Dress Code Noordam

[mamaofami]

Rev neal,

 

Since I am one who likes to follow the rules, and according to your statement, I didn't because I brought wine aboard, I decided to call HAL today to get a clarification. After speaking to someone from ship's services, this is what I found out.

 

Yes, you may bring your own wine on board..any kind and you may bring it to the dining room and you will be charged the corkage fee. You may also purchase wine in advance from the ship's services and bring that to the dining room.

 

However, in my case, the wine steward didn't ask us where the wine was from. So, technically, we did "smuggle" it on board.

 

Know before You go isn't very clear about this since it exempts wine and champagne that you bring on board from not being able to be consumed on board.

 

We thought what we did was above board because we read a thread about this before went on our 2/7 cruise. And, at that time I did email and call ship's services and was told I could bring the wine and they even sent me a list of which wines were served so we wouldn't be charged the corkage fee.

 

A bit confusing. Seems the onus is on the pax to tell the wine steward where the wine is from so the proper charge can be levied.

 

Live and learn!

[RevNeal]

RevNeal, I have to agree with Len3 on this item. I do suppose that some people don't mind having their formal clothes professionally cleaned after each wearing, but I sure do. As you said, all of the HAL ships have not changed the rules on smoking in the casino.

 

I understand that objection. However, I've never had much trouble with smoke-smell lingering on my Tuxedo. The ship's ventilation system is very good.

 

If it's a short cruise (1 week) I'll only have my Tux dry cleaned at home before the next cruise. For longer cruises (with 4 or more Formal Nights) I'll have my Tux dry-cleaned mid-cruise.

[RevNeal]

Since I am one who likes to follow the rules, and according to your statement, I didn't because I brought wine aboard, I decided to call HAL today to get a clarification. After speaking to someone from ship's services, this is what I found out.

 

Yes, you may bring your own wine on board..any kind and you may bring it to the dining room and you will be charged the corkage fee. You may also purchase wine in advance from the ship's services and bring that to the dining room.

 

However, in my case, the wine steward didn't ask us where the wine was from. So, technically, we did "smuggle" it on board.

 

Know before You go isn't very clear about this since it exempts wine and champagne that you bring on board from not being able to be consumed on board.

 

We thought what we did was above board because we read a thread about this before went on our 2/7 cruise. And, at that time I did email and call ship's services and was told I could bring the wine and they even sent me a list of which wines were served so we wouldn't be charged the corkage fee.

 

A bit confusing. Seems the onus is on the pax to tell the wine steward where the wine is from so the proper charge can be levied.

 

Carol, wine is not classified as "hard liquor" or "spirits" and, hence, one may bring it aboard. However, there is the issue of a corking fee ... and, yes, if it's a bottle of a brand that the ship carries then you really do have to tell them that you brought it aboard so that they charge you the corking fee. :)

 

At any rate, don't feel bad about that. The rules regarding smuggling booze aboard have to do with hard liquor, not wine.

[mamaofami]

Thanks Rev Neal! I feel a littles less guilty .

[RevNeal]

I read this on another board, so I decided to shoot an inquiry up to Seattle and my contacts there to find out if this is true. The word just "came down" confirming this:

 

Beginning on May 7, 2007, with the new dress code, suit and tie will be "mandatory" for men on all Formal Nights. I suppose that a jacket and tie will be acceptable, but there wasn't any specific notice about that. The terminology that was used by my source was: "suit and tie" and "mandatory."

 

So ... we'll see, won't we??

[dakrewser]

I read this on another board, so I decided to shoot an inquiry up to Seattle and my contacts there to find out if this is true. The word just "came down" confirming this:

 

Beginning on May 7, 2007, with the new dress code, suit and tie will be "mandatory" for men on all Formal Nights. I suppose that a jacket and tie will be acceptable, but there wasn't any specific notice about that. The terminology that was used by my source was: "suit and tie" and "mandatory."

 

So ... we'll see, won't we??

 

 

I'll believe it when I see it.......

[Copper10-8]

I'll believe it when I see it.......

