Can HAL encourage participation in formal nights?

[Wakepatrol]

I think that the OP is correct. At the end of the day, there are fewer and fewer customers who wish to dress up for formal evenings.

 

It is not because of baggage fees or anything else. It is simply that their idea of a holiday is not wearing a suit/jacket, tie etc. Not that they really need an excuse.

 

My guess is that there are many people like us who once they went casual had absolutely no desire to go back to hauling those clothes that were only required for a few evenings.

 

HAL recognizes this...it is obvious from their enforcement or lack thereof. As a mass market cruise line, HAL will go with the majority or gravitate to where they think the majority of their current and future target market are headed. It is just good business.

 

So, IMHO it is not much use moaning and groaning about it. Time and tide wait for no man. The one option is to move from a mass market line to a more expensive cruise line that offers that niche product.

 

We're finally getting somewhere. I've read wear jeans and a flannel shirt in Alaska,that's how they all dress:confused:

 

I've read dress casual in the Caribbean it's hot and tropical.

 

Then I've read the constant moaning about airline baggage fees. Wear a jacket on your flight and pack a pair of slacks,what's the big deal?

 

The funny part is 30 or 40 years ago,everyone dressed for dinner and that was the end of it. No dress no entry.

 

I wonder when the fashion plates ie cargo shorts,track suits will start whining that they want to wear tank tops and shorts to the Vatican because it's too hot and they're on vacation. Good luck.

[3rdGenCunarder]

From surfergirlie: Well, I have only been on the Eurodam/Nieuw Amsterdam and I would suggest Northern Lights for the small stage and large dance floor.

Not sure on other ships. But other ships are where I have seen the photos of it.

 

I haven't been on those ships, so I don't know about those venues. I couldn't visualize any place on Maasdam or Veendam that would work for a large group. I wish they would find a way to do it, though. It would make formal night more fun.

 

One place I know doesn't work well is the atrium. That's where they held the capt's cocktail parties on Crown Princess, and it was a zoo. People at the party standing around were in the way of people who were just trying to walk through. The only way to get a drink was to figure out where the waiter station was and hover by the door to snag a drink as a waiter came out. The captain did his hello speech, but with 3 levels and such a crowd, we couldn't even see him. The crowd made it feel more like the after-thanksgiving sales than a party.

 

(don't know why the quote misbehaved, but it is from surfergirlie.)

[kazu]

I have been too busy this week to spend any time reading the boards, today is my day off so with a hot cup of coffee I sat down and read this whole thread. Talk about people not understanding the cruise business and being a lot like the politicians that are totally out of touch with reality :D

 

Holland America is a business that is continually looking to increase on board revenue. Shore Excursions are truly one of their big money makers. The Cruise Critic Board is just a very small percentage of people who cruise Holland America. I talk to many people in my job about cruising and I would guess that less than 2% of people do not know or have a clue about Cruise Critic.

 

Ring the bell...ding..ding ding we have a WINNER!!!!

 

 

 

Peaches this is probably the most intelligent post on this whole thread. Not that I do not agree with several of some of the other posters ;)

 

While YES HAL is filling these ships and there is never a cabin that goes out empty, they are not filled at rack rate, a huge percentage is filled on reduced rates or Flash last minutes rates. Contrary to cruise lines such as Crystal, Regent (which is Country Club Casual all the time) or even Cunard, HAL really does not make a profit on filling those cabins and the price you paid for the cruise. Their profits to stay in the Black come from on board spending. They are going to do what is best for them in keeping the bottom line in the black. HAL's idea at increasing revuene is definitely not giving out their free lousy tastying champagne to get more people to dress up, nor would it be to have a special menu that would cost them more money and time. They have enough silly ideas right now from the Bean Counters in the corner glassed in office at 300 Elliott Ave that are not physically on the ship telling them to cut back, do things that we are all complaining about so they can save more money. The suggestions made originally by the OP were silly at best. I am sure that those with HAL involved with revenue are getting quite the chuckle over all of this.

 

We all dream of our childhood and want that Cinderella story and to go to the Ball. Sadly those days are gone, The young cruisers could care less. One of the reasons HAL is not selling is because passengers do not want to dress up, I hear this frequently too. HAL wants these cruiser that are going to spend lots of money on board, when the cruise ends the bottom line is they could care less if you do or do not dress up as long as you spent money on board.

