Which Rule Is Most Important To You?

[Ziggy7]

Which Rule Is Most Important To You? If the cruise lines ever decided to enforce one of their basic rules / guidelines, which ONE would you care to see enforced the most “completely” (no and, no if and no but)



Dress Code

Designated Smoking Areas

No reserving lounge chairs

No minors allowed (i.e hot tubs, adult pools, etc)

None of the above, nothing bothers me!

[jbhcw]

Okay, I have to answer this one! No reserving deck chairs!

[saltydog28]

RULES??????? We don't need no stinkin' RULES!!!!!

Pat.

[RuthC]

The ever-popular dress code!

By and large smokers obey the rules. On the rare occasion that someone is smoking in a non-smoking area the passengers tend to take care of that themselves anyway.
I haven't found saving lounge chairs to be a problem.
There are usually few---if any---kids on my cruises, so there's no kids where they don't belong. Or, if there are, not enough to be a problem.

But inappropriate dress! Ah, that's something I'm forced to look at. Shorts on hairy-legged men in lounges on formal night---yikes. :eek:

[dakrewser]

All of them. THere's no sense in having a policy if it's not enforced.

[sail7seas]

Dress Code.


While some folks will argue that what they wear has no impact on anyone else, I disagree. It does effect others.

[HeatherInFlorida]

I'm with dress code, too, of all of these. I think Ruth is right in that people are very good about smoking in designated areas.

But when I'm dressed for dinner it's just a better feeling overall if everyone around me is dressed, too. It's for this reason, quite honestly, that I don't walk around the ship after 6:00 on formal nights until I'm dressed (we always have late sitting for dinner).

I ignore reserved lounge chairs:o . I do have to say, though, that I was really angry on our Oosterdam cruise when we went into the theatre one night and 2 people had reserved a continuous couch ... the one that holds at least 20+ people. He sat on one end and his wife sat on the other and they said they were reserving the entire row. It wasn't worth an argument to me so we simply moved. But the man was actually nasty in telling us that they had purposely gotten there early to reserve the entire row.

P.S. Only about 5 of their friends ever showed up!

[Aussie Gal]

I am also with the Dress Code. I agree with Heather, that when one is dressed up it is nice that people around you are dressed similarly. It is a special dinner and occasion and it is lovely to see everyone in the dining room dressed accordingly. I must admit that on the Prinsendam last October, I did not see anyone who wasn't in the correct attire.

With regards to smoking, I haven't been offended by anyone smoking in the wrong places whilst on board and the same has gone for saving chairs. Perhaps because we have not been sailing in warm waters and therefore the chairs have not been as popular. Though when we were on the Tahitian Princess in March last year we didn't find this a problem either.

Jennie

[KSCnCA]

Being from California, where smokers are 2nd class citizens, I am always surprised to be in areas indoors where people smoke. Smoking in restaurants and bars has been banned here for years. I really appreciate no smoking zones on the ship where you can't even smell a wiff of smoke. I agree, most smokers are pretty considerate, but I still think it's great to have a place to go where I can breath fresh air. My husband smokes (outside, never in the house or car) and on the ship he keeps track of me while he's off having a smoke. I can't seem to lose him! :D

[ExpCruiser]

I'd vote for all the cruise lines to have decent smoking policies and then enforce them. For example, Tables in the casino that are no smoking; one end of the craps table for non smokers; one side of the outside decks for non smoking. HAL in particular has an almost nonexistent smoking policy and for those of us with problems, it IS a problem.

[star453]

My #1 pet peeve is people that smoke in the non-smoking areas. But,the dress code is right up there too. I HATE to dress up in a suit...but, When I get on that ship I do enjoy dressing up:)

Dennis

[stanford's girl]

I'd rather be sitting next to someone in jeans and a T-shirt than have someone sitting next to me smoking.:p
And before all you smokers start going postal on me, let me say I smoked for 30 years before giving it up. It wasn't easy but I did it.:D

[southern_yarddog]

smoking is the #1 for me. although being around someone smoking outside is all that bad but when you get next to it inside it about kills me and my son. Yes, I smoked for 13 years before I laid it down. Now I don't know how I ever smoked at all. Dress codes on formal night is a must. the rest just go around in your underwear:eek: ......:D :p

[viennacruiser]

I voted for getting rid of chair hogs:eek: there is nothing worse than going to the pool and seeing all those pool chairs with only towels enjoying themselves.:mad:
I would like to see the pool staff dump stuff in the trash after 30 minutes of being unsued..ok ;) well maybe not the trash but in the lost and found:D

[jhannah]

Can't really vote. I'm like Dave in that if there are rules/standards then how can you say one is important and others not? I know what the purpose of the poll is, but I think they should all be considered important. Now if we could just get them ... any of them ... consistently enforced.

[TeresaJenkins]

My pick:
No minors allowed (i.e hot tubs, adult pools, etc)

Germs, (and general nastiness), not that adults don't have them, but I'd say fewer adults pee in the pool.

Same answer I gave in the other poll (I saw it 1st).

[LizB1]

I also voted for the Dress Code to be enforced.

And, I have yet to see a smoker in a non-smoking area. It is generally just the opposite...a non-smoker taking over a table in the smoking area and complaining about the smokers or someone walking thru the "designated smoking area" and waving their hand in front of their face and complaining.

[longtimecruiser]

I also voted for ENFORCE THE DRESS CODE!!! I agree with what Ruth said. Smokers are not the problem. They stay in their areas. What I don't like to see is someone in jeans when I'm dressed for dinner. I don't care what anyone says, it does spoil the ambiance.

[grannynurse]

I agree with Ruth and longtimecruiser. It really shows a lack of consideration for folks to show up in the dining room with tank tops and cutoffs.
I was really pleased to see that maitre D's on some of the ships were controlling the issue.

