Why can we not wear jeans on Casual nights?

[Chivalrygirl]

Hey guys
We are from down-under, jeans are very much part of our out for dinner wear if out for a laid back casual wear. Jeans and nice shirt. Do we really have to bow to another culture? You wear khakis (which we find very strange) and we wear jeans. So will you be offended when we come to dinner wearing fashion jeans etc.?

[boomerSexyK]

one of the reasons my DH and I chose Holland, was the fact that Hal tries to keep the older traditions going.....ie no jeans allowed in the diningroom. We enjoy this aspect of cruising. "resort casual" gives us the opportunity to "put on the dog", so to speak. One of the things we look forward to when we travel.

[kryos]

Hey guys
We are from down-under, jeans are very much part of our out for dinner wear if out for a laid back casual wear. Jeans and nice shirt. Do we really have to bow to another culture? You wear khakis (which we find very strange) and we wear jeans. So will you be offended when we come to dinner wearing fashion jeans etc.?
HAL took the prohibition of jeans out of its dress code for casual nights. So, feel free to wear them ... to the dining room, the Pinnacle ... wherever. In fact, at least according to the "Know Before You Go" brochure, those jeans don't even have to be new or neat. They can be just plain old blue jeans with bleach stains and whatever on them. It's anything goes. :)

So, wear them. And ... if anyone takes offense, just smile sweetly and tell them "tough stuff." :)

Blue skies ...

--rita


Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

one of the reasons my DH and I chose Holland, was the fact that Hal tries to keep the older traditions going.....ie no jeans allowed in the diningroom.
Guess you'd better find another cruise line then, because HAL now allows jeans in the dining room on casual nights. Sorry. :)

The only dress items not permitted in any of the eateries in the evenings are shorts, tank tops, tee-shirts, and I believe bathing suits. And, even with that list, I have to say that I have NEVER seen anyone asked to leave the Lido with a tee-shirt on. In fact, I wore a tee-shirt to the Lido on my cruise in January ... the one night that I ate there, and nothing whatsoever was said. The Lido is a casual dining venue, and I have a feeling even shorts would be permitted there, though certainly not in the dining room.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[esther e]

Jeans are for working in the garden. Or playing with grandchildren. Going on a cruise is special; therefore, "special" clothes are in order.

[kryos]

Jeans are for working in the garden. Or playing with grandchildren. Going on a cruise is special; therefore, "special" clothes are in order.
Jeans *are* special for some people. You know, there are more than just blue jeans out there in the marketplace. Some jeans are downright nice ... nicer than what I've seen some people wearing in the dining room on casual nights.

The only problem I have with HAL changing their policy about jeans is that they did not specify that the jeans had to be neat and pressed. By failing to do that, now they are going to have people in the dining room wearing jeans that, as you say, are fit for working in the garden ... and there really will be little they can do about it. Can't bar one person from entering the dining room in jeans, but let another in. That's just plain discriminatory. I think their policy change should have been a bit more specific in this area.

Also, I take exception with the prohibitions (mainly the one for tee-shirts and shorts) applying to the Lido in the evenings as well. What's the point of dining in the Lido if you can't just run up there in your shorts that you wore all day in port to grab a bite to eat? What's the point, then, of choosing the casual dining venue if you can't wear just about anything to dine there? Of course, in reality, I've never seen anyone asked to leave the Lido in the evening ... no matter what they were wearing ... but I still think this policy should have been dining room and Pinnacle Grill specific.

By the way ... for those who take exception to jeans in the dining room ... that's what you have comment cards for. Obviously the dress code was changed in response to passenger requests via those cards. The masses have spoken and HAL has responded ... appropriately so. So, if it bothers people to see others dressed in jeans in the main dining room, they have to make that displeasure known via their comment cards, and who knows ... maybe HAL will change the policy back to a prohibition against jeans if enough people complain about it.

But for now anyway, jeans are allowed and anyone should feel free to wear them on casual nights. I know I plan to ... and if anyone doesn't like it ... well, let them go eat in the Lido. :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[thomasale]

Jeans are for working in the garden. Or playing with grandchildren. Going on a cruise is special; therefore, "special" clothes are in order.
I'm sure you forgot the first word in your comment, "My". Everyone has a different definition of "special". It's kind of like trying to define "decent".

Yes, this is MY opinion. For the record I never even bring Jeans on a cruise but, I couldn't care less if that is all you bring.

[wowzo]

I don't understand the 'bow to another culture' remark. What other items go against your 'culture' ? MaryAnn

[Navy_Chief]

Hmmmm....seems I recall getting back to the ship after our appointed dinner time in Rome, going strait up to the Lido in shorts (I was wearing a polo shirt Vs Tee) and getting dinner. No one said "Boo" to me or the other passengers dressed in the same fashion. Maybe the sun shines differently in the Med :D With regards to jeans, never thought about bringing any on the cruise. Though this next itinerary leaving out of NYC in December, Those jeans will be in my bag for wearing while up on the weather decks during the first and last days as the will be much warmer. I will leave them in the cabin at diner time I suspect, then again, maybe not :confused:

[SnorkelBear]

This should be an interesting thread to monitor. 28676

"I am like so glad it's casual night."
28678

[Copper10-8]

This should be an interesting thread to monitor. 28676

"I am like so glad it's casual night."
28678

Dude, those are a great pair of s$%tkickers you're wearing! :rolleyes: Watch out with too many trips to the midnight buffet though!:D

[jerseygirl3]

Everytime I see a discussion on these boards about jeans in the dining room, the same question occurs to me. Why in the world would anybody want to wear jeans on a Caribbean cruise? First of all, I would think you'd feel very warm in them, and secondly, unless they have "stretch", they would be very binding to wear to dinner. As far as those who wear them, it doesn't necessarily offend me, but I do like seeing everybody more dressed up when eating in the formal dining room. Will it negatively affect my cruise. Nope, not one bit.

[Sea King]

What's all the fuss about:confused:

another thread on who's in favor of or against the dress code:(

IMO this is really simple:)

HAL has a dress code: accept it or not

everyone has a choice including which cruise line to sail .. maybe Windstar with its totally casual dress code would be fitting for somone who wants a complete informal atmosphere yet at the same time a more elegant cruise than some other lines may be prone to offer ..

if however you elect to sail with HAL, the rules are the rules

knowing what is allowed and not allowed "up front" allows you make an informed decision .. either to "play by the rules" or elect something other than going to the dining room

IMO, Pax not correctly dressed (including shorts and sneakers) for dinner should not be allowed entry to the dining room ..

hopefully, respect for other passengers also counts

[Hflors]

Folks it's time to wake up and realize that the modern notion of dressing has come a long way! Jeans are everywhere! Don't get me wrong I hate the things, but they are everywhere! I recently went to a wedding where the groom wore them with a long duster. (by the way he looked like a cross over between a gun slinger and a drug addict), but there are more problems with that young man than wearing jeans on his wedding day!