I would like to pose a question to those that want to dress Formal how much was your on board spending including prepurchase of things like Shore Excursions? Yes, there will be the braggers stating how much they spend but bottom line is many of the long time cruisers spend very little on board. HAL is not going to survive if they do not move with the trends. The Trend is to go Country Club Casual attracting the younger newer cruiser with money to spend, not the retired, fixed income past passengers.

 

Very interesting post Lisa - we do dress up (although we might skip the odd formal night when we have 8). We don't book a lot of HAL shore excursions (although we will book the odd one depending) because we don't care to be in a large group BUT we do spend a big chunk on board - between wine packages - the bar, the odd shore excursion - a watch or whatever we usually accumulate a pretty sizeable bill:D

 

That's why we usually pre book a lot of stuff so we don't have on board shock:)

 

I don't know if newer cruisers spend more or not. Friends I know spend so much money your head would spin and they are our age.

 

I don't think there is a generalization possible here - not doubting your experience in the world of cruising at all - but i don't think many know the bills of the clients at the end of the cruise - and the bill may not reflect what was spent if items were prepaid for (as we like to do) or if obc has been purchased (as we also do). So, we might walk off the ship with a small bill (on purpose) but believe me, the money has certainly been spent:D

[3rdGenCunarder]

Very interesting post Lisa - we do dress up (although we might skip the odd formal night when we have 8). We don't book a lot of HAL shore excursions (although we will book the odd one depending) because we don't care to be in a large group BUT we do spend a big chunk on board - between wine packages - the bar, the odd shore excursion - a watch or whatever we usually accumulate a pretty sizeable bill:D

 

That's why we usually pre book a lot of stuff so we don't have on board shock:)

 

I don't know if newer cruisers spend more or not. Friends I know spend so much money your head would spin and they are our age.

 

I don't think there is a generalization possible here - not doubting your experience in the world of cruising at all - but i don't think many know the bills of the clients at the end of the cruise - and the bill may not reflect what was spent if items were prepaid for (as we like to do) or if obc has been purchased (as we also do). So, we might walk off the ship with a small bill (on purpose) but believe me, the money has certainly been spent:D

 

I would bet that first time cruisers do spend more. Caught up in the excitement of it all, they probably buy the drinks in the special glasses and lots of logo souvenirs. They may also book lots of tours, not knowing the ports or having figured out where they can go independently.

 

Over time, I think experienced cruisers have enough souvenir glasses ad logo stuff that they don't buy those items. They may do more independent shore travel, especially in ports they've been to before.

 

We do ship's tours on average in half the ports we visit. We don't buy a lot of stuff in the shop. We do have cocktails before dinner and wine with dinner. We do not bring on our own wine. We don't drink soda. that isn't an effort at economy, we simply don't drink soda. We're good with coffee, tea, iced tea. I suspect we're below-average spenders. So we're probably not as valuable to HAL as the younger cruisers who spend more.

 

If HAL is worried about onboard revenue, I'm surprised they don't limit the amount of wine and soda you can carry on board.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Very interesting post Lisa - we do dress up (although we might skip the odd formal night when we have 8). We don't book a lot of HAL shore excursions (although we will book the odd one depending) because we don't care to be in a large group BUT we do spend a big chunk on board - between wine packages - the bar, the odd shore excursion - a watch or whatever we usually accumulate a pretty sizeable bill:D

 

That's why we usually pre book a lot of stuff so we don't have on board shock:)

 

I don't know if newer cruisers spend more or not. Friends I know spend so much money your head would spin and they are our age.