I could care less about the quality and design of people's dress; it's the lack of effort that offends me.
GN

[getaway101]

I voted for the smoking........only because it effects me physically, but with that said I also agree if you have "rules", "guidelines", "suggestions" whatever you want to call them, then the people who don't wnat to acknowledge them should maybe find a type of vacation that doesn't "require", "suggest", etc. them. :eek:

[dakrewser]

My pick:
No minors allowed (i.e hot tubs, adult pools, etc)



I first read this as no MIRRORS allowed! And I thought that was a pretty good rule :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

I voted for the smoking........only because it effects me physically, but with that said I also agree if you have "rules", "guidelines", "suggestions" whatever you want to call them, then the people who don't wnat to acknowledge them should maybe find a type of vacation that doesn't "require", "suggest", etc. them. :eek:

This is such a great point!!:) I live in a gated community with a ton of rules and regs and an equal number of people to complain about them. I've said the same thing here ... if you don't like to live with rules then you really should not choose this kind of community to live in.

There are a lot of places for people to go on vacation that there are few, if any, rules to live by. Sadly, the people who don't want to live by a "code of conduct" also don't bother to read what that code is wherever they may go.

Dave! I'm for that ... No Mirrors!!! :D

[blackbird71]

I hate Informal Nights..... and Radisson changed the rules between final docs and me getting on the ship. :mad:

I do not mind wearing a Tux. But to have to pack a suit and tie for informal nights is crazy. While for my 12 day Amazon cruise I did pack two sports coats, Radisson changed informal night from jacket and tie to jacket and optional tie. Grrrrrr. would have never packed the gray suit, white shirt and ties.

[Ziggy7]

I know what the purpose of the poll is, but I think they should all be considered important. Now if we could just get them ... any of them ... consistently enforced.I agree, they need to be enforced, as first time HAL cruiser's we went going under the impression everyone would be following the same rules, once we were on the ship, things were not that way. Did it ruin our cruise , no way! But we read the rules, agreed to them and they even had us sign an agreement to follow them, so why do all that if you dont really have to follow them ???? We followed the rules because we agreed to them. But I think HAL is the key here, they need to enforce them :)
Flame away if you must but this in our honest opnion and were sticking to it :)

[Peggy Sue]

SMOKING for me!! I agree, most passengers stick to the smoking side of the deck, but where I find it very offensive is in the Casino's and some lounges. It's so filled with smoke that there is no place for a non smoker to enjoy themselves. The casino on the Volendam was small .. but they could have made an effort to isolate sections of it for non-smokers. I know fellow passengers who didn't go near the place because it was too smoke filled. The piano bar we didn't frequent because it was near the casino and smelled of smoke.

The Explorers lounge was great .. smokers in the back, and those of us in non smoking smelled nothing offensive.

Not saying that smokers should not have the right to smoke .. I just think that every venue should have a designated smoking area so that we non smokers can enjoy the venue too.

[blackbird71]

I first read this as no MIRRORS allowed! And I thought that was a pretty good rule :)

LOL you should see the 4' by 4' mirror in the shower on the RSSC Mariner. :eek:

[RuthC]

I find it interesting that some people have voted to enforce the smoking rule, but there has been no suggestion that rule is being broken. As a matter of fact the replies suggest that smokers are staying in smoking areas.
If there is any complaint about smoking it's that smoking areas are too smoky.

So, if there is no violation of the smoking rule, why vote to enforce it? :confused:

Grannynurse and longtimecruiser, we seem to be sympatico. Maybe we should take a cruise together sometime!
Oh, yeah.... ;)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Ruth, it's so interesting you mention this because I was thinking the same thing. Then I noticed there are 27 posts and 116 votes. So my guess is that the people who voted for the smoking rule to be enforced did not post for fear of getting flamed by the smokers.

What do you think? Make any sense???:o

[Sueseb]

The dress code for me! What really bothers me is a baseball cap worn in the dining room -- have seen this on the last 3 cruises. And, no one says anything to them. RUDE.

[RuthC]

Or perhaps, Heather, they are more "anti-smokers" and are skewing the poll? :confused: There are people who are intolerant of allowing smoking anywhere.

I've found the discussion to be quite civil so far, with no flaming (can we say "flaming" about "non-smoking"? Is that an oximoron?). I sure hope it can continue that way.
I would still like an explanation of why people think the smoking rule should be enforced when there is no one saying the rule is being broken.

[Peggy Sue]

I'll respond to the question by RuthC and Heather about smoking ..

Yes, I agree the majority of the fellow passengers do somke in designated areas..it's really not the passengers...it's HAL .. guess that's really for another thread.. because passengers are following the rules, I just wish HAL would set up no smoking areas in ALL venues on the ship .. guess we're saying that HAL needs to expand the rules they've set up to include all venues ;) IE..Casino, and area around the casino the air was blue with smoke .. the smokers were not violating any rule .. but HAL did not set up any area for non-smokers etc.

Everyone on board is on vacation .. I certainly would not say to anyone that they must stop smoking on vacation because of ME .. live and let live .. perhaps HAL has done this because there is no smoking in show and dining rooms .. not sure what their reasoning is .. but, I don't like being around smoke, and appreciate the efforts made to set up venues where we all can coexist peacefully.

Perhaps your right about people and how they may vote when seeing a list like was offered in the poll .. I viewed them all and being in a smoke free area is more important to me personally than any of the others..perhaps I responded with my emotions about this topic...In MA our offices, stores, dining, bars etc. have been smoke free for years ... when we do encounter smoke it is offensive .. not the people .. the smoke...

