No shorts at night?

[jasbo49]

We're considering an HAL cruise sometime, but I'm stuck on one thing in the dress code. It says:

 

"T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas during the evening hours."

 

Do they really enforce the no-shorts part for just being around the ship in the evening? I don't really object to the rest of it, and I'm happy to dress for dinner, but if I wanted to go to a bar or the casino or just out for a stroll after dinner, is it really forbidden to do so in a decent pair of shorts?

 

I know there are tons of posts about dress codes, and I've tried to read some, but still haven't found this particular question answered. Thanks.

 

Jim

[RuthC]

The statement is really clear. There can't be any confusion.

You are allowed to eat in shorts in the Lido, and to wear them on the outside decks, and inside on the Lido deck. Elsewhere, self-enforcement is expected.

[sppunk]

Despite what you read there, no one will say anything if you were shorts at night outside the dining room and Pinnacle. Many people, especially in the Caribbean, will change into shorts after dinner.

[catl331]

Do they really enforce the no-shorts part for just being around the ship in the evening?

No, unfortunately, they don't enforce the rule. :( We've seen tees and shorts in the showroom on Formal nights! So if you don't mind being conspicuous, go right ahead and wear shorts anytime (other than in the MDR or PG).

[dakrewser]

There are no "fashion police" stationed around the ship. You are expected to abide by the clearly unambiguous rules which have been promulgated. Should you chose to flaut them, you will be stared at and talked about.

[iancal]

When it is warm at night in the Caribbean, we often change into shorts and go on the top deck.

 

The rules are a little silly....it is somewhat difficult to get to the top deck without going through public areas.

 

We do not attend the shows or the Lido in shorts, although we certainly do wear casual clothes on formal evenings when we eat in the Lido, go to the show, casino, etc. This is not uncommon, in fact we see more and more people doing this on formal evenings.

[tangerinebunny]

It's been my experience that most cruisers are busy having a good time and not evaluating each other.

 

Far as I know, the staff is too busy to care what we look like.

 

And while I wear 'country club casual' (whatever that means), I may stare at your legs if they're either wonderful or awful. Otherwise I'll ignore you.

[dakrewser]

We do not attend the shows or the Lido in shorts, although we certainly do wear casual clothes on formal evenings when we eat in the Lido, go to the show, casino, etc. This is not uncommon, in fact we see more and more people doing this on formal evenings.

 

And we see more and more people talking and texting on their smartphones while driving, even though it's illegal here. Should we follow their example?

[iancal]

dakrewser...really. what a silly argument.

 

How on earth can you compare wearing shorts to texting or using a cell phone while driving-thus endangering your life, the lives of passengers in your car and others on the road!

 

Besides, DW has great legs.

[dakrewser]

...really. what a silly argument.

 

How on earth can you compare wearing shorts to texting or using a cell phone while driving-thus endangering your life, the lives of passengers in your car and others on the road!

 

Besides, DW has great legs.

 

Se the threads about bringing electric kettles, or candles for your cabin. People who disregard one rule will easily disregard others if they think them "silly".

 

If you don't like the rules, then ask that they be changed - or sail with someone else. A cruise is an "all inclusive" package - you take the good with what you consider to be "the bad". Try to show just a bit of consideration for your fellow cruisers - there are other lines where you can make it "all about me!"

[iancal]

But we are not bringing electric kettles (which by the way are actually provided on some UK and Australian cruises/ships), candles, or those cheap extension cords that are not safe.

 

I do not think that our shorts will put anyone in danger...don't worry they are not short shorts, nor are they torn, ripped, or worn with dirty t shirts.

 

I believe it is more than a stretch to compare wearing shorts on the top deck or wearing business casual clothes in the casino or bar on formal evenings to bringing on board products/items that are most definately placing others in danger.

 

I say silly because no one at HAL has explained to us how we are to attend formal evenings in the Lido, dressed in casual clothes, without going through other public areas on the ship. Neither has anyone at HAL ever suggested that we stay in our cabins on those nights and not spend any money in the shops, bars, casino, etc. There very much a mixed message, a purposeful mixed message, on HAL that is designed to please everyone but not everybody.

[jasbo49]

Wow, it's way too easy to start World War III around here. I'm not looking to wreck anyone's vibes or foul the feel of the ship. It just seemed to me like it might be a "blue law" type of thing that was roundly ignored and they just hadn't gotten around to changing.

 

As for dangerous things like wearing shorts, it looks like there may be some risk: driving dave "dakrewser" closer to a heart attack. (Sorry, Dave. I just couldn't resist after you warned me I'd be stared at and talked about.) Hope we can all put away the flamethrowers.

 

Jim

[iancal]

We are MUCH more concerned about people bringing along dangerous dollar store extension cords to plug in all their whatnots than we are about someone wearing casual clothes on formal nights or shorts at night on the top deck during warm Caribbean cruises.

 

I guess it is really an issue of our individual perspectives.

