Can P&O really afford to be fussy???

Over the years I have done a number of P&O mini cruises which are notorious for being party cruises and fab tasters of what to expect if new to cruising…….however this week P&O announced a update to their dress code policy with part of the focus being around fancy dress, and begs the questions can they afford to be this fussy?

The statement from officials advises…….

“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.” 

I understand themed fancy dress is inappropriate for a longer  cruise duration  but for a weekend break is it really necessary for the strict rules and are P&O taking the fun out of these breaks.

Personally with the cruising marketing at its peak I feel P&O are being left behind a little in the shadows of new bigger and better brands offering the likes of drinks packages, technical marvels and more on-board activities.  Mini cruises have always been very popular for P&O because of their fun party atmosphere especially for Hen/Stag parties and not many other cruise lines offer these kind of trips so really you would think they would be wanting to make the most of these opportunities to showcase their cruise line.

So what do you think?

Are P&O making the right decision to ban fancy dress attire?

Does the term “Party cruise” put you off taking a mini cruise with P&O ?

Do Party cruises attract the wrong kind of passengers?

As always I would love to know your view.

Until next time

Marie

xxx