I do agree with others that if HAL has rules, regardless of what they are, they ALL should be enforced .. after all, rules are there so that all passengers may enjoy their cruise experience .... right??

Peggy Sue

Peggy Sue

[HeatherInFlorida]

Well, I agree Peggy Sue. Personally I don't like to be around smoke either but on the other hand I respect the rights of those who want to smoke. I honestly feel it's their right and choice to do so.

On Celebrity the entire starboard side of the ship is smoke free. So I always walk on the starboard side (no smoking even on the pool deck). I believe it even held true in the casino. I found it great except when I would forget and walk down the port side:D .

[stanford's girl]

Well, I agree Peggy Sue. Personally I don't like to be around smoke either but on the other hand I respect the rights of those who want to smoke. I honestly feel it's their right and choice to do so.

On Celebrity the entire starboard side of the ship is smoke free. So I always walk on the starboard side (no smoking even on the pool deck). I believe it even held true in the casino. I found it great except when I would forget and walk down the port side:D .

Heather,
Do you know if this is true on all celebrity ships? I'm looking at a few different itineraries. Thanks.:)

[stanford's girl]

EDIT--- Sorry for the double post:D

[TYMAN]

The OP didn't ask which rule is being broken the most..just which rule is important to us. I think all rules are important, just like a gated community, but I believe smoking in non-smoking areas would bother me the most.

[Kathy & George]

The only rule that counts is don't fall off the ship! Have a good time we are all on vacation.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Heather,
Do you know if this is true on all celebrity ships? I'm looking at a few different itineraries. Thanks.:)

I'm pretty sure it is. You could do a thread on the Celebrity boards to check.

[MetathoraX]

Quick question, I am with the gentlemen that said he hates dressing in a suit except on a cruise. I agree, but what is the general rule for after dinner? I would be happy with ditching the coat and even tie! What's the general thought?

[sail7seas]

There must be traffic jams on starboard side with the majority being non-smokers......


If in a hurry and want to 'move right along', just walk on port side :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Quick question, I am with the gentlemen that said he hates dressing in a suit except on a cruise. I agree, but what is the general rule for after dinner? I would be happy with ditching the coat and even tie! What's the general thought?

They do ask that you remain in formal attire throughout the evening. There are, unfortunately, always some who don't. It always seems to me, though, that most do stay in formalwear.

Sail, yes! And take a deep cleansing breath before!:D

[pins5]

Wow....Im glad I read this thread! I thought formal night was just for dinner! I don't mind either way....but Im sure my DH would want to run right back to the room and get changed and I wouldn't have stopped him!
We would be rule breakers and not even know it:eek:

[pins5]

Strike that last post of mine....I do mind either way. The women in our group chose this cruise because we all wanted a formal evening so..... We can show them this thread and the men won't think its just us forcing them to stayed dressed that way! :D

[pins5]

http://www.strangecosmos.com/images/content/105873.jpg


There must be traffic jams on starboard side with the majority being non-smokers......

[richnorto]

I've had some good laughs on this board, but I've got tears running down my face from laughing so hard! TOO funny!:D

[HeatherInFlorida]

Pins! You are HOT today!!! Between this and the TP pic! "A picture speaks a thousand words" sure holds true today!!! Too funny. Thanks for the laugh:D

[Randyk47]

Celebrity's policy from their FAQ's:

What is your onboard smoking policy?
Subject: Ship and Stateroom Details (http://www.celebrity.com/beforeyourcruise/faq/home.do;jsessionid=000036lzoTtGyCHJHOnA9WJcIuu:102 8etrd4?faqSubjectName=Ship+and+Stateroom+Details&pagename=faq_questions)

Smoking is permitted on the port-side of most public lounges and deck areas.
Pipe and cigar smoking is not permitted in the public lounges.
Smoking is not allowed in all dining venues and the Show Lounge.
Smoking is allowed in suites/staterooms.
There are no non-smoking staterooms.

Somewhat like HAL's but maybe spelled out a little better. At least they picked a side of the ship and it's standardized throughout the ship. HAL kind of moves theirs around a bit and as a smoker I get a little worried if I'm in the right place or not. Since we are careful about when and where we smoke I picked dress code as my most important issue. I can understand why others picked the smoking policy/rules.

[vjw1218]

The smoking rule is definitely the most important to me because it's a health issue, not an aesthetic one. The other options are more subjective. Personally, I wish the entire ship was non-smoking. I really hate having to walk through a designated smoking area to get to another part of the ship. Gross.

[pins5]

HeatherInFlorida Pins! You are HOT today!!! Between this and the TP pic! "A picture speaks a thousand words" sure holds true today!!! Too funny. Thanks for the laugh:D

I must be on a ROLL"!
Your welcome! :p

[sail7seas]

PINS.....THAT WAS HYSTERICAL!!!



http://domania.us/DaveEdwards/WheelFace.gif

[HeatherInFlorida]

It is interesting to note though, Pins;) , that the photo you provided shows the port side of the ship to be in the drink. So evidently on that ship at least, there were more smokers.

Randy, thanks for posting Celebrity's policy. I think Celebrity makes it a lot easier than HAL because it is so clear to everyone which side is the smoking side. Since DH smokes his pipe on our balcony (never inside or he's one dead DH:o ) I always get a cabin on the port side. I know I don't have to do this, but I just think it's nicer.

vjw, this policy would also help you because all you'd have to be sure of is that you walk on the starboard side of the ship. You would not run into any smokers at all. I think it makes everyone happy.

[pins5]

Heather It is interesting to note though, Pins;) , that the photo you provided shows the port side of the ship to be in the drink. So evidently on that ship at least, there were more smokers.

