How Grand is The Grande ?

[Stitchman]

It actually annoyed me seeing people in there not in formal dress. When were were walking in one night, a man in a polo shirt and jeans walked out, handed his jacket back to the door staff with a big smile on his face and said "thank you"...

 

He looked like an absolute moron.

 

If you don't have formal dress. They should enforce it and not let you in. Simple

 

Agreed Andrew.

still can't believe we didn't bump into each other in boleros or the casino lol .....

[barneymag]

It actually annoyed me seeing people in there not in formal dress. When were were walking in one night, a man in a polo shirt and jeans walked out, handed his jacket back to the door staff with a big smile on his face and said "thank you"...

 

He looked like an absolute moron.

 

If you don't have formal dress. They should enforce it and not let you in. Simple

 

Hi Swoopy

 

I totally agree with both yourself and Stichman on this ..... However we're still missing the point of my question, which is how formal is formal ?? RCI's own description in the blurb about The Grande was DJ/Tux or Suit and Tie or Jacket and Tie !! Now I am happy to wear all versions of RCI's formal dress code but as I've never cruised with Royal before or on Anthem I just want to understand how formal is formal on Anthem and The Grande

 

Thanks again

[Midwestgal]

as I said in my previous post, the formal night is now called "Royal night" and the dress code is "Dress your best"

 

Royal Night means nothing for Grande, it's always formal. I believe Royal Night is for all the other dining venues

[Midwestgal]

Hi Swoopy

 

I totally agree with both yourself and Stichman on this ..... However we're still missing the point of my question, which is how formal is formal ?? RCI's own description in the blurb about The Grande was DJ/Tux or Suit and Tie or Jacket and Tie !! Now I am happy to wear all versions of RCI's formal dress code but as I've never cruised with Royal before or on Anthem I just want to understand how formal is formal on Anthem and The Grande

 

Thanks again

 

The Grande is formal every night, just how formal is up to you. There will be men in tux's and suites so you won't be out of place in either one.

[Stitchman]

Royal Night means nothing for Grande, it's always formal. I believe Royal Night is for all the other dining venues

 

Ok ....... so you've been on anthem then ??

Basically, this is how it is. The grande is meant to be formal attire.

Couples such as myself and swoopy dressed perfectly for this venue. However, an awful lot dressed down and got handed jackets. So I believe having a formal venue is a waste of space.

The Royal night (which you've obviously experienced too) is meant to be like a formal "gala" night for all to "dress their best" ....... nothing to do with eating !!

[Donsyb]

Hi Swoopy

 

I totally agree with both yourself and Stichman on this ..... However we're still missing the point of my question, which is how formal is formal ?? RCI's own description in the blurb about The Grande was DJ/Tux or Suit and Tie or Jacket and Tie !! Now I am happy to wear all versions of RCI's formal dress code but as I've never cruised with Royal before or on Anthem I just want to understand how formal is formal on Anthem and The Grande

 

Thanks again

 

You'll see a real mix. The majority in suit and tie, but we also saw tuxes. My OH wore a suit but no tie. None of these particularly stood out as all fitted the code.

 

FWIW I also saw people wearing tuxes in Chic on Royal Night.

[marylizcat]

You'll see a real mix. The majority in suit and tie, but we also saw tuxes. My OH wore a suit but no tie. None of these particularly stood out as all fitted the code.

 

FWIW I also saw people wearing tuxes in Chic on Royal Night.

 

Thanks! An answer from somebody who has actually experienced it!

 

I am thinking we may take a DJ for Royal Nights, wherever we are eating, and a sports jacket to wear with no tie in Grande provided it isn't a Royal Night. Then the jacket can just be abandoned for the rest of the evening around the ship. Basically a return to the old mixture of formal and semi-formal nights, plus smart casual as used to be seen on P&O. Glad we are not flying with two jackets to pack! RCI like to make things difficult and confused, don't they!

[Stitchman]

Thanks! An answer from somebody who has actually experienced it!

 

I am thinking we may take a DJ for Royal Nights, wherever we are eating, and a sports jacket to wear with no tie in Grande provided it isn't a Royal Night. Then the jacket can just be abandoned for the rest of the evening around the ship. Basically a return to the old mixture of formal and semi-formal nights, plus smart casual as used to be seen on P&O. Glad we are not flying with two jackets to pack! RCI like to make things difficult and confused, don't they!

