New to Holland...Clothing attire...???

[seadancer]

For women: For informal nights I've worn slacks and a button down shirt or sweater in the past. Since I read that pant suits or dresses are suggested for informal nights, I got concerned because to me, a pant suit is slacks, a matching jacket and a button down shirt underneath. Would the slacks and just a shirt be OK for dinner on informal nights? I know jeans are a NO NO in any restaurant. Right?

 

For women: For formal nights I've worn dresses in the past that are not floor length. Is this OK? The dress I'm talking about goes below my knee, is backless and is black with flowers on it. I'm just concerned it would not be considered formal.

 

The lido restaurant doesn't sound like "the windjammer" on RCCL. During the day, is it a buffet? At night are there waiters? At night, we have to dress up there too, right?

 

Any feedback on the woman's attire and the men's attire would be great. My husband Jeff and myself are trying to plan ahead for our November cruise. Thanks for your help!

 

Sincerely,

Francesca

[herb]

We too are looking forward to our first cruise with Holland America.

 

To answer your question, I'm POSITIVE you'll find lots of comments and opinions regarding the dress code in the days to come. ;)

 

Enjoy your cruise

[shonuf]

For women: For informal nights I've worn slacks and a button down shirt or sweater in the past. Since I read that pant suits or dresses are suggested for informal nights, I got concerned because to me, a pant suit is slacks, a matching jacket and a button down shirt underneath. Would the slacks and just a shirt be OK for dinner on informal nights? I know jeans are a NO NO in any restaurant. Right?

 

For women: For formal nights I've worn dresses in the past that are not floor length. Is this OK? The dress I'm talking about goes below my knee, is backless and is black with flowers on it. I'm just concerned it would not be considered formal.

 

The lido restaurant doesn't sound like "the windjammer" on RCCL. During the day, is it a buffet? At night are there waiters? At night, we have to dress up there too, right?

 

Slacks and a shirt sounds a little more like casual to me. (I'm picturing khaki type pants when you say slacks.) For informal, I'd go with maybe something a little dressier (pants with a matching top or sweater).

 

The dress you've described will work fine for formal nite (though it sounds more like what I'd call dressy, than formal). You will find people in absolutely everything from shorts/jeans to floor length beaded formals. A lot of people will be in what I call "church clothes".

 

As long as you make an effort to meet the dress code, you're not going to have any problem.

 

The dress code is recommeded throughout the ship during the evening hours BUT if you dine in the Lido, dress will be more relaxed. Many people think that's where to eat if you don't want to dress. But no bathrobes in the Lido. ;) The Lido is a buffet during the day, at night, you go through the line but the steward brings your entree to the table.

 

Have a great time.

[seadancer]

You said shorts/jeans on a formal night are OK? I thought you would not be allowed in the dining room with shorts or jeans.

 

What do you mean "matching blouse and slacks"? An example of what I have is a pair of slacks and a blue long sleeved button down shirt. How can I tell the difference between casual and informal?

 

Thanks!

Francesca

[shonuf]

You said shorts/jeans on a formal night are OK? I thought you would not be allowed in the dining room with shorts or jeans.

 

What do you mean "matching blouse and slacks"? An example of what I have is a pair of slacks and a blue long sleeved button down shirt. How can I tell the difference between casual and informal?

 

Thanks!

Francesca

 

Francesca,

 

I didn't mean to imply that you would see shorts/jeans in the dining room on formal night (tho I've seen some pretty loose definitions of "formal".) Supposedly they are not allowed, but the fashion police at the door rarely turn anyone away, lest they hurt their feelings (and get written up on a comment card!). For the most part, everyone in the dining room will at least attempt to follow the dress code. However, on formal night, a lot of people choose not to go to the dining room and they feel they don't have to comply with the "requested" dress code. So if they go to the Lido or eat in their room, they may be out on deck or in the show lounge, etc. in casual attire.

 

As far as the slacks and button down shirt, I still think that sounds more casual than informal. For informal, I usually go with a sundress (short or long) of some type, or pants and top. I'm talking about loose fitting, gauzy (perhaps) pants (do you know what palazzo pants are?) with a soft top, maybe a little glitz. There are some stores that carry crinkled cotton separates that mix and match that would work with some fun jewelry. At home I am definitely casual, and haven't had on a dress in years except I have a couple I take on cruises. I love shorts, slacks, jeans, etc. and polo type shirts (some of which I buy in the men's dept.) I'm telling you this so you will understand that I am not a foo-foo girly girl but a cruise is a great time to try out a new you. I am all about comfort!

