New Dress Code Designations?

[Summergee]

One thing I like about the new dress code is that a cocktail dress is no longer suggested for the smart attire evenings. I have some very nice dresses that I do not wear on a daily basis but are not cocktail dresses. I no longer have to worry about being turned away from the restaurant because my dress not dressy enough.

[Underwatr]

For the record, Cunard confirm they have trained people to ensure the the new dress code, as from 11 June, is enforced.

The new code is

During the day, feel free to relax and dress as you please in all areas of the ship.

So Cunard staff are to enforce the "anything goes" dress code?

Well, that's excellent news. Isn't it?

Please point out the previous language regarding daytime dress codes.

[Victoria2]

Please point out the previous language regarding daytime dress codes.

Without trawling through the whole of this thread, can I add to this, why has 11th June been chosen as a date for the changeover codes when the new terminology is already on Voyage personalisers pre and post that date?

[Windsurfboy]

Hi , just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, safe to go back in the water. If a bare chest would upset you wait till you see the TATTOOS.

 

The responses to the new dress code have ranged from the amusing to the pompous, and the cunard replies are a great example of corporate double talk.

 

 

Anyway the issue is the wear what you feel comfortable with, which must mean a wear what you like ,daytime dress code. Even I don't think this should apply across the whole ship, especially formal dinning rooms. Emails and phone calls to cunard are like water off a ducks back.

 

The only effective response would be especially for those of you who are most vociferous to turn up to a formal restaurant for lunch in Speedo's or a bikini armed with a copy of the dress code and demand entrance. If enough do it you will get cunard's attention.

 

Good luck, off to feed the whippets

[wripro]

In five years time when Cunard's dress code has changed far beyond what is being discussed here now people will look back with nostalgia and think "What was I so upset about back then?" Things will surely be far less formal then because dress codes are evolving everywhere and Cunard knows it. They are just going to change things a bit at a time. This means threads like this one will keep cropping up.

[BlueRiband]

I for one am grateful to Bluemarble for alerting us to this change - one that Cunard apparently though it could sneak in and nobody would notice. As of this writing this thread has almost 23,000 views so clearly a lot of people care very much about the dress code. Either corporate is deaf or they decided to cultivate a new and different market.

 

When I cancelled my winter crossing I too got the "nothing has changed" corporate line. Yet by using the terminology "Gala" and "Smart" used elsewhere it won't take long for passengers to use the same definitions as on HAL, Celebrity and others. Then how does Cunard turn away the "Smart" polo and jeans with no jacket? After all, that's their interpretation of "Smart", it was perfectly acceptable on Celebrity last month and I paid to eat in the dining room not the buffet etc, etc.

 

Next, we will see the end of linen in restaurants as it will be "too formal" for the new and relaxed atmosphere of the ship. The replacement of all the linen for paper place mats and napkins will save a lot of laundering expense. "Cunard" emblazoned polos for crew members will certainly cost a lot less than the current formal tailored vests and jackets.

 

I've been told that to cancel future sailings is to "cut off the nose to spite the face". If Cunard is to become just like any mass market line then we all make decisions on whether or not we get the wanted value for our money. (If Cunard were to waive the cancellation penalties I'd love to get out of my June sailing. Never, ever, did I think that I would have anything but happy anticipation to boarding QM2.)

[bluemarble]

I for one am grateful to Bluemarble for alerting us to this change - one that Cunard apparently though it could sneak in and nobody would notice. As of this writing this thread has almost 23,000 views so clearly a lot of people care very much about the dress code. ...

 

You're welcome, BlueRiband. When I started this thread, I didn't know where we might be headed with this topic after mentioning the new dress code terminology and asking "what Cunard may be up to". Yesterday afternoon, only ten days later, this thread had made it all the way up to 10th place of the threads with the most replies on this Cunard forum. (That doesn't count threads with more replies that have been moved to other locations or removed altogether, but I still think that's an interesting milestone.) It certainly does stand as a testament to how seriously we take the Cunard dress code on this forum. Only a few hundred more replies to go to beat the other dress code thread in the top 10. That's the thread from 2013 titled "Cunard Dress Code change: Formal and Informal" which is currently in 6th place with 681 replies.

