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

[seedaz]

We are sailing on the Zaandam to Alaska in September....my question is(first time HAL cruisers)...Can we wear clean, untorn, jeans on ship during the day? Or is this frowned upon? We were thinking we might want to wear them for a few excursions in Alaska? Thanks for your replies.

Debbie

[LizB1]

Debbie, you should have no problem wearing jeans during the day for your Alaska cruise. We have worn them on our Transatlantic Northern Europe cruises for the past several years now. We just don't wear them in the evening...as requested.

[seedaz]

Thanks for the prompt reply. We will dress to code for evenings, of course.

Debbie

[millercat]

Dear Revneal,

Thank you for your post. I agree, having fun is much higher on my list than worring about what people are wearing. We very well may try HAL again but maybe out of a different port. A few couples that we met seemed to think that this had a lot to do with the whole dynamics this cruise. (Please, don't anyone take offense to this! I am only repeating an opinion that was related to me by others that have cruised HAL many times.)

Anyway, we really loved the Maasdam and many things about HAL. Our TA and I were talking and I think that we are going to find the same issues that I have on all cruise lines more and more. Things change, both for good and bad. We have been cruising for over ten years and for us cruising is the only vacation that we truly enjoy. So for the most part, I will shut up and enjoy it!

Take care,

Elaine

[Marbella]

Dear Revneal,

Thank you for your post. I agree, having fun is much higher on my list than worring about what people are wearing. We very well may try HAL again but maybe out of a different port. A few couples that we met seemed to think that this had a lot to do with the whole dynamics this cruise. (Please, don't anyone take offense to this! I am only repeating an opinion that was related to me by others that have cruised HAL many times.)

 

Millercat,

 

I think you have a valid point when you mention different dynamics of a cruise. I'm thinking--and correct me if I am wrong--that passengers tend to be a bit more casual on a shorter "warm weather" cruise.

 

I am now starting to stress a little about our 2 week cruise is asia. I would welcome suggestions from the seasoned travellers ...ahem... Rev Neal??

[RevNeal]

I am now starting to stress a little about our 2 week cruise is asia. I would welcome suggestions from the seasoned travellers ...ahem... Rev Neal??

 

I've never been to Asia. :)

But I'll be going in April 19, 2007! :) So ... once you get back I'll be asking YOU questions!!!!!! :D

 

Have a GREAT cruise!

[vml_1]

I knew about formal nights but I didn't know anything about informal nights!! We still haven't received our cruise package for our Sunday cruise so this is the first I've heard about it :o . I think I'm going to need to rethink my wardrobe!

 

On a 14-day cruise on the Ryndam how many informal nights do you expect we'll have? I think I'm all set for the 4 formal nights.

 

Thanks,

Vandana

[RuthC]

IOn a 14-day cruise on the Ryndam how many informal nights do you expect we'll have? I think I'm all set for the 4 formal nights.

There will be 2-3 informal nights on a 14-day cruise. In general, the formula is formal + informal </= casual.

For a man, all the dress codes are well-defined.

Informal---for a woman---you should think in terms of what you would wear to a wedding when you like the bride. ;) Formal is more like what you see advertised as holiday dresses in the Christmas circulars. Casual is a put-together look.

The definitions are the same regardless of the itinerary---just because more people don't dress up to the code in the Caribbean does not make the code different---just unmet by more people.

Please don't feel overdressed if you meet the code but others are lacking. It is they who are out of place.

[AAL]

A month or so ago there was a thread about formal nights on the Ryndam. We were considering that itinerary, and if I recall correctly, it was 7 casual nights, 4 formal nights, and 3 informal nights (or maybe the other way around). If you don't trust my memory (I wouldn't), you should be able to search for the thread.

[herb]

Informal---for a woman---you should think in terms of what you would wear to a wedding when you like the bride. ;) Formal is more like what you see advertised as holiday dresses in the Christmas circulars.

 

Hi Ruth:

Did you mix up formal with informal? I would think formal is what you'd wear to a wedding reception and informal is what they advertise on tv and in the circulars as what people could wear when attending a "non house" holiday party. ( We go to house parties for Christmas and therefore "casual" dress is in order :D )

[RuthC]

Hi Ruth:

Did you mix up formal with informal? I would think formal is what you'd wear to a wedding reception and informal is what they advertise on tv and in the circulars as what people could wear when attending a "non house" holiday party. ( We go to house parties for Christmas and therefore "casual" dress is in order :D )

Nope. Didn't mix anything up. I don't get invited to those fancy formal evening weddings in the Waldorf---I wear informal to afternoon weddings. Dressy, but definitly not up to the level of formal.

Formal wear is very much shown in the Christmas circulars. It's not the clothes with sparkly sweaters that I'm thinking of; I'm thinking of the slinky dresses. Check out the "special occasion" headings.

[DesertDiva]

I actually someone in the Lido buffet on the 03/18/06 Oosterdam cruise in the evening during dinner "dressed" in their HAL bathrobe! Why wouldn't one just call room service?

 

However, one year I visited San Diego over Christmas break and there was a woman shopping in her flannel pajamas the day after Christmas! She said she "jumped out of bed" to take advantage of the post Christmas sales!

 

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.

[RuthC]

Thanks for the visual, Cheryl. :rolleyes:

When people don't know enough that they're not supposed to go out to eat in a bathrobe, or go shopping in flannel PJ's I don't suppose there's much hope for civilization left.

