New Dress Code Designations?

[AstroExeter]

The dress code has not changed, just what they are called. This was stated quite clearly in the Cunarder. Jackets are still required after 6pm in the public areas and dark suits or tuxedos on formal (Gala) evenings. Some areas of the ship, such as Kings Court, allow casual dress after 6pm. http://www.cunard.co.uk/life-on-board/what-to-pack/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ECN948&utm_campaign=GDPR&utm_term=CU-6367833&utm_content=Find%20more%20information%20%C2%BB

[david,Mississauga]

We have sailed on many cruise ships (160+ cruises) and we are very glad that Cunard may be lightening up the dress code. We have always appeared well dressed both day and evening, but we don't feel that wearing a tuxedo is necessary, unless one chooses to do so.. A sport jacket and tie is what my husband is comfortable wearing, or just a sport jacket on not "gala"evenings is more to our liking. ...

Thinking of all the ships we have been on since 1972, I have never been on any ship where a tuxedo was required. A business suit or even a blazer/sport coat and tie was an acceptable substitute. Even on the very formal (in first class) Royal Mail Ships of the Union-Castle Line which had many formal nights on the long voyage between Southampton and Cape Town a few men wore a suit. Even in the Cunard Grills, not every man feels it necessary to wear a tuxedo - although usually 95% do.

[PORT ROYAL]

The dress code has not changed, just what they are called. This was stated quite clearly in the Cunarder. Jackets are still required after 6pm in the public areas and dark suits or tuxedos on formal (Gala) evenings. Some areas of the ship, such as Kings Court, allow casual dress after 6pm. http://www.cunard.co.uk/life-on-board/what-to-pack/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ECN948&utm_campaign=GDPR&utm_term=CU-6367833&utm_content=Find%20more%20information%20%C2%BB

 

 

Sorry, but have to challenge your confirmation that Jackets still are "required".

 

The link takes one to a page which gives "A Guide", "suggest" and "give ideas" wording - The word "Required" dies not appear. Same goes for the VP

Add this to the current published new wording of

 

Dress as you please during the day

We ask

We invite

We request

Please

 

And the removal of the "Required" word.

[cook68]

We have sailed on many cruise ships (160+ cruises) and we are very glad that Cunard may be lightening up the dress code. We have always appeared well dressed both day and evening, but we don't feel that wearing a tuxedo is necessary, unless one chooses to do so.. A sport jacket and tie is what my husband is comfortable wearing, or just a sport jacket on not "gala"evenings is more to our liking. We have already sailed on a full WC on the QE a few years ago, but were not happy with the strict dress code; and yes we enjoy dining in the MDR and not the buffet.

With this new policy, we have already decided to book the QM2 for our next WC. I think that there are many more passengers who feel the way we do.

 

This just proves the point that changing the wording makes a massive difference. You can say you still NEED a jacket [which you do] in the MDR and most areas of the ship, but the person reading the "new" dress code is interpreting it differently.

 

apologies Lewilewi not trying to pick on you personally ;)

[peteukmcr]

Sorry, but have to challenge your confirmation that Jackets still are "required".

 

The link takes one to a page which gives "A Guide", "suggest" and "give ideas" wording - The word "Required" dies not appear. Same goes for the VP

Add this to the current published new wording of

 

Dress as you please during the day

We ask

We invite

We request

Please

 

And the removal of the "Required" word.

Obviously inconsistency rules as our VP definitely states Informal (Jacket Required)

[Host Hattie]

Obviously inconsistency rules as our VP definitely states Informal (Jacket Required)

You are travelling before the change comes into effect.

[Dancer Bob]

When I see passengers at the Front Desk demanding that gratuities be reduced by x % because failure to enforce the dress code has reduced their enjoyment of the cruise by x %, then I will treat the complaints seriously. Hundreds of passengers, even a small amount, will get Southampton's attention very quickly.

(More than say 20%- really, what kind of a cruise are you looking for?)

I agree with foodsvcmgr, there are HAL, Celebrity and Princess for those who don't want a unique Cunard experience.

[princeton12321]

When I see passengers at the Front Desk demanding that gratuities be reduced by x % because failure to enforce the dress code has reduced their enjoyment of the cruise by x %, then I will treat the complaints seriously. Hundreds of passengers, even a small amount, will get Southampton's attention very quickly.

(More than say 20%- really, what kind of a cruise are you looking for?)

I agree with foodsvcmgr, there are HAL, Celebrity and Princess for those who don't want a unique Cunard experience.

 

 

 

So that’s really big of you- take out your frustrations on the hardworking crew who rely on tips because you’re upset with the company’s policy.

[peteukmcr]

You are travelling before the change comes into effect.

