I am so sorry to ask but???

[CHRIS3169]

Okay, I really have been working on searching before I ask but it confused me even more.

SO, what is appropriate attire for the formal nights on the Zuiderdam? I have a long very formal gown and then a tea length dress, would the tea length dress be more appropriate for the informal night? It is really pretty dressy but not full length, meaning it has sequins. On casual nights, summer dresses appropriate?

Thanks everyone,
Christy;)

[trubey]

By chance, I went over to the Cruise Fashion board after I read your question.

I'm about the last person to answer a fashion question, but I like to do reference work. They have a recent thread of people posting photographs of their formalwear. You'd probably be interested. Susan.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=152765

[RuthC]

Either dress sounds lovely for formal night. Since there's two of them why not wear the long gown on the first---Captain's Gala, and the shorter dress on the second formal evening---Farewell Dinner.

Summer dresses---like a pretty sun dress, maybe are perfect for casual evenings. Take a lacy shawl in case the public rooms are a tad cool.

[brego]

I always thought that the second formal night is the one that is the "most formal". Don't they cover the chairs in white and do the Baked Alaska on the second formal night.?That is usually when I wear my gown.

[jhannah]

Personally, I never wear a gown on the second formal evening! :D

HAL pretty well describes their dress code on their website at this link (http://www.hollandamerica.com/guests/category.do?category=packing&topic=dressCode).

[CHRIS3169]

Thanks everyone, I had seen the thread on the fashion forum but wanted more specific information to HAL. I guess my thoughts were that all the cruise lines would post information there, and I wasn't sure if HAL was different. More dressy/less dressy?

Also, I had seen the dress code on the website but really was looking for more particulars. I can't believe an informal night would be tie optional. Do most men wear a tie and sports coat or suit? I guess I will go with what I want to wear and be the dressy person on the cruise!!!

And Jim do you save your dress for the first formal night then?;)

Thanks again,
Christy

[caribbean girl]

Re: dress for formal/informal nights, we have seen it all. On some formal nights, we have seen both dark suits and tuxes and long, very formal gowns as well as 'sparkly' tops with dressy, evening pants for women. I have done both and have been completely comfortable. On the casual nights, my husband wore a blazer and nice pants and sometimes just a nice shirt and pants. We saw men in the dining room in khakis and one night, even in jeans, which are not supposed to be 'cool' in the formal dining room. On casual nights, I choose nice tops, skirts or dresses (sun is okay) and even capri pants. The advice about having a wrap is good, since some nights the ship was colder that others. Just be comfortable in whatever you bring clothing wise period. It is lovely to get all fixed up on the formal evenings and if you like that, you will love it.:rolleyes:

[cruznon]

A wrap for evening is nice and comfortable in cold/cool areas of ship. Check out the shops on board. They have very nice pasminas in a wide variety of colors--inexpensive. I heard one woman lament that she'd spent $75 on a wrap to wear on board and wish she had brought some of these pasminas instead.

[jhannah]

And Jim do you save your dress for the first formal night then?;) No comment! :D

[CHRIS3169]

Thanks everyone!!! I guess I will tell hubby not to wear his jeans with my formal dress:) I am getting excited only about 6 weeks to go!!! Shopping, shopping, shopping, and thanks for the advice on a wrap, I am alwaysssssss cold! Now do I wait until I am on the ship and get the deal or look now! Oh the problems I have at the moment. I wish they were always this difficult;)


In the end I am always overdressed, so why stop now! Watch out here I come in my feathers, and satin!
Thanks again,
Christy

[caribbean girl]

Yes, enjoy the shopping for your trip!!!;) As regards bringing wraps with or waiting to buy on the ship, I always like to come somewhat prepared. It's true that the pashminas for sale on board the ship are useful and inexpensive ($10/ they are not the 'real' thing!) and they have a variety of colours available. Enjoy!!