Given the furore that followed Cunard’s announcement a couple of months ago that it was “loosening its ties” and relaxing its dress code, it’s brave of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines to follow suit (pun intended).
Just like Cunard, Fred has no intention of abandoning its formal nights, of which there are three or four during a two-week cruise.
But the dress code for other evenings has now been simplified. Smart casual is all that is required, and there is no longer a distinction for “informal” wear, when a jacket or tie is required.
Under the new code, gentlemen are free to wear a jacket and tie, or equally they may prefer to opt for an open-necked shirt, with Chinos or smart, dark-coloured jeans. For ladies, the choice could be an elegant dress or casual separates.
Sales and Marketing Director Nathan Philpot said: “Many cruise lines have done away with dress codes altogether
“However, we have listened to our guests’ feedback and there is a demand from many for a more relaxed and informal dress code for the remainder of the evenings on board. We hope that, by simplifying the dress code for these, we can make things easier for everyone when packing and ensure that no one feels constrained by too many rules; after all, our guests are on a relaxing cruise holiday.”
The Theme Nights – such as ‘Tropical’ and ‘Red, White and Blue’, with dedicated shows and activities on board, will continue. Guests can choose to wear fancy dress for these, or adopt the new smart casual’dress code as an alternative.
Not sure about jeans though. Even dark-coloured. There should be no place for denim on a cruise ship.
I used to think it was good to get a chance to dust off the Tuxedo on a cruise ship and my wife enjoys showing off her expensive gowns and jewellery but the trouble is nowadays its impossible to pack for two weeks in the Caribbean and get it all in a suitcase to fly there since the airlines are too restrictive and I don’t want to have to pay for an excess baggage. I’m in favor of relaxing the dress codes but I agree that denim is a step too far. No shorts and Tshirts in the dinning room thankyou very much
I agree no shorts in the restaurants during dinner, but I don’t understand what is wrong with denim on a cruise ship. It is just one of many types of fabric. Smart denim can look nice on a casual/smart casual evening. Denim has been around for a long time, and it’s time we stopped fretting about it! Yes, ill fitting denim can look a mess – but that is no different to any type of ill fitting clothes. Each to their own I say!