Jeans in Sette Mari & Lounges - What do you think?

[freddie]

I must agree with a previous poster that the original post was a bit inconsistent, as the title referred to "Jeans in Sette Mari & Lounges", while the question later posed referred to jeans and shorts in all restaurants on the ships. However, his further contention that the post was stupid and that the issue should not be discussed further was intemperate and entirely inappropriate.

 

TC2 and I will likely never agree upon the suitability of my beloved Tommy Bahama shirts for dining in CR or Signatures (nor will my dear friend,Wendy, and I likely ever see eye to eye regarding her clearly deranged dislike of cargo shorts - hmm, perhaps a bad episode on a mountain hike in her college days?? ;) ). Nonetheless, despite my personal preference for dining in T-shirts and cargo shorts (if the Regent ship just happened to be my private yacht), I am quite happy with the Regent dress code as stated and follow it assiduously. It would become quite complicated if there were a load of exceptions to the stated dress code (i.e. jeans OK in SM, the Navigator Lounge, the balcony of the theatre, tables 3 & 4 in the casino...). Perhaps Mark Conroy did indeed not think through the implications of his quick response to Wes regarding the matter.

 

The concern that I would have with a further casualization of the dress code is that the dining room staff might take the attitude that, "Well, the passengers are all dressed for the Olive Garden and Red Lobster; so that's what we'll serve 'em!!" My sincere hope is that the wonderful staff is more disciplined than that.

 

BTW, I don't recall reading any reference to shorts in Mark Conroy's response to Wes, one way or the other.

 

Cheers, Fred (who wears cargo shorts every day of the year but won't - I promise - wear them into CR, P7, or Signatures in the evening)

 

PS - Considering the demographic of Regent pax and the dodgy knees and hips many of us have, all of these references to "slippery slopes" are quite disturbing.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

...

In fact, if Regent wants to stay relevant I would say they need to overlook the fabric of the trousers and keep focused on continuing to play to those who can afford to pay the fare, regardless of the fabric of their trousers.

 

...

I would just caution everyone to recognize that in view of Regent's current fare and current birth date of passengers, there is no danger of droves of people suddenly boarding Regent ships wearing Levis and ball caps, thereby inhibiting one's dining enjoyment. In other words, relax.

 

Mimito4, nice to see you posting. Your wit is very welcome!

[Seabourntraveller]

ST: Welcome to our world. You will definitely find Regent much more casual than Seabourn and the Regent board quite lively. Many posters on the Regent board do not know that you hold the CruiseCritic record for the most "reads" on two of your threads. Others may not know that I copied you when I posted menus from our recent cruise (although I did give you credit on the thread) Really looking forward to reading your thoughts on Regent.

 

Really sorry that this thread got off-track. Hope we can continue to share opinions without attacking each other.:)

 

I would of thought by now that we would have made a decision to cruise Regent on the Mariner from Barcelona to Buenos Aires Nov 20, 2013 for 30 days and then continuing on on the Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro Dec 20th to Jan 4th, for another 15 nights but we are waiting to see what Seabourn is going to release for the same period and they are now delaying the release until Mid August.:mad: I think we are just going to "bite the bullet" and take a risk and book the Mariner for 45 days. Regent seems to have a lot of positives similar to Seabourn. My only wish is that they would have an option to "opt out" of excursions if you wanted to.:eek:

 

Jeans are not permitted on Seabourn during the evening even on Resort Casual Nights although you do see it every now and then. Personally I don't have a problem with it as I would prefer that they turn their attention and focus on the half naked people who parade around the ship in the Terry Robe Bathrobes!!! Believe it or I've seen people come up for breakfast and lunch in the buffet line and take a take-away plate back to their Suites in their Bathrobes.:confused:

[Wendy The Wanderer]

...(nor will my dear friend,Wendy, and I likely ever see eye to eye regarding her clearly deranged dislike of cargo shorts - hmm, perhaps a bad episode on a mountain hike in her college days?? ;) ). ...

Cheers, Fred (who wears cargo shorts every day of the year but won't - I promise - wear them into CR, P7, or Signatures in the evening)

 

Dearest Fred, you wear your cargo shorts whenever you like!

 

As for college, we don't do that here in Canada, we do "university"! And we don't have any mountains. And, cargo shorts hadn't been invented yet!

[Patti22]

ST,

So happy you are back cruising soon. Your daily info is great. Are you serious about people in bathrobes in the restaurants? Doesn't anyone do anything about this? You are so funny, can't wait for more reports. PS, we saw no jeans in Jan on Sojourn but, heck you can't be everywhere.

