Proper attire in dining room

[doninla]

We are going to Alaska on the Volendam next week. Anyone know if Jeans are ok in the dining room on casual nights ? Thanks

[jhannah]

Although not prohibited, my personal opinion is that jeans should not be worn in the dining room. It's a venue that deserves more, IMO.

[cruiserfromohio]

No! Here's an except from the HAL website about dress on casual nights:

Comfortable, relaxed clothing is fine for evenings designated as casual; however, T-shirts, jeans, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the dining room, Lido restaurant, or public areas during the evening hours.

The URL for this is:

http://www.hollandamerica.com/guests/category.do?category=packing&topic=dressCode

Hope this helps!

[The Tsar]

Although not prohibited, my personal opinion is that jeans should not be worn in the dining room. It's a venue that deserves more, IMO.

The Official HAL WWW site states the following - "...Comfortable, relaxed clothing is fine for evenings designated as casual; however, T-shirts, jeans, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the dining room, Lido restaurant, or public areas during the evening hours...."

Dress Codes and more to the point - The lack of enforcement are one of my pet peeves. BUT, then I believe that every night should be a Formal - Tuxedo Mandatory in the Dinning Room :rolleyes:

[lougee1043]

sorry but i dont see the difference in formal nite dress codes whether on a cruise to alaska -carib--pan canal --mexico --- the hal code clearly tells you what the code for the evening is with no distinction as to where the ship is

i too wish the dress code was more firmly enforced

[Tinknock50]

Wow...I never noticed before that jeans aren't allowed in the Lido.

I don't forsee that ever being enforced....atleast I never saw anyone get turned away from the Lido. I never wear jeans anyway, but what an interesting policy.

[MercedMike]

Wow...I never noticed before that jeans aren't allowed in the Lido..

I think the key phrase is "during the evening hours." At least in Alaska on the Zui last month, evening in the Lido was not just a plain buffet, but was a bit more like the dining room.

During the rest of the day the Lido buffet was VERY casual, to say the least ...

>:-)

[grannynurse]

I'm definitely a traditionalist when it comes to dining attire BUT my cruise documents for my September Alaska Cruise on Westerdam which I received last week do NOT mention jeans as not being allowed for casual nights. It mentions tank tops, shorts and swimsuits only.

There have been posts from pax over the last months that reflect this change in policy. I don't agree with this change, nonetheless it's here.
GN

[doninla]

Thanks to all that have quickly replied. I didn't think jeans were allowed in the dining room until I saw a copy of the daily program from the Volendam in May. It stated: "Tonight's dress: casual
No shorts, tank tops, swimwear, workout attire or baseball caps." There was no mention of jeans.

[Tinknock50]

I think the key phrase is "during the evening hours." At least in Alaska on the Zui last month, evening in the Lido was not just a plain buffet, but was a bit more like the dining room.

During the rest of the day the Lido buffet was VERY casual, to say the least ...

>:-)

Correct....but I am still suprised to notice that.......and I doubt it is ever enforced in the Lido no matter how "Dining Room -like" the Lido is in the evening.

[Tinknock50]

I'm definitely a traditionalist when it comes to dining attire BUT my cruise documents for my September Alaska Cruise on Westerdam which I received last week do NOT mention jeans as not being allowed for casual nights. It mentions tank tops, shorts and swimsuits only.

There have been posts from pax over the last months that reflect this change in policy. I don't agree with this change, nonetheless it's here.
GN

Ding , ding ding! Grannynurse wins the prize.:)

Just looked in my " Know before you go" book and this is what it says:

"Comfortable,relaxed clothing is fine for evenings designated as casual; however, T-shirts,swimsuits,tanktops and shorts are not allowed in the dining room,Lido Restaurant, or public areas during the evening hours."

The word "jeans" is gone. The HAL website still says "jeans", but this does look like a policy change because they went through the trouble of changing the printing it in their standard cruise book.

[hammybee]

Grannynurse is right and the relatively recent difference in documentation has been noted and vetted before, on this board. I believe the conclusion was that jeans were OK in the dining room and the Lido on casual nights, in Alaska, regardless of how many of us felt about it, or not.

[RevNeal]

The word "jeans" is gone. The HAL website still says "jeans", but this does look like a policy change because they went through the trouble of changing the printing it in their standard cruise book.

