Question about menus?

[dare2dream]

That sure was a special smilie for NoNoNanette.

 

I shared it with DH. His eyes are still popped out of his head.

 

CruiseCritic never fails to entertain.

 

Happy cruising to us all.

 

Brenda

[Happy HALer]

A gentleman, dressed as he is:

 

 

Touche.

 

Obviously Gandhi was a gentle man. In our Anglo eccentric world a gentleman is more likely to be described as: A well-mannered and considerate man with high standards of proper behavior.

No need for civil disobedience here. Hopefully Gandhi would be refused a table until he put on some slacks. Rules are rules. He could even wear jeans. Those included in the slacks catagory.

 

Cruising is supposed to be fun. As posting on this board should also be. :D

 

I just had a funny visual of Gandhi in coveralls escorting Lady Di, in gingham, to the Captains table for the Gala Dinner.

[TKandKK]

I just had a funny visual of Gandhi in coveralls escorting Lady Di, in gingham, to the Captains table for the Gala Dinner.

 

After your comment...I had a worse visual: Lady Di in coveralls, and Gandhi in gingham.

 

(Maybe I just need more rest). :D

[Happy HALer]

After your comment...I had a worse visual: Lady Di in coveralls, and Gandhi in gingham.

 

(Maybe I just need more rest). :D

 

Ooooo...... Lady Di in coveralls. Hadn't thought of that. :D :D :D

[NoNoNanette]

[ATTACH]53575[/ATTACH]

This smiley is for you NoNo

 

LOVE it, baby! :)

[JTL1997]

Robert,

 

I hope you enjoy your cruise... my husband and I will be on our 2nd Holland cruise to Alaska... have decided not to dress up as well. will order room service on those nights. Have been on NCL (4 times) and while it does offer the flexibility... it not the same as Holland.

[sirdavid]

I have followed this thread with wonder!

It is very simple....There are formal nights with a formal dress code. How hard is that to understand. You know that before you depart on your cruise.

Holland America provides "The Lido" and "Room Service" with no dress code suggested (or very minor for The Lido.) If you cannot be bothered to make some small gesture toward the dress code, like a jacket & tie, why bother to cruise. More to the point, why make an issue of it, enjoy your cruise and dine in your stateroom or The Lido on the formal nights. Why draw attention to the fact that you object to dressing for dinner. I am amazed at post's like this and then I say to myself "how stupid are you to respond to it."

I hope you enjoy all the non-formal nights on your cruise.:)

David

[NoNoNanette]

If you cannot be bothered to make some small gesture toward the dress code, like a jacket & tie, why bother to cruise

 

There's more to cruising than formal nights in the dining room... that might be a HIGHLIGHT to you, but there are those of us who feel differently. :rolleyes:

[m steve]

you wouldn't want to take a chance and spill some Dr. Pepper or a moon pie on tour best Sunday go to meeting dress.:)

[RCrpntr]

Wow... I apologize for not responding sooner... I thought this got pulled... I don't know how I missed it.

 

First... I swear... my intent was to start a thread looking for sample menus.

 

I don't know why I decided to go on that little rant. I also want to say that the term "offended" was a poor choice of words on my part. "Disappointed" would probably have been a better expression of my feelings.

 

I understand the rules and would not expect to be seated on formal nights without a jacket. It's funny... my wife and I went to Outback a couple weeks ago on a Saturday night. I saw a man walk out with his family wearing a ball cap... tank top... cut-off jeans and flip flops and I agree it is not appropriate attire for dining in a nice restaurant.

 

Finally... I thought you were all very kind in your responses... considering the nature of my post. I'd read that HAL cruisers were a (how should I say it) a "more mature group." It's one of the reasons we picked HAL.

 

You all sound like a nice group of folks to cruise with. I am willing to abide by the rules and we actually like room service in hotels. I'm really sorry I brought it up... I'm sure we're going to have a great time.

 

Thanks to everyone who responded and thank you for the sample menus.

