How would I fit in on Cunard?

[AtSeaWithChris]

19 minutes ago, Windsurfboy said:

 

From your quote , I took it that you had one of the 250 free cruises

No, I have never sailed Cunard and I do not expect to get a free cruise from Cunard with the odds of being one of the 250 out of thousands. It looks to be a race to be one of the first 250 people to respond to get one. I am qualified to get one if I sign up in time when they release them for the year. But I am not holding my breath.

[navybankerteacher]

6 hours ago, MamallamaAndDaddy said:

not enough to worry me, and i've, to this point, never had a free cruise, but I will be getting one in December so I will let you know. 🙂

So, you are now saying that you will get a free cruise?

 

Has it anything to do with your Cunard training?

[AtSeaWithChris]

21 minutes ago, navybankerteacher said:

So, you are now saying that you will get a free cruise?

 

Has it anything to do with your Cunard training?

No

[lissie]

8 hours ago, MamallamaAndDaddy said:

 only own one dark charcoal suit that still fits and about 5 long sleeve button up shirts and mostly crappy ties.We also don't want to feel like we are being judged by people that don't even know us. I would be like Jed Clampett in some situations but I am intelligent and can debate with the best out there sometimes lol. I am too old to care as much as I used to.

You'll do perfectly fine with one dark suit and  5 long sleeved shirts.  Buy a black bow tie (my partner prefers them because he tends to drop food on his normal ties at dinner) for $20 somewhere and you're done. 

 

We had great conversations on board my partner wearing a cheap suit and me wearing dark long dress I've had for 30 odd year with a couple of different tops which cost $10 at the mall. The people with class don't care what you're wearing, even if they are wearing suits and gowns worth more than my bar bill for the whole trip! 

 

I also think the onboard dressing up in Alaska will be more on the level of Australia than the trans Atlantic. Cunard may not have luggage limits but airlines certainly do - and few people will drive to Vancouver 

[Lakesregion]

13 hours ago, shipgeeks said:

There is no reason the men in dinner suits should be uncomfortable, if that is the dress code.  Surely it's the t-shirt men who should feel uncomfortable, if anyone does!

Very true but most people that go against the dress code and other levels of decorum are tone deaf and never get it that they are being laughed at once people leave the table.

[AtSeaWithChris]

38 minutes ago, Lakesregion said:

Very true but most people that go against the dress code and other levels of decorum are tone deaf and never get it that they are being laughed at once people leave the table.

Heck I've lived with people laughing at me my whole life. Lol. 

[Solent Richard]

18 hours ago, shipgeeks said:

There is no reason the men in dinner suits should be uncomfortable, if that is the dress code.  Surely it's the t-shirt men who should feel uncomfortable, if anyone does!

How true. Well said Sir.

[Windsurfboy]

15 hours ago, Lakesregion said:

Very true but most people that go against the dress code and other levels of decorum are tone deaf and never get it that they are being laughed at once people leave the table.

 

I believe that if you don't like  Cunard's dress code don't sail on Cunard and personally  follow it with pleasure

 

However. 

 

It's  a very ungenerous spirit that laughs at someone after they've left . 

 

 I've  never seen a gross level of flouting of the evening dress code, but from what I've heard the Maitre  D'  wouldn't let them in a formal dining room.

 

Of course in the day time the official dress code is wear whatever you are comfortable with, so it's impossible to flout that.

 

 

 

[david,Mississauga]

On 6/25/2021 at 2:08 AM, lissie said:

... This is an Australian season rule - but I suspect may apply in Alaska too - you'd need to check that. 

...

 

 

We did find that standards were dropped a bit on our 10-day Alaska cruise two years ago. There were only two gala nights which was unfortunate for those of us who have considered Cunard as our favourite for a long time.  Although it was a port-intensive cruise, there could have easily been one other gala night on a "sea day".  I wrote to Cunard and mentioned this on the end-of-cruise survey and also on their Facebook page but I doubt anyone cares.  Along with a sizeable minority, I wore a jacket and tie on every night, as is my custom. 

