Questions... Children, Formal Dress, Smoking, more???

[ronrick1943]

34 minutes ago, frantic36 said:

 

@cruiseejthankfully not many, but since Seabourn relaxed it's dress code that it is a suggestion not a rule about jeans, I have actually seen a few over the years turn up to dine in the MDR  wearing just this. Apparently because they were D & G or some other high end label they thought they should be allowed. 

 

Some were redirected to the Colonnade but some young adults who were with a large family group were allowed to dine in the MDR. Actually I could deal with the jeans but I tended to avoid sitting near them because of the noisy young toddlers and the family always dined late.

I agree, but one rule should apply to all-without exception.  

[drron29]

We have actually taken 2 grandchildren on a cruise -8 and 10 years old. However we were confident they would be well behaved and they exceeded our expectations becoming magnets for some other passengers who were probably missing their grandkids. We have met a few other children on our cruises and always a delight and we often end up dining with those families.

 

Having trained as a Respiratory physician I abhor smoking. It has never troubled me on SS.

 

Formal attire. I enjoy it and do wear a tux on formal nights but there is more than 1 restaurant not requiring it. La Terraza will require a jacket but the rules a very loose. Mine are not your typical jackets. I have worn pink,purple,linen and a somewhat garish plaid jacket. Never felt out of place. Mind you my jacket is never packed I wear it travelling. Never a problem -handed to the FA on boarding and delivered back before landing. I find the extra pockets are a real bonus reducing the weight of my carry on on those airlines who put a weight limit on hand carry.

 

wifi. I will go against the majority as I often find it atrocious and upgrading often makes little difference. But then I am trying to upload photos to my CC cruise report and to another travel site.

 

Drinks. Yes there is a connoisseurs list for wines. The only time we have used it was when we couldn't spend all our OBC on other things. You would have to be pretty fussy with your wines if you can't find something to your taste on the basic list. You do not have to accept the wine offered for the night but can get one that you like instead. I have not come across a bad wine on board but some that I do not like. Unfortunately some people do not know the difference.

 

So I doubt you would be made to feel uncomfortable by most other passengers and staff.

Edited March 28, 2022 by drron29

[Host Jazzbeau]

1 hour ago, drron29 said:

Having trained as a Respiratory physician I abhor smoking. It has never troubled me on SS.

Thanks!  This worried me from recent Silversea posts even more than tuxes!

[cruiseej]

7 hours ago, frantic36 said:

but since Seabourn relaxed it's dress code that it is a suggestion not a rule about jeans

 

@frantic36 Huh? That's not Seabourn's policy. It states: "Jeans are welcome in all dining venues during the day, but are not appropriate in the Restaurant after 6pm." (The Restaurant is the main dining room on Seabourn.) This applies to both formal nights and elegant casual nights. I haven't noticed anyone wearing jeans in the main restaurant on our two recent Caribbean cruises on Seabourn. 

[Silver Spectre]

@cruiseejPerhaps its the difference in the cultural use of English because there is a world of difference in arrogantly telling someone to do something and politely making a suggestion.

[frantic36]

2 hours ago, cruiseej said:

 

@frantic36 Huh? That's not Seabourn's policy. It states: "Jeans are welcome in all dining venues during the day, but are not appropriate in the Restaurant after 6pm." (The Restaurant is the main dining room on Seabourn.) This applies to both formal nights and elegant casual nights. I haven't noticed anyone wearing jeans in the main restaurant on our two recent Caribbean cruises on Seabourn. 

@cruiseejI actually did discuss it with the HotMan the time I saw the young woman in the group who was allowed into the MDR. His response was that since she was only a child of 16 travelling with her family they didn't want to embarrass her 🤨. Also  since it says it doesn't say it  "not allowed" the grey area of "not appropriate" means they didn't want to push it. I wasn't impressed that they made excuses but what can you do. As I said earlier the noisy, overtired toddler eating late and playing up in the Obs Bar was more of an issue.

 

@drron29I have encountered some really lovely children on cruises so it all depends on how they have learnt to behave in a social setting and not letting them get overtired. I am sure your grandchildren are lovely.

 

 

[Dwtlion]

On 3/22/2022 at 3:39 AM, rojaan19 said:

Jeez,  how hard is it to  pack,  a jacket,  a pair of dark  trousers, and a tie  !!! 