 

and another thing... sirdavid... wearing a coat and tie is not "some small gesture" to me. I'm just one of those people who are not comfortable in a coat and tie. And by the way... you're calling yourself stupid not me right? :)

 

Robert

[RCrpntr]

Geez... I realize now that I never said I was "offended" by the dining policy. I read that in a reply. Someone put words in my mouth. I said "others" seem to be "offended" that people don't "adhere" to the policy.

 

I just said I didn't think it was fair. I'm just worried that HAL won't offer the King Crab legs and baked alaska on the room service menu. :D

 

Does anyone know anything about this? I thought I read something about only offering dining room entrees that "transport well"... or something like that?

 

If someone can tell me I can get the lobster and King Crab sent to my room I'll be a happy camper and I'll have nothing else to complain about I promise. :)

[RevNeal]

I've stayed out of this one ... however ...

 

and another thing...maybe this will get some responses.

 

My wife and I are working class people. I don't wear a tie to work and she doesn't wear dresses. We can afford this cruise...but it offends me that two nights I'm supposed to wear either a Tux or a suit and tie. I don't wear them to work and I don't plan to take them on my vacation. We plan to either eat in the LIdo restaurant tor order room service those two nights. I've read many posts where people seem offended that many didn't adhere to the dress code on formal nights.

 

Whatever...and I'm sure I'm going to get slammed for this... but I'm paying the same as everyone else (we've reserved a Verandah) yet there are two nights that we either have to dine in the Lido restaurant... or order room service. We picked HAl because you can order from the dining room menu for room service but it doesn't seem fair to me that we are not allowed to dine in the Rotterdam Dining Room those two nights.

 

I'm not taking a suit and tie for this cruise and we're paying a price for it. I'm sure many will disagree. Please feel free to rip me a new one. But that's how I feel.

 

Best regards.

 

Robert

 

Note, Robert, your words in the above: "We can afford this cruise...but it offends me that two nights I'm supposed to wear either a Tux or a suit and tie. I don't wear them to work and I don't plan to take them on my vacation."

 

Your own words would seem to indicate that you are, indeed, offended by the any stipulation that you abide by the dress code.

 

Relative to your concern, might I ask: do you happen to own and/or wear simple dockers or other forms of casual/semi-formal slacks? Do you own a nice button-down blue or other-colored (if not white) shirt? Do you own, or can you borrow, a tie and a blue or black blazer? If so, and if you were to wear them, you would be dressed perfectly within the formal night code aboard HAL. A suite or a Tuxedo is not required to meet the code's stipulations for Formal Night.

 

I find it interesting: you don't wear such to work, hence you don't want to wear them on a cruise. Ok ... I can certainly understand that. Other people DO wear them to work, and hence they don't want to wear them on a cruise. Ok ... I can understand that, too. The thing that unites the two approaches is their desire to not wear them on a cruise. Not wearing them for work, or wearing them for work, is irrelevant.

 

I never wear a Tuxedo, or a tie, at work. Yet, I wear them on cruises when the occasion calls for it ... that, or I wear what I DO wear to work. :) For me, it's not offensive.

[NoNoNanette]

Geez... I realize now that I never said I was "offended" by the dining policy. I read that in a reply. Someone put words in my mouth. I said "others" seem to be "offended" that people don't "adhere" to the policy.

 

I just said I didn't think it was fair. I'm just worried that HAL won't offer the King Crab legs and baked alaska on the room service menu. :D

 

Does anyone know anything about this? I thought I read something about only offering dining room entrees that "transport well"... or something like that?

 

If someone can tell me I can get the lobster and King Crab sent to my room I'll be a happy camper and I'll have nothing else to complain about I promise. :)

 

Not to worry, man.... You can order directly off of the dinner menu for room service. The LIDO is a different story.... you're not going to get your crab and snails....

 

(Not to worry about vicious posts, either.... let 'em go in one ear and out the other) ;)

 

Check out my review of the Volendam in my sig.... Shortly upon boarding I made it a point to "introduce" us to the powers-that-be in the Room Service Department.

 

It was lovely. :)

[RCrpntr]

Okay...okay....I guess I did say I was "offended." I hereby retract it and humbly apologize for it. I really don't feel that way.

 

I just found this thread today and read the responses without reading over my initial posts. My mistake.