 

On short notice, the first night was changed to "jacket optional." I'm not sure about the last night. However, the other non-gala nights did require a jacket and the two gala nights were quite elegant indeed.  On the afternoon of the Cunard World Club party for top-tier members there were even a few people dressed in formal wear, something I hadn't seen before.

 

We met an Australian man who said he had been told by his travel agent that all 10 nights were jacket optional so he didn't bring one.  At the first port of call he found a thrift shop and bought a suit and tie, which he wore every night.  He was going to have a chat with this agent on his return.

[bluemarble]

On 6/24/2021 at 9:06 PM, MamallamaAndDaddy said:

The training emphasized casual attire several times thus my quest for opinions here about to what extent is ok. As we all know sometimes the training / brochure information doesn't reflect the feet on the ground experience.   

 

@MamallamaAndDaddy, I suspect at this point you feel like you've been put through the wringer with this thread. I commend you for your grace under fire with your responses so far. As you've found, the Cunard dress code is an extremely hot-button issue here.

 

Please feel under no obligation whatsoever to reply to this follow-up question of mine. But if you feel so inclined, I'm curious about your comment "the training emphasized casual attire several times." If you would be so kind, would you mind digging a little deeper concerning how much emphasis you feel the training placed on the casual aspects of a Cunard cruise versus the formal aspects?

 

I suspect a significant number of this forum's participants might be wondering, as I am, what impression Cunard may be portraying in their training as it relates to marketing Cunard as a casual line versus a formal line. Thanks for your consideration.

[AtSeaWithChris]

17 minutes ago, bluemarble said:

 

@MamallamaAndDaddy, I suspect at this point you feel like you've been put through the wringer with this thread. I commend you for your grace under fire with your responses so far. As you've found, the Cunard dress code is an extremely hot-button issue here.

 

Please feel under no obligation whatsoever to reply to this follow-up question of mine. But if you feel so inclined, I'm curious about your comment "the training emphasized casual attire several times." If you would be so kind, would you mind digging a little deeper concerning how much emphasis you feel the training placed on the casual aspects of a Cunard cruise versus the formal aspects?

 

I suspect a significant number of this forum's participants might be wondering, as I am, what impression Cunard may be portraying in their training as it relates to marketing Cunard as a casual line versus a formal line. Thanks for your consideration.

Thank you. As far as the training. When I initially started training I thought Cunard was too dressy for me. But along the way, at least a few times, I started thinking that doesn't sound too bad. They had a module or two that talked about being casual and places in the evening where you can stay casual. By the end of the training I had a much better idea of the experience. So I wanted to hear opinions and ask questions to see if it's something we would still consider. We are looking at an Alaska itinerary and thought Cunard would be a treat for us and a nice way to see the line and Alaska. 

[bluemarble]

27 minutes ago, MamallamaAndDaddy said:

Thank you. As far as the training. When I initially started training I thought Cunard was too dressy for me. But along the way, at least a few times, I started thinking that doesn't sound too bad. They had a module or two that talked about being casual and places in the evening where you can stay casual. By the end of the training I had a much better idea of the experience. So I wanted to hear opinions and ask questions to see if it's something we would still consider. We are looking at an Alaska itinerary and thought Cunard would be a treat for us and a nice way to see the line and Alaska. 

 

Thanks for that follow-up. Cunard does indeed offer a reasonably wide range of venues where casual attire is allowed during the evening. For some additional perspective, they have been expanding that list in recent years.

 

To jog my memory by reading some past postings here, it was sometime in early 2017 when they added the night clubs (G32 on QM2 and Yacht Club on QE/QV) to the list of casual venues.

 

Then in 2018, when they rolled out the new names for the dress codes (Gala and Smart Attire), they also added the Golden Lion Pub and the Casino to the list of casual venues.