 

I really cant see what all the fuss is about. dress appropriately.  Or sit at the Grill.

 

Or better yet, I could chose a different cruise line like Regent and be in the 21st. century.

[markham]

Regent? "...be in the 21st century"?

 

You sound somewhat intolerant of others' ideas on style and adherence to what at Silversea is a common set of values. Maybe you are taking something for granted? 

 

I can tell you that Silversea loyal passengers like the opportunity to socialize with those who appreciate the dress code. That's our choice. Silversea has an international clientele, after all, and that means we come from different backgrounds. No predominant nationality- which may well be the case on some other lines. Simple as that.

 

As for Regent, do enjoy yourself there. And I will do the same on my next Silversea cruise on the elegant, restrained and sophisticated Silver Dawn.

 

Happy and healthy sailing!

 

 

[ctjon]

I don't have a problem wearing more formal clothing - I just don't own any anymore and neither does my wife.  Our lifestyles just don't including dark suits etc.  We have been cruising Crystal where a sports jacket and nice slacks etc. have been OK for several years.  So the clothing investment could be as much as the cruise.   I know it sounds stupid or strange but we each have our own life styles.

I hope/assume that on SS men haven't gone to what seems popular these days with dark suits and sneakers or sneaker looking shoes.

 

 

[ronrick1943]

On 3/29/2022 at 11:10 PM, markham said:

Regent? "...be in the 21st century"?

 

You sound somewhat intolerant of others' ideas on style and adherence to what at Silversea is a common set of values. Maybe you are taking something for granted? 

 

I can tell you that Silversea loyal passengers like the opportunity to socialize with those who appreciate the dress code. That's our choice. Silversea has an international clientele, after all, and that means we come from different backgrounds. No predominant nationality- which may well be the case on some other lines. Simple as that.

 

As for Regent, do enjoy yourself there. And I will do the same on my next Silversea cruise on the elegant, restrained and sophisticated Silver Dawn.

 

Happy and healthy sailing!

 

 

If you look at some of the photo’s, really you think that isn style?  Some of those tuxes and formal dresses should have been retired years ago on Silversea.  Let’s be truthful.

[Dolcevita Diva]

I'm with others that I don't understand all this anxiety over packing a jacket and wearing a tie for one evening...they do not require a tux. 

 

But perhaps my view is a gender perspective, since we ladies tend to not duplicate outfits and tend to think about different shoes, cocktail bags, jewelry and be sure our nails, hair and undergarments are appropriate for the outfit.  And we used to have to wear stockings all the time...will trade that for wearing a tie any day!  😉

That said, I don't want to imply that there is a need for a different outfit each evening... 

 

Edited April 1, 2022 by Dolcevita Diva

[cruiseej]

45 minutes ago, Dolcevita Diva said:

I'm with others that I don't understand all this anxiety over packing a jacket and wearing a tie for one evening...they do not require a tux. 

 

I don't think it's "anxiety" for most who question it.

 

First, to be clear,  or formal night, it's more than a jacket: it's a dark suit. That's in addition to a sport jacket which is required on informal nights (assuming one doesn't want to wear the one suit jacket every night!).

 

Second, some fans of formal nights note that people can choose to eat dinner on a formal night at La Terrazza or The Grill without formal clothing. I note, however, that one can't go to a lounge or the theater on formal night without wearing a jacket, so it's more than just dining in a different venue.

 

For me, the only issue is luggage weight. Depending where we are traveling and for how long, weight of our luggage is usually an issue; we're usually right up against the 50 pound weight limit. Assuming the suitcase itself weights 10-13 pounds, that leaves 37-40 points for clothing, shoes, etc. So a suit which may weight 4-5 pounds, uses up more than 10% of my luggage allowance. That's a lot if it's an outfit which will be worn for one night only. If it's Caribbean cruise with light clothing, it's probably not an issue, but in colder climates requiring sweaters and more layers of clothing, it can be. So there's the practical matter that can be an issue.

 

For some, it's a lifestyle issue. One of the things some people who have worn suits to work every day for 40+ years enjoy about retirement is that they no longer need to wear a suit. In the US at least, "smart casual" wear — nice pants and collared shirt — is acceptable In most restaurants, even high-end restaurants, and some people are happy that clothing fits the relaxed life they now enjoy.

