No shorts at night?

[Ians Grandma]

It appears that people are in agreement that you can wear shorts in the Lido but not in the MDR during dinner. The second issue is formal nights and where those who chose not to to dress up can go on the ship. It seems that most people agree that casual clothes are fine in the Lido and on the outside decks. Of course, no formally dressed people on the outside decks to ruin the casual mood.....just kidding;)

[dakrewser]

To all those who posted that they "could care less" about what people wear - just how much less could you care????

[HamOp]

[quote name='innlady1'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]One thing I have never understood...why someone would book a cruise on any given cruise line and disagree with the policies? Why not book a line that has similar "rules" more in keeping with their own wishes ???[/SIZE][/FONT]

[/quote]

That's easy. It's for the same reason that one frequent poster on this board who has many years of HAL crusies under her belt, hates the fact that HAL allows smoking on the verandah but won't switch lines to one that doesn't allow it.

Hey look, we can have a smoking thread and a dress code thread all rolled into one!!:D

[Responder]

[quote name='innlady1'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]One thing I have never understood...why someone would book a cruise on any given cruise line and disagree with the policies? Why not book a line that has similar "rules" more in keeping with their own wishes ???[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]Personally, I'd rather "fit in" than "stick out like a sore thumb". :o[/SIZE][/FONT][/quote]

What is this "fitting in" stuff all about? We are all adults and it's time to be able to think independently and not always follow the crowd....except of course when the 7 bells sound to abandon ship. :D:D

To those of you who are so rigid with the dress code, do you follow this path with the rest of the events in your lives? For me this would be quite dull.

Relax and live....and remember....

[B]"Life is a cow-let's milk it together."[/B]

[cruz chic]

[quote name='HamOp']That's easy. It's for the same reason that one frequent poster on this board who has many years of HAL crusies under her belt, hates the fact that HAL allows smoking on the verandah but won't switch lines to one that doesn't allow it.

Hey look, we can have a smoking thread and a dress code thread all rolled into one!!:D[/quote]
Would you like it if someone told you to go to another cruise line even though you really enjoy HAL? After being on Celebrity I'm even more convinced that HAL is the line for me (right now). I prefer the smoking policy of Celebrity but it is what it is on HAL. If people aren't vocal about their dislikes then how doesn't anything ever change? Seems to me it's just like the dress code in many ways.

[innlady1]

What is this "fitting in" stuff all about? We are all adults and it's time to be able to think independently and not always follow the crowd....except of course when the 7 bells sound to abandon ship. :D:D

 

To those of you who are so rigid with the dress code, do you follow this path with the rest of the events in your lives? For me this would be quite dull.

 

Relax and live....and remember....

 

"Life is a cow-let's milk it together."

 

I was speaking for myself...NOT for others. And this is the way I feel...aren't we all entitled to our opinions without being attacked...I was simply expressing how I feel. Nothing to do with anyone else.

[dakrewser]

The fact is - speaking in generalities - that my age group (particularly in California) have a much more relaxed attitude regarding dress attire then my parents or grandparents generation.

 

It's not really generational, more regional than anything. After 10 years in Austin, TX then 10 in Silicon Valley we moved back to the Washington, DC suburbs two years ago. I was initally brought up short by how less casual people dressed in the northeast. WE've also noticed the same thing in Europe where suits and ties for men are still quite prevelant in the office and at night.

 

I'd really gotten used to a mre "laid back" lifestyle, and I occasionally complain (to my wife) but I did buy new shirts, ties, jackets, etc. so that I "fit in" with the people I had to interact with.

 

Onboard ship is no different than going toany other "town" for a week or more - you should try to adapt to the expectations of the "locals" - it makes for a much more harmonious trip.

[localady]

It's not really generational, more regional than anything. After 10 years in Austin, TX then 10 in Silicon Valley we moved back to the Washington, DC suburbs two years ago. I was initally brought up short by how less casual people dressed in the northeast. WE've also noticed the same thing in Europe where suits and ties for men are still quite prevelant in the office and at night.

