Dress Code requirements on Queen Victoria

[steveso]

We are looking at a QV cruise which fits our dates exactly and is out of Southampton but have never cruised with Cunard before.

 

Our main lines are Royal Caribbean and Celebrity but we have been on P and O twice.

 

We really aren't fans of dressing up for formal evenings. On P and O we found that this really wasn't an issue as we normally eat in the buffet anyway and there were only 2 or 3 lounges which were restricted to formal dress code on formal evenings. Is it the same on Cunard or are there more restrictions?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

[stan01]

What would you like to wear?

[DukeBeetle24]

6 minutes ago, steveso said:

We are looking at a QV cruise which fits our dates exactly and is out of Southampton but have never cruised with Cunard before.

 

Our main lines are Royal Caribbean and Celebrity but we have been on P and O twice.

 

We really aren't fans of dressing up for formal evenings. On P and O we found that this really wasn't an issue as we normally eat in the buffet anyway and there were only 2 or 3 lounges which were restricted to formal dress code on formal evenings. Is it the same on Cunard or are there more restrictions?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Oh boy, prepare for a lot of opinions on what it should be - instead focus on what it actually is. After 6pm there are dress code options depending on the type of night you want. 

 

Gala evenings are suit or tuxedo for main dining room and most venues.

 

Other evenings is smart attire for most of the ship, which is a collared shirt and trousers.

 

There are causal options for the evening, and Cunard answer this well themselves including which venues you can wear more casual attire in, and that jeans are appropriate:

 

Of course, if you prefer to spend your evenings in more relaxed attire, a selection of casual dining and entertainment venues is always available for your enjoyment. Feel free to dress casually as you visit any of the following venues: Kings Court, Lido Buffet (Including Al Fresco), Golden Lion, Casino, Carinthia Lounge, Winter Garden, Garden Lounge, Yacht Club, and G32. Non-ripped, jeans are appropriate, but after 6pm please refrain from wearing shorts, sports attire, swimwear or sleeveless t-shirts outside of the gym, spa and deck spaces.

 

Hope that helps, enjoy your cruise, and choose the venues / dress code that suits you 👍

[Host Hattie]

Just to let you know that list of venues covers 3 of the current ships so it's not as wide a selection as it looks. 

[Pushpit]

You will see in italics above the official guidance. Yes, the buffet is open to you, that's the Lido on QV, it's called Kings Court on QM2. And the Golden Lion, the pub. So you will have some options, plus the free of charge room service dining too. So in some ways a bit more restricted. On a 10 day sailing you are looking at 2 or 3 gala nights, the sticky above will give you more specifics. 

 

I think it's reasonable to point out that Cunard does things a little different from other lines, and to some extent you miss out if you choose not to participate in all QV has to offer. But it's your money and your choice.

[DukeBeetle24]

1 minute ago, Host Hattie said:

Just to let you know that list of venues covers 3 of the current ships so it's not as wide a selection as it looks. 

I wasn't trying to give the impression it was. 

[steveso]

Thanks. My choice would be a collared shirt and smart trousers but no tie. My wife would prefer semi smart. 
 

Would we be able to access the theatre for example?

[DukeBeetle24]

Just now, steveso said:

Thanks. My choice would be a collared shirt and smart trousers but no tie. My wife would prefer semi smart. 
 

Would we be able to access the theatre for example?

Based on the dress code, that would be fine in all venues on non-gala nights. Tie and jacket are entirely optional. 

[exlondoner]

1 minute ago, DukeBeetle24 said:

Based on the dress code, that would be fine in all venues on non-gala nights. Tie and jacket are entirely optional. 

But possibly somewhat chilly if the air conditioning is having a fierce night.

[steveso]

And how about accessing the theatre on gala nights if in “smart casual”?

[NE John]

There is “Smart Attire” nights (majority of nights) and “Gala” nights (2 out of a 7-10 night voyage). There is no classification called “Smart Casual”. By the rules, the Theater, all MDR’s, Queens Room, and several lounges are for those dressed in Gala night attire for those nights and Smart Attire for SA nights.  On Gala nights, a pretty strong majority of the pax dress up in tuxedos/dark suits and ties, gowns, nice dresses, etc. 
It sounds like you have “Smart Attire” attire good to go, it’s up to you whether to participate in Gala Night attire. Many Pax do make a big deal out of dressing up. 

[stan01]

34 minutes ago, steveso said:

And how about accessing the theatre on gala nights if in “smart casual”?

 

No Cunard employee will kick you out.

If you were in shorts and t-shirt they might.

 

[carlmm]

11 hours ago, steveso said:

And how about accessing the theatre on gala nights if in “smart casual”?

It would be a violation of the rules.

As stated above on Gala nights the theatre as well as several other venues are kept for those wishing to participate in the Gala night.

Edited July 16 by carlmm

[*Miss G*]

14 hours ago, steveso said:

And how about accessing the theatre on gala nights if in “smart casual”?

 

Not on the list.

 

 

Edited July 16 by *Miss G*

[steveso]

Thanks to all. At least I now know what the requirements are and we can decide if we want to go for that level of dress/formality

[aaaaa]

21 hours ago, stan01 said:

 

No Cunard employee will kick you out.

If you were in shorts and t-shirt they might.

 

I just disembarked the QV, and on gala nights many of the passengers in the supposedly restricted areas were dressed casually.  Indeed, I noticed two males, together, wearing t-shirts and shorts to the evening show in the theatre.

[moses0]

6 hours ago, steveso said:

Thanks to all. At least I now know what the requirements are and we can decide if we want to go for that level of dress/formality

Go for it. It can be fun. Good for the soul to do something on vacation  you never usually😃 do. 

[S1971]

9 hours ago, aaaaa said:

I just disembarked the QV, and on gala nights many of the passengers in the supposedly restricted areas were dressed casually.  Indeed, I noticed two males, together, wearing t-shirts and shorts to the evening show in the theatre.

 

Unfortunately, unless the crew onboard enforce the dress code there will always be those who ignore it.

 

On a personal note, what others wear doesn't bother me in the slightest, but I know it does others as recent threads have proven.