 

For informal, if you wanted to stick with the slacks, try maybe a silky type blouse with a scarf, blazer, etc. instead of the button down shirt.

 

Again, as long as you make an effort, you'll be fine. Don't stress too much. No matter what you wear, you'll see someone who will cause you to think; "What in the world were they thinking?".

[AAL]

HAL's "informal" dress is not casual; they mean semi-formal. Less fancy than formal, but still dressy. There are lots of threads here about dress codes. We just returned from our first HAL cruise, and here are my observations:

 

Many of the passengers on our cruise were not as dressed up as I thought they would be from what I had read here. I wasn't offended by anything I saw, but on formal night some women were wearing "church clothes", as a previous poster said, rather than long gowns.

 

"Casual" to HAL means Dockers but not shorts or jeans, but casual nights were more casual than I expected, and more casual than I'd experienced on RCCL. Lots of women wearing knit tops and pants; I expected resort wear, or clothing normally worn to a nice restaurant. "Casual" was difficult for me because my casual wardrobe is jeans. I packed a pair of dark blue pants at the last minute, and wore those a few times with a nice blouse instead of the dressier casual outfits I brought. (I like to dress for dinner, but it was nice on a 10 day cruise to be more relaxed a few nights.)

 

We had the 8:30 dinner sitting, and liked to stay on the Lido deck until after sunset, so we were sometimes still in shorts when the early sitting was going to dinner. (Perhaps they thought we were slobs.) Later on in the evening, very few people were in shorts anywhere on the ship. I noticed one person in the dining room in jeans one night -- not formal night.

 

The Lido is like the Windjammer, but better. More choices than RCCL and the food is delicious. (They even served lobster tails one formal night.) There are tablecloths and candles at dinner. We ate there once when we just could not wait until 8:30 to eat. But I like the service in the dining room.

 

Unlike RCCL's Windjammer, I thought the food and the choices in the Lido were so good that we only ate breakfast and lunch in the dining room once.

[missygirl]

I think that your black dress sounds just fine for formal night being it is backless that adds a more formal look. You could also have a shawl and wear any black dress for another formal night or informal night. You never go wrong with a black dress. On informal nights I wear dress pants or skirts ,(black, navy, ect.) with a sweater, halter or dressy shirts. Hope this helps.

Missygirl

[Albertiv]

I may be in the minority here, but I am disappointed in HAL relaxation of their evening dress code presumably to accommodate people who are inconsiderate of their fellow passengers, to lazy to go to the trouble or feel that just because they paid their fare they can do what they want.

For me formal will always be: Gentleman, tux or dark business suit. Ladies, formals or long dresses. Informal: Gentleman, suit & tie or dress pants, sports jacket & tie. Ladies, dresses short, long or party. Casual: Gentleman, dress pants, sports jacket no tie. Ladies: dresses, skirt & blouse with or with out jacket.

Yes, before you ask, I am way over 60.:) :)

[AAL]

I'm with you, Albertiv (and I have a ways to go until 60). I don't have an opinon on why people don't care to dress up for dinner, but I personally think it enhances the cruise experience. And alternative dining venues are available for any evening when the grueling cruise schedule has left me too exhausted to dress up.

[twoclumbers]

We recently returned from our first HAL cruise. I would say that on formal nights, about one third of the passengers were formally dressed (men in a tux woman in formal gowns) If your husband has a tux encourage him to take it -- always fun to see your partner in a tux. For women, chiffon pants or a chiffon long skirt with a beaded top will take you anywhere! Informal for women is all in the accessories, ie a nice pair of trousers and pretty top or sweater and jewlery will carry the day if you are of the casual sort. I brought a pair of silk pants and a silk pant suit -- matching pants and blazer and that seemed to be many women wore on informal nights. I agree with other posts that you will see outfits of all types! Relax - put together a few outfits and have a great cruise!

[Thunderbolt]

To answer your question, I'm POSITIVE you'll find lots of comments and opinions regarding the dress code in the days to come. ;)

 

I wish I could get someone to bet money that she won't;)

 

 

To all of us on our first HAL cruise....enjoy:)

[kryos]

For informal, if you wanted to stick with the slacks, try maybe a silky type blouse with a scarf, blazer, etc. instead of the button down shirt.

 

Again, as long as you make an effort, you'll be fine. Don't stress too much. No matter what you wear, you'll see someone who will cause you to think; "What in the world were they thinking?".

Also, it depends on the cruise. If you're doing a seven-day Caribbean type itinerary, you can pretty much get away with any attempt to look "presentable" on formal night.

