Seabourn Dress Codes – How To Put An End To A Beginning

While I understand the final terminology has not yet been set in stone (sand?), there is word that Seabourn is changing the arrangement of the deck chairs as to its dress code.

You may ask what that means.  And I would tell you that it actually means:  Not Much.

There is a vocal minority that insists on there being a formal night on every cruise.  There is a vocal minority that insists there be no formal nights ever.  And then there is a majority that prefer one or the other, but will go with the flow; with the truth being that generally the older guests prefer a formal night and the younger guests do not.

So, as dress codes always seem to bring out the worst in people…and I am fascinated by those who become less than sociable about the way others should be required to dress on account of the social aspects of style…Seabourn is trying to make what has always been obvious to me obvious to everyone.
(Again, did I actually say anything of substance?  Even I am not sure.)

Here is the deal: 

– On Seabourn you always have the option to dress as you wish, save that a jacket for men is required in The Restaurant other than on “Resort Casual” evenings.  There are many evenings which are noted as “Elegant Causal” (and even Resort Casual) when certain guests dress quite formally, if not tux and gown. 

– Now Seabourn will designate one night per 7-13 night cruise, two nights per 14-20 night cruise, three nights per 21+ day cruise where those what wish to dress formally can do so in some sort of unison with likeminded guests (as if practically they don’t already do this).  To be sure, guests wishing to dress formally are not limited to those evenings (never have been and never will be).

In other words, substantively nothing has changed from the present situation.  Hence, if you don’t want to wear a tux (or a gown) you still do not have to. If you want to wear a tux (or a gown) you still can.  Being that Seabourn never had “No Formalwear Police”, this amounts, IMHO, to nothing more than “GIVE IT A REST.”

And now I will sit back and wait for the demands that sections of The Restaurant, Restaurant 2, The Club, etc. be cordoned off so that people of equal social stature are segregated by the type of elegant clothing they wear. IMHO, formalwear does not create class…and it better not create a class society on Seabourn.

I can’t wait for Wintergarden guests to be told they cannot dine or drink in a particular location because aren’t socially acceptable…or what about if that were to happen to you? 

What do you think?  Join the discussion at The Gold Standard Forum.