QE Balls

[caber]

We are taking our first Cunard cruise on Queen Elizabeth in June.

Can some of our frequent cruisers tell me what to expect at the listed balls.

 

Cunard Ball

London Ball

Elizabethan Ball (on an informal night)

Starlight Ball

 

I have searched the Cunard website with no luck.

Also, do you get your robes and slippers in the cabin without having to ask for them?

[Ray66]

You should have the bath robes and slippers in your cabin on arrival although some stewards bring them later when they turn your bed down while you're having your evening meal.

 

There is nothing to expect from those balls except a slight change in the Queens Room where different flags are put up and a different picture projected onto the curtain on the stage.

 

The only balls where I've seen passengers participate are the Masquerade balls ( people might wear a mask) and Ascot balls (ladies might wear a hat).

Edited April 22, 2014 by Ray66

[cunardaddict]

You should have the bath robes and slippers in your cabin on arrival although some stewards bring them later when they turn your bed down while you're having your evening meal.

 

There is nothing to expect from those balls except a slight change in the Queens Room where different flags are put up and a different picture projected onto the curtain on the stage.

 

The only balls where I've seen passengers participate are the Masquerade balls ( people might wear a mask) and Ascot balls (ladies might wear a hat).

 

On the Elizabethan Ball some Passengers enjoy wearing contemporary festive clothing.

[caber]

On the Elizabethan Ball some Passengers enjoy wearing contemporary festive clothing.

 

 

Bring my Santa hat??:D

[cunardaddict]

Bring my Santa hat??:D

 

Rather your millstone collars.

[caber]

OK, I may pass on that. :)

[scottjeanne]

Would anyone wear an authentic Elizabethan gown with ruff or men's britches and hose?

[capnpugwash]

Would anyone wear an authentic Elizabethan gown with ruff or men's britches and hose?

 

Yes but there is no compulsion to do so and for a one hour event it is a lot to carry. You would be in the minority to even wear any type of costume.

[Luv2Crus40]

On our first Cruise on QM2 all balls were very dressy with many formal gowns to follow the themes. When airlines started charging for extra baggage noticed fewer formal gowns. I used to pack one suitcase with themed outfits. Not so anymore.

Have not sailed Cunard in awhile so not sure how they are dressing other than what I read on the CC reviews.

[Stanleythecob]

On some of the shorter (mini) cruises the bathrobes may not appear, just ask your steward for one and it will appear.

[scottjeanne]

On some of the shorter (mini) cruises the bathrobes may not appear, just ask your steward for one and it will appear.

 

Is the bathrobe for the black and white ball or the Elizabethan ball? LOL

[caber]

Is the bathrobe for the black and white ball or the Elizabethan ball? LOL

must be the black and white ball. They are probably white.:p unless they are a little " ruff" ;)

Edited April 28, 2014 by caber

[sarafinadh]

Evening dress and scheduled balls will be posted here

 

https://ask.cunard.com/help/cunard/life-on-board/dress_code_all

 

Sara

[scottjeanne]

Thank you Sara, this is the first time I was able to see a description of the different balls Cunard hosts. I do not know if I will bring the brocade gown with ruff or my husbands breeches and hose, but we have them and it could be fun.

[scottjeanne]

Thank you Sara, this is the first time I was able to see a description of the different balls Cunard hosts. I do not know if I will bring the brocade gown with ruff or my husbands breeches and hose, but we have them and it could be fun.

[alanrow]

We did 5 weeks across the Pacific to Tokyo this year on the Queen Elizabeth and found that apart from the Masquerade night , very few people made any attempt to dress up for the themed balls . For example on the Elizabethan night , only two men had made the effort and a few more ladies had either a full or partial costume .

For Neptune , the numbers in costume were similar as they were for South Pacific night although a lot more ladies had flowers in their hair .

We do make the effort with simple home-made rigs and find that others appreciate it judging by the numbers who come up and take a photo . Cunard appear to have economised as they do not seem now to dish out a half bottle of their "special " bubbly to the best dressed attendees .

[caber]

so back to my first question, what attire for Cunard, London and Starlight Balls?

[Salacia]

so back to my first question, what attire for Cunard, London and Starlight Balls?

 

 

As was previously posted, the suggested attire for all Balls can be found here: https://ask.cunard.com/help/cunard/life-on-board/dress_code_all

 

Here is additional information, copied from https://ask.cunard.com/help/cunard/life-on-board/theme_nights

 

Do you have theme nights on board?

 

You are not required to follow the theme dress in the same way you are required to follow the dress code of the evening (i.e. formal or informal). However, if you went to the Black and White night, for example, in a red dress, this would be noticed by other guests and this may cause embarrassment. You would not be restricted from joining in the activities.

