Attire

[az20101]

From everything I have read about cruising, the attire should be resort casual. I intend to wear jeans...I have never been on a cruise before so I am not sure if jeans will be a problem. Feedback please.

[nana51]

During the day they are no problem, even in the main dining room if they are nice and you wear a nice golf shirt they would be o.k. khakis would be better for dinner though. Formal nights you need to wear a suit or sport coat unless you eat in the lido (the buffet). For just during the day you are fine with jeans or shorts. Enjoy!

[serendipity1499]

Not sure if you are a lady or gentleman, but jeans or shorts are fine during the day & if they are nice, neat & clean jeans can be worn on Smart casual nights with a collared shirt for men or a nice top for ladies..

 

On Formal nights HAL requests that men wear a tie & Jacket.. If men don't have a Jacket on for formal nights they may or may not refuse you entrance into the MDR (main dining room).. Normally ladies including me, wear a nice dress, palazzo pants, or a long skirt & fancy top for Formal nights.. Gowns & Tux's are slowly disappearing on formal nights..

 

Enjoy your first cruise which will never be forgotten.. We took our first cruise in 1978 with dear Friends & when we get together with them, which is quite often, we all somehow bring it up & talk about our first cruise together..:):)

 

Betty

[Krazy Kruizers]

From HAL's site:

Is There A Dress Code?

The right clothing can make a big difference in the enjoyment of your cruise. First and foremost, dress for comfort. Daily life aboard ship and in ports of call is relaxed and casual. Warmer climates call for clothing made of lightweight, breathable fabrics. For cooler climates, we suggest casual clothes that can be layered easily and possibly a raincoat and waterproof hat or umbrella and gloves. Certain shore excursions may require particular attention to clothing. For example, certain churches or other places of worship may not allow tank tops or short pants. Bring a swimsuit as all of our ships have pools and whirlpools. You may wish to bring more than one outfit for the water. We ask that you wear shoes and a cover-up over a bathing suit when walking through the interior of the ship. If you would like to jog on the sports deck or work out in the fitness center, bring workout gear. Footwear should include comfortable walking shoes for visits ashore and sandals or rubber-soled shoes for strolling on deck.

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 may wear a suit, cocktail dress, gown or fancy blouse/top with slacks and gentlemen wear a jacket and tie, dark suit or tuxedo. There are approximately two formal nights per week.

In order to complement your fellow guests, Holland America Line asks that you observe the suggested dress code throughout the entire evening.

Formalwear for ladies and gentlemen can be pre-ordered on select cruises by calling Cruiseline Formalwear at 800-551-5091 or make your reservations online. Your formalwear will be in your stateroom when you board.

[taxmantoo]

HAL does not define "resort casual" but refers to "smart casual" in the information on their website at http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-planning. Here is an except of the suggested dress code:

 

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 may wear a suit, cocktail dress, gown or fancy blouse/top with slacks and gentlemen wear a jacket and tie, dark suit or tuxedo. There are approximately two formal nights per week.

 

Jeans are fine for daytime depending on the itinerary; i.e. fine for Alaska but seriously too hot for Caribbean or Mediterranean.

Edited March 5, 2014 by taxmantoo