 

I don't think there is a generalization possible here - not doubting your experience in the world of cruising at all - but i don't think many know the bills of the clients at the end of the cruise - and the bill may not reflect what was spent if items were prepaid for (as we like to do) or if obc has been purchased (as we also do). So, we might walk off the ship with a small bill (on purpose) but believe me, the money has certainly been spent:D

Jacqui, it has been a proven fact for years that the first time and fairly new to cruising cruisers spend far more on board. They like to purchase photos and videos, they like to try out the spa, they usually purchase Shore Excursions in every port from the cruise line not the recommended independent operator that was recommended on the Roll Call. They may try a little gambling. I know there are plenty of us that still spend money on board but truthfully how many of us buy photos, go to the Art Auctions and get caught up in the moment and purchase an expensive print. Be romanticized that you go to the Shops on board and purchase an expensive watch or necklace. The first timers and new to cruising sophisticated cruisers do.;) This is truly where HAL wants and is concentrating on. You would honestly be shocked at what some of the first time families spend on board. Many of us our proud to say we spent $1500.00 on board for the week, that is one days spending for many first time cruisers.

It is nice to wish the Glory days of cruising past was still here but sadly it is not and we can except the changes that are headed our way or we do something differently. There is a reason that cruise lines like Regent and Oceania have changed to Country Club Casual and other lines such as Seabourne are also considering these changes.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

One other comment I wanted to make, there are approximately 220 million people in the US alone that have never tried cruising but are considering it. Many of these have a lot of disposiable income. Carnival has a big campaigne going on now to attract these NEW cruisers but many want something just a bit nicer than Carnival yet they do not want to be told they have to dress up. They want adventure and to see exotic ports of call. NCL was a cruise line that jumped out before all the rest because they saw this coming. But NCL may not fit for all either. Don't think that HAL is not looking to attract some of that 220 million without upsetting their current cruisers that unfortunately are dying off.

While I am on the side of being ready to give up Formal Nights, I will still always dress up for dinner but would prefer to not be formal.

 

The first question out of a new cruisers mouth is almost always "Do I have to Dress up?" That is exactly how it is phrased, they could be purchasing a SA Suite across from the Neptune but they are looking for Elegant Casual.

In my opinion HAL would never step backwards to satisfy such a small percentage that is not how they will attempt to attract these new cruisers. They want to attract those people that book All-Inclusives, go to Sandles Resorts. They do not require Formal either ;) So to ask HAL to do some of the things mentioned is just so far out of left field.

But as a side note, there is nothing wrong with bringing your gown, jewels and tux and HAL will most likely never tell you not to do this. The beauty of this is those that want to do this can and those that do not can have their way too. If this bothers you and you feel it is not elegant enough surroundings, then maybe Crystal may be what you are looking for but do not be surprised that in the very near future they too may change ;)

[3rdGenCunarder]

Lisa, this sounds like HAL is going to stop having formal nights or go to "formal optional." Do you think this will happen?

[iancal]

laffnvegas...you speak with much common sense and business sense.

 

I think that sometimes people forget that companies, even the most venerable, are in business to make money and return a profit to their shareholders.

 

Their senior management team does not necessarily share the desire to preserve the past that some of their customers and employees do-especially if it negatively impacts the bottom line.

[startwin]

I have been too busy this week to spend any time reading the boards, today is my day off so with a hot cup of coffee I sat down and read this whole thread. Talk about people not understanding the cruise business and being a lot like the politicians that are totally out of touch with reality :D

 

Holland America is a business that is continually looking to increase on board revenue. Shore Excursions are truly one of their big money makers. The Cruise Critic Board is just a very small percentage of people who cruise Holland America. I talk to many people in my job about cruising and I would guess that less than 2% of people do not know or have a clue about Cruise Critic.

 

Ring the bell...ding..ding ding we have a WINNER!!!!

 

 

 

Peaches this is probably the most intelligent post on this whole thread. Not that I do not agree with several of some of the other posters ;)

 

While YES HAL is filling these ships and there is never a cabin that goes out empty, they are not filled at rack rate, a huge percentage is filled on reduced rates or Flash last minutes rates. Contrary to cruise lines such as Crystal, Regent (which is Country Club Casual all the time) or even Cunard, HAL really does not make a profit on filling those cabins and the price you paid for the cruise. Their profits to stay in the Black come from on board spending. They are going to do what is best for them in keeping the bottom line in the black. HAL's idea at increasing revuene is definitely not giving out their free lousy tastying champagne to get more people to dress up, nor would it be to have a special menu that would cost them more money and time. They have enough silly ideas right now from the Bean Counters in the corner glassed in office at 300 Elliott Ave that are not physically on the ship telling them to cut back, do things that we are all complaining about so they can save more money. The suggestions made originally by the OP were silly at best. I am sure that those with HAL involved with revenue are getting quite the chuckle over all of this.

