other board is correct so it is poor communication again from Cunard - a case of web master not making sure content is consistent.

Because of the IP address Cunard will only allow one version of the website and clearly the UK and the Australian sites are different.

[southwestie]

What you posted on the other board is correct so it is poor communication again from Cunard - a case of web master not making sure content is consistent.

Because of the IP address Cunard will only allow one version of the website and clearly the UK and the Australian sites are different.

 

Thank you.

[Whitemarsh]

You have to wonder what ever happened to the old rule of simply dressing appropriately? Some in the younger generations have decided that it is just too much effort and they will decide what is appropriate by simply wearing what they feel like wearing at the time.

 

I'm not sure that's right, most of my peers enjoy dressing up when given the occasion to do so. Conversely, those militantly opposed to the idea do seem to come from older generations, generally speaking.

 

You only need to look as far as the Cunard boards for examples of this.

[Whitemarsh]

Whay I am saying is that somewhere it all went wrong in the wording, I am sure this is what the UK is saying, clearly the Aussie site is to me right, I was always told formal ship wide after 6pm and thats how I like it, However if the poster is from the Uk then he/she is right, and yes persuade them to dress, but they dont have too, maybe this is why we see so many on TAs in kings court etc .

 

However I may have missed something so please check it, you will find hard to see the UK site unless you use a proxy site

 

Thanks, I will check it out. I appreciate that we're able to discuss this without reverting to nastiness. Just because one person has a different opinion to another, it doesn't follow that that person is "horrid". Even if they are wearing a tux.

[southwestie]

Thanks, I will check it out. I appreciate that we're able to discuss this without reverting to nastiness. Just because one person has a different opinion to another, it doesn't follow that that person is "horrid". Even if they are wearing a tux.

 

 

No, your right, said, I would sit next a nice person in casual then a horrid person in a Tux, and I have met a lot of them, also works the other way round.

 

To be honest, I wear a tux , but if someone wants to walk the sip in a jumper it wont worry me at all, as long as they are having a good cruise, Im happy and they are happy. as the Aussies say

 

 

No worries

[southwestie]

Thanks, I will check it out. I appreciate that we're able to discuss this without reverting to nastiness. Just because one person has a different opinion to another,

 

 

Yes indeed, your right, a few years there was a few that did just that, the place fell apart, you dont see much of them these days

 

we should be able to discuss something :) and we are

[spursdebs]

Here - here!! :rolleyes: I'll warrant that the great majority of them would not have the temerity OR intestinal fortitude to say anything aloud to a fellow passenger about their dress. God help them if they did dare! :p

 

Barry

 

Hope you never come across my Mother Barry, she would indeed have the temerity and the intestinal fortitude to voice her disapproval of people flouting the rules, even I run a mile when she starts and I don't run away from any one lol to say she is one of those English Eccentric's is an understatement ! Never a dull moment that's for sure.

 

Deb

[radiomike]

Cunarders are ships, not the passengers lol:)

 

Not forgetting the famous <proper> train that used to meet the Cunard ships: http://www.thecunarders.co.uk/The%20Cunarder%20Boat%20Train.html