 

Once again....let me say I just intended to post requesting a link to some sample menus. We were considering the Mariner of the Seas leaving the same time out of Port Canaveral but decided on the Veendam because of the smaller ship... better food... and dare I say "older crowd." I hope I don't offend anyone by saying that....honestly... "older" doesn't mean "old" right? I was concerned that the best food was on formal nights and it might not be available on the room service menu

 

Please forgive me. I'll be more careful about my postings in the future.

 

and revneal... thank you for pointing out my mistake. Honestly.

 

NoNoNanette....thank you very much. You've been very kind in defending me. I will check out your review of the Volendam. I am also from the deep south... just south of Macon Ga. My wife and I are actually from Indiana but I've lived here for over 20 years. We booked this cruise to celebrate our anniversary.

 

Robert

[barbon2]

Wow,

Ok, so you select a cruiseline that stipulates formal dress code on two evenings. Why pick this line? There are so many lines that have casual dress, NCL, Windstar, etc., why select a cruise that has you upset about the dress code before you even sail. I could take or leave formal night, but I know that I have selected a line that has a formal night policy so my husband and I dress accordingly. What's the big deal. We have booked our next cruise on Cunard well aware of the dress code. Again, if I did not want to adhere, I would not select it.

My next comment is not directed to the original poster but is a comment in general. Why are there so many thread on ALL of the boards asking "Do I have to dress in formal attire on formal night". To me this question is a redundant one. Reminds me of the old joke, "what time is the midnight buffet? If you know the answer (especially if the answer is in the question) why ask.

Barbara

[RevNeal]

Not to worry, man.... You can order directly off of the dinner menu for room service. The LIDO is a different story.... you're not going to get your crab and snails....

 

Nanette, doesn't one have to place that order off the Main Dining Room menu within a fairly narrow time frame after the beginning of first-seating? I seem to remember reading somewhere that one has to place their order fairly early. If so, could you share what that time frame is? Thanks.

[RevNeal]

Okay...okay....I guess I did say I was "offended." I hereby retract it and humbly apologize for it. I really don't feel that way.

 

I just found this thread today and read the responses without reading over my initial posts. My mistake.

 

Robert, you don't have anything to apologize for. I can understand someone being offended by the idea of being asked to abide by a dress code. If it were not to my liking, I suspect I would be offended too. But, by that same token, I wouldn't likely book a cruise on a Line that had requirements with which I am uncomfortable or which I resent or dislike. It's one of the reasons why trying out other lines than HAL is now in my range-finder (so to speak). HAL has, up 'till now, provided me with a wonderful cruise experience. If, over the next three booked cruises, I find that such is becoming less-true, I have no problem trying a different Line (one that provides more of what I want).

 

Once again....let me say I just intended to post requesting a link to some sample menus. We were considering the Mariner of the Seas leaving the same time out of Port Canaveral but decided on the Veendam because of the smaller ship... better food... and dare I say "older crowd." I hope I don't offend anyone by saying that....honestly... "older" doesn't mean "old" right? I was concerned that the best food was on formal nights and it might not be available on the room service menu.

 

Yes ... some of the "best" food (or, at least, the most expensive and more "elegant" items) can be found on the Formal Nights. However, I've also found that every evening's menu has at least 2 or more things that sounds yummy (and ends up actually being yummy). "Best" is in the tastebuds of the eater. :D

 

and revneal... thank you for pointing out my mistake. Honestly.

 

It wasn't so much a mistake as it was an oversight. I actually only commented because I find your reasoning interesting. On this board we've often heard from people who state that they don't want to wear suits and ties on cruises because: (1) they have to wear such clothing all the time at work, so why do it on vacation? Or: (2) they never have to wear such clothing at work and, hence, don't want to have to wear it aboard ship. To arguments that are 180 degrees opposite, but yet arrive at the same place. I just find that interesting.

 

NoNoNanette....thank you very much. You've been very kind in defending me. I will check out your review of the Volendam. I am also from the deep south... just south of Macon Ga. My wife and I are actually from Indiana but I've lived here for over 20 years. We booked this cruise to celebrate our anniversary.

