Dress codes. Let's get it clear. All ships no longer offer the glamour cruise.
Late 90's an American CEO of the once very elegant little ships (private yachts) Sea Dream (Goddess) took control. His name. PIMENTEL is indelibly scribed into my head as the guy that removed style from cruising. He invented "No jacket required" that to a British or European person . means the code doesn't require a tie. But really a jacket is optional . Unfortunately for those of us with style. To an average American it can mean turn up in T shirt, shorts and flip flops. Not all , but some do. That group sets the low ball scene.
Dress standards have deteriorated ever since. I've just disembarked from 2 Azamara cruises. No formal nights. The majority of pax wore stuff I'd garden in. Many could easily have traveled with a couple of plastic bags. At embarkation I thought they d mixed us with some asylum seekers.
Two nice American couples we met didn't have a complete change of clothing! Seemingly there is no code. Just come you are. Few pax have pride in how they appear. On both cruises only 4 men wore jackets.
The only positive from this demise is we can travel light. No longer must we forklift 4 large suitcases. For those recently joined the cruising fraternity. One was for ball gowns another for cocktail dresses. Tuxedos, both black and white and maybe a suit. Dress shirts. Casual shirts. Polos. A couple of jackets .even patent leather shoes.
A cruise until recently. was where our ladies could safely wear real jewellery that glittered and transformed evenings and nights into beguiling Film sets. Often befitting of Hollywood.
Now it's a film set depicting Asylum seekers leaving Eastern Europe. Or Americans running from an earthquake. Sprinkled with a few that were prepared and came by car .
Come on guys. Smarten up. Your girls love dressing up Lets party in style! Please...