 

And even then, my dear Watson, the question beckons........is our favorite cruise line going to enforce them new rules?:cool:

[RevNeal]

And even then, my dear Watson, the question beckons........is our favorite cruise line going to enforce them new rules?:cool:

 

John, I think that this was what Dave was meaning when he said that he would believe it when he sees it ... and I agree with you both, which is why I said: "we'll see, won't we?" We can hope that they'll enforce it, and we can hope that Seattle means it and will back-up the ship-side staff in enforcing it ... but I won't bet on it and I will only believe it when I see those who fail to abide by the code being consistently turned away from the Main Dining Rooms all across the fleet. If they mean it, they will follow through.

[Copper10-8]

John, I think that this was what Dave was meaning when he said that he would believe it when he sees it ... and I agree with you both, which is why I said: "we'll see, won't we?" We can hope that they'll enforce it, and we can hope that Seattle means it and will back-up the ship-side staff in enforcing it ... but I won't bet on it and I will only believe it when I see those who fail to abide by the code being consistently turned away from the Main Dining Rooms all across the fleet. If they mean it, they will follow through.

 

 

Copy that! Only time will tell

Wow, that was easy!;)

[dakrewser]

Here's a couple of the new Asst. DR managers getting ready to board......

 

 

 

;)

[Opinions]

I read this on another board, so I decided to shoot an inquiry up to Seattle and my contacts there to find out if this is true. The word just "came down" confirming this:

 

Beginning on May 7, 2007, with the new dress code, suit and tie will be "mandatory" for men on all Formal Nights.

 

I don't have any inside sources so will just wait and see...But why would HAL go to the trouble of putting a new dress code on their website and not putting "mandatory" in it if that is what is actually the new code...In the meantime I will take HAL at their word that what they now are saying on their website about their new dress code, is correct.

[RevNeal]

I don't have any inside sources so will just wait and see...But why would HAL go to the trouble of putting a new dress code on their website and not putting "mandatory" in it if that is what is actually the new code...In the meantime I will take HAL at their word that what they now are saying on their website about their new dress code, is correct.

 

That is wise. Perhaps the details are a "work in progress," or perhaps just as the old code was applied in a way not entirely consistent with the published code, perhaps the new code will be applied in a way that is somewhat less permissive? Given our past experience of the progressive dumbing down of the dress code standards, I find that highly unlikely. Nevertheless, I don't think anybody other than HALHQ knows for sure what's going to happen next.

 

When the editor gets around to removing the old code from the website, it will be interesting to see what's left and/or what is added in the process. I suspect that the Evening dress code portion will read as follows:

 

Each night a daily program will be delivered to your stateroom announcing the suggested dress for the following evening.

 

Evening dress falls into two distinct categories; Formal or Smart Casual. Smart Casual can be defined as slacks and sports shirt or sweater for men and skirt or trousers and sweater or blouse for women. Printed T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas during the evening hours. On festive Formal evenings, ladies usually wear a cocktail dress or gown and gentlemen usually wear a suit and tie or tuxedo. There are approximately two formal nights per week. Formalwear for ladies and gentlemen can be pre-ordered for your use during your cruise by calling Cruiseline Formalwear at 800-551-5091. Your formalwear will be in your stateroom when you board.

 

This is what's up there now, with the old code removed and the implementation schedule taken down as well. I note that it no longer gives a suggestion that a jacket and tie are minimal for Formal Nights ... unlike with Smart Casual Evenings, when "Printed T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts" are clearly prohibited. This doesn't mean that anything less than a jacket and tie will be allowed, but neither does it state that anything less is prohibited. Frankly, I find this unfortunate; without minimal limits, we'll see the lowest common denominator become indistinguishable from "Smart Casual." When I mentioned my concern to my friend in Seattle, the response that came back was that the code on the website was "a work in progress" and that "Formal means Formal, and anything less than a jacket and tie cannot be in any way construed as formal." While that makes sense to me, in our day-and-age and in our culture one really must spell everything out.

[caribbean girl]

Here's a couple of the new Asst. DR managers getting ready to board......

 

 

 

;)

 

Mr. Dakrewser...where did you get that picture of Copper10-8?:eek:

[Copper10-8]

Mr. Dakrewser...where did you get that picture of Copper10-8?:eek:

 

Nice talking to you!

