Is there a dinner option for those who do not want to dress up?

[comcox]

I am considering a Cunard cruise for next year but I'm worried about all the dress code requirements for dinner and the evening hours.  I simply do not want to dress up beyond a pair of slacks and a top.  On other cruise lines there is almost always a buffet option for dinner.  Does Cunard have such an option at all?

[majortom10]

There will be alternative dining in the buffet restaurant and limited areas of the ship will be available  for those that do not want to adhere to the dress code on formal nights. But you have to ask yourself whether Cunard is the cruise line for you as apart from formal nights the dress code is smart attire.

[mcloaked]

I am sure that the topic of dress code will run for quite some time - there is a strong following of non-casual dress and having some level of smartness for dinner even on non-Gala evenings - but there is also a number of people who want to have nobody tell them what to wear and are happy to turn up for dinner as if it was on a Caribbean beach holiday with a tracksuit, or shorts and flip-flops.  So many people really don't want that atmosphere for dinner on holiday - but in any event in the Lido you can wear what you want, so why can't a less casual atmosphere be maintained in Britannia Restaurant and a more casual atmosphere for the buffet thereby keeping everyone happy! 

 

Equally I am sad to see that non-fixed dining has arrived for the second sitting.  I do hope that fixed time dining is maintained for first sitting - we like having the same table at the same time each evening, as do a lot of other people. If dining in MDR went the way of P&O then we would be unhappy - in fact with P&O having 'freedom dining' and no fixed seating, and time, and also diluting the Crystal Room from its prime use of ballroom dancing, meant that in recent years we stopped booking any cruises with P&O.  If dining on Cunard were to also go over to full 'freedom dining', and further dilution of the use of the Queens Room, then we, along with quite a few people we know, might also stop booking Cunard cruises - at least we still have ballroom dancing every night, and a high level professional dance couple doing high quality ballroom show dances in the ballroom on Gala nights, and people do dress up and enjoy the formality as part of something special on holiday. After all I could go to a Costa beach holiday, and never have to dress up, at much cheaper price than a cruise - if cruises went that way, what would be the point of paying the premium for something that is no different to a land based package holiday at half the price?

 

[ovccruiser]

Yes there is an alternative called the Lido restaurant which is normally a self service type system, but with current regulations you carry the plate and the food is placed on your plate by Cunard staff. That of course, may change by the time you go cruising. We cruised on Queen Elizabeth recently and found the food in the Lido at dinner time very good and in fact ate there more than we did in the main dinning room.

[shipgeeks]

There is a more casual buffet available, but it should be noted that as well as the main restaurant, some other areas of the ship are not available to those who are casually dressed, for example, the theater.  Is it worth missing out on those elements of a cruise?

[Victoria2]

22 minutes ago, shipgeeks said:

There is a more casual buffet available, but it should be noted that as well as the main restaurant, some other areas of the ship are not available to those who are casually dressed, for example, the theater.  Is it worth missing out on those elements of a cruise?

Although I don't agree with the seemingly relaxed dress codes on non formal nights, if jacketless chaps are allowed in the restaurants, then shirt [shirt, not 'top'] and slacks [trousers, not jeans] will presumably be allowed in the theatre?

[exlondoner]

21 minutes ago, Victoria2 said:

Although I don't agree with the seemingly relaxed dress codes on non formal nights, if jacketless chaps are allowed in the restaurants, then shirt [shirt, not 'top'] and slacks [trousers, not jeans] will presumably be allowed in the theatre?

 

How are we sure the OP is not a female one? A woman would wear a top.

[dgs1956]

2 hours ago, mcloaked said:

staurant and a more casual atmosphere for the buffet thereby keeping everyone happy! 