No Heather....It's not that there are more smokers......after sail7seas gave away a little secret....all the "Chair Hogs" were trying to get to the pool faster !:p



sail7seas
There must be traffic jams on starboard side with the majority being non-smokers......


If in a hurry and want to 'move right along', just walk on port side

[HeatherInFlorida]

Oh you're right, Pins!!! :D .... my mistake. Boy, words travels fast, doesn't it? The power of CC ... goes back in time;)

[Stitcher]

I voted for the lounge chairs. Nothing more frustrating than to come out all ready to read and relax and you can't find a dang chair and then when you ask someone about a chair they look at you like of course this chair is taken when you know its not. :rolleyes: Not worth arguing over though.

Next would be the dress code. Casual dressing is fine but when it comes to jeans and tank tops I do not care for that.

[SantaAna,CA]

Haven't been on HAL yet, taking a cruise in August to Alaska. After reading all these comments, now I'm worrying about the chance my balcony will be next to some guy puffing on a cigar or a pipe or a cigarette (they have a right to smoke, but I also have a right to breathe!) and/or my suite will smell like smoke, maybe from a previous smoker. I can't imagine HAL could "clean" a room enough to take the smell of smoke out of the carpet, drapes, etc. Any ideas, suggestions? Thanks! No offense to smokers, k? :)

Jane

[dakrewser]

Haven't been on HAL yet, taking a cruise in August to Alaska. After reading all these comments, now I'm worrying about the chance my balcony will be next to some guy puffing on a cigar or a pipe or a cigarette (they have a right to smoke, but I also have a right to breathe!) and/or my suite will smell like smoke, maybe from a previous smoker. I can't imagine HAL could "clean" a room enough to take the smell of smoke out of the carpet, drapes, etc. Any ideas, suggestions? Thanks! No offense to smokers, k? :)

Jane

They actually can get the smell out as others have mentioned here (after complaining about a lingering aroma when first boarding.) While you'll find more smokers on a cruise then, say, at a mall in California it's one place where HAL's repuation for an older demographic can work in your favor - in a morbid sort of way....

[sail7seas]

Oh you're right, Pins!!! :D .... my mistake. Boy, words travels fast, doesn't it? The power of CC ... goes back in time;)



Funny!!! :D

[trubey]

Health hazard . . . I'd say a good dose of Norovirus or e. coli H:0157 from some baby in the pool would be a little more immediately serious than somebody's second hand smoke, but that's a personal choice.

I DID notice, however, that at the beginning of the cruise there were maybe 10 people in the smoking section on the Lido, but by the end -- 13 days -- you couldn't get a chair! The smoking section in the Crow's nest was overflowing with people who couldn't get a seat standing over there to grab a puff or two. Same in the Oak Room.

Maybe a few secret smokers came out of the closet?

Lane

see my Rottweiler? This is Fluffy, and I paid a heck of a lot of money for her.

[HeatherInFlorida]

see my Rottweiler? This is Fluffy, and I paid a heck of a lot of money for her.

Now THAT was funny........:D

[jaguarstyper]

For the record, I voted, but had not posted. Probably since I voted for none of the above. I couldnt find a good reason to post a justification.

Tim

[TeresaJenkins]

Health hazard . . . I'd say a good dose of Norovirus or e. coli H:0157 from some baby in the pool would be a little more immediately serious than somebody's second hand smoke, but that's a personal choice.

I DID notice, however, that at the beginning of the cruise there were maybe 10 people in the smoking section on the Lido, but by the end -- 13 days -- you couldn't get a chair! The smoking section in the Crow's nest was overflowing with people who couldn't get a seat standing over there to grab a puff or two. Same in the Oak Room.
Maybe a few secret smokers came out of the closet?
Lane
see my Rottweiler? This is Fluffy, and I paid a heck of a lot of money for her.


LOL, Your FLUFFY is a cutie.

BTW, I think we voted for the same thing.

[geegee1]

i voted for smoking. i understand wearing proper attire to dinner, but afterwards i don't understand why people would have to stay in a suit/dress if they don't want to. personally i'll wear my suit all night, but it doesn't bother me if people feel like changing into more comfortable clothes

[dakrewser]

i voted for smoking. i understand wearing proper attire to dinner, but afterwards i don't understand why people would have to stay in a suit/dress if they don't want to. personally i'll wear my suit all night, but it doesn't bother me if people feel like changing into more comfortable clothes

If your suit isn't comfortable, then perhaps you need a different tailor....

:rolleyes: -dave

[Cruiseoften]

Can't really vote. I'm like Dave in that if there are rules/standards then how can you say one is important and others not? I know what the purpose of the poll is, but I think they should all be considered important. Now if we could just get them ... any of them ... consistently enforced.

I feel exactly the same way.....

[hogwildcruzers]

When all ships post a dress code for the main dinning rooms I really can't understand why anyone would dress inappropriate knowing the rules, it makes me think,do they feel they are above this rule or are they just without class. I have nothing against casual dress in any dinning room, but sloppy is classless and disrespectful to the people that follow the codes.. I don't mean to offend anybody but this is my response to the poll.

[Himself]

I voted dress code but I see designated smoking areas is the biggest one.

I have not noticed that one being violated and I am very sensitive to it. I smoked from 1956-1992 and had to quit. (Health reasons.) I have become very "anti-smoke" over the years and am quite aware if I am anywhere near smokers. I have not noticed people smoking in public outside of the designated smoking areas. However, I have seen people in dining rooms dressed inapproriately for the dining room. Blue Jeans at dinner in the dining room, jackets not being worn on nights when jackets are required, causal dress on formal nights. That is why I voted the way I did.

Himself

[peaches from georgia]

..... it makes me think,do they feel they are above this rule or are they just without class....
BOTH!

(And love your avatar!)

