Seriously... formal wear?

[naturetchr]

Mangotango I would love practical advice for clothing. Just remember, we are not dress up types and don't want to be. We are going for the ocean view in alaska, not socializing. Mixed drinks and a beer in a bar on Friday night is a night out for us and we are happy with that. What have I gotten us into?

[greatam]

Mangotango I would love practical advice for clothing. Just remember, we are not dress up types and don't want to be. We are going for the ocean view in alaska, not socializing. Mixed drinks and a beer in a bar on Friday night is a night out for us and we are happy with that. What have I gotten us into?

 

Your husband will need a pair of Dockers and a collared shirt for even casual nights on HAL. You could wear a nice pair of dress pants and a nice top with heels and feel perfectly fine on casual night.

 

HAL is a totally different type of ship than Carnival, NCL or even RCCL. MUCH more traditional and there will be plenty of suits/tuxes, fine jewelry and fancy dresses on formal nights.

[6rugrats]

Mangotango I would love practical advice for clothing. Just remember, we are not dress up types and don't want to be. We are going for the ocean view in alaska, not socializing. Mixed drinks and a beer in a bar on Friday night is a night out for us and we are happy with that. What have I gotten us into?

 

People who like to get dressed up are not "uppity". Where does that come from?

 

You will have a great time I'm sure. You just can't eat in the dining room wearing jeans on HAL as already stated. You can always eat in the Lido, no formal attire required there, or have a very nice room service meal in your cabin. You can order off the main dining room menu the first couple of hours of dinner service.

 

No need to stress about this. You absolutely don't have to dress up if you don't want to. I have sailed HAL and found it a wonderful experience and one of our favorite cruises. Did not find people to be "snobs" because some of them really enjoyed wearing a tux on formal night!

 

Dress code from HAL's webpage:

Evening dress falls into two distinct categories: Formal or Smart Casual. Smart Casual can be defined as slacks and collared shirts for men and casual dresses, slacks and informal evening wear for women. 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 suit, cocktail dress or gown and gentlemen wear a jacket and tie, dark suit or tuxedo. There are approximately two formal nights per week.

 

Jeans, t-shirts, hats, shorts, tank tops, swimwear and workout attire are not permitted in the dining room or Pinnacle Grill at any time, but are allowed in the Lido restaurant.

 

 

In order to complement your fellow guests, Holland America Line asks that you observe the suggested dress code throughout the entire evening.

[jojop]

If I were you I would only look at Carnival or NCL.

 

That's really not a nice thing to say. Especially to those that are new to cruising and anxious about what their experience will be like. :mad:

 

naturetchr, I would just suggest you check their dress code policy. On non-formal nights, HAL doesn't outright say no denim or jeans. Their policy says for men to wear slacks. So be comfortable with what you interpret that to be. If all your husband wears is jeans see if you can put some dark jeans together with a nice dress shirt and loafers. You will find that he will look much better than many other folks. On formal nights, see if you can get him to wear a tie, throw on a blazer, and maybe some dark pants. No need to wear a full suit or tux.

 

If others frown at what you're wearing, who cares! You're there to have a good time. Times are changing!

 

I wish you a wonderful anniversary! DW and I just celebrated our 10th and did a Mediterranean cruise and hope we can last as long as you have!

[greatam]

That's really not a nice thing to say. Especially to those that are new to cruising and anxious about what their experience will be like. :mad:

 

naturetchr, I would just suggest you check their dress code policy. On non-formal nights, HAL doesn't outright say no denim or jeans. Their policy says for men to wear slacks. So be comfortable with what you interpret that to be. If all your husband wears is jeans see if you can put some dark jeans together with a nice dress shirt and loafers. You will find that he will look much better than many other folks. On formal nights, see if you can get him to wear a tie, throw on a blazer, and maybe some dark pants. No need to wear a full suit or tux.

 

 

HAL's policy SPECIFICALLY states NO JEAN's in the dining room ANYTIME. 6rugrats just posted the ENTIRE HAL policy in the post before yours.

 

"Jeans, t-shirts, hats, shorts, tank tops, swimwear and workout attire are not permitted in the dining room or Pinnacle Grill at any time, but are allowed in the Lido restaurant."

[jojop]

That's funny... because that second line about jeans is NOT posted in the dress code section:

 

http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-planning/PlanningAndAdvice.action?tabName=Cruise+Preparation&contentMenu=Baggage,+Packing+%26+Dress+Code&contentSubMenu=Clothing+%26+Dress+Code

[6rugrats]

naturetchr, I would just suggest you check their dress code policy. On non-formal nights, HAL doesn't outright say no denim or jeans.

