How formally "really" for 7-night Alaska cruise?

[newcastleunited]

From past cruises on RCCL & Celebrity I know that clothing varies dramatically on formal nights. We're doing the Sept 2nd Seattle rt Alaska cruise, and I would appreciate some ideas of just how formal to plan for. If it's really gowns, great, but if it's a mixture of "Church" clothing, and slightly dressy....then it seems a waste to haul all the extra clothing and accessories along for the trip.

Thanks for anyone's insight, as we haven't been on HAL before, and there is no telling what people will wear based on the other cruise lines.

[lougee1043]

newcastleunited

the hal dress code does not change from sailing location to sailing location-- formal nite is still formal nite -- having been on an alaskan cruise i personally see no reason why pax feel the dress code should be altered just becasue its alaska --- i personally wear a tux (rented) on all formal nites on all cruise destinations

[Roz]

I've been on 2 Alaskan cruises, and the dressiness of the passengers didn't vary from other destinations. For the most part, ladies wore long gowns or cocktail dresses, and men wore a tux or dark suit.

Informal night is when ladies tended to dress the way they would for church. Hope this helps.

If you plan ahead, you can get away with one pair of dress shoes, and switch around accessories. On a 7-day cruise, I wear the same outfit on both formal nights.

Roz

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I totally agree with lou as far as HAL's dress does not change from itinerary to itinerary but......having done 2 Alaskan cruises there is a definite difference in how most dress for Formal night. I actually never saw any "gowns" but I did see many long dresses. There was far fewer Tuxes although DH has still worn his:)

I have given this a lot of thought as to why passengers did not dress up as much. I think it is a combination of two factors. 1. because they have to pack more items such as warmer jackets that are bulky, possibly hiking gear etc. therefore not having as much room to pack formal wear.
The 2nd reason is due to the much higher number of first time cruisers or passengers that it may be there second or third cruise but their previous cruises were also Alaska.

I think you will be fine if you do decide to pack your nicest Formal wear but you will also be very excepted with very nice "dressy church" clothes.

[Roz]

I agree about fewer "gowns" and more long dresses. That's a good clarification. I've noticed that the ladies who wear gowns tend to be those who can drive to the port. Having to pack luggage for airline travel adds a dimension to things. That's why I don't own any poufy type formal wear. Too hard to pack and it takes up space.

I also agree about Alaska packing requiring more items and a greater range of clothing.

Roz

[CJcruzer]

I always take either my long black dress skirt or my black palazzo pants - they fold in the suitcase nicely, don't wrinkle, and then I bing along 2 different tops/jackets that are dressy (i.e.-a little sparkle, etc)....this way I only need 1 pr of shoes for both - and when I tire of the few tops I have, can always find something to go with black and the long skirt and pants are timeless classics....

CJcruzer

[RuthC]

I'll jump on the bandwagon---the definitions of "formal", "informal", and "casual" do not change; adherance to the code may.
In Alaska you will find a higher percentage of people who are underdressed.

[grannynurse]

I agree with the above posters and will add that most of us don't consider "church" clothes to be formal. The important thing to consider is how you will feel if you find that you're "under-dressed". I felt very uncomfortable wearing capri pants on a casual night on a summer transatlantic but some women pulled it off well. I'm saying my comfort level was not were it should be so I won't do it again. I have always worn long dresses on formal nights (not ball gowns) but I'm considering taking cocktail dresses this September to Alaska as we have a post cruise trip planned and I don't want to shlep any more luggage than I have to. My DH is still considering taking his tux so that would mean an extra jacket for him on informal night, and 2 pair of dress shoes. If I take only my cocktail dresses I can get by with 1 pair of formal shoes... I tend to overpack, as in 5 large suitcases to Europe...nightmare!
Hope this helps,
GN

[RuthC]

I agree with the above posters and will add that most of us don't consider "church" clothes to be formal.
LOL, granny! When I look around in church I see dress that isn't even "casual"! More like "cook-out". :rolleyes:

[fsdj1097]

Having just returned from Alaska, I can tell you that just since last year I have seen a dramatic increase in the number of those wearing casual clothes, even on formal night.