[mamaofami]

I believe that if your luggage hasn't arrived in time for early seating, there is an exception to the no shorts in the dining room rule since if you board in shorts and have no pants, you do have to eat.

[GitUpAndGoze]

"If you don't like the rules, then ask that they be changed - or sail with someone else. A cruise is an "all inclusive" package - you take the good with what you consider to be "the bad". Try to show just a bit of consideration for your fellow cruisers - there are other lines where you can make it "all about me!"

 

I agree. For the life of me, I don't understand some folks' obsession with wearing shorts. I've lived in hot, warm, and cool climates. Shorts (whether on men or women) do not provide significantly cooler, or more comfortable, attire than most slacks. I believe it's the "I just dress how I like and don't care what people think" syndrome that's so prevelant today. I feel complying with the dress code of the cruise line you selected is part of the deal. It's respectful to and considerate of your fellow passengers; it shows you are situationally aware. Too many people today don't recognize there are differences in appropriate dress for different occasions. BTW: I'm not an old fogey. I just feel that if you don't want to go along with the program, chose another one.

 

Kate;)

[startwin]

Oh here we go again.

 

My experiences after many cruises is no one gives a darn what you wear anywhere on the ship, apart from in the MDR. Shorts or sundresses seem to be the norm when sailing in warm climates. And during my last cruise it seemed that there was no dress code whatsoever even on formal night, and nothing was enforced by the dining room manager, including no jeans, lack of jacket or tie, in the MDR. That was 22 days through very hot weather, and into cooler weather.

 

Life is short. Don't sweat the small stuff. And trust me, what other people wear is not worth fretting about.

[jasbo49]

Shorts (whether on men or women) do not provide significantly cooler, or more comfortable, attire than most slacks. ... I feel complying with the dress code of the cruise line you selected is part of the deal.

 

Kate;)

No. 1, I'm not sure it's up to you decide what is comfortable for other people.

 

No. 2, complying with the dress code is the very reason I asked the question. I was just trying to confirm that it is really practiced that way.

 

It would appear that HAL is just not the cruise line for us. I thought so before, and now I'm pretty sure. Thanks.

 

Jim

[Responder]

No. 1, I'm not sure it's up to you decide what is comfortable for other people.

 

No. 2, complying with the dress code is the very reason I asked the question. I was just trying to confirm that it is really practiced that way.

 

It would appear that HAL is just not the cruise line for us. I thought so before, and now I'm pretty sure. Thanks.

 

Jim

 

To a certain degree we are a nation of sheep...

 

When I travel, I dress for the weather and my comfort. I have never worried about what others wear or what they think about I wear. I take a shower and wear clean clothes and that's all I can offer.

If the merchant takes my money, then I become the customer.

 

Life is much too short to worry about fashion police.

 

On our last HAL cruise about 2 weeks ago, people dressed every which way whether formal or not and the ship didn't sink.

 

Our favorite line is Regent and it is far more classier than HAL and there are NO formal nights and I have never been chastized for dressing the way I choose and they still take my money every time I sail with them.

[HamOp]

Should you chose to flaut them, you will be stared at and talked about.

 

By small people with no life.......

[sparky-elpaso]

"If you don't like the rules, then ask that they be changed - or sail with someone else. A cruise is an "all inclusive" package - you take the good with what you consider to be "the bad". Try to show just a bit of consideration for your fellow cruisers - there are other lines where you can make it "all about me!"

 

I agree. For the life of me, I don't understand some folks' obsession with wearing shorts. I've lived in hot, warm, and cool climates. Shorts (whether on men or women) do not provide significantly cooler, or more comfortable, attire than most slacks. I believe it's the "I just dress how I like and don't care what people think" syndrome that's so prevelant today. I feel complying with the dress code of the cruise line you selected is part of the deal. It's respectful to and considerate of your fellow passengers; it shows you are situationally aware. Too many people today don't recognize there are differences in appropriate dress for different occasions. BTW: I'm not an old fogey. I just feel that if you don't want to go along with the program, chose another one.

 

Kate;)

 

I want a LIKE button. I agree - what's the big thing about shorts. We live in the desert - 100 + in the summer and I don't generally wear shorts even around the house. And outside I think direct sunlight on bare skin is hotter than if there's a layer of clothing in between. I do wear capris to the gym just because they're easier to move in.

[kazu]

In all honesty - I find many of the public rooms too cool to contemplate wearing shorts at night. A lot of people will wear capris in the dining room though;)

[iancal]

Franky, why would anyone care about someone else thought about the attributes of wearing shorts. Is it not a personal preference?

 

Not certain what living in the dessert has to do with making some an expert on what other people should or should not wear.

[PathfinderEss]

And we see more and more people talking and texting on their smartphones while driving, even though it's illegal here. Should we follow their example?

Excellent post Dakrewser.

[jimd909]

What about jeans? :eek: Is one allowed to wear jeans at night?

[RuthC]

What about jeans? :eek: Is one allowed to wear jeans at night?

Jeans are no longer forbidden on smart casual nights. The HAL policy is silent on the issue.