The Yachts of Seabourn just announced a significant change to its formal night policy. (The new rules will make their debut across the Seabourn fleet soon.)
- No black tie optional nights on cruises that are eight nights are shorter
- 1 black tie optional evening on cruises that are 9–13 nights
- 2 black tie optional nights on cruises that are 14–20 nights
- 3 black tie optional events on cruises that are 21 nights or longer
My husband and I were thrilled to hear about this change. However, I completely understand that many cruisers love dressing up. I think they should continue dressing in whatever manner makes them most comfortable. I know couples who dress up every night for dinner while cruising. Others prefer Elegant Casual most of the time. Each traveler should do what works for them.
I do not think that the new dress code "dumbs down" the Seabourn experience. On the contrary, I think the cruise line will find that it attracts a new demographic of travelers who were afraid Seabourn would be too stodgy for them. I believe these new-to-cruising individuals will be a refreshing addition to Seabourn's passenger complement. After all, anyone who can afford Seabourn's price point knows how to dress smartly for dinner—formal night or not.
What do you think about Seabourn's new black tie optional plans?
—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com
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4 comments:
What rubbish you talk Angela.
just because people can afford to go on a Seabourn ship,does not mean that they know how to dress or behave themselves.
Go on the Odyssey in August for the month, and see what I mean.
Hi Lord of the Seas,
I appreciate your feedback. Although, I'm not sure if calling someone's personal opinion "rubbish" is the best way to open a thoughtful dialogue on the subject. ; - )
But, this proves what I said in my post about the Seabourn dress code: people feel very passionately about this issue. I'm glad you wrote in to make your point known.
I actually did sail aboard Odyssey last July and I didn't see anyone that didn't adhere to the dress code, although I do think guests tend to dress up a bit more when dining in The Restaurant.
I'd like to know if you're advocating that Seabourn stick with their original dress code for all ships or just the sisters. A lot of cruisers have suggested keeping Legend, Pride, and Spirit as-is and only changing the dress code on Odyssey and Sojourn.
What are your thoughts on that?
Andrea
We've always sailed on Regent. This year, we scheduled a Seabourn Sojourn cruise instead (giving up free internet and free laundry as we are Platinum with Regent); because we don't like the new Regent dress code. Now the joke's on us.
My husband and I prefer to have a formal night or two, although I understand the problem it might cause for some travelers in regards to excess baggage.
I do like the fact that Seabourn reserves the main restaurant for those adhering to the formal optional code on formal nights. One thing we don't like about the new Regent dress code is that on formal nights, anyone can go to Compass Rose no matter how they are dressed. What fun is it to be in formal attire while possibly sitting next to others who are barely adhering to "elegant casual." It ruins the ambiance of formal night.
I'm curious as to how Seabourn will handle the number of days/number of formal nights. We will be sailing from Rome to Ft. Lauderdale. Our cruise states that it is a 21-day cruise. In reality, it's two segments. Now there's the possibility that the first segment might not even have a formal night if it's under 9 days in length.
I understand that not everyone wants to dress formally. That's ok. However, casual dress cruisers already have many cruise options. Unfortunately for those of us who like formal cruises, we are going to end up without any options.
Is it so hard to pack a suit? Or not dine in the dining room on formal night?
Cruising used to be special.
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