We were on the Oosterdam 6/3 - 6/10 and we saw jeans and denim shirts consistently in the dining room on formal, informal, and casual nights.

Conversely, we saw tuxes and evening gowns for some.

Last year, I heard the Matre'd ask some wearing inappropriate attire (for that night's theme) to return to their cabins and change, but not this year.

One table in particular wore jeans all week. :eek:

[Scrumpy]

As has been mentioned, a lot of this will have to do with your comfort level and what you feel is under-dressed. The dress code itself does not change (except maybe that the complete prohibition on jeans is now gone; don't know if that's going to be the case in places besides Alaska).

On our 5/27 cruise, there were not a lot of formals or even long dresses. A handful of each, but most people made an effort to dress up and they looked fine to me. DH wore a tux both nights and I wore long formal dresses both nights. I was one of the most formally dressed women and I am not a "poufy ball gown" person; think of those long, slinky sheaths like the Supremes used to wear. (Short women look a bit silly in frilly layers; at least I do!) The other couple at our table wore a dark suit for him with a tie that matched his wife's cocktail-type dress. We were all quite happy and comfortable. Other diners were in jeans, but also in various combinations of coat/tie, dress slacks/dockers for men and various skirts/elegant trousers and dressy blouses/glittery jackets for women.

If it makes packing easier, a nice cocktail dress, pretty pantsuit or the ever-popular palazzo pants with a snazzy top and/or jacket are just fine for women and men are always fine in a regular (preferably dark) suit. The main reason we dress up so much is for photos. We did notice a difference from the dress code compliance compared to our Caribbean cruise last year and even a little difference from our first cruise to Alaska (when we were more ignorant about the dress code and still managed to be completely comfortable and dress appropriately). Overall, if you dress like you are going to a nice evening wedding, you will be fine. You don't have go to extremes to fit in.

[Bohrski]

I just returned from a cruise on the Zaandam - all but two nights were listed as casual dress and I was surprised. There were 2 formal nights - the first full at sea day and the next to the last night. The 1st formal night wa s after a rough day at sea and not many appeared in the dining room - I had the early seating and very few wore long gowns and very few men wore tuxes - suits with ties were the norm for the guys and the women mostly wore dressy slacks with nice fancy blouses. I asked at the desk first of my outfit would be acceptable and the woman said I was fine with dress slacks and a fancy blouse. The 2nd formal evening saw many more long dresses and a few tuxes but still many folks were wearing what I expected would be called "informal". I saw one man turned away whne he had shorts and a hat. Jeans were the norm for most on the casual nights. Since I was cold I had taken to carrying a sweatshirt around with me and one night I had to wear it in the dinig room - I checked first with the maitre de. I do not know what the later seatings were like but I did see some nice dresses later in the evening. Those eating at the Pinnacle or at the Captains table were well dressed. Only one person gave me a look of distain in the elevator but overall I did not feel out of place in the dining room. I think that folks coming back from excusions, standing out on deck all day and generally being dresses warmly appreciated not having to dress up on the caual nights - again - this was the early seating.

[lougee1043]

i personally like the rented tux idea because that means that i dont have to carry a suit -shirts and ties for the formal nite

[RevNeal]

At the risk of being belittled by others (I wish the Lido thread hadn't been locked), I'll go ahead and echo the remarks of many others. The Dress Code doesn't change, but it sure feels as though passenger observance of it changes in Alaska. In 2003 the number of men wearing tuxedos was FAR less than I've seen on other cruises -- before or since. I saw more people than ever before not even attempt to dress according to the code ... no jacket and no tie on formal night. On no other cruise I've been on has the code been so under-observed. I still wore my tuxedo on formal nights and my suit on informal nights and enjoyed myself immensely.

[CruisinGrams]

We were on the Westerdam to Alaska May 21-28 and found that those who did not 'dress' for dinner, did not dine in the dining room. Those that did dress, were no in Tuxedos but most wore dark suits, ties, and the ladies were mostly in gowns, tasteful, elegant, and enjoying the attention. I was really surprised by the number of tables in the dining room that were vacant on formal nights though. There was an abundance of casual clothing on all other days however, Alaska is a very casual place to visit. You can only take so much clothing along and with all the layering and weight restrictions on the airlines now, perhaps this is translating into more casual choices for some people. I loved the formal nights and also loved the ability to wear jeans during the day on excursions - (and I expect to be flamed for admitting to wearing jeans and enjoying it).