Since I only do carribbean cruises I would never even think of packing a pair, but hay other people do. I know all of you will ask why, their heavy, hot and they don't even look good, but the younger generation likes them and that's a fact. The cruise lines are waking up to the fact that the "older" people who wore casual clothing ie, somthing you would wear to the country club are getting to the stage where they are not going to be going on a cruise much longer and the younger people see no reason to be "presentable" as we knew it when they are on "their" vacations. It's all about the bottom line and the cruise line need to bow to where the revenue will come from in the near future.

As for tee shirts just wait, in the near future they will also be in the dining room, it's a slow progression from the very formal evening attire, then it went to a less formal, to an even lesser formal to now an almost casual attire. Soon it will be all casual, then a 24/7 total casual. (I'm still hoping they don't let bathing suits in the dining room. I hate sitting on wet spots) The cruises as we knew them are going the way of the dinasaurs (sp). It's a sad thing to watch, but our day is closing and a new day is dawning.

I hope this post doesn't offend anyone. It wasn't meant to it's just my view on the subject.

[Mack704]

In the few months I've been a member of these boards, I've seen several threads on the "jeans in the dining room" or "proper dress in the dining room".

One thing I've never been able to understand is how another one's dress in the dining room can affect "your" dining experience. Are you there to dine or are you there to look around with your nose in the air and discriminating eyes? What gives? Please explain it to me.

My two main concerns in the dining room are service and food quality. A sceaming baby might affect my exprience. A teenager food fight might attract my attention. But I can't see how what anyone else wears could in any way detract from my good time.

Harvey

[cruzincurt]

What about those "cargo" pants with 15 pockets, zippers and chains? My only pet peeve is ballcaps worn indoors.

[karen2cruz]

It's your choice realy, free country and all....

Now, I'm a Utah resident and jeans are the norm, wear them every day- to go shopping, to eat out....but......

It's about respect and following the rules. I guess I was raised "right" to respect the wishes (ie - code, rules, principles) of others, whether it is a dress code, a religious code of another's culture, etc -if it does not harm me or go against my principles.

When I visited a mosque in an Arab country I covered my head and arms (cant wear something sleeveless there) out of respect for their desires. It did not harm me. They were much more willing to talk to me afterwards, knowing I respected their requests.

My kids always get a job after the first interview because they dress for it (boys-shirts and ties and no jeans and daughter in nice pantsuit or dress). Employers even thank them. They range in age from 15 -20.

Would it harm you, really, to wear something that conforms to the code (formal wear, etc), for a few hours?


flame away

[kakalina]

As almost everyone else says " the times they are a'changin' ". I know I packed jeans on our first couple of cruises as it is very cold ( to us ) in the ports we regularly depart from. I've worn them on deck and outside and even in the Lido by the pool; for the first couple of days out of port.
Wearing jeans to dinner strikes me as uncomfortable to the wearer. I much prefer a little "give" to my dining room clothes. ;)
DH on the other hand does not eat in the dining room. He takes all his meals in the Lido and on casual nights has always worn shorts and tee shirts there with no problem at all. On informal nights he adds long pants, on formal nights he adds socks :D . We dress the way we are comfortable on our vacation. We hope everyone else does the same. Vacations are supposed to be fun, not spent worrying what to wear. JMHO.

[babyher]

Folks it's time to wake up and realize that the modern notion of dressing has come a long way! Jeans are everywhere! Don't get me wrong I hate the things, but they are everywhere! I recently went to a wedding where the groom wore them with a long duster. (by the way he looked like a cross over between a gun slinger and a drug addict), but there are more problems with that young man than wearing jeans on his wedding day!

Since I only do carribbean cruises I would never even think of packing a pair, but hay other people do. I know all of you will ask why, their heavy, hot and they don't even look good, but the younger generation likes them and that's a fact. The cruise lines are waking up to the fact that the "older" people who wore casual clothing ie, somthing you would wear to the country club are getting to the stage where they are not going to be going on a cruise much longer and the younger people see no reason to be "presentable" as we knew it when they are on "their" vacations. It's all about the bottom line and the cruise line need to bow to where the revenue will come from in the near future.

As for tee shirts just wait, in the near future they will also be in the dining room, it's a slow progression from the very formal evening attire, then it went to a less formal, to an even lesser formal to now an almost casual attire. Soon it will be all casual, then a 24/7 total casual. (I'm still hoping they don't let bathing suits in the dining room. I hate sitting on wet spots) The cruises as we knew them are going the way of the dinasaurs (sp). It's a sad thing to watch, but our day is closing and a new day is dawning.

I hope this post doesn't offend anyone. It wasn't meant to it's just my view on the subject.


I am not offended at all and I have to say I agree with you 100% whether we like it or not.

I am another one who can care less what the other people in the dining room are wearing. Dirty, ripped clothing is pushing it, and just un called for. and if a person sitting next to me (especially if I am eating ) is reeking of BO, trust me I will be the first to complain.

But if this guy is wearing dockers and a dress shirt, and this guy over here is wearing clean and well taken care of jeans and a t shirt. It doesn't effect my evening , or my dinner, or my cruise one bit.

You are very right, we are becoming a more casual society. Again there is no excuse for dirty, raggedy clothes. But, settings and situations that used to be suits or jackets and ties have become Dockers and dress shirts without ties.

My uncle passed away last week. At the wake , with the exception of the immediate family(His son, son in laws, his brothers), all the other men wore very nice dress pants and a dress shirt or polo shirt. (reserved nuteral colors) Although yes at the funeral the next morning almost al did wear a suit, myself included.

Even the women didn't wear the head to toe black they did for years.

I am from an old Italian family, When my grandparents died in the 60s and 70s , my mother and aunts wore black for a year after. Some widows wore it til the day they died. Very few people do that anymore.

As you said times are changeing and the new cruisers have different outlooks on terms like "formal", "informal" ,"casual" , even "decent" as one other poster mentioned.

Whether or not anyone likes it these are the next generation of cruiser. They are the ones, the cruise lines are building the new ships for .