[Seabourntraveller]

ST,

So happy you are back cruising soon. Your daily info is great. Are you serious about people in bathrobes in the restaurants? Doesn't anyone do anything about this? You are so funny, can't wait for more reports. PS, we saw no jeans in Jan on Sojourn but, heck you can't be everywhere.

 

Yes true story about people coming into Seabourn Square in their Bathrobes, or the Patio Grill in their Bathrobes, but the best was slippers and bathrobe at the Luncheon Buffet line in the Colonnade. An Asst' Maitre'd did approach the person but he flipped him off.

 

Can't wait to be back on the Sojourn at the end of August for 33 Glorious Days from Stockholm to Montreal, the Path of the Vikings!;)...stay tuned!:D

[Travelcat2]

Yep, that would be me. And I guess I count as a "younger folk" since I'm only 42 and my husband is turning 40 on monday.

 

And did you wear jeans on your Regent cruise (or, will you when you sail on Regent)? Your signature doesn't indicate Regent...... just curious. But, you're definitely be considered one of the "younger folk", but would be asked to change if you wore jeans after 6:00 p.m. (at least as the policy stands now)

 

Rachel: Love the thought of you packing a cocktail dress for every night:-) There are so many men on the ships in a suit or sports coat -- I can imagine that dining in Sette Mari in jeans would look fairly silly.

 

Also want to address a couple of posters who apparently are not used to threads changing direction a bit. It is rather difficult to discuss only one aspect of the dress code in Sette Mari without it affecting other things. My initial subject assumed that people dining in Sette Mari would end up in a lounge in jeans at some point. Obviously shorts and cargo pants fit into the category of attire currently not worn on the ship after 6:00 p.m. (except on the Mariner on the current cruise). For clarification, we live in an area where jeans, shorts and cargo pants is accepted just about anywhere. A lot of criticism of certain types of clothing are aimed at what is considered appropriate on a luxury ship after 6:00 p.m. -- not what any of us do at home.

[pingpong1]

So, FREDDIE - Exactly what is it that you have against the service and food at Olive Garden and Red Lobster ((Post #60))? Is it because the food is not served on English bone china along with Edinburgh Crystal water goblets? A lot of "regular people" work many long hours at those establishments trying to make a livable wage. It's also where many millions of "ordinary people" (perhaps not "wealthy folks") go to get a reasonably priced, and for the most part enjoyable, meal with their families.

 

NEW LONDON - Please re-read Para 2 of my original post ((#23)) in the context of the above remark. Yes, I do take issue with folks who think they're just a little bit better than having to eat with the "rabble and the masses".

 

On my last cruise (Avalon Waterways) I would have been most delighted if ANY of the evening meals that I had been served during that entire cruise were "half as good" as the average meal I regularly order...and immensly enjoy...at my local Red Lobster or Olive Garden! I will wait to see if the spaghetti and meatballs served in SM tastes any better (or even as good as) that served at my neighborhood Olive Garden (not to mention the wonderful bowls of tossed salads that they serve))! I also quite like the variety of dishes served at Red Lobster and Bonefish, as well. Oh, but wait....none of those places take reservations!

 

Yes, I've been fortunate in my life that I could retire at 58 and can now afford to book a Regent or a European river cruise. But I certainly try not to let myself think that this good fortune has made me "too good" or too "highfalutin" to enjoy an unpretentious, yet delicious meal, at a Red Lobster, either!

 

NEW LONDON - I absolutely agree that a cruiseline is well within their right to establish any standard they choose and that they also certainly have the right to change or modify any of those standards or policies whenever they choose to as well, without first getting the "permission" of their customer base. Naturally, they have to take into account that those business decisions carry consequences with them; both potentially bad and good. That's why I admire Mr. Conroy - as a proactive executive - to look at past and current policies, constantly review them, and consider making changes that might be necessary to "keep up" with the changing demands and expectations of a constantly changing customer base.

 

Regards to all. I really have enjoyed the foregoing conversations on this thread. I can't stop ready them - it's addictive! :p

[hondorner]

...Another question asked earlier on was about how people will be dressing in the future.

I once read a science fiction novel in which the accepted garb was to go stark naked as long as one's head was covered. :cool:

[hondorner]

...It would become quite complicated if there were a load of exceptions to the stated dress code (i.e. jeans OK in SM, the Navigator Lounge, the balcony of the theatre, tables 3 & 4 in the casino...)...

Maybe they could post cartoon pictures at the entrance to each venue, illustrating the incorrect dress for that location by picturing it with a red slash across it. ;) The only problem might be that someone could interpret it as OK to wear the prohibited item as long as they had a red sash over their garb! :p

[rogerstone]

Obviously shorts and cargo pants fit into the category of attire currently not worn on the ship after 6:00 p.m.