[navybankerteacher]

1 hour ago, MamallamaAndDaddy said:

Thank you. As far as the training. When I initially started training I thought Cunard was too dressy for me. But along the way, at least a few times, I started thinking that doesn't sound too bad. They had a module or two that talked about being casual and places in the evening where you can stay casual. By the end of the training I had a much better idea of the experience. So I wanted to hear opinions and ask questions to see if it's something we would still consider. We are looking at an Alaska itinerary and thought Cunard would be a treat for us and a nice way to see the line and Alaska. 

If casual style is your thing, why are you thinking about Cunard at all?  Their traditional approach is what really sets them apart from the kind of experience you seem to prefer.  For the price of a Cunard experience, you could have a somewhat  "higher end" Alaska experience on Princess or HAL - and certainly on NCL. 

 

The bottom line:  do not sail Cunard if you do not want the Cunard experience -- remember, having compatible interests with the majority of your shipmates can make for a more enjoyable cruise,

[AtSeaWithChris]

24 minutes ago, navybankerteacher said:

If casual style is your thing, why are you thinking about Cunard at all?

I would like to experience the White Star service at least once, possibly.

[AtSeaWithChris]

42 minutes ago, navybankerteacher said:

For the price of a Cunard experience, you could have a somewhat  "higher end" Alaska experience on Princess or HAL - and certainly on NCL. 

I found a great rate

[Tonopah]

16 minutes ago, MamallamaAndDaddy said:

I would like to experience the White Star service at least once, possibly.

Go, take a coat and tie. Enjoy the ambiance. You will need to stay “dressed” to attend the theater or most other venues, but on nights you don’t feel like it, stay in and get room service or go to the buffet. Get a room with a balcony and watch the world go by with a glass of wine. The experience is worth it. 

[navybankerteacher]

21 minutes ago, Tonopah said:

Go, take a coat and tie. Enjoy the ambiance. ...

No  -- take a suit (at least)..  If you want to enjoy the "ambience",  do not try to undercut the "ambience" your shipmates expect to enjoy.

 

 Why try to scrape by at below the level expected?

[Tonopah]

25 minutes ago, navybankerteacher said:

No  -- take a suit (at least)..  If you want to enjoy the "ambience",  do not try to undercut the "ambience" your shipmates expect to enjoy.

 

 Why try to scrape by at below the level expected?

How is it “scraping by” to wear a jacket and tie when expected, and to not wear one in one’s room or in venues where it is not required?  

[navybankerteacher]

34 minutes ago, Tonopah said:

How is it “scraping by” to wear a jacket and tie when expected, and to not wear one in one’s room or in venues where it is not required?  

Because the Cunard dress code for the non-casual evenings specifies dinner jacket (tuxedo) or a dark SUIT for men — NOT just a coat and tie.  
 

To say  “Go, take a coat and tie. Enjoy the ambience.” as you did is telling someone how to “scrape by”, as I put it.  There is a difference between a coat and tie and a dark suit (the suggested alternative to a tuxedo).

[Lakesregion]

13 minutes ago, navybankerteacher said:

Because the Cunard dress code for the non-casual evenings specifies dinner jacket (tuxedo) or a dark SUIT for men — NOT just a coat and tie.  
 

To say  “Go, take a coat and tie. Enjoy the ambience.” as you did is telling someone how to “scrape by”, as I put it.  There is a difference between a coat and tie and a dark suit (the suggested alternative to a tuxedo).

I am 100% with you on keeping the attire code to a higher standard as it really makes the entire sailing special. As few as 10 years ago, ladies were wearing dresses and hats for afternoon tea in the Queens Room and there was always a goodly number of gentlemen in blazers for lunch and afternoon tea. Now there are few ladies and gentlemen on board but plenty of men and gals. Sad but we traditionalists are fighting a rear guard action in sooo many aspects of society. But we shall keep on keeping on. My luggage count to allow for a "proper" sailing runs to 6 bags plus a carry on to spruce up from boarding in blazer and tie and proper slacks etc. Never ever jeans nor T's. Those I leave at home for the gardner.

[Tonopah]

1 hour ago, navybankerteacher said:

Because the Cunard dress code for the non-casual evenings specifies dinner jacket (tuxedo) or a dark SUIT for men — NOT just a coat and tie.  
 

To say  “Go, take a coat and tie. Enjoy the ambience.” as you did is telling someone how to “scrape by”, as I put it.  There is a difference between a coat and tie and a dark suit (the suggested alternative to a tuxedo).

I am definitely laughing at your mansplaining the difference between a suit with a coat and tie, and a DARK suit. I’ll be sure to write that down to make sure I’m not scraping.

[lissie]

5 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

If casual style is your thing, why are you thinking about Cunard at all?  Their traditional approach is what really sets them apart from the kind of experience you seem to prefer.  For the price of a Cunard experience, you could have a somewhat  "higher end" Alaska experience on Princess or HAL - and certainly on NCL. 

 

The bottom line:  do not sail Cunard if you do not want the Cunard experience -- remember, having compatible interests with the majority of your shipmates can make for a more enjoyable cruise,

 

I'm not the OP but I can answer your question. I'm totally casual, never wear makeup live in track pants. But we are ballroom dancers - so we chose Cunard for our first cruise because of the dancing opportunities and the itinerary. It was $50 more expensive than Princess cruise on the same  itinerar, more expensive than P&O but far fewer kids.

 

Easy as for a man to pack a suite and a tie and a woman to pack something other than jeans (as usual dress codes apply 90% to men not women).  To us the dress code is a weird thing with Cunard, but so long as they have ballroom dancing we'll keep cruising with them.  We like the lectures and shows, and don't mind not having the holiday camp atmosphere of forced fun that some cruise lines seem to have . 

[Solent Richard]

9 hours ago, bluemarble said:

 

@MamallamaAndDaddy, I suspect at this point you feel like you've been put through the wringer with this thread. I commend you for your grace under fire with your responses so far. As you've found, the Cunard dress code is an extremely hot-button issue here.

 

Please feel under no obligation whatsoever to reply to this follow-up question of mine. But if you feel so inclined, I'm curious about your comment "the training emphasized casual attire several times." If you would be so kind, would you mind digging a little deeper concerning how much emphasis you feel the training placed on the casual aspects of a Cunard cruise versus the formal aspects?

 

I suspect a significant number of this forum's participants might be wondering, as I am, what impression Cunard may be portraying in their training as it relates to marketing Cunard as a casual line versus a formal line. Thanks for your consideration.

That 'forensic' brain being put to good use again @bluemarble . 

[Solent Richard]

3 hours ago, Lakesregion said:

I am 100% with you on keeping the attire code to a higher standard as it really makes the entire sailing special. As few as 10 years ago, ladies were wearing dresses and hats for afternoon tea in the Queens Room and there was always a goodly number of gentlemen in blazers for lunch and afternoon tea. Now there are few ladies and gentlemen on board but plenty of men and gals. Sad but we traditionalists are fighting a rear guard action in sooo many aspects of society. But we shall keep on keeping on. My luggage count to allow for a "proper" sailing runs to 6 bags plus a carry on to spruce up from boarding in blazer and tie and proper slacks etc. Never ever jeans nor T's. Those I leave at home for the gardner.

Spot on there @Lakesregion: a man after my own heart.

 

If Cunard is worth doing, it's worth doing properly. 

[Victoria2]

6 hours ago, MamallamaAndDaddy said:

I found a great rate

If you follow your comments in #42, you'll be fine. 

 

The majority of Cunard passengers DO dress well and it sounds as if you are more than happy to adjust to Cunard's codes  so take some extreme views with a pinch of salt and make use of the great rate.

 

Having cruised Alaska a few times, my extra comment would be,  book a balcony and choose the position carefully. Northbound - starboard, southbound - port, a round trip - doesn't matter.

Edited June 27, 2021 by Victoria2