Tiny_Tim Posted October 29, 2023 #1 Share Posted October 29, 2023 I see lots of posts about a dress code but I would like to know exactly what is allowed and/or required. We are considering a 14 night cruise on the Victoria. What are polo shirts considered? Are collared shirts required to be button up type or are polo shirts with collars allowed. Are there nights that require a tux? Some clarification is needed and requested. Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluemarble Posted October 29, 2023 #2 Share Posted October 29, 2023 Just a bit of warning that you are entering potentially contentious territory here. There has been considerable discussion in the past concerning whether polo shirts are considered appropriate or not on Smart Attire evenings. That partly stems from the fact that the "What to pack" page on the Cunard website specifies "dress shirt" for the Smart Attire dress code while the onboard Smart Attire dress code as published in the daily programmes specifies "collared shirt". I don't think we've ever reached consensus on this forum regarding polo shirts. The second part of your question is easier to answer. A tux is never required. The Gala Evening dress code allows a dark suit as an alternative to a dinner jacket/tuxedo. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NE John Posted October 29, 2023 #3 Share Posted October 29, 2023 My only two cents would be that many passengers go on Cunard ships specifically to dress up and abide by more than the minimum requirements of the dress code. Not everyone, but quite a lot on board dress up. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craigrlewis Posted October 29, 2023 #4 Share Posted October 29, 2023 This is what i opt to wear: Formal/Gala Night - Tuxedo, white tuxedo/bib shirt & bow tie Other Nights - Trousers, business/office with collar, tie and blazer As NEJohn has said many people will dress up regardless of whether its formal/gala night or other night As Bluemarble says no you do not need a tuxedo at all. I have seen people in button down polo shirts but you will look “out of place” as they're not tended to be worn Get ready now for a slew of comments about “don't book Cunard then..” and other such comments - don’t let them put you off. Dress code is a lot easier to follow/understand once you've been on board etc. and seen what people tend to wear. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Victoria2 Posted October 29, 2023 #5 Share Posted October 29, 2023 (edited) 6 hours ago, Tiny_Tim said: I see lots of posts about a dress code but I would like to know exactly what is allowed and/or required. We are considering a 14 night cruise on the Victoria. What are polo shirts considered? Are collared shirts required to be button up type or are polo shirts with collars allowed. Are there nights that require a tux? Some clarification is needed and requested. Thank you. From the UK Cunard site Take from it what you will Whatever you decide, I hope you have a marvellous time and no, a tux is not mandatory on Gala evenings. Smart attire simply means a dress shirt and trousers, skirt and a top, or a cocktail dress. Edited October 29, 2023 by Victoria2 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bell Boy Posted October 29, 2023 #6 Share Posted October 29, 2023 Personally I wouldn't dream of wearing a Polo shirt in the 'Evening on a Cunard ship', save that for Saga or MSC, however, do enjoy wearing it throughout the day or if you are on a port tour. Bluemarble has clarified Cunard's suggestion , in other words a Dress shirt is a 'Long Sleeved' shirt with a smart firm collar. - Open neck, Ideally worn under a jacket 👌 😉 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Kynance Posted October 29, 2023 #7 Share Posted October 29, 2023 For the original poster - “dress shirts” don’t have to be plain either, patterned shirts are very popular now and Mr K has quite a collection. Those in the UK will probably know what I mean when we say we refer to them as his “James May” shirts. However, unlike James he always tucks them in (and wears a jacket!). I think the key bit is the “smart firm collar” Bell Boy mentioned. I know we had a question on here before about whether Hawaiian-type shirts were ok - that might be pushing the definition of a dress shirt a bit far but I personally wouldn’t be “upset” if I saw someone wearing one, especially if it was worn under a nice jacket or with a suit, though they would be very much in the minority, along with those wearing polo shirts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Pushpit Posted October 29, 2023 #8 Share Posted October 29, 2023 It's always good to look to Cunard's wording and understand that the best you can. So we can have our opinions as to whether a polo shirt is a dress shirt or not, ultimately it's your decision. The other fact to add here is the Cunard sentence at the end "Essentially, choose something along the same vein as you’d wear to a stylish restaurant or the theatre on a special occasion." Would you wear a polo shirt at the Abbeville Opera House on a $300 ticket? Or to a dinner to mark your birthday at an upscale restaurant? Then we can all lay on our own opinions and preferences. My take is to say "polo shirts are sports style shirts, ok for the Lido but not in the other restaurants". But that's just my opinion and your opinion is just as important. For me, I do wear a jacket and collar, long sleeve shirt on Smart Attire, usually a tie too; and a dinner jacket (tuxedo) on formal nights, knowing that a smart business suit would also be OK for formal / Gala nights. I would consider my service dress uniform, or my kilt as an alternative but I have never actually done so. I wouldn't want anyone else to be concerned or upset by what I am wearing, from a courtesy point of view. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare david63 Posted October 29, 2023 #9 Share Posted October 29, 2023 1 hour ago, Pushpit said: whether a polo shirt is a dress shirt or not If I am not mistaken doesn't Cunard say something along the lines of "Please refrain from wearing sports attire in an evening"? By definition a polo shirt is sports attire. QED 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exlondoner Posted October 29, 2023 #10 Share Posted October 29, 2023 43 minutes ago, david63 said: If I am not mistaken doesn't Cunard say something along the lines of "Please refrain from wearing sports attire in an evening"? By definition a polo shirt is sports attire. QED I’m not sure about that. I don’t think many people would object to someone of either sex wearing a hacking jacket on an informal night, which equally is sports attire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Victoria2 Posted October 29, 2023 #11 Share Posted October 29, 2023 7 minutes ago, exlondoner said: I’m not sure about that. I don’t think many people would object to someone of either sex wearing a hacking jacket on an informal night, which equally is sports attire. I agree. Polo shirts have evolved over the years from shirts worn to play polo /tennis, to accepted mainstream wear. Whilst I wouldn't advocate wearing one of an evening, I have seen them worn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exlondoner Posted October 29, 2023 #12 Share Posted October 29, 2023 2 minutes ago, Victoria2 said: I agree. Polo shirts have evolved over the years from shirts worn to play polo /tennis, to accepted mainstream wear. Whilst I wouldn't advocate wearing one of an evening, I have seen them worn. And particularly if with a jacket it wouldn’t be very noticeable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Host Hattie Posted October 29, 2023 #13 Share Posted October 29, 2023 59 minutes ago, david63 said: If I am not mistaken doesn't Cunard say something along the lines of "Please refrain from wearing sports attire in an evening"? By definition a polo shirt is sports attire. QED This is the wording from June this year - What to Wear: Gala Evening From 6.00pm, we encourage you to join in the sense of occasion with eveningwear of dinner jacket, tuxedo, or dark suit with a regular tie or bow tie, or floor length dress, ball gown, cocktail dress, smart trouser suit, or formal separates. Guests are welcome to embellish their Gala Evening attire to fit the applicable theme of the evening. A range of gentlemen's formal wear is available to hire on board in the fashion boutique on Deck 3. Of course, if you prefer to spend tonight in more relaxed attire, a selection of casual dining and entertainment venues are available for your enjoyment. Feel free to dress casually as you visit any of the following venues Kings Court, Golden Lion, Casino, Carinthia Lounge, and G32. Please note 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. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exlondoner Posted October 29, 2023 #14 Share Posted October 29, 2023 1 minute ago, Host Hattie said: This is the wording from June this year - What to Wear: Gala Evening From 6.00pm, we encourage you to join in the sense of occasion with eveningwear of dinner jacket, tuxedo, or dark suit with a regular tie or bow tie, or floor length dress, ball gown, cocktail dress, smart trouser suit, or formal separates. Guests are welcome to embellish their Gala Evening attire to fit the applicable theme of the evening. A range of gentlemen's formal wear is available to hire on board in the fashion boutique on Deck 3. Of course, if you prefer to spend tonight in more relaxed attire, a selection of casual dining and entertainment venues are available for your enjoyment. Feel free to dress casually as you visit any of the following venues Kings Court, Golden Lion, Casino, Carinthia Lounge, and G32. Please note 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. The more detail they give the more difficult it becomes. I’m sure no woman would be banned for wearing a smart sleeveless t-shirt. This must refer only to men. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Victoria2 Posted October 29, 2023 #15 Share Posted October 29, 2023 39 minutes ago, exlondoner said: The more detail they give the more difficult it becomes. I’m sure no woman would be banned for wearing a smart sleeveless t-shirt. This must refer only to men. Equally, the less detail, the more folk can self interpret. I have dined in a very 'stylish' restaurant, all scrubbed up when some patrons were in jeans and very casual shirts. There are so many different takes on what one wears, where. I couldn’t care less what folk wear but to have one piece of dress advice only to have a less specific version once onboard doesn’t help matters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exlondoner Posted October 29, 2023 #16 Share Posted October 29, 2023 