Indeed, Sean. There is a discontinuity between the "Know Before You Go" booklets and the website on this subject. Unfortunate, really ... it makes it more difficult to figure out what should be done.

Personally, I dislike jeans and don't wear them except for outdoor labor (like when I volunteer with Habitat for Humanity). To me they are uncomfortable and clash with the atmosphere of the Main Dining Room. Nevertheless, I've seen people wear them in the Main Dining Room without any trouble as recently as this March and the Noordam's maiden Voyage. So, if someone wants to wear them on casual nights, ok.

As has been noted, according to the "Know Before You Go" booklet, they are permitted. But I won't wear them. :)

[cruzincurt]

I still wonder why it is necessary to remind people not to wear ball caps inside. I thought they were designed to keep the sun out of your eyes at a baseball game, hence the name "ball caps". Am I missing some fashion thingy since I don't wear one inside? What's worse, a ball cap or a bad comb over?

I guess I'm the exception since I don't even own a pair of jeans. Gave them up when I got an inside job. I could see wearing them to cut the grass or paint the house I guess.

[Tinknock50]

Grannynurse is right and the relatively recent difference in documentation has been noted and vetted before, on this board. I believe the conclusion was that jeans were OK in the dining room and the Lido on casual nights, in Alaska, regardless of how many of us felt about it, or not.

Missed the earlier vetting on that. Probably should leave out the word "Alaska" because this is a fleetwide publication.

Unless you meant the personal preferences of most posters regarding jeans in the dining room only in Alaska.:)

[Tinknock50]

I still wonder why it is necessary to remind people not to wear ball caps inside. I thought they were designed to keep the sun out of your eyes at a baseball game, hence the name "ball caps". Am I missing some fashion thingy since I don't wear one inside? What's worse, a ball cap or a bad comb over?

I guess I'm the exception since I don't even own a pair of jeans. Gave them up when I got an inside job. I could see wearing them to cut the grass or paint the house I guess.

The ball cap part did make me chuckle. Makes me think that a lot people have been doing it so that it had to be mentioned in a dress code policy.:)

[CaSaGrayson]

*giggle*

Sorry, but this all tickles my funnybone a little. I'm thinking specifically of the jeans my kids would love to exclusively wear -- the ones that cost over $100 a pair! Those jeans cost more than any pair of slacks that I own! ;)

I do like jeans, and wear them often. I actually did wear a white pair to the dining room on the Zaandam on a casual night, and I felt as well-dressed, or moreso, than some of the other passengers. As to the Lido, jeans would have been a step up for a lot of people! This Alaska cruise was *extremely* casual. (Several people wore their bathrobes to the Lido...)

I tried not to be too casual (even jeans can be dressed up) but dressed mostly for comfort. What other people wore didn't bother me one way or the other. :D

[hammybee]

Missed the earlier vetting on that. Probably should leave out the word "Alaska" because this is a fleetwide publication.

Unless you meant the personal preferences of most posters regarding jeans in the dining room only in Alaska.:)

Tinknock: I don't know what I meant. How's that for an honest answer?

[Tinknock50]

Tinknock: I don't know what I meant. How's that for an honest answer?

Well that is one of the better answers than I have seen in awhile. LOL

[cruisequeen10]

Was on the Zuiderdam to Alaska in July. Wore jeans in the dining room on casual night for dinner. We had four. Practically everyone was wearing them.

I do agree that jeans should not be worn in the dining room in the evenings.

[jhannah]

Too bad HAL doesn't fix the discontinuity between their website and the "Know Before You Go" booklet. As Greg noted, it just adds to the confusion.

[Tinknock50]

Too bad HAL doesn't fix the discontinuity between their website and the "Know Before You Go" booklet. As Greg noted, it just adds to the confusion.

Its not unusual to see the website as the last to get the changes.
Of course, maybe HAL is afraid to touch it after the major meltdown last time!:)

[Opinions]

Was on the Zuiderdam to Alaska in July. Wore jeans in the dining room on casual night for dinner. We had four. Practically everyone was wearing them.

I do agree that jeans should not be worn in the dining room in the evenings.

????

[cruisinbulldog]

I make my living as a tradesman/carpenter and live in jeans /shorts for a living..
Although feel very comfortable in wearing them, when on a cruise/vacation I do my best to dress for the occasion.
There are cruise lines that have very open policies when it comes to dress codes.. I hope HA does not too get liberal on this policy..
That is why we have a choice in cruise lines..
Just a opinion:rolleyes:

[lougee1043]

Was on the Zuiderdam to Alaska in July. Wore jeans in the dining room on casual night for dinner. We had four. Practically everyone was wearing them.