[Scrumpy]

I think earlier posters hit the nail on the head - combination of newer cruisers and the panic of packing (and over-packing) for the Alaskan weather. We checked 2 suitcases and a garment bag - had plenty of choices of what to wear on any given day...and we had 11 or 12 pairs of shoes between us. BUT, we are used to layering and changeable weather and could handle our bags ourselves. I'd think most people could deal with the packing requirements, but not if they take huge boots and heavy coats, etc. - and of course, it's harder when you take young children with you because there aren't porters in abundance at all the airports and you can end up with a LOT of baggage. I can understand why Alaska ends up more casual because of those reasons. It's an explanation, not an excuse. Not flaming anyone. I like to try to understand why people do things.

[MeOhMy]

I think people get confused. A formal gown is generally closer to the body and generally long. It is appropriate for dinner since the skirt does not end up in your neighbor's lap. And does not flip up into your face. A ball gown, on the other hand, is generally much poofier and takes up a lot more space. It generally also requires gloves. Very impractical for the seating at most tables. And horrid to pack.

What disappointed me was the clothes you could rent from HAL for formal night. You can buy that black skirt on sale at Dillards, et al, for the price they want to rent it for one cruise. Ditto the blouse. I know, I did.

For two formal nights, one at the beginning and one at the end, I carry only one formal dress. If a boo-boo occurs I just get it cleaned.

Since I love to cruise I keep an eye on formal wear and when something that is "me" goes on sale I buy it and keep it for the next fun time. I have even found one that is washable. I man dip and drip and off you go. I also keep in my head what I need to complete something I found. I found an over jacket, sheer with beading. I desperately need a black silk blouse. I will find it and knock someone's socks off.

Informal would be what used to be "church clothes". In my case, since I wear a leg brace I carry two pants suits with a nice collection of scarves and pins. Works well. Where is it written that you must wear a new outfit every night? And the scarves really give the two pants suit a lift.

What I carry is extra canes. They go with my outfits. May be weird, but makes me feel better. I put a rubber band on my cane handle, that way it is easy to get the correct cane back and when I have my hand on the handle you can not see the rubber band.

For day time, jeans. Neat, clean, top of the line jeans, but jeans. With interchangable tops. To make for nice layering.

Another suggestion, pack with cleaners bags. I got an invitation to a ball, a real ball where your escort gave you a very classy fan by tradition. Since I was working at the time my plane arrived at 330 Pm and my escort picked me up for the ball at 7 pm. Judicious use of cleaner bags resulted in only one little wrinkle. The gown took up its own luggage.

Frankly, the most important thing is to be confident in yourself. And remember to smile and greet people with genuine friendliness. Covers a lot of territory and generates a lot of forgiveness if you manage to forget something.

[middle-aged mom]

Frankly, the most important thing is to be confident in yourself. And remember to smile and greet people with genuine friendliness. Covers a lot of territory and generates a lot of forgiveness if you manage to forget something.

MeOhMy:

Thank you for the best "how to dress" tip I've read on all the CC boards!:) I think you are one very nice lady. Practical, too.:)

[midgecruiser]

I really enjoy planning and dressing for formal nights. I can't get my husband to pack a tux anymore but he will wear a suit so I don't argue with him about his choice. We always dress for the evenings occasion.

Just a thought about why Alaska is possibly more casual in dress. The increase in passengers from the Northwest. We live in Seattle and this city is very casual (as well as the cities to our north and south). Sometimes I am amazed at how casual some people dress for say weddings, Christmas parties, fancy restaurants, etc. You hear people say in Seattle that you can't judge the wealth of the person by how he or she dresses because we are so well known for our casual dress. How many times do you see Bill Gates wearing anything other then slacks, button up shirt and maybe a pull over sweater. This city is REALLY casual.