 

As for the casual vs. informal ... here's how I did it, and it worked out fine: On "casual" nights, a nice pair of pants with an "aloha" type shirt ... Hawaiian print ... short-sleeved. On informal nights, the same nice pair of pants with a button-down type long-sleeved shirt.

 

And this was on a 30-day, more elegant type cruise aboard the Amsterdam. I was dressed just fine and quite appropriately with others in the dining room.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[kryos]

Francesca,

 

I didn't mean to imply that you would see shorts/jeans in the dining room on formal night (tho I've seen some pretty loose definitions of "formal".) Supposedly they are not allowed, but the fashion police at the door rarely turn anyone away, lest they hurt their feelings (and get written up on a comment card!).

See Ruth C's thread about her experiences on the Noordam this week. Not only jeans in the dining room on formal night, but tattered ones as well ... and another diner wearing a tank type top with a jacket just thrown over it. All of these diners were seated and served.

 

Dress codes ain't what they used to be, folks. The attitude now seems more like "if you want to dress to the nines, fine ... but don't tell me how I have to dress."

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[Navy_Chief]

See Ruth C's thread about her experiences on the Noordam this week. Not only jeans in the dining room on formal night, but tattered ones as well ... and another diner wearing a tank type top with a jacket just thrown over it. All of these diners were seated and served.

 

Dress codes ain't what they used to be, folks. The attitude now seems more like "if you want to dress to the nines, fine ... but don't tell me how I have to dress."

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

 

This was not the case on Rotterdam. People were turned away for wearing jeans/shorts in the dining room. I don't know about the Noordam (yet) but will find out I guess. With all that said, I'm not going to let something like a Dress Code wreak havoc for my vacation. :eek: Our group will be following the code and having fun doing it. :D At any rate, here's the link to the "horses mouth" as it were: http://hollandamerica.com/guests/category.do?category=packing&topic=dressCode

[mim100]

not wanting to add fuel to any fire BUT...I appreciate ( and expect ) elegance, fine dining, exceptional service, etc... however I am very uncomfortable in dresses ( and the trappings that go with dresses )...several physical problems prevent me from wearing anything but high-end runners, hiking boots, clunky thick-soled flat shoes, etc which just don't work with dresses...I'm not sure how being uncomfortable in clothing will "enhance my dining experience"...and I don't want to forgoe the pleasure of experiencing the dining room on formal nights... I cannot wear this type of clothing but I still enjoy seeing the gorgeous clothing on those who can...I'm new to cruising and yes, I know there are more casual ships out there but I still want the best and that's why I'm booking with HAL...:):)

[LizB1]

seadancer, I agree with what Albertiv says about the dress code. If you will read in the "Before you Go" Booklet that comes with your documents this "suggested" dress code is written for everyone to read and see before they even begin to pack their clothes.

 

I definitely do not agree with Kryos in both her above statement and also the one under RuthC's post of the "Happy Wanderer". Yes, times do change. In the very early years of cruising every night, except Sunday, was formal...so look how far things have changed. However, I think it is about time they do stop folks from going into the dining room in jeans, tee shirts, etc. when the Lido is now open for their convenience.

 

HAL has been a "traditional" cruise line since it was started over 130 years ago. There are still many of us who would like to keep it that way.

[Chesapeake_Lady]

We just got home......11 days on the MS Maasdam with 3 formal nights 3 informal nights (I think it was 3) and the rest were casual. On the formal nights I saw everything from ballgowns to black silky pants and sequined tops for the ladies, and a good mix between the men of full tux and business suits. Informal nights saw the ladies mostly in dressy pants with matching tops or summer type dresses. The only way I can find a way to describe it is to say it is one step up from casual..... the men on informal nights wore a jacket with a shirt or sports shirt but no tie. Casual was basically anything from capri pants and t shirt style tops to long pants and a blouse. Men mostly wore khaki pants/dockers and a polo shirt on casual nights.

I didnt think I would really like the dressing up for formal nights but in actual fact I loved the experience!

As far as people who were dining in the Lido on those nights which were listed as formal or informal, they seemed to stay in casual dress all of the time.

[twinkletoes4445]

This will be our first HAL cruise and I do want to wear the correct attire...

 

For formal nights, we're going fancy dress (long) and tux route. In fact, I have several I am bringing...we just love this type of evening.

 

For informal, I have a lot of nice pant suits. I'd wondered if I might be overdressed for the evening, but after reading what everyone has to say...it doesn't appear so. Hubby will wear a jacket w/tie and slacks.

