New Dress Code Designations?

[Lakesregion]

You can spend a ton of money on make over for the swine but in the end it is still a swine. Cunard can spin this new change in attire requirements until the cows come home as nothing has changed but sadly it has all changed. The notation for everyday attire allows ball caps inside, jeans throughout and now evenings in most of the ship jeans and heavens knows what else as Americans in particular love to push the envelope of down market dress and general behavior. I fully expect the "new" ship to have at least one carnival/fair ground attraction be it a rock wall, scotter bin or zip line.

 

Somewhere out there in this wide world they must be one billionaire with traditional tastes that will step up with a smaller formal ship for the likes of our crowd. Pray for he or she.

[seacruise9]

Hi,

 

I am a big fan of Cunard (beginning with a transatlantic crossing on the QE2 in 1984) and always abide by the dress code, but I realize that Cunard is in a difficult position. Society is growing increasingly casual, but the formal dress code is part of Cunard's image. If they retain the dress code, they lose many potential passengers who wish to dress casually. If they change the dress code, Cunard loses some of its style.

 

In reality, I think the new dress code that allows people to wear jeans in certain venues will result in a more casual ship. Most passengers are not going to pay much attention (or really care) if they are in a public area that allows jeans. As mentioned above, QM2 passengers need to walk through the Queens Room (probably the most elegant room on the ship) to reach G32. I can certainly imagine a situation where people dressed in jeans are walking through the Queens Room on their way to G32. On the way, they encounter friends who are formally dressed and listening to the band in the Queens Room. The casual people decide to join their formal friends for a drink. I seriously doubt that anyone is going to chase them out of the Queens Room because they are wearing jeans.

 

I think the new dress code is an effort to satisfy both the casual and formal passengers. However, I'm not sure how well it will work in actual practice.

 

Chuck

[onehappystudio]

Scenario:

 

 

You’re dressed appropriately for the evening; you’re seated at a table for 6. Two of your tablemates are dressed in jeans, t-shirts and baseball caps.

 

 

You look over, and see that there’s a similar dress-code being played out at the next table.

 

Would it be rude to suggest switching tables, so that you’re seated with like-mind individuals?

 

 

Maybe it’s time to consider booking a table for two instead?

[kohl57]

Well to be fair under the new policy, they shouldn't be dressed like that (or allowed in) the Grills Restaurants, Britannia Club or the Britannia Restaurants. On any night. So you're spared that. And to be even more fair to Cunard, they remain the only line I've sailed on that I have witnessed inappropriately dressed people being asked, quite politely, to comply with the code or... leave. Saw it just last August on the QE in the Commodore Club. But yes, the "spillage" from the "Free Range Dresser Zones" will be... considerable.

 

Most Cunarders like their dressing up, though. We even had an informal "Best English Summer Jacket" contest going on in the Commodore Club which I should have won hands down but it was tough going indeed. And I am upping my game for this August. I think the winner should get a QE baseball cap to wear so they can get into the Golden Lion. Without the jacket on, of course.

[Jimboscorguie]

I am absolutely disgusted by Cunard absolute lack of clarity re the so called change in dress code. I have spoken to Southampton , they can’t explain anything, emailed Carnival, nothing, my travel agent could find out nothing either. We have 4 cruises booked with Cunard this year. I think myself and all the other customers deserved better treatment. After all at the end of the day we are paying all these far cats wages who cannot even answer a simply question,

[MarkBearSF]

It's a fool's errand to try to get any real contact from Cunard and sheer madness to expect them to ask or listen.

(Aside from rating the staff from your questionnaires)

 

- Mark

[onehappystudio]

I posted on Twitter, and was asked to DM them if I wanted to discuss the dress code further, so at least they seem to want to listen on Twitter...

[Lakesregion]

I am absolutely disgusted by Cunard absolute lack of clarity re the so called change in dress code. I have spoken to Southampton , they can’t explain anything, emailed Carnival, nothing, my travel agent could find out nothing either. We have 4 cruises booked with Cunard this year. I think myself and all the other customers deserved better treatment. After all at the end of the day we are paying all these far cats wages who cannot even answer a simply question,

Right now I would venture that most of them are hiding somewhere as they as all "younger" marketers never imagined the storm they have created. Many long term loyal passengers are cancelling and they can't understand why. Welcome to the real world where the customer can vote with their feet.