Another thought about jeans. The fashion for young people (at 37 I think(?) I still fit this group:D ) today is designer jeans that are not only expensive but can be kind of fancy. These jeans are worn with heels (women) and with a "going out" kind of shirt/blouse. I don't wear jeans in the dining room but have thought of putting on my "going out" jeans a few times but always have other nicer things to wear so don't. This is really a big fashion right now.

Just my thoughts......Wendy

[Bohrski]

There were no informal nights on my last cruise to Alaska - all casual but for the two formal nights. Just wanted to point that out as a significant change over what I had been reading. I don't know if the other ships or other Zaandam cruises do this this year.

[TampaMike]

I just returned from Veendam in Alaska and could count on one hand the number of tuxes I saw. Formal gowns were equally rare.

That said, Alaska is a tour intensive itinerary, and many people are on the go. Having worked aboard many Alaska seasons, I can say it tends to be more casaual than other itineraries. I do agree with above posters that it has gotten much more casual, more than I care for.

There were 2 Formal and 1 Informal. For me, one suit, 2 shirts and 2 ties well cover the Formal nights. A Blazer and tie for the Informal (and a Pinnacle Grille visit!). Being a bit younger than typical HAL passengers, if I wear a tux I tend to get asked for change a lot in the Casino!

There are several factors affecting dress in Alaska. Forementioned is the frontier feel of the itinerary. Next, it is daylight past dinner time, so people tend not to gear up for the 'evening'. The Lido offers casual dining (and MANY people are making use of it along with Room Service!). With the intensity of tours, and the early morning calls, the late sitting is becoming under utilized. People were not out for the night. And lastly, I think the packing for Alaska climate may infringe on the formals.

[krewzin]

Well, I had planned on taking my tux rather than my suit when we leave on the Zui in 3 weeks, but now I'm not so sure after reading this.

I don't wanna get asked for change in the casino...:D

[RevNeal]

krewzin ... LOL ... you won't be. At least, I would doubt it. :)
When I last cruised Alaska there were fewer Tuxedos than I'd ever seen before, BUT I also wasn't the only one dressed in a Tux. Most of the men still dressed within the code (jacket and tie) on formal nights, and I remember seeing a smattering of Tuxedoes ... perhaps a couple dozen ... when I scanned the dining room during second seating. Most men were in suits, though.

If you want to take your Tux, then certainly take it. If you don't want to take it, don't. I've been on a cruise (14 days in the Caribbean) without my tux and didn't feel underdressed on formal nights ... but, then, I was chaplain and in clericals I never feel underdressed. :)

[vandamone]

I will be taking my tux to Alaska in September on the Volendam.

[krewzin]

Thanks Revneal. My tux fits me so perfectly...like a second skin...and I rarely get to wear it, so I'd planned on it. 007 has nothing on me.

It almost sounds as though 'them that wear tuxes' stick out now though.

Tux...suit...they both take up the same amount of space in my suitcase, so I'll probably take it - I wear a suit quite a bit so I welcome the change.

I really like the formal-formal nights.

[grannynurse]

Cruising 400 miles north of the arctic circle in 2004 didn't deter anyone from dressing formally. But I do think the length of the cruise 7 days for some, 3-4 days for those on cruise tours, the "wilderness" atmosphere, and the demographics of the pax in Alaska determines what people wear.
However, Mickey who just got back from a 24 day transatlantic and Baltic on the Amsterdam says they she saw very few tuxes on the first leg of the trip...so maybe dress is changing. I just hope HAL doesn't change their traditional cruising style to accomodate.
GN

[RuthC]

It almost sounds as though 'them that wear tuxes' stick out now though.
Maybe so, but it's in a good way. ;)

[twinkletoes4445]

LOL, granny! When I look around in church I see dress that isn't even "casual"! More like "cook-out". :rolleyes:

And the same can be said for weddings and funerals. Some of the people I've seen, look like they are headed over to KFC for a bucket of chicken to take with them on their picnic!

[RuthC]

Don't even get me started on how people dress at weddings, twinkletoes!
The way my husband's children dressed for our wedding was an insult. :rolleyes: As they were leaving one of them said she had to get changed for a date. It was all I could do to keep from saying "going to get out of your good clothes?" :eek:

[twinkletoes4445]

Don't even get me started on how people dress at weddings, twinkletoes!
The way my husband's children dressed for our wedding was an insult. :rolleyes: As they were leaving one of them said she had to get changed for a date. It was all I could do to keep from saying "going to get out of your good clothes?" :eek:

I'll bet it took a lot not to say something to them.