 

For a few people who may be retired for many years, they may no longer have forma clothing which fits them or looks good, so they feel they'd need to purchase new clothing to wear once in a blue moon.

 

Please, please don't pick apart my choice of language above! I'm not out to debate dress codes, only to respond to the comment about "all the anxiety" over packing for a Silversea Cruise. I understand why some people have the opposite point of view, and that they like the opportunity to get dressed up and wear their formal attire. And I do believe that anyone who chooses to sail on a Silversea cruise should know what the dress code is and be prepared to follow it, whether it's their personal preference or not. 

 

 

[cece50]

On 3/22/2022 at 3:59 PM, joseph123 said:

I think you are missing the point big time. I could throw on an old worn and dated jacket just to meet the dress code requirement and show up at dinner and that would be OK rather than showing up very nicely dressed without? Does not make sense. I agree... the things people stress over!

Certainly see your point & my husband will not wear a tuxedo unless it’s a formal wedding, gala or on board the QE 2.  He does have a great navy hopsack blazer which he wears on the plane with jeans or casual trousers.  Come formal night he pairs it with trousers, shirt, tie & throws a pocket square in his pocket.  Other nights if we go to show or casino, he wears that jacket no tie. Other nights its nice shirt, sweater.  It’s the only jacket with which he travels and works every time.  No need for a suit or tux. 

[cece50]

20 minutes ago, cruiseej said:

 

I don't think it's "anxiety" for most who question it.

 

First, to be clear,  or formal night, it's more than a jacket: it's a dark suit. That's in addition to a sport jacket which is required on informal nights (assuming one doesn't want to wear the one suit jacket every night!).

 

Second, some fans of formal nights note that people can choose to eat dinner on a formal night at La Terrazza or The Grill without formal clothing. I note, however, that one can't go to a lounge or the theater on formal night without wearing a jacket, so it's more than just dining in a different venue.

 

For me, the only issue is luggage weight. Depending where we are traveling and for how long, weight of our luggage is usually an issue; we're usually right up against the 50 pound weight limit. Assuming the suitcase itself weights 10-13 pounds, that leaves 37-40 points for clothing, shoes, etc. So a suit which may weight 4-5 pounds, uses up more than 10% of my luggage allowance. That's a lot if it's an outfit which will be worn for one night only. If it's Caribbean cruise with light clothing, it's probably not an issue, but in colder climates requiring sweaters and more layers of clothing, it can be. So there's the practical matter that can be an issue.

 

For some, it's a lifestyle issue. One of the things some people who have worn suits to work every day for 40+ years enjoy about retirement is that they no longer need to wear a suit. In the US at least, "smart casual" wear — nice pants and collared shirt — is acceptable In most restaurants, even high-end restaurants, and some people are happy that clothing fits the relaxed life they now enjoy.

 

For a few people who may be retired for many years, they may no longer have forma clothing which fits them or looks good, so they feel they'd need to purchase new clothing to wear once in a blue moon.

 

Please, please don't pick apart my choice of language above! I'm not out to debate dress codes, only to respond to the comment about "all the anxiety" over packing for a Silversea Cruise. I understand why some people have the opposite point of view, and that they like the opportunity to get dressed up and wear their formal attire. And I do believe that anyone who chooses to sail on a Silversea cruise should know what the dress code is and be prepared to follow it, whether it's their personal preference or not. 

 

 

Just to comment on one point only…,My husband wore his navy blazer, grey dress trousers, white shirt,  silk tie & pocket square to LaDame on several formal nights.  We were always welcomed graciously by name & felt more than appropriate. We were on the Muse Sydney to Auckland for several weeks in Dec 2019.  The ship was predominately Australian & American &  British, in that order.  Seemed like the British wore more tuxedos & gowns.  The rest of us were just slightly more dressed down.  The tuxedos & gowns looked great but so did everyone else in their dark jackets, suits & elegant cocktail dresses.  Everyone seemed to having a great time, I know we did.  On another note, my husband who enjoyed a fine cigar in the Connoisseurs Lounge was always welcomed to sit with the tuxedo clad lads. Great conversation & single malts. Came “home” very late. 

[Dolcevita Diva]

39 minutes ago, cruiseej said:

 

I don't think it's "anxiety" for most who question it.