 

We all dream of our childhood and want that Cinderella story and to go to the Ball. Sadly those days are gone, The young cruisers could care less. One of the reasons HAL is not selling is because passengers do not want to dress up, I hear this frequently too. HAL wants these cruiser that are going to spend lots of money on board, when the cruise ends the bottom line is they could care less if you do or do not dress up as long as you spent money on board.

I would like to pose a question to those that want to dress Formal how much was your on board spending including prepurchase of things like Shore Excursions? Yes, there will be the braggers stating how much they spend but bottom line is many of the long time cruisers spend very little on board. HAL is not going to survive if they do not move with the trends. The Trend is to go Country Club Casual attracting the younger newer cruiser with money to spend, not the retired, fixed income past passengers.

 

 

Excellent post - whether you agree or not, this is the way it is. It's all in the last sentence.

 

As for first-time cruisers, I can remember mine (yay many years ago:() and I am sure it's absolutely true that first-timers spend more onboard. Oh my, I remember the shock when I got my account. I bought everything with a logo on it, every drink of the day, every shooter glass, every stupid $10 item on the lido deck sale, spent at the casino, spa, special classes. These days I cruise longer, and I challenge myself to keep within a budget:rolleyes:

[kazu]

Jacqui, it has been a proven fact for years that the first time and fairly new to cruising cruisers spend far more on board. They like to purchase photos and videos, they like to try out the spa, they usually purchase Shore Excursions in every port from the cruise line not the recommended independent operator that was recommended on the Roll Call. They may try a little gambling. I know there are plenty of us that still spend money on board but truthfully how many of us buy photos, go to the Art Auctions and get caught up in the moment and purchase an expensive print. Be romanticized that you go to the Shops on board and purchase an expensive watch or necklace. The first timers and new to cruising sophisticated cruisers do.;) This is truly where HAL wants and is concentrating on. You would honestly be shocked at what some of the first time families spend on board. Many of us our proud to say we spent $1500.00 on board for the week, that is one days spending for many first time cruisers.

It is nice to wish the Glory days of cruising past was still here but sadly it is not and we can except the changes that are headed our way or we do something differently. There is a reason that cruise lines like Regent and Oceania have changed to Country Club Casual and other lines such as Seabourne are also considering these changes.

 

Thanks Lisa - we must be the exception to the rule - no way could I afford to spend $1500 per day when we first cruised. I find it amazing that first time cruisers are spending over $10,000 on a 7 day cruise:eek: (based on $1500 per day). I don't even know where you could spend that kind of money other than the casino and the art auction. I wonder if they slow down on longer cruises?

 

We still buy photos (yup:o) and I do the casino and dh is a shopper so if there is some nice stuff it is picked up.

 

It makes no difference to me which way people want to dress on HAL ships.

 

I've been looking at a line that only does 'country club casual" and find the whole thing confusing. it seems that the men wear a jacket every night. So what's the break for the men? Just no tie? I think dh would rather wear a jacket and tie than have to wear a jacket (and the appropriate shirt to go with it every night).

 

I'm at a loss with Country Club Casual - my clothes are either casual, smart casual, business or formal. I have no idea how to fit into this as when I look at the lovely brochures they send me the ladies are very well dressed (you could nearly wear it to a formal night on HAL). I don't see a 'break' in this but I am probably missing the boat as usual or don't understand country club casual.:eek::confused:

[RuthC]

I've been looking at a line that only does 'country club casual" and find the whole thing confusing. it seems that the men wear a jacket every night. So what's the break for the men? Just no tie? I think dh would rather wear a jacket and tie than have to wear a jacket (and the appropriate shirt to go with it every night).

 

I'm at a loss with Country Club Casual - my clothes are either casual, smart casual, business or formal. I have no idea how to fit into this as when I look at the lovely brochures they send me the ladies are very well dressed (you could nearly wear it to a formal night on HAL). I don't see a 'break' in this but I am probably missing the boat as usual or don't understand country club casual.:eek::confused:

I totally understand. I'm booked on an Oceania cruise, and realize they have a complete "Resort Casual" dress code. Yet, when I look at the pictures in the brochures they have sent me (loads of 'em! why can't you send me brochures, HAL?) and see that both men and women are much better dressed than many I see on HAL on formal nights.

