How would I fit in on Cunard?

[AtSeaWithChris]

On 6/28/2021 at 5:18 PM, lissie said:

in many a back water region of the US where "smart attire" only requires a clean t shirt and jeans with out hammer loops and holes

That seems like a pretty broad stereotype. 

[Jim9310]

2 hours ago, MamallamaAndDaddy said:

That seems like a pretty broad stereotype. 

 

Coming from a NEW ZEALANDER, no less!

[TouchstoneFeste]

3 hours ago, MamallamaAndDaddy said:

That seems like a pretty broad stereotype. 

Well, I laughed.

 

- Ohioan who lives in one of those backwaters.

[Reuben's 3rd]

Dear MammallamaandDaddy, you asked a reasonable question, would you be comfortable on Cunard given that you prefer to not wear a jacket and tie. The first reply was clear and to the point. As you now know, the dress code is a hot button issue. While you received a lot of useful information, from Blue Marble, Lissie and ExLondoner amongst many others, you also found yourself on the receiving end of umbrage, assumption, judgment and snark (attitudes that I don't ever recall seeing on the ship). You handled all of this with grace.  It would be a delight to share a table with you.

 

On a “Smart Casual” night, you would need a jacket but could omit the tie. On a formal night, you need a dark suit or a tuxedo. To do otherwise would miss the experience of the Britannia Dining Room.

 

Is it pretentious? I don't think so; in my experience (10 trips, 7 crossings) everyone is treated with courtesy and respect. While it is not a party ship, there is lots to do. I have only met one person who moaned at me (captive in the laundry room) that the ship (QV) was boring. We happened to be in the fjords of Norway at the time; if none of the 4 pages of activities for the day appealed to me, I would have just watched the breathtaking scenery!

 

If you are a travel agent, no amount of training can tell you as much as experiencing Cunard. I do hope that you try.

[Photo Andy]

I am one of the people that dresses casually whilst onboard at all times. During the day dressing casually - shorts / t shirts, socks and closed shoes are fine but at 6pm everything changes. I retire to the buffet and regard this as my area. I do not attend  bars nor theatre shows on an evening. The only time I get disapproving looks is if I ever have to go to the Pursers office but if you are Ninja usually do not get seen. 

I like Cunard since we sailed QM2  Soton  NYC and east USA then return to Soton 3 week cruise in 2009 and have sailed approx 10 x including writing reviews on this site. We are thinking of moving to another cruise line as they have different itineraries to Cunard, not due to the dress code or any other aspect. I appreciate what I have said maybe some people disapprove but you can sail Cunard without dressing smart or formal but you have to accept the restrictions. I have been on Costa and Royal Caribbean being invited to lecture on board so were free, a great introduction to cruising but the 2009 cruise was our silver wedding and wanted to do something special - QM2 is special.   

 

[nybumpkin]

I'm sorry I'm late to this thread (DH and I were sailing Puget Sound with American Cruise Lines last week!🙂) I posted this on the Carnival board after our 3 weeks on QM2 in 2019. We had 24 cruises with Carnival before sailing Cunard. 

 

BTW, American Cruise Lines is a completely different experience from both Carnival and Cunard. Small ships, completely casual, no buffets, etc.  When we were on QM2 Bill Miller was one of the guest speakers and he made the comment about how good it is that there's something for everyone who wants to do a sailing; it's very true.

 

[Reuben's 3rd]

I hit the link.  What an interesting and informative post, NYBumpkin.  Thank you!

[naturelovergirl]

I happen to love the dress code on Cunard, because it is so special at night. It is just part of the Cunard experience.

(I do love dressing in beautiful clothes- so it certainly fits my personality)

Cunard is gorgeous and peaceful... we did not find it stuffy or snobby in the least.

That said, it will be very different from what you are used to on Carnival ships... so just be aware. Cunard is unique and lovely.

 

On the smart nights, my husband would wear a jacket- he also has some fabulous pocket squares, lapel pins, and cufflinks which gave him some excellent snappy style.

