The Deal About Ball Caps

[montanarose12]

Everyone seems to agree that ball caps are, at certain times, deemed to be inappropriate attire for men aboard Regent (and other lines) and I get it, for the most part. But here's a contrarian viewpoint, or at least a question.

 

My husband is bald and has had several skin cancers removed from his scalp. He has also had three brain surgeries which have left him with prominent scars (actually, more like dents) on his noggin. He wears ball caps -- actually, golf club hats -- not only to protect against UV rays but to minimize the stares (and, believe it or not, the occasional rude questions or remarks along the line of "Oh my God, what HAPPENED to you???") from strangers. While we have a litany of pointed (and, we think, even witty) replies to such questions, it's even worse to see people staring and talking amongst themselves. Needless to say, he always dresses very nicely -- we're not talking about a cut-off shorts, tank top and flip-flops kind of guy; more like khakis, golf shirts, and a sports jacket for dinner.

 

This isn't a problem out here in the West, where a cowboy hat is considered perfectly appropriate formal attire for men. So I'm just a bit curious where this hat-hate comes from.

[Travelcat2]

First, I hope your husband is doing well after his surgeries -- that is a lot to go through. I think this question is something that your TA should speak with Regent directly about as Regent is very strict about any type of hats on men in Compass Rose. A couple of years ago they had an old singing group onboard (sorry - cannot recall who they were). The oldest member of the group must have been in his upper 80's. When he came to dinner he was wearing a "cap" (not baseball cap) and was asked to remove it. This required him to go upstairs and do whatever he had to do before returning to Compass Rose.

 

The issue might be that, if someone is seen wearing a baseball (or other cap), they do not know that it isn't just being worn because the person enjoys wearing hats. This is a sensitive area and one that only Regent can answer.

 

P.S. I think that the "hat hate" comes from the upbringing that many of us experienced which is that a gentlemen removes his hat when entering a home (which I suppose includes restaurants, etc.) It is just a respect thing. BTW, I was raised in California where casual is the theme but my Dad (who loved hats) immediately removed his when entering a home.

Edited March 4, 2015 by Travelcat2

[gnomie1]

For medical reasons, my Dad also wore a hat 98% of the time, including at evening meals. All he did, the first time he cruised, which at that time was Radisson, was let it be known that he needs to wear a hat and it was never discussed again. The staff was told and he never had any problems whatsoever. In my Mom's bedroom are three pictures of my parents on various Regent cruises, all taken in Compass Rose and in each one my Dad is wearing a hat.

 

Mind you, he wouldn't be caught dead in a baseball hat. He had purchased his hats in the UK, different ones for different seasons and always looked presentable and gentlemanly.

 

gnomie :)

[RachelG]

Well, George wears a cowboy hat most of the time, sometimes a baseball cap. Partly because he is a southern/western gentleman, but also because he has had skin cancer on his head multiple times, and because he is bald.

 

He has been told/requested to remove his hat multiple time in CR and in the main dining room on Silversea, even though he does so automatically when he enters the dining room. But he wears it till he is in. This is something of an issue with him as he never complains, but he keeps his head covered as much as possible. Even our recent Silversea cruise, he was a little annoyed because the maitre'd told him to remove his hat, even though he was getting ready to, and we were just at the entrance of the restaurant.

[Baggywrinkle99]

I guess if the issue is melanoma then sitting inside and out of the sun isn't a problem and therefore no hat required. If it's more "cosmetic" like scarring or some other disfigurement (I don't include baldness here!) then I can understand why a hat may be desirable. I don't have a problem with George's cowboy hat, nor with a smart Panama hat for example but I DO have a problem with ball caps, especially those covered in logos or advertising. Illogical I know but they are tacky and I can understand why maître d's ask gentlemen to remove them.

Edited March 4, 2015 by Baggywrinkle99

[Hambagahle]

I think Jackie is right - men are not, according to etiquette, supposed to wear any hat/cap etc indoors. But the person in question has medical grounds for doing so and so politeness says he should be excused.

 

My husband wears a golf cap to play golf. When he goes into the clubhouse he takes it off and that is what all the men do. I am now battling with my 6yr old grandson to remember to take his off when he enters the Club house!! Probably when I am long gone his memories of me will be "Oliver - your cap please" !!

[DeepFreeze63]

What a thought provoking post!

I wear a baseball cap (I own about 100) all the time outdoors to protect my scalp from further (Irish and too much beach time) sun damage; I have several small "knicks" from treatment. I would never purposely wear my hat in a restaurant, home or church but I have forgotten sometimes at lunch in La Veranda. HOWEVER, I detest the actions of people that rudely call attention to the uniqueness of others; therefore, if we ever sailed together, I would be pleased to dine with you "avec chapeau".