 

Yes, they do. I took this policy directly from HAL's webpage.

 

You always have the option, as pointed out, of eating in the Lido, or in your room. If you have a balcony, you may enjoy room service more. There used to be a frequent poster on the HAL board that never set foot in the dining room because she did not want to comply with the dress code, and she enjoyed eating on her balcony every day. If you are going for the view, you will too.

[jojop]

Yes, they do. I took this policy directly from HAL's webpage.

 

You always have the option, as pointed out, of eating in the Lido, or in your room. If you have a balcony, you may enjoy room service more. There used to be a frequent poster on the HAL board that never set foot in the dining room because she did not want to comply with the dress code, and she enjoyed eating on her balcony every day. If you are going for the view, you will too.

 

Perhaps there are different websites. Maybe if you post the link the original poster can see for themselves.

[6rugrats]

That's funny... because that second line about jeans is NOT posted in the dress code section:

 

http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-planning/PlanningAndAdvice.action?tabName=Cruise+Preparation&contentMenu=Baggage,+Packing+%26+Dress+Code&contentSubMenu=Clothing+%26+Dress+Code

 

Do you think I just made this up?

 

I wanted to give this poster the most accurate information about an Alaska cruise and the dress code for this region.

 

Go to FAQ

 

Choose, Baggage, Packing and Dress Code

 

Then pick Packing for Alaska

 

Scroll down to the heading, Dinner Dress

 

Jeans are not allowed in the dining room or Pinnacle Grill on any itinerary on any HAL ship.

 

For those who manage to find this webpage but seem incapable of doing any other research themselves, here is the link:

http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-planning/PlanningAndAdvice.action?tabName=Cruise+Preparation&contentMenu=Baggage,+Packing+%26+Dress+Code&contentSubMenu=Packing+for+Alaska

[falootin]

Sorry, but your hubby will not be allowed in the HAL dining room in jeans ANYTIME. HAL is one of the most formal, traditional lines and about 90% will comply with the dress code-at least to the extent of suits/sports coats. The ladies will generally be dressed to the nines.

 

Just plan on dining in the buffet on formal nights and buy him a pair of Dockers for the other nights. Otherwise, I think you will feel horribly out of place.

 

 

 

sorry but I don't agree we went on HAL Alaska last yeat and my brother-inlaw wore jeans almost everynight in the dining room nobody said anything to him. It's your cruise you paid for it wear what you want...

[jojop]

Wow... thanks for the clarification! I guess there are very many inconsistent links in the HAL website. They are not proofreading their web. It's different than the link I posted. So this would be very confusing to any newcomer to the line.

 

Also wonder what the actual paper documents say? There are some that don't have internet access and don't the ability to look up this information.

 

In any case, to naturetchr, best to follow the guidelines. But in the end of it all, go to enjoy your anniversary.

[LUVENCRUISIN]

I'm new to this website but find it shocking how you guys talk to each other! It seems like the "upety" folks are pitted against the "Too casual" ones. Aren't there any of you in-between? I haven't cruised in 20 years and I was only 24 then. We were just trying to get away for a while and never noticed how others were dressed. It seems to me like you are going to scare away anyone who is new to cruising. Would you guys talk to someone, in person, the way you are in your posts?

[greatam]

sorry but I don't agree we went on HAL Alaska last yeat and my brother-inlaw wore jeans almost everynight in the dining room nobody said anything to him. It's your cruise you paid for it wear what you want...

 

Sloppy standards on your ship.

 

It is also MY cruise. I am paying for a certain level of ambiance by booking a HAL cruise. I choose to dine in a formal, upscale atmosphere even on casual nights. If I wanted a Chili's, Appleby's or TGIF experience, I can stay home and save a lot of money.

[jojop]

I'm new to this website but find it shocking how you guys talk to each other! It seems like the "upety" folks are pitted against the "Too casual" ones. Aren't there any of you in-between? I haven't cruised in 20 years and I was only 24 then. We were just trying to get away for a while and never noticed how others were dressed. It seems to me like you are going to scare away anyone who is new to cruising. Would you guys talk to someone, in person, the way you are in your posts?

 

Welcome LUVENCRUISIN! I actually find this board quite entertaining. Don't be afraid and take everything with a grain of salt. I've read that this board represents a tiny TINY fraction of all cruising passengers. You will find that the mood and feel of the board differs greatly between different lines. The hottest topic that I enjoy reading for it's entertainment value are Dress Code, Liquor, Smoking, and Children on board. For the most part, everyone is here to provide options, get advice, etc. It's up to the reader to filter out what they want to or don't want to read.

