Dress code on Azura

[Essexlass2]

We are booked on the Azura and have chosen freedom dining. Can someone please explain to me what the three dress codes mean exactly. Whilst we always dress smart casual in the evenings, we're not really into evening dresses/suits at all so do we have to do this or can we dine where that would not be necessary. I am totally confused!:confused:

[Thejuggler]

Read the brochure it has all the detail you need.

 

Whilst you may not be into dressing up, it's part of the holiday - all it means is for two nights each week you need to dress slightly smarter. No need for a dinner suit for the men - a dark lounge suit and tie will do for formal and semi formal evenings.

 

The self service restaurant may be more relaxed, but some bars may not let you in unless you conform to the dress code. We've not been on Azura so don't know how strict they are.

[BrianI]

The dress code applies to all restaurants, including Freedom dining, and certain bars but you can eat in the self service buffet if you want and miss out on the enhanced Gala menu in the restaurants on formal nights.

This link explains the dress code

https://ask.pocruises.com/help/PO/life-on-board/dress_code

Brian

[daiB]

We are booked on the Azura and have chosen freedom dining. Can someone please explain to me what the three dress codes mean exactly. Whilst we always dress smart casual in the evenings, we're not really into evening dresses/suits at all so do we have to do this or can we dine where that would not be necessary. I am totally confused!:confused:

 

Dressing up is a major part of a p&p cruise and freedom dining relates to the time you dine and not what you wear.

 

You will be very restricted in the evening if you do not follow the code.

 

Gan canny

Dai

[annieuk]

We're just back from Azura and I would say the vast majority of passengers abided by the Dress Code. As has been said it applies to all restaurants - apart from the buffet - and some bars. We saw an officer at the entrance of the restaurant on a semi-formal evening turning away any man who didn't have a jacket on.

 

On the formal evenings I would say over 90% of men wear dinner jackets. There is an enhanced menu on formal evenings and on the Gala evening we had a wonderful Beef Wellington on the menu - so tender. The ship takes on a special atmosphere on a formal evening - it would be such a pity to miss it. It's only four nights out of a fortnight - do think about it - it's so special.

 

Carole

[LN50]

We were recently on Ventura and noticed that early evening on formal night people were being turned away, very politely, from the Metropolis bar. I feel that IMHO if there is a dress code then people should at least make an effort and like you say it makes for a special atmosphere. :)

[davecttr]

We're just back from Azura and I would say the vast majority of passengers abided by the Dress Code. As has been said it applies to all restaurants - apart from the buffet - and some bars. We saw an officer at the entrance of the restaurant on a semi-formal evening turning away any man who didn't have a jacket on.

 

On the formal evenings I would say over 90% of men wear dinner jackets. There is an enhanced menu on formal evenings and on the Gala evening we had a wonderful Beef Wellington on the menu - so tender. The ship takes on a special atmosphere on a formal evening - it would be such a pity to miss it. It's only four nights out of a fortnight - do think about it - it's so special.

 

Carole

 

Which bars, what about the casino, theatre etc?. This is the essence of the great P&O dress code debate. Not the code itself, but how it is actually implemented, in detail.

[Essexlass2]

Interesting replies, thanks. From a female point of view and someone who is unable to wear high heels due to a foot problem, I cannot imagine wearing a cocktail dress or indeed anything 'posh' dresswise and then having to wear flat shoes. Wearing smart casual means I could get away with flat sandals. What about a nice sundress type dress? Any thoughts, suggestions or comments from all the ladies out there?

 

Its not that I don't want to wear formal or dress up, just that it won't look at all nice wearing a pretty dress with clumpy shoes!!

[u2cruiser]

Interesting replies, thanks. From a female point of view and someone who is unable to wear high heels due to a foot problem, I cannot imagine wearing a cocktail dress or indeed anything 'posh' dresswise and then having to wear flat shoes. Wearing smart casual means I could get away with flat sandals. What about a nice sundress type dress? Any thoughts, suggestions or comments from all the ladies out there?

 

Its not that I don't want to wear formal or dress up, just that it won't look at all nice wearing a pretty dress with clumpy shoes!!

 

Essexlass, have you seen all the lovely flat pumps that are about right now? They have them to fit all shapes and sizes of feet. Some are really pretty, in every colour, with jewels for evening wear. Try Debenhams online to get an idea. :)

[Pink-belle]

A sundress can mean different things to different people, so can't really comment on that.

 

However, I need to wear flat shoes, I usually go for a flat sandal or ballet pump type shoe, both look fine with evening wear.