That said, my husband does not wear tuxedos- he did not even wear one at our wedding... but he looked fantastic in his dark suit on the gala nights on Cunard! 

 

My two cents, I would never want to limit my experience on a cruise- I want to experience it at its fullest... so on Cunard, the dress code is (even though, as I stated, I love it) necessary to have full access to all of the venues after 6.

If you want to try the line, my advice is... just to kind of see it as "When In Rome, Do As The Romans Do"... just change it to "When On Cunard, Do As The Cunarders Do"

🙂

[shipgeeks]

Well said, Naturelovergirl.

I suspect there are some potential passengers who would find it useful to know exactly what venues are off limits/available for those who choose to not dress up.  If they read these boards, they are probably aware that they can have dinner in the buffet.  But are they also aware that they would not be admitted to the theatre?  And what other evening entertainment spaces would they have to miss?

BTW, not asking for us.  We are definitely tuxedo and gown people.

Can anyone here set out the yes/no venues?

[ExArkie]

From https://my.cunard.com/en-us/mycruise/articles/Packing-for-your-holiday

 

"Of course, if you prefer to spend your evenings in more relaxed attire, feel free to dress casually as you visit any of the following venues: Kings Court or Lido Buffet, Golden Lion, Casino, Carinthia Lounge, Winter Garden/Winter Lounge and G32 or Yacht Club. 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."

 

[Victoria2]

1 hour ago, shipgeeks said:

Well said, Naturelovergirl.

I suspect there are some potential passengers who would find it useful to know exactly what venues are off limits/available for those who choose to not dress up.  If they read these boards, they are probably aware that they can have dinner in the buffet.  But are they also aware that they would not be admitted to the theatre?  And what other evening entertainment spaces would they have to miss?

BTW, not asking for us.  We are definitely tuxedo and gown people.

Can anyone here set out the yes/no venues?

I have yet to see a non jacket wearer denied entry to the theater. I have also seen quite a few chaps take their jackets off, once seated. I don't agree with either but that's the reality in my experience on QE and QV.

[exlondoner]

I fear I have asked this before, but, given the air condition is usually pretty effective, what is the objection to wearing a jacket?

[Victoria2]

11 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

I fear I have asked this before, but, given the air condition is usually pretty effective, what is the objection to wearing a jacket?

Not a clue but then my husband follows all dress advice.

[PORT ROYAL]

15 hours ago, Victoria2 said:

I have yet to see a non jacket wearer denied entry to the theater. I have also seen quite a few chaps take their jackets off, once seated. I don't agree with either but that's the reality in my experience on QE and QV.

Some jacket missing guests utilise the entry points to the Theatre (known as the rat runs) that are not “policed”. 

Also it has been witnessed that non jacket wearers in the Theatre are invited to return to their staterooms to collect the jacket they accidentally forgot.

[Windsurfboy]

I wear my jacket  to the theatre out of laziness,  can't be bothered to go back to room. Don't want to make a fuss about something so trivial. 

 

However I do not understand all the fuss about wearing a jacket in a DARK THEATRE. You are there to look at the stage not other guests !!

 

It seems rather unfair  that people who like casual  dress are excluded.  It not like bars where they have a casual bar there is no casual theatre

Edited July 8, 2021 by Windsurfboy

[navybankerteacher]

3 hours ago, Windsurfboy said:

...

 

It seems rather unfair  that people who like casual  dress are excluded.  ...

Isn't it also unfair to disregard the clearly stated codes - which are a significant part of many others' reasonable expectations?

[Windsurfboy]

14 minutes ago, navybankerteacher said:

Isn't it also unfair to disregard the clearly stated codes - which are a significant part of many others' reasonable expectations?

I never said people should disregard the theatre dress code,  just that the code was unfair and in my mind should be changed. 

 

Cunard have gone out of their way to provide for and encourage people who do not want to follow Cunards more formal than normal nowadays dress code, whether every day or occasionally.  So to exclude then from the only theatre seems unfair on them. If Cunard do not want them to have the full entertainment experience,  then don't encourage them to travel with Cunard.  Make no provision for them.

