How strict should a dress policy be?

There is always lots of discussion as to how formal cruising should be and fortunately nowadays there are several ships to choose from dependent upon your individual preferences. Customers can choose between a cruiseline that has several formal nights on board where black tie is a necessity or they can select a cruise line such as NCL or Oceania where black tie is not required at all.

The dress code is stated in advance and is generally enforced during dining. Now I am all for cruise lines stating their dress code and then enforcing it, customers know what they are booking and should expect to adhere to it. However I have just heard of an incident on board P&O's Azura when I think they were taking it to the extreme.


The gentleman concerned had worn a suit and tie to dinner on a 'semi-formal' night and had then retired to the Planet Bar at about 11pm for a drink. As it was late he had returned to his cabin and dropped his jacket off but upon entering the bar he was politely informed that he had to wear a jacket.
Being he gentleman that he is he returned to the cabin and donned the jacket again.

This time he was allowed to return to his friends, could order a drink and was allowed to remove his jacket to be comfy.

Now I know P&O have had a bad press and people have complained that standards are slipping, but was this really necessary? What do you think, and what do other cruise lines do?

If you need any help....

Well we've all only just come back to work but I'm taking another week off and will be out of the office until Monday 22nd January.

Whilst I'm away please call my colleagues on 0800 408 6200 and they will be happy to help you.

Thinking of extending your stay in Venice?

If you are then don't forget that they have now introduced the Venice Tourist Tax, which adds up to  €5 per person per night to your stay. This tax introduced at the end of 2011 is on charged on a sliding scale from  €5 per person in a 5* hotel to €3 per person in a 3 star.

If you're staying in the neighbouring islands or Lido are the cost is slighty reduced to  €4.50 per person for a 5* hotel. Children under 10 are exempt for the charge and 11-16 year olds pay 50%
The city is  cleverly calling the charge a 'cultural donation' and  it is to go towards a £20 million restoration project to save Venice from the sea.

Venice is a beautiful and amazing city however it is an expensive place to stay. It will be interesting to see if this tax puts people off from staying there this summer. Personally I don't think it will,  €10 for a couple on a room is probably less than 10% of the hotel cost.

This tax has to be paid by the tourist and isn't included in costs advertised by travel agents or hoteliers so don't forget to have some Euros' with you to pay it.

Happy New Year to you

Just a quick note to say Happy New Year to you all.
I'd like to wish everyone a very prosperous year and hope that all your dreams and resolutions come true.