Current Dress Trends Onboard P&O

[P&O SUE]

I take it you've tried being dressed up in a Tux, dress shirt and black tie whilst in the height of summer, in the Caribbean :D - Just a point!!

 

I don't "do" the Caribbean ;)

[jessybell]

Personally I like dressing up but can understand that for the men it's not comfortable in warmer climes to have to wear a tie and jacket. As long as the ships enforce the "no t shirts, no shorts , no football shirts" rule after 6pm then it's fine with us. On QV last year the crew were "scared" to reprimand a gentleman for wearing shorts and t shirt in the Casino one evening......a fellow guest did complain but nothing was done about it. Cunard probably go over the top with the number of formal nights but nearly everyone conformed.

[Sanjam cruisers]

Just to add my tuppence worth, my wife and I cruise in the Caribbean at least once every year sometimes twice with P&O and I take full Highland Dress for the formal nights which we both fully enjoy and support the dress code.

No one forces anybody to cruise with P& O if you do not wish to adhere to their dress code there are numerous lines who have no dress code as such please feel free to cruise with them and stop trying to get P&O to adopt a slovenly dress code.

[peteukmcr]

Just to add my tuppence worth, my wife and I cruise in the Caribbean at least once every year sometimes twice with P&O and I take full Highland Dress for the formal nights which we both fully enjoy and support the dress code.

No one forces anybody to cruise with P& O if you do not wish to adhere to their dress code there are numerous lines who have no dress code as such please feel free to cruise with them and stop trying to get P&O to adopt a slovenly dress code.

I detect from your tone of post that anyone who does not dress to your standards then dresses 'slovenly'. How rude.

[Sanjam cruisers]

Peteukmcr

 

"I detect from your tone of post that anyone who does not dress to your standards then dresses 'slovenly'. How rude."

 

Ref the above post I did not say in my own post that anyone who did not dress to my standard was slovenly.If you think that was what I inferred that's up to you.

You stated in an earlier post that you prefer a related dress code.

What I did say in my post was I and many others who enjoy the P&O dress code are fed up to the back teeth of people like you who expect P&O to relax the dress code to accommodate you because you prefer not to wear formal dress.As I said there are plenty of other cruise lines out there with a relaxed or no dress code. I prefer not to cruise with those lines, I don't book a cruise with them and then start complaining they don't do "Formal"

Well it also works the other way why should P&O chance their dress code to suit you.

[Johngela13]

I took my first cruise last year and it was also my first opportunity to see my Husband in black tie - it was tremendous. We also had great fun learning to tie a bow tie prior to going.

 

I wore a full length dress for the first time and there we were in our cabin, with a cocktail or two, with me fastening said bow tie - in my head we were James Bond and a glamouress Bond girl - fantastic experience :cool:

 

I'm getting ready for next months cruise now, our second. I am trawling through EBay for petite length slide 12 ball gowns so I can have the pleasure of 2 'new to me' (I.e. Pre loved) dresses for our two formal nights - even more special when I can get things so cheaply that I need only wear them once and then resell them:D

 

The other thing we particularly loved that I understand is unique to P&O is the Great British Sailaway. At times I am ashamed to be British, such as football hooliganism etc, so I thoroughly enjoy the rousing sing song of British prom type songs that remind me how great a nations we are.

 

We are two relatively well paid middle England (but living in Scotland) 50 year olds and P&O suits us just fine. Roll on the next 50 years full of cruising :)

[peteukmcr]

You stated in an earlier post that you prefer a related dress code.

What I did say in my post was I and many others who enjoy the P&O dress code are fed up to the back teeth of people like you who expect P&O to relax the dress code to accommodate you because you prefer not to wear formal dress.As I said there are plenty of other cruise lines out there with a relaxed or no dress code. I prefer not to cruise with those lines, I don't book a cruise with them and then start complaining they don't do "Formal"

Well it also works the other way why should P&O chance their dress code to suit you.

I have never said I prefer not to wear formal dress on a 7 night sailing, on a 2 night sailing maybe as I think that is ridiculous and I am entitled to my opinion. I do wear formal dress on other lines. I do not expect P&O to change their dress code to suit me, just stop limiting access to a large part of the ship after 6pm, for which we've paid for, on a 2 night sailing because of a dress code. I can't wait to see how well the dress code is adhered to on a 2 night sailing. Oh and btw I will be wearing formal.

[sapphire4]

Well said Johngela. I think a lot of people will be trawling through certain sites trying to find some frocks. What a lovely thought of you both feeling like James Bond etc... I find its all part of the cruise but what I also like about P and O is that if you've had enough of dressing up you can dress down and go in the buffet restaurant where we have eaten some delicious food. Good hunting for the dresses!