 

Why people have any expectations or take notice of others dress in a DARK theatre , when their attention should be on the performance is beyond me,

 

Elsewhere in the ship , e.g restaurants,  bars , queens room, then I  also have expectations people should follow the code, Jackets do wonders to make people look smarter. But that's because these room are lit and you can see everyone else. 

[majortom10]

13 minutes ago, Windsurfboy said:

I never said people should disregard the theatre dress code,  just that the code was unfair and in my mind should be changed. 

 

Cunard have gone out of their way to provide for and encourage people who do not want to follow Cunards more formal than normal nowadays dress code, whether every day or occasionally.  So to exclude then from the only theatre seems unfair on them. If Cunard do not want them to have the full entertainment experience,  then don't encourage them to travel with Cunard.  Make no provision for them.

 

Why people have any expectations or take notice of others dress in a DARK theatre , when their attention should be on the performance is beyond me,

 

Elsewhere in the ship , e.g restaurants,  bars , queens room, then I  also have expectations people should follow the code, Jackets do wonders to make people look smarter. But that's because these room are lit and you can see everyone else. 

I agree with that part of your statement. People know the dress code if they dont like it then dont book with Cunard. I will not book anymore cruises with Princess because I dont like their casual dress approach on their so called "formal night" that is my choice.

Edited July 8, 2021 by majortom10

[carlmm]

48 minutes ago, Windsurfboy said:

Why people have any expectations or take notice of others dress in a DARK theatre , when their attention should be on the performance is beyond me,

 

Why? 

For example because it is a theatre with a formal ambiance.

For example because it is of course not really dark.

And yes, it does diminish my enjoyment when I am formally dressed and people in jeans and t-shirt sit next to me.  

The overall atmosphere changes like in every other public space.

[Victoria2]

11 minutes ago, carlmm said:

 

Why? 

For example because it is a theatre with a formal ambiance.

For example because it is of course not really dark.

And yes, it does diminish my enjoyment when I am formally dressed and people in jeans and t-shirt sit next to me.  

The overall atmosphere changes like in every other public space.

I must be very unusual then because as long as we are appropriately dressed, I might occasionally think dark thoughts of those who aren't but I would never let it affect my enjoyment of the moment, wherever I was on the ship.

 

The only person who can diminish my enjoyment, is me and that won't happen over the way someone is dressed.

Ignore and enjoy.

 

[majortom10]

Doesnt spoil my enjoyment but do feel it ruins the atmosphere when majority are dressed formally and a minority dress casually.

[shippmates]

The formal dress code is why we like to sail on Cunard.  We normally do not get to dress at home so it is a treat to dress to the 9's for several days.  

We normally do not cruise Carnival due to the lack of rules/guidelines not being enforced.  We have seen shorts, sleeveless undershirts, backward baseball caps in the dining room on formal night.  When did people stop removing hats at a table when eating.

 

[oskidunker]

3 hours ago, majortom10 said:

I agree with that part of your statement. People know the dress code if they dont like it then dont book with Cunard. I will not book anymore cruises with Princess because I dont like their casual dress approach on their so called "formal night" that is my choice.

Agree. I had to book Princess becauseCunard cancelled my Northern Lights cruise and I already had air booked-on points in Business. Did not want to give that up. But agree Princess formal night is a joke. 

[navybankerteacher]

4 hours ago, Windsurfboy said:

I never said people should disregard the theatre dress code,  just that the code was unfair and in my mind should be changed. 

 

—

I happen to think that NCL (and their ilk) have “unfair” dress codes - because a man who chooses to wear something as outrageously formal as a blazer over a collared shirt when having a seated dinner with his wife has to put up with standing out like a sore thumb.

 

Let’s agree:   I won’t ***** about NCL’s lack of a code, if you’ll agree to not agitate for Cunard to give up theirs.

[Victoria2]

1 hour ago, majortom10 said:

Doesnt spoil my enjoyment but do feel it ruins the atmosphere when majority are dressed formally and a minority dress casually.

I haven’t come across enough passengers who are not dress compliant to ruin any atmosphere.