[noblepa]

I would have to say smoking, as well, although, reserving deck chairs and show lounge seats is right up there.

Speaking of smoking, this poll seems to indicate that quite a few veteran cruisers are non-smokers and are offended by smokers who abuse ships policies regarding smoking. So why did Carnival drop the no-smoking policy on the Paradise? My wife and I took a seven day cruise on the Paradise six years ago and it was great. No smoke anywhere on the ship, even the casino. By contrast, last year, we cruised on the Glory and the smoke in the casino obscured even the bright neon lights.

If there was enough demand for a non-smoking ship, that Carnival could operate the Paradise profitably for six years, it seems that there is enough market for a smaller ship, or at least to designate some decks or cabins as non-smoking. Hotels have done this for years.

[peaches from georgia]

Speaking of smoking, this poll seems to indicate that quite a few veteran cruisers are non-smokers and are offended by smokers who abuse ships policies regarding smoking. So why did Carnival drop the no-smoking policy on the Paradise?
I guess because there aren't enough people who will book a totally non-smoking ship on a consistent basis, so it wasn't profitable. I think the abuse, by smokers, of the smoking rules is not a major problem either. So while some non-smokers are 'irritated' by smoke, abuse of the rules is not serious enough to cause a non-smoking ship to be a necessity for most people.

I think also that many pax cruise as a family unit or a group and have smokers among their members, thereby eliminating that totally non-smoking ship from consideration for booking.

[Tarkus]

glad to see there are a few others that prefer time where no minors are allowed.

used to be i would've voted against smoking, but since acquiring a taste for an occasional cigar a few years ago i've mellowed a bit on that topic. at least i'm pleased to see the zuiderdam has a dedicated cigar bar (with separate ventilation) so i'll limit my shipboard enjoyment to there.

[michmike]

Defintely the most important rule (to break anyway) is the one concerning smuggled alcohol. You can't believe how hard I had to look to find a suitcase to stash THIS in.. *S*

[Krazy Kruizers]

I would say that all 4 are important and should be enforced.

BUT, If I had to vote on only one - dress code!

[cactuslady]

Ahem. This is post # 72 and I think it's time someone mentioned the rule that you have to go to the lifeboat drill.

I consider this a health issue of some immediacy, as demise from drowning or shark attack :eek: would be a bit quicker than from eventual emphysema contracted from second hand smoke while walking through the smoking section on one's once-a-year vacation. ;)

Besides, while I may be annoyed by shorts-wearing children hogging the deck chairs in the smoking section on formal night, I would be positively enraged :mad: by clueless landlubbers blocking my way to safety because they don't know where to go or how to put their life vests on.

[jhannah]

Right on!

[JaniceB]

I had to vote for no reserving deck chairs. I can honestly say this bothered me the most on my last cruise during our days at sea. I wish I had enough nerve to move belongings off a chair and take it over. I think I am growing accustom to people not dressing appropriately. I still can't get over what some people wear to church, so nothing on a vacation surprises me.

[frbob]

I'm very tired of seeing passangers dressed in casual atire in the dining room on Formal or Informal nights without any attempt by restaurant staff to enforce the dress code. It happens all too often. These folks have no respect for their fellow passangers. I have no problem if people want to live in their underwear, but not in public spaces. They should stay in their staterooms and order room service. :D

[DRich2]

Reserving lounge chairs bothers me the most.

Please don't forget that the dress code is only a suggestion, and not a rule.

This quote is from the HAL website ("Each night a daily program will be delivered to your stateroom announcing the suggested dress for the following evening. ").

I am the first person to change out of my dark suit after dinner and into slacks and a polo shirt for the evening. If my dress offends you, please come up and tell me. I always enjoy having civil disagreements with new friends.

[ekerr19]

If my dress offends you, please come up and tell me. I always enjoy having civil disagreements with new friends.

Most folks probably have more important things to attend to (like having fun!)... I think most people wouldn't even notice - let alone take another individuals dress to heart - why take it so seriously? :)

[dippy]

It's very similar to someone arriving at a wedding wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Most people look in amazement when someone shows up dressed like that; we feel sorry for the bride who has spent months planning a formal wedding only to have someone dressed inappropriately show up.

I guess, for us who look forward to formal nights we kinda of feel dissappointed and angered that someone would show up to formal night wearing a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. We spend time and money getting ready for formal nights. Personally, the restaurant management need to do what they do at formal restaurants on land....
no shirt, no jacket, no tie......NO SERVICE. :mad:

I will never forget one of my honeymoon cruise's formal nights. My wife and I were all decked-out for a great evening only to be joined by our table mates dressed in shorts and t-shirts. I quietly left the table to speak to the head waiter and he stated they would do nothing so as to not offend them.

If you want wear casual attire all cruise long, no problem, just stay out of the dining room during formal nights. A nice buffet is available on the LIDO Deck or how about room service.:eek:

[PRINSENDAM]

As an ex smoker I must apologise if at any time on a past cruise I offended any follow passenger. Being smoke free for 7 years certainly puts the shoe on the other foot!!!!!

Now for the dress code. It is there for everyone and dressing to the code is just a simple way to show respect for the ship's rules and your fellow passengers, no more, no less.

Stephen

[PRINSENDAM]

I will never forget one of my honeymoon cruise's formal nights. My wife and I were all decked-out for a great evening only to be joined by our table mates dressed in shorts and t-shirts. I quietly left the table to speak to the head waiter and he stated they would do nothing so as to not offend them.





Dippy, please tell us that this incident didn't happen on a HAL cruise!!!!!

In 1995 I made a seven day Caribbean cruise in Carnival's IMAGINATION. It was certainly not what I expected. I would guess at least 75% of the men were in dinner jackets on the formal nights . I was impressed.