Didn't realise that these weren't already in place. When does it take effect?

[cook68]

Didn't realise that these weren't already in place. When does it take effect?

 

I believe I am on the last TA with the "old" wording and it changes on the 17th June. Their first formal night states Gala

 

It will be interesting as there will be passengers on my TA who are also traveling further into the new....wording. Will some jump ship early I wonder.... see what I did there :D

[bluemarble]

Didn't realise that these weren't already in place. When does it take effect?

 

As cook68 has mentioned, the new dress code terminology goes into effect on QM2 with the voyage departing June 17. My understanding is that it goes into effect on QE with the voyage departing June 10 and on QV with the voyage departing June 8.

 

I think it's still an open question as to when the Golden Lion and the Casino will start to be treated as casual venues in the evenings. Even though the new dress code terminology of "Gala Evening" and "Smart Attire" doesn't appear within voyage personaliser itineraries until voyages in mid-June, I don't know if that necessarily means other aspects such as the expansion of the casual venues (which now appear in everyone's voyager personaliser) won't be going into effect earlier than that.

Edited May 9, 2018 by bluemarble

[NSWP]

Time Cunard got into line with the other cruise lines and just had formal and non formal nights. 1 formal a week - jacket and tie for men and non formal, casual clothing - shirt and trousers. Would be lot easier to understand then all this Gala, B&W, Smart Attire stuff, not real plain English for some.:halo::loudcry:

[Alanxx]

Time Cunard got into line with the other cruise lines and just had formal and non formal nights. 1 formal a week - jacket and tie for men and non formal, casual clothing - shirt and trousers. Would be lot easier to understand then all this Gala, B&W, Smart Attire stuff, not real plain English for some.:halo::loudcry:

 

Your comment is interesting if "Cunard got into line with other cruise lines" why would anyone pay a premium to cruise with them?.The formality and ambiance is a Cunard USP. If people want less formality there are plenty of other cruise lines.

[NSWP]

Your comment is interesting if "Cunard got into line with other cruise lines" why would anyone pay a premium to cruise with them?.The formality and ambiance is a Cunard USP. If people want less formality there are plenty of other cruise lines.

 

Agreed, but Cunard is lowering their prices for world cruise sectors to fill the ships up, like on QM2 last year, Sydney -HK, we got a balcony cabin for AU $150 per diem that is about GBP80 quid, the Brit world cruisers were not impressed, I did not tell them, but many of the 500 Aussies who boarded in Sydney, did. Dress standards also fell. Does not make for a happy ship, never discuss what you paid.:halo:And...take your dinner suit or jacket and ties, Adidas tracksuit top or windcheater is not acceptable wear for the MDR nor after 6pm, it is unfortunate that many though it was.

[MarkBearSF]

It's interesting looking at this endless thread from the left coast of the US. In San Francisco, I live a few blocks from one of the richest men in the world, who attracted headlines a few weeks ago for showing up at a congressional hearing in a suit, instead of his usual hoodie. Many, if not most, techies would quit a job rather than be forced into a dress code that wouldn't allow what they consider comfortable clothing (t-shirts and jeans or shorts). What many would consider casual business dress (collared shirt and neat pants) is dressing up and casual is what I described as "comfortable." Everything's shifted a level. (Like in politics. Along the US political spectrum of liberal-conservative, I'm an old-line liberal, but in SF, things are shifted left so I'm considered a moderate. There virtually are no conservatives.) Likewise, I can think of perhaps one or two places here where a jacket and tie are required - but I'm not even sure of that. And it's not just California. New York is more casual than before (although bankers still wear suits) and I hear the same is true in London. (And for what it's worth, I've always personally dressed-up and own a couple of DJs and many accessories, but these days wouldn't mind leaving that extra suitcase at home and packing only a bunch of collard shorts and pants and a sports jacket to don on a few days a week)

 

Over the past year or so, I've had a number of friends ask about crossings on the QM2 and get excited about the experience until they learn about the dress code. (These aren't not necessarily shorts and sandals guys, but those who dress nicely but really don't want to deal with dressing up).

 

People used to dress up to go downtown. To attend theatre. To fly. That's no longer true (although some may). By all indications, the change is inevitable.

 

That doesn't mean that Cunard needs to lose its unique advantages of a proud history, an elegant decor with rich offerings of lectures, entertainment and the arts. Classy people make for interesting travel companions, even if they're not wearing a tie. And even if they may not remain the majority, those who choose to wear formal wear would still be in place in the elegant surroundings and celebrated as part of their history. (Much like people appreciate military or native cultural dress)

 

...and classless doofuses will still stick out no matter what they wear.