[penfriend]

For medical reasons, my Dad also wore a hat 98% of the time, including at evening meals. All he did, the first time he cruised, which at that time was Radisson, was let it be known that he needs to wear a hat and it was never discussed again. The staff was told and he never had any problems whatsoever. In my Mom's bedroom are three pictures of my parents on various Regent cruises, all taken in Compass Rose and in each one my Dad is wearing a hat.

 

Mind you, he wouldn't be caught dead in a baseball hat. He had purchased his hats in the UK, different ones for different seasons and always looked presentable and gentlemanly.

 

gnomie :)

Agree, explain the issue quietltmto the maitre D. And find something with a bit more class than a base ball cap.

[Vacate]

I would love to read some of the witty responses you and your husband have for the fashion police.

[Travelcat2]

The only issue I see is possible reactions from other guests. It would be sad to see someone with a medical issue bring even more attention to themselves by wearing some form of hat. There are some very outspoken people on Regent that would not hesitate to complain about someone wearing a hat. The maître D as well as the head waiters in each section would need to know that the passenger is permitted to wear a hat.

 

Again, my experience (which may be different from someone else's) is that Regent does not want hats worn in the dining venues at night. Perhaps if the dress code was slightly changed to indicate that hats cannot be worn -- except for medical or religious reasons might help.

[rlevin47]

Taking our first and maybe our last Regent cruise next Nov.

Hopefully some of the people on this post will not be on our cruise.

Get a life people.

I normally wear a cap (baseball / golf or whatever you want to call it that's makes you feel better) when I go out for the day to protect my scalp and keep some sun off my face. I guess when we come back for lunch I will be escorted out of the dinning room by security for offending some of the up tight passengers!!

I do not wear my cap to dinner so do not worry.

Some of this is tongue in cheek.

By the way where do I find all the rules for Regent cruises.

[Vacate]

Taking our first and maybe our last Regent cruise next Nov.

Hopefully some of the people on this post will not be on our cruise.

Get a life people.

I normally wear a cap (baseball / golf or whatever you want to call it that's makes you feel better) when I go out for the day to protect my scalp and keep some sun off my face. I guess when we come back for lunch I will be escorted out of the dinning room by security for offending some of the up tight passengers!!

I do not wear my cap to dinner so do not worry.

Some of this is tongue in cheek.

By the way where do I find all the rules for Regent cruises.

 

One of the rules is that if they have to escort you out of the dining room they take you directly to walk the plank, so wear your chapeau and a speedo!

Edited March 10, 2015 by Vacate

[Travelcat2]

Taking our first and maybe our last Regent cruise next Nov.

Hopefully some of the people on this post will not be on our cruise.

Get a life people.

I normally wear a cap (baseball / golf or whatever you want to call it that's makes you feel better) when I go out for the day to protect my scalp and keep some sun off my face. I guess when we come back for lunch I will be escorted out of the dinning room by security for offending some of the up tight passengers!!

I do not wear my cap to dinner so do not worry.

Some of this is tongue in cheek.

By the way where do I find all the rules for Regent cruises.

 

With all due respect, Regent makes the policies - not passengers. While I have not personally reported someone for inappropriate dress, there are many people who feel (including myself) that Regent's policies should be respected. As you probably know, "ball caps" are not permitted in many places in Europe. I suppose they are more of a North American "thing". And, again, many people in the U.S. were raised to remove their hats when going indoors (homes, places of worship, restaurants, etc.).

 

Regent was the first luxury cruise line to relax their formal dress code. I was one of the many Cruise Critic members that was happy to see the change. However, when Regent went to "Elegant Casual" on most nights, they did not means, shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops or hats indoors. BTW, I do not believe that anyone would object to hats/ball caps at lunch (not certain because I don't tend to notice those things). However, IMO, most men would remove them if they are dining indoors.

 

You will actually be on the same cruise as we will be on in November. When you are onboard, you will find that passengers are not pretentious or overly concerned about others. Most are friendly, open and a lot of fun. However, they do respect Regent policies.

[rlevin47]

Hi Travelcat2

Looking forward to meeting you on the cruise. That being said I am going to take exception to some of your statements.

1.Regent makes the policies - not passengers. I looked up the policies.

 

WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE ONBOARD THE SHIPS? (off the Regent web sight)

Attire ranges from Casual to Formal Optional. Casual wear is appropriate for daytime onboard or ashore, and consists of resort-style outfits. Casual wear, including shorts and jeans, is not appropriate after 6:00 pm, with the exception of the final evening of the cruise. On the night prior to disembarkation, guests may need to pack their luggage early due to morning flights the next day. With this in mind on the last night of every voyage we will relax the dress code for dinner to Casual.