[Gamepie22]

I really can't understand why people complain about black tie formal evenings on P&O, if you do not want to dress up then go with NCL who have no formal evenings. Why should the minority who don't want to dress up think the ship should change their dress code to accommodate them. There is choice out there for everyone with different ships offering different experiences make your choice on this. It a bit like people complaining about a port in an itinery eg Casablanca and yet they knew this was part of a particular cruise. Bizarre. So if you do not want to where a DJ or suit on formal night then don't choose a cruise line who has 4 formal nights or similar, simples

[bunkrest]

On a smart casual night would it be ok to wear a nice jumper/cardigan with say chinos and loafers...[emoji126]

[TotallyAngelic]

Have never cruised with P&O before so I need to get this right. My husband has a tux, but was hoping not to take it on our upcoming 7 night cruise on Oceana in Italy because of baggage weight restrictions etc and the fact that he would only wear the jacket for 5 minutes before putting it over the back of the chair in the restaurant. On RCI he wore a pair of smart black trousers with shirt and tie on formal night ( no jacket ) and this was perfectly acceptable.

 

So I am getting the impression that without a jacket a man can't eat in the MDR or go into most of the bars after 6pm ? Is this correct ? Just need to clarify the situation. Also, how many formal ( tux necessitating ) nights will there be on a 7 night cruise? Do the restrictions apply to the specialty restaurants on formal night aswell as the MDR ?

 

He may well have to think about carting that tux on the ship after all. It is not a massive issue, just with the tux in the case it leaves less room for my shoes ;)

Edited March 22, 2016 by TotallyAngelic

[peteukmcr]

. On RCI he wore a pair of smart black trousers with shirt and tie on formal night ( no jacket ) and this was perfectly acceptable.

 

So I am getting the impression that without a jacket a man can't eat in the MDR or go into most of the bars after 6pm ? Is this correct ? Just need to clarify the situation. Also, how many formal ( tux necessitating ) nights will there be on a 7 night cruise?

 

He may well have to think about carting that tux on the ship after all. It is not a massive issue, just with the tux in the case it leaves less room for my shoes ;)

I have been advised in very strong terms unfortunately that this is the case, even on a 2 night sailing I would be denied access to the MDR and all bars after 6pm (unless dressed according to the formal dress code), with the exception of the pub and so would have to eat in the buffet.

 

Therefore, we have to ensure we are carrying a tux (and all that goes with it) for a 2 night cruise. This has now meant we have to pay for checked baggage on a flight from Manchester to Southampton!

 

According to P&O FAQ's there will be normally be 2 Black Tie events on a 7 night sailing. There is a link where you can check the dress code for your specific sailing.

 

https://ask.pocruises.com/help/PO/life-on-board/dress_code_all

Edited March 22, 2016 by peteukmcr

[insanemagnet]

So I am getting the impression that without a jacket a man can't eat in the MDR or go into most of the bars after 6pm ? Is this correct ?

 

For the formal nights that is correct.

[TotallyAngelic]

I have been advised in very strong terms unfortunately that this is the case, even on a 2 night sailing I would be denied access to the MDR and all bars after 6pm (unless dressed according to the formal dress code), with the exception of the pub and so would have to eat in the buffet.

 

Therefore, we have to ensure we are carrying a tux (and all that goes with it) for a 2 night cruise. This has now meant we have to pay for checked baggage on a flight from Manchester to Southampton!

 

According to P&O FAQ's there will be normally be 2 Black Tie events on a 7 night sailing. There is a link where you can check the dress code for your specific sailing.

 

https://ask.pocruises.com/help/PO/life-on-board/dress_code_all

 

Thank you ... and thank you for the link too. Will give hubby the "not so good" news about the dress code.

[TotallyAngelic]

For the formal nights that is correct.

 

Thank you :)

[TotallyAngelic]

I have been advised in very strong terms unfortunately that this is the case, even on a 2 night sailing I would be denied access to the MDR and all bars after 6pm (unless dressed according to the formal dress code), with the exception of the pub and so would have to eat in the buffet.

 

Therefore, we have to ensure we are carrying a tux (and all that goes with it) for a 2 night cruise. This has now meant we have to pay for checked baggage on a flight from Manchester to Southampton!

 

According to P&O FAQ's there will be normally be 2 Black Tie events on a 7 night sailing. There is a link where you can check the dress code for your specific sailing.

 

https://ask.pocruises.com/help/PO/life-on-board/dress_code_all

 

Re the link - confirmed 2 black tie and 5 evening casual, but also 2 theme nights - tropical and 60s / 70s. So now got to to put a bit more thought into our proposed outfits. Tropical should be easy enough, but might give the 60s / 70s dress code a miss. Thanks again for the info.