[CruisinGrams]

On the Westerdam in May we had 2 formal nights and 1 informal night. After wearing casual clothes all day it was terrific fun to dress up. Even our 4 1/2 year old grandson had his mini tux on and loved getting his picture taken at every corner of the ship. I especially love to dress up because dressing up where I live means putting on a clean pair of jeans/dockers. I own lovely gowns and not one place to wear them in our city because it is so casual (ranch country) here. We also took our daughter on this cruise (her first) and she loved dressing up as well, and loved the formality of the dining room and the elegance of formal nights. This is something different for her generation and she said that now she understands why I have a closet with such beautiful dress - just for cruising.

[kryos]

I agree about fewer "gowns" and more long dresses. That's a good clarification. I've noticed that the ladies who wear gowns tend to be those who can drive to the port. Having to pack luggage for airline travel adds a dimension to things. That's why I don't own any poufy type formal wear. Too hard to pack and it takes up space.

Exactly. If you have to fly to the port, by necessity you can't bring as many clothing choices with you. There are baggage limitations. For a seven night cruise, I'd pack one "dressy" dress and a suit and tie for the guy ... and that's it. You're only gonna have two formal nights, and believe me ... no one will notice that you're wearing the same thing on both of them.

Blue skies ... and enjoy your cruise!

--rita

[BasenjiMom]

Our first cruise, on the Veendam, starts next week (6 day tour first).
Part of the excitement for me is wearing a formal gown, and since I sew, it lets me make something I rarely make. I don't have much use for a long gown in my life.
So, hubby and I are dressing formally on the 2 formal nights, and will not dress anything less than informally the other nights. This trip is a huge deal to us, cost a pretty chunk of change when you add everything we had to arrange, coupled with the fact that the photos of the dining room look like a pretty fancy restaurant, so we are dressing nicely. We don't care if we stick out good or bad, we are doing it for us.
Just last week we found out there is a wedding vow renewal ceremony which we are taking part in, so hubby is now even considering renting a tux. Well I decided my 2 formals were not 'wedding vow renewal' appropriate, so I made another. The big decision is, do I bring 3 and be over dressed one night, or just bring 2? And if so, which to leave behind???? Luckily all are a slinky knit and take up no more space than a pair of jeans.
It is a very hard trip to pack for imo.

[RevNeal]

For a seven night cruise, I'd pack one "dressy" dress and a suit and tie for the guy ... and that's it. You're only gonna have two formal nights, and believe me ... no one will notice that you're wearing the same thing on both of them.

For the guy, pack the suit and TWO dress shirts and TWO ties. Why two? While you can have the shirt laundered, that can take time and it costs money, while brining just an extra dress shirt on a hanger is negligible. The same for the tie ... a tie is a target for food-droppings, and having it dry cleaned aboard costs money and takes time. Bringing two ensures that if you have a "spillage" problem it won't be an issue. Also, bringing two ties is simple, the second tie doesn't take much room, and it gives the guy a bit of a change in his ensemble ... make one tie blue and the other red ... or any combination of colors that makes each one distinctive from the other. :)

The next time I do an Alaska Cruise I will bring my black suit and clericals for formal night, and wear the suit with a white dress shirt and tie for informal night. That is ... this is my plan, UNLESS I decide to do a b2b north and south-bound combination ... in which case I'll bring my Tux too.

