Do you have to dress formally in the evening on all P an O cruise ships?

Question

I would love to go on one of their intineries but don't like the formality. Other than ocean village and island cruises, do you know any other cruise line where you are not required to dress formally

Answer 1

no, not on all cruise ships. In the old days cruise ships catered to the affluent and wealthy, that's where the formal attire began. Today cruise lines are reaching out to the everyday person and things are much more relaxed and casual.

Answer 2

On P & O ships, they print a news letter which is left outside your cabin door every day.

It tells you what is happening on board, places you are visiting and next days dress code for the main restaurants.

The first night and last night at sea is always "informal" - they prefer you don't interpret this as "scruffy" so leave the trainers and jeans in your cabin.

The "formal" nights are only when the ship is between ports for the evening meal.  They also have other formal occasions like the Captain's cocktail party and perhaps a "black and white" evening when everyone will try to dress in black and white.

The dress code applies only to the main dining rooms, so if you want to be casual all the time, you can eat in one of the smaller restaurants.  There may be a grill bar for example, and a bistro (the Bistro may cost a little (a couple of quid) on top of your normal meal, but is of an even higher standard).

There is often another choice, say, an Indian evening which could be a buffet of a good selection of different curries (you need to book).

Go to your library and find a book published by Berlitz called "Ocean Cruising & Cruise Ships" by Douglas Ward, who is reckoned to be the World's foremost authority on cruising.  It's quite a hefty book running into over 650 pages.

Every cruise line and every ship is discussed and rated.

If your library doesn't have it on the shelf, ask them to get it in for you - it's probably in your County, somewhere.

There are over 30,000 cruises to choose from each year and almost 2,000 cruise destinations.  I'm sure you'll find something which will suit you and which you will enjoy, but make sure you do your homework before you book.

Answer 3

No you don't have to dress formally, but then they won't let you go into the main restaurant for the evening meal but there are many other restaurants on board so it wouldnt matter much. but you dont have to dress to formal during the evenings a jacket and tie is good enough. so good luck

Answer 4

on a 7 day cruise

typically  there are two nights that are formal-dressy

others are dress-casual.

dress for women  , jacket and tie for men.

cruiseclues.com

Answer 5

No, P&O like many lines offer a buffet where you do not have to dress up. Also you can order room service at no charge. After many years that finally got it that it is your vacation & your money so you can dress & pretty much do as you please.

P&O & NCL are my 2 favorite lines for this style of cruising.

GO ENJOY YOUR CRUISE & BE COMFORTABLE.

Answer 6

You dont have to dress formally in the evenings, but its so nice to do so, i love going on a cruise so that i can wear nice evening wear

Answer 7

On most cruises you are required to dress formally for formal meals in the main Dining rooms but all cruise ships have a a variety of levels of 'eating' from fast food to proper restaurants...take your pick and enjoy

Answer 8

Most ships today have alternate dining rooms for those who do not want to dress up on formal nights

The fun ships are  Carnival and next are NCL or RCL. Princess cruise are very nice but.. you can still escape the formal wear

Answer 9

If you go to the formal dining room, you normally have to dress up.  There are restaurants where you can dress casually.  It is nice to get dressed up though.

Answer 10

Been on several P&O cruises. Formal dress is not compulsory!  

Formal nights (usually 1 per week) can be formal (dinner jacket/evening dress) if you want to, or a dark lounge suit (with tie) if you don't have DJ.  Women usually have a glitzy dress anyway so it is only the men who are obviously formally dressed or not.

Typically 50-66% of the men are formally dressed so if you aren't you will not stand out as the only one!  

If you are from the UK you will enjoy the formal dining rooms, the service and "English" meals.  In my opinion P&O are by far the best for this and the (predominantly Indian) staff are exceeding well trained and give superb service.

Answer 11

Don't worry about the formal attire.  I did that for the first few times, then decided I had rather eat at the bars.  The food is wonderful and you can dress any way you like.  It means a lot less luggage also which is wonderful.  Go and have a wonderful time.