I do agree that jeans should not be worn in the dining room in the evenings.

isnt that a contridictory (sp) statement -- you wore them for dinner but yu also say they should not be worn in the d/r in the evening

[kryos]

Wow...I never noticed before that jeans aren't allowed in the Lido.

I don't forsee that ever being enforced....atleast I never saw anyone get turned away from the Lido. I never wear jeans anyway, but what an interesting policy.
I've worn jeans and tee-shirts several times ... on various HAL ships ... in the Lido during evening hours. Not a word was said to me and there were plenty of others dressed likewise.

What's the purpose of having your dinner in the Lido if you can't dress casually? I thought that was the whole idea of dining in that venue, as opposed to the full service dining room?

Now, where you will have a problem ... especially on a formal night where you choose to dine casually in the Lido ... is with your after dinner activities. HAL defines the evening's dress code as being not just for the dining room, but for all public decks, throughout the evening. Therefore, if you choose not to "gussy" up on formal night and just eat at the Lido, you theoretically will not be able to engage in other after-dinner activities on the public decks where the dress code is in force; i.e., the show lounge, Ocean Bar, Explorers Lounge, etc. Thus, you'll have to confine yourself to the Lido Deck for the evening, or just spend it in your cabin. HAL is unique in this respect, as many of the other mass market lines denote the evening's dress code as being for the dining room only. On those lines, you may not be able to go into the dining room dressed casually on a formal night, but you are certainly free to take in a show or sit in one of the lounges after dinner in your casual wear.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

isnt that a contridictory (sp) statement -- you wore them for dinner but yu also say they should not be worn in the d/r in the evening
I believe there was some discussion of this subject in the recent past ... and it was found that HAL had changed the dress code for casual nights to permit jeans in the dining room. Didn't someone determine that the word "jeans" had been removed from the list of prohibited clothing on casual nights?

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Tinknock50]

I believe there was some discussion of this subject in the recent past ... and it was found that HAL had changed the dress code for casual nights to permit jeans in the dining room. Didn't someone determine that the word "jeans" had been removed from the list of prohibited clothing on casual nights?

Blue skies ...

--rita

Yes Rita......just scroll back to my post and Grannynurse's.:)

[cruzincurt]

Quote: "Thus, you'll have to confine yourself to the Lido Deck for the evening, or just spend it in your cabin."

I guess that's why there is a set of stairs just outside the entrance to the dining room so you can sneak back to your cabin without being seen?

[serendipity1499]

What surprised us was the "Prinsendam", which usually are the longer cruises, we saw lots of Jeans in the D.R. on casual nights...We saw one Gentleman who wore his Jeans every night except formal night when he had a TUX on..We usually don't notice who has what on, but because it was such a small ship, we saw the same people every night..

[mike35]

Dress Codes and more to the point - The lack of enforcement are one of my pet peeves. BUT, then I believe that every night should be a Formal - Tuxedo Mandatory in the Dinning Room :rolleyes:

Maybe in the dinning room, but hopefully not in the dining room!

More to the point, we'll be on our first HAL cruise in December. While we prefer 24/7 country club casual, a la Oceania, we'll comply with HAL's formal night requirements with tux, gowns, etc. We just returned from a Princess Alaska cruise, where formal nights were somewhat of a joke. Some men wore polo shirts under their sport coats - upon being seated, they promptly removed their jackets. And many passengers immediately changed to very informal clothing right after dinner. I hope to see better enforcement on HAL.

Mike

[winegirl]

We are cruising to Alaska on HAL for the first time. Our last cruise was a 14 day Mediterranean cruise on Windstar, and prior to that, on Cruise West, and with Abercrombie & Kent in France.

Passengers on our prior cruises were willing to pay top buck for a unique cruise experience. The ages were primarily 30's to 60's. None of the cruises had strict dress codes, and the Windstar advertises their cruises as "casual dress." However, due to their affluent audience, we did not see people inappropriately dressed at any time. No tuxedos, few suits, but sport jackets, collared shirts, pants outfits or a cocktail dress for women. On the France cruise, we were barging through the countryside in Burgundy, and it was very cool in the evening. Sweaters & slacks were appropriate in the evening, even on board. Same for Cruise West--it was a casual style boat and active itinerary.