 

Suggested Attire For Theme Nights & Balls

 

 

 

 

Theme

 

Available on

 

Theme Description

 

 

 

Attire Suggestions

 

 

Black & White or Cunard Ball

 

All Ships

 

A Cunard tradition and the first Royal Event of the voyage. Includes the classic “Officers Gavotte” dance.

 

 

 

Formal Wear

 

 

 

 

Gentlemen - Tuxedo

 

 

 

 

Ladies - Evening gown

 

 

 

 

Appropriate black and white gowns and accessories

 

 

Buccaneer Ball

 

All Ships

 

Dress as a pirate and enjoy an evening of high jinks on the high seas.

 

 

 

The Buccaneer Ball may be scheduled on an Informal night

 

 

 

 

Gentlemen & Ladies – Pirate costumes Eye patches, bandanas, replica parrots and suitable buccaneer accessories

 

 

 

 

(Some items are available for purchase on the night)

 

 

Elizabethan Ball

 

Queen Elizabeth Only

 

Join the fun of the Elizabethan court in this gala night in the Queens Room.

 

 

 

The Elizabethan Ball may be scheduled on a Formal or Informal nights

 

 

 

 

Gentlemen – Breeches, cloaks and caps

 

 

 

 

Ladies – Extravagant velvet gowns and high collars

 

 

 

 

Influences from the Elizabethan era (late 16th century)

 

 

London Ball

 

Queen Elizabeth Only

 

With a London theme, the Lambeth Walk is one of the dances to enjoy on this night.

 

 

 

The London Ball may be scheduled on a Formal or Informal night

 

 

 

 

Gentlemen – Appropriately decorated hats and caps

 

 

 

 

Ladies – Hats with feathers

 

 

 

 

London Pearly King and Queen, Red, White & Blue and Union Jack influences

 

 

Masquerade / Venetian Masked Ball

 

All Ships

 

The Masquerade / Venetian Masked Ball, with a mysterious feel, takes you back to the grand old days of Venice.

 

 

 

Formal Wear

 

 

 

 

Gentlemen - Domino masks

 

 

 

 

Ladies – Fans and harlequin masks

 

 

 

 

Any Venetian Mardi Gras style masks can be worn

 

 

 

 

(a selection are available for purchase on the night)

 

 

Royal Ascot Ball

 

Queen Mary 2 & Queen Victoria Only

 

The Queens Room is transformed into Ladies Day at Royal Ascot.

 

 

 

The Royal Ascot Ball may be scheduled on a Formal night

 

 

 

 

Gentlemen - Black or grey morning coat, including a waistcoat and top hat

 

 

 

 

Ladies - Elaborately decorated hats or hair fascinators

 

 

 

 

(A hat decorating workshop is usually held on the afternoon before the ball)

 

 

Starlight Ball

 

Queen Elizabeth Only

 

Camera, lights and action for the Golden Age of Hollywood Greats. Step back in time to the days when the movie stars travelled on the Cunard Queens.

 

 

 

Formal Wear

 

 

 

 

'Pick one of your favourite Hollywood Stars or simply dress for the Red Carpeted Film Premiere’

 

 

 

 

Gentlemen – ‘White Tie’; top hat & tails, white shirt & white bow tie

 

 

 

 

Ladies – Long evening gowns, sequined or sparkling accessories, fringed bolero/shawl or faux fur

 

 

Victoriana Ball

 

Queen Victoria Only

 

The Queen Victoria hosts a Victorian themed evening in the magnificent Queens Room.

 

 

 

Formal Wear

 

 

 

 

Gentlemen – Suits, waistcoats or shirts

 

 

 

 

Ladies - Victorian style dresses

 

 

 

 

Appropriate hats for both ladies and gentlemen

 

 

 

 

Suggested Attire For World Voyage Balls For 2014

 

 

 

 

Theme

 

Available on

 

Theme Description

 

 

 

Attire Suggestions

 

 

African Ball

 

Queen Mary 2 Only

 

Enjoy a taste of Africa. Prizes will be awarded for those guests in costume.

 

 

 

Formal Wear

 

 

Why not pick up something local from your day in port?

 

 

 

Gentlemen – Brightly coloured patterned shirts in an African style

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ladies – Batik printed dresses

 

 

Australia Ball

 

All Ships

 

A celebration of ‘Aussie’ culture arrives at the Queens Room.

 

 

 

Informal Wear

 

 

Wear an outfit inspired by the colours of Aboriginal art.

 

 

 

Gentlemen – Colourful shirts

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ladies – Colourful dresses Aboriginal colours

 

 

 

 

 

 

Strong earthy tones of red, ochre, yellow and black

 

 

Burn’s Night

 

All Ships

 

Tonight is something special. Witness the address of the Haggis, A Toast to the lassies and the reply from the lassies.

 

 

 

The Burn’s Night Ball will normally be scheduled on January 25th on a Formal or Informal night

 

 

Guest star pipers are always welcomed!