 

Her review of the Volendam is very good, and I think especially helpful to anyone who wants to not partake of the main dining room. She provides a helpful alternative approach ... one that we usually don't find in reviews.

[spacecat]

[/b]There's more to cruising than formal nights in the dining room... that might be a HIGHLIGHT to you, but there are those of us who feel differently. :rolleyes:

 

I whole heartedly agree. I sure am glad I didn't run across these kinds of remarks before our June cruise on the Noordam. Part of me says to just ignore the uneducated remarks, and another part of me wants to type away!

 

What REALLY bothers me to NO END is the perception that you have to look a certain way, or do certain things, "because society says so". Society isn't always right. Some of us refuse to be "sheep" and follow everyone else. As far as I am concerned, we all breathe the same air....so some people need to get down from their pedestals and be a little less judgmental and a little more accepting.

 

I will surely be "ripped" for the non-comforming attitude I have!

 

Shari

[Happy HALer]

I whole heartedly agree. I sure am glad I didn't run across these kinds of remarks before our June cruise on the Noordam. Part of me says to just ignore the uneducated remarks, and another part of me wants to type away!

 

What REALLY bothers me to NO END is the perception that you have to look a certain way, or do certain things, "because society says so". Society isn't always right. Some of us refuse to be "sheep" and follow everyone else. As far as I am concerned, we all breathe the same air....so some people need to get down from their pedestals and be a little less judgmental and a little more accepting.

 

I will surely be "ripped" for the non-comforming attitude I have!

 

Shari

 

Shari,

 

A peaceful society requires a certain level of conformity. But, your way sounds more fun. Lets get the Anarchy Cruise going. It will be great. Imagine a whole ship full of like minded passengers ignoring all the rules.

 

When we get home, none of us will pay our taxes. The IRS needs to be more "accepting".

[catl331]

ENOUGH! This is a democracy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:p

[NoNoNanette]

Good morning, Shari :)

 

What REALLY bothers me to NO END ...*SNIP*...some people need to get down from their pedestals and be a little less judgmental and a little more accepting.

 

Agreed.

 

Trust me....they are the very vocal minority. Ignore 'em. ;)

[Suitegurl]

Wow, what a kettle.... However, I have to say that a very large number of cruisers do prefer to see the dress code of the day in the dining room. I also am one who is not the most conforming of souls, BUT when I booked my cruises, there was no mistake that HAL designates 2 nights on a 7 night cruise to be formal. I fully respect an individuals desire to not follow what have been termed "the rules", but if they choose to do so they should also respect those that have chosen to abide by HALs dress code of the evening. No one should challenge your choice, just the location on the ship that you choose to do so. Now, no one is saying that you can't eat...you have several other choices. As I read all these posts, one thing I can't help wondering is why those that don't want to dress up for dinner think that their wants are more important than the wants of those who plan to follow the suggested dress code and enjoy the evening. Those that are dressing up didn't just get on the ship and decide to start that tradition, HAL upholds that dress code in their brochures and online Q&As. I have read many posts about how people research at length which cruise they want to take based on itinerary, if they can get a certain cabin and price, but do they not also take into account the onboard life?? After all you will be spending many more hours oon the ship than at any one port. I have not read every thread about this subject as there are far too many, but I am sure somewhere the subject has been compared in many other areas of on board life. One such example; how would you feel if you found nudity in the pools because those felt that since they didn't wear suits at home they shouldn't have to on board. Yes, you have paid the same as all the others, but you have also received the same information as all the others that HAL has formal nights.

[spacecat]

Shari,

 

A peaceful society requires a certain level of conformity. But, your way sounds more fun. Lets get the Anarchy Cruise going. It will be great. Imagine a whole ship full of like minded passengers ignoring all the rules.

 

When we get home, none of us will pay our taxes. The IRS needs to be more "accepting". [ATTACH]53760[/ATTACH]

 

The anarchy cruise sounds great. Let me know when you have it booked. Could you change the name to Cruise of the Rebels though?