First, the cruise lines want to appeal to those who can and will pay top dollar for the experience. And more often, this means they are appealing to busy, professional people who want to put away the business suit or tie on vacation. It doesn't mean they will be dressed sloppily or wear jeans everywhere. However, I can say that most of the men I spoke with met on Windstar mentioned the "casual dress" as one of the factors that steered them toward Windstar.

So it's a matter of economics--if the cruise line wants to maintain the pretense of "formal" evenings, they will turn off a lot of folks who have had their fill of "business formal" dress in everyday life, and want a break from that all. I don't think the cruise lines can afford to do that, or want to play "dress police" on board.

Secondly, some of the destinations are decidedly casual and require special clothing to participate in shore excursions. For instance, the Alaska cruise will require that we pack rain gear, heavier shoes or boots and layering garments. These are bulky items. With the airline restrictions on luggage dimensions, weight, carryons, etc., I think the cruise lines realize that people can't drag steamer trunks onboard nowdays to hold all their finery plus the essentials they need to participate fully in the cruise experience.

I'm planning to wear black knit slacks, dressy tops for dinner on HAL. My spouse will bring his bespoke silk blazer and gabardine slacks, a couple custom made dress shirts and a couple ties. Once he realizes that he doesn't have to wear the jacket and tie in the Lido, we will probably be there every night. We never wear jeans to dinner, but I have no problem with those who do as long as they are clean and in good condition. What someone else wears won't reduce my enjoyment of my meal, as long as it's appropriate for a dining room, which appears covered in HAL's printed literature.;)

[Craigster-diver]

We are going to Alaska on the Volendam next week. Anyone know if Jeans are ok in the dining room on casual nights ? Thanks


Please people, don't feed the troll.....

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/DoNotFeedTroll.svg/150px-DoNotFeedTroll.svg.png

[NoNoNanette]

I believe that was a legitimate question. It's posts like yours that make people hesitate to ask questions on the HAL forum.:(

[mike35]

Passengers on our prior cruises were willing to pay top buck for a unique cruise experience. The ages were primarily 30's to 60's. None of the cruises had strict dress codes, and the Windstar advertises their cruises as "casual dress." However, due to their affluent audience, we did not see people inappropriately dressed at any time.

First, the cruise lines want to appeal to those who can and will pay top dollar for the experience. And more often, this means they are appealing to busy, professional people who want to put away the business suit or tie on vacation. It doesn't mean they will be dressed sloppily or wear jeans everywhere. However, I can say that most of the men I spoke with met on Windstar mentioned the "casual dress" as one of the factors that steered them toward Windstar.



Ditto for Oceania, which happens to be our favorite cruise line. Crystal would be our favorite except for their formal nights and fixed dining schedule.

We'll obviously go with the flow on our upcoming HAL, schlepping a tux and a couple of gowns half way around the world, but if we had our "druthers".....

Mike

[RevNeal]

I agree with Nanette in that the Troll remark wasn't appropriate. The OP's question was very legitimate and reasonable, and for the most part we've deal with the question and subsequent discussion very well.

Just as an observation, however, Craigster-diver has not been a frequent poster on the HAL board. Of his/her's posts, only 9 have been on HAL or HAL-Roll call boards. Most (74.2%) of their CC posts have been on Princess and Carnival related boards. While remarks like Craigster-diver's might well frighten some people off, I dare say they are not reflective of the board. While we sometimes get argumentative here, I've not noticed a practice of labeling people "trolls."

[Craigster-diver]

I agree with Nanette in that the Troll remark wasn't appropriate. The OP's question was very legitimate and reasonable,.....I've not noticed a practice of labeling people "trolls."

In my own defence, for those who might care.....

As an occasional poster but frequent reader of the HAL threads it seems to me that there are a select few topics that seem to get most everyone all worked up and shooting flaming arrows around. Dress code on HAL ships seems to be the #1 controversy.

As a frequent internet discussion board participant on a variety of topics ranging from scuba diving to motor cycles to cruising to photography...etc, I'm a firm believer in using the "forum search" tool. Personally, I try to avoid asking questions that in all probability have been asked before.

The OP'er, while possibly quite well intentioned and honestly inquiring about the appropriateness of jeans in the dining room, did manage (on only their 4th post on-board) to hit the #1 button on the board. Use of the "search" function could have saved an awful lot of wasted key-strokes.