 

 

 

Gentlemen – Hint of Tartan, kilts for the brave!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ladies – Tartan scarf’s or skirts

 

 

Carnival Ball

 

Queen Mary 2 & Queen Victoria Only

 

Feel the warmth of Rio and the famous Carnival atmosphere in the Queens Room.

 

 

 

Formal Wear

 

 

 

 

Gentlemen – Flamboyant and brightly coloured

 

 

 

 

ties or shirts

 

 

 

 

Ladies – Elaborate and brightly coloured dresses

 

 

Egyptian Ball/Arabian Nights

 

Queen Mary 2 & Queen Elizabeth Only

 

Walk like an Egyptian King and grant 3 wishes tonight whilst dressed in your local Egyptian/Arabian outfit.

 

 

 

Formal Wear

 

 

 

 

Gentlemen - Pharaoh or Tutankhamen costume / Sultans & Sheikhs

 

 

 

 

Ladies - Egyptian Empress, Cleopatra or Queen of the Nile / Arabic Princesses or Belly Dancers

 

 

Hawaiian Ball

 

Queen Victoria &

 

With a Polynesian flair, come and dance and enjoy the evening to celebrate the Hawaiian Islands.

 

 

 

Formal Wear

 

 

Queen Elizabeth Only

 

 

 

Gentlemen - White formal jacket or influences from Hawaiian culture

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ladies – Brightly coloured floral dresses, leis and flowers in hair

 

 

Madam Butterfly Ball

 

Queen Mary 2 & Queen Elizabeth Only

 

A classic Oriental themed Royal Event.

 

 

 

Formal Wear

 

 

 

 

Gentlemen – American Naval Lieutenant or influences from Japanese fashion

 

 

 

 

Ladies – Geisha inspired, Kimono and accessories such as fans and parasols

 

 

Mariner’s Ball

 

Queen Mary 2 Only

 

The Queens Room salutes all our seafaring ladies and gentlemen.

 

 

 

Formal Wear

 

 

 

 

Gentlemen – Nautical influenced suits, sailor or Navy attire

 

 

 

 

Ladies – Nautical blue & white striped influences and accessories

 

 

Neptune’s Ball

 

All Ships

 

A celebration of crossing the Equator.

 

 

 

Formal Wear

 

 

Meet King Neptune and his wife Queen Aphrodite.

 

 

 

Gentlemen - Neptune or Sailor’s uniforms

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ladies - Mermaid or sea witch costumes

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nautical themed costumes

 

 

Night of the Raj

 

Queen Mary 2 & Queen Elizabeth Only

 

The elegance of India is on display tonight.

 

 

 

Formal Wear

 

 

Prizes will be awarded to those guests in costume.

 

 

 

Gentlemen – British Indian Empire influences or Sherwani and Indian turbans

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ladies – Sari’s or Salwar Kameez, bindis and bangles

 

 

Oriental Ball

 

Queen Mary 2 & Queen Elizabeth Only

 

Did you buy something special in the Orient?

 

 

 

Formal Wear

 

 

Flaunt it tonight at the Oriental Ball.

 

 

 

Gentlemen – Oriental influenced shirts or jackets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ladies – Oriental silk dresses or jackets

 

 

Roaring Twenties

 

All Ships

 

Tonight we celebrate the era of the Charleston!

 

 

 

Formal Wear

 

 

Awards for the best costumes.

 

 

 

Gentlemen – Double breasted pin-striped suit or tailcoat & waistcoat. Fedora or top hat

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ladies – Flapper dresses, feather boas, beads, headbands and gloves

 

 

South Pacific or

 

All Ships

 

The Queens Room comes alive with the colours and warmth of the South Pacific.

 

 

 

Formal Wear

 

 

Pacific Ball

 

 

 

Gentlemen – White formal jacket or influences from the Musical ‘South Pacific’

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ladies – Brightly coloured floral dresses, leis and flowers in hair

 

 

St. Patrick’s Day

 

All Ships

 

The luck of the Irish is alive in the Queens Room this evening.

 

 

 

The St Patrick’s Day Ball will normally be scheduled on March 17th on an Informal night

 

 

 

 

Ladies & Gentlemen – a hint of Emerald green

 

 

Valentine’s Ball

 

All Ships

 

A romantic evening of Viennese Waltz and the Rumba; the dance of love!

 

 

 

Formal Wear

 

 

Travelling solo? Join our Gentleman Dance Hosts for a turn around the dance floor.

 

 

 

Gentlemen - Tuxedo

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ladies - Evening gown

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attire should include a piece of red clothing

 

COPIED FROM https://ask.cunard.com/help/cunard/life-on-board/theme_nights

Edited May 3, 2014 by Salacia

[Salacia]

Is the bathrobe for the black and white ball or the Elizabethan ball? LOL

 

It on how long it's been since the bathrobe was laundered. If the collar stands up on it's own- it's good for the Elizabethan Ball.

[caber]

Salacia, thanks for the information.