P&O Smarten up the passengers!- No More Clowning Around Folks!

No doubt you’ve seen the latest notification from P&O outlining their new Dress Code, and its causing some controversy I can tell you!

No more ‘questionable’ slogans or images on clothing, no Fancy Dress – only permitted on ‘Theme Nights’,  and only what P&O deem suitable.   No Denim, Football shirts after 6pm.  This type of outerwear will be confined to your cabins!  (No mention of Rugby or other sports?) May need more clarification P&O,   as what about Golf?  No Golfing attire? Bowls? Tennis? the list is endless!

Will P&O be posting ‘Clothes Police’ at the doors of the Restaurants & Bars?

The children don’t escape either!

I for one think its a step in the right direction.  Especially with the Mini Cruises, which were specifically introduced as ‘Taster’ cruises, to try out the cruise line to see if you would like to book a longer cruise.  In recent years, these cruises have turned more into ‘Booze Cruises’ attracting large groups of ‘Hens’ & ‘Stag’ parties, which has put off a large number of potential passengers for the cruise line.  Many returning passengers have said that their mini cruise was more like a Butlins Themed weekend, which isn’t what they signed up for.

Here’s the official word from the cruise line, which is being sent out to all passengers, including their restriction on bringing your favourite tipple on board……  They’ve scuppered that idea too!  Although in fairness, the other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Fred Olsen have had a strict ‘no booze’ rule in for some time.

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).

Theme nights: Our theme nights offer a great opportunity for guests to dress up in line with the theme. Themes can include 60s, 70s, tropical, Western, and black and white nights.

Children: The dress code for children in the evening is Evening Casual, regardless of the adult dress code but they are welcome to dress to impress too. We do, however ask that children don’t wear denim on Black Tie nights please. When dining in the informal or buffet restaurants children can be casually dressed. If children are going to be with you in the evening in the formal restaurants and theatre then they can still dress more casually adopting our Evening Casual dress code.

Fancy dress: We don’t want to dampen anyone’s fun but coming into effect on 1 January 2018, fancy dress and/or novelty clothing will not be permitted on board. We reserve the right to deny embarkation to guests who are inappropriately dressed. This is a change from the policy wording printed in the back of our January 2018 – October 2019 brochure and pre-cruise brochures. The only exception to this is on official theme nights, when guests are invited to dress to reflect the theme. This policy, however, does not apply to children 16 and under.
Personalised and slogan clothing: In addition to the fancy dress policy, clothing personalised with images/slogans, and/or clothing that features offensive language, images or slogans, will not be allowed on board at any time. 

 ALCOHOL POLICY:

Passengers are now only allowed to bring up to 1 litre of alcohol, (including spirits, wine and champagne) on board at embarkation.  Any bottles of alcohol bought in port will be stored by the ship until their day of disembarkation.

So there you have it – you’ve been told!