[Host Hattie]

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[LB_NJ]

The US site updated their FAQ with the new definitions.

 

I also find it interesting that they have included photographs of suggested attire.

[Tonopah]

The US site updated their FAQ with the new definitions.

 

I also find it interesting that they have included photographs of suggested attire.

 

Thanks for sharing. Well, my formal...um...I mean “gala” is spot on, but my...umm....”smart” is a little too smart. I do think the “smart” evening wear is not as fancy as I expected before the change. Daytime attire is as anticipated.

[bluemarble]

The US site updated their FAQ with the new definitions.

 

I also find it interesting that they have included photographs of suggested attire.

 

Very interesting. Thanks for that, LB_NJ.

 

Here is the link on Cunard's US web site to the new page called "What to Pack." showing photos of suggested attire in sections called "Evening Style Guide." and "Inspiration for daytime on board."

 

http://www.cunard.com/life-on-board/what-to-pack/

 

That cunard.com link should automatically redirect to the same page on Cunard's web sites for the UK (cunard.co.uk) and Australia (cunardline.com.au) depending on your location.

[bluemarble]

Also, I note this description of "Relaxed evenings" on that new "What to pack." page. No mention of jeans to be found here. Not sure if that's progress or just an omission by design since jeans are not specifically excluded.

 

Relaxed evenings.

 

From time to time, not least after a rewarding discovery ashore, you might wish to round off the day in a more relaxed style. You’ll be pleased to know that many of our bars and lounges welcome you to unwind in more casual outfits during the evening but we do ask that guests refrain from wearing torn or tattered clothing, shorts, sandals or sleeveless t-shirts. Casual venues include: King Court, Lido Buffet, Golden Lion, Casino, Carinthia Lounge, Winter Garden, Garden Lounge, Yacht Club and G32.

[kohl57]

Well you can't get any clearer or fairer I guess than this. And well done, Cunard. I lament the expansion of "so sloppy we won't even show you sample photos" dress to more parts of the ship like the Yacht Club/G32 and especially the Carinthia Lounge (which on QV and QE is smack dab in the middle of the otherwise dressier part of those ships). But if you have a problem comprehending "Gala Evening" or "Smart Attire" after seeing this, I give up. I usually add a tie for "Smart Attire" but that's my preference. Why they even have one of my Cunard staple dinner jackets shown.

[Host Hattie]

Well you can't get any clearer or fairer I guess than this. And well done, Cunard. I lament the expansion of "so sloppy we won't even show you sample photos" dress to more parts of the ship like the Yacht Club/G32 and especially the Carinthia Lounge (which on QV and QE is smack dab in the middle of the otherwise dressier part of those ships). But if you have a problem comprehending "Gala Evening" or "Smart Attire" after seeing this, I give up. I usually add a tie for "Smart Attire" but that's my preference. Why they even have one of my Cunard staple dinner jackets shown.

There is no Carinthia Lounge on QE/QV, the equivalent dress down area is the Garden Lounge/Winter Garden, next door to the Lido.

[keithm]

When they will learn that We are on a vacation and most people don't have the free bag in the major airlines, no space for the penguin dress

We've never had an issue packing a tux or suit. It's just pax being too lazy. If you don't wish to follow Cunard's dress code, then please choose another line. If you don't, you might find yourself rather restricted as to where you can go on the ship. Pax choose Cunard for the formality of the traditions of "Ocean Liner" travel. Those who won't are more than welcome to choose a more casual line..NCL/Carnival etc.

[maggiemou]

Very interesting. Thanks for that, LB_NJ.

 

Here is the link on Cunard's US web site to the new page called "What to Pack." showing photos of suggested attire in sections called "Evening Style Guide." and "Inspiration for daytime on board."

 

http://www.cunard.com/life-on-board/what-to-pack/

 

That cunard.com link should automatically redirect to the same page on Cunard's web sites for the UK (cunard.co.uk) and Australia (cunardline.com.au) depending on your location.

 

Thank you for the link. It has given me a good laugh. If Cunard are looking to attract younger people they really need to get with it re fashion.

