Considering a Regent Cruise - Question about Attire

[Sunviking]

Since we have just booked our first RSSC cruise, I am new to this Board although I have spent quite a bit of time on the Princess Board and on several Princess Roll Calls. I 'm somewhat confused by the quoted remarks of gfranzen. On the other cruise line boards the discussion revolves around topics related to aspects of cruising, not world problems or politics, because 1) to do the latter will usually warrant a warning from the moderator, 2) there are other more appropriate places to discuss the weighty issues of the world (though I have yet to see one that has solved them) and 3) Cruise Critic is, after all, a place to talk about cruising. On the Roll Calls for various cruises the discussions are generally much more free-wheeling for those who choose to participate. People have an opportunity to get to know their fellow passengers and arrange things like get-togethers and private tours.

Are there different parameters here? For those of us with no experience with RSSC, attire is a relevant question since we have seen such a variety of clothing on other ships. It is not a matter of arrogance but rather education and practicality in terms of what to pack.

[TexasHorseLady]

Originally Posted by Sunviking

Since we have just booked our first RSSC cruise, I am new to this Board although I have spent quite a bit of time on the Princess Board and on several Princess Roll Calls. I 'm somewhat confused by the quoted remarks of gfranzen. On the other cruise line boards the discussion revolves around topics related to aspects of cruising, not world problems or politics, because 1) to do the latter will usually warrant a warning from the moderator, 2) there are other more appropriate places to discuss the weighty issues of the world (though I have yet to see one that has solved them) and 3) Cruise Critic is, after all, a place to talk about cruising. On the Roll Calls for various cruises the discussions are generally much more free-wheeling for those who choose to participate. People have an opportunity to get to know their fellow passengers and arrange things like get-togethers and private tours.

Are there different parameters here? For those of us with no experience with RSSC, attire is a relevant question since we have seen such a variety of clothing on other ships. It is not a matter of arrogance but rather education and practicality in terms of what to pack.

AMEN! This is a cruise board, and of course we're here to talk cruise topics. Naturally that includes what one might wear on a ship.

No, RSSC does not have different parameters and people still wonder what to wear, just as with any other cruiseline. I have noticed, however, that for the most part Regent (and Regent passengers) seem to have a refreshingly relaxed attitude about it. I don't mean relaxed as in sloppy - I mean relaxed as in non-judgemental and not obsessed about what other people are wearing. If you are a little over or underdressed nobody will even notice. It's wonderful!

[Travelcat2]

Yes, CC is a place where cruise subjects are discussed. Most regulars on the board happily answer the same questions over and over as there are new guests on the board all the time. The reason we are here is to help.

Just for the heck of it, try doing a search on "dress codes" on this board. After thousands and thousands of posts, Regent was kind enough to do a survey to determine what dress code their passengers preferred. The poll and further discussion went on for a month. The result was overwhelmingly for "Elegant Casual". Then Regent took it one step further and changed the dress code for all of their sailings in 2010.

So, none of us have yet sailed on an "Elegant Casual" cruise. Our best advice is simply to follow the guidelines set forth by Regent. The PG has always been more casual than the Regent ships (note: it is currently managed by Regent and will no longer be after this year. . . . so, the best place to find information on the PG is pgcruises.com).

In terms of being turned away because of dress code. . .. yes, it does happen -- on all three ships. When Regent states that it is not permitted, they mean it. And, from what I am reading, they will be quite strict once the new policy takes effect next year.

Sunviking seemed pleased with the responses earlier in the thread. While we are not trying to appear rude, we are hopeful that we might have a break from this one subject. . . . . if only for a few weeks . . . . until the dress code takes effect

[Goofyisme]

Originally Posted by wripro

Dress codes and smoking is why God invented search boards. It's all there if one needs answers or opinions.

Ain't it the truth LOL.
At least we don't usually see chair hog posts here.

[Ka Honu]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

... what you think "really matters"...

Sex, drugs, and rock & roll!

[wripro]

Travelcat2,

I posted because someone mentioned that asking about attire is a relevant question for a newcomer. Therefore I suggested where a newcomer can get all the information he/she wants or needs or ever will need. I do hope that's okay with you.

[Lvtocruize2]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

No, RSSC does not have different parameters and people still wonder what to wear, just as with any other cruiseline. I have noticed, however, that for the most part Regent (and Regent passengers) seem to have a refreshingly relaxed attitude about it. I don't mean relaxed as in sloppy - I mean relaxed as in non-judgemental and not obsessed about what other people are wearing. If you are a little over or underdressed nobody will even notice. It's wonderful!

Before we sailed on our first trip to Alaska on Regent this summer , I asked a friend, who had just returned, what other folks were wearing for dinner. Her reply was that she did not even notice. I agree with the above responder..... It makes no difference to us what others are wearing as long as they are comfortable and meeting the dress codes as they interpret them.

[TexasHorseLady]

Originally Posted by Goofyisme

Ain't it the truth LOL.
At least we don't usually see chair hog posts here.

It's true, we 'regulars' do tend to see the same posts over and over. And unfortunately some people in CC seem to take great pleasure in attacking anybody who dares to bring up a question about clothing, smoking, or...heaven forbid... saving a place by the pool.

But even though we've all heard the same questions about those topics a zillion times, I think it would be nice to remember that there really are newcomers out there. It's possible they have never posted on Cruise Critic before, and maybe they don't even know it's a frequently asked question. They may have never sailed with a particular cruiseline before, and they really and truly don't know what to wear on that cruiseline. For all we know, they might have never even cruised before and really need our help.

