Dress Code Noordam

[Trail46]

"I think they (HAL) knows the more traditional cruiser will stick with HAL."

I am all for three designations, Formal, Informal and Casual (as in Country Club Casual). However, I don't agree that people looking for that experience have only HAL to look to. While my first Hal cruise is upcoming, my last was on Celebrity, the Constellation to the Caribbean, and people upheld the three dress designations, with a preponderance of tuxedos on formal nights, and the vast majority of men in sports jackets on informal nights. I did not see any jeans in the dining room, ever. If HAL thinks they have a corner on mainstream traditional passengers, they'll feel free to relax the dress codes as much as they want. There is an alternative.

That being said, I'm hoping for the best on my first HAL cruise on the Noordam.

[innlady1]

I completely agree.

[SusieCruisie]

Hi, In regard to MommyBunny's original post, I would just like to say that through the months leading up to the 2-17 cruise, we had read so many posts regarding dress codes. Well, I have to say, that MommyBunny did not make it to the meet & mingle due to problems in her stateroom. Funny, how out of , what is it? 1900 or so passengers, I figured out who she was due to the fact of how her 6 year old was dressed! I must say that this young boy was dressed so classy and his table manners were wonderful. My sister actually had to buy me a drink(due to a bet) because she said I was crazy, and there is no way that this woman was the one from the boards! This child was dressed better than most of the adults in the dining room. My husband at one point turned to me and said" Half the people here are in jeans! Here you are telling me to watch my dress, look around you!". Also, all nights except formal were listed as Casual. I did not see any semi-formal or informal. So, once again I over-packed! At least I'm consistant!I think that people are choosing to be more comfortable on their vacation and choosing to wear what they want. I am used to, and enjoy the dressing up on cruises being that I do not get to do that very often while at home. The Noordam is beautiful, and I will try and post a review soon!

Happy Cruising,

Susie

[babba]

Just back from the Noorddam. Had a wonderful time. the ticket booklet read as follows: 3 formal, 2 informal, 6 casual. The reality of the dress code: 3 formal, 9 casual. They totally did away with informal (without notice) on this particular cruise. I did see people being turned away at dinnertime who were not dressed appropriately. My most memorable vision is an elderly gentlement leaving the dining room in a tux ... flossing his teeth.

[jtl513]

... booklet read as follows: 3 formal, 2 informal, 6 casual. The reality of the dress code: 3 formal, 9 casual. They totally did away with informal ...

Well, at least you got a 12th night on the ship in trade! :rolleyes: :D (Just kidding ...)

[hammybee]

Well, at least you got a 12th night on the ship in trade! :rolleyes: :D (Just kidding ...)

 

Good One :)

[virgilhilts]

I suspect that what passes for formal wear today would have been considered frightfully underdressed a couple of generations ago. Times do change; styles evolve. I'm sure all of us dress much more casually for almost all ocassions than our own parents did. I'd bet money on it. And that includes everything from going to church to going out for dinner and a movie.

Times do change, and styles with them. There was a time, for example, when a gentleman played golf in a coat and tie; to see someone on the golf course dressed in what we'd now consider perfectly appropriate golf attire would have been beyond shocking. It would have been scandalous. Of course, the same folks who would be scandalized by modern golf attire would also have been scandalized to see Tiger Woods on the course at all -- at least as a competitor.

 

But back to the issue at hand: Let's face it, the entire idea of formal nights on ships is quaint, a throwback to a day when my own ancestors (and many of yours, too) were hunkered down in a twilit world of steerage while up in the bright lights their formally dressed "superiors" dined on the finest cuisine the shipping lines could offer.

 

I'm not against formal nights, not at all, but for me, anyway, such activities always evoke a hint of the Old World classism that my own forebears came to America to escape.

