CHANGE in dress code?

[ozcruizer]

:D

I can't see how HAL can tell women not to wear dressy pants. There are a lot of nice ones out there. JMO.

 

I have to agree, Kazu. I would find it even sexist if HAL did not allow women to wear pants. For some, pants are what they find comfortable (and probably what they wear going out at home) and I feel it is wrong for a cruise line to dictate what should or should not be worn. I feel a nice pair of black jersey pants with a pretty top should be quite adequate. It's what I wear. After all, it IS supposed to be a holiday, not a fashion show.

 

I might mention that on our recent Oosterdam cruise there were a lot of women wearing less formal clothes than I did. I do not have a problem with that, as long as they are neat and tidy. To be honest, I feel many take this question far too seriously but perhaps that's the Australian in me :D. Or maybe I'm getting too old to see it as important.

 

Ozcruizer

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Hi, all. Long time no see.

 

And yes, I know, everyone will hate me for returning with this thread. *sigh* But, I'm not merely stirring the pot.

 

I give advice on another board these days. This morning I got a query about whether jacket and tie would suffice on formal night, since suit and tie or tuxedo are required.

 

Knowing that was wrong, I went to the HAL website. Where I found:

 

"On festive Formal evenings, ladies wear a cocktail dress or gown and gentlemen wear a suit and tie or tuxedo."

 

WHAT? What happened to "jacket"?

 

Is this a change - a glitch - or something that's been long settled, and I just foolishly missed because I haven't cruised this year?

 

My Dad has been having a lot of health challenges and he wants land trips to Florida instead of cruises, because he feels close to my late Mom in the vacation home we all shared.

 

I would say that is the norm..

[tip]

A successful cruise requires some effort from both HAL and the passsengers. It really is no bother for me to put on a suit in exchange for an extra nice dinner. It is the same effort to pack a suit jacket as a sports jacket, and suit pants take up very little space in my suitcase.

 

igraf

 

My cruise will be just as successful whether I choose a tux, a suit, OR a sport coat and slacks. Either way, it is my choice and not that of anyone else!

[sail7seas]

My cruise will be just as successful whether I choose a tux, a suit, OR a sport coat and slacks. Either way, it is my choice and not that of anyone else!

 

The choices you mention are within HAL's requested dress code. You'll be dressed fine whichever

you select. :)

 

Edited February 16, 2015 by sail7seas

[hrhdhd]

I do not carry a tux with me - baggage limitations - so I wear a dark suit, tie, regular shoes into the MDR.

 

Not sure what the difference is between taking a tux and taking a suit. Possibly needing one more pair of shoes?

 

People have to wear something into the dining room. Adding a sports coat and a pair of pants to a suitcase doesn't add anything that a tux won't. Still need a shirt, a tie, a pair of socks, etc.

Edited February 16, 2015 by hrhdhd

[Wakepatrol]

I'd be more than fine if HAL gave up on formal night. It is such a watered down definition of what is formal that I see it as silly to call it formal. No way a sports jacket ever meets the definition of formal. Be done with it HAL..... Any semblance to 'real formal night' went by the wayside years ago.

 

Good point- However if HAL ditches formal nights, there goes picture money,women getting their hair nails done etc. I would think they could use this money. I think they should just enforce the code they have.

 

Just a quick observation- people always whined that the tablecloths were wrinkled as well as the seat covers on formal night.

On my last cruise, they had a different type of material for the seat cushions. They were a stretch no wrinkling type fabric

[nana51]

I so wish HAL would change their dress code, there is absolutely only ONE thing that I am dreading so much on our upcoming Volendam cruise... and that is Formal Night :o :( I honestly cannot tell you how much better it has been the last two cruises packing for our NCL cruises and not worrying about having formal nights. Of course Tom feels the exact same way. We always dress nicely for dinner but the thought of putting on formal wear just makes me want to cry yet I do not want to be deprived of dining in the Main Dining Room. So do not tell me I need to dine in my cabin :mad: I guess part of my problem is I have gained a lot of weight and dressing up is just not fun any more it is actually a big pain to even think about it. I recently purchased a Vintage Laurence Kazar Sequined top that yes is formal and I plan to wear with slacks rather than a skirt. But it is quite heavy in weight. So packing will be an issue as well taking the extra items and flying to Vancouver......sigh... if was not for wanting to see some friends on board for the week I definitely would be sailing a ship that has no formal night requirements.

