Cruise Ship Dress Code Uproar & the Yachts of Seabourn

Every luxury cruise line and cruise ship is grappling with the "great dress code debate" these days. What exactly is the debate all about? Many longtime cruisers love dressing up for formal night and look forward to one or more upscale events per cruise. Other guests, however, are asking cruise lines to loosen up on the rules of formality.

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

On those special "black tie optional" evenings, men are asked to wear tuxedos or dark-colored suits and women generally wear gowns or stylish cocktail dresses. The Restaurant hosts this gala while guests who wish to dress down (to the Elegant Casual category) are invited to dine at Restaurant 2, The Colonnade, or the Patio Grill).

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

Gujari Mahal, Gwalior

Gujari Mahal is a palace inside the Gwalior Fort. This palace is at a lower region near the base of the fort. It was built by Tomar ruler Man Singh in 1486-1516 for his queen Mrignayani. Rectangular in shape, it measures 71m x 60m. There is a courtyard surrounded by 28 rectangular rooms. On all four corners there are cenotaphs. Entire palace is decorated with color tiles. (Click on the image for bigger picture)

In 1920, the palace is converted int0 a museum. The galleries of the museum display the archeological heritage of the period from B.C. to 17th A.D. The exhibits include stone idols, bronze idols, inscriptions, miniature paintings, terracotta figures, coins and arms and armories.

Timing of this museum is from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm daily except Monday.

Sun Temple, Gwalior

Actually we started the sight seeing at Gwalior by first visiting this temple and then moved on to see the heritage sites in and around the city. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

It is located 5 kms from city center. This is a very new temple and was constructed in 1988. It is inspired by architecture of the famous Konark Temple in Orissa.

The exterior of temple uses red stone while the interior uses white marble. There is a beautiful sculpture of Lord Surya in the temple. The carvings on the exterior of the temple depict various Hindu Gods and they have been carved beautifully.

Even though this temple is pretty new it attracts lot of visitors. The temple premises has a beautiful garden and is a nice place to relax.

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