[cruisinbulldog]

I see the weekly dress code thread is up and running!!:rolleyes:

[NoNoNanette]

I see the weekly dress code thread is up and running!!:rolleyes:

 

Yeah, but did you like the Kubuli in Dominca with Levi Baron? :p

[cruisinbulldog]

Yeah, but did you like the Kubuli in Dominca with Levi Baron? :p

 

Nothing better than waving good-bye too Levi from the topless deck with a Kubuli!!:D

[RevNeal]

But back to the issue at hand: Let's face it, the entire idea of formal nights on ships is quaint, a throwback to a day when my own ancestors (and many of yours, too) were hunkered down in a twilit world of steerage while up in the bright lights their formally dressed "superiors" dined on the finest cuisine the shipping lines could offer.

 

I'm not against formal nights, not at all, but for me, anyway, such activities always evoke a hint of the Old World classism that my own forebears came to America to escape.

 

I find it interesting how different people have different ideas and different opinions about the reasons for, and meaning behind, Formal Nights on Cruises. Methinks that some have watched Titanic too many times.

 

I, for one, do not see Formal Night traditions as an elitist expression but, rather, a festive celebration of a wonderful time being had by ALL. Given how casual our society has become -- all across the board, and in every socioeconomic group -- there are few opportunities in one's life for a regular guy, like me, to "play dress up." Why do away with one of them that many of us enjoy??? If some don't like it ... fine ... rather than trying to change HAL and thereby ruin what we enjoy, they are free to go to those cruise lines which don't have Formal Nights. Please ... leave us who love Formal Nights at least one cruise line that gives us the experience we enjoy ... and without the suggestive judgementalism.

 

Ok ... who wants the soap box?

[RevNeal]

I see the weekly dress code thread is up and running!!:rolleyes:

 

It's been a while since we had a good knock-down-drag-out over the dress codes. Maybe a whole 3 weeks. :)

[Copper10-8]

It's been a while since we had a good knock-down-drag-out over the dress codes. Maybe a whole 3 weeks. :)

 

Let's get ready to rrrrrrrrrrrrrrumble!:eek:

[dakrewser]

Just back from the Maasdam this past week. There was nothing in the program regarding staying in formal dress through out the evening. In fact - just the opposite. It stated quite clearly that passengers could dine in the Lido that evening if they desired not dress formally.

 

Times are changing folks.

 

Re-read your program, elder. The Lido has always been all casual all the time as a dining venue, but formal night is still listed as "Holland America Line asks that you observe the suggested dress code throughout the entire evening."

 

Nothing changed there.

[virgilhilts]

I find it interesting how different people have different ideas and different opinions about the reasons for, and meaning behind, Formal Nights on Cruises. Methinks that some have watched Titanic too many times.

 

I, for one, do not see Formal Night traditions as an elitist expression but, rather, a festive celebration of a wonderful time being had by ALL. quote]

 

Methinks not, RevNeal. Methinks perhaps you are patronizing those of us who disagree with you.

 

I, for one, find it interesting that you consider formal nights a festive celebration of a wonderful time to being had by ALL -- as long as ALL are dressed in a way that doesn't rub up against your own aesthetic.

 

All of which is not to say that I don't approve of formal nights. In fact, I do. I think, though, (or should I say "methinks") that some of us on this post see getting dressed up as one thing, and playing dress up as quite another.

[bepsf]

I'm not against formal nights, not at all, but for me, anyway, such activities always evoke a hint of the Old World classism that my own forebears came to America to escape.

 

I've said it before and I'll say it again:

 

If once can't abide by the Formal Night dress code for whatever reason, why book HAL at all when there are other so many other options available out there?

 

One simply will not be served dinner in the main dining rooms on ANY night at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia, the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan or any Transatlantic crossing on Cunard without dressing for dinner - Period. (All at far greater per-diem than HAL I might add, so the "I paid for this vacation" argument is ludicrous....) *So why anyone expects to be served in the main dining room on HAL without appropriate attire is beyond me - particularly when the Lido and HAL's fabulous in-room service is available especially for those not wishing to dress for dinner?