 

 

it's only because the quantum class is neither one nor the other.

swoopy and I experienced it too. In fact, I was probably one of the ones in chic with a tux on on royal night.

 

22nd of may. sunshine in the canaries

[marylizcat]

it's only because the quantum class is neither one nor the other.

swoopy and I experienced it too. In fact, I was probably one of the ones in chic with a tux on on royal night.

 

22nd of may. sunshine in the canaries

 

So perhaps you and Swoopy can tell us what the proportions were of each type of outfit when you were in the Grande on non-Royal nights?

[Stitchman]

So perhaps you and Swoopy can tell us what the proportions were of each type of outfit when you were in the Grande on non-Royal nights?

 

less in real formal attire. 30% suits and jackets 60% punters getting jackets 10% (scruffbags) they should have been turned away really.

[Stitchman]

As I already said, as a proper formal venue, it's wasted.

[barneymag]

less in real formal attire. 30% suits and jackets 60% punters getting jackets 10% (scruffbags) they should have been turned away really.

 

Thanks Stichman

 

I will be packing tux, multiple suits and a couple of jackets. Fortunately as not having to fly luggage allowance isn't an issue 😀

 

Will dress accordingly where appropriate and to what makes me feel comfortable in each venue ..... I definitely won't be needing to borrow a jacket or turn up as a "scruffbag" as you described - have to agree on this as although I'm not 100% hung up on tuxes only as appropriate formal dress I do believe that you need to respect the venues dress codes - ok we're all paying the same (ish) rates for our cruise but if we choose a certain line or certain venue we should respect the required dress ..... If you don't agree with the standard or dress code then choose a line or venue that suits your standard !!

Edited June 12, 2015 by barneymag

[Stitchman]

Thanks Stichman

 

I will be packing tux, multiple suits and a couple of jackets. Fortunately as not having to fly luggage allowance isn't an issue 😀

 

Will dress accordingly where appropriate and to what makes me feel comfortable in each venue ..... I definitely won't be needing to borrow a jacket or turn up as a "scruffbag" as you described - have to agree on this as although I'm not 100% hung up on tuxes only as appropriate formal dress I do believe that you need to respect the venues dress codes - ok we're all paying the same (ish) rates for our cruise but if we choose a certain line or certain venue we should respect the required dress ..... If you don't agree with the standard or dress code then choose a line or venue that suits your standard !!

 

 

My sentiments exactly. I think Royal have really lost their way with anthem with dress codes and dynamic dining.

I took a dinner suit , 2 normal suits and 3 jackets.

We always dress up, that is why we cruise.

 

hope you have a good cruise too.

[Sea Lavender]

The Grande is not very formal. Nothing special happened in there so we cancelled our second reservation a couple of nights ago to Silk - which was our favourite restaurant.

 

There were people in formal attire in all the restaurants - not many though so I agree, it was all very random. Just dress how you want, when you want anything seems to go.

[TomLin62]

The Grande is not very formal. Nothing special happened in there so we cancelled our second reservation a couple of nights ago to Silk - which was our favourite restaurant.

 

There were people in formal attire in all the restaurants - not many though so I agree, it was all very random. Just dress how you want, when you want anything seems to go.

Hi Barneymag, we've just arrived home from 12nts on the Anthem. I totally agree with Sea Lavender. None of the restaurants are very formal, although you are expected to dress formally when at the Grande. How formal is up to you. Having read other posts prior to our cruise, i decided to leave my DJ at home and took a suit and jacket. We were on classic dining, you alternate between the four restaurants during the cruise, and ate at the Grande on two nights. Most people did dress either in suit and tie or DJ, unfortunately there were some 'scruffbags' allowed in. I find it so annoying that RCI make rules but then do not enforce them!

The restaurants do not have the open opulant look or feel about them as you find on the like of Liberty or Independance. The food is good but I did get a bit bored with it as the menu does not change much between the four restaurants. Avoid the lemon, vanilla plum crepe, its like a lump of cardboard with a small amount of fruit syrup. Jamies, is $30pp, the food is good but nothing special.

However, the cruise on a whole was great. Personally i think the staff are fantastic. Be open minded, as the ship is different from others in the fleet. The theater entertainment is a delight and really worth going to.

Im sure you'll have a good cruise.

