HappyFeet13 Posted September 14, 2014 #501 Share Posted September 14, 2014 Very nice move re a dinner jacket! The problem with a traditional tux and black tie is that we probably would be the only ones in the entire restaurant dressed identically to the waiters, being greeted with, "I'll have another glass of the cabernet, please", as we arrive at our tables. Remember, the whole "suit, white shirt, no tie" look was created and made popular by Iran's president Ahmadinejad, and we Yanks never liked that guy. I think the right thing to do is to is to work on the elegant British gentleman shtick. I think I can do that. Will I need a mustache? Can you tell me how to correctly pronounce "Isandlwana" and "Crumperthwaiteshire"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flamin_June Posted September 14, 2014 #502 Share Posted September 14, 2014 Moustaches are neither expected nor required. Think Leslie Howard rather than David Niven. Of course you may want to reward your stewardess with some well-trimmed facial hair, or perhaps donate your beard clippings to the crew's welfare fund.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T&C Fulham Posted September 14, 2014 #503 Share Posted September 14, 2014 Thanks Happy and Flaming. We seem to be of one accord. Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Able Seaman H Posted September 14, 2014 #504 Share Posted September 14, 2014 I have been known to wear a cravat in lieu of a (hand tied) bow tie on formal nights. I also enjoy giving my pocket watches an airing. Excentricity is a delightful trait and cruises the perfect platform upon which to let them shine. I also like to consider myself non conformist, not along the lines of shorts & flowery shirt in the dining room but a slight edge. Subtle but there none the less. We are very lucky in England when it comes to clothing. Bizarrely for my working life I never have to get dressed up. Henry :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T&C Fulham Posted September 15, 2014 #505 Share Posted September 15, 2014 Remember, the whole "suit, white shirt, no tie" look was created and made popular by Iran's president Ahmadinejad, and we Yanks never liked that guy. I'd forgotten where it had started. Interesting. There is something about it that simply does not work. It can't simply be politics. One of our UK politicians almost destroyed his credibility by wearing Hush Puppies. Not the other way round. Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyFeet13 Posted September 15, 2014 #506 Share Posted September 15, 2014 Your politician should have claimed that he wore them for safety reasons. According to Wikipedia. "Hush Puppies claimed their rubber soles saved the life of guitarist Keith Richards when he accidentally touched his guitar against an ungrounded microphone at a 1965 concert in Sacramento, California. Richards was knocked unconscious, but medics believed that the crepe-soled Hush Puppies shoes he was wearing insulated him and saved his life." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scamper Posted October 5, 2014 #507 Share Posted October 5, 2014 Not to go off topic here, but I notice women on the boards mention "ball gowns" occasionally and I wonder whether or not they know what a ball gown is and when it's appropriately worn. A ball gown is the most formal attire and is worn for a ball or other white tie occasion. Generally, ball gowns are very full skirted because--wait for it--women need the freedom around their legs for dancing. Generally an evening gown (which is for most women about as formal as they go) is not so full around the legs. Take a look at pictures of Queen Elizableth at state occasions. You have enough room for a slumber party down there. I doubt today many women would actually own a ball gown as there aren't as many balls as there used to be and the only other event that I know of that they are appropriate for are the aforementioned state occasions. So unless you're having dinner in the East Room of the White House or in Buckingham Palace you really won't have a need for a ball gown. You would be a tad overdressed in one on Seabourn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lincslady Posted October 6, 2014 #508 Share Posted October 6, 2014 scamper - you are right; I have kept meaning to put a post in about 'ball gowns'. The most formal outfit a woman needs is a long dress, strappy cocktail dress (but remember you might need a pashmina as the public rooms are never very warm) or silk or velvet trousers and evening top. I know some old hands try to suggest very formal wear is desirable - as indeed it could be for Christmas and New Year, when I would get my DH to wear his DJ and bow tie, but it is now not actually necessary on any evening, when a jacket over even an open neck shirt is allowed (though I would always suggest a tie). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4yanx Posted October 6, 2014 #509 Share Posted October 6, 2014 Remember, the whole "suit, white shirt, no tie" look was created and made popular by Iran's president Ahmadinejad, and we Yanks never liked that guy. I always thought it was Don Johnson on "Miami Vice"...with no socks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Luxury Posted October 7, 2014 #510 Share Posted October 7, 2014 I always thought it was Don Johnson on "Miami Vice"...with no socks! And he pulled the sleeves of the jacket up! Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyFeet13 Posted December 22, 2014 #511 Share Posted December 22, 2014 I am on a 32 day Odyssey cruise from Auckland leaving Feb 7. Not one guy on my roll call group is bringing a tux. I guess I won't either. Wonder what the Captain's reception will be like? The captain and officers in formal wear and the male passengers in sport jackets, many with no ties. I guess "black tie optional" now means, "don't bother, no one else will". Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Winner Posted December 22, 2014 #512 Share Posted December 22, 2014 I have happily found that on my last two Seabourn cruises (March and September 2014) that tuxes and/or dark business suits are still being worn on formal nights, along with less formal wear. If you wish to wear your tux, please do so; it is your choice. I, for one, applaud you--although from a distance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenidallas Posted December 22, 2014 #513 Share Posted December 22, 2014 Wonder what the Captain's reception will be like? The captain and officers in formal wear and the male passengers in sport jackets, many with no ties. I guess "black tie optional" now means, "don't bother, no one else will". I'm sure the Captain's Reception will be same event it always is - one of the few occasions where I feel "herded" on a Seabourn ship. That and the Club Party have been the same - walk through a receiving line into the Grand Salon, take a seat, nibble a passed canapé or two (similar ones to the block party), have a cocktail, listen to a short speech, listen to the band play, everyone rushes the dining room for dinner. To me, there is nothing about either of those events that suggests black tie. :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwn Posted December 22, 2014 #514 Share Posted December 22, 2014 (edited) I'm sure the Captain's Reception will be same event it always is - one of the few occasions where I feel "herded" on a Seabourn ship. That and the Club Party have been the same - walk through a receiving line into the Grand Salon, take a seat, nibble a passed canapé or two (similar ones to the block party), have a cocktail, listen to a short speech, listen to the band play, everyone rushes the dining room for dinner. To me, there is nothing about either of those events that suggests black tie. :cool: So true...very little difference in these events, be it on Regent, Seabourn, Cunard or Princess. We haven't been on Seabourn since they recently relaxed the dress code, but over the last 5 years there has always been a wide mix of men's dress - sports coat/slacks/tie, suit and tux since we did our first Seabourn cruise in 2009. DH wore a suit then, but there were plenty of men in a sports coat/slacks/tie even when Seabourn was just the 3 little girls. So since then, he has done the sports coat routine and there were always plenty of men dressed the same way. Others were in a suit and there were tuxes also, of course. The lack of a tie with the sports coat will not be noticed and I am sure some men will be much happier. I like the approach, if you like to dress formally, do so, but others have other options. Good job Seabourn! Edited December 22, 2014 by cwn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eliana Posted January 22, 2015 #515 Share Posted January 22, 2015 What exactly is the new Seabourn dress code? We have just returned from a 28 day Regent cruise. Just two nights were formal optional, a few men wore DJs and the rest suits or jackets some with but most without ties. The other 26 nights were smart casual which meant for men no jackets needed although some wore them occasionally and ties were very rare. Ladies were generally well dressed,with a few wearing long dresses (not ball gowns) on the two formal optional nights. It led to a great relaxed atmosphere and few, if any, abused the code of being 'smart'. I hope Seabourn follow suit as on holiday jackets and ties are seldom worn these days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eliana Posted January 22, 2015 #516 Share Posted January 22, 2015 What exactly is the new Seabourn dress code? We have just returned from a 28 day Regent cruise. Just two nights were formal optional, a few men wore DJs and the rest suits or jackets some with but most without ties. The other 26 nights were smart casual which meant for men no jackets needed although some wore them occasionally and ties were very rare. Ladies were generally well dressed,with a few wearing long dresses (not ball gowns) on the two formal optional nights. It led to a great relaxed atmosphere and few, if any, abused the code of being 'smart'. I hope Seabourn follow suit as on holiday jackets and ties are seldom worn these days. I have just visited the Seabourn website and discovered that their dress code is now the same as Regent. Well done Seabourn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigella Posted January 22, 2015 #517 Share Posted January 22, 2015 What exactly is the new Seabourn dress code? We have just returned from a 28 day Regent cruise. Just two nights were formal optional, a few men wore DJs and the rest suits or jackets some with but most without ties. The other 26 nights were smart casual which meant for men no jackets needed although some wore them occasionally and ties were very rare. Ladies were generally well dressed,with a few wearing long dresses (not ball gowns) on the two formal optional nights. It led to a great relaxed atmosphere and few, if any, abused the code of being 'smart'. I hope Seabourn follow suit as on holiday jackets and ties are seldom worn these days. The new dress code is detailed on the Seabourn website. Attire During the Day: During the