Equally I am sad to see that non-fixed dining has arrived for the second sitting.  I do hope that fixed time dining is maintained for first sitting - we like having the same table at the same time each evening, as do a lot of other people. If dining in MDR went the way of P&O then we would be unhappy - in fact with P&O having 'freedom dining' and no fixed seating, and time, and also diluting the Crystal Room from its prime use of ballroom dancing, meant that in recent years we stopped booking any cruises with P&O.  If dining on Cunard were to also go over to full 'freedom dining', and further dilution of the use of the Queens Room, then we, along with quite a few people we know, might also stop booking Cunard cruises - at least we still have ballroom dancing every night, and a high level professional dance couple doing high quality ballroom show dances in the ballroom on Gala nights, and people do dress up and enjoy the formality as part of something special on holiday. After all I could go to a Costa beach holiday, and never have to dress up, at much cheaper price than a cruise - if cruises went that way, what would be the point of paying the premium for something that is no different to a land based package holiday at half the price?

 

We haven't been on a cruise since Covid and always enjoyed dancing in the Crystal Room. I note your comment about it being diluted and I wondered if you could update me please?

[Victoria2]

7 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

 

How are we sure the OP is not a female one? A woman would wear a top.

True. You're probably right.

I'm on auto pilot with the slacks bit.

Modify my comment with if the top is more 'evening'ish'  than day/deck/wear, then it should be acceptable.

[nybumpkin]

On our EB crossing two years ago, we shared a table in Britannia for lunch one day with a passenger who noted that lunch was the only daily meal he had in Britannia. For breakfast he ordered room service and for dinner he went to the buffet. He seemed perfectly satisfied with it.

[mcloaked]

1 hour ago, dgs1956 said:

We haven't been on a cruise since Covid and always enjoyed dancing in the Crystal Room. I note your comment about it being diluted and I wondered if you could update me please?

 

I suppose that should really be a discussion in the P&O forum - but around three or four years ago when we were on Britannia the management made the decision to have half an evening when there would be a quiz in the Crystal Room, which meant no dancing until the quiz was finished an hour and a half or so after it started. Most dancers abandoned hope of dancing and went off to do other things that evening. When dancing finally got going the atmosphere had vanished. Of course the quiz could have been held in the pub instead and also have ballroom dancing as normal in the Crystal Room so it was a bizarre decision that nobody could understand. Another evening they decided to have a 'jazz evening' - and instead of ballroom and Latin music and dancing they had a duo playing jazz that could not be danced to - it was dreadful, and people slowly filtered out and went to the piano bar, the buffet or did other things - and again the evening was ruined.  SO two such bad evenings in a single cruise meant we never felt inclined to book another P&O cruise despite liking the ship and previously enjoying some lovely dancing in the Crystal Room.

 

There have also been some decisions made by management on QE and QV to increase the number of 'party nights' in the Queens Room - which means loud thumping disco music and little, or really no, chance to dance ballroom and Latin - ballroom dancers are told on such evenings that the Yacht Club will have ballroom and Latin music and people can dance on the dance floor there. But of course the size of that small floor means that anything over about 4 couples means ballroom dancing is close to impossible,, and even on your own as a single couple you can but get two figures in across the length of the floor, but some jive, cha cha or rumba is possible, provided you don't move too much and are very careful not to bump into another couple if more than about 4 couples try to dance at the same time.  On such nights we used to keep trying for half an hour before chatting to friends and abandoning dancing, or leaving and giving up for the evening - which usually meant the floor was then almost empty, and most people then simply left as there was no atmosphere. Remember also that there are captains's receptions for various levels of World Club membership that take half an evening in two sessions - and that already reduces the number of full ballroom evenings in the Queens Room. So if there are another couple of 'party nights' that starts to take up more evenings and makes the cruise much less enjoyable for the ballroom dancers. A significant number of people, in addition to those who are dancing, come and spend time for much of the evening watching the dancing, and enjoying drinks and socialising.

 

So there is often a nice atmosphere in the Queens Room, and often more when the orchestra is playing than when recorded music is on - but the latter gives better conditions for dancers to actually dance!  However the big band nights, and Gala evenings of course the ballroom is pretty full and there are the professional show dances around 10.15pn on Gala nights too which usually means standing room only!  Then there are also the once a week Afternoon Tea dances, but such a shame you don't know until almost the day that the Afternoon Tea will be a dance rather than backing music from a harpist or other musicians.

