Even more questions about Blu

[Peteymil]

[quote name='warmwinds']Our last cruise was a year ago, and, since we always do formal on formal nights, I don't really pay much attention...but it USED TO BE that they would ask that you remain in your formalwear throughout the evening - to the shows, casino, etc.

Is that no longer the policy?

I'm still trying to get my head around Blu - when I saw the menus I thought the food looked more upscale and unusual, which is why we're excited to try it, yet the dress is more downscale? - somehow that seems contradictory to me. I admit I'm very old school and love the perceived glamour of the formal nights, so I'll wear what I want, I'm just wondering about this new casual all the time policy.[/quote]

I find that the food is prepared in a healthier manner. There was very little fried food or heavy sauces. I found most dishes to be delicious. I also found the service to be more attentive, and not as rushed. These factors made it seem upscale to me.
Yes, the dress will probably be more casual on formal nights, a mix of tuxes, suits, slacks, and jeans.

[ghstudio]

[quote name='warmwinds']Our last cruise was a year ago, and, since we always do formal on formal nights, I don't really pay much attention...but it USED TO BE that they would ask that you remain in your formalwear throughout the evening - to the shows, casino, etc.

Is that no longer the policy?

I'm still trying to get my head around Blu - when I saw the menus I thought the food looked more upscale and unusual, which is why we're excited to try it, yet the dress is more downscale? - somehow that seems contradictory to me. I admit I'm very old school and love the perceived glamour of the formal nights, so I'll wear what I want, I'm just wondering about this new casual all the time policy.[/quote]

I think calling smart casual dress "downscale" is a bit demeaning. Folks are dressing according to the prescribed dress code. You are right on when you say "perceived glamour"..and if that works for you, go with it...it's part of the dress code. I'll be quite comfortable eating in Blu or murano in smart casual clothes....and because I'm comfortable, I'll wear those clothes for the rest of the evening.

[warmwinds]

No offense intended, I was just using down/up since they are opposite words.

[ghstudio]

[quote name='warmwinds']No offense intended, I was just using down/up since they are opposite words.[/QUOTE]

no problem....at least you didn't use expensive and cheap clothing because many of the "smart casual" outfits were far far more expensive then the supposedly formal wear on our last cruise :)

[dkjretired]

[quote name='warmwinds']Our last cruise was a year ago, and, since we always do formal on formal nights, I don't really pay much attention...but it USED TO BE that they would ask that you remain in your formalwear throughout the evening - to the shows, casino, etc.

Is that no longer the policy?

I'm still trying to get my head around Blu - when I saw the menus I thought the food looked more upscale and unusual, which is why we're excited to try it, yet the dress is more downscale? - somehow that seems contradictory to me. I admit I'm very old school and love the perceived glamour of the formal nights, so I'll wear what I want, I'm just wondering about this new casual all the time policy.[/QUOTE]

To answer your question, it is no longer the policy that you stay in formal dress for the evening. That was changed about three or four years ago. Formal now only applies to the MDR. Some will give their opinions but my comment is official Celebrity policy

[youwash]

When you speak of the Maitrie D-is there one separate for Blu- or is it the same one as for the MDR? Do you go to the BLU to see him? We will be a party of 10 and will want to make arrangements as soon as possible after boarding.

[Wine-O]

[quote name='youwash']When you speak of the Maitrie D-is there one separate for Blu- or is it the same one as for the MDR? Do you go to the BLU to see him? We will be a party of 10 and will want to make arrangements as soon as possible after boarding.[/quote]

Yes, go directly to Blu. They are run completely separate from the MDR.

We're a party of 6 and want the same time seating (late seating), and the same waiter/asst waiter, so we will go straight to the Maitre-D in Blu to make the necessary arrangements. Shouldn't be a problem for us as most people eat around the 6-7 timeframe, but I'm sure he can make arrangements for you.

[dana77kc]

[quote name='youwash']When you speak of the Maitrie D-is there one separate for Blu- or is it the same one as for the MDR? Do you go to the BLU to see him? We will be a party of 10 and will want to make arrangements as soon as possible after boarding.[/quote]

1)Blu and the MDR each have a Maitre D
2) On the Equinox last Nov. the Maitre D was a WOMAN (You Go Girl,Marina!)
3) As far as I know a table for six maybe 8 was the largest Blu can accomodate