[naturetchr]

jojop thanks for the response and congrats. We have celebrated anniversaries in a great variety of ways and know we will enjoy each other even if not the cruise. We don't really want to eat our meals in our room but would to avoid people like greatam. We have no problem with people who play dress up we just don't feel a need to join them and are glad to hear that there is a more natural dining area on the ship. Again, thanks for the positive.

[36kruzes]

In just one word: YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Add a little jewelry if you like and you're ready to go! :cool:

 

 

:confused: DH is FINALLY taking me on a cruise to the Caribbean in October. I've been reading all sorts of pre-cruise info.(glad to find this site!) Honestly though, my lifestyle has made formal clothing a thing of the past. So, if need be, I'll purchase a basic "that will do" dress. I've actually found several at not too bad a price at Travelsmith. BUT,they are certainly not "formal". More of the basic black knee length dress; reverses to a print.. Will this, with a pair of sandals do?

[36kruzes]

Don't dread the trip and don't buy clothes you don't want or won't wear again! You can wear dresses you already own -- if you have something in a dark color, great. Or just wear nice dark slacks and a halfway dressy top. And I don't mean sequins or spangles of some sort.

 

Your husband can wear jeans in the DR any night except formal and maybe even then but he might feel a little weird. How about a pair of dark Dockers and a dress shirt (no tie or jacket needed). Loafers will suffice.

 

Don't let anyone tell you there's a need to dress 'formal' in the DR and unless you are sailing Crystal or similar you will be just fine.

 

Now go on your Caribbean cruise care-free and have a great time!~

 

 

My husband and I will take our first cruise to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary at encouragement from our kids. The formal wear thing has us really dreading the trip. We are not formal wear people!! We don't want to buy clothes we will never wear again and don't want to be uncomfortable in clothes that are not us!! My husband doesn't own anything but jeans and my dresses are the few I teach in. What can we do?

[eandj]

That's really not a nice thing to say. Especially to those that are new to cruising and anxious about what their experience will be like. :mad:

 

naturetchr, I would just suggest you check their dress code policy. On non-formal nights, HAL doesn't outright say no denim or jeans. Their policy says for men to wear slacks. So be comfortable with what you interpret that to be. If all your husband wears is jeans see if you can put some dark jeans together with a nice dress shirt and loafers. You will find that he will look much better than many other folks. On formal nights, see if you can get him to wear a tie, throw on a blazer, and maybe some dark pants. No need to wear a full suit or tux.

 

If others frown at what you're wearing, who cares! You're there to have a good time. Times are changing!

 

I wish you a wonderful anniversary! DW and I just celebrated our 10th and did a Mediterranean cruise and hope we can last as long as you have!

 

Jojop, when I suggested she look at Carnival or NCL, I was NOT trying to be "not nice". At the time of my reply, she hadn't stated that they already booked HAL. Each line has guidelines and a certain lifestyle/atmosphere. If new cruisers would take time to research the specific cruiseline before booking, they wouldn't be shocked to find that perhaps they weren't prepared to hear what a particular ship is like.

 

You might want to go back to read what naturetchr and her husband are unwilling to do, instead of offering the same info that we all did already. She specifically said no tie, no non denim, no black dress etc. Her only choice left is to choose the other restaurant for dinner, especially formal nights. It's a shame, as the dinners there are wonderful and so well served. Part of a above average mainstream cruise experience for most on HAL.

 

But as eveyone has said in a variety of way, there are other dining options that they can enjoy as well. Should not make a difference in them enjoying the Alaskan itinerary.

[eandj]

Don't dread the trip and don't buy clothes you don't want or won't wear again! You can wear dresses you already own -- if you have something in a dark color, great. Or just wear nice dark slacks and a halfway dressy top. And I don't mean sequins or spangles of some sort.

 

Your husband can wear jeans in the DR any night except formal and maybe even then but he might feel a little weird. How about a pair of dark Dockers and a dress shirt (no tie or jacket needed). Loafers will suffice.

 

Don't let anyone tell you there's a need to dress 'formal' in the DR and unless you are sailing Crystal or similar you will be just fine.

 

Now go on your Caribbean cruise care-free and have a great time!~

 

You might want to go back to read previous posts. Caribbean? Jeans on HAL? Dress shirt on her husband? NOT

[6rugrats]

I'm new to this website but find it shocking how you guys talk to each other! It seems like the "upety" folks are pitted against the "Too casual" ones. Aren't there any of you in-between? I haven't cruised in 20 years and I was only 24 then. We were just trying to get away for a while and never noticed how others were dressed. It seems to me like you are going to scare away anyone who is new to cruising. Would you guys talk to someone, in person, the way you are in your posts?