 

Lots to talk about concerning dancing that dancers feel strongly about - and will vote with their feet rather than make a public fuss much of the time!

[dgs1956]

12 minutes ago, mcloaked said:

 

I suppose that should really be a discussion in the P&O forum - but around three or four years ago when we were on Britannia the management made the decision to have half an evening when there would be a quiz in the Crystal Room, which meant no dancing until the quiz was finished an hour and a half or so after it started. Most dancers abandoned hope of dancing and went off to do other things that evening. ....

Many thanks for taking the time to answer. We have experienced the "quiz" so understand what you mean. Without Ballroom Dancing on the agenda we would certainly cruise with another cruiseline.

[navybankerteacher]

13 hours ago, comcox said:

I am considering a Cunard cruise for next year but I'm worried about all the dress code requirements for dinner and the evening hours.  I simply do not want to dress up beyond a pair of slacks and a top.  On other cruise lines there is almost always a buffet option for dinner.  Does Cunard have such an option at all?

Why are you considering a Cunard cruise - if you are uninterested in what essentially sets Cunard apart from other, likely less expensive, lines?

[Victoria2]

1 hour ago, navybankerteacher said:

Why are you considering a Cunard cruise - if you are uninterested in what essentially sets Cunard apart from other, likely less expensive, lines?

To be fair, the suggested dress code also sets it apart from more expensive lines too. As to 'slacks and a top',  as I'm not sure if the enquirer is male or female, in the loosest sense of the phrase, I too wear the same and often for a Formal occasion, mine being high end evening  attire rather than daywear.

 

To comcox I say, give it a whirl. You might find you enjoyed the experience so much, you rebook.

 

 

 

[comcox]

16 hours ago, shipgeeks said:

There is a more casual buffet available, but it should be noted that as well as the main restaurant, some other areas of the ship are not available to those who are casually dressed, for example, the theater.  Is it worth missing out on those elements of a cruise?

I don't go to evening entertainment events as I just prefer to sit and read or watch a film on TV; so that would not be a problem.

[majortom10]

With reference to Cunard's current dress code of "formal" and "smart attire" makes Cunard not any difference than P&O. Formal nights are still well adhered too but on our recent cruise on QE there were many walking around the ship in the evening wearing shirts and no jackets and even though dress code says smart dress shirt many wore polo shirts and some were even wearing trainers in the evening. There was also a few in PG at dinner in shirts and a few in polo shirts which in my mind is not a dress shirt whatever the cost of it or whatever designer label logo it might have.

[shippmates]

We are hoping Cunard does not change the dress code on their ships.  That is the main reason we sail with them.  We love to dress and enjoy the ambiance of the ships.  It reminds me of sailing on the Titanic without the different classes.  I can imagine being on the Queens and not be able to enjoy the entire ship, shows, and the dining room.

 

[PORT ROYAL]

1 hour ago, majortom10 said:

With reference to Cunard's current dress code of "formal" and "smart attire" makes Cunard not any difference than P&O. Formal nights are still well adhered too but on our recent cruise on QE there were many walking around the ship in the evening wearing shirts and no jackets and even though dress code says smart dress shirt many wore polo shirts and some were even wearing trainers in the evening. There was also a few in PG at dinner in shirts and a few in polo shirts which in my mind is not a dress shirt whatever the cost of it or whatever designer label logo it might have.

Beware, there are faux designer logos.

On a PO site there was proud admittance to the purchasing and wearing of “Nada” 😱

 

 

[Lakesregion]

2 hours ago, shippmates said:

We are hoping Cunard does not change the dress code on their ships.  That is the main reason we sail with them.  We love to dress and enjoy the ambiance of the ships.  It reminds me of sailing on the Titanic without the different classes.  I can imagine being on the Queens and not be able to enjoy the entire ship, shows, and the dining room.