 

 

From Regent website, note references to "recommended" and what is not to be worn at dinner in para 2 but para 1 says casual wear is inappropriate anyway after 6pm. Confusing.

 

 

Attire ranges from Casual to Formal Optional. Casual wear is appropriate for daytime onboard or ashore, and consists of resort-style outfits. Casual wear, including shorts and jeans, is not appropriate after 6:00 pm, with the exception of the final evening of the cruise. On the night prior to disembarkation, guests may need to pack their luggage early due to morning flights the next day. With this in mind on the last night of every voyage we will relax the dress code for dinner to Casual.

 

The recommended onboard dress in the evenings is Elegant Casual resort wear. Formal and semi-formal attire is optional on sailings of 16 nights or more. Dinner dress includes skirt, or slacks with blouse or sweater, pant suit or dress for ladies; slacks and collared shirt for gentlemen. Sport jackets are optional. Jeans, shorts, t-shirts or tennis shoes are not to be worn at dinner. Ties are not required.

[claranda]

I have a friend who wears jeans nearly all the time but he never pays less than £250 for them. But jeans are jeans, however designer and pricey and IMHO they just don't seem to fit on a luxury ship in the evenings. But then again...I am of a certain age....

 

When you say tee shirts not allowed does that include collared tee shirts (or polo shirts as we call them in the UK)?

[galavant3]

My son and I board voyager on July 29. And in honor of this thread, I have decided to pack a different cocktail dress for each evening!

 

Seriously though, you will not see jeans, shorts or the dreaded cargo pants on me or my son after 6 pm. He is even more picky than me about clothes, and he is only 26.

 

This issue of age has me thinking. My father was in the military so I was raised in a very structured environment. I was taught that when you were asked to dress a certain way, you did. It was simply the polite thing to do. I've raised my kids the same way. They would not feel comfortable wearing jeans when the published dress code requests that you do not. They are 19, 22 and 25.

[PaReader]

[quote=Travelcat2;34600090

I really wanted to hear the opinions of those who have sailed on Regent. As usual, I also got opinions from those who have not sailed Regent. While this is okay, I question an opinion when they have not been on the ship (you heard that from me before)

 

I agree...For example, I am troubled by those who criticize Oceania but have never sailed on that line. One can do all the "research" possible, but it still is not the same as actually experiencing the ship.

[RachelG]

This issue of age has me thinking. My father was in the military so I was raised in a very structured environment. I was taught that when you were asked to dress a certain way, you did. It was simply the polite thing to do. I've raised my kids the same way. They would not feel comfortable wearing jeans when the published dress code requests that you do not. They are 19, 22 and 25.

 

My son is a Marine veteran, so that may have something to do with his attitude too, though I was taught the same as you and raised my kids that way too. Now the younger son would probably wear jeans and cargo shorts in the evening if he thought he could get away with it--different personality altogether. We have had to send him back to change clothes at home many times before going out because I thought he was not dressed appropriately.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

So, FREDDIE - Exactly what is it that you have against the service and food at Olive Garden and Red Lobster ((Post #60))? Is it because the food is not served on English bone china along with Edinburgh Crystal water goblets? A lot of "regular people" work many long hours at those establishments trying to make a livable wage. It's also where many millions of "ordinary people" (perhaps not "wealthy folks") go to get a reasonably priced, and for the most part enjoyable, meal with their families.

 

Fortunately not this family! But we live in a big city where we can avoid chain restaurants of all kinds. Even in our little town in Florida we can do that. The only time we eat in chains is when we're travellling on the Interstate or in small towns--I remember being very grateful for the Olive Garden in Dover Delaware, for instance. This is not an issue of snobbery, believe me, but of authenticity. I admit I've never eaten in a Red Lobster, although there's one downtown here.

 

Maybe they could post cartoon pictures at the entrance to each venue, illustrating the incorrect dress for that location by picturing it with a red slash across it. ;) The only problem might be that someone could interpret it as OK to wear the prohibited item as long as they had a red sash over their garb! :p

 

Don, that's hilarious. I love the idea of cartoons! Kind of the like the photos of food in cheap Asian restaurants. Or you could do it like Japanese restaurants--have plastic representations of the real thing--little dolls perhaps, dressed up in appropriate costumes!

 

When you say tee shirts not allowed does that include collared tee shirts (or polo shirts as we call them in the UK)?

 

Collared polo shirts are fine, although some would disagree that they are within the spirit of "elegant casual".

 

I always have interpreted the ban of t-shirts to mean t-shirts with pictures on them, or the kind of work out in. I have been known wear a nice cotton knit top in the evening if I'm feeling particularly casual. But it's easier for women to pull this off.