11 minutes ago, Victoria2 said: Equally, the less detail, the more folk can self interpret. I have dined in a very 'stylish' restaurant, all scrubbed up when some patrons were in jeans and very casual shirts. There are so many different takes on what one wears, where. I couldn’t care less what folk wear but to have one piece of dress advice only to have a less specific version once onboard doesn’t help matters. I say I don’t care much what people wear, and have very little interest in clothes which is why I am happy to dress up for formal nights. Nonetheless, I was very taken with arriving in the QG on our last cruise to find everyone splendidly attired in black and white: it was really most impressive. Equally, I don’t want to be sitting near someone in the theatre, who is attired in a sweaty t-shirt they have been wearing all day, while touring a Med. port. So I do take some interest. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NE John Posted October 29, 2023 #17 Share Posted October 29, 2023 @Tiny_Tim You were warned that your question will open up a debate! Seriously, polo shirts are perfectly fine during the day (no dress code at all). Gala nights are certainly more formal with no polo shirts. Smart Attire nights are the minefield of the dress code issue. You don’t want to feel underdressed. Please take part in Gala Night dress code to get the full onboard experience. Try dressing up at once, at least. Also, people are not snobby and the environment is more relaxed on Cunard than many think. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Victoria2 Posted October 29, 2023 #18 Share Posted October 29, 2023 (edited) 28 minutes ago, exlondoner said: I say I don’t care much what people wear, and have very little interest in clothes which is why I am happy to dress up for formal nights. Nonetheless, I was very taken with arriving in the QG on our last cruise to find everyone splendidly attired in black and white: it was really most impressive. Equally, I don’t want to be sitting near someone in the theatre, who is attired in a sweaty t-shirt they have been wearing all day, while touring a Med. port. So I do take some interest. Luckily, we haven't come across 'the sweaty' so didn't factor that into my comment. Edit Perhaps naively, I assume folk will shower at the very least after a sweaty day, ashore or onboard. Edited October 29, 2023 by Victoria2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TouchstoneFeste Posted October 29, 2023 #19 Share Posted October 29, 2023 1 hour ago, Victoria2 said: I agree. Polo shirts have evolved over the years from shirts worn to play polo /tennis, to accepted mainstream wear. Whilst I wouldn't advocate wearing one of an evening, I have seen them worn. Indeed, what we in the US call "sport coats" and "blazers", which I think are explicitly ok'd for smart attire nights, evolved from hunting and yachting jackets. I think it's a little early in their evolution for polo shirts to qualify, personally. Give them a hundred years. (But like others, I wouldn't be offended to see them.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exlondoner Posted October 29, 2023 #20 Share Posted October 29, 2023 4 hours ago, Victoria2 said: Luckily, we haven't come across 'the sweaty' so didn't factor that into my comment. Edit Perhaps naively, I assume folk will shower at the very least after a sweaty day, ashore or onboard. I’ve only really encountered the seriously sweaty once. Obviously, most people come back and have a soothing shower, after which they may as well put on compliant clothes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan10 Posted October 29, 2023 #21 Share Posted October 29, 2023 We were on QE I September in Grills and there were people wearing short sleeved shorts. I don’t believe it makes a difference, people should be able to wear what shirts they are comfortable in. We like to dress up and DH always wore a shirt and jacket. I always wore a cocktail dress except for Gala night when we both followed the theme. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan10 Posted October 29, 2023 #22 Share Posted October 29, 2023 That should read short sleeved shirts! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exlondoner Posted October 29, 2023 #23 Share Posted October 29, 2023 2 minutes ago, Jan10 said: That should read short sleeved shirts! What a shame. I was beginning to get excited. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan10 Posted October 29, 2023 #24 Share Posted October 29, 2023 Sorry to disappoint! We are young 60’s , appreciate good dressing but do not get hung up if guests choose to be more casual! Just not too casual and definitely no short shorts in the dining rooms! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Victoria2 Posted October 29, 2023 #25 Share Posted October 29, 2023 (edited) 19 minutes ago, Jan10 said: Sorry to disappoint! We are young 60’s , appreciate good dressing but do not get hung up if guests choose to be more casual! Just not too casual and definitely no short shorts in the dining rooms! Shorts are fine breakfast and lunch in the main restaurants but I agree on the Daisy Dukes. Although DDs might be Ok on youngsters and those who can 'wear them well'! Edited October 29, 2023 by Victoria2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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