We're all entitled to an opinion, and in my humble opinion, the OP had my "troll-dar" (like radar, only better), beeping on overload. While I did perhaps label the post (OP) as a troll, I did not disparage the poster (OP'er). Some days a spade is a spade, even if held by a prince.

The whole thing is kind of like a bumper sticker I saw in the '80s: "Nuke the unborn, gay, whales for Jesus" -- in just one statement almost all the controvercial topics of the day were tossed out for public discussion. I thought the OP was a clever attempt to hit all the sore spots on this board with one bullet.

Rev........ you've got to loosen up a bit. We all know there are lies, damn lies, and then come statistics. Wouldn't have guessed you to descend to the 3rd level of damnation quite so rapidly in order to make a point.:D

Ciao all,
Craigster

[twoatsea]

Craigster-diver, glad you took the opportunity to express your explanation. Now I hope that you will continue to post on this HAL board. We need new & varied opinions.

IMO, it does not matter if someone picks a hot topic in an attempt to stir the pot. And I am not in any way indicating that the OP did so. In fact, the OP started an informative thread on a hot topic & the posts remained civil. Just because someone "starts" a topic that in the past has become nasty, does not mean that such behavior needs to continue. Let hot topics come & go. Let's respond & give our opinions in a civilized adult manner. In that way, no poster is chased away & the board & we all benefit! :)

[RevNeal]

As an occasional poster but frequent reader of the HAL threads it seems to me that there are a select few topics that seem to get most everyone all worked up and shooting flaming arrows around. Dress code on HAL ships seems to be the #1 controversy.

I agree with you.

As a frequent internet discussion board participant on a variety of topics ranging from scuba diving to motor cycles to cruising to photography...etc, I'm a firm believer in using the "forum search" tool. Personally, I try to avoid asking questions that in all probability have been asked before.

Again, I agree with you. However, sometimes one can be confused by what one reads and/or sometimes one just wants to get direct input unique to a given circumstance or situation. I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt in such matters; In short, I don't consider it productive to slap someone around for asking a question that has been asked 2-dozen times before. Nor do I suspect someone of nefarious intentions just because they chose a "hot topic." If someone is KNOWN for contrariness on a topic, and yet keep posting threads and questions dealing with it, I may suspect them of intentionally pushing buttons. Such was not the case (nor the result) here.

The OP'er, while possibly quite well intentioned and honestly inquiring about the appropriateness of jeans in the dining room, did manage (on only their 4th post on-board) to hit the #1 button on the board. Use of the "search" function could have saved an awful lot of wasted key-strokes.

While the OP hit the "#1 button on the board," my own observation of the thread was that, for the most part, it had survived with civility and quality posts. I rejoice when I see this ... it gives me hope that we can post on the "hot topic items" and still behave like ladies and gentlemen.

We're all entitled to an opinion, and in my humble opinion, the OP had my "troll-dar" (like radar, only better), beeping on overload. While I did perhaps label the post (OP) as a troll, I did not disparage the poster (OP'er). Some days a spade is a spade, even if held by a prince.

Even if your "troll-dar" was going "whup whup whup!" why cause a stink where one was not underway? Slapping that particular label on someone can tend to have that effect.

The whole thing is kind of like a bumper sticker I saw in the '80s: "Nuke the unborn, gay, whales for Jesus" -- in just one statement almost all the controvercial topics of the day were tossed out for public discussion. I thought the OP was a clever attempt to hit all the sore spots on this board with one bullet.

Quite possibly. But, again, it would appear -- at least to me -- that if such was the intent, it had failed. Why draw attention to it when the thread had progressed fairly well even despite the appearance of "trolldom"? That was my objection.

Rev........ you've got to loosen up a bit. We all know there are lies, damn lies, and then come statistics. Wouldn't have guessed you to descend to the 3rd level of damnation quite so rapidly in order to make a point.

FOFLMHO. Yes ... I desperately need a cruise. October 7th won't come quick enough for me.

As for my little statistical note ... NoNoNannet and I have "history;" she and I do not share a common opinion regarding many of the people who frequent this board. When I make a point which she is likely to contradict, I generally like to lay a few pro-active booby-traps (multi-leveled pun-intended ;) ). My statistical observation was a mild attempt in that direction. My point was that YOU have not been a frequent poster on this board, hence even though her disagreement with your labeling the OP was well-founded, her evaluation of the situation and what it showed of the HAL board in general was misplaced.