 

Sorry I know the only reason this thread was start was question what HAL's web site worded about formal night but just hoped if HAL is reading they will see that some would rather give their money to another line that does not have Formal nights.

 

I've been quite heavy at times and always wore stretchy black pants and a lightweight top. There are lots of dressy tops that are comfy, light, and lovely. Look online. It is actually easier to stuff in my formal outfits than my jeans.

[kazu]

Not sure what the difference is between taking a tux and taking a suit. Possibly needing one more pair of shoes?

 

People have to wear something into the dining room. Adding a sports coat and a pair of pants to a suitcase doesn't add anything that a tux won't. Still need a shirt, a tie, a pair of socks, etc.

 

flexibility. we usually stay pre cruise and post cruise. In certain restaurants DH will dress up as will I but a tux is over the top.

 

DH also likes to wear a jacket some nights in the PG even if the dress code is smart casual. A tux is over the top in that scenario too.

 

DH loves his tux and wears it well. Frankly, I prefer him in his other stuff where he can wear other shirt colours, etc.

 

It depends on the cruise. The tux has been packed and other times not. Our plans pre and post cruise make the decision for us along with other factors.

[POA1]

Not sure what the difference is between taking a tux and taking a suit. Possibly needing one more pair of shoes?

 

People have to wear something into the dining room. Adding a sports coat and a pair of pants to a suitcase doesn't add anything that a tux won't. Still need a shirt, a tie, a pair of socks, etc.

Other than the vest or cummerbund, not much - unless you bring formal footwear. Of course, I'm a "jacket for dinner" guy even on smart casual nights.

 

If I didn’t own a tuxedo, I probably wouldn't take one, opting for a suit & tie instead. But every time I wear my tux, I reduce the "cost per wearing," so I'm pretty much making money every time a formal night breaks out.

[POA1]

DH also likes to wear a jacket some nights in the PG even if the dress code is smart casual.

 

I wear a jacket pretty much every night to dinner - except on "Tropical Casual" nights. I have no idea what the heck that is. It might be a bush jacket and pith helmet, but I don't own those, so it's just a collared shirt and slacks on "Tropical Casual" nights.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

I suspect you could wear anything outside of ratty jeans and not get turned away on formal night. Only about 10% of the passengers wear formal. Even suits are rare.....people wear whatever they want anymore....Formal Night - RIP

 

Cruise lines rent tuxes for those worried about baggage limits.

 

Another issue with formal nights..you are supposed to wear formal in all public areas throughout the evening..e.g. Casino, Showroom etc...now a days - you can wear shorts in the casino on formal night and no one will say anything...

 

Anymore, those who wear actual formal wear on formal night are the ones who stand out....

 

On a recent Princess Cruise...they called formal night - "Dress to Impress night"

 

We like dressing up and will continue to do so....but it doesn't bother me if people wear whatever to dinner...after all - it's "their" vacation....

 

formal clothes tip - when you have clothes that fit - you are more likely to wear them....Buy new clothes rather than try and squeeze into something that fit 20 years ago...

Edited February 16, 2015 by Pete and Judy

[kazu]

I suspect you could wear anything outside of ratty jeans and not get turned away on formal night. Only about 10% of the passengers wear formal. Even suits are rare.....people wear whatever they want anymore....Formal Night - RIP

 

Cruise lines rent tuxes for those worried about baggage limits.

 

Another issue with formal nights..you are supposed to wear formal in all public areas throughout the evening..e.g. Casino, Showroom etc...now a days - you can wear shorts in the casino on formal night and no one will say anything...

 

Anymore, those who wear actual formal wear on formal night are the ones who stand out....

 

On a recent Princess Cruise...they called formal night - "Dress to Impress night"

 

We like dressing up and will continue to do so....but it doesn't bother me if people wear whatever to dinner...after all - it's "their" vacation....