For that reason, I always give an answer to any such question a polite and compassionate answer, rather than a sarcastic "here we go again" type response. I never make fun of a person for asking one of those redundant questions, and I never tell a person to do a search when I can answer their question in a friendly way. I feel for them...because I remember what it was like to be new with 'dumb' questions.

I know there are trolls out there who stir the pot just to get an emotional response, but I think we're all smart enough to tell the difference.

[Goofyisme]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

It's true, we 'regulars' do tend to see the same posts over and over. And unfortunately some people in CC seem to take great pleasure in attacking anybody who dares to bring up a question about clothing, smoking, or...heaven forbid... saving a place by the pool.

But even though we've all heard the same questions about those topics a zillion times, I think it would be nice to remember that there really are newcomers out there. It's possible they have never posted on Cruise Critic before, and maybe they don't even know it's a frequently asked question. They may have never sailed with a particular cruiseline before, and they really and truly don't know what to wear on that cruiseline. For all we know, they might have never even cruised before and really need our help.

For that reason, I always give an answer to any such question a polite and compassionate answer, rather than a sarcastic "here we go again" type response. I never make fun of a person for asking one of those redundant questions, and I never tell a person to do a search when I can answer their question in a friendly way. I feel for them...because I remember what it was like to be new with 'dumb' questions.

I know there are trolls out there who stir the pot just to get an emotional response, but I think we're all smart enough to tell the difference.

I'm sorry if my post was misunderstood, it is certainly appropriate for newcomers to ask questions and recieve replies from knowledgeable members of this forum no matter how many times the question has been asked and answered on previous threads.

My point (not very well made) was that the OP acknowledged getting the information they needed and making an informed decision in Post 21 and now here we all are almost 2 pages later and no real value has been added since Post 21. This seems to be the way most threads like this go and that was my only issue.

Yet here I am adding to the problem I complain about. Please pardon me and have happy sailings.

[Travelcat2]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

It's true, we 'regulars' do tend to see the same posts over and over. And unfortunately some people in CC seem to take great pleasure in attacking anybody who dares to bring up a question about clothing, smoking, or...heaven forbid... saving a place by the pool.

But even though we've all heard the same questions about those topics a zillion times, I think it would be nice to remember that there really are newcomers out there. It's possible they have never posted on Cruise Critic before, and maybe they don't even know it's a frequently asked question. They may have never sailed with a particular cruiseline before, and they really and truly don't know what to wear on that cruiseline. For all we know, they might have never even cruised before and really need our help.

For that reason, I always give an answer to any such question a polite and compassionate answer, rather than a sarcastic "here we go again" type response. I never make fun of a person for asking one of those redundant questions, and I never tell a person to do a search when I can answer their question in a friendly way. I feel for them...because I remember what it was like to be new with 'dumb' questions.

I know there are trolls out there who stir the pot just to get an emotional response, but I think we're all smart enough to tell the difference.

Boy -- you hit the nail on the head Actually, some of those seeking an emotional response are no longer Regent customers -- they "visit" the Regent boards for exactly the reasons you stated.

Since the smoking restrictions were put into place a while ago, there has not been a smoking thread (probably over a year). It's odd that it was mentioned (it is a significant issue on the Silversea board). Saving seats by the pool is also a non-issue at Regent since they will remove people's belongings after a certain length of time (a half hour I think).

I felt that the biggest issues in 2009 were Regent's new computer system that may possibly be working correcting now (still not sure on that one). Also, the new "free excursions" that are being tried out on some itineraries since around June of this year. Dress codes was huge until last month (at least 50% of the threads were about polo shirts). Now the concern from the members who voted against "Elegant Casual" is that Regent will turn into a mainstream cruise line and lose it's luxury status. Most of us who voted for this change know that there is a whole lot more to being a luxury cruise line than wearing a tuxedo.

One more comment. . . . about searches. With the exception of yesterday, I do not recommend that people do a search (I did that for a reason that was relevant at the time). However, I do post links to boards where a person would probably get a better answer. The CC board is complex -- I didn't know it had a "Cruise Air" section until a couple of months ago. The "Port", "West and East Coast Departures" and a couple of others have much more information than the Regent board would ever have.

Guess this is way off topic (sorry Host Dan). In terms of dress code on Regent, until we see what 100% "Elegant Casual" looks like, it's hard to make recommendations. What it looks like to me is undoubtedly different to others. There have been more questions about "dress jeans" -- even though Regent specifically states "no jeans". As I have said before. . . Regent will ask you to return to your suite if it is after 6:00 p.m. and you are in jeans, shorts, t-shirts, etc.

The one thing I have learned is that no matter what you or I say (or anyone else for that matter) things will remain the same. We just have to live with it and hope that we can get the information out to people who are truly seeking answers.

[Welly1]

We chose to cruise with Regent Seven Seas since they offered some formal evenings , and booked before they changed their policy. After we realised they dropped the formal evenings we spoke to them and have now received an email from the UK office in which it it states that they do expect some guests to do their own thing and dress formally on some nights. As this was the basis on which we booked, I think that we may do this.

[OrpingtonT]

Originally Posted by Welly1

We chose to cruise with Regent Seven Seas since they offered some formal evenings , and booked before they changed their policy. After we realised they dropped the formal evenings we spoke to them and have now received an email from the UK office in which it it states that they do expect some guests to do their own thing and dress formally on some nights. As this was the basis on which we booked, I think that we may do this.

Good for you. This is what many of us hope will happen.