There just one thing about Carnival that put me off. The noise! Not from the pax but from the music being piped around the ship. It was too loud and tooo much. Other than that the cruise was a lot of fun. Not HAL by a long shot, but certainly good.

Stephen

[dippy]

Dippy, please tell us that this incident didn't happen on a HAL cruise!!!!!

It was a Carnival Cruise.

I hope that 100% of HAL guests are expected to be in Formal Attire:confused:

[PRINSENDAM]

It was a Carnival Cruise.

I hope that 100% of HAL guests are expected to be in Formal Attire:confused:





Dippy, I hate to disappoint! Yes, it is 'expected' but it doesn't happen that way unfortunately. The standard of dress varies depending on cruise destination and duration. The longer the cruise and the more 'up market' the destination and the standard of dress goes way up.

On the world cruise for example you will find everyone dressed formally on the special nights. On 7 day cruise the standard is completely different. On Caribbean and Alaska cruises, although the dress code calls for formal or business attire, you will find a 'lot' of people don't bother or they will change back into casual attire immediately after dinner. Unfortunate, but it happens.

If you feel you want to have a formal night and are afraid that your table companions won't dress for the occassion, try booking a table in the Pinnacle Grill that night. Another suggestion, ask the maitr'd if he can put you at a table for two on the late sitting... even just for one night. I'm sure they would do everything to help with your request if you told him the facts.

Stephen

[Slinkiecat]

Dippy, I hate to disappoint! Yes, it is 'expected' but it doesn't happen that way unfortunately. The standard of dress varies depending on cruise destination and duration. The longer the cruise and the more 'up market' the destination and the standard of dress goes way up.

On the world cruise for example you will find everyone dressed formally on the special nights. On 7 day cruise the standard is completely different. On Caribbean and Alaska cruises, although the dress code calls for formal or business attire, you will find a 'lot' of people don't bother or they will change back into casual attire immediately after dinner. Unfortunate, but it happens.

...
Stephen

I agree. A standard is one that is expected to be followed. There will usually be some who wish to exceed the standard and some who will never meet it. It's not really the same as an average, which takes all variations above and below into the figure, but is rather a minimum that is set as a goal.

We read our documents for the world cruise and saw that there were a certain number of formal nights and we chose our purchases according to that. We wanted to fit in and to look and feel as if we belonged there. It was an assumption that everyone else on the cruise read the same documents and wanted to conform as well.

When someone appears at a formal affair in totally inappropriate attire it is a statement of nonconformism which is usually ignored, even by those who consider it outside the rules. Sometimes it taxes our ability to accept, but we can assume that just maybe they misjudged the date, dress code or interpretation and are already really embarrassed.

I hope that the maitre 'd and/or his staff can be gentle and polite in re-directing those who arrive in the wrong dress to correct their attire without offending them.

Slinkie

[TexEm]

I hope that the maitre 'd and/or his staff can be gentle and polite in re-directing those who arrive in the wrong dress to correct their attire without offending them.



I also hope the other passengers who are dressed appropriately will refrain from acting inappropriately (staring at the offender, making faces, talking loudly about the faux pas, etc.). One can dress elegantly but not act that way...

Mary

[dippy]

I also hope the other passengers who are dressed appropriately will refrain from acting inappropriately (staring at the offender, making faces, talking loudly about the faux pas, etc.). One can dress elegantly but not act that way...

I agree, it is not the role of the passenger to address such issues with the "offenders" (could not think of another word to use). It is the duty of supervisors on the ship to take on these issues. At the same time, when this issue is brought to a supervisor's attention, action must be taken if warranted; including redirection out of the restaurant.

[m steve]

A simple solution would be to put a large note in the daily bulletin that the dress for the following dining rooms is(whatever) and those not appropriatly dress will be redirected to the buffet or a separate informal dining room and post the notice at the entrance to the more formal dining rooms. We expect to dress most evenings including formal and expect others to respect the dress code. It is posted ion the web site, pre cruise info pack and in the bulletin. Those who make an effort to defy this simple courtesy should be told that they can't come into the main and special dining areas where there is a dress code. I'm sure it isn't lack of appropriate clothes but a need to defy.
If this happens I am sure that they will change their habits or choose a lower class cruise line that caters to their kind and allow the rest of us to share a lovely evening. This is not about money but CLASS.:mad:

[rochnd]

The smoking thing drives me nuts. I don't mind smokers, in fact I am a cigar smoker. But I feel one should have clean air if they so desire. so I feel if I am in a non smoking area, that is the way it is intended to be.:)

[uncialman]

I agree wholeheartedly with a previous poster that stated "all of the above." It shouldn't be a question of what rules should be enforced and which ones should not - all should be politely enforced by the cruise staff and officers. Whether it be a dress code (which should be followed explicitly since folks have the choice of a lido restaurant to dine in if they choose to be frumpy), babies with poop filled diapers in hot tubs, 8 year olds chasing eaching other around the adult pools only to finish their chase with cannon ball, smokers that light up wherever they want or whatever. The lack of enforcement of standards is the triumph of radical individualism and the loss of those who believe that civility has standards. Those that had marched and passionately argued for anarchy and chaos over the past 40 years now have their wish: shall those of us that disagree meet their passion with an understanding of objective pragmatic standards of behavior or will we remain apathetic?

Time will tell...

[dippy]

As an early riser, I usually go to the gym and then head out to the pool area. I do admit to getting chairs for my wife and child :rolleyes: who join me by 8:00am. We have a quick breakfast (Lido restaurant or pool side) and return to our chairs. We spend the morning enjoying the sun and pool. Come lunch time, we again eat by the pool or in the lido restaurant, later returning to our chairs to enjoy the afternoon by the pool.