 

The recommended onboard dress in the evenings is Elegant Casual. Dinner dress includes skirt, or slacks with blouse or sweater, pant suit or dress for ladies; slacks and collared shirt for gentlemen. Sport jackets are optional. Jeans, shorts, t-shirts or tennis shoes are not to be worn at dinner. Ties are not required. On sailings of 16 nights or more, Formal and Semi-Formal attire is optional on two evenings. On the two Formal Optional evenings, guests are welcome to dress as per the Elegant Casual dress code or opt for a more formal choice of clothing including gowns and cocktail dresses for ladies; tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits with tie for gentlemen

 

Unless I have missed something nothing is mentioned about hats.

 

By the way I would not ware any hat to dinner.

 

2. As you probably know, "ball caps" are not permitted in many places in Europe.

In the past year we were in Europe 3 different times. 2 times just traveling on our own and once on a river cruise. Wore my cap most of the time during the day. Of coarse when we went into a place of worship I always removed my cap. Never felt out of place anywhere.

 

3. By the way my favorite cruise line is Carnival. I really enjoy the Limbo contest!!!

 

I try not to take much of this stuff or myself very serious. It's not life or death.

 

Look forward to meeting you in November. Remember I will be the guy with the cap on.

 

PS On a more serious note what are your thoughts on the shots needed or recommended for Cape Town trip.

[fizzy]

For goodness sakes! The OP asked a fair and benign question and was given the answer. Whether people have liked the correct answer is another matter. As a matter of fact, by asking the question they showed that they were interested in following the cruise line guides. For anyone that was not familiar with this rather simple rule and finds that being able to wear a hat into the dining room is a dealbreaker, then this is probably not the cruise line for them. It has nothing to do with the idiotic term "fashion police".

As an aside, anybody rude or tacky enough to demand to know about the disfigurement should be shut down immediately, and loudly, and hopefully within earshot of a crowd.

[TedC]

Hi Travelcat2

 

1.Regent makes the policie daytime onboard or ashore, and consists of resort-style outfits. Casual wear, including shorts and jeans, is not appropriate after 6:00 pm, with the exception of the final evening of the cruise. On the night prior to disembarkation, guests may need to pack their luggage early due to morning flights the next day. With this in mind odress includes skirt, or slacks with blouse or sweater, pant suit or dress for ladies; slacks and collared shirt for gentlemen. Sport jackets are optional. Jeans, shorts, t-shirts or tennis shoes are not to be worn at dinner. Ties are not required. On sailings of 16 nights or more, Formal and Semi-Formal attire is optional on two evenings. On the two Formal Optional evenings, guests are welcome to dress as per the Elegant Casual dress code or opt for a more formal choice of clothing including gowns and cocktail dresses for ladies; tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits with tie for gentlemen

 

Unless I have missed something nothing is mentioned about hats.

 

By the way I would not ware any hat to dinner. Europe.

In the past year we were in Europe 3 different times. 2 times just traveling on our own and once on a river cruise. Wore my cap most of the time during the day. Of coarse when we went into a place of worship I always removed my cap. Never felt out of place anywhere.

 

3. By the way my favorite cruise line is Carnival. I really enjoy the Limbo contest!!!

 

I try not to take much of this stuff or myself very serious. It's not life or death.

 

Look forward to meeting you in November. Remember I will be the guy with the cap on.

 

PS On a more serious note what are your thoughts on the shots needed or recommended for Cape Town trip.

 

(Partial quote above.)

 

BE VERY VERY CAREFUL1995-2015 so far 52 pax and crew went overboard on Carnival! Regent ZERO!!!!

 

Check Events at Sea for the deatils!!!!

[Travelcat2]

rlevin47: I also checked Regent's dress code on their website and was surprised to find no mention of hats since I have seen them request men to remove them. In my opinion, if they should include a sentence in their dress code - similar to what I mentioned earlier -- if they plan on continuing to enforce this unwritten policy.

 

I truly have seen signs on some (not all) restaurants that indicate (with a picture) that "ball caps" are not permitted. BTW, I enjoy seeing some styles of hats on some men. My DH is suppose to cover his head when in the sun (not bald but subject to pre-cancerous growths). IMO, he looks much better hatless;)

 

fizzy: I understand that this is no big deal to you but others may find this thread of interest. The OP was actually given conflicting information (no doubt based on different experiences - especially the reference to "Radisson". The "rules" may have been different then.). IMO, this is an important thread about an important issue (wearing hats for medical reasons) and I hope that Regent is reading.

Edited March 10, 2015 by Travelcat2

[Vacate]

For goodness sakes! The OP asked a fair and benign question and was given the answer. Whether people have liked the correct answer is another matter. As a matter of fact, by asking the question they showed that they were interested in following the cruise line guides. For anyone that was not familiar with this rather simple rule and finds that being able to wear a hat into the dining room is a dealbreaker, then this is probably not the cruise line for them. It has nothing to do with the idiotic term "fashion police".