 

Trousers with a more glitzy top are also quite a popular choice for some ladies, and would be okay with your footwear.

[Essexlass2]

Thanks u2cruiser I will do that but they have to have a soft inner sole. Do you think they'd look okay with a posh frock?

[Essexlass2]

Thank you Pink-Belle, I feel better already with you ladies helping me :)

[u2cruiser]

Thanks u2cruiser I will do that but they have to have a soft inner sole. Do you think they'd look okay with a posh frock?

 

They would be perfect and very fashionable right now. They come in lovely suedes and gold/silver materials. Some are really soft and elsticated. :)

[capasamari]

Don't forget that full-length dresses, either formal or smart casual, are the height of fashion this year and can obviously be worn with whatever heel height you choose. A closed shoe such as a ballet pump will look smarter than an open-toed shoe or sandal.

 

Carol x

[anagram]

We are booked on the Azura and have chosen freedom dining. Can someone please explain to me what the three dress codes mean exactly. Whilst we always dress smart casual in the evenings, we're not really into evening dresses/suits at all so do we have to do this or can we dine where that would not be necessary. I am totally confused!:confused:

 

On a recent cruise with Azura in the caribbean 90% wore formal dress either a dinner suit or dark suit for men, ladies wore long or short dresses. On the semi formal night I would say only 40% of the men wore a jacket and tie just a smart shirt and long trousers , nobody was stopped. My husband wore his dinner suit on formal nights of which there were 4 in a 14 night cruise and he took another suit but only wore this once after he had seen what everyone else wore, semi formal was again 4 nights, mind you it was very warm !!! others who wanted to have a more relaxed evening went to the buffet and were still allowed in the bars as normal.

[eyeball652009]

Put your tux on and visit the Glass House. It's a bit like visiting a posh aunt, but instead of being offered cakes on a cake dish, you get a 'flight' of wines! 3 different, specially selected wines to eat with the speciality food on offer, stacked up on a holder, the likes of which I have not seen before. Can't wait to get back there.

[u2cruiser]

Put your tux on and visit the Glass House. It's a bit like visiting a posh aunt, but instead of being offered cakes on a cake dish, you get a 'flight' of wines! 3 different, specially selected wines to eat with the speciality food on offer, stacked up on a holder, the likes of which I have not seen before. Can't wait to get back there.

 

Now THAT sounds like a plan :D

 

You sold it to me. Roughly how much does the flight/evening cost please? Do you have a picture? :)

[cruiseluvva]

In the Glasshouse, you must try the Peller Ice Cuvee - just fabulous.

[Dawning]

We are booked on the Azura and have chosen freedom dining. Can someone please explain to me what the three dress codes mean exactly. Whilst we always dress smart casual in the evenings, we're not really into evening dresses/suits at all so do we have to do this or can we dine where that would not be necessary. I am totally confused!:confused:

When we started cruising three years ago, (we have now done three, the last being on Azura) my husband was against buying an evening suit and "dressing up" as he called it. However, I insisted he bought one, together with shirt, shoes, etc. although he refused to wear a bow tie, and wore a black tie with sparkly bits on it instead. By the second cruise, he was happy to wear a bow tie, and now feels quite comfortable on formal nights. If you are really against it, you can eat in the buffet restaurant on the top deck. For myself, I don't suit dresses of any kind, so for formal nights I wear black evening trousers with a selection of sparkly tops, and have always felt correctly dressed. We, too, have freedom dining, but that is irrelevant, the dress code is the same whatever time you dine. For semi-formal nights, my husband took a seperate jacket and tie, which he wore with the smart trousers he usually wears down to dinner on holiday, but some men just wore a nice shirt and trousers. I just wear some of my tops or blouses with various colour trousers, much the same as on casual nights, and my husband wears short sleeved shirts and chinos on casual nights. Hope this helps, and you enjoy Azura, which we did.

[ChrissieM]

We came back from a Caribbean cruise on Azura 2 weeks ago and I understand that the dress code for men on semi-formal nights was being enforced although I didn't see an instance myself. Men were asked not to enter the main restaurants if they weren't wearing a jacket, and the rule also applies to the Planet Bar and the Blue Bar as far as I remember. Ties are not so essential these days, as it seems quite acceptable to wear a jacket and shirt without a tie.

 

Essex lass - don't worry about the flat shoes - they will be fine. Lots of people wear sparkly flat sandals with their evening wear. Try M&S, their footgloves cover all eventualities these days!

[Essexlass2]

Thank you all so much, great suggestions and advice! :D