 

Of course, this is all my opinion. I know others feel differently. I love the line and nothing these days compares to a QM2 North Atlantic crossing. I have two voyages planned over the upcoming 15 months. (a RT TA and a 7 day jaunt to Canada and Boston) and will be dressed appropriately with a couple of new waistcoats and ties, on whatever they call those evenings. I won't change after dinner simply because I'm too lazy to do it and am perfectly comfortable wearing a jacket and tie.

 

But if the dress code changes, as I think is inevitable, I'll be just fine with it - and while I may miss aspects of old-school formal nights, other aspects not so much.

 

When others have posted about the charged premium for the Cunard brand, I'm curious how much it is in the UK. (I know you have a different 2-tier fare structure). Although hard to judge these days due to lack of US cruises, in general (including 2019 Alaska) for a standard balcony cabin, Cunard is pretty much in line with mainline lines like Princess and Celebrity, often a little more than Royal Caribbean and HAL, and much less than Disney. (With luxury lines much higher) Yes, grill class rates may be higher (especially QG) but the lion's share of the revenue and passenger volume is in Britannia.

Edited May 10, 2018 by MarkBearSF

[MarkieMarkNYC]

Your comment is interesting if "Cunard got into line with other cruise lines" why would anyone pay a premium to cruise with them?.The formality and ambiance is a Cunard USP. If people want less formality there are plenty of other cruise lines.

Your sentiment has been expressed by a few people, and I find it interesting.

If the only thing that sets Cunard apart and makes it worth paying a premium is the presence of a dress code, it sounds like there isn't much there. No special service. No special food. No special enrichment programs. No special cabin comfort. No special excursions. No special entertainment. It's really just about having other passengers play dress-up so everyone can fantasize that they are living in a different era.

I would imagine there are cheaper ways to fulfill that fantasy.

[peteukmcr]

Your sentiment has been expressed by a few people, and I find it interesting.

If the only thing that sets Cunard apart and makes it worth paying a premium is the presence of a dress code, it sounds like there isn't much there. No special service. No special food. No special enrichment programs. No special cabin comfort. No special excursions. No special entertainment. It's really just about having other passengers play dress-up so everyone can fantasize that they are living in a different era.

I would imagine there are cheaper ways to fulfill that fantasy.

P&O are extremely formal too.

[orchestrapal]

Your sentiment has been expressed by a few people, and I find it interesting.

If the only thing that sets Cunard apart and makes it worth paying a premium is the presence of a dress code, it sounds like there isn't much there. No special service. No special food. No special enrichment programs. No special cabin comfort. No special excursions. No special entertainment. It's really just about having other passengers play dress-up so everyone can fantasize that they are living in a different era.

I would imagine there are cheaper ways to fulfill that fantasy.

A

Well said! We. Would never cruise with Cunard if there was more choice out of NY round trip. Hate the formal aspect and will gladly skip it. Hope it’s not a total bust!

[Egremont]

No doubt about the informality coming to Cunard soon.

 

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

 

Ask, request etc.

[BobBranst]

It's really just about having other passengers play dress-up so everyone can fantasize that they are living in a different era.

I would imagine there are cheaper ways to fulfill that fantasy.

There is nothing wrong with having a little fantasy in your life. Isn't that exactly what parents are buying for their children when they book an expensive cruise on Disney?

 

If I wish to be surrounded by undressed-up / casually dressed people all day, I can just go to Walmart or Marks & Spencer.

[Ray66]

If I wish to be surrounded by undressed-up / casually dressed people all day, I can just go to Walmart or Marks & Spencer.

Not sure why you would put M&S in the same bracket as Walmart. :) They aren't exactly cheap. I think you might mean Primark. ;)

[BobBranst]

Not sure why you would put M&S in the same bracket as Walmart. :) They aren't exactly cheap. I think you might mean Primark. ;)

I've only been in 4 or 5 M&S stores , so that may not be a large enough sample size for an accurate comparison. However, the customers I've seen in those M&S store seemed to be dressed quite similar to the customers I see in a typical US Walmart store.

[cook68]

There is nothing wrong with having a little fantasy in your life. Isn't that exactly what parents are buying for their children when they book an expensive cruise on Disney?

 

If I wish to be surrounded by undressed-up / casually dressed people all day, I can just go to Walmart or Marks & Spencer.

 

Probably just insulted 90% of UK ladies who sail with Cunard :'):')

[jburton59]

You can't buy a tux at Wal-Mart, but you can at M&S.

 

Sent from my SM-J700T using Forums mobile app

[NSWP]

P&O are extremely formal too.

 

P&O UK are certainly formal, done 4 long cruises on P&O UK. Aurora, Oriana and Arcadia x 2, including half worldie - Sydney - Southampton. On formal nights 99% Tuxedos.