[HeatherInFlorida]

Even if Rita is right and HAL "allows" jeans on Casual nights:eek: , I don't recommend it.

And just for the record, Americans wear jeans EVERYWHERE. So it has nothing to do with the culture here. As a matter of fact, I would suspect that no country on earth can get much more "laid back" than the good ole USA.

Also ... there are jeans and there are "jeans" .... vast difference between them.

So do whatever you want ... everyone does these days. Just know that you're not "bowing to another culture". You're simply going along with the masses.

Harvey, some people are affected by what other people wear and others aren't. On Casual nights I really don't care that much what people wear and pay little attention, but I do notice it on Formal nights if someone is in jeans and a t-shirt.

Does it affect me? No. I just think they don't hold themselves in very high regard. And that is honestly their choice.

[Sea King]

guess I'm in the minority

nose in the air?

don't think so unless someone hasn't showered;)

maybe that's next

what's a little odor when it comes to freedoms:rolleyes:

[Palm Beacher]

Boy oh Boy, there's not a lot of things that offend but jeans in the dining room is one of those things that gets me. After reading just a few of the posts this morning, I just had to check the HAL website and find out for myself if the "policy" for jeans had changed. Guess what it hasn't and I quote "Evening dress falls into three distinct categories. Each night a daily program will be delivered to your stateroom announcing the suggested dress for the following evening. 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. During informal nights, dresses or pantsuits for women and jackets (tie optional) for men are standard. " So please not jeans in the dining room.

By the way, I have jeans and I love wearing my jeans when it's appropriate. Thank you for letting me put in my two cents worth.

[peaches from georgia]

An 'anything goes' enforcement of a cruiseline's dress code does affect my enjoyment of the dining room and therefore the cruise to some extent.

When we book a cruiseline and a particular ship we are purchasing more than a cabin and an itinerary- we are also purchasing an ambience that is advertised by that cruiseline. I expect to receive what the cruiseline has said we would and the atmosphere/ambience HAL has shown in their brochures. Call it 'Truth in Advertising'. I have yet to see HAL publish pictures of their dining rooms with pax in jeans and baseball caps. :D

[HeatherInFlorida]

Palm Beacher, thanks for checking and I'm happy to read that HAL has not changed their policy.

However, the disappointing and sad news is that it falls to the individual Maitre D's to enforce the policy and unfortunately they usually look the other way and allow it (from what people have posted here on this board).

I've not cruised on HAL since late 2004 and I certainly never saw jeans in the dining room then. But that could easily have changed in 2 years.

[kakalina]

Boy oh Boy, there's not a lot of things that offend but jeans in the dining room is one of those things that gets me. After reading just a few of the posts this morning, I just had to check the HAL website and find out for myself if the "policy" for jeans had changed. Guess what it hasn't and I quote "Evening dress falls into three distinct categories. Each night a daily program will be delivered to your stateroom announcing the suggested dress for the following evening. 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. During informal nights, dresses or pantsuits for women and jackets (tie optional) for men are standard. " So please not jeans in the dining room.

By the way, I have jeans and I love wearing my jeans when it's appropriate. Thank you for letting me put in my two cents worth.

Sorry, they may not have updated their website but the newest 'Know before you go' booklet states " comfortable relaxed clothing is fine for evening designated as casual; however, T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the dining room, Lido restaurant, or public areas during the evening hours." Jeans, hats and footwear are not mentioned. Period.

[SnorkelBear]

Our last cruise was with NCL. On Formal (Optional) night, we were all dressed up and seated between four people in athletic sweatsuits and a couple in tattered jeans and tees. Kind of felt like the only ones that were not told the costume party had changed to regular party. (Just like Bridget Jones.)

The nice ambience of a fine dining establishment is degraded with inappropriate attire. May as well serve my lobster on a paper plate and pour my Thunderbird into a plastic cup.

If you must wear jeans to the dining room, beware, I will wear a thong to the pool. Just me, a bucket of beer and my pet squirrel. (Ron White joke.)

Think of Copper on this one. Jeans in the dining room is one more step toward a more casual society. A more casual society will lead to the decline of all social graces. This will cast us into a deep chasm of anarchy and chaos. This will result in all vacations being canceled by the Torrance Police Dept. Thus no more cruises for Copper. Copper very unhappy now. We don't want that. I think I would leave the jeans at home.28681

[Catnip]

Everytime I see a discussion on these boards about jeans in the dining room, the same question occurs to me. Why in the world would anybody want to wear jeans on a Caribbean cruise? First of all, I would think you'd feel very warm in them, and secondly, unless they have "stretch", they would be very binding to wear to dinner. As far as those who wear them, it doesn't necessarily offend me, but I do like seeing everybody more dressed up when eating in the formal dining room. Will it negatively affect my cruise. Nope, not one bit.


Exactly my thoughts!!!!:)

[Copper10-8]

Hey guys, it has been said already and it's really pretty simple; HAL has made the decision to allow jeans in the diningroom on casual nights so there you have it! If you choose to wear them you will not get keel-hauled or dragged in front of the Spanish inquisition! It's an individual decision. If you choose not to wear them for whatever reason, then don't! If someone comes skipping into the diningroom wearing the same jeans they wore when they were changing the engine in their favorite pickup truck the day before the good ship lollipop left, I would hope they get turned away. Common sense goes a long way! We choose to follow the dress code out of respect for our fellow passengers and the cruise line.

Appreciate the vacation thoughts, Bear! Maybe consider the white thong with them shoes in your pic!

[sail7seas]

SnorkelBear wrote: Think of Copper on this one. Jeans in the dining room is one more step toward a more casual society


Does wearing jeans most of the time connect to the new trend of addressing a mixed group of men and women as "guys"?

Gets my 'personal goat' when someone address me (a lady ;) ) as 'guy'.

Had that happen with our waiter at dinner last night. Just DH and me seated at the table. He asked if we 'guys' would like something from the bar. DH looked at me to order first and I sat silent. They both repeated (as though I were deaf).......he asked if you want something from the bar. I pointed out I'm not a guy!

It's just my personal opinion that all this casualness in our society is diminishing social graces. Does it matter? Each will decide that for themselves.

[hammybee]

[QUOTE=SnorkelBear]Our last cruise was with NCL. On Formal (Optional) night, we were all dressed up and seated between four people in athletic sweatsuits and a couple in tattered jeans and tees. Kind of felt like the only ones that were not told the costume party had changed to regular party. (Just like Bridget Jones.) QUOTE]

OMG. We saw you on our last NCL cruise and wondered about the guy wearing bunny ears and a fluffy tail with his tux.