[Denarius]

I have been advised in very strong terms unfortunately that this is the case, even on a 2 night sailing I would be denied access to the MDR and all bars after 6pm (unless dressed according to the formal dress code), with the exception of the pub and so would have to eat in the buffet.

Therefore, we have to ensure we are carrying a tux (and all that goes with it) for a 2 night cruise. This has now meant we have to pay for checked baggage on a flight from Manchester to Southampton!

 

According to P&O FAQ's there will be normally be 2 Black Tie events on a 7 night sailing. There is a link where you can check the dress code for your specific sailing.

 

https://ask.pocruises.com/help/PO/life-on-board/dress_code_all

 

I find this comment odd as I have sailed on Ventura many times. On formal nights, black tie was obligatory in the MDR, Sindu, The White Room (now Epicurian?), the Red Bar and Metropolis. Evening Casual was acceptable in all other areas including the Glass House and Beach House Diner, which were very popular with those not opting for Black Tie but wanting waiter service. Indeed, onboard information made it clear that those who did not choose to wear black tie were welcome to use all the facilities apart from those specified. Has P&O policy changed yet again? Perhaps someone who has recently cruised on Ventura can clarify the current situation.

Edited March 22, 2016 by Denarius

[AnnieC]

I find this comment odd as I have sailed on Ventura many times. On formal nights, black tie was obligatory in the MDR, Sindu, The White Room (now Epicurian?), the Red Bar and Metropolis. Evening Casual was acceptable in all other areas including the Glass House and Beach House Diner, which were very popular with those not opting for Black Tie but wanting waiter service. Indeed, onboard information made it clear that those who did not choose to wear black tie were welcome to use all the facilities apart from those specified. Has P&O policy changed yet again? Perhaps someone who has recently cruised on Ventura can clarify the current situation.

 

As did I. We were on Ventura a couple of months ago and dodged two of the formal nights by going to the venues you mentioned. As you say, the only no-go areas are the MDRs, Epicurean, Sindhu, Red Bar and Metropolis. The rest of the ship was available to us and the other recalcitrants:D.

[groovechick]

Re the link - confirmed 2 black tie and 5 evening casual, but also 2 theme nights - tropical and 60s / 70s. So now got to to put a bit more thought into our proposed outfits. Tropical should be easy enough, but might give the 60s / 70s dress code a miss. Thanks again for the info.

 

I wouldn't worry too much about the themed nights, TotallyAngelic. P&O might mention them in their website info., but they seem to be abandoning them on many cruises. Our daughter bought her dad a lovely Caribbean patterned shirt in anticipation of the tropical night on our 2-week Caribbean Christmas cruise on Britannia - and there wasn't one! Lots of gentlemen were wearing them on casual nights, however, so hubby joined in and daughter was happy he got to wear it. The only other themed night we had was black and white formal.

60s/70s is quite easy (at least for us ladies) - maxi dress, couple of strings of long (love) beads, lots of bangles, wedge sandals if you've got 'em, long scarf tied round your head like a bandanna with the ends dangling down your back - sorted.

[peteukmcr]

I find this comment odd as I have sailed on Ventura many times. On formal nights, black tie was obligatory in the MDR, Sindu, The White Room (now Epicurian?), the Red Bar and Metropolis. Evening Casual was acceptable in all other areas including the Glass House and Beach House Diner, which were very popular with those not opting for Black Tie but wanting waiter service. Indeed, onboard information made it clear that those who did not choose to wear black tie were welcome to use all the facilities apart from those specified. Has P&O policy changed yet again? Perhaps someone who has recently cruised on Ventura can clarify the current situation.

 

As did I. We were on Ventura a couple of months ago and dodged two of the formal nights by going to the venues you mentioned. As you say, the only no-go areas are the MDRs, Epicurean, Sindhu, Red Bar and Metropolis. The rest of the ship was available to us and the other recalcitrants:D.

 

According to P&O it depends on the ship. Ventura appears to have more venues you can visit after 6pm if not in formal attire.

 

Azura which we are sailing on, is more restrictive.

 

https://ask.pocruises.com/help/PO/life-on-board/enforced_dresscode

[tillybilly321]

I have been advised in very strong terms unfortunately that this is the case, even on a 2 night sailing I would be denied access to the MDR and all bars after 6pm (unless dressed according to the formal dress code), with the exception of the pub and so would have to eat in the buffet.

 

Therefore, we have to ensure we are carrying a tux (and all that goes with it) for a 2 night cruise. This has now meant we have to pay for checked baggage on a flight from Manchester to Southampton!