I'm hoping I pack the right clothes for what is clearly an elegant ship.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Thanks Lisa - we must be the exception to the rule - no way could I afford to spend $1500 per day when we first cruised. I find it amazing that first time cruisers are spending over $10,000 on a 7 day cruise:eek: (based on $1500 per day). I don't even know where you could spend that kind of money other than the casino and the art auction. I wonder if they slow down on longer cruises?

 

We still buy photos (yup:o) and I do the casino and dh is a shopper so if there is some nice stuff it is picked up.

Jacqui, the one thing I am also taking into account is Shore Excursions, I think many of us forget about that because we pre purchase these items. An Alaska cruise is a perfect example, say you want to take a Float Plane one day, a Helicopter excursions another day, Dog Sledding another day. Then take a family of four at say $400 pp for each excursion. Granted they may not spend $1500.00 every day but those sea days on board they also spend money. I will be the first to admit that I am in the group that while HAL likes me because I am a frequent HAL cruiser we are not their ideal passenger:o. HAL is certainly not kicking us to the curb but they do want to encourage those that have not cruised or been to Alaska 9 times like I have been. They would like to up the percentage of those that do spend more money. To attract them they will need to make changes.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Lisa, this sounds like HAL is going to stop having formal nights or go to "formal optional." Do you think this will happen?

I do not have any"Inside'' information because in all honesty I doubt HAL even has this answer but I do honestly feel that 5 to 8 years from now we will be talking about "remember when we use to have Formal Nights ";) I think there will always be passengers that bring Formal attire. Heck even two years ago when we were on the NCL Pearl where NCL has Formal or NOT nights we saw a couple of men wearing a Tux and many ladies dressed up on that one night. Every single cruise is totally different, ask any crew member or Officer and they will tell you that each cruise changes even doing the same itinerary.

For those that are talking about doing a cruise that states Country Club Casual. Recently I went to presentations from Uniworld Rivier Cruises (also no Formal nights) and Regent and both Reps made the statement that the pictures of the passengers in their brochures that the people were dressed far more Formal/Elegant than what is the true representation of the passengers on board. Because they are "Models" and placing pictures of REAL passengers does not always look as appealing once it is in print :D

[kazu]

I do not have any"Inside'' information because in all honesty I doubt HAL even has this answer but I do honestly feel that 5 to 8 years from now we will be talking about "remember when we use to have Formal Nights ";) I think there will always be passengers that bring Formal attire. Heck even two years ago when we were on the NCL Pearl where NCL has Formal or NOT nights we saw a couple of men wearing a Tux and many ladies dressed up on that one night. Every single cruise is totally different, ask any crew member or Officer and they will tell you that each cruise changes even doing the same itinerary.

 

For those that are talking about doing a cruise that states Country Club Casual. Recently I went to presentations from Uniworld Rivier Cruises (also no Formal nights) and Regent and both Reps made the statement that the pictures of the passengers in their brochures that the people were dressed far more Formal/Elegant than what is the true representation of the passengers on board. Because they are "Models" and placing pictures of REAL passengers does not always look as appealing once it is in print :D

 

 

The bolding is mine - thanks Lisa :)

[cruising cockroach]

For those that are talking about doing a cruise that states Country Club Casual. Recently I went to presentations from Uniworld Rivier Cruises (also no Formal nights) and Regent and both Reps made the statement that the pictures of the passengers in their brochures that the people were dressed far more Formal/Elegant than what is the true representation of the passengers on board. Because they are "Models" and placing pictures of REAL passengers does not always look as appealing once it is in print :D

 

As far as HAL promotional pictures go, my guess is that the models they use are too young to represent the typical HAL passenger by a few decades.