 

Sadly they already have but one may still dress to their own taste level above "Smart Casual" which seems to mean most anything depending on where one lives on land.

[majortom10]

5 hours ago, PORT ROYAL said:

Beware, there are faux designer logos.

On a PO site there was proud admittance to the purchasing and wearing of “Nada” 😱

 

 

Doesnt matter whether the designer logo is genuine or faux it is still on a polo shirt which in my eyes is not a dress shirt as stated in Cunard's new dress code and is being worn on QE now throughout the ship including PG. Cannot speak for QG as didnt eat in their at night but obviously jackets are not being worn in all other MDR on the ship and some polo shirts which I should imagine when full cruising returns will become more popular and less jackets worn.

Edited November 22, 2021 by majortom10

[lissie]

On 11/22/2021 at 2:00 AM, comcox said:

I am considering a Cunard cruise for next year but I'm worried about all the dress code requirements for dinner and the evening hours.  I simply do not want to dress up beyond a pair of slacks and a top.  On other cruise lines there is almost always a buffet option for dinner.  Does Cunard have such an option at all?

A dress shirt and trousers is acceptable dress code for either sex on most nights (ex Gala) Our packing guide - Ship dress code - Cunard cruises 

 

For gala nights  the code used to say tux/dinner suit or dark suit - that seems to have disappeared now, do you could probably get away without a jacket as a man but you'd probably be the minority. 

 

There is only one gala a week now (used to be 2). If you are not dressed then you can't go to the theatre  or the main venues including the main bars, but can go to the pub and the buffet/lido 

[PORT ROYAL]

2 hours ago, majortom10 said:

Doesnt matter whether the designer logo is genuine or faux it is still on a polo shirt which in my eyes is not a dress shirt as stated in Cunard's new dress code and is being worn on QE now throughout the ship including PG. Cannot speak for QG as didnt eat in their at night but obviously jackets are not being worn in all other MDR on the ship and some polo shirts which I should imagine when full cruising returns will become more popular and less jackets worn.

One will follow one’s own instincts regardless of the stated Cunard dress code.  
After all, the declared Cunard code is only a minimum, not a maximum.  One will continue to pack, tuxedos, suits, jackets (both tailored and casual) and wear as one wishes, but always a Tux on Gala nights with additional Tux nights inserted.  
One declines to accept and join the Carnavalisation of Cunard.

Would even consider the bringing the unofficial TA QM2 dress code to the other two queens.

 

 

[bluemarble]

1 hour ago, lissie said:

A dress shirt and trousers is acceptable dress code for either sex on most nights (ex Gala) Our packing guide - Ship dress code - Cunard cruises 

 

For gala nights  the code used to say tux/dinner suit or dark suit - that seems to have disappeared now, do you could probably get away without a jacket as a man but you'd probably be the minority. 

 

There is only one gala a week now (used to be 2). If you are not dressed then you can't go to the theatre  or the main venues including the main bars, but can go to the pub and the buffet/lido 

 

For whatever reason the "What to pack" page is not as specific about the Gala Evening dress code as it used to be. It does state "black-tie dress code" though. Daily Programmes posted from a QE cruise since the resumption of service do still provide this more detailed description of the Gala Evening dress code.

 

"Dinner jacket, tuxedo, or dark suit with regular tie or bow tie for gentlemen. Evening or cocktail dress, smart trouser suit, or formal separates for ladies."

 

The partial dress code schedules I've compiled so far for 2021-22 indicate there will be about 1.7 Gala Evenings per week on QE and about 1.9 Gala Evenings per week on QM2. There is quite a variation among different voyages though.

[navybankerteacher]

16 hours ago, comcox said:

I don't go to evening entertainment events as I just prefer to sit and read or watch a film on TV; so that would not be a problem.

I am curious - what makes you think about sailing Cunard?

[comcox]

7 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

I am curious - what makes you think about sailing Cunard?

I was interested in a particular itinerary they were offering.