Formal Wear

[rosejk50]

My husband and I are going an Alaskan cruise via Holland America. It states in the itinerary that there are two formal nights. Do we still need to dress formal even though we will only be utilizing the buffet dinner options?

[navybankerteacher]

"Formal night" is not that formal anymore - particularly on Alaska cruises. A jacket and tie for men and almost any dress or skirt/top combination for women will work in the MDR.

[Daisyloo]

No, if you eat in the buffet you don't need to be in formal dress.

On the non-formal nights you can eat in the main dining room wearing "smart casual" attire. ie: long pants and a shirt (golf, sport etc). Ladies, the same or maybe a skirt and top or casual dress. FYI there is no charge to eat in the main dining room, only in the specialty restaurants.

[Crew News]

My husband and I are going an Alaskan cruise via Holland America. It states in the itinerary that there are two formal nights. Do we still need to dress formal even though we will only be utilizing the buffet dinner options?

 

Welcome to your first HAL cruise.

 

The dress code is only enforced in the Main Dining Room for Formal Night. Many passengers change clothes after dinner which causes an interesting mix of tuxedos, shorts, and jeans in the common areas (bars, Shops, smoking area, pool areas, etc).

 

Presentable jeans are acceptable in the Main Dining Room except on Formal Nights.

 

Here is a link to my scanned Specialty Restaurants, Beverage, and Room Service (free 24/7) menus:

 

http://www.rogerjett-photography.com/specialty-2/hal-regular-and-specialty-restaurants/

 

We will be sailing in Alaska in May on the Noordam for two weeks in case you have any questions.

 

Make sure you join your HAL Roll Call to share information with your fellow cruisers.

Edited March 16, 2015 by Crew News