 

I'd really gotten used to a mre "laid back" lifestyle, and I occasionally complain (to my wife) but I did buy new shirts, ties, jackets, etc. so that I "fit in" with the people I had to interact with.

 

Onboard ship is no different than going toany other "town" for a week or more - you should try to adapt to the expectations of the "locals" - it makes for a much more harmonious trip.

 

You are suggesting that I buy clothes that I normally would not wear on my vacation to "fit in". That, IMHO is a bit wonkers..... :rolleyes: I buy clothing that I will wear, not what will make others feel good!! ;)

 

Given current weight limitations for air travel, you comments seem even more out of touch.......

[startwin]

One thing I have never understood...why someone would book a cruise on any given cruise line and disagree with the policies? Why not book a line that has similar "rules" more in keeping with their own wishes ???

 

Personally, I'd rather "fit in" than "stick out like a sore thumb". :o

 

Ah, but therein lies the rub.... there is no policy. There is only a suggestion with regard to formal night wear. As for shorts, they are not allowed in MDR but in my experience you will see people in shorts all over the ship in the evenings. But these same people do not go to the formal gatherings such as the Black & White Ball, in shorts. Which is fine, I'm not sullied in any way by passing them in the corridors on our way to and from. There are different activities all over the ship in the evenings, including the gym.

[Cruising-along]

It's not really generational, more regional than anything.

 

I have always thought it's more to do with regional than generational. We have lived all over the US, and the western states are definitely more casual than the eastern part of the US. I'm talking generalities, of course there are exceptions. :)

 

We're just more casual here in the west, and don't get upset about things like dress codes. DH and I do follow the dress code on our cruises, but if someone else chooses not to, it doesn't bother us in the least. We are 61 and 64, so older than some and younger than others.

[winste]

 

 

 

 

You may have been reading the thread all day, but you missed the point of several posts. The people in favor of adhering to the dress code are supporting what HAL asks people to do, not promoting their own personal standards. Actually, the people who want to follow THEIR OWN standards are the ones who want to dress as THEY please, not as HAL asks them to.

 

 

Actually, since the policy is a "suggestion", I think it is peoples opinions being expressed in the form of their interpretation of the policy.

 

"The suggested attire for most evenings is resort casual; slacks and collared shirts for men, and casual dresses, slacks and informal evening-wear for women. On formal nights women usually wear a suit, cocktail dress or gown and men wear a jacket and tie, dark suit, or tuxedo."

 

If they took two words out, it would be much different.

 

"The attire for most evenings is resort casual; slacks and collared shirts for men, and casual dresses, slacks and informal evening-wear for women. On formal nights women wear a suit, cocktail dress or gown and men wear a jacket and tie, dark suit, or tuxedo."

 

Now it has become a policy rather than a suggestion. The smoking policy is quite clear and I would suggest if HAL wanted a strict dress code, they would change the wording and enforce it.

 

I guess the difference is how much your personal enjoyement is subject to the dress of others.

 

I do agree the idea of being respectful of others. But I can't see where wearing a nice pair of shorts to the casino on formal night is being disrespectful. I do not think they would be appropriate in the MDR. But if somebody did, I wouldn't let it ruin my enjoyment.

[dakrewser]

But when I venture on to HAL ships, I usually find a clientele that is more diverse, and generally much more tolerant that those here on CC. ;)

 

As do I. It's simply a question, though, of what's tolerated. Do you tolerate:

 

1) the guy in wifebeater & cut-offs in the MDR for dinner?

2) Red light runners?

3) the woman who "samples" all the produce in the market?

4) The person who "marks" their deck chair at 9 AM so tey can have it in the late afternoon?

5) People who zip past a line of traffic, then bully their way into the front of the line?

6) The woman in the cabin next to you who likes to sit on her verandah by candlelight? While her husband smokes a cigar?

7) The man who takes a wine glass from the bar so he can fill it from the box in his cabin and carry it around the ship?

 

Just how "tolerant" are you? Where do you (and by implication, where should we) draw the line?