Here are a couple of questions: should I give up my chairs or should I keep articles on them (ie: reserving them) :confused:. One part of me says...First come, first served for the day; while another part of me feels quilty for leaving personal items on our chairs and thus preventing someone else from attaining a chair.

There is the only one reason that I hold on to my chairs, not very many people pick up all their items when they go to lunch and thus freeing up chairs when I return from lunch. Simply, I have a worry that I may not get chairs for the three of us all together again. :)

[trubey]

My honest answer is that saving a chair for a family member who will be arriving in 5 minutes is fine. All other chair saving is unfair to other passengers. s.

[RuthC]

I agree with truby. One chair per fanny at a time.
It's all right to save a chair for someone who has stepped away for a few minutes (to get a tray or another ice cream? to use the rest room?), but otherwise no.

[Copper10-8]

Here are a couple of questions: should I give up my chairs or should I keep articles on them (ie: reserving them) :confused:. One part of me says...First come, first served for the day; while another part of me feels quilty for leaving personal items on our chairs and thus preventing someone else from attaining a chair.

There is the only one reason that I hold on to my chairs, not very many people pick up all their items when they go to lunch and thus freeing up chairs when I return from lunch. Simply, I have a worry that I may not get chairs for the three of us all together again. :)

I agree with Ruth and Trubey that "reserving" a chair for someone who's going to be back in five minutes is no big deal. Problem is many folks leave for an extended time and "expect" those chairs to still be "theirs" when they return because they've left a book, towel and/or other item on them. Some of them reserving one or more of those chairs for the entire day. In my opion, that's an unrealistic and unfair expectation due to the limited amount of chairs available, the popularity of that particular spot around the pool, and the number of pax on the ship. Plus, and here we go with rules and their enforcement again, the reserving of chairs is prohibited and is widely published in the daily program and announced by the CD before or after each evening show. It's a no-no but folks still do it. Let's start the keel-hauling ;)

[michmike]

M Steve says "choose a lower class cruise line that caters to their kind"

Nothing judgemental about THAT is there?? *laffin*

aren't YOU special M Steve!!

[General Max]

I go with the flow. Nothing here bothers me.

Cheers

General Max

[KFH]

I can close my eyes but I have to breathe! Smoking areas!

By the way, you can not enforce the Dress Code because it is only a suggestion not a requirement.


.
If this happens I am sure that they will change their habits or choose a lower class cruise line that caters to their kind and allow the rest of us to share a lovely evening. This is not about money but CLASS.:mad:

Maybe all the people that don't like the "suggested" dress code should find a higher class cruise line that requires the formal dress and enforces it!

[General Max]

Yes, I concur with that.

Cheers

General Max

[HAL92]

All of the rules should be enforced, but none of them are going to make or break my cruise. I think that the designated smoking areas and dress code are the ones that need to be followed the most strictly.

[dippy]

In my opion, that's an unrealistic and unfair expectation due to the limited amount of chairs available, the popularity of that particular spot around the pool, and the number of pax on the ship. Plus, and here we go with rules and their enforcement again, the reserving of chairs is prohibited and is widely published in the daily program and announced by the CD before or after each evening show. It's a no-no but folks still do it. Let's start the keel-hauling ;)

Based on your response, it may appear to be a cruiseship problem (ie: not enough chairs available).

Again I ask the question to everyone reading this thread: when I return to the pool, how do I get 3 chairs together so that my family can sit together:confused: Until HAL can guarantee me 3 chairs together when we return from lunch, so as to be able to supervise my 4 year old daughter and so my wife can supervise me, I will continue to reserve chairs for my family. Sorry :o

[Copper10-8]

Based on your response, it may appear to be a cruiseship problem (ie: not enough chairs available).

Again I ask the question to everyone reading this thread: when I return to the pool, how do I get 3 chairs together so that my family can sit together:confused: Until HAL can guarantee me 3 chairs together when we return from lunch, so as to be able to supervise my 4 year old daughter and so my wife can supervise me, I will continue to reserve chairs for my family. Sorry :o

It's not a cruise ship problem unless you want every conceivable open deck space filled with chairs. Try walking to your destination that way! The problem is that you are not the only one that is reserving chairs against what is posted and asked of you. What is the next family to do that wants three deck chairs together only to find several that are empty but "reserved" Are they out of luck, you snooze, you lose, too bad, so sad? HAL is not going to guarantee you your chairs will be there unless they change their current policy. From what you are describing, you want your three chairs prety much for most of the day from before breakfast until before dinner.

This is a different issue than not wearing a tie or tux on a formal night. How 'bout you consider having lunch in shifts? You may want to continue reserving chairs for your family but, on your return from lunch, don't be surprised if you'll find whatever you've used to reserve your chairs placed somewhere else and your chairs taken. That, or take a cruise to Alaska in the Spring or Fall, lot's of vacant deck chairs!

[dippy]

It's not a cruise ship problem unless you want every conceivable open deck space filled with chairs. Try walking to your destination that way! The problem is that you are not the only one that is reserving chairs against what is posted and asked of you. What is the next family to do that wants three deck chairs together only to find several that are empty but "reserved" Are they out of luck, you snooze, you lose, too bad, so sad? HAL is not going to guarantee you your chairs will be there unless they change their current policy. From what you are describing, you want your three chairs prety much for most of the day from before breakfast until before dinner.

This is a different issue than not wearing a tie or tux on a formal night. How 'bout you consider having lunch in shifts? You may want to continue reserving chairs for your family but, on your return from lunch, don't be surprised if you'll find whatever you've used to reserve your chairs placed somewhere else and your chairs taken. That, or take a cruise to Alaska in the Spring or Fall, lot's of vacant deck chairs!