 

And while I'm on my soapbox - the whole "Old World classicism" reverse-snobbery thing is rubbish.* While it may have been a novelty for those in the First Class to go "slumming" in Second or Third Class for the evening - they certainly never stayed down there to enjoy the bland porridge and flat beds for the entire crossing, or preferred schlepping their own luggage through Ellis Island rather than disembarking into a taxi in midtown Manhattan!**

 

If you'd prefer a McDonald's Happy Meal, by all means please go for it - but not in my dining room.

[tinkr2]

Just back from the Maasdam this past week. There was nothing in the program regarding staying in formal dress through out the evening. In fact - just the opposite. It stated quite clearly that passengers could dine in the Lido that evening if they desired not dress formally.

 

Times are changing folks.

I love that you are titled eldercruiser and yet can say times are changing in a positive manner. I love that HAL is a little more formal. They have never enforced the formal dress code out of the dining room on a cruise I have been on. That is why they have a casual buffet. I wish staff would enforce on all lines but it is uncomfortable for them to do so. On our weekend RCCL cruise, people had clothes on that I would not wear to a BBQ.:eek: It was disappointing to me because I love to see everyone all dressed up.

[Woe is me]

I find it interesting how different people have different ideas and different opinions about the reasons for, and meaning behind, Formal Nights on Cruises. Methinks that some have watched Titanic too many times.

 

I, for one, do not see Formal Night traditions as an elitist expression but, rather, a festive celebration of a wonderful time being had by ALL. quote]

 

Methinks not, RevNeal. Methinks perhaps you are patronizing those of us who disagree with you.

 

I, for one, find it interesting that you consider formal nights a festive celebration of a wonderful time to being had by ALL -- as long as ALL are dressed in a way that doesn't rub up against your own aesthetic.

 

All of which is not to say that I don't approve of formal nights. In fact, I do. I think, though, (or should I say "methinks") that some of us on this post see getting dressed up as one thing, and playing dress up as quite another.

 

Virgilhilts, methinks you are absolutely correct.;)

[Woe is me]

On formal night I will dine in the Lido, but after, I will wander the ship in my polo shirt and dockers, visit the bars and the casino, go to the disco and enjoy myself, and spend my money at these venues, which I am sure Holland America appreciates more than my returning to my cabin to watch TV or go to bed. They do not enforce a dress code throughout the ship on formal nights, and that is a fact, no matter what you traditionalist say. I am not ruining your night, you're doing it on your own, because of your own attitude.:rolleyes: Woe is me, things are changing.

[RevNeal]

Methinks not, RevNeal. Methinks perhaps you are patronizing those of us who disagree with you.

 

And perhaps not. You, on the other hand, are probably making fun of my word-choice (witness your aping of my use of the archaic: "methinks"). Did making fun of me make you feel any better?

 

I, for one, find it interesting that you consider formal nights a festive celebration of a wonderful time to being had by ALL -- as long as ALL are dressed in a way that doesn't rub up against your own aesthetic.

 

Nope. Formal Nights are fun ... if some don't want to play, that's their own loss. But please don't take my play time away from me so-as to keep from making those who don't wish to play feel better about themselves.

 

All of which is not to say that I don't approve of formal nights. In fact, I do. I think, though, (or should I say "methinks") that some of us on this post see getting dressed up as one thing, and playing dress up as quite another.

 

Despite your statements to the contrary, your true opinion of Formal Night and those who enjoy it comes through loud and clear. Witness your choice of adjectives and adjectival phrases relative to it:

 

quaint

throwback

formally dressed "superiors"

Old World classism

 

In short, despite what you assert you clearly do NOT like Formal night. Otherwise, why the use of such pejorative characterizations?

[RevNeal]

They do not enforce a dress code throughout the ship on formal nights, and that is a fact, no matter what you traditionalist say. I am not ruining your night, you're doing it on your own, because of your own attitude.:rolleyes: Woe is me, things are changing.