(Those are Los Angeles Port Police K-9 officers)

[caribbean girl]

Nice talking to you!

 

(Those are Los Angeles Port Police K-9 officers)

 

 

Where've you been hiding? Long time no see...:)

[dakrewser]

Mr. Dakrewser...where did you get that picture of Copper10-8?:eek:

 

Maybe John'll take early retirement and work the door on the Dining Room.....:D

[caribbean girl]

Maybe John'll take early retirement and work the door on the Dining Room.....:D

 

 

That's fine...I just hope Maria doesn't take MY job in the ship's store selling all the baubles. :p My husband and I already have our retirement plans ready...hurrah!!:)

[alfiemom]

Just to clear up a point made above.....

 

Spoke to HAL this morning and Noordam casino is no longer smoke-free. Sad to say.

[mamaofami]

It was smoke free two cruises ago...2/7.

[RevNeal]

Just to clear up a point made above.....

 

Spoke to HAL this morning and Noordam casino is no longer smoke-free. Sad to say.

 

Wow ... well, in my opinion that's unfortunate. And a surprise. The HM on the Noordam when I was aboard her in January said that, while it was a test, it was one that was going to be spread fleet-wide this Summer. Perhaps not? Maybe the test failed and more people complained than liked it (which would not be a surprise ... squeaky wheels get the grease).

[NoNoNanette]

I would venture to say that it's a matter of $$$$$$$.... smokers tend to be "risk takers" and drinkers.... perfect for casino action.

[sail7seas]

Just to clear up a point made above.....

 

Spoke to HAL this morning and Noordam casino is no longer smoke-free. Sad to say.

 

I'm very interested who you smoke with and if we can be sure they knew what they were talking about.

 

Sometimes incorrect information is accidentally passed along.

[caribbean girl]

Just to clear up a point made above.....

 

Spoke to HAL this morning and Noordam casino is no longer smoke-free. Sad to say.

 

 

When we were on the Noordam on 2/7 one of the staff told us that they were being audited on that cruise. Perhaps that's why this has been changed. I was disappointed enough that there is smoking in the Ocean Bar (a section) and the Crow's Nest. And my own husband is a smoker...:mad: NEVER in the house or in the car!!!

[songanddance]

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.

 

Add to that group the Balsam's in NH and the Williamsburg Inn.

 

I too think that there are plenty of "other" lines that encourage very casual dress and on NCL if one dresses up the majority of passengers make fun of you at least on these boards so if one does not wish to follow the dress code, please move on.

[songanddance]

People do you all realize you are arguing over clothes? Did you enjoy your cruise? I know I did and what people were or were not wearing had no effect on my enjoyment! As a matter of fact I could care less if my tablemates were in their underwear as long as we were having a good time! Get off your high horses (and many of you will have a very far drop to get to reality) and don't worry about the others, do what you want and let them do what they want it will not disrupt your "fun" at all!

 

Sorry to disagree but slovenly attire does spoil my vacation. If I just wanted a ride on the water, I would take a few turns on the Staten Islkand Ferry. Far cheaper and I won't care about how the rest of the passengers are dressed. However, when I take a cruise I want a traditionalk old time romantic vacation where ladies and gentlemen act like ladies and gentlemen. They dress properly for a fine evening of dinner, good intellignet conversation and some post dinner entertainment. During the day, I enjoy a well turned out but casual crowd interested in relaxing without having to endure the hairy leg contest or helmets of beer etc. so very popular on the lines that allow whatever you were wearing in the garden last week in the dining room.

 

So if I am forced to dine with people that are eaither too lazy or too uninformed to dress appropriately, it does spoil my vacation.

 

There are plenty of other lines that actaully encourage very casual attire. Why not do us all that enjoy the traditional atmoshphere to have our line and you take your cruise on a casual line.

 

Of course with the casual crowd you get a casual product which you don;t really like but once the standards are lessened in one area, it is impossible to maintain them in other areas. So decide if you like great food, super service and fine ships be prepared to live up to the standards of attire and conduct as you are indeed part of the total product.