[English Tim]

I have a friend who wears jeans nearly all the time but he never pays less than £250 for them. But jeans are jeans, however designer and pricey and IMHO they just don't seem to fit on a luxury ship in the evenings. But then again...I am of a certain age....

 

 

ooooowwwwwwwwwwwww much!:)

[Travelcat2]

Don: I needed that laugh this morning! Thanks.:D

 

rogerstone: I acknowledged in a previous post the polite and respectful way that Regent wrote their dress code policy. However, it is enforced and you cannot dress any way you wish.

 

PaReader: At least when I criticize some of Oceania's policies (mainly because they end of being forced upon Regent), I am honest and state the fact that I have not stepped foot on a Oceania ship. Wish others would do the same.

 

I am still wondering what the big deal is about wearing slacks and a short/long sleeved collared shirt on a luxury cruise ship for dinner? If this "jeans thing" becomes a "suggested" policy, Regent will have again dipped its toes into the non-luxury area. Some posters on other boards already question whether Regent is a true luxury line. This will answer the question for them IMHO.

[sherilyn70]

And did you wear jeans on your Regent cruise (or, will you when you sail on Regent)? Your signature doesn't indicate Regent...... just curious. But, you're definitely be considered one of the "younger folk", but would be asked to change if you wore jeans after 6:00 p.m. (at least as the policy stands now)

 

As I stated in post #14... I am okay with following the dress code if I know that's what I signed up for. I just find it a bit silly not being able to dress nicely in my jeans and a comfortable shirt if I want to.

 

However that post you quoted me on was about wanting other options available for those of us that do prefer to be a tad more casual but still look nice.

 

No, I haven't sailed Regent yet... but we're definitely looking at it next. Having kids (and custody battles with an ex-wife) puts a crimp on our cruising funds but it's on the list. :)

[galavant3]

No, I haven't sailed Regent yet... but we're definitely looking at it next. :)

 

You will not regret sailing with Regent! I think once you are on board, you will understand the concern. The atmosphere and level of service are well beyond what you will find on RCCL and Carnival. If the dining room on Regent was a land based restaurant, I would not feel comfortable or appropriate in jeans...and I live in Texas and wear jeans daily!

[sherilyn70]

You will not regret sailing with Regent! I think once you are on board, you will understand the concern. The atmosphere and level of service are well beyond what you will find on RCCL and Carnival. If the dining room on Regent was a land based restaurant, I would not feel comfortable or appropriate in jeans...and I live in Texas and wear jeans daily!

 

My husband and I both prefer a level higher than we got on RCCL or Carnival... I just didn't know any better at the time when booking them. Now that I'm aware of other lines I realize I can find something more suited to our personalities. We enjoy good food and history... and a cruise with historical or interesting ports can make it the best of both worlds.

 

I do however feel comfortable in higher end restaurants wearing jeans. As mentioned in a prior posting, I wear them to places like Morimoto, Smith & Wolensky and Fogo de Chao, which I imagine would be more in line with the service on Regent.

[newlondon]

pingpong1, It's interesting that in most areas you and I are not far apart. As I said about your original post #23 I was dismayed by paras 2&3. I did reread them and my response; I still feel an animus from you about people who MAY have more money than the average bear. The third para I'll back off.

Personally I love OG & RL. but even there my 70 yrs of Yankee experience says "going out to dinner, clean up" and imo that doesn't mean $300 jeans.

Just me:D

[esther e]

And I don't think women should wear sandals without a proper pedicure. :)

[newlondon]

Don & Betsy, You won't believe how appropriate your suggestion is.

My golf club is having problems with dress code, cart operation and cell phones. They sent out a series of e-mails to the membership with pictures of inappropriate behaviour. It has had a significant effect:D

[galavant3]

My husband and I both prefer a level higher than we got on RCCL or Carnival... I just didn't know any better at the time when booking them. Now that I'm aware of other lines I realize I can find something more suited to our personalities. We enjoy good food and history... and a cruise with historical or interesting ports can make it the best of both worlds.

 

I do however feel comfortable in higher end restaurants wearing jeans. As mentioned in a prior posting, I wear them to places like Morimoto, Smith & Wolensky and Fogo de Chao, which I imagine would be more in line with the service on Regent.

 

We also cruise on RCCL - we still cruise with our kids and sometimes just like to drive to a nearby port and get away for a week. For us it is a good option.

 

I wasn't implying that you weren't dressed appropriately when you go out to dinner and I am sorry if that it is how it came across! I was just suggesting that you might feel otherwise once you've been on board.

 

I hope you enjoy planning! For me it is a huge part of the experience.