 

I find posts such as this puzzling. Why would you call someone "upety"[sic] for merely posting what the dress code was? Why would you think that was rude, but that it's not rude to call someone uppity?

 

I never understand how why, when someone asks for informtion, and then the correct information is provided, people get up in arms. Wear what you like; you know what has been requested by the cruiseline.

 

Doing research before booking a cruise will help find the cruiseline that best fits your lifestyle. There is nothing wrong with casual or formal; just don't be up in arms if you want to wear jeans on a more formal ship and you are asked to leave the dining room. No one here makes these rules.

[36kruzes]

If you are so offended by those who purchase their trip and pack/dress as they believe is appropriate, then you risk being scandalized by what you see. Too bad. NO cruise on any large ship offers the same experience of some city or town's highest end restaurant -- not the food, not the clientele, not the 'help.'

 

Perhaps since you WILL see people whose mode of dress will offend you it would be best if you did stay home and "save a lot of money."

 

 

 

quote=greatam;19812402]Sloppy standards on your ship.

 

It is also MY cruise. I am paying for a certain level of ambiance by booking a HAL cruise. I choose to dine in a formal, upscale atmosphere even on casual nights. If I wanted a Chili's, Appleby's or TGIF experience, I can stay home and save a lot of money.

[36kruzes]

I did read the other posts and yes, I noted I made one error -- they are visiting ALASKA, not the Caribbean -- even more reason to go casual! Yes, jeans on HAL and a dress shirt on the husband. Why not? I've seen worse on HAL, believe me. There will be plenty of family groups on board in all types of get-ups, as on ANY cruise ship. Alaska and HAL are famous for grandparents escorting grandkids on summer cruises and pretty much anything goes.

 

I hope those new to cruising who agonize about this idiotic what-to-wear issue stop reading these boards and just pack as they would for any land based vacation other than camping.

 

 

You might want to go back to read previous posts. Caribbean? Jeans on HAL? Dress shirt on her husband? NOT

[6rugrats]

I did read the other posts and yes, I noted I made one error -- they are visiting ALASKA, not the Caribbean -- even more reason to go casual! Yes, jeans on HAL and a dress shirt on the husband. Why not? I've seen worse on HAL, believe me. There will be plenty of family groups on board in all types of get-ups, as on ANY cruise ship. Alaska and HAL are famous for grandparents escorting grandkids on summer cruises and pretty much anything goes.

 

I hope those new to cruising who agonize about this idiotic what-to-wear issue stop reading these boards and just pack as they would for any land based vacation other than camping.

 

It's confusing because there are really two discussions going on here; the first in response to the OP's question about formal, and the second to the poster asking about jeans on HAL in Alaska.

[eandj]

Yes, rugrats. The OP asked if her dress choice was "formal" enough. Conclusion was a little black dress would work fine...no formal gowns necessary.

 

Midway, naturetchr asked for advice for her dh and her wardrobes. I again would advise her to ask her question on the HAL board so she hears straight from May Alaskan cruisers. And to reread the official dress guidelines and work from there.

[greatam]

If you are so offended by those who purchase their trip and pack/dress as they believe is appropriate, then you risk being scandalized by what you see. Too bad.

 

One of the most selfish posts I have ever read on CC. It is OK to have your cruise, jeans and all (and if you were on HAL and wore jeans to the main dining room, you did not observe the rules), but it is NOT OK for me to have what the cruise line PROMISED-ambiance, a formal atmosphere, fine dining with all the courses and all the silverware/glassware and everyone dressed in formal clothes????? Pretty darn selfish to not only other passengers but to the cruise line. VERY disrespectful.

 

I do not book a cruise line that does NOT have formal nights nor does not enforce the rules (although certain cruises get pretty sloppy in enforcement). No different than EXPECTING to have exquisite service, fine food and ambiance in a restaurant like River Cafe, Per Se, Rainbow Room-ALL have a dress code. Or going to a biker bar in jeans and t shirts. You plan something with EXPECTATIONS that the experience will yield a certain atmosphere and ambiance. IF parts of the experience are lacking, you feel let down. And part of the experience on a formal, traditional cruise line is formal night. Other cruise lines promise different experiences-no formal nights, jeans allowed, etc., etc. I don't book those but they are perfectly fine for those who care for that experience.

 

 

NO cruise on any large ship offers the same experience of some city or town's highest end restaurant -- not the food, not the clientele, not the 'help.'

 

 

Guess you have missed the fine food and ambiance on Cunard, Seabourn and some X cruises (over 2 weeks).