 

According to P&O FAQ's there will be normally be 2 Black Tie events on a 7 night sailing. There is a link where you can check the dress code for your specific sailing.

 

https://ask.pocruises.com/help/PO/life-on-board/dress_code_all

 

 

 

I'm sorry but I think you have been seriously misinformed with regard to the black tie evenings. The dress code only applies in the MDR , the couple of pricier restaurants and the bars in the atrium area. There is no code for anywhere else on the ship including the Glasshouse. I have never found myself restricted if I decide I don't fancy a formal evening.

 

Funnily enough the short 2-3 night cruises seem to have a huge take up of black tie, due in the main, to large amount of family occasion groups on board. There are usually lots of people celebrating birthdays, anniversary's, stag & hen do's etc.

[peteukmcr]

I'm sorry but I think you have been seriously misinformed with regard to the black tie evenings. The dress code only applies in the MDR , the couple of pricier restaurants and the bars in the atrium area. There is no code for anywhere else on the ship including the Glasshouse. I have never found myself restricted if I decide I don't fancy a formal evening.

 

Funnily enough the short 2-3 night cruises seem to have a huge take up of black tie, due in the main, to large amount of family occasion groups on board. There are usually lots of people celebrating birthdays, anniversary's, stag & hen do's etc.

Thanks for your feedback, but I am only going off the information provided by P&O veterans on here and the P&O website which states that after 6pm on Azura:

 

"The dress code applies to a majority of public areas after 6pm and helps to set the ambience of the evening

 

Azura

Blue Bar, Planet Bar, Meridian, Peninsular, Oriental, Sindhu, The Glass House and The Epicurean restaurants.

 

Should you wish to dress more casually in the evening, then you will be able to dine in any of the restaurants stated below

 

Azura

Verona, Venezia"

 

So if I look at the venues on Azura, this leaves me with Brodies Pub in addition to Verona and Venezia mentioned on the web site.:confused:

[tillybilly321]

Thanks for your feedback, but I am only going off the information provided by P&O veterans on here and the P&O website which states that after 6pm on Azura:

 

"The dress code applies to a majority of public areas after 6pm and helps to set the ambience of the evening

 

Azura

Blue Bar, Planet Bar, Meridian, Peninsular, Oriental, Sindhu, The Glass House and The Epicurean restaurants.

 

Should you wish to dress more casually in the evening, then you will be able to dine in any of the restaurants stated below

 

Azura

Verona, Venezia"

 

So if I look at the venues on Azura, this leaves me with Brodies Pub in addition to Verona and Venezia mentioned on the web site.:confused:

 

That really does surprise me. I have travelled on both and never noticed they had different codes. Though hubby was once thrown out of the serving area of the buffet on Azura for wearing shorts at 6.15. Apparently they couldn't be worn after 6pm. We were told that he could sit in the buffet but not go to the counter. I had to collect the items we wanted. Guess what I was wearing ? Shorts ! :confused:

 

Perhaps it is a fairly new thing as I'm sure the Glasshouse was not included in the areas with a dress code. The Verona buffet turns into the Beach House restaurant in the evening which I can thoroughly recommend.

[daiB]

That really does surprise me. I have travelled on both and never noticed they had different codes. Though hubby was once thrown out of the serving area of the buffet on Azura for wearing shorts at 6.15. Apparently they couldn't be worn after 6pm. We were told that he could sit in the buffet but not go to the counter. I had to collect the items we wanted. Guess what I was wearing ? Shorts ! :confused:

 

 

 

Perhaps it is a fairly new thing as I'm sure the Glasshouse was not included in the areas with a dress code. The Verona buffet turns into the Beach House restaurant in the evening which I can thoroughly recommend.

 

 

Agreed I always thought the Glasshouse was a non formal venue. However on recent cruises I have seen very few people anywhere not in formal dress. Four of us on Britannia had a meal on a formal night with only a jacket and tie.

 

 

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[Grumpy100]

We are sailing on the Oriana next March for the Northern Lights Cruise.

I sent a couple of questions directly to P & O about formal nights and they said that the gentlemen have to wear a coat and tie to be admitted into the MDR. However if you do not want to bring all of that stuff then you can eat in the buffet. You will not be limited to any place on the ship except for one or two bars.

I do not like to dress up especially since this cruise is going to require a lot of winter clothes as well as coats, etc.

They also said that jeans were allowed in the MDR on casual nights which I will be wearing along with my husband.

If he wants to eat lobster on the formal night then he will have to adhere to the formal dress policy which I also will but prefer not to dress up.

I will just be brining black pants and dressy blouse but no cocktail or long dresses for me. Too much already to pack.