[innlady1]

Ah, but therein lies the rub.... there is no policy. There is only a suggestion with regard to formal night wear. As for shorts, they are not allowed in MDR but in my experience you will see people in shorts all over the ship in the evenings. But these same people do not go to the formal gatherings such as the Black & White Ball, in shorts. Which is fine, I'm not sullied in any way by passing them in the corridors on our way to and from. There are different activities all over the ship in the evenings, including the gym.

 

 

There were several folks in the Showroom at Sea on Formal Nights on the Veendam in shorts and t-shirts and they seemed perfectly content.

Me? I'd be embarrassed if I failed to follow the suggestions...so maybe I'm the one with issues and still feel the need to do as my mother taught us! LOL!

[haligonian37]

Photo evidence of the only instance when I was taken aback at a fellow passenger's attire.....granted, it was an Alaskan cruise, perhaps she was chilly ;)

 

 

[RuthC]

Actually, since the policy is a "suggestion", I think it is peoples opinions being expressed in the form of their interpretation of the policy.

Well, actually, "suggestion" is politespeak for "expectation". Instead of a dictionary, it's better to use the etiquette book as your reference for social occasions.

And the word "suggestion" does not appear in the ban on shorts in public areas at night.

[3rdGenCunarder]

There were several folks in the Showroom at Sea on Formal Nights on the Veendam in shorts and t-shirts and they seemed perfectly content.

 

Me? I'd be embarrassed if I failed to follow the suggestions...so maybe I'm the one with issues and still feel the need to do as my mother taught us! LOL!

 

Your mother sounds like mine. :)

[startwin]

If there is one thing we should all have learned about these threads, it is that they go round and round and on and on with opposite sides trying to impose their opinion on the other and there is never any agreed concensus. At the end of the day, CC is a tiny portion of the cruising passengers, and it makes no difference whatsoever what we think or believe.

 

Live and let live.

[kazu]

What is this "fitting in" stuff all about? We are all adults and it's time to be able to think independently and not always follow the crowd....except of course when the 7 bells sound to abandon ship. :D:D

 

To those of you who are so rigid with the dress code, do you follow this path with the rest of the events in your lives? For me this would be quite dull.

 

Relax and live....and remember....

 

"Life is a cow-let's milk it together."

 

When you visit churches in Europe - shorts are not permitted. Your knees must be covered (as well as ladies' shoulders). The Vatican has 0 tolerance. There are times when you do have to follow a dress code or you are not admitted:D There are times when you have to fit in to the culture or 'rules' or standard practices of where you are visiting and/or staying;)

[HamOp]

If there is one thing we should all have learned about these threads, it is that they go round and round and on and on with opposite sides trying to impose their opinion on the other and there is never any agreed concensus. At the end of the day, CC is a tiny portion of the cruising passengers, and it makes no difference whatsoever what we think or believe.

 

Live and let live.

 

Well said and oh so true.

[josie724]

If there is one thing we should all have learned about these threads, it is that they go round and round and on and on with opposite sides trying to impose their opinion on the other and there is never any agreed concensus. At the end of the day, CC is a tiny portion of the cruising passengers, and it makes no difference whatsoever what we think or believe.

 

Live and let live.

 

OH can we PLEEEZE have a like button?

 

Well, actually, "suggestion" is politespeak for "expectation". Instead of a dictionary, it's better to use the etiquette book as your reference for social occasions.

And the word "suggestion" does not appear in the ban on shorts in public areas at night.

 

 

Usually "expectations" are followed with disappointment.

[Harley57]

We will be on our first HAL cruise in one week (Baltics). We are in our mid fifties. No I won't be wearing shorts at any time (I don't like them), but neither will we be in a ball gown and tux on formal nights. Yes we plan to eat in Pinnacle and Tamarind. Will probably skip MDR most nights so as not to offend other cruisers with our lack of fashion.

 

Given the many comments I have read over the past year on the HAL forum, my enthusiasm for the cruise has waned. What others wear does not concern me and the judgmental attitude of HAL cruisers has the potential to put a damper on our enjoyment, if we allow it to.