 

By the way, I pay my taxes (plenty of high society that doesn't), stop at red lights, return my library books, etc etc because all of those things carry consequences if you don't follow those rules. However, I don't know who came up with the idea that you have to dress a certain way to be part of "society". I maintain that society isn't always right. I hurt no one by dressing the way I feel comfortable and if you read my previous posts, I did follow what I considered the silly rules as far as formal night went. I stayed away.

 

In case I get questioned as to why I sailed on the Noordam when it has such rules when it comes to formal nights....it was a gift.....from my boss.....to honor my 20 years of work for him. He is very religious (I am not), very political (I hate politics), but he appreciates me for who I am....someone who calls it as she sees it, but most importantly, someone who has been able to get to work on time, and come in early and stay late if the occassion called for it, for 20 years regardless of the fact that I am NOTHING like the people he surrounds himself with. Appears he likes me anyways. Too bad there aren't more people in the world like him (and yes, I'm kissing up....I would love another gift of a cruise!) Oh, and by the way, I DO have to wear clothing I dont like for 4 days of the week but I finally talked him into casual Fridays.....

 

Let me know what peaceful society you are talking about...I'd like to see it.

 

Shari

[Happy HALer]

The anarchy cruise sounds great. Let me know when you have it booked. Could you change the name to Cruise of the Rebels though?

 

By the way, I pay my taxes (plenty of high society that doesn't), stop at red lights, return my library books, etc etc because all of those things carry consequences if you don't follow those rules. However, I don't know who came up with the idea that you have to dress a certain way to be part of "society". I maintain that society isn't always right. I hurt no one by dressing the way I feel comfortable and if you read my previous posts, I did follow what I considered the silly rules as far as formal night went. I stayed away.

 

In case I get questioned as to why I sailed on the Noordam when it has such rules when it comes to formal nights....it was a gift.....from my boss.....to honor my 20 years of work for him. He is very religious (I am not), very political (I hate politics), but he appreciates me for who I am....someone who calls it as she sees it, but most importantly, someone who has been able to get to work on time, and come in early and stay late if the occassion called for it, for 20 years regardless of the fact that I am NOTHING like the people he surrounds himself with. Appears he likes me anyways. Too bad there aren't more people in the world like him (and yes, I'm kissing up....I would love another gift of a cruise!) Oh, and by the way, I DO have to wear clothing I dont like for 4 days of the week but I finally talked him into casual Fridays.....

 

Let me know what peaceful society you are talking about...I'd like to see it.

 

Shari

 

Hi Shari,

 

Peaceful was probably the wrong word. Functional would have been a better choice. Peaceful society is a bit of an oxymoron.

 

If I follow your logic.... you feel if there were consequences to breaking the dress code, you would consider it more valid. I would have to agree with you on that one. I think they should do a better job of enforcing all the rules. Or change them. Sometimes I think I am the only one afraid to save loungers at 7:00 am.

[spacecat]

Hi Shari,

 

Peaceful was probably the wrong word. Functional would have been a better choice. Peaceful society is a bit of an oxymoron.

 

If I follow your logic.... you feel if there were consequences to breaking the dress code, you would consider it more valid. I would have to agree with you on that one. I think they should do a better job of enforcing all the rules. Or change them. Sometimes I think I am the only one afraid to save loungers at 7:00 am.

 

No, my logic is: some rules make sense.....(speeding, for instance) and some make no sense (dress codes). I see the consequences in speeding (I may injure or kill someone) yet I see no consequence in wearing jeans in a dining room (other than hurting someones feelings and "ruining" the ambience). However, and this is where people are losing me: I DO NOT BREAK THE RULE!! I FOLLOW IT. I just wish that the "attitudes" would change a little bit and fellow passengers would quit telling people to sail on another line. I think there is room for all of us. I agree, if I wore jeans into the dining room, you can be upset with me all you want, but it didnt happen (with me, anyways). As uncomfortable as it was for me, I put on my "office wear" when I went to dinner, and on formal nights headed to the Lido. But to suggest I may be happier somewhere else is just plain rude. (Not that you suggested it, but other posters do....) Its the tone that bugs me.

 

And I'm with ya on the oxymoron!!:)

 

Shari