 

Now here's the confusing part...For the casual evenings will a nice capri outfit work? I have plenty of other options, but before I bring too many capri sets along, I wanted to ask. I have slacks, and sundresses that I could wear, but since I have a lot of these matching capri sets, I thought I get an opinion (or two) on the subject. Hubby would probably wear Dockers and polo shirt.

 

Chesapeake_Lady I see in your post where there were women in capri sets. Were there many? I don't want to be in the minority. I have as many other outfits as I have capri sets. I just really don't want to overpack...which is almost always my problem. :)

[twinkletoes4445]

One more question...

 

I see that there will be four casual nights on our 7-day cruise and only one informal. Do you think I be overly dressed if I wear a pant suit on a couple of those nights? They are somewhat dressy, but they are very comfortable.

[kryos]

This was not the case on Rotterdam. People were turned away for wearing jeans/shorts in the dining room. I don't know about the Noordam (yet) but will find out I guess. With all that said, I'm not going to let something like a Dress Code wreak havoc for my vacation. :eek: Our group will be following the code and having fun doing it. :D At any rate, here's the link to the "horses mouth" as it were: http://hollandamerica.com/guests/category.do?category=packing&topic=dressCode

Oh, I don't doubt it ... on the Rotterdam. I don't think someone would have been seated in the dining room dressed in jeans and a tee-shirt on my Amsterdam cruise either. I'm talking about your typical 7-day Caribbean and Alaska cruises ... family-style cruising ... on the Vista class ships. I think the dress codes are far, far more relaxed on them since many passengers will disregard the dress code anyway ... and you really can't turn everyone away from the dining room, now can you?

 

All I am saying is that if dress code adherence is important to you ... if it really upsets you to be all dressed up in your finest on formal night, but see the person at the next table wearing basically a tee-shirt with a jacket thrown over it, then you'd better stay away from the 7-day "family" type itineraries.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[boris1]

destroyed jeans on a formal night on the noordam? suh-weet, i cant wait

[millercat]

This post is stricly FYI - We were on the 3-2 Maasdam sailing and we were very dissappointed by the way people dressed. We have cruised many times on Carnival, Royal, Princess and Celebrity but this was our first experience with HAL. We actually chose HAL because we had the impression that it would be a bit older, upscale crowd. We are definately not wealthy and that is not what I am implying by "upscale". My husband and I work very hard and yes, we wear jeans everyday for the type of work that we do now. In the past we both wore suits and carried briefcases.

My point is that we both enjoy our cruise experience by adhering to the dress code and find it quite sad that we are the minority. I can honestly say that this was the worse dressed group we have ever sailed with. Not only did they not even attempt to adhere to the dress code but they wore street type clothing that might be worn around the house and maybe to the grocery store. For the first time on any cruise I felt out of place when going into the casino on formal nights and the majority of the people, men and women had on shorts and t-shirts. Quite honestly due to this we will probably return to Celebrity even though we fell in love with the Maasdam.

JMHO,

Elaine

[twinkletoes4445]

Elaine...

 

That is disappointing. Well, I think I am going to wear what I planned, and if others choose not to follow the dress code, I guess there's not much that I can do. Part of the reason we chose HAL was what you said in your post.

[seadancer]

I thank all of you for your information! :) I was thinking about buying a cocktail dress and a formal. I might need something for the informal nights. I appreciate all your feedback. I wanted to make sure I had the correct attire for the cruise.

 

Thanks again!

Francesca

[RevNeal]

Elaine,

 

Give HAL another shot. The worst-dressed HAL cruise I ever saw was in 2003, an Alaska Cruise. Think "jogging sweats in the Dining Room on Informal night" and you'll have the picture. However, just a few months later I saw dining room staff turning away people for not dressing according to code on formal, informal, AND casual nights. I saw this, again, as recently as January on the Oosterdam (a Mexican Riviera Cruise out of San Diego), when a couple were turned away from the entrance to the main dining room on informal night because they were dressed in shorts and t-shirt. I didn't overhear what they were told, but it was clear that they were being told that they needed to go change and come back ... because they were not happy and left in a huff.

 

Last month on the Noordam I saw a majority abiding by the dress code -- and having fun doing it -- and others sometimes flirting with the lower edge in one way but dressing beyond it in other ways (i.e., fashion designer jeans on Casual night, but with a jacket). I didn't notice any MAJOR, horrific violations however. But, then, I was having too much fun HAVING fun to much notice much of what other people were doing. :D