[MarkBearSF]

I posted on Twitter, and was asked to DM them if I wanted to discuss the dress code further, so at least they seem to want to listen on Twitter...

Being an optimist at heart (which may be a surprise when reading my recent posts) I truly hope this is a reflection of a change in approach.

 

- Mark

[kohl57]

Well I got a 'phone message from Cunard from a customer service person in reply to my e-mail. I was impressed by that. And didn't even give them my 'phone number. The young lady dutifully explained to me the dress code, the old one, and that it had been in place since 2015 she thought. So very helpful, personable and... well vaguely useless. As long as they keep the captain and the others who count informed about the stuff that really matters, I'm fine with that... but honestly Carnival is Clueless, Confused and Confounding is it not? Owners of all, masters of none.

[onehappystudio]

Being an optimist at heart (which may be a surprise when reading my recent posts) I truly hope this is a reflection of a change in approach.

 

- Mark

 

Twitter is my prepared method of "venting" - if you call, email, or telephone them with a complaint, it's anonymous. If you take it to Twitter, it's open to anyone who uses that social media platform - I'm surprised at how quickly issues get resolved if I tweet, versus picking up the phone.

 

I suggest that everyone tweet their concerns :)

[Covepointcruiser]

I haven't taken my first cruise yet, but part of the appeal of Cunard is the formality of it; a throwback to another era. I like the idea of dressing for dinner, even for an informal night, and have been looking forward to it. It would be a shame if "smart attire" means that jeans will be allowed after 6pm.

 

If Cunard dumbs down the dress code perhaps they will allow “designer” jeans and shirts with sleeves. Even this is deemed too dressy for many. Hope Cunard retains its dress code!

[LB_NJ]

Carnival PLC has made some business decision about Cunard. It will likely take a year or two to fully roll out whatever decision they have to made.

 

I have no idea if Carnival knows what they are doing or not. As a general statement one should not underestimate the stupidity of large corporations in a market that is changing.

 

I would have thought that there would be a sufficient market for a small number of ships that had a significant amount of dress formality in the mid to upper part of the mainstream market. It seems that Carnival PLC doesn't see it that way.

 

Given that it seems that Carnival PLC probably has at least one or two too many brands. Princess, Holland America, and now Cunard seem to be targeting the same markets.

 

The only real difference may be the itineraries they offer.

 

I realize that Cunard offers Grills however, if the onboard ambiance of Cunard changes to that of the other mainstream lines I am not sure why those who would book Grills wouldn't move to the luxury lines.

[mpfund]

As a general statement one should not underestimate the stupidity of large corporations in a market that is changing.

 

 

Dis Carnival all you wish (and I am not a fan), but they are enormously profitable. This does not happen by ignoring current/future trends, much as they may conflict with current passengers wishes.

[hvsteve1]

Here's the unfortunate truth...

Cunard is looking to fill tens of thousands of beds.

They are unique in their strict dress code.

Other lines have gone informal as they find that's what their customers want.

Cunard seems to have found a significant number of passengers want the rules loosened.

CC members, while serious cruisers, are not the majority of their market.

It seems there are about a dozen or so people on this thread.

So, guess what happens.

 

We crossed on QM2 for the first time last summer and loved it. However, we spent two weeks driving around England and Wales afterwards and having to haul the extra luggage with our otherwise unnecessary "dressy" clothes was a pain. We decided we did not want to do that again when we do another U.K. road trip this summer so would either forget Cunard or eat in the buffet on formal nights. However, while on board, we booked QV for the Norway cruise while in England and we're flying over and back in the interest of time. The current rules seem to restrict you to the buffet and adjacent lounge. The new rules open up the casino and another bar so make it less onerous not to dress. We will probably bring out fancy duds as we are staying in one place this time and not moving among four locations having to load and unload the car and drag the extra luggage into the buildings and up stairs (none had lifts).

 

The cruise line we've used most is Regent which is considered luxury. They have almost always been "country club casual" and everyone seems happy not dressing up and, believe me, many of these people own formal clothes. We also like Celebrity which, of course, has no formal nights.

[princeton12321]

Well I got a 'phone message from Cunard from a customer service person in reply to my e-mail. I was impressed by that. And didn't even give them my 'phone number. The young lady dutifully explained to me the dress code, the old one, and that it had been in place since 2015 she thought. So very helpful, personable and... well vaguely useless. As long as they keep the captain and the others who count informed about the stuff that really matters, I'm fine with that... but honestly Carnival is Clueless, Confused and Confounding is it not? Owners of all, masters of none.