 

1. The Dress Code asks us to abide by the code throughout the evening.

 

2. No traditionalist has claimed that the code is enforced throughout the ship ... it has been witnessed by many on this board being enforced in the Main Dining Room (inconsistently), but not elsewhere. Hence, that's a "strawman" on your part.

 

3. No ... my night isn't ruined by someone not dressing according to the code. What would ruin my cruise experience, however, would be the whole-sale doing away with the dress code. If you don't mind wandering the ship underdressed, sticking out like a sore thumb and being conspicuous, that's YOUR problem.

[debsjc]

A few people in this topic have mentioned Hal relaxing the dress code to attract younger passengers. I don't think many younger passengers want a relaxed dress code, to be honest.

 

I'm in my 30's and I enjoy the chance to buy lovely evening wear, I don't go to any places at home where I can wear a long dress. Talking to my freinds of similar ages, they also prefer the cruise dress-codes before they were relaxed. We all go to the pub in jeans at home, but we wouldn't want to dress that way on a cruise ship dining room.

 

The problem with casual is, unfortunately different people interpret it different ways. I was on the NCL Dawn in november and I'm sure some people hadn't even taken a shower and brushed their hair, and were wearing clothes to dinner I wouldn't wear to work in the garden. :rolleyes:

 

It seems if it's not on the list of things you can't wear ...like 'no shorts, no tank tops'..... some people think that makes it ok.

Casual is fine, but at least look clean, stylish and not like you are about to go to the gym!

[Odd Ball]

In my opinion, HAl is partly responsible for the confusion. They built the vista ships to attract a yonger and what they thought would be a more"casual" cruiser. Someone, propbably after much research, told them to drop the informal nights and move to casual. HAL defined what casual is, but now they're not sticking to the definition of what country club casual should be and they're allowing all sorts of dress in the dining room. Maybe this was just last week because of the family vacation week.

 

 

Those cruisers who want to stay traditional need to let HAL know how they feel.

 

Cruise lines respond to pressure from their passengers and if they think that jeans and t shirts in the diningroom will bring in the dollars, that's what they'll let happen.

 

I think they know that the older more traditional cruiser will stay with HAl anyway.

 

These types of statements always puzzle me.

Where oh where do you find the information on why Hal built the Vista ships ? Sometimes after reading this board, I think people post more speculation and their opinions instead of facts.

I am not picking on you, many have posted this type of statement and I was only wondering if you know this for a fact or picked it up from ramblings from this board ?

 

I do think that those who want to stay with a nice dress code should let Hal know.

[upstatecruiser]

So if you have late seating it is okay to wander the public decks in shorts, t-shirts or whatever during early seating but you want everyone who has early seating to dress up while you are dressed up for late seating, Hypocritical if you ask me!!! You are all a bit anal about this topic, I happen to enjoy dressing for dinner but sometimes just want to be comfortable for a long show or playing in the casino. I was on the 2/17 cruise and did see a lot of inappropriate dress for the dining room, i.e. sweats but I also saw people dressed very nicely! Did it ruin my dinner my gosh no!! Get off your high horses enjoy your cruise and stop worrying about what everyone else is doing. If HAL wanted to stop it they could have and I saw them turn many people away for inappropriate dress.

[Got2goaway]

We were also on the 2/17 cruise and were surprised that although our cruise was slated to have the formal, informal and casual, it only had 3 formal and the remainder casual. We spoke to Jason one evening regarding this and his reply was that HAL is doing away with the informal nights and will only have formal and country club casual. We were also taken by how some people interpret "casual". Our whole family looks forward to dressing up when cruising. Its part of the cruise experience. We hope that HAL can find a way to enforce the country club casual as well as formal. Jeans and a t-shirt do not belong in an elegant dining room and would not be permitted in any of the elegant restaurants in our "neck of the woods".