[herb]

I wear informal to afternoon weddings. Dressy, but definitly not up to the level of formal,

When I was discussing formal wear for a wedding I had meant an evening reception. It's been such a long time since I've been a maitre D' for an afternoon reception. We usually let all the newbie maitre D's take care of those parties. But, I do know what you mean. Guests at evening receptions do dress to the nines compared to those who are invited to afternoon weddings.

 

Formal wear is very much shown in the Christmas circulars. It's not the clothes with sparkly sweaters that I'm thinking of; I'm thinking of the slinky dresses. Check out the "special occasion" headings.

Yes, now I know what you mean... the gowns etc. for the "New Years" affairs :D

[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;)

 

ka ching ching:rolleyes: :D

[herb]

[quote name='Thunderbolt']ka ching ching:rolleyes: :D[/quote]

LOL :D

[AlexandNessa]

Our Volendam cruise was pretty poorly dressed, IMHO. :( Casual nights were OK for the most part, but only about 25% of men were in tuxes and about the same amount of women were in gowns on formal nights. This, BTW, was by far one of the oldest demographic of cruisers we have sailed with, and judging by the # of people at the Mariner's reception, not new to HAL, so a bit surprising in that sense.

We saw too many people in t-shirts and shorts or jeans on formal night (though, admittedly, not in the DR, but in the casino, in the lounges, and bars). And, although many of us have them, a matching Land's End sweater set does not cut it for formal night attire either, even if you do wear the set with a black travel skirt. And we saw many men in navy dockers and kahki sports coats on formal night as well. It was a bit disappointing, although our group tends to strictly follow the dress code and even go overboard a bit, I suppose. Men in our group all have tuxes. The ladies all wear gowns on formal night. On informal nights, I wear cocktail dresses. Casual nights I opt for sundresses with fancy flip flops. DH wears a jacket on informal nights, and on casual nights, dockers and usually a silk shirt.

Wish HAL would consider changing "informal" to "semi-formal." I think that much better describes what is expected.

[Opinions]

[quote name='AlexandNessa']
. And we saw many men in navy dockers and kahki sports coats on formal night as well. It was a bit disappointing, although our group tends to strictly follow the dress code and even go overboard a bit, I suppose. [/QUOTE]

Actually the HAL dress code does not require a tux or suit for men on formal night...A jacket is quite acceptable according to the code.

[AlexandNessa]

Opinions, yes, but the dress code does require a tie on formal nights, and ties were quite absent on our cruise.

[shonuf]

[quote name='RuthC[FONT=Comic Sans MS'][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4169e1]Informal---for a woman---you should think in terms of what you would wear to a wedding when you like the bride. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]

I love that description. Slightly OT, several years ago DH and I went to the wedding of a friend's daughter. It was in a lovely chapel at a major university and the setting was exquisite. When the mothers entered, I thought DH and I were going to "bust a blood vessel", trying to keep from laughing. Shades of Scarlet O'Hara! Both mothers were attired in custom made velvet gowns with matching hats. One was red, one in dark green. Both were liberally adorned with lots of white lace doilies. They looked as though they jerked the slipcovers right off the divans.

[Stevesan]

[quote name='Opinions']Actually the HAL dress code does not require a tux or suit for men on formal night...[B]A jacket is quite acceptable according to the code[/B].[/quote]

You're [I]almost[/I] right. :)

[B]Planning & Advice:[/B]
[B]Packing & baggage[/B]

[B]Clothing and dress code[/B]
On festive formal evenings, women usually wear cocktail dresses or gowns and men usually wear business suits or tuxedos. There are approximately two formal nights per week. (Gentlemen: Although business suits or tuxedos are suggested attire for formal evenings, they are certainly not required. You are welcome to wear a jacket [B]and tie[/B] on formal nights.)

[LDinCT]

I was surprised at how casual things were just getting off the Zaandam based upon what I read here. Shorts are not allowed in dining room or lido for dinner. Jeans are allowed on casual nights, which there are several. Jackets weren't always required in Pinnacle- dress shirts and slacks were ok for informal nights and casual.
LDinCT

[RuthC]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=royalblue]shonuf, that's what my mother used to call looking like "Astor's pet horse". [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4169e1][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4169e1]I didn't see it, but on the Noordam there was a report from someone I trusted of a man severely underdressed for the Pinnacle on formal night---not even a jacket. He was admitted. If the Pinnacle won't uphold the dress code what hope is there for the main dining room. :rolleyes: [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[shonuf]

[quote name='RuthC'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=royalblue]shonuf, that's what my mother used to call looking like "Astor's pet horse". [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4169e1][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4169e1]I didn't see it, but on the Noordam there was a report from someone I trusted of a man severely underdressed for the Pinnacle on formal night---not even a jacket. He was admitted. If the Pinnacle won't uphold the dress code what hope is there for the main dining room. :rolleyes: [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]

Ruth,

While on the Oosterdam in January, I was speaking with Mr. Deering about the dress code (or lack thereof). I said I wished they would either enforce it or do away with it. He said the lack of enforcement relates to the fact that the people who get turned away tend to write up the enforcer on their comment cards and it counts against them. So, they look the other way.

[Fredr500]

[quote name='shonuf']Ruth,

While on the Oosterdam in January, I was speaking with Mr. Deering about the dress code (or lack thereof). I said I wished they would either enforce it or do away with it. He said the lack of enforcement relates to the fact that the people who get turned away tend to write up the enforcer on their comment cards and it counts against them. So, they look the other way.[/QUOTE]

So I guess that means we need to start writing up the enforcer for not enforcing, maybe THAT will get their attention.

Who should be enforcing the code? Maybe I should ask who is in charge and let them know I will write negative comments about them for not doing their job.

If we all did that it may make a difference in the long run.

Fred