 

formal clothes tip - when you have clothes that fit - you are more likely to wear them....Buy new clothes rather than try and squeeze into something that fit 20 years ago...

 

Our experience has been much different, but we have done a lot of European cruises... I would say about 30% tuxes still and the rest in suits, etc. everyone overall dressed nicely.

 

And certainly in the Caribbeans I have been on, with warmer weather, tuxes are not as common, but still there and still nice dress by most.

 

We shall see on the Panama. We don't dress for anyone else. We dress to look nice for each other. And since DH is fussy, we usually look OK IMO.

[RevNeal]

http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-planning/PlanningAndAdvice.action?tabName=Cruise+Preparation&contentMenu=Baggage,+Packing+%26+Dress+Code&contentSubMenu=Is+There+A+Dress+Code?&WT.ac=PopTop_Dress

 

On festive Formal evenings, ladies wear a cocktail dress or gown and gentlemen wear a suit and tie or tuxedo.

 

It is, indeed, a subtle change ... however, I seriously doubt that it will mean anything different in how one is received in the MDR. A jacket, shirt, tie, and slacks (with shoes, of course) should be perfectly fine on Formal Nights. Given experience, I can't imagine that they would bother a man who presented himself to be seated so attired.

 

As an aside regarding shoes: I've never bothered with formal shoes when I wear my tuxedo. I simply wear my nominal black oxfords, same as I would wear with a suit or slacks, shirt, tie, and jacket.

Edited February 16, 2015 by RevNeal

[sail7seas]

Greg..... Nice to see you here.

You've been missed. :)

[RevNeal]

Greg..... Nice to see you here.

You've been missed. :)

 

Thanks, Judy. I appreciate it.

[ithaca gal]

I suspect you could wear anything outside of ratty jeans and not get turned away on formal night. Only about 10% of the passengers wear formal. Even suits are rare.....people wear whatever they want anymore....Formal Night - RIP

 

We were on the Nieuw Amsterdam in November and again in January. You absolutely could not enter the MDR if you did not have a jacket. They either sent you back to your room for a jacket or gave you a loaner jacket. Wearing a jacket does not constitute formal attire in the strict sense but it is a dress-up night. There are many of us who are very happy to see the dress code enforced at least at this level.

 

Suits were not rare on either of the sailings. The majority of men had suits on and those who didn't had slacks and some type of jacket. Again, while not strictly formal, people dressed up and if they didn't they were not allowed in the MDR.

 

There are many, many of us who do not want to see the abolition of a dress-up night, regardless of what it's called. Those who choose not to make the effort are free to sail on other lines, of course.

Edited February 16, 2015 by Host Walt
Fix the quote coding

[The-Inside-Cabin]

You absolutely could not enter the MDR if you did not have a jacket. They either sent you back to your room for a jacket or gave you a loaner jacket. Wearing a jacket does not constitute formal attire in the strict sense but it is a dress-up night. There are many of us who are very happy to see the dress code enforced at least at this level.

 

Glad to hear that formal night is alive on the N Amsterdam...How was the formal attire in the public areas? We have seen a major drop off in those areas .....I hope my experience is the exception and the not the rule...

 

I love formal nights...

 

Pete

[Alibru09]

Hi Everyone,

 

For me the casualisation (if that is a word) of formal nights is very sad. When I cruise, I select the cruise line for the on-board experience I want to have first & then look for an itinerary that might suit. Like others have said when reviewing lines it is all about the fit. So, if I see that a line is more "formal", I make the effort to dress accordingly.

 

For those that think it can't be done, five years ago we did the Sydney to Southampton sectors of Cunard's world cruise and then continued in Europe for a further six months. With some clever packing & wardrobe design I took six formal outfits (skirts, tops and lace overlays) and about a weeks worth of casual clothes and it all fit in a 23kg suitcase. (23 kgs is all we are allowed for domestic travel in Australia so that set out limit. My husband took a tuxedo, dark suit, sport's coast, and casual day gear and again fit it all in a 23 kg suitcase.