That dull beige boring looking dress looks like the model is about to go on Safari, or to work in a library.

The ladies in the polo top and shorts look like she is ready for a round of golf.

Just what they need to inspire the younger passenger. 😂😂

[LB_NJ]

Two amusing things.

I found this title in the Daily Mail webpage "Cruise passengers anger over Cunard decision to make on board dress code more casual." It is dated March 2013.

 

I also found this on Cunard's website: "

Belay the blue rinse brigade: the average age aboard Queen Mary 2 isn’t anywhere near 80. In fact, it recently dropped from 59 to 55, and there are plenty of twenty- and thirty-somethings balancing the demographic on each voyage. (Often located in G32 - the nightclub at the ship’s stern). Well if it’s good enough for Jay-Z and Beyoncé…"

If you want more "

twenty- and thirty-somethings" in G32 then allowing for dress denim makes sense.

[Lakesregion]

Very interesting. Thanks for that, LB_NJ.

 

Here is the link on Cunard's US web site to the new page called "What to Pack." showing photos of suggested attire in sections called "Evening Style Guide." and "Inspiration for daytime on board."

 

http://www.cunard.com/life-on-board/what-to-pack/

 

That cunard.com link should automatically redirect to the same page on Cunard's web sites for the UK (cunard.co.uk) and Australia (cunardline.com.au) depending on your location.

 

Certainly not smart casual at Augusta National, The Breakers in Palm Beach nor the Greenbrier but then that is no longer Cunard's market.

[DT_PB_all_at_sea]

Certainly not smart casual at Augusta National, The Breakers in Palm Beach nor the Greenbrier but then that is no longer Cunard's market.

 

Hello - thanks for the 'heads up' to the US Cunard site - certainly different from the site in the UK. Perhaps Cunard will be changing their UK site accordingly.....perhaps they will advise all of us?

 

http://www.cunard.com/life-on-board/what-to-pack/

 

To be frank it could be worse - the Gala looks Formal for both men and women and nice to see a clear indication of a jacket for Smart Attire and what to wear during the day. A bit sad that some need to be held by the hand and told this, but better than not bothering.

 

NOW THE REAL CHALLENGE IS FOR CUNARD TO ENSURE THE CREW ENFORCE THE DRESS CODE!!

[bluemarble]

Hello - thanks for the 'heads up' to the US Cunard site - certainly different from the site in the UK. Perhaps Cunard will be changing their UK site accordingly.....perhaps they will advise all of us?

 

http://www.cunard.com/life-on-board/what-to-pack/

 

To be frank it could be worse - the Gala looks Formal for both men and women and nice to see a clear indication of a jacket for Smart Attire and what to wear during the day. A bit sad that some need to be held by the hand and told this, but better than not bothering.

NOW THE REAL CHALLENGE IS FOR CUNARD TO ENSURE THE CREW ENFORCE THE DRESS CODE!!

 

That same "What to pack." page does indeed exist on the UK site. As I mentioned, that link to the US site I provided should automatically redirect you to the same page on the UK site if you reside in the UK. For you reference, here is the direct link for that page on the UK site.

 

http://www.cunard.co.uk/life-on-board/what-to-pack/

[DT_PB_all_at_sea]

That same "What to pack." page does indeed exist on the UK site. As I mentioned, that link to the US site I provided should automatically redirect you to the same page on the UK site if you reside in the UK. For you reference, here is the direct link for that page on the UK site.

 

http://www.cunard.co.uk/life-on-board/what-to-pack/

 

Hello - thanks for clarifying that. My confusion. That really has been snuck in to the UK site over the past couple of days - interesting. I wonder how long before we see similar photos outside daytime and evening venues = to help those incapable of understanding the basic written word? LETS HOPE THIS HELPS THE CREW TO ACTUALLY BOTHER TO ENFORCE A DRESS CODE!! Again, thanks.

[Kynance]

I've been looking at the "style guide" on Cunard's UK website which can be found via the "what to pack" link under "The Cunard Experience" and have a few observations.

