King Amo

I'm not sure I've seen anyone posting in this thread who meet much of that description to be honest. The discussion has been around interpretation of the 'Smart attire' dress code. I guess as someone who would not ideally want to have to wear a jacket on such nights (but would if it were the dress code), I could consider myself an intended target. I have sailed with many different lines over the years (from memory Orient Lines once, Cunard three times - twice on the QE2 when informal nights meant jacket and tie, Celebrity three times, Royal Caribbean twice, P&O twice, and Thomson once), and each one offered something different, with only the now defunct Thomson being not really for me. I even got married at sea. I'm more than happy to meet the dress code of whatever ship I'm sailing on, and do not think it's fair or correct to define a line because of it, or make the issue a defining factor in the choice of cruise line. I like to dress presentably in the evening (I hesitate to use the word smartly, as this is what causes this mess in the first place), but for me that doesn't need to include a jacket at all times, which is something that clearly Cunard agree with outside of the gala evenings. I've participated in this thread because I feel that the expectations of some guests and posters on this forum are unrealistic and risk putting people off sailing with Cunard, which is a shame for both prospective guests and for the line itself, which needs to sustain itself for the long term. Part of the issue, as I've said, is Cunard's terminology and inconsistency of language, which leads to potential misunderstandings and grey areas, but many of these issues are not helped by the views of some who imply that there is some form of unwritten higher dress code that would make certain people feel underdressed and letting the side down. I want as many people as possible to experience what Cunard offer, and feel welcome onboard. In answer to the question though, I chose Cunard for this latest cruise, which is in the summer across the Med, predominantly due the ports of call and the availability of space for my 13 year old son, as capacity for children within the various age groups is a real issue unless you book years in advance.

And don't get anyone started on whether trousers can be made of denim etc.

That could be a whole other thread!

I would say the latter is a different kind of ignorance and disrespect than the word pompous conjures up, and in many ways worse (not least given the abundance of alternatives as you describe). I hope that nothing in this thread (at least written by me, but also those who have been sharing similar views) comes across as the above. I have been clear throughout that making an effort to conform to the requirements is key, but a little tolerance and recognition that the outcome of that effort may not fit with individuals' interpretations of some less than specific rules, would make the cruise a better experience for all.

Which is great, and clearly brings you pleasure to do so. Bringing what sounds to be at least three dinner suits, given your use of the plural, is not to be expected of most guests though, and goes well above both the stated dress code, and the predominant interpretation of the dress code by guests. There is absolutely nothing wrong with dressing up, and cruises give a greater opportunity to do so than most have in their day to day lives or other forms of holidays. For some, however, this sort of thing can be quite anxiety-inducing, worrying about how they will fit in, be perceived by staff and other guests, and simply feeling out of their comfort zone. As such I would hope that anyone who is reading this thread, and worried about what to wear and how they will be perceived don't feel there is such a high bar and may be put off from booking Cunard, as they would be missing out.

I don't think formal nights are the issue here though - it's trying to navigate the 'Smart attire' nights by trying to balance the actual dress code requirements (rather than what some think they should be), remaining comfortable in what you are wearing (both physically and mentally), and genuinely not offending people. Dress code is never an easy thing for a venue to articulate, as there is so much scope for things to fall through the gaps, but Cunard in particular have been pretty poor over the years with their inconsistent phraseology. Combine that with a clientele that is on the whole more mature and often British, who perhaps have more traditional expectations, and you understandably get threads like this. As Buchanan has said, this is people's holidays, and in my view no-one who has made an effort should be made to feel like they are letting the side down.

Cunard have never made things easy with their terminology. They used to classify the majority of non-formal nights as 'informal', but that meant jacket and tie. Now they talk of smart attire, but define it as a collared shirt, which would almost certainly include a polo shirt, but that could never really be considered as 'smart'. They also say things along the lines of 'wear what you would to the theatre or smart restaurant' which once again could really mean anything. As such you get this level of confusion with people's mismatched expectations, particularly across different age brackets. The main thing from my point of view is that I would expect people to look as if they have made an effort. The outcome of that effort may be different for a man in their 20s than a man in their 60s, but that is pretty much to be expected.

There are also the Goodwin Sands to navigate

Not just grandparents. I first went on the QE2 when I was 20, and the faded grandeur was one its most enduring appeals. There was something very special about that ship. When considering taste though, I'm not sure any ship could be considered particularly tasteful, if you look at the constituent parts. It's a bit like Vegas hotels. None of the decor would be what you would ever choose, but you find the place that feels right.

I think it's an interesting point Victoria makes about packages, as everyone sees value in different things. For me personally, in an ideal world I would have the notion of cabin and restaurant classes as separate, so that you could potentially have grills class dining allocation without the need for the suite, butler service etc. which is, quite honestly, wasted on me. We spend so little waking time in our cabin that I'm quite happy to be in a small inside room, but the dining experience is one that I'd much prefer to spend extra on. I know that is somewhat possible through alternative dining, but it's not the same going to somewhere with the same menu every night rather than somewhere which challenges your palette and opens your eyes to new things. For my mum, for example, her absolute must have is the balcony, and she will pay anything to ensure she has that, but wouldn't see the absolute need to pay anything additional from dining at the buffet. In terms of standard packages I've very much enjoyed the benefits of inclusive cruises, even if I would never use the benefit to the extent that the majority of others would, but given the choice I'm very much with Victoria (i.e. get the service charge included in the main fare, but have everything else as opt ins).

Ah that's interesting, I wasn't expecting anything to be there for Gold tier. Quite handy, as while I'm very much looking forward to being out of internet range, having some credit as back up should something be needed is very useful.

I'm pretty sure the porthole I had the first time I went on the QE2 could be opened slightly, but this could be signs of a very bad memory and nostalgia.

Excellent, thanks so much all. That's put my mind at rest. I've gone for open dining as my parents are joining us midway through the cruise so will go from needing a three to a five, but so long as it isn't considered presumptuous to occasionally ask for one of these options when I haven't paid for it, I'm sure we'll be fine.

Hi all, apologies if this has been done to death, but it's been many years since I've cruised with Cunard. We're doing a med cruise in the summer on QV, and of course I'm already looking forward to it and getting myself back up to speed. One thing that appears to have changed since I was last on the QV is that the sample menus don't seem to have the 'always on' section anymore (which would normally include a grilled chicken breast, salmon fillet or sirloin, and I think some pasta options like bolognese. From what I can see, this is now included on the 'club' tier, but not in the standard. Is that correct, i.e. you have to select something off the main menu, or opt to go to the buffet? Reason I ask is that while my son is a relatively adventurous eater, particularly when it comes to seafood, he really isn't into sauces, and the ability to have that simpler fall back option would probably be useful for him, as I want to make sure he really enjoys his food, rather than feeling self-conscious if he doesn't like something. Thanks in advance!

I had it happen on Orient Lines many years ago, and was offered it once on Celebrity, but turned it down as we were very happy where we were.