[kazu]

Jacqui, the one thing I am also taking into account is Shore Excursions, I think many of us forget about that because we pre purchase these items. An Alaska cruise is a perfect example, say you want to take a Float Plane one day, a Helicopter excursions another day, Dog Sledding another day. Then take a family of four at say $400 pp for each excursion. Granted they may not spend $1500.00 every day but those sea days on board they also spend money. I will be the first to admit that I am in the group that while HAL likes me because I am a frequent HAL cruiser we are not their ideal passenger:o. HAL is certainly not kicking us to the curb but they do want to encourage those that have not cruised or been to Alaska 9 times like I have been. They would like to up the percentage of those that do spend more money. To attract them they will need to make changes.

 

Haven't been to Alaska Lisa so i can't comment there;) It hasn't reached the top of our bucket list yet :D But you are right - we do pre - purchase a lot of stuff - helps prevent the hurt at the end of the cruise:)

 

I'm guessing HAL makes as much money on their wine packages as their shore excursions. They must have a pretty good mark up on that one. I don't think they care where you spend your money as long as you spend it.

 

I have no problem with changes - as long as the quality doesn't go down I'm a happy camper - if it goes down - then we simply rethink where and who we sail with. As it is now, we have chosen to sail a ship where we saw quality still there - yes - it costs more - and it's worth it:D

 

We dress for formal as it's 'suggested' on the ship. Not necessarily preferred but elegance is always nice - especially on the Elegant ships:D

[kazu]

I totally understand. I'm booked on an Oceania cruise, and realize they have a complete "Resort Casual" dress code. Yet, when I look at the pictures in the brochures they have sent me (loads of 'em! why can't you send me brochures, HAL?) and see that both men and women are much better dressed than many I see on HAL on formal nights.

 

I'm hoping I pack the right clothes for what is clearly an elegant ship.

 

Ruth would you be kind enough to come back and share with us please (darn there is no begging icon):D

 

I'd love to have an idea. Oceania has it right as they offer lower fares early rather than wait. We've been tempted by a couple but trying to figure out the +'s and -'s had been hard and still not made it worth while yet (when my Aeroplan points run out it will be a different story):D

 

Would really appreciate your input if you don't mind to share - thanks so much:D

[RuthC]

Ruth would you be kind enough to come back and share with us please (darn there is no begging icon):D

 

I'd love to have an idea. Oceania has it right as they offer lower fares early rather than wait. We've been tempted by a couple but trying to figure out the +'s and -'s had been hard and still not made it worth while yet (when my Aeroplan points run out it will be a different story):D

 

Would really appreciate your input if you don't mind to share - thanks so much:D

It's still a long (long, long) way off, but sure I will. At least I will if it comes to pass.

I am on a waitlist for the cabin category I want, and am booked in a much higher category that was available. Right now I'm shopping around for a roomie for that cabin, and getting one isn't a sure thing.

I can only go alone if I clear the lower category, and that's not a sure thing either.

[kazu]

It's still a long (long, long) way off, but sure I will. At least I will if it comes to pass.

 

I am on a waitlist for the cabin category I want, and am booked in a much higher category that was available. Right now I'm shopping around for a roomie for that cabin, and getting one isn't a sure thing.

I can only go alone if I clear the lower category, and that's not a sure thing either.

 

good luck Ruth - I hope it all works out for you - I would like to think that the ship will have top quality CHOCOLATE for you:D:D

[hypercafe]

It's still a long (long, long) way off, but sure I will. At least I will if it comes to pass.

I am on a waitlist for the cabin category I want, and am booked in a much higher category that was available. Right now I'm shopping around for a roomie for that cabin, and getting one isn't a sure thing.

I can only go alone if I clear the lower category, and that's not a sure thing either.

 

 

I booked a trip on them for March on the Reivera for Mexico. I was waitelistef but was assigned a room last week, ocean view.

[3rdGenCunarder]

Thanks Lisa - we must be the exception to the rule - no way could I afford to spend $1500 per day when we first cruised. I find it amazing that first time cruisers are spending over $10,000 on a 7 day cruise:eek: (based on $1500 per day). I don't even know where you could spend that kind of money other than the casino and the art auction. I wonder if they slow down on longer cruises?

 

We still buy photos (yup:o) and I do the casino and dh is a shopper so if there is some nice stuff it is picked up.

 

It makes no difference to me which way people want to dress on HAL ships.