 

Firstly, one of the photographs illustrating "smart attire" for the gents, shows the model wearing a round neck jumper under a jacket, without a discernible shirt. The blurb that goes with this section says:

 

 

 

"On those evenings when we’re not hosting Gala celebrations in most venues we ask that you wear smart attire. We request that you wear a jacket or blazer in the main bars, restaurants and entertainment venues, paired with trousers, chinos and a shirt with a tie or an open collar, or even just over a crew neck jumper. "

The last clause of this paragraph, together with the photograph suggests to me that Cunard will no longer require gents to wear a shirt on the smart attire/informal nights. However, my voyage personaliser and the FAQs still state the following:

"Smart Attire:

Gentlemen, every night we request you wear smart trousers with a shirt and jacket; tie is optional"

 

So that is clear as mud!!

Regarding the "Gala" nights, there is a photograph in the "style guide" of a gent in a fetching light grey suit, with a lilac tie. He looks very well dressed, particularly for a summer wedding but I think many on this forum would question whether this outfit accords with the following statement:

 

"A dark two-piece or three-piece suit is perfectly acceptable too, whether with a regular tie or a cravat."

Regarding the wearing of jeans, this is currently showing on the UK FAQs:

"Please note that after 6:00pm, shorts and blue or worn denim (for men and women); sandals and sleeveless tops (for men) are not considered appropriate within the ship.

 

Of course, if you prefer to spend your evenings in more relaxed attire, a selection of casual dining and entertainment venues is always available for your enjoyment. Feel free to dress casually as you visit any of the following venues: Kings Court, Lido Buffet, Golden Lion, Casino, Carinthia Lounge, Winter Garden, Garden Lounge, Yacht Club, and G32. Non-ripped, jeans are appropriate, but please refrain from wearing shorts, sports attire, swim wear or sleeveless t-shirts outside of the gym, spa and deck spaces."

So - the second paragraph, to my mind, contradicts the first! However, from my experiences of European cruises recently the wearing of jeans in the Lido/Kings Court in the evenings seems to be pretty acceptable (and something I have done on one occasion after a very tiring shore excursion).

Aside from the issue about jeans which I don't think is really a change, I would suggest that Cunard is certainly expanding the definition of what it considers suitable attire for gents for either the Gala or smart evenings. However, their published advice continues to be contradictory - though to say that "nothing is changing" regarding the definitions may be somewhat disingenuous. Or maybe the left hand of Cunard does not know what the right hand is doing?!

I also had a look at the photos showing ladies' fashions too - I thought they very much echoed the types of outfits that the models wear in Cunard's brochures and publicity shots rather than reflecting the true spectrum of what real women wear aboard their ships. However, at least Cunard didn't manage to introduce any confusion for us - and I did like the illustration of the trouser suit for formal nights, which I think will give confidence to some women who may prefer this style of dressing for gala/formal evenings. (I know this board sometimes has questions about whether women can wear trousers on formal nights.)

NB Apologies for not being able to make the quotations stand out more easily: I gave up trying to change the text colour using the stylus on my iPad - the highlighting functionality wasn't playing ball...

[DT_PB_all_at_sea]

I've been looking at the "style guide" on Cunard's UK website which can be found via the "what to pack" link under "The Cunard Experience" and have a few observations.

 

Firstly, one of the photographs illustrating "smart attire" for the gents, shows the model wearing a round neck jumper under a jacket, without a discernible shirt. The blurb that goes with this section says:

 

 

 

 

 

"On those evenings when we’re not hosting Gala celebrations in most venues we ask that you wear smart attire. We request that you wear a jacket or blazer in the main bars, restaurants and entertainment venues, paired with trousers, chinos and a shirt with a tie or an open collar, or even just over a crew neck jumper. "

The last clause of this paragraph, together with the photograph suggests to me that Cunard will no longer require gents to wear a shirt on the smart attire/informal nights. However, my voyage personaliser and the FAQs still state the following:

"Smart Attire:

Gentlemen, every night we request you wear smart trousers with a shirt and jacket; tie is optional"

 

So that is clear as mud!!

