Formal Nights - Can You Opt Out?

[Jdell]

Hi All,

 

I am considering a 7-night Mediterranean Cruise in August. My husband and I are 53 and 49, respectively and we are bringing our "adult" children, ages 21 and 19. While we do like to dress, I really would prefer to not have to bring formal dresses and tuxes/suits on this trip.

 

Are there alternative dining options on the formal nights or is it totally taboo to go on a Cunard cruise and not participate in formal nights?

 

Thanks!

[PORT ROYAL]

Hi All,

 

I am considering a 7-night Mediterranean Cruise in August. My husband and I are 53 and 49, respectively and we are bringing our "adult" children, ages 21 and 19. While we do like to dress, I really would prefer to not have to bring formal dresses and tuxes/suits on this trip.

 

Are there alternative dining options on the formal nights or is it totally taboo to go on a Cunard cruise and not participate in formal nights?

 

Thanks!

 

No problem.

 

Without confirming to the dress code, you are able to dine in the buffet and enjoy your evening in the garden room/lounge :)

 

Everywhere else on the ship has an enforced dress code. ;)

[pepperrn]

Hi All, I am considering a 7-night Mediterranean Cruise in August. My husband and I are 53 and 49, respectively and we are bringing our "adult" children, ages 21 and 19. While we do like to dress, I really would prefer to not have to bring formal dresses and tuxes/suits on this trip.

Are there alternative dining options on the formal nights or is it totally taboo to go on a Cunard cruise and not participate in formal nights?

Thanks!

Hi Jdell,

 

I agree with what Port Royal has written above; of course you can go on a Cunard cruise and not dress formally (or even informally) in the evenings.

 

As Port Royal has stated, one self-serve buffet and one bar/lounge is open each evening for those who wish to remain in casual daytime clothing at night.

 

The remaining bars, lounges, theatre, casino, pub and restaurants will expect (and could/will insist) that passengers be dressed as that evening's dress code states (formal or informal).

 

Please be aware that on Cunard ships "informal" means men must wear a jacket (but may choose not to wear a tie) and for ladies a cocktail dress.

 

Formal means a dark suit and tie, or dinner suit for men, formal gown or cocktail dress for ladies.

 

Alternatively there is always room service and something on the TV for the evening.

 

Unless you are happy with the above limitations, or would consider packing one dark suit (suitable for all evenings after all) and a lady a couple of cocktail dresses, have you given consideration to one of the many, many, many other cruise ships that sail the Mediterranean during the summer, that have either a casual dress-code or no dress-code at all?

They would allow you the run of the ship in casual clothes, rather than restrict you to the same buffet and bar each evening.

 

One of the main attractions for many is the formal atmosphere on board Cunard ships in the evenings on both formal and informal nights.

 

Whatever you decide, have the most wonderful cruise :) .

Edited June 18, 2016 by pepperrn

[Cruzinram]

This is exactly why our next cruise will be on Cunard. Class, elegance, and sophistication. And enforcement!

[AZNative2000]

This is exactly why our next cruise will be on Cunard. Class, elegance, and sophistication. And enforcement!

Hear hear ... as about-to-be first-time Cunarders, we are counting on it.:):)

 

Cheers!

[Bell Boy]

It would be a shame to spend a premium to sail on Cunard and end up most evenings not enjoying the atmosphere on offer in the beautiful venues/ cocktail bars and end up dining in the self service buffet.

 

I appreciate you may not want to take along too much formal wear, but surely you'll still want to enjoy the 'informal evenings', however that still means for males a 'Jacket' at least ( although most will opt for a suit) after six pm in all venues throughout the ship.

 

95% of folk who choose to sail Cunard, do so for the enforced evening dress code. Almost everyone will make the evenings a sense of occasion 'especially the ladies', something we don't get the opportunity to do at home or on a land based vacation.

[Austcruiser84]

How I imagine this playing out on board:

 

The evening arrived; the passengers took their places. The Maitre de, in his Cunard uniform, stationed himself at the entrance; his assistants ranged themselves behind him; the table service was set out; and a long queue of freshly prepared meals awaited consumption. For many, the first course had already disappeared; a newly arrived family, dressed ever so casually, whispered to each other, and looked over the formal splendour of the dining room and its occupants; while a bejewelled woman next to them furiously nudged her husband in disgust. Dressed as they were, they were desperate with hunger after a day of touring ashore. They entered the dining room; and advancing to the Maitre de, table number card in hand, said: somewhat alarmed at their own temerity:

 

'Please, sir, we would like to be seated.'