 

I suspect it will be our one and only HAL cruise and we will stick with land based vacations or other cruise lines. I rarely post although I have been lurking on these boards for 7+ years. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I see no need to have dress (within reason) to make others happy and do not understand why my choice of clothes causes such angst for others.

 

On a very positive note, we've had a very active roll call with many wonderful people.

 

Just my opinion - flame away.

[HamOp]

We will be on our first HAL cruise in one week (Baltics). We are in our mid fifties. No I won't be wearing shorts at any time (I don't like them), but neither will we be in a ball gown and tux on formal nights. Yes we plan to eat in Pinnacle and Tamarind. Will probably skip MDR most nights so as not to offend other cruisers with our lack of fashion.

 

Given the many comments I have read over the past year on the HAL forum, my enthusiasm for the cruise has waned. What others wear does not concern me and the judgmental attitude of HAL cruisers has the potential to put a damper on our enjoyment, if we allow it to.

 

I suspect it will be our one and only HAL cruise and we will stick with land based vacations or other cruise lines. I rarely post although I have been lurking on these boards for 7+ years. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I see no need to have dress (within reason) to make others happy and do not understand why my choice of clothes causes such angst for others.

 

On a very positive note, we've had a very active roll call with many wonderful people.

 

Just my opinion - flame away.

 

No flames from me, but I am willing to bet that your opinion of HAL will change after your first cruise. The back-and-forth banter that you read on these boards is nothing like what you will find on the ship.

 

I look upon these contentious threads as nothing more than entertainment, but it does get old after a while and I move on.

 

Go with an open mind and enjoy yourself. HAL is a wonderful vacation.

[3rdGenCunarder]

We will be on our first HAL cruise in one week (Baltics). We are in our mid fifties. No I won't be wearing shorts at any time (I don't like them), but neither will we be in a ball gown and tux on formal nights. Yes we plan to eat in Pinnacle and Tamarind. Will probably skip MDR most nights so as not to offend other cruisers with our lack of fashion.

 

<snip>

 

 

Nobody is saying you have to wear gowns and tuxes. What is traditionally thought of as "formal wear" is not what HAL asks for on formal nights. I'm pretty sure HAL's description of what is expected on formal nights has been posted on this thread already, but here is it again. As you can see, gowns and tuxes are not the only options for formal nights on HAL.

 

 

"Evening dress falls into two distinct categories: Formal or Smart Casual. Smart Casual can be defined as slacks and collared shirts for men and casual dresses, slacks and informal evening wear for women. T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas during the evening hours. On festive Formal evenings, ladies usually wear a suit, cocktail dress or gown and gentlemen wear a jacket and tie, dark suit or tuxedo. There are approximately two formal nights per week."

 

You say that you don't wear shorts at all. So what are you planning to wear in the evenings that will offend other passengers in the MDR?

[lovetocruise2020]

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

 

So, tell me, why would the word "allowed" be used in a statement, that was only a "suggestion"?

[Salacia]

Hi Salacia - not sure if your experience is the exception or if mine are:D Traditionally I have found the public areas quite cool. I have a favourite shawl which gets packed every cruise and goes to dinner in case it is needed:)

 

Adherence to the dress codes seems to vary somewhat. From what I have seen (and this is only my experience) - it appears to be more formal on the longer cruises - especially Europe.

 

HAL really doesn't require Formal attire in the strictest sense of the word - a jacket for men and a tie & nice skirt, dress, pant suit, whatever for ladies. It's not hard to follow the dress code IMO:)

 

Hi Kazu. Thanks, that's good to know - your experience is far more reliable than my one voyage. And I agree with you that HAL's dress code is not hard to follow - I guess that's why I was suprised to see so many not following it on Formal nights* (Veendam/Bermuda). No matter, we enjoyed the voyage and are looking forward to repeating it in August:) Regards, Salacia

 

Edited to add

*meaning men not wearing jackets and women in capris and tees etc.