Oh ... and welcome to the board. I agree with twoatsea in that fresh opinions, POVs, and experiences are always welcome.

[Tinknock50]

No way did the post sound like a troll. Trolls don't usually respond later on why they asked the question and why she felt jeans might be ok in the dining room. You might want to read through the entire thread to see her other posts.

Your Tro-dar needs calibrating.:)

[Craigster-diver]

http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/JC/sm.0005.gif

Ok....I give up !!

Apparently my cynicism of all things internet (well founded, based on other experiences on other boards :rolleyes: ) may have unintentionally besmirched an innocent bystander. I'll do the honourable thing and fall on my literary sword (not my literal sword).

To the OP'er and this community I offer an appology.

Some days, so it seems, a spade is not always a spade ...... and what's a spade in some communities is not always a spade in others.

I am booking myself into "cultural rehab" this afternoon and after significant re-conditioning I trust that the lenses through which I see the world will return to their usual rosy colour.

Let the electroshock therapy begin......

Craigster

ps: Rev, thanks for the classy example of how to mix humour with biting wit. You're a beacon of a Deacon.

[RevNeal]

Craigster,

No need to "fall on your sword," friend. But I greatly appreciate -- and seek to imitate -- the attitude! It's an excellent example.

Rev, thanks for the classy example of how to mix humour with biting wit. You're a beacon of a Deacon.

:D Thank YOU. You put a great big smile on my face.
I haven't been a deacon in about 15 years. To quote jack Lemmon from "Mass Appeal" -- "being a deacon was a great big pain in the a$$." :D And, like kidney stones, "this too shall pass."

[Tinknock50]

Nice thoughts , Craig. :)

I can somewhat understand your original conclusion. While I didn't think the OP was a troll, my first thought was "Oh no, here comes a 200+ post flame fest!" I almost posted that fear right after the original post, but I held back and was suprised it was for the most part a pretty civil thread.

[bepsf]

Now that we know where to wear and not wear our Jeans...
(and yes, I do occasionally wear them in the Dining Room on Casual nights)

When, Oh When will HAL and the other lines make it known where it is and is not appropriate to wear bathrobes? Maybe they could sew a little tag in the collar or post a little hang-tag on the hanger letting folks know that its not OK to wear these as they are trooping down to Bingo or having brunch in the Lido? :cool:

Or am I the only one that's kinda creeped out about this? Always makes me feel like they're treating the entire ship as an extension of their dressing room - and I sure hope that they're wearing something underneath that robe!!!
:eek:

[RuthC]

When, Oh When will HAL and the other lines make it known where it is and is not appropriate to wear bathrobes?

Or am I the only one that's kinda creeped out about this?
You're not.
The time I saw a couple at an afternoon game in a lounge---both in HAL robes---had to be the worst example. :eek:

But, then again, who can be sure. There are so many examples to choose from. :rolleyes:

[twoatsea]

I'm with you 100%, Tinknock50. Thank the Lord for small favors. Thank you Craigster for being so gracious.

Re: robes in public places - doesn't bother me. I assume they are using them over their swimming suits & just left the pool area for other places rather than changing, or are headed to the pool after their other stop. I just don't get bothered by what other people wear. However, if a robe ever opens & proves my assumption wrong & I sadly see there is nothing under the robe, then I will complain (unless it happens to some real hunk of a man!:D Only teasing!;) ). Of course, if it happens to a shapely young lady rather than us old folks on HAL, I can guarantee you that my DH will NOT complain!

Suppose the time will come when HAL will list robes as unacceptable dining room attire? Or, ......it will become acceptable dining room attire!:eek:

[jhannah]

I cannot think of any ship setups where parading through a public room is necessary to get from the pool to one's stateroom. One can get on an elevator before entering the lido serving area. A nice coverup would look much better than a robe, IMO.

[Craigster-diver]

Suppose the time will come when HAL will list robes as unacceptable dining room attire? Or, ......it will become acceptable dining room attire!:eek:

I'd suggest the answer entirely depends on any of these factors :

(a) is the robe made of denim
(b) is it formal night
(c) is the robe worn only in the Lido
(d) is the robe worn only to the dining room on formal night, and then changed for something "a little more casual" for the remainder of the night
(e) is the robe used to save a chair in the dining room while the owner is off in the casino - not wearing the robe
(f) is the robe worn with the appropriate accessories
(g) will the dining room have robing / non-robing sections
(h) will there be a "robe optional" deck located between the passenger cabins and the dining room

As there is no simple answer to the question, one must always consider the options. Circumstance is in fact the master of our destiny.