 

First, to be clear,  or formal night, it's more than a jacket: it's a dark suit. That's in addition to a sport jacket which is required on informal nights (assuming one doesn't want to wear the one suit jacket every night!).

 

Second, some fans of formal nights note that people can choose to eat dinner on a formal night at La Terrazza or The Grill without formal clothing. I note, however, that one can't go to a lounge or the theater on formal night without wearing a jacket, so it's more than just dining in a different venue.

 

For me, the only issue is luggage weight. Depending where we are traveling and for how long, weight of our luggage is usually an issue; we're usually right up against the 50 pound weight limit. Assuming the suitcase itself weights 10-13 pounds, that leaves 37-40 points for clothing, shoes, etc. So a suit which may weight 4-5 pounds, uses up more than 10% of my luggage allowance. That's a lot if it's an outfit which will be worn for one night only. If it's Caribbean cruise with light clothing, it's probably not an issue, but in colder climates requiring sweaters and more layers of clothing, it can be. So there's the practical matter that can be an issue.

 

For some, it's a lifestyle issue. One of the things some people who have worn suits to work every day for 40+ years enjoy about retirement is that they no longer need to wear a suit. In the US at least, "smart casual" wear — nice pants and collared shirt — is acceptable In most restaurants, even high-end restaurants, and some people are happy that clothing fits the relaxed life they now enjoy.

 

For a few people who may be retired for many years, they may no longer have forma clothing which fits them or looks good, so they feel they'd need to purchase new clothing to wear once in a blue moon.

 

Please, please don't pick apart my choice of language above! I'm not out to debate dress codes, only to respond to the comment about "all the anxiety" over packing for a Silversea Cruise. I understand why some people have the opposite point of view, and that they like the opportunity to get dressed up and wear their formal attire. And I do believe that anyone who chooses to sail on a Silversea cruise should know what the dress code is and be prepared to follow it, whether it's their personal preference or not. 

 

 

Perhaps "anxiety" was not the best choice of word, but when some people spend so very much time expressing their concerns/issues (which required five paragraphs for you to summarize), it implies a lot of emotion and based on others' posts, worry, around the topic.   

I was merely attempting to lighten up the discussion and inject some humor by noting some of the things that my female colleagues and I discuss when packing for speaking engagements (in contrast to our male colleagues). Clearly I failed in that endeavor!

 

Completely agree with your final paragraph - and hope that you don't elect to parse any specific words in this post - life's too short and I need a glass of wine.  Cheers! 😃

Edited April 2, 2022 by Dolcevita Diva

[SteamboatWillie118]

Sorry I don't have an answer since we're about to cruise SS for the first time - does anyone know if/how expedition cruise dress code differs?

We're booked on the Silver Wind, Southern Med/Northern Africa, listed as "expedition".

While we will carry what is needed, we'd rather take only a carry-on 😉

Thanks everyone for contributing!

[FauxNom]

13 hours ago, SteamboatWillie118 said:

does anyone know if/how expedition cruise dress code differs?

I don't know about the official code, but in practice there is no need for a suit or even a jacket for men--although many will wear those for the Captain's Welcome reception. My husband has gotten by with slacks and a sweater for our 3 expedition cruises. Women's attire runs the gamut from nice slacks with a dressy blouse to full on cocktail dress with sequins. I love the low key attitude on expeditions, and I hope the Wind continues that tradition!

 

13 hours ago, SteamboatWillie118 said:

We're booked on the Silver Wind, Southern Med/Northern Africa, listed as "expedition".

 

Are you on the Athens to Lisbon route this May? If so, I'll see you there!

[SteamboatWillie118]

Yes! My husband is glad to hear this (his 'formal' are guayaberas). Thanks so much - see you in May!

[ronrick1943]

21 hours ago, Dolcevita Diva said:

I'm with others that I don't understand all this anxiety over packing a jacket and wearing a tie for one evening...they do not require a tux. 

 

But perhaps my view is a gender perspective, since we ladies tend to not duplicate outfits and tend to think about different shoes, cocktail bags, jewelry and be sure our nails, hair and undergarments are appropriate for the outfit.  And we used to have to wear stockings all the time...will trade that for wearing a tie any day!  😉

That said, I don't want to imply that there is a need for a different outfit each evening... 

 

It’s more than one evening.  Really hope SS is reading these post.

[frantic36]

2 hours ago, ronrick1943 said:

It’s more than one evening.  Really hope SS is reading these post.

 

To be honest these dress code discussions have gone on for years and there are some for and some against. So why do you think SS will change their policy because some new to SS who they aren't even sure they will become regulars want them to change the dress code, whereas many regulars prefer it as it is now?

[ronrick1943]

24 minutes ago, frantic36 said:

 

To be honest these dress code discussions have gone on for years and there are some for and some against. So why do you think SS will change their policy because some new to SS who they aren't even sure they will become regulars want them to change the dress code, whereas many regulars prefer it as it is now?

Same reason Regent change their code, new demographics -0-as the “regulars” leave cruising as we get older—it’s going to happen.  I personally don’t mind a few nights myself and when  I do dress for the evening it will be updated.  Like I said before a lot of the evening wear you see needs to retired, just doesn’t look good or fit right.  That’s just an opinion.

[frantic36]

2 minutes ago, ronrick1943 said:

That’s just an opinion.

 

Having different opinions is fine. When my husband and I do our first Regent cruise next year we will still dress up though he will just bring jackets including his pink one and sky blue. I like to stay current with fashion though age appropriate. Hopefully we won't be judged as being over dressed?

[Stumblefoot]

22 hours ago, Dolcevita Diva said:

…when some people spend so very much time expressing their concerns/issues (which required five paragraphs for you to summarize), it implies a lot of emotion and based on others' posts, worry, around the topic.

My sentiments exactly.  It sure is fascinating to read though.

 

22 hours ago, cruiseej said:

…weight of our luggage is usually an issue; we're usually right up against the 50 pound weight limit. Assuming the suitcase itself weights 10-13 pounds, that leaves 37-40 points for clothing, shoes, etc. So a suit which may weight 4-5 pounds, uses up more than 10% of my luggage allowance.

I’m gonna call bunk.  Why?  

1)Because I’ve seen JPAlbany prove time and time again any male can bring formal and informal wear, along with everything else they need, for a 2-week voyage in merely a carry-on and back pack.  While I choose to travel with a minimum of three cases, he’s a genius at efficiently packing and looking great at any meal or event.

 

2) Anybody who can afford a SS cruise can afford to bring another case if the airline only allows them to bring one.  And, if they can’t afford to pay the airline an extra luggage fee (usually $25 to $70 per bag) to bring another checked suitcase then they need to be honest with themselves and recognize they can’t really afford to sail SS after all.

 

3 hours ago, ronrick1943 said:

It’s more than one evening.  Really hope SS is reading these post.

They do.  Multiple people.  Everyday.  
 

Thankfully, they know what their loyal passengers want which is why they continue to maintain the dress code standards they have had in place since the beginning of the line, while providing many choices of alternative dining venues to those who wish not to partake in the dress code requirement of the evening.  
 

It’s what we love about SS.  They give us a range of choices to dress however we like, regardless  of the day or dress code.

[ronrick1943]

1 hour ago, Stumblefoot said:

 

Thankfully, they know what their loyal passengers want which is why they continue to maintain the dress code standards they have had in place since the beginning of the line, while providing many choices of alternative dining venues to those who wish not to partake in the dress code requirement of the evening.  
 

It’s what we love about SS.  They give us a range of choices to dress however we like, regardless  of the day or dress code.

When I go to dinner at a really nice restaurant, as long as the people at the next are dressed nicely it really isn’t any of my business if the make is wearing a jacket or not———I only care what’s going on at my table.  Also if SS is going to have policies they need to enforce all policies on the ship.

[Stumblefoot]

56 minutes ago, ronrick1943 said:

When I go to dinner at a really nice restaurant, as long as the people at the next are dressed nicely it really isn’t any of my business if the make is wearing a jacket or not———I only care what’s going on at my table.

 

But, if said restaurant had a required dress code, you would either abide by it or choose to dine elsewhere.  Plain and simple.

 

58 minutes ago, ronrick1943 said:

Also if SS is going to have policies they need to enforce all policies on the ship.

Remind me again, I can’t remember how much you’ve sailed SS.  Also, what dress code policies is SS not enforcing based on your on board experience?