[lougee1043]

I just hope HAL doesn't change their traditional cruising style to accomodate.GN

hal doesnt have to make any changes because the pax are making them for hal

also a tux is not necessary on any hal cruise -- the suit tie combo for formal nite is perfect--i personally rent a tux because that means i dont have to carry the suit -shirts ties

[RevNeal]

also a tux is not necessary on any hal cruise -- the suit tie combo for formal nite is perfect--i personally rent a tux because that means i dont have to carry the suit -shirts ties

I agree that a tux is not necessary on any HAL cruise ... but most men sure do look nice wearing them. :) We feel pretty nice too. :D

[RuthC]

I agree that a tux is not necessary on any HAL cruise ... but most men sure do look nice wearing them. :)
Ya sure do, guys. Ya sure do. sighhhhh.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Ruth , I too agree, that look really fine. Rather dashing:D

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[Desdemona01]

Our first cruise, on the Veendam, starts next week (6 day tour first).
Part of the excitement for me is wearing a formal gown, and since I sew, it lets me make something I rarely make. I don't have much use for a long gown in my life.
So, hubby and I are dressing formally on the 2 formal nights, and will not dress anything less than informally the other nights. This trip is a huge deal to us, cost a pretty chunk of change when you add everything we had to arrange, coupled with the fact that the photos of the dining room look like a pretty fancy restaurant, so we are dressing nicely. We don't care if we stick out good or bad, we are doing it for us.
Just last week we found out there is a wedding vow renewal ceremony which we are taking part in, so hubby is now even considering renting a tux. Well I decided my 2 formals were not 'wedding vow renewal' appropriate, so I made another. The big decision is, do I bring 3 and be over dressed one night, or just bring 2? And if so, which to leave behind???? Luckily all are a slinky knit and take up no more space than a pair of jeans.
It is a very hard trip to pack for imo.

From a fellow midwesterner I want to say congratulations! Our first cruise was on the Veendam and she holds a special place in our heart. She was in port on one of our stops last year and we were so nostalgic seeing her.
I'm also glad to hear how much you're looking forward to the formal nights. I love seeing my husband all dressed up for the formal nights. He has a very handsome suit that he wore on the first few cruises but he decided he wanted a tux and purchased one last year. He looks amazing in it. If you want to take all 3 dresses then go for it! You will see all sorts of attire and my personal opinion is that it's always better to be overdressed than underdressed. I can't wait to read about your trip when you get back

[Scrumpy]

...Well I decided my 2 formals were not 'wedding vow renewal' appropriate, so I made another. The big decision is, do I bring 3 and be over dressed one night, or just bring 2? And if so, which to leave behind???? Luckily all are a slinky knit and take up no more space than a pair of jeans.
It is a very hard trip to pack for imo.

BasenjiMom - Congratulations on the renewal ceremony! How wonderful!!! We don't mind being over-dressed (but I am going to have to find some nice FLATS). DH's perspective is that the less dressed other people are, the better we look. LOL!!! Splash out if you want and enjoy yourself! I would rather have a few things too many than end up wishing I'd taken something and not have it. I would take all three of the dresses.

For packing, remember that 2 or 3 light-weight pieces for layering take up about the same amount of space as one heavy piece. So, don't take too many big, heavy pieces - something like thick fleece for wind/cold and thinner clothes underneath will be fine. Something water-resistant or water-proof in case you need it. They have really light, inexpensive rain ponchos. We take them. Have never had to use them (knock wood), but they're there and don't take up much room. Fold into a little pouch about 6"x6"x1". People sometimes get them at the dollar store. My lifesaver is a hat. For Alaska, it was a little waterproof gardening hat. Best thing I could have taken. Absolutely the most useful! For purely sun blockage, I have a floppy crocheted hat and a straw hat that goes on more tropical trips. Think of your head and your feet - keep those the right temp and you will be more likely to be comfortable all over :)

Have a great cruise! :)

[grannynurse]

Hi Basenjimom,
I'm trying to add our Renewal of Vows picture. I hope it works.
GN

[BasenjiMom]

Desdemona: I am looking forward to sailing on the Veendam very much. When we booked our cruise/tour, I was indifferent towards the cruise part. My husband wanted to, I saw a show about her on the Travel Channel, and said ok, I'll give it a try. We are just not party people, more sit on the balcony, watch the scenery types. I will be sure to report back, with pics!

Scrumpy: I have to LOL at the dressing in layers advice. I am a 48 yr old hormonal mess, there are days they might not let me near a glacier lest I melt a bit of it. We have a Cabella's nearby and had a shopping spree in April. Got our gortex, hiking clothes, walking shoes, etc. I never thought of a sun hat, good idea.

Thanks, and like I said, I will let everyone know how it goes, but I can't imagine it being anything but wonderful!