 

The Maitre de was a fat, healthy man; but he turned very pale. He gazed in stupified astonishment on the small rebel party for some seconds, and then clung for support to the table. The assistants were paralysed with wonder; fellow passengers at tables nearby with fear.

 

'What!' said the Maitre de at length, in a faint voice.

 

'Please, sir,' replied the underdressed family, 'we would like to be seated.'

 

The Maitre de aimed a blow at their heads with a silver fish fork; several waiters pinioned them in their arms; and shrieked aloud for the Captain.*

Edited June 18, 2016 by Austcruiser84

[PORT ROYAL]

This is exactly why our next cruise will be on Cunard. Class, elegance, and sophistication. And enforcement!

 

And Cunarders :)

[sandjango]

Hi All,

 

I am considering a 7-night Mediterranean Cruise in August. My husband and I are 53 and 49, respectively and we are bringing our "adult" children, ages 21 and 19. While we do like to dress, I really would prefer to not have to bring formal dresses and tuxes/suits on this trip.

 

Are there alternative dining options on the formal nights or is it totally taboo to go on a Cunard cruise and not participate in formal nights?

 

Thanks!

I hope you will reconsider......Cunard is famous for its amazing formal evenings....You will be missing out on the superb Cunard experience found on no other ship...but of course you will still enjoy your voyage

[cw10]

I too am 40 something and my partner and I frequently travel on Cunard with our 19 year old son. Whilst we totally adhere to the dress code of the evening we never, ever dine in the Brittania restaurant and we rarely see a show or watch the dancing in the Queens Room. This is because we are having a wonderful time onboard doing 'other things'. We usually have a lovely evening meal in the buffet, dining on what we want and when we want - in lovely peaceful surroundings with a sea view. We then like to stretch our legs out on deck, play a few deck games, visit the library, the card room and if the weather conditions are right go for a swim or visit the gym. We adore music and film and usually watch a movie in our stateroom before retiring for bed. We are never bored, we don't feel like we are missing out - we just like to do our own thing and enjoy the ships facilities during the quieter times.

Everyone's holidays are different and I think it is more than possible to have a fabulous holiday without a ball gown and tux.

[Jacqueline]

Nice comments, CW.

My experience with these very port intensive cruises where one might well choose a long days of sightseeing, is that exhaustion may reign at dinner time. It's great that you pointed out options that don't necessarily detract from enjoying the Cunard experience.

I have found the posters to this board to be a wonderful group. Indeed, it makes me eager to do a transatlantic. Here of course with nothing but sea days, formal nights are no doubt, intrinsic to the experience.

That said, today there are many cruise lines to choose from sailing the Mediterranean.

[BlueRiband]

As others have stated you can opt out but you will have chosen to exclude yourself from the very evening activities that set Cunard apart from almost every other line.

 

Whenever somebody says they want to sail Cunard for the itinerary but prefers not to dress, it's like signing on to Disney for the itinerary when one prefers not to be around a lot of young children. There's a disconnect between your preferred vacation style and the atmosphere of the ship.

Edited June 18, 2016 by BlueRiband

[tv24]

Pepper explained it all very well, as usual. Clearly spelled out the options. Good job!

[Bell Boy]

"There's a disconnect between your preferred vacation style and the atmosphere of the (a Cunard) Ship".

 

You've hit the nail on the head BR

Well said ;)

[Adammara]

This is exactly why our next cruise will be on Cunard. Class, elegance, and sophistication. And enforcement!

 

And why we choose Cunard after a 4 year sabbatical from cruising!

[fantasy51]

Hi Jdell. It's your cruise so do things your own way. I really appreciate that you are asking the question and not just turning up with the attitude that others will have to just put up with it.

 

Think about what you want to do on a cruise. You may not have been aware that Cunard severely limits the areas of the ship you can visit if you are not 'suitably' dressed. (I have just cruised on Celebrity where the dress code only applies to the Main Dining Room and you can wear what you like anywhere else. Cunard is different.) If you are happy with all the great activities posted earlier, then forget about formal clothes. If you want great dining, the theatre, ballroom dancing, the better bars, you will need to find some compromise on the clothing.

 

It really does not have to be as onerous as you might think. You don't need ball gowns. You can manage with black trousers and a couple of sparkly tops. On my first few cruises I only had about 4 different evening outfits, and managed a 19-day cruise with them. The men can get away with one suit each, dressing it slightly differently for the different evenings.