Regarding the "Gala" nights, there is a photograph in the "style guide" of a gent in a fetching light grey suit, with a lilac tie. He looks very well dressed, particularly for a summer wedding but I think many on this forum would question whether this outfit accords with the following statement:

 

"A dark two-piece or three-piece suit is perfectly acceptable too, whether with a regular tie or a cravat."

Regarding the wearing of jeans, this is currently showing on the UK FAQs:

"Please note that after 6:00pm, shorts and blue or worn denim (for men and women); sandals and sleeveless tops (for men) are not considered appropriate within the ship.

 

Of course, if you prefer to spend your evenings in more relaxed attire, a selection of casual dining and entertainment venues is always available for your enjoyment. Feel free to dress casually as you visit any of the following venues: Kings Court, Lido Buffet, Golden Lion, Casino, Carinthia Lounge, Winter Garden, Garden Lounge, Yacht Club, and G32. Non-ripped, jeans are appropriate, but please refrain from wearing shorts, sports attire, swim wear or sleeveless t-shirts outside of the gym, spa and deck spaces."

So - the second paragraph, to my mind, contradicts the first! However, from my experiences of European cruises recently the wearing of jeans in the Lido/Kings Court in the evenings seems to be pretty acceptable (and something I have done on one occasion after a very tiring shore excursion).

Aside from the issue about jeans which I don't think is really a change, I would suggest that Cunard is certainly expanding the definition of what it considers suitable attire for gents for either the Gala or smart evenings. However, their published advice continues to be contradictory - though to say that "nothing is changing" regarding the definitions may be somewhat disingenuous. Or maybe the left hand of Cunard does not know what the right hand is doing?!

I also had a look at the photos showing ladies' fashions too - I thought they very much echoed the types of outfits that the models wear in Cunard's brochures and publicity shots rather than reflecting the true spectrum of what real women wear aboard their ships. However, at least Cunard didn't manage to introduce any confusion for us - and I did like the illustration of the trouser suit for formal nights, which I think will give confidence to some women who may prefer this style of dressing for gala/formal evenings. (I know this board sometimes has questions about whether women can wear trousers on formal nights.)

NB Apologies for not being able to make the quotations stand out more easily: I gave up trying to change the text colour using the stylus on my iPad - the highlighting functionality wasn't playing ball...

 

Hello - I totally agree with you on each and every point raised.

 

IMO clearly Cunard 'Executive Management' don't know what they are doing, we have to assume as their decisions/instructions are cascaded down the line the clarity becomes weaker and weaker. When if finally reaches the 'customer facing' crew and the passengers clearly CONFUSION FOR ALL.

 

From where I sit this entire situation is a mismanaged marketing mess!

 

But to be frank what ever the new dress codes are I DO NOT THINK A SINGLE ONBOARD MEMBER OF CREW WILL BE EMPOWERED OR INSTRUCTED TO ENFORCE THE DRESS CODE - they don't now!

[wripro]

We've never had an issue packing a tux or suit. It's just pax being too lazy. If you don't wish to follow Cunard's dress code, then please choose another line. If you don't, you might find yourself rather restricted as to where you can go on the ship. Pax choose Cunard for the formality of the traditions of "Ocean Liner" travel. Those who won't are more than welcome to choose a more casual line..NCL/Carnival etc.

 

Adhering to "Ocean Liner" travel works two ways. If Cunard wants us to dress in tuxedoes and gowns the way passengers did in the heyday of ocean travel they need to give us a commensurate atmosphere. They can start by eliminating all those bargain tables of cheap junk and gold by the inch that clutter the corridors and make the ship look like a middle Eastern bazaar. Can you imagine those on the original Queen Mary or Queen Elizabeth?

[Ray66]

I've been looking at the "style guide" on Cunard's UK website which can be found via the "what to pack" link under "The Cunard Experience" and have a few observations.

 

Firstly, one of the photographs illustrating "smart attire" for the gents, shows the model wearing a round neck jumper under a jacket, without a discernible shirt. The blurb that goes with this section say

 

On the UK website, what I see that the man is wearing is a light blue shirt with a blazer, beige trousers and bright red shoes. And not a round neck jumper like you describe.

The woman is wearing a beige long-sleeved dress and is not what I would describe as evening wear. It looks more like day wear.