P&O Dress code & Alcohol policy changes

So P&O recently have made some changes to their dress code and their alcohol policy. Do you think this is a good thing or not?

Personally I do like to see cruise lines and not just P&O have a dress code and to adhere to it. Nothing worse for me than seeing for example signs all over the ship “Formal night” and you expect people to respect the dress code and to dress for the occasion. Then you go and see oversized shirts, long shorts and baseball caps. I find this most frustrating and disrespectful to other passengers on board.

I agree that everyone has paid their money to be on board and to a certain extent should be allowed to wear what they like and feel comfortable in. However, I do believe that formal nights are an important part of the cruising experience. A lot of people used to cruise just to enjoy the occasion of dressing up. I think everyone should see this as optional and absolutely not does everyone have to participate if they don’t want to. If you don’t like to dress for a formal nigh then go to one of the self service restaurants and not ruin it for anyone else. Personal opinion of course. Now, as for the dress code I believe this should be implemented but consistency needs to be shown.  I once got on board and had returned from an excursion and after a long day out I fancied a quick drink before getting ready for our evening meal. I was in shorts and was refused entry as they said after a 6/7pm it had to be long trousers. I didn’t mind this at all. I respected it and thought fair enough at least they have someone on the door advising people of the rules and not allowing people in. I didn’t go back to put long trousers on and then go back to the bar as wasn’t worth it for time. What I don’t like is when you pass a restaurant and there is a nice big sign that says tonight’s attire is formal and then you turn up and see the oversized shirts and baseball caps. I personally blame the staff on the door whoa re letting people in without challenging them to be appropriately dressed for the occasion. I was challenged and respected it and believe if they showed some more consistency throughout then it would be better for everyone. Just to let anyone in and not say anything is disrespectful to those respecting the dress code. What do you think about the dress codes on a cruise? Do you think it’s too strict or not enforced enough? The no football shirts at certain times, I find that a little strange because I’ve been on a cruise during a World Cup and you would expect people to wear their shirts in a pub on board, and what about the time difference if a tournament is played overseas? Have they really thought this through properly?  Please see below the changes made to P&O recently regarding their dress code and below that also a change to their alcohol policy. For those who like to bring a bottle aboard.

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).

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.

This is from P&O of course we recommend that you check all cruise lines websites as some will vary. Do let me know your thoughts and if this affects you?