 

Good luck deciding. I hope you enjoy Cunard.

[Pushka]

The dress code on Cunard is one reason why when travelling solo I would choose Cunard wherever possible, but when travelling with my Partner for a break from work, will cruise with Princess or Celebrity. He does bring a jacket but not a tuxedo and it would be difficult enjoying the evening on a Cunard ship on formal night without it.

 

 

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[keithm]

Hi All,

 

I am considering a 7-night Mediterranean Cruise in August. My husband and I are 53 and 49, respectively and we are bringing our "adult" children, ages 21 and 19. While we do like to dress, I really would prefer to not have to bring formal dresses and tuxes/suits on this trip.

 

Are there alternative dining options on the formal nights or is it totally taboo to go on a Cunard cruise and not participate in formal nights?

 

Thanks!

The buffet is usually pretty casual, but not casual like other lines. Cunard's "shtick" is to follow the dress codes as found on Ocean liners in the past. It's why a lot of us like the line. I wouldn't expect a Carnival cruiser to like Cunard & Vise versa. The least you can do is bring a sport coat/tie & decent trousers. If you can't(won't)attempt to follow the dress codes, then please choose a more casual line! Sorry, if it sounds snappish, but some of us like to dress up. To those that say "Oh enjoy your vacation any way you like" it's those responses that are causing cruiesline dress codes to really go into the dumpster.

[Salacia]

Hi All,

 

I am considering a 7-night Mediterranean Cruise in August. My husband and I are 53 and 49, respectively and we are bringing our "adult" children, ages 21 and 19. While we do like to dress, I really would prefer to not have to bring formal dresses and tuxes/suits on this trip.

 

Are there alternative dining options on the formal nights or is it totally taboo to go on a Cunard cruise and not participate in formal nights?

 

Thanks!

 

Hi Jdell. As others have responded, passengers certainly do have the option of dining in casual attire in the lido or ordering room service if there is no desire to dress formally in the evening.

 

BTW, how many formal nights are there on the cruise you are considering? If it's only a couple of nights, an early bedtime and a good rest might be just the ticket on a port extensive cruise.

 

Whatever you decide, I hope you and your family have an enjoyable holiday.

 

Regards,

Salacia

[IsanTom]

Yes, no problem. Order room service!

[Pushka]

A related enquiry. Booked on a WC sector Singapore to Dubai in April next year and in the personaliser there is no indication of any formal or other code for the 10 night trip. Is this normal? I was expecting possibly 2 formal night.

 

 

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[Pennbank]

A related enquiry. Booked on a WC sector Singapore to Dubai in April next year and in the personaliser there is no indication of any formal or other code for the 10 night trip. Is this normal? I was expecting possibly 2 formal night.

 

 

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perhaps not decided yet, as only showing up to M702 Think yours is M714

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

[Pushka]

perhaps not decided yet, as only showing up to M702 Think yours is M714

 

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

 

 

Thankyou for checking. Ladies need to plan. :p

 

 

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[balf]

Just for balance here, the "most public areas of the ship" with enforced dress code (I've always liked the sound of that. Enforced on a holiday?) is not the actual case. Dining room and bars, yes (anyway as for the men, ladies can and often do wear virtually anything they choose: never seen a female refused entry to the dining room. As for the theatre, well just look around, I've seen men dressed worse than you see at my local supermarket.

 

And a Med. cruise ain't the same as a crossing, and as stated earlier there won't be many formals anyway.

 

David.

Edited June 19, 2016 by balf

[pepperrn]

... And a Med. cruise ain't the same as a crossing, and as stated earlier there won't be many formals anyway ...

Hi balf

 

To many men, used to wearing casual holiday clothes/shorts/T-Shirt all day/evening in the Med (whether on land or on a non-Cunard cruise), merely having to wear long trousers and a jacket (or suit :eek: ) in the evening to go to dinner, would be classed as dressing "formally" (and that would be on a Cunard "Informal Night" !! ).

 

The fact that Cunard have "Formal Nights" is immaterial to them; that just raises the bar by adding a tie (minimum) to their already perceived as "formal" evening dress code.

 

I've had many holidays in the Med, and dined at many restaurants; very, very few had any form of dress code. Almost anything goes, and therefore even Cunard's "Informal" would come as quite a shock to many. To them, ALL nights on board would appear to be "formal" (and some are "extra formal" :D ).

Edited June 19, 2016 by pepperrn