[herb]

I expect to receive what the cruiseline has said we would and the atmosphere/ambience HAL has shown in their brochures. Call it 'Truth in Advertising'. I have yet to see HAL publish pictures of their dining rooms with pax in jeans and baseball caps. :D

I can't believe that anyone, especially those that have come to rely on the cruise message boards for information, really believes what any cruiseline portrays in their brochure photos as what to expect! No one is on a buffet line; plenty of seats around the pool; no kids in the hot tubs; everyone smiling...

[sail7seas]

Okay, Copper......

'Ya got me.
I was posting my message about 'guys' at the time you were posting yours.
When mine appeared, I saw you started yours with ........Hey Guys. :D

[Randyk47]

Guess I've had too much coffee this morning as I normally stay out of these threads but oh well..... I'm not going to go out and eat worms and broken glass because somebody shows up in jeans in the dining room. Should they? No. Can I understand, say like on the first night, that there are circumstances like lost luggage that might leave the passenger without any other choice? Yes. Other than that I think HAL should enforce their own dress codes, across the board, not just jeans. At same time we're not going to let the dress code enforcement ruin our cruise.

[Mack704]

Hi - Mrs. Mack704 here - we're looking forward to going on our first HAL cruise - one of the main reasons is that we really want to try HAL after our disappointing last cruise on CCL - the food in the dining room was very sub-par compared to RCCL and X. DH and I are in our mid 50's - he is a business owner and wears jeans to work daily (unless it's too hot - then he wears shorts) - to wear anything else would negatively affect his relationship with his clientel. I work for the government - I never deal with the public - and I wear jeans quite often. At my workplace, I see some sights - some of you would probably swoon - but many of the questionably-dressed people are in technical jobs, and do them VERY well. Being around them has never affected my work experience.

But I digress. I am hardly a kid! I don't understand why someone wearing jeans on a casual night in the dining room would affect someone's evening! No one has suggested that jeans and a t-shirt be worn in the dining room on a formal night - or even on semi-formal evenings. We are looking forward to eating some wonderful food EVERY night - and having wonderful experiences together as a couple on our upcoming HAL cruise. The appearance of other diners won't affect our enjoyment in the least - because we just don't care! If you do care, then I suggest you fill out the comment cards, as someone has already proposed - or just look the other way and try your darndest to make the best of it!

Mrs. Harvey ;)

[Copper10-8]

Okay, Copper......

'Ya got me.
I was posting my message about 'guys' at the time you were posting yours.
When mine appeared, I saw you started yours with ........Hey Guys. :D

That's allright Madam;)

[babyher]

I can't believe that anyone, especially those that have come to rely on the cruise message boards for information, really believes what any cruiseline portrays in their brochure photos as what to expect! No one is on a buffet line; plenty of seats around the pool; no kids in the hot tubs; everyone smiling...


*LOL* True ...very true :)

How have you been Herb, long time no see :)

[SnorkelBear]

Hi Hammy,

I'm a Vicar, not a Tart. Might you have any beet root cubes or mini gherkins?

[SnorkelBear]

Morning Copper,

You know that's not a picture of me. I can't afford expensive jeans like those much less the shoes.

[Cruising Illini]

On our Med. cruise (Rotterdam) in Oct. 05 we saw the ultimate -- on Informal Night an older man (maybe early 70's) with farmer type blue jeans, plaid shirt and suspenders!!! All looked clean but if he could afford a Med. cruise I believe he could buy appropriate clothes -- even at Target, etc.
At a table next to ours was worse - dirty looking dockers, shirt and rumpled sport coat for informal night. This was on a 30+ year old man.
As you say -- the enforcement of this and also the closing of the doors for late-arrivals -- is all dependent on the attitude of the head of the dining room. The late arrivals bother me even more because this influences our service from the waiters when they have to schedule more than one trip to the kitchen.
Hope you all can consider the feelings of others at some point!!

[hammybee]

I find it curious that anyone would book a cruise on a ship that bans jeans on some evenings, if they do not want to dress for the occasion and then argue that the culture was being forced upon them.

I have seen people dining in bathrobes on NCL. It did not detract from my cruise experience because when I booked passage, I knew that it was an "anything goes" enviornment.

If passengers who prefer casual dining attire on all nights go elsewhere, and if this means HAL sails with substantially less than full occupancy, over a period of time, they will bow to a change in passenger dynamics. Will this happen? I don't know.

In the meantime, it's HAL's ships and HAL's rules and they have a right to ask us to dress any way they deem appropriate. Those who prefer a more casual atmosphere, are free to choose to sail with another cruise line. It really is that simple.

People should sail the cruise line that most appeals to their preferences. It's called choice.

[Copper10-8]

Morning Copper,

You know that's not a picture of me. I can't afford expensive jeans like those much less the shoes.

Yes had a feeling about that but thanks for clarifying!;)

[sail7seas]

That's allright Madam;)

:eek: I think maybe I should have stuck with "Guy" and been happy with it. ;) :)

[herb]

On our Med. cruise (Rotterdam) in Oct. 05 we saw the ultimate -- on Informal Night an older man (maybe early 70's) with farmer type blue jeans, plaid shirt and suspenders!!! All looked clean but if he could afford a Med. cruise I believe he could buy appropriate clothes -- even at Target, etc.

unless this cruise was a gift to him from his children for a special birthday... and he really does not have the money to go out and buy new "appropriate" clothes. Something we really don't know & I doubt we'll ever find out ;)

[Bramcruiser]

Hey guys
We are from down-under, jeans are very much part of our out for dinner wear if out for a laid back casual wear. Jeans and nice shirt. Do we really have to bow to another culture? You wear khakis (which we find very strange) and we wear jeans. So will you be offended when we come to dinner wearing fashion jeans etc.?

I can't believe someone is actually asking this? Even if it is a newbie and not aware of the continuous discussions on the subject on these boards. There is a saying that goes "When in Rome..do as the Romans!". So I would expect people to understand the cultures of the place they are and behave accordingly.