[barneymag]

Hi Barneymag, we've just arrived home from 12nts on the Anthem. I totally agree with Sea Lavender. None of the restaurants are very formal, although you are expected to dress formally when at the Grande. How formal is up to you. Having read other posts prior to our cruise, i decided to leave my DJ at home and took a suit and jacket. We were on classic dining, you alternate between the four restaurants during the cruise, and ate at the Grande on two nights. Most people did dress either in suit and tie or DJ, unfortunately there were some 'scruffbags' allowed in. I find it so annoying that RCI make rules but then do not enforce them!

The restaurants do not have the open opulant look or feel about them as you find on the like of Liberty or Independance. The food is good but I did get a bit bored with it as the menu does not change much between the four restaurants. Avoid the lemon, vanilla plum crepe, its like a lump of cardboard with a small amount of fruit syrup. Jamies, is $30pp, the food is good but nothing special.

However, the cruise on a whole was great. Personally i think the staff are fantastic. Be open minded, as the ship is different from others in the fleet. The theater entertainment is a delight and really worth going to.

Im sure you'll have a good cruise.

 

Hi PDOska

 

Thanks for the comments - I have nothing to compare to other Royal ships or cruises as this is our first with them ..... our previous cruises have been on P&O and Celebrity - never had a bad cruise, but maybe because I always have a glass half full 😉

We will be totally open minded and as I said in an earlier post will pack all combinations of evening wear so I can dress as I feel comfortable with the rest of the ship.

 

Although I don't agree with those that totall disregard a venue/cruise lines dress code I also feel that if 90% of the ship dresses smart casual then I'm going to dress accordingly.... And if they're all wearing DJ/tux then I'm in there no problem !!

[TomLin62]

That's the attitude. No matter what I'm sure you'll have a great time, just wish I was going[emoji1]!

[Midwestgal]

:eek::eek:

Ok ....... so you've been on anthem then ??

Basically, this is how it is. The grande is meant to be formal attire.

Couples such as myself and swoopy dressed perfectly for this venue. However, an awful lot dressed down and got handed jackets. So I believe having a formal venue is a waste of space.

The Royal night (which you've obviously experienced too) is meant to be like a formal "gala" night for all to "dress their best" ....... nothing to do with eating !!

 

And to think that I thought Royal Nights was a night you get all dressed up have pictures taken have cocktail and a nice dinner at any venue and then enjoy the ship

:eek::eek:!!!!!!!!!

Edited June 16, 2015 by Midwestgal

[JosieRhodes]

Curious what does DJ stand for? Dinner jacket or something else? Thought couldn't hurt to ask...:) as never saw that abbreviation before. Thanks

[barneymag]

Curious what does DJ stand for? Dinner jacket or something else? Thought couldn't hurt to ask...:) as never saw that abbreviation before. Thanks

 

Haha

 

DJ stands for Dinner Jacket or Black Tie or Tux .... All the same in UK but I guess even though we all speak English we all have variations of the meaning ..... for example Coat - UK = something you wear to go outside when it rains, U.S. = a jacket you wear in restaurant. Vest - UK = something you wear when you're 3 year old under your shirt and jumper (sweater :)) when you're cold , U.S. = a tee shirt without sleeves you wear in a restaurant when you want to ignore the dress code ;) ...... Honestly last bit is tounge in cheek :)

[JosieRhodes]

Haha

 

DJ stands for Dinner Jacket or Black Tie or Tux .... All the same in UK but I guess even though we all speak English we all have variations of the meaning ..... for example Coat - UK = something you wear to go outside when it rains, U.S. = a jacket you wear in restaurant. Vest - UK = something you wear when you're 3 year old under your shirt and jumper (sweater :)) when you're cold , U.S. = a tee shirt without sleeves you wear in a restaurant when you want to ignore the dress code ;) ...... Honestly last bit is tounge in cheek :)

 

Thanks. Yep, I sometimes even have trouble understanding the US version of stuff, especially when talking to my teenagers at times or visa versa. Long time ago I spent a college semester in London, and for work/vacation been back to England, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, Singapore and so on.. and think I managed to misunderstand something everywhere - always good for a good laugh :-) or brief moment of shock, followed by more laughter!

[roquejo]

going back to the food, I love those lobster tails at Grande!!

[barneymag]

going back to the food, I love those lobster tails at Grande!!

 

Love Lobster !!!!! and looking forward to it in the Grande .... I think I've seen a photo somewhere and they were very small - How many do they serve in a single portion ? and can you ask for extras ?? ;)

[Stitchman]

Wait til you find out what the American version of a tank top is !!!

 

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