 

I've been looking at a line that only does 'country club casual" and find the whole thing confusing. it seems that the men wear a jacket every night. So what's the break for the men? Just no tie? I think dh would rather wear a jacket and tie than have to wear a jacket (and the appropriate shirt to go with it every night).

 

I'm at a loss with Country Club Casual - my clothes are either casual, smart casual, business or formal. I have no idea how to fit into this as when I look at the lovely brochures they send me the ladies are very well dressed (you could nearly wear it to a formal night on HAL). I don't see a 'break' in this but I am probably missing the boat as usual or don't understand country club casual.:eek::confused:

 

Expensive? :D

[peaches from georgia]

I totally understand. I'm booked on an Oceania cruise, and realize they have a complete "Resort Casual" dress code. Yet, when I look at the pictures in the brochures they have sent me (loads of 'em! why can't you send me brochures, HAL?) and see that both men and women are much better dressed than many I see on HAL on formal nights.

I'm hoping I pack the right clothes for what is clearly an elegant ship.

RuthC- I haven't sailed Oceania yet, but have many friends who do. And we have sailed Seabourne which is so similar. Take the brochures with a grain of salt like Lisa said. After all, look at HAL's brochure pictures.

 

Country Club Casual=Resort Casual, kazu. There may be a night or 2 where men are asked to wear a jacket (no tie) in the MDR and it's stepped up a little, but what you would wear on HAL is fine and dandy. Men- collared sport or golf shirts, long pants, Women- exactly what you would wear to dinner on HAL.

 

The difference we found on Seabourn from HAL is that everyone wears Resort Casual and everyone dresses according to the dress code and looks nice for the evening. At least on Seabourn, and I imagine the other lines like Oceania, there are no jeans allowed in the dining room for dinner and people don't push the envelope and even consider wearing t-shirts, shorts, tank shirts at night. It is nice dress appropriate for a nice restaurant, but not formal or stuffy at all. Our friends who cruise Oceania do so because they have had years of dressing more formally for business reasons and just want to be comfortable in more casual clothes on a cruise.

[kazu]

RuthC- I haven't sailed Oceania yet, but have many friends who do. And we have sailed Seabourne which is so similar. Take the brochures with a grain of salt like Lisa said. After all, look at HAL's brochure pictures.

 

Country Club Casual=Resort Casual, kazu. There may be a night or 2 where men are asked to wear a jacket (no tie) in the MDR and it's stepped up a little, but what you would wear on HAL is fine and dandy. Men- collared sport or golf shirts, long pants, Women- exactly what you would wear to dinner on HAL.

 

The difference we found on Seabourn from HAL is that everyone wears Resort Casual and everyone dresses according to the dress code and looks nice for the evening. At least on Seabourn, and I imagine the other lines like Oceania, there are no jeans allowed in the dining room for dinner and people don't push the envelope and even consider wearing t-shirts, shorts, tank shirts at night. It is nice dress appropriate for a nice restaurant, but not formal or stuffy at all. Our friends who cruise Oceania do so because they have had years of dressing more formally for business reasons and just want to be comfortable in more casual clothes on a cruise.

 

Thanks Peaches so much - what the heck is resort casual??:confused: same as smart casual:confused: To clarify - we don't wear jeans on smart casual night, dh wears sharp shirts with nice pants - I usually wear long casual (but nice) skirts to the MDR with a nice blouse or top and my turkish shawl.

 

how far away are we from the standard??

[peaches from georgia]

Thanks Peaches so much - what the heck is resort casual??:confused: same as smart casual:confused: To clarify - we don't wear jeans on smart casual night, dh wears sharp shirts with nice pants - I usually wear long casual (but nice) skirts to the MDR with a nice blouse or top and my turkish shawl.

 

how far away are we from the standard??

LOL. Sorry. I should have said smart casual. Smart casual/resort casual/country club casual- you are both right up to standard. ;) What you both wear to dinner on HAL is perfect on these other lines. I think, as I said, the main difference is that no one 'pushed the envelope' to be sloppy or underdressed and everyone dressed appropriately but not over the top. No changing after dinner because there is no need to get more comfortable. Dress codes just aren't an issue or anything to worry about.

[mariner]

We found the dress code on Seabourn much more dressier than the description. Nice to see you're trying something else Ruth. Sure you'll enjoy it.