Now as to casual wear. Nothing wrong with jeans during the daytime. But the rules of the dining room do state and quite clearly so - that jeans and T-shirts will not be allowed. So why is this constantly being questioned? The idea of most cruise ship's causual night is that casual is more resort-casual meaning khakis and slacks along with a nice collared shirt with a decent pair of shoes. Pretend you are going off to play golf rather than going to the bar down the street. Most North Americans wear jeans and t-shirts to casual restaurants on land and to bars but the cruise industry is seeking to have people look a little better than that thus the reason for the rules they post. I can see people questioning it but always thinking they can circumvent it makes me wonder why they go in the first place.

David

[peaches from georgia]

I can't believe that anyone, especially those that have come to rely on the cruise message boards for information, really believes what any cruiseline portrays in their brochure photos as what to expect! No one is on a buffet line; plenty of seats around the pool; no kids in the hot tubs; everyone smiling...
There certainly is a general description given by each cruiseline as to what the atmosphere is on their ships and what to expect. If there weren't then everyone would book strictly on itinerary and price.

Pax on Oceania read and believe that the dress code is Country Club Casual every night and that is what they get. HAL promotes their dining rooms as an 'elegant' experience and I don't think the expectations projected are of raggedy jeans and t-shirts. Even if not on these cruise boards most everyone knows that you will have more families and young people on Royal Caribbean and Carnival ships and a more 'elegant' ambience on HAL and other lines. There are expectations provided by each cruiseline and you don't have to be on CC to know that.

[herb]

But the rules of the dining room do state and quite clearly so - that jeans and T-shirts will not be allowed. So why is this constantly being questioned? David

because it seems that in some people's "know before you go" brochure it does not list jeans as inappropriate yet in some people's brochures it does. Wish HAL would make up it's mind so we could end this bi-monthly debate!

[Bramcruiser]

HAL took the prohibition of jeans out of its dress code for casual nights. So, feel free to wear them ...
--rita


OOPS! Did I stick my foot in my mouth? The jeans prohibition was there last year so is this a brand new thing???

Personally I have no problem with someone wearing a clean pair of jeans on casual nights but I do think if the rules are posted that one agrees to play by the rules. Some just constantly want to think the rules are for everyone else and that they are the exception and it was this that that I was going ballistic over.

However, if the jeans rules have REALLY been removed from HAL's casual nights then I guess there is no problem and I apologize to the OP. However, it is a sad move. I rather wear jeans myself anywhere else but I still prefer to dress a bit better for dinner on a cruise ship and play the game of "Look at me"!. Something dignified about the cruise lifestyle.

David

[herb]

Even if not on these cruise boards most everyone knows that you will have more families and young people on Royal Caribbean and Carnival ships and a more 'elegant' ambience on HAL and other lines.

If you wish to make blanket comparisons then you should make up your mind whether you're comparing "elegance" or "age".

"everyone knows that you will have a more 'informal' ambience on Royal Caribbean and a more 'elegant' ambience on HAL and other lines"

or:

"everyone knows that you will have more families and young people on Royal Caribbean and Carnival ships and an 'elderly' crowd on HAL and other lines."

[SnorkelBear]

I love these threads that cause so much debate. I think if I pay close attention, and learn the techniques from the masters, I too, someday, may become a master debater. 28685

[peaches from georgia]

If you wish to make blanket comparisons then you should make up your mind whether you're comparing "elegance" or "age".


Why? These are not mutually exclusive comparisons.

[Hojo's redbeard]

Some people on this thread don't seem to realize that cruises are mass marketed and not everyone becomes an educated consumer before booking a cruise. No, not everyone books a particular cruise line for their ambiance. It already has come down to the itenerary and price more often than some people want to admit. :o

My question, how long does the cruise have to be for it to include a "Casual Night"?

Jeans. They have come a LONG way from what some of you know, remember and own. Denim itself comes in hundreds of variations. The things some of you have listed as your personal reasons for not liking jeans, well, there's a pair out there for you that doesn't do that. I have a few pairs of jeans that are nearly as light as my wool suit pants, and they have more give in them than any of my khakis.

Someone mentioned not knowing why anyone would wear jeans on a carribean cruise. I've never understood why anyone would want to wear formal wear on a caribbean cruise!?!? :confused: That's a whole lot hotter than jeans.

That all being said, I have always stuck to the dress code on cruises. It's just the way I was raised. I think one of the things that DW likes most about cruising is that it's an excuse for her to go buy a new wardrobe. She just picked up two new formal gowns for our upcoming cruise (:eek: she couldn't have the same dress on in the pictures as our last cruise:eek: )

I do fall into that demographic that the cruiselines are all clammoring for, so my comment cards include the desire for jeans more often.

[skyedoggie]

I was so disappointed to see this thread on top of the one that is listed under "Why did HAL change?" My DH and I thought we had found a cruise line that represented everything we were looking for! The aforementioned thread also talks about the relaxed rules of jeans being allowed in the dining room and goes into detail about loud music following you around everywhere. We are booked on the new Southern itinery this Jan 07 and the only pair of jeans I'll bring will be the ones that I travel in to the airport and back. If we find this whole scenario to in fact be true we'll be looking to another cruise line.

Just think of that beautiful dining room and all of its staff, who are working so hard to present an elegant meal to the guests on board. Is it too much trouble for a person to dress appropriately??? I think it is a mistake for HAL to lower its standards to appease everyone....there are too many grey areas of what does a "neat pair of jeans" look like. Have you seen what jeans look like lately - even when they are brand new??? Hello out there - designer jeans are sold with more than $50 price tags attached and they already look like they've been dragged along the street!

[HeatherInFlorida]

I think the funniest part of these dress code threads is that.....

1. They're always the same in the end ... and

2. The same people say the same thing every single time.

I have to wonder why we do it because it's never going to change. No one is going to change their mind and eventually it stops being fun ribbing and ends up nasty and name calling and the hosts come in and have to either remove posts or lock the thread.

So do you all ever wonder why we keep doing it? Just because we can? I think when questions like this come up we should all just answer .... "sure, wear jeans ... do whatever you want".

Because all the OP is ever looking for is someone to justify what they're going to do anyway!!!:D :D :D

Sail .... I have to admit that I have succumbed to "guys" and am old enough now to take it as a compliment. I have come to view it as being included in the younger group. We go to a local sports bar now and then called Duffy's. They always come to the table, sit back on their heels to be at eye level, say "Hi Guys!" with a big grin. And I say "Hi Guy!" right back and just enjoy the moment.

So there are some "changes" in this world that I have come to accept and some I have not;) . On my next cruise out on the big Atlantic I'm going to raid every room, steal all the jeans and toss 'em in the big 'ole ocean:D .