 

 

 

Makes you (oddly) yearn for Trafalgar House...

[Alanxx]

I am sure that eventually the casual dress code will win due to a change in demographics of the customers.However,in the short term they will loose a lot of money,especially on the world cruises.I was on the Southampton/Sydney section of the world cruise this year and the ignoring of the dress code was obvious in the Australian sectors.I spoke to 4 couples who had decided they would no be doing anymore world cruises with Cunard.I worked out that loosing those four couples would cost Cunard around £125,000 next year.No doubt they will again put up the price of drinks to cover the loss !!!!!

[PORT ROYAL]

An option.

Based on the "stealth changes" history of other lines, next year will see the word "Suggested" or "Optional" inserted into the dress code on Cunard.

This wording change is just the beginning.

[Camgirl]

I disagree that Cunard are losing customers because of the dress codes. Indeed they seem to be more booked up than I have ever seen before. Also there are far fewer reduced fares around which would indicate fewer spaces needing filling. I don't really think they could claim people are not booking because of the dress code. Also, I know a lot of people who don't go on CC who love and book Cunard because of the formal dress codes. One has already mentioned looking elsewhere if the codes change further. Cunard needs to be very careful not to lose its USP and all its very loyal customers. I really hope things don't relax further.

[PORT ROYAL]

I disagree that Cunard are losing customers because of the dress codes. Indeed they seem to be more booked up than I have ever seen before. Also there are far fewer reduced fares around which would indicate fewer spaces needing filling. I don't really think they could claim people are not booking because of the dress code. Also, I know a lot of people who don't go on CC who love and book Cunard because of the formal dress codes. One has already mentioned looking elsewhere if the codes change further. Cunard needs to be very careful not to lose its USP and all its very loyal customers. I really hope things don't relax further.

 

Have a long term trusted friend in the USA, who is a Carnival Exec. We talked, and at this point in time it looks as if Q919H may be our last Cunard cruise.

[majortom10]

I disagree that Cunard are losing customers because of the dress codes. Indeed they seem to be more booked up than I have ever seen before. Also there are far fewer reduced fares around which would indicate fewer spaces needing filling. I don't really think they could claim people are not booking because of the dress code. Also, I know a lot of people who don't go on CC who love and book Cunard because of the formal dress codes. One has already mentioned looking elsewhere if the codes change further. Cunard needs to be very careful not to lose its USP and all its very loyal customers. I really hope things don't relax further.

 

They might well be booked up at the moment but all these cruises were booked before Cunard announced the "change" in dress code . So how many of these booked cruisers are not happy and will consider their options when booking future cruises.

[Camgirl]

I should have been a little more clear. I meant they were not losing custom through the old formal dress codes. They may well do with the new ones if things get too relaxed as loyal customers abandon them..

[majortom10]

With regards to dress code we booked a roundtrip TA on QM2 in 2016 and at a later date one week of the 2 week cruise was announced for the first time to be a jazz cruise and the dress code was well and truly dumbed down and jeans were allowed in MDR and all areas of the ship no doubt to attract the "jazz crowd". All I can say that the atmosphere on the ship was totally different over the 2 weeks and was more enjoyable IMO when the dress code was Formal/Informal on the week when it was not designated a jazz cruise.

[Lakesregion]

They might well be booked up at the moment but all these cruises were booked before Cunard announced the "change" in dress code . So how many of these booked cruisers are not happy and will consider their options when booking future cruises.

 

I cancelled my December 2018 back to back transatlantic cruise. No need to spend 14 days on the seas among a sea of jeans and other less than inspiring attire both day and night. I can obtain that atmosphere here at home for the price of a cup of coffee and a muffin.

[Bedruthen]

Oh what a storm in a teacup! This is a site for diehard Cunard fans, who will want to resist any change that Cunard tries to make. However what you are unlikely to see is any comment from those people who do not cruise with Cunard because of the dress code. We live in a more casual, unstructured society where people no longer have Sunday best clothing and the cruise lines know this and will have done their research carefully. Okay they lose a few diehard cruisers, but they stand to gain these numbers over and over again from that sector of the marketplace which will not presently cruise with Cunard because of the restrictive dress code. Some you win, some you lose, but you can bet that Cunard are stacking the odds in favour of their balance sheet, where losing some loyal passengers is merely collateral damage.