Ascot Ball

[Toffeegirl68]

I will be sailing on the QM2 on May 17th (I am SO excited) and have a very basic question......

 

What exactly does the Ascot Ball entail?

[NorthernNeighbour]

I assume (although I don't know for sure) that you "pretend" you are part of the Ascot set who show up in their finery every year during the races there.

 

Personally, my wife and I find the whole idea of an Ascot Ball too pretentious on the part of Cunard and just plan to skip it.

 

However, we are not Brits -- so maybe it's a cultural thing to have an Ascot Ball. Like the Texans who have "square dance" nights abroad some cruises that leave from Houston -- in the name of maintaining Texas Culture (whatever that means). We would also skip those -- and I was born in Texas.

 

Formal nights are OK -- but an Ascot Ball, that's a bit over the top! But that's just my personal opinion.

[mufi]

I

However, we are not Brits -- so maybe it's a cultural thing to have an Ascot Ball. .

 

 

No, no, this is almost exclusively done for the American pax, we would certainly never attend such an event in our country, any more than we would prance around a maypole on May Day.

 

It's a bit of fun invented to keep the clients happy, and is mainly about hats. They run "classes" where pax make fancy hats out of what is at hand, and have a hat parade competition with the "lucky" winner getting one of the Cunard prizes at the end of the voyage.

 

Not my scene, but it takes all sorts.

 

David.

[Kindlychap]

I'm afraid you're all wrong.

 

For the Ascot Night you must turn up on your horse.

 

(Those in steerage may use a pony)

[Slow Foxtrot]

Personally, my wife and I find the whole idea of an Ascot Ball too pretentious on the part of Cunard and just plan to skip it.

 

 

Can't say as I blame you sir! Cunard's attempt to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear is beyond parody, and the Queen's Ballroom is usually packed with the most dreadful people, most of whom would never get past the gate-man at Royal Ascot. It's a wonder that Cunard are not sued for misrepresentation!

If you do venture forth then an acute sense of humour is needed to counteract the sheer horror of it all.

[pepperrn]

And prey tell, on which nights of a 6 night crossing do these 2 nights of appalling bad taste travesty take place? (so I plan to be at the other end of this very long ship on those nights).

 

Pepper.

[Bramcruiser]

So is this event held only on the Transatlantic crossings?

[NorthernNeighbour]

I am most re-assured to know that others find this whole idea of an Ascot Ball beyond belief.

 

It sounds like a good evening for my wife and I to order room service and curl up in our balcony cabin with a good book.

 

I hope someone from CUNARD monitors the postings here and gets the message!!!

[Slow Foxtrot]

So is this event held only on the Transatlantic crossings?

 

 

No sir, it's not. We suffered it on the Mediterranean cruises.

[pnhmrk]

We would certainly never attend such an event in our country, any more than we would prance around a maypole on May Day.

 

Wouldn't we?:confused: Where do you think I was last week?:p

[cruiserking]

The highlight of the Ascot Ball used to be the Horse Race. The previous evening a series of horse races were held at the Golden Lion Pub followed by an auction to buy up each of the plastic horse pieces. Each horse owner would decorate their horse using their ingenuity and creativity.

 

At the race, awards were given for best horse design and a cash prize for the winning horse. For some ridiculous reason, Carnival/Princess has nixed this event. We took part on our Caribbean Cruise in March of 2005 and had a blast particularly as our horse lucky number 6 came away with the victory.

 

I wish I knew why this exciting event no longer takes place. It can't possibly have anything to do with the fact that gambling is involved since their is Bingo and a Casino aboard which do a banner business. Maybe, next cruise we'll just grab our Yahtzee dice, a coupla ponies and pull a Nathan Detroit, just rig our own floating horse race, might afford that Duplex Suite yet. Cruiserking

[Bramcruiser]

No sir, it's not. We suffered it on the Mediterranean cruises.

 

EEEK! I'm on a December Caribbean sailing so thought we might get away with it. I don't mind formal nights for dinner at all. But the ball? Hope there's a good show in the theatre or at least a good movie on!:D

[Bramcruiser]

Wouldn't we?:confused: Where do you think I was last week?:p

 

With or without clothes?;)

[wotec]

ToffeeGirl - In your Cunard documents for you May 17 crossing, what does it say about evening dress for each of your 6 nights? This tends to change from time to time and I'm sailing May 23 and no docs yet so would appreciate what notice you have in your docs. thanks

[spewey]

Hi TofeeGirl,

 

It was our first crossing last week, and we, too, wondered what it was all about. Not being dancers, we usually skip over those types of events. But we did peek in to see what was going on. Mostly it seemed to be people who wanted to dance and be a bit silly at the same time by wearing a hat they'd decorated for the occasion. Everyone seemed to be aware of the fact that they were being a little silly, but they were still having fun. I dunno. I guess we're pretty live and let live and so were not put off by this event in the least. If you like to dance and wear a funny hat, more power to ya. Get to that ball. If you don't, there're lots of other fun things to choose for your evening's entertainment. Personally, I could've sat on our balcony, watching the moods of the water, blissfully away from the phone and computer, the entire time. Ball? What ball?

 

Hope you have a wonderful time. Sure you will.