[herb]

I think the funniest part of these dress code threads is that.....

1. They're always the same in the end ... and

2. The same people say the same thing every single time.

You're absolutely right Heather...
There are those that are for jeans, those that are against jeans, those that get a kick out of the dress code threads, but one thing in common... these threads sure do boost everyone's post count :D

[OldCodger73]

Wow! These jean threads seem to have more lives than a cat.

It's unfortunate that many of the people posting in this thread are operating on a misconception based on past practices. Contrary to what the HAL website says-- and we all know how up to date, state-of-the-art and readily accessible the website is--jeans are no longer banned in the dinning room on casual night. This has been repeated numerous time in this thread, but some people still don't get it. Those of us who have actually cruised HAL this year know that in the booklet that comes with your cruise documents, jeans are not listed as being prohibited.

[hammybee]

Restaurants everywhere, impose a minimum dress code on their guests, ranging from very basic, shoes and a shirt to something more formal.

Guests are free to choose which restaurant they dine.

Those that prefer to dress casually tend to dine in more casual venues.

Those looking for a special night out seek the more formal venue and generally expect the other patrons will be like-minded.

[hammybee]

Those of us who have actually cruised HAL this year know that in the booklet that comes with your cruise documents, jeans are not listed as being prohibited.

You are absolutely right. The OP's title made reference to jeans on casual night. Our reaction to the OP's tone of "bowing to another culture" is what set this one off, and took it well beyond casual night.

[Hojo's redbeard]

skyedoggie's comment got me to thinking. Everyone focuses on the bad, those who aren't following the rules and gripe about it. Gets a person to thinking that of the 800 or so people at any particular dinner seating has a couple hundred people wearing jeans. So, I have a question.

Please only answer in regards to an HAL cruise. How many people were wearing jeans in the dining room on your last HAL cruise? Please also try to be specific to Casual night, informal night and formal night.

Let's see if we are getting feathers ruffled by 2 out of 800 people on an informal night, or if its 200 on casual night.

[babyher]

Heather

I hope I am not in my jeans at the time when you go around throwing them all over board :) :) :) *LOL*

Your assessment of the dress code threads reminds me of two people I work with.

they are soooooooooo opposite of eachother and every now and then they get on a subject and really go at it. Then the smoke clears and all is well between them.

As they say about it. "Every once in a while we need to have a blow out, we have it, and then we both walk away, each thinking we won that arguement" *LOL*

[hammybee]

I think the funniest part of these dress code threads is that..... They're always the same in the end .


Heather, you are right. Formal nights, tipping and smoking threads all die for lack of fuel and a brief pause before the next one begins.

[lawyerrose]

It's your choice realy, free country and all....

Now, I'm a Utah resident and jeans are the norm, wear them every day- to go shopping, to eat out....but......

It's about respect and following the rules. I guess I was raised "right" to respect the wishes (ie - code, rules, principles) of others, whether it is a dress code, a religious code of another's culture, etc -if it does not harm me or go against my principles.

When I visited a mosque in an Arab country I covered my head and arms (cant wear something sleeveless there) out of respect for their desires. It did not harm me. They were much more willing to talk to me afterwards, knowing I respected their requests.

My kids always get a job after the first interview because they dress for it (boys-shirts and ties and no jeans and daughter in nice pantsuit or dress). Employers even thank them. They range in age from 15 -20.

Would it harm you, really, to wear something that conforms to the code (formal wear, etc), for a few hours?


flame away

No flame. Absolutely agree. Glad you said it.

[hammybee]

As they say about it. "Every once in a while we need to have a blow out" *LOL*

I think this hits the nail on the head. If we did not enjoy the battle, we would create a "sticky" and be done with it.

[serendipity1499]

skyedoggie's comment got me to thinking. Everyone focuses on the bad, those who aren't following the rules and gripe about it. Gets a person to thinking that of the 800 or so people at any particular dinner seating has a couple hundred people wearing jeans. So, I have a question.

Please only answer in regards to an HAL cruise. How many people were wearing jeans in the dining room on your last HAL cruise? Please also try to be specific to Casual night, informal night and formal night.

Let's see if we are getting feathers ruffled by 2 out of 800 people on an informal night, or if its 200 on casual night.

On the "Prinsendam" 24 day cruise in April we noticed one gentlemen who wore Jeans every night including Informal night (with a jacket) in the DR..However, he wore a TUX on Formal Nights.. One out of 900+ passengers is less than .001%...It never affected the enjoyment of my cruise! I've since re-read the paragraph in the new booklet & sure enough Jeans are not even mentioned..

We also had the complete opposite: A very attractive older lady wore a different formal every single night complete with matching Boa's or shawl's...She also had nice strappy shoes to match each outfit.. These were very elaborate & frilly (some low cut) gowns/dresses..I enjoyed watching her as she was escorted into the Dining room on the arm of a different Gentleman (table mate or MATRE_d') each night..Her Make-Up & hair was always perfect & she had an infectious laugh...She seemed to be charming her tablemates....I'm a "people watcher" & looked forward to seeing her each night in the Queens Lounge...I'm sure she had to board with trunks for all these lovely clothes.. It reminded me of watching movies about cruises in the 50's & 60's...They seemed so romantic then! After that I never felt embarrassed about taking my 9 pair of shoes. ;)

Wonder if HAL is deliberately keeping their WEB site & booklet different in order to keep these threads going.;)

Betty

[SnorkelBear]

It started with jeans in the dining room. Now HAL has changed their design plans for the upcoming class of "ships". Welcome the new TrailerDam. Jeans are required for Formal Night.

28687

[HeatherInFlorida]

I agree with everyone's comments about my post. Truth be told, these threads often tend to be a bit more interesting than some others. And everyone knows I always jump into the frey.

Babyher, if you're actually wearing the jeans I'm afraid you're toast:D .

But Hammybee is right and the "bowing to another culture" is what roused me:o . New Zealand is known for its hospitality and wecoming ways so I was a little surprised by the comment.

Whether or not HAL allows jeans almost stops being the issue. When I go to another country I will always "bow to their culture" out of respect for the country I'm in. I would hope that all Americans would do that.


P.S. Snorkelbear, I love it!!!!! LOL!

[SnorkelBear]

Here's a happy newleywed couple ready to board.
28688

And the new Midnight Dessert Buffet.
28689

[CoconutFish]

Well, this is another interesting thread on dining attire. I read them all, appreciate all the differing opinions.
On and on they go, the mind tends to wander and I can't remember exactly what points have been brought up, so please forgive me if I am repeating what has been said already.