In response, we love the sun, we have as much a right as any other family to have our pool chairs together; all day if we choose just like every other person who is on the cruise. I do not believe there is a restriction on the amount of time we get to spend in the sun. By default, if there is no sun-time restriction, there is no chair use restriction. I would only hope that fellow cruisers would have consideration for families.

But, by default again, your argument that once you leave you chair it becomes free, is in itself an argument for "you snooze, you loose, so sad, too bad" as you have mentioned. If this is the case, I will send my family to get food in the Lido restaurant and return to the pool and then I will follow suit. Oh, I guess, I now have my chairs all day long by the pool.

Do you have children? If you do, don't you wish to have them close to you.

[ponstad]

At outdoor music concerts I have attended, people bring their lawn chairs early in the morning to get the best spots. Then during the day, if there is no one sitting in the chair, the policy is that anyone can use it. If the owner comes back, the owner politely reclaims the chair, and the person who has been seated cheerfully gets up and finds another seat. Notice the use of the words politely and cheerfully.
The amazing thing is that how well this policy seems to work.

[Copper10-8]

In response, we love the sun, we have as much a right as any other family to have our pool chairs together; all day if we choose just like every other person who is on the cruise. I do not believe there is a restriction on the amount of time we get to spend in the sun. By default, if there is no sun-time restriction, there is no chair use restriction. I would only hope that fellow cruisers would have consideration for families.

But, by default again, your argument that once you leave you chair it becomes free, is in itself an argument for "you snooze, you loose, so sad, too bad" as you have mentioned. If this is the case, I will send my family to get food in the Lido restaurant and return to the pool and then I will follow suit. Oh, I guess, I now have my chairs all day long by the pool.

Do you have children? If you do, don't you wish to have them close to you.

You're missing the point. Of course you have the right to use the chairs! Use them from sunrise to sunset if you want. And, no, there are no restrictions on their usage as long as you are there so have fun in the sun. What you will encounter is a HAL policy that will advise you that the reserving of deck chairs is not allowed Thus, if you leave your chair(s) to go have lunch, it/they do become free for someone else to use who is looking for a chair.

Nough said from my side and, by the way, enjoy your cruise!

[rochnd]

Based on your response, it may appear to be a cruiseship problem (ie: not enough chairs available).

Again I ask the question to everyone reading this thread: when I return to the pool, how do I get 3 chairs together so that my family can sit together:confused: Until HAL can guarantee me 3 chairs together when we return from lunch, so as to be able to supervise my 4 year old daughter and so my wife can supervise me, I will continue to reserve chairs for my family. Sorry :o
:cool: It's easy really. It's all about inconvenience, isn't it. By arrainging your schedule so that you all arrive at the pool or other chosen area at the same time YOU might be inconvenienced, but the other passengers, not. That way you would have your seats, etc, all together! Do you think you have the right to put the other passengers out because you don't want to inconvenience your family? It is not about supervision nor safety nor family ties or whatever. It is all about courtesey and inconvenience.

Don

[dippy]

:cool: It's easy really. It's all about inconvenience, isn't it. By arrainging your schedule so that you all arrive at the pool or other chosen area at the same time YOU might be inconvenienced, but the other passengers, not. That way you would have your seats, etc, all together! Do you think you have the right to put the other passengers out because you don't want to inconvenience your family? It is not about supervision nor safety nor family ties or whatever. It is all about courtesey and inconvenience.

Don

Really???????

What about the inconvenience other passengers put on my family when I can not get 3 chairs together. Enough said. It's clear from the responses that everyone looks out for themselves. I've realized that from life; whether it's on vacation or in the work world. or reading this thread.

Having said that, and having read the opinions of other posts, it appears to be unacceptable to reserve chairs for a family with children but it is acceptable for others to take chairs from that family when they get up to go for a lunch in a restaurant that is 20 feet away from the pool for about 15minutes of time. No problem, I will not reserve chairs but when several come free (for what ever reason) they are mine. I believe there are several old sayings that may apply here: one talks about getting what you asked for; another states what's good for the goose is good for the gander (originally meant for husbands and wives); and finally you cannot have your cake and eat it too.

Simply, my family will be together at the pool enjoying the water and the sun one way or another. If you can beat them at the game, play their game and beat them at their game.

[Celestia]

Wish it didn't have to be, but mine would be *enforcement* of the smoking areas. I'm quite allergic to ciggysmoke and inhalers make me ill also.

I'm also quite willing to avoid *reasonable* smoking areas, but IMO HAL falls down on the job in this area. On the Statendam, everything I had an interest in doing, including our dining room assignment, was on one floor. There was *NO* way to get from the Ocean Bar/elevator area on that floor to the Library, Puzzle Room, the nice window seating area, or Dinner without passing the Casino and 'sport lounge' which were constantly full of smoke. I'd end up taking a deep breath then scurrying through until I reached the corridor outside the Explorer Lounge. The shops did not receive any business from me...full of stink and allergens.

Though if HAL did become a bit more proactive regarding smoking areas, I'd next have to say, kiddie control. Adult Swim, heh. Not to mention playing on the elevators continually. Although I really do think this is more a parental responsibility that HAL should not be *having* to address...the parents should (and before you ask, yes I have children, adults now, and no, I would not take any child on a cruise).

FW & FS,

Celestia

[KFH]

What about the inconvenience other passengers put on my family when I can not get 3 chairs together. Enough said. It's clear from the responses that everyone looks out for themselves. I've realized that from life; whether it's on vacation or in the work world. or reading this thread.


What about the inconvenience you put on other families because you have reserved three chairs and they can't be together. I guess from what you are saying everyone should follow the rules, but if it is inconvienent for you, it is okay for you to break the rule.