daytime, casual, resort-style attire, including shorts and jeans, is welcome in all lounges and dining venues. Swimsuits, brief shorts, cover-ups and exercise attire should be reserved for poolside, on deck or in the spa and fitness center. In the evening (after 6pm) there are two different dress codes: Elegant Casual Men: Slacks with a collared dress shirt or sweater; Jacket Optional. Ladies: Slacks / skirt, blouse, pant suit or dress. This is the dress standard for all dining venues Jeans are welcome in all dining venues during the day, but not appropriate in any public venues after 6pm. Formal In the Restaurant, Men: Tuxedo, suit or slacks and jacket required. Ladies: evening gown or other formal apparel. Dress in other dining venues is Elegant Casual. Jeans are welcome in all dining venues during the day, but not appropriate in any public venues after 6pm. I've just read your post on the Regent board and see that you proclaim Seabourn as "stuffy" which very much surprised me, so I'm curious to know why you're asking this question here on the SB board. If you think SB is "stuffy" presumably you're much happier cruising Regent? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eliana Posted January 22, 2015 #518 Share Posted January 22, 2015 Sorry if I upset you Nigella by referring to The Seabourn dress code as stuffy. It was when we sailed with them last year. I am delighted with the change and I withdraw the comment. We will be sailing with Seabourn later this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Jet Set Posted February 6, 2015 #519 Share Posted February 6, 2015 A few weeks ago we left the 'Legend' after another enjoyable cruise. WE had 4 Formals in 15 days and thankfully most passengers dressed accordingly' Glad to say the 'barbeque' set were not in evidence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Luxury Posted February 6, 2015 #520 Share Posted February 6, 2015 A few weeks ago we left the 'Legend' after another enjoyable cruise. WE had 4 Formals in 15 days and thankfully most passengers dressed accordingly' Glad to say the 'barbeque' set were not in evidence. Good to hear and not a stuffy guest amongst them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chairsin Posted February 6, 2015 #521 Share Posted February 6, 2015 Oh, four formal nights in fifteen days sounds like my kind of cruise -- just like the old days when there were two a week. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CraftyEC Posted February 6, 2015 #522 Share Posted February 6, 2015 I wonder how many we will have on our 29 night trip? DH is, by his own admission, a 'scruffbag' (shirt never stays tucked in, he has trouble 'matching' colours and styles, just doesn't really get the whole thing - all to do with being dyspraxic) and for him the 'formal optional' evenings are easier if we just pack his DJ / tuxedo, as he knows exactly what is required. So, however many formal nights there are he will probably be resplendent in his formal outfit. Sort of 'dressing by numbers' I suppose ... Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kloreece Posted May 16, 2015 #523 Share Posted May 16, 2015 Half way through reading his and can only think, "why are people so lazy" and "why not go on a cruise line where you can wear flip flops and cut off shorts 24/7?" I haven't cruised in years but there are different cruise lines that are providing different experiences. If you wish to have a super casual experience, there is a Carnival and a host of other ships. Can we please leave an option or two for the segment of the public that or who want a more elegant experience? If you hate, despise the attire policy choose another line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wripro Posted May 17, 2015 #524 Share Posted May 17, 2015 Half way through reading his and can only think, "why are people so lazy" and "why not go on a cruise line where you can wear flip flops and cut off shorts 24/7?" I haven't cruised in years but there are different cruise lines that are providing different experiences. If you wish to have a super casual experience, there is a Carnival and a host of other ships. Can we please leave an option or two for the segment of the public that or who want a more elegant experience? If you hate, despise the attire policy choose another line. There are many elements which make up elegance on a ship. Telling people who do not want to dress formally to seek a cruise line like Carnival is the same as telling people who bring kids aboard to seek a cruise line like Carnival or Disney and to leave Seabourn for the segment of the public that wants a kids free environment. Neither will happen because SB and all the luxury lines are going after a younger demographic which does not like to dress as if it were still the 1980s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kloreece Posted May 17, 2015 #525 Share Posted May 17, 2015 My opinion: I am not telling you or anyone else how to dress. I also believe there can be lines that cater to families and lines that cater to adults only. My opinion choose what suits you but standards don't have to be lessened to accommodate those that don't want to meet the dress code. If it's ok to accommodate those that want casual all day every day; then It's equally ok to accommodate those who are interested in a more dressy/formal environment as well. Fair is fair. I am in the younger end of the demographic but I don't have to wear shorts and flip flops everywhere I go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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