Craigster

[newmexicoNita]

No! Here's an except from the HAL website about dress on casual nights:

Comfortable, relaxed clothing is fine for evenings designated as casual; however, T-shirts, jeans, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the dining room, Lido restaurant, or public areas during the evening hours.

The URL for this is:

http://www.hollandamerica.com/guests/category.do?category=packing&topic=dressCode

Hope this helps!/sorry, I could be wrong, but we have just been told jeans are permitted on casual nights: for me, it isn't a concern as I wouldn't wear them period unless it was really cold and I do wish, whatever the dress code it would be enforced, but I think they have changed the policy. As for not in the Lido restaurant that is a bit too much as far as I am concerned. NMnita

[RevNeal]

/sorry, I could be wrong, but we have just been told jeans are permitted on casual nights: for me, it isn't a concern as I wouldn't wear them period unless it was really cold and I do wish, whatever the dress code it would be enforced, but I think they have changed the policy. As for not in the Lido restaurant that is a bit too much as far as I am concerned.

NMnita, you're not wrong. But this fact has already been pointed out ... i.e., that the website's listing of the dress code is no longer coordinated with what HAL sends out in their "Know Before You Go" booklet. I, for one, decried the discontinuity and wonder WHEN HAL will get around to changing the website to conform it to what they're mailing out to passengers. The confusion it generates is NOT helpful.

[hammybee]

something[/I] underneath that robe!!![/SIZE][/FONT]
:eek:
__________________________________________________ ___________
I am one of those people that tends to only notice attire when someone is dressed exceptionately well. The only exception, is the bathrobe in public thing. And the term flasher always comes to mind.

[txaggiemom]

I just returned from a cruise on the Zuiderdam - Alaska and the dress attire for dinner on "casual" nights can include jeans. If you have your "Know Before You Go" book from your document folder, on Page 15 it states what clothing is appropriate. We did not wear jeans to dinner except for one night when we came straight from an excursion to dinner and did not have the time to go change. We much preferred wearing something nicer to dinner, but sometimes you just do what you have to do.

[amusea]

Thanks to Winegirl and MikeBrill for supporting my views on dress codes. My first travel by ship was in 1969 - the inaugural year of the QE2. Formal dress was required on all but the first and last night and it really was formal in the true sense of the word for all guests. I was dining (not dinning) in the Grill Room. Back then there was only one Grill, not Queen's and Princess as it would later become. Proper dress included patent shoes for men and all other accoutrements which made formal dress elegant and proper. Today, the dress code for formal is a real nightmare of styles. I agree that men are the worst offenders. Can't gentlemen at least wear a dark jacket rather than light tan, etc?? But take a close look at many of the women and you will see just as many strange styles. So, in my mind the question is whether formal nights are realistic today. Upscale cruise lines such as Oceania and Regent have gone to "country club casual" and they are much more upscale than HAL. I must disagree with others in another post who concluded that the amount of luggage for a country club casual cruise would be the same as for a ship with formal nights. If my upcoming 64 day HAL cruise were country club casual, I could pack less shoes, just one lightweight blazer, a few sweaters and some elegant shirts that could be worn without ties. As it is I must pack tuxedo with proper shoes and shirt, dark suit, light suit, two sport jackets, sweaters, etc. Perhaps some cruise lines could experiment by making some of their ships less formal but truly enforcing the country club casual code. It seems that it is the wave of the future. From my personal experience on Oceania and Regent, it does not diminish to the elegance of the cruise.

[winegirl]

I hope to run into you, Amusea, on a future cruise. You sound like an interesting person, a little "old school," like myself, having been educated by the Sisters of Notre Dame. Part of my college education included the proper way to sit on the dais!

Can we all agree that robes belong in the Dinning Room, not the Dining Room?

Part of the entertainment on a cruise or any vacation that brings us into close quarters with others is the opportunity to "people watch" and "tsk-tsk!" There's always someone who commits the ultimate faux pas and that's how we learn how to behave (other than from what Sister Superior or Mom taught us.)