Does everyone have a good picture in their minds of the HAL dining rooms? Spacious, elegant, beautifully appointed, white table cloths and napkins, sparkling glasses, polished silverware, seroius china, flowers, upholstered chairs, plush carpet. Waiters in black pants and elegant jackets. Sounds like a nice restaurant, almost on the posh side of the scale, doesn't it?

Why would anyone want to introduce a seriously discordant note into this picture? I mention no specific item of clothing, but one can imagine the possibilities. I am not talking about "conformity", but consistency.

Is it really out of place to consider some consistency with the surroundings all that strange an idea as far as attire goes?

Who wears a tux to MacDonald's? Why wear casual clothes at the extreme end of the spectrum to a dining room like HAL's?

As far as the Lido goes, it is more casual and no one expects suits on formal nights. That would be inconsistent with the surroundings.

Consistency is the key word and shows a lot of maturity and respect on the passengers' part for HAL and fellow cruisers.

[EngineerDel]

I assume the HAL web site is constantly being updated with the newest information available from coorporate headquarters. Since some posters have said that their booklets have removed the word "jeans" from the dress code, I was curious, so I just finished looking up the information on HAL's web site as of today at 1:00 p.m. (www.hollandamerica.com/ (http://www.hollandamerica.com/))

When I clicked on the subject "FOR BOOKED GUESTS," the next page displayed the subject "PLANNING & ADVICE." There, I found "CLOTHING AND DRESS CODE." Paragraph 3 says this:

Evening dress falls into three distinct categories. Each night a daily program will be delivered to your stateroom announcing the suggested dress for the following evening. Comfortable, relaxed clothing is fine for evenings designated as CASUAL; however, T-shirts, JEANS, swimsuits, and shorts are NOT ALLOWED in the dinning room, Lido restaurant, or public areas during the evening hours.

If this is in error, then someone needs to inform HAL so that this matter can be corrected. If it is correctly printed, then all the dining room captains on all HAL ships should be notified that this rule should be strictly inforced. It should be as simple as that!

On our last Volendam cruise in November, no one was allowed in the dining room dressed inappropriately. I actually witnessed one man being turned away because of this. Obviously, from the above mentioned information, nothing has changed, unless it hasn't been updated.

We're booked on the Volendam again for December. Hope the same dinnig room captain is there.

Del

[Chivalrygirl]

;) Just wondered what one had to do to get a good debate going on here. I posted this last night, then went to bed, got up this morning and was staggered at the response.

I would have thought there was "no particular culture" when one is in international waters and all at sea :)

Just for the record. I actually DO NOT wear jeans, don't like them and don't feel comfortable in them.

[Chivalrygirl]

I haven't got the time right now to read them all. Far too much to do as we fly out of here on the long, long trek north. :)

[sail7seas]

The shame is you began a thread and people responded to your request for comments and then you don't read them.

That's a shame. Hopefully, when you get home, you'll have a chance to read them and 'catch up' with all the comments on your thread.


Have a safe flight. You haven't a signature to indicate if your long trek north is for a cruise. If it is......Bon Voyage. If not, enjoy whatever it is you are doing.

[HeatherInFlorida]

I'm sorry Chivalry Girl doesn't have time to read what she reaped, but it's interesting she now feels there is no particular culture involved in international waters. Personally I never would have thought of it one way or another nor do I think it's ever been mentioned on CC before (what's this, a first?:) ).

But in fairness, wasn't it Chivalry Girl who brought it up in her OP? She distinctly asked did she need to "bow to another culture".

Something sort of fishy about the whole thing given that she told us that jeans is all that is worn in New Zealand and it seemed this was going to be a hardship for her. Now she says she doesn't wear them, doesn't like them.

Here it is in case you missed it:


Why can we not wear jeans on Casual nights?

Hey guys
We are from down-under, jeans are very much part of our out for dinner wear if out for a laid back casual wear. Jeans and nice shirt. Do we really have to bow to another culture? You wear khakis (which we find very strange) and we wear jeans. So will you be offended when we come to dinner wearing fashion jeans etc.?

??????:confused: Is it just me???:o
............

[Copper10-8]

Just wondering if this would be acceptable in the Lido?

[Catnip]

Only if you have on your flip-flops, too!! :D :D

[sail7seas]

Proud member of: DTTT!!


I bite........what is it?

[SnorkelBear]

Copper,

THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! Lycra is so inappropriate. Now, if that was a clean, pressed denim thong. One little piece of sand and the party is over.

[fcorey]

But the rules of the dining room do state and quite clearly so - that jeans and T-shirts will not be allowed. So why is this constantly being questioned?

probably because your statement is completely incorrect. I just checked my docs for our October cruise. Not anywhere in the "know before you go" booklet does it state that you cannot wear jeans. Period. So there is obviously some grey area. That being said I conform, wouldnt wear jeans at night, wear a tuxedo on formal nights, but that is my choice.

Its a vacation people, I dont see any reason why someone would care so much about what someone else is wearing? Its funny really. I work in the high-tech industry and manage a sizable staff of very techinical individuals, most of them wear jeans or casual clothing to work. Do I care? Not really, they are not in contact with our customers and are presentable.

I cannot help but feel that some of this is a bit pretentious. Which really surprises me. I have 8 years of higher education, and could use a different title and letters after my name for my degrees and certifications. Do I ? No. That stuff can stay on my resume where it belongs. It does not define me, nor does my manner of dress.

As far as removing people from the dining room that are not conforming, that would be purely stupid on HAL's part unless the person was wearing something outrageous. Remember for that one person they would offend and alienate, all of their friends, family and acquaintances will hear how absolutely horrible HAL cruises treated them.

my 2 cents.

[cruzincurt]

What really freaks me out is that I was in JC Penneys yesterday and they actually sell jeans that are torn up. And that people actually buy them. Now these would then qualify as new and expensive deisgner jeans so they should be acceptable in polite company at a sit down dinner?

I guess fools and their money are soon parted.

[thomasale]

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. During informal nights, dresses or pantsuits for women and jackets (tie optional) for men are standard. " So please not jeans in the dining room.

By the way, I have jeans and I love wearing my jeans when it's appropriate. Thank you for letting me put in my two cents worth.

in looking at the booklet that came with my tickets the word JEANS does not appear...