As an aside, anybody rude or tacky enough to demand to know about the disfigurement should be shut down immediately, and loudly, and hopefully within earshot of a crowd.

 

There are also rules for using this forum. One of which is not to insult another post. The term "idiot" is offensive and unnecessary.

[fizzy]

There are also rules for using this forum. One of which is not to insult another post. The term "idiot" is offensive and unnecessary.

 

Fashion police is a very common term on cruise critic. An idiot is a noun. Idiotic was used as an adjective to describe a babyish group (the noun) . It may be stupid but hardly offensive. It's good to know that you are on point when it come to following rules. I believe "fashion police" was used in a snarky comment earlier on this thread. That would be post #9. I imagine it was meant to appear cutesy.

[Travelcat2]

Fashion police is a very common term on cruise critic. An idiot is a noun. Idiotic was used as an adjective to describe a babyish group (the noun) . It may be stupid but hardly offensive. It's good to know that you are on point when it come to following rules. I believe "fashion police" was used in a snarky comment earlier on this thread. That would be post #9. I imagine it was meant to appear cutesy.

 

This begs the question....... what "babyish group" were you describing?

 

Vacate: Love your "speedo" idea:-)

 

rlevin47: Forgot to answer your question - sorry. We will not be taking any special shots prior to our cruise nor will we be taking malaria pills as the safari area we are visiting is "malaria-free". Mozambique, however, is another issue. Let's discuss it on Roll Call since this is off topic on this thread.

 

Hope you wear your Carnival hat onboard the Mariner as it will make you easy to identify :D

Edited March 10, 2015 by Travelcat2

[OCruisers]

I think Jackie is right - men are not, according to etiquette, supposed to wear any hat/cap etc indoors. But the person in question has medical grounds for doing so and so politeness says he should be excused.

 

Good post above! Totally agree!

LuLu

[Vacate]

This begs the question....... what "babyish group" were you describing?

 

Vacate: Love your "speedo" idea:-)

 

rlevin47: Forgot to answer your question - sorry. We will not be taking any special shots prior to our cruise nor will we be taking malaria pills as the safari area we are visiting is "malaria-free". Mozambique, however, is another issue. Let's discuss it on Roll Call since this is off topic on this thread.

 

Hope you wear your Carnival hat onboard the Mariner as it will make you easy to identify :D

 

Thanks for have a sense of humor and not attacking me Travelcat2. I appreciate that.

[fizzy]

This begs the question....... what "babyish group" were you describing? re; the fashion police...... and I have changed my mind. Everyone should wear whatever they feel most comfortable in. After all, it's their vacation and they have paid for it. There will be no need for "fashion police". OK? The maitre'ds will breathe a sigh of relief. I guess I was thinking about the old days with Radisson where people did not even wear cargo shorts and flip flops for breakfast. If hats or whatever are important to anyone..... have at it. And let's remove that silly after 6 p.m. thing while we're at it. The angst and worry by the staff to have to "remind" people to change will not be an issue. And Travelcat2.... you missed my point. I was on the side of a certain amount of decorum, as are you. I think some people will do what they want.It vaguely falls into the same category as hogging chairs, whether poolside or coffee connection areas....

[Travelcat2]

Thanks for have a sense of humor and not attacking me Travelcat2. I appreciate that.

 

I try never to attack anyone -- that is a goal that I set for myself a long time ago. While I may disagree with a post, I will debate the issue - not attack the poster. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I do appreciate your sense of humor:)

Edited March 11, 2015 by Travelcat2

[Vacate]

I try never to attack anyone -- that is a goal that I set for myself a long time ago. While I may disagree with a post, I will debate the issue - not attack the poster. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I do appreciate your sense of humor:)

 

That's what this community is supposed to be about!

 

Although we are at 20+ cruises, this Nov will be our first journey with Regent. I have searched CC boards for fashion threads to get an idea of what I might want to set aside for the trip. With the luggage restrictions I try to pack as judiciously as possible.

 

Thanks again TC2, and OP, your fashion question reminds me of a similar situation I had during a shopping trip with my mother and grandmother.

 

After an hour in the mall my grandmother felt winded so I found her a seat by security and ran back to the car to pull it closer to the exit she was sitting near. She and my mother both use walkers so my car was parked in a handicap spot. I managed to pull my keys out to unlock the door thinking that I could get back to them quickly, only to be stopped by a shouting stranger. He made it known, loud and clear, that "people like me" who "are lazy and inconsiderate" who "park in spots reserved for disabled people" should be flogged. Oh boy. He was on a very high horse that day.

 

I didn't feel the need to respond because he didn't seem to be the type who cared about anything but hearing the sound of his own voice. Even if I had a witty comeback, it would not have mattered. Silence and leaving him to well in his righteousness was the path I chose.

 

I don't think you and your husband owe anyone an explanation. Some people are always right, and never happy, no matter what.