[dtwtraveler]

Aren't most of you a boring lot! It's a tongue-in-cheek joke about just one of England's many dumb traditions - the women wearing crazy hats to the Ascot races. Hundreds of observers crowd the Queen's Room and enjoy the absurdity of it. Lighten up! You must be a hoot at the Pirates' Ball, Wassail Feasts and on Halloween.:rolleyes:

[travel-to-go]

dtw,

We may be a boring lot, but I see YOU'RE reading us! <LOL>

 

No, no, no! You've got it all wrong, people! Don't confuse the poor girl! Everyone crowds into the Queens room. Or maybe it's the Queens Grill. Or perhaps one of the Queens Grill staterooms! Well, anyway, you play Queen for a Day.. And they elect someone who has the most horsey face, Usually my cousin, Camilla (Did I mention my last name is Parker?) Then you gallop around the room, while all of the other guests whinny and neigh (some bray like asses) while you trot your stuff. They throw oats at you, and the CD (that's cruise director) comes in and tries to lasso you, hog-tie you and break you and ride you.

Of course if you are in Steerage, you just bring your goats (and chickens if you haven't killed and eaten them already) and pigs up with you for the race. Then everyone calls SOOOEY! And they chow down to see how is the most piggish!

 

Gee, I thought it was all so obvious!

 

Actually, it is held around 10:30 at night. It is a regular evening of dancing in the ballroom, but folks may, if they wish, dress to the nines the way one would for Ascot horseraces or Churchhill Downs. Surely you must have seen pictures of the ladies and their hats from the Kentucky Derby Saturday. You don't have to particpate, but like most everything else, it is a lot more fun if you do! It's one of those times one one can let one's hair down so to speak, be silly and have a little clean fun. I find that the more you participate in these things, the more fun you have, and as I always say, YMMV~! IMHO!

 

Kaie,

who sadly, did not have an Ascot ball, but got into the video and got a LOT of great comments (and loads of fun) in her pirate's costume! Mary Bonney move over! (Well, I was more of a serving wench- no women pirates were known to dress in women's clothing.) Oh yeah, And I got me quite of bit of booty and treasure that night. I stil havent had those diamonds appraised, but that lady was white as a sheet when I drew my cutlass across her fine neck! YO,HO,HO! (And a bottle of RHUM!)

[pnhmrk]

With or without clothes?;)

 

You need to ask?:D

 

(Actually I was with for part of the time and without for the rest:) )

[Toffeegirl68]

ToffeeGirl - In your Cunard documents for you May 17 crossing, what does it say about evening dress for each of your 6 nights? This tends to change from time to time and I'm sailing May 23 and no docs yet so would appreciate what notice you have in your docs. thanks

 

 

My docs are at home (I am at work) so I will answer your question tomorrow. I got my documents ages ago, and my tickets a couple of weeks ago - unless you've only just booked, I'd ring them up if I were you.

[Bramcruiser]

Karie:

 

I'd travel with your Ascot Ball anytime. Hey a Pirate's Ball, now that would be fun! Would go great along with the BBQ being held on my balcony!

 

David

[NorthernNeighbour]

My docs are at home (I am at work) so I will answer your question tomorrow. I got my documents ages ago, and my tickets a couple of weeks ago - unless you've only just booked, I'd ring them up if I were you.

 

In North America, when we got our travel document from CUNARD (sent from California), there was no documentation sent along whatsoever. Just something for us to show for embarkation.

 

Since we had booked a post-cruise hotel through CUNARD and paid for it, I contacted CUNARD since there was nothing in the travel document confirming that we had a hotel reservation. I go the usual "we are right" and "you are wrong" attitude about my expectations on what should be included in the travel documents.

 

All of this to say -- we also had no idea how many formal night, how many informal, etc. and which nights they are. I only found out by reading the postings here of other kind passengers who take the time to explain for the rest of us what CUNARD should be explaining for all of us.

 

Maybe it's different for travel documents issued in the UK? Are they better than the poor ones issued by CUNARD in America?

[pnhmrk]

I can't comment on UK documentation for the QM2, but for the QE2 we get the tour booklet a couple of months before travel and then, about two weeks before travel, we get a plastic wallet with a card giving port information (for NY it says Brooklyn Cruise Terminal) and a booklet that contains a welcome, several itineraries, information on how to contact the ship the ticket and the luggage labels. There's nothing relating to what happens once you get on board.

 

In their brochure it does give dress code details although it does warn that it "is a guide only and variations may occur". They normally have that day's programmes in the terminal to read while waiting to depart; they give the dress for the whole cruise.

[Slow Foxtrot]

They throw oats at you, and the CD (that's cruise director) comes in and tries to lasso you, hog-tie you and break you and ride you.

 

 

Good Heavens, if that's what goes on at the Ascot Ball I think I'll give it another try. We all like our oats in the English shires and the less said about 'breaking and riding' the better. From your description it appears that these Cruise Directors are a randy lot, this might even encourage her Ladyship to join in the fun! Perhaps Cunard have seen the light at last.

[travel-to-go]

Karie:

 

I'd travel with your Ascot Ball anytime. Hey a Pirate's Ball, now that would be fun! Would go great along with the BBQ being held on my balcony!

 

David

 

Deal!

Will you be bringing the Hibachi?

 

And can we rename your cabin "the Tonga Room"

We'll set up those Easter Island Statues and wear grass skirts and coconut bras!

 

Karie,

Who stopped wearing grass skirts when someone showed up with a lawnmower!

[Toffeegirl68]

Thanks for (some??!!) of your input. Have decided that, since they are listed as formal nights, I shall seize the opportunity to dress up for both the Black and White ball and the Ascot ball. I shall report back on my return to let everyone know how I got on in my finery. Ta very much.