Be careful what you pack!!

Dress codes on cruise ships is a minefield sometimes and what do you pack?

(yes that’s me as Thelma)

Well P&O have changed their dress codes on board their ships for next year so be careful what you put in that suitcase as may not be able to wear it….

Gone are the days for those 2/3 night mini cruises where you can celebrate a hen or stag party or a special birthday and a group of you all dress up in fancy dress or logo t-shirts but what does this mean? Read on……

(This was a hen party a few years ago)

I know I have sailed myself on numerous mini cruises and always had a fancy dress evening even for our work conference just before Christmas but no more on P&O ships.

I do understand why they have done this as the 2/3 night mini cruises can attract the ‘wrong crowd’ as I’ve been advised by my customers who have been on them.  They say it can put people off trying a mini cruise for the 1st time to see if they like cruising as all you see is groups of drunken people dressed up!  These cruises are now named ‘Short Breaks’ and hope to deter this reputation.

So what can’t you wear:-

Fancy Dress costumes
Clothing personalised with images or slogans
Clothing that features offensive language

The only exception is if it is a themed cruise and P&O advise you can wear fancy dress e.g. 60/70/80’s themed nights, tropical nights, white nights etc. so be sure to check your dress code before you pack.

So if you are sailing on P&O from 1 January 2018 – be careful what you pack & follow the dress code as below:-

DRESS CODE

Dressing for dinner is one of the many highlights on a cruise and guests are expected to follow our dress codes, which change from night to night. There are two dress codes that can apply, effective in the majority of public areas after 6pm. A description of each is provided below. The only exception to these are the official P&O Cruises theme nights which may include 60s, 70s, tropical, Western, and black and white night.

Evening Casual: Stylish resort or leisurewear is ideal for Evening Casual nights, for example casual separates or dresses for ladies and open-neck polo shirts and casual trousers (not shorts) for men. A  jacket and smart trousers can be worn but are not compulsory. Smart dark denim is also fine, but not trainers, football shirts or tracksuits. For a typical two-week cruise there are normally ten Evening Casual nights.

Black Tie: Our Gala Evenings provide the opportunity for ladies to wear glamorous evening wear including cocktail dresses, ball gowns or even smart trouser suits. For men, dinner jackets or tuxedos are the norm, but a dark lounge or business suit and tie can be worn as an alternative. You can also wear formal national dress. Attire for Black Tie nights can be purchased on board (limited availability).

I do love a formal night and dressing up in a lovely dress too:-

Just for a giggle – I had a voicemail from one of my regulars who travels on P&O quite a lot and the message was:-

‘Barbara if I can’t dress up I’m not going – call me to cancel’

Now if I didn’t know better I would have panicked – she is lovely lady and travels alone and has a great sense of humour so I knew she was joking, we did laugh about it when I called her back.

Probably a good thing we are not going on a cruise this year for our conference so Fancy Dress 60’s theme at Butlins – bring it on!  Of course I will tell you about that next month.

I do love a good old fancy dress party though, here are a few of the costumes I have worn over time:-

What are your thoughts on this change? Do you agree with this policy, I would love to hear your thoughts. Why not join our poll and have your say here:-

https://goo.gl/yjJJU8