 

I don't want to appear inflammatory - that is not my point or desire. I am just saying it can be done & within the culture & style of a particular cruise line.

 

Cheers

Ali

[IndyDenise]

Just an observation:

 

On my upcoming cruises there seems to be quite a difference in what some are planning on wearing on " elegant " or " formal " nights.

 

On my HAL cruise : less formal, more bare bones. Sport coats and cocktailish attire

 

On Carnival : Tuxes and formals. All out.

 

I've gathered this info from several sites. I am not saying that everyone will be dressed as such but there is definitely less chatter on the Carnival side as to what " I can get away with ".

 

I just found it amusing, that is all. Carry on!

[Wakepatrol]

Just an observation:

 

On my upcoming cruises there seems to be quite a difference in what some are planning on wearing on " elegant " or " formal " nights.

 

On my HAL cruise : less formal, more bare bones. Sport coats and cocktailish attire

 

On Carnival : Tuxes and formals. All out.

 

I've gathered this info from several sites. I am not saying that everyone will be dressed as such but there is definitely less chatter on the Carnival side as to what " I can get away with ".

 

I just found it amusing, that is all. Carry on!

 

I took my first Carnival cruise on the Breeze last summer. I really enjoyed it.

It's a different crowd. I saw people going to dinner in football jerseys ( not formal night) they make an announcement over the PA for the men not to wear basketball shorts to dinner. (Any night)

[HALaftSuitesfor2]

We were on NA last year TA and onto Venice. We noticed a mixture of dress attire for smart casual. I don't recall any jeans in the dining room. However, on formal nights, 5 total on 26,days, the MDA, was strict in allowing only properly dressed passengers into the dining room. There are other dining options. Leave the dining room, or perhaps the upper room on formal nights only, to those who want the full experience of a formal evening alone. They did have jackets. We saw many tuxedos and women in gowns. The MD's certainly appreciate the passengers who go to the effort to go formal, notice how they are dressed next time.

 

My husband bought a tradition double breasted notched lapel tux 25 years ago and it is as sharp today as it was when purchased, thus traditional. I love to dress in gowns and enjoy the experience. Anyone weigh a lady's gown lately? If not sequined, they weigh very little. Jeans and tennis shoes are heavier. I think it's more society today that just want to be comfortable. We are of the era when our parents wore suits and dresses to fly on an airline and would never get on a plane in pajamas and flip flops.

 

We always are of the mindset, you can never be over dressed but you can certainly be under dressed. If anyone would like, I have lots of common sense ideas of how to bring your overdressing down a few levels but I can't give any if you're underdressed.

[igraf]

Again, it takes a small effort from others to make it nice for everyone. It is not all about you. Just don't show up in an old T-shirt and a baseball cap on backwards and expect to be seated.

 

igraf

 

 

 

My cruise will be just as successful whether I choose a tux, a suit, OR a sport coat and slacks. Either way, it is my choice and not that of anyone else!

[The-Inside-Cabin]

When people complain that formal clothes aren't comfortable it is because they don't fit. They don't fit because they gained weight since they last wore them to a wedding 20 years ago. Clothes that fit are very comfortable, formal or casual.

 

Clothes that fit look better when you wear them as well.

[sammiedawg]

When people complain that formal clothes aren't comfortable it is because they don't fit. They don't fit because they gained weight since they last wore them to a wedding 20 years ago. Clothes that fit are very comfortable, formal or casual.

 

Clothes that fit look better when you wear them as well.

 

People are going on vacation, they don't need the stress of squeezing into clothes that don't fit. Formal clothing is uncomfortable whether it fits or not.

My travel agent friend told me a while ago HAL is "hemorrhaging customers", her words not mine. Her feedback from customers includes anxiety about wearing formal clothes as one reason to avoid HAL.

[taxmantoo]

People are going on vacation, they don't need the stress of squeezing into clothes that don't fit. Formal clothing is uncomfortable whether it fits or not.My travel agent friend told me a while ago HAL is "hemorrhaging customers", her words not mine. Her feedback from customers includes anxiety about wearing formal clothes as one reason to avoid HAL.

 

May I suggest you find yourself a better tailor :rolleyes: