Is Cunard tweaking the Gala Evening dress code?

[bluemarble]

I know, I know, not another dress code thread!!! 😮 Some of you will recall the infamous "New Dress Code Designations?" thread I started back in 2018 when Cunard first rolled out the "Smart Attire" and "Gala Evening" names for the dress codes.

 

The reason I started this thread is I noticed the "What to pack" page has been revamped on the Cunard UK and Cunard Australia websites. Gone are the photo collages showing suggested attire for the Smart Attire and Gala Evening dress codes. That may be a good thing since a few of those photos caused confusion in the past.

 

But what stood out for me is some of the new wording on the UK and Australia "What to pack" page.

 

For Gala Evenings, that page used to say this (emphasis mine).

"At least twice on each seven-night voyage we’ll host a Gala Evening, where we do ask that you observe a black-tie dress code."

 

Now that page says this instead.

"At least twice on each seven-night voyage we’ll host a Gala Evening, where we do ask that you observe an elevated dress code."

 

There are also new sections discussing "Formal dresses" and "Formal suits". The "Formal suits" section begins as follows.

"Formal suits are only required on board a Transatlantic cruise on Gala Evenings and, even then, there’s no pressure to dress-up if you don’t want to. Most of our guests, however, relish the opportunity to put on a Tuxedo for one night and channel their James Bond alter-ego."

 

What do you make of this? Am I reading too much into this or do you think Cunard is attempting to signal some loosening of the Gala Evening dress code requirements?

 

By the way, the "What to pack" page has not been updated yet on the Cunard US website.

[alc13]

What a shame.  Even the parts you didn’t highlight are ominous - where can “no pressure to dress up if you don’t want to” lead?

[david,Mississauga]

The dumbing down continues.  I, however, won't indulge in this and dress in the traditional manner that I have done for decades since my first Cunard voyage.

[NE John]

Is this an early April Fool’s joke? Inner James Bond?!?

It looks like Cunard itself is breaking the “Cunard Contract” of dress code that they started that so many others are choosing Cunard for that formality. Many comments in these boards from those loyal to Celebrity, etc that sail on Cunard because other lines are dumbing down faster and they want to participate in Cunard formal nights they can’t get elsewhere. 

For crying out loud, even 20-something year old poster Emma Cruises on YouTube said she appreciated the high standards of dress on Cunard and that the ship’s elegant decor calls for proper dress. 

Yes, wearing a jacket at dinner automatically exude class, but relaxing rules promotes the breaking of a decades old Contract that Cunard so well defined. 
 

PS I just came across a picture from our Honeymoon cruise (30 years ago) on a Caribbean cruise on Norwegian cruise line and I had a tux on even for a super casual cruise. I forgot I even brought a tux…glad I did, stylin’. 

Edited February 28, 2023 by NE John

[Brummel]

Not good.

 

We will soon see a real life demonstration of "Regression to the Mean," where Gala Night only requires your tee-shirt matches your sweatpants.

 

 

 

[LittleFish1976]

4 hours ago, bluemarble said:

Am I reading too much into this or do you think Cunard is attempting to signal some loosening of the Gala Evening dress code requirements?

 

They've gone well beyond 'attempting to signal some loosening' - they've thrown the Gala evening dress code out the window.

 

What an absurd line to 'put on a Tuxedo for one night and channel their James Bond alter-ego' - basically tells you they now consider black tie to be a 'costume' which people might like to indulge in, just like Hallowe'en, for example.

 

Who let the Americans take control of the computers at Cunard HQ?

 

How disappointing.

 

 

[Windsurfboy]

Elevated dress code, is the height of  ambiguity. 

 

Does this mean a push up bra

[Windsurfboy]

 

More seriously 

 

 Taken from Cunard website

 

"Formal suits are only required on board a Transatlantic cruise on Gala Evenings and, even then, there’s no pressure to dress-up if you don’t want to. Most of our guests, however, relish the opportunity to put on a Tuxedo for one night and channel their James Bond alter-ego.

A formal suit, shirt, and tie of any colour will also do just fine for Gala Evening. And if you want to embrace the theme in your outfit choice, well you’re more than welcome to do that too. We’ve had many gentlemen on board who’ve given their partners a run for their money when it comes to their Gala Evening attire. So feel free to be as lavish as you like."

 

Another piece of of bad writing by Cunard, with paragraph 2 not making it clear it must only apply to transatlantic cruises. Any way what is a formal suit, I understand Tuxedo/DJ or dark suit, but what is a formal suit.

 

If  I read this correctly then on non transatlantics , on gala nights , suits are only a suggestion,  you can wear smart casual everywhere. What a pity .

 

[Nemanoxer]

So, if I am participating in a 2-nights cabin filler trip that coincidentally has a gala evening, that means I can come in a jacket and button shirt with dark upscale pants and no tie?

Good, I´m in.

[Host Hattie]

1 minute ago, Nemanoxer said:

So, if I am participating in a 2-nights cabin filler trip that coincidentally has a gala evening, that means I can come in a jacket and button shirt with dark upscale pants and no tie?

Good, I´m in.

Not if you want to eat in the main dining room or use the other "formal" areas of the ship.

2 night trips don't usually have gala nights unless they are part of a longer segment, there may be a gala optional evening. 

[Host Hattie]

The what to wear section of My Voyage still says -

 

My Voyage Guide.

 

More details

 

Packing for your holiday.

Full details and advice on packing for your voyage.

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Packing for your holiday.

 

What to wear.

An ocean voyage is a chance to see the world in a way that’s unique from other types of travel. For one thing, your ship is a destination in its own right - additional to the ports you spend time in. Plus, if you sail roundtrip, you have the added luxury of unlimited luggage allowances – giving you the freedom to bring as many suitcases as you desire.

It’s a refreshing change from the traditional baggage restrictions that are typical of so many holidays.  But, with long days and nights at sea – as well as hours to explore on shore – knowing what to pack can create more questions than answers. But don't worry: if you’re new to holidaying with Cunard, here’s a quick run-down of the essentials you’ll need to make the most of your holiday.

Sea days.

Days at sea with Cunard offer you time to explore your ship at your leisure. How you spend this time is entirely up to you. You might take a dip in the pool or relax with a book on deck. There’s also any amount of daily activities to join in – from fitness classes to wine tastings, and arts & crafts – as well the chance to enjoy Afternoon Tea between lunch and dinner.

As this time is leisurely, it’s important to wear clothes that you feel comfortable in. Shorts and T-shirts are perfectly acceptable, and we’d encourage you to bring swimwear so you can enjoy the pools, spa and whirlpools on your ship. If you want to use the gym, join an exercise class or run a mile around the deck, ensure you pack a pair of trainers and whatever you normally wear to work out.

Swimwear isn’t permitted in indoor dining areas, so if you are planning to visit your stateroom’s main restaurant for breakfast or lunch, be sure to factor in time for a quick change in your stateroom. Alternatively, enjoy complimentary room service or a drink brought to you on your sun lounger as you while away the hours at sea.

Evenings on board.

Evenings on board a Cunard Queen exude a sense of occasion, but they’re also as relaxed as you want them to be. There’s no need to dress to the nines each night if you don’t want to, and you’ll find many areas on board where casual dress is welcome.

If you do want to make an effort in the evening you won’t be alone. The majority of guests travelling with us embrace the chance to switch to smart attire by night. This doesn’t mean you’ll be expected to wear a gown or dinner jacket each evening. Smart attire simply means a dress shirt and trousers, skirt and a top, or a cocktail dress. Essentially, choose something along the same vein as you’d wear to a stylish restaurant or the theatre on a special occasion.

Gala Evenings.

At least twice on each seven-night voyage we’ll host a Gala Evening, where we do ask that you observe a black-tie dress code. Again, it’s your choice whether to participate in these evenings or not. Many of our guests choose to sail with us specifically because they look forward to these events.

Gala Evenings follow one of a few themes, with voyages of seven nights or more offering a chance to attend more than one. You’ll find many nods to these themes throughout the ship, so you'll want a wardrobe to match. Click below for our advice; whether you want to put on a show or give the theme a more subtle nod with an embellishment or accessory, the choice is yours.

For more details on our Gala Evening themes and outfit ideas, see our useful packing guide on our website.

Of course, if you prefer to spend your evenings in more relaxed attire, feel free to dress casually as you visit any of the following venues: Kings Court or Lido Buffet, Golden Lion, Casino, Carinthia Lounge, Winter Garden/Winter Lounge, and G32 or Yacht Club. Non-ripped jeans are appropriate, but please refrain from wearing shorts, sports attire, swim wear or sleeveless T-shirts outside of the gym, spa and deck spaces.

[Nemanoxer]

8 minutes ago, Host Hattie said:

Not if you want to eat in the main dining room or use the other "formal" areas of the ship.

2 night trips don't usually have gala nights unless they are part of a longer segment, there may be a gala optional evening. 

 

Yes, my overview says Gala Optional. It´s a Southampton-Hamburg leg, I guess coming in from the Atlantic.

[Windsurfboy]

Yet again the Cunard website says different things in different places.

 

So you can choose whichever you fancy.

[2BACRUISER]

Oh dear the slippery slope, noticed the other day some Racecourses are also dumbing down their dress codes for the 'posh' stands what next pajamas at Royal Ascot OMG..................its what we choose Cunard for the chance to be able to dress up to the nines and feel like a movie star of old! Where will it end?

Edited February 28, 2023 by 2BACRUISER
typo

[terry&mike]

Yes, a bit of a bummer. Hubby and I sailed Cunard for the first time last August, we enjoyed it so much that we booked a sailing for 2023 as soon as we got home. When we were in Vietnam last month, hubby had custom tuxedos made, dress shirts, and I had some dresses made, for our upcoming Cunard sailing. We look forward to the elegance and special atmosphere, including the beautiful clothing, of the Gala evenings. 

[NE John]

What this new policy implies is there will be no enforcement of any dress codes onboard resulting in Smart Casual nights will be even more of a scrum. Except for TA Gala nights. 

Unfortunately, the dress code at the Wall Street office in NYC where I work is down the drain too, especially among young people who need to present a professional appearance. Too many employees look like they are in Saturday casual mode. 

[exlondoner]

21 minutes ago, NE John said:

What this new policy implies is there will be no enforcement of any dress codes onboard resulting in Smart Casual nights will be even more of a scrum. Except for TA Gala nights. 

Unfortunately, the dress code at the Wall Street office in NYC where I work is down the drain too, especially among young people who need to present a professional appearance. Too many employees look like they are in Saturday casual mode. 

Surely a scrum is lots of people in a small space jostling each other. Given that passengers sit at tables why should this be the result of what you assume the policy implies?

[NE John]

16 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

Surely a scrum is lots of people in a small space jostling each other. Given that passengers sit at tables why should this be the result of what you assume the policy implies?

A sartorial scrum…

[exlondoner]

1 minute ago, NE John said:

A sartorial scrum…

Do you mean simply that passengers will simply wear what they fell like, because the dress code is not enforced? It may not follow: though burglars are rarely caught, few of us take up a career stealing from people’s houses. As the text implies, most people want to dress up, and will presumably continue to do so.

[majortom10]

I personally dont think there is any "dumbing down" of the dress code just that it has been changed to avoid confusion.

[naturelovergirl]

I love Cunard.

But

They will have an issue going forward in differentiating themselves from other lines if they keep eroding the dress code.

There is plenty of competition out there between the cruiseline brands. Competition in price. Competition in amenities. Competition in technological advancements. 

That wording is WAY too ambiguous.

Wow.

[NE John]

I too hope that dressing up for a Cunard voyage continues, not just TA.
I’m critical of Carnival/Cunard policy, not fellow pax confused by poorly explained policy changes. 
What I see in my office is that relaxed standards lead to the sartorial scrum I awkwardly used as a metaphor. 
I own a couple favorite rugby shirts so maybe I’m ready!

[PORT ROYAL]

As on has previously posted.  
 

The daily published Cunard Dress Code is an “advisory minimum standard” only.  It does not preclude one from exceeding the suggested minimum and dressing to a higher level.  It’s one’s choice to fold, call, check, raise or go all-in.

One has dressed, and will continue to dress, in accordance with one’s old school code.  This being a Tux, suits with tie, plus jackets with/without tie, being one’s own minimum standards.  
 

Except for a crossing, where it’s now a Tux every night, except the first, being then dressed with a suit with tie or jacket with tie.  Thank you D&N for the last night suggestion.
 

One considers one’s own dress code a gentle raise.

 

All-in would involve a “White Tie” and “Wings”.  😊

[2Oldpeopleinlove]

« Who let the Americans take control of the computers at Cunard HQ?« 

 

Wow. As Americans who would prefer formality EVERY night on board, we wonder why this was a necessary or advisable part of the discussion.

[Victoria2]

28 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

Do you mean simply that passengers will simply wear what they fell like, because the dress code is not enforced? It may not follow: though burglars are rarely caught, few of us take up a career stealing from people’s houses. As the text implies, most people want to dress up, and will presumably continue to do so.

Quite, and we will continue to dress in what I loosely term, the more Cunard evening way and I suspect, many will have the same idea and just maybe, after the first Cunard encounter, newbies see the black tie [OK, coloured tie too] worn by the 'traditionalists', their next Cunard encounter might include adjusted packing.

 

Whatever happens, the dress code for us is not the main Cunard draw and neither are we affected by others' dress sense. As I have often said, if it keeps the line afloat, fine by me. 🙂