[SnorkelBear]

If you were president, would you wear jeans to the State of the Union Address? No? Then there are times when jeans are not appropriate. I am sure jeans are fine in your workplace. They are fine in my workplace. What does that have to do with them being appropriate in a fine fine dining venue? I am sure there are mechanics on each cruise. Should they wear their coveralls to dinner? When dining in an elegant venue, certain things are expected. Nice glassware, fine China, tableclothes, etc.... Jeans do not fit into that category.

The debate here has now changed from if jeans are allowed to should they be allowed. Do we really want to see all cruise lines become resort casual? Should there be no choice for the consumer? I rise up and give a resounding, "No!" Let us all stand up now and make our voices heard.

Thongs either for that matter Copper. Just trying to master this debate exercise thing.

[HeatherInFlorida]

[/URL][URL="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.artbyrichardmoore.com/files/331_penguin_playing_the_violin.jpg&imgrefurl=http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm%3Ffuseaction%3Duser.viewprofile%26friend id%3D34751560&h=295&w=276&sz=24&hl=en&start=49&tbnid=iHVsfIVRLKlO8M:&tbnh=115&tbnw=108&prev=/images%3Fq%3DViolin%2Bplaying%26start%3D36%26ndsp% 3D18%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DN"]http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:iHVsfIVRLKlO8M:http://www.artbyrichardmoore.com/files/331_penguin_playing_the_violin.jpg (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://images.animationfactory.com/imagedir/animations/insects/insects/cricket_playing_violin/cricket_playing_violin_lg_wm.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.animationfactory.com/animations/insects/insects/107441/&h=200&w=200&sz=81&hl=en&start=6&tbnid=dW8jTHv1PcgTHM:&tbnh=104&tbnw=104&prev=/images%3Fq%3DViolin%2Bplaying%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3D en%26lr%3D%26sa%3DN)
...It seems we've sit and sung this song before...... :)
http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:tt8FBf0Ni1LGhM:http://www.arkkra.com/doc/uguide/mugex61.gif (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.arkkra.com/doc/uguide/mugex61.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.arkkra.com/doc/uguide/shaped.html&h=73&w=320&sz=1&hl=en&start=13&tbnid=tt8FBf0Ni1LGhM:&tbnh=27&tbnw=118&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dindividual%2Bnotes,%2Bbar%2Bof%2Bnote s%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG)

It's only a matter of time before the fur really starts flying ....:D

[Bramcruiser]

I think the funniest part of these dress code threads is that.....

1. They're always the same in the end ... and

2. The same people say the same thing every single time.

I have to wonder why we do it because it's never going to change.

Oh Heather, you are so wise. I know what you mean. I keep saying why does anyone - including myself - bother to reply. In fact I did good lately. This is the first dress code thread I responded to in ages. However, even I caved in. We never seem to go anywhere with this topic.

David
Who's threatening to wear his birthday suit at the next formal night!:eek:

[HeatherInFlorida]

Thank you, Bramcruiser, for putting it more succinctly than I evidently did. I tried a couple of hours ago and so did Sail, but everyone else posting seemed oblivious.

I wondered if they even noticed OP's post. Interesting, too, that she had no time to read because as I was posting her little green light was definitely lit:o .

Ruth, you are so right. This proves the point yet again.

[Navy_Chief]

A new one for Jeff Foxworthy........."If you think Black Tie means using a Black Rope to hold up your jeans, you musy be a red neck"......Five pages later, the debate rolls on.........Just thought a little lite humor might help :D

[SnorkelBear]

There are some of us newbies on this board. You veterens can choose not to participate, but please let us newbies have our fun. How else are we going to learn.

Besides, I am sure we will be back to tipping soon. I love this board. Lots of info. Lots of fun. You guys, and gals, are great.

[Bramcruiser]

No problems with newbies Snorkelbear. To tell you the truth I've only been here less than a year and my next cruise is on another line. However...........when a newbie like our OP posts a question and then turns around and says she doesn't really wear what she was asking about and was trying to see what reactions she can get........welllllllllll........let's just say our time was well wasted and a valid debate was not in progress. No problems here from newbies who want to ask what has been asked a million times before.

All the best to you and all other newbies who want to find out. I still consider myself one.

David

[Aussie Gal]

Hey guys
We are from down-under, jeans are very much part of our out for dinner wear if out for a laid back casual wear. Jeans and nice shirt. Do we really have to bow to another culture? You wear khakis (which we find very strange) and we wear jeans. So will you be offended when we come to dinner wearing fashion jeans etc.?

We are certainly not bowing to a different culture when we wear clothes other than jeans. I heartly disagree with this statment.

Not everyone down-under wears jeans out to dinner. I wear jeans around the house or in the garden but never when going out to a good restaurant and that is what a HAL dining room is like. I feel that jeans are for the very young. I cannot abide older men and women wearing jeans that do not fit them properly Nothing looks worse.

I like dressing for dinner but that is my perogative. If you want to wear jeans go ahead but you will probably be outnumbered.

Jennie

[Catnip]

I bite........what is it?

I would love to tell you (really), but my answer would just be poofed faster than you could shake a stick at.
If you really want to know why a few of us have that tag-line, I could e-mail you.
It's all good........;)

[kryos]

I hope this post doesn't offend anyone. It wasn't meant to it's just my view on the subject.
I don't think your post is offensive at all. It's very realistic.

RevNeal and I have a running bet ... who buys the other a drink at our next meeting. I say within a year HAL will go to a 100% resort casual dress code EVERY night in the dining room, with perhaps a couple of OPTIONAL formal nights. He disagrees. We'll see. :)

You're right. Times are changing and unfortunately for the HAL traditionalists on this board, the majority of new cruisers want a more casual environment. They don't want to go on vacation and have to pack formal clothes. They don't want to have to go out and buy new clothes because maybe their at home wardrobes include jeans exclusively for casual wear. So, they want to be able to wear what is comfortable for them ... within reason, of course, and they are speaking their minds on the comment cards. HAL is obviously listening.

So all I can say to the HAL traditionalists is that it's gonna get a lot worse, I'm afraid. It's jeans now, but formal will go the way of steerage class in the next year or so. Fixed seating and dining times too will go. I'd be willing to bet on it.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

in looking at the booklet that came with my tickets the word JEANS does not appear...
That's because they took it out. Jeans are now allowed.

Ahhhhhh, the times ... they is a changing! :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

If you were president, would you wear jeans to the State of the Union Address? No? Then there are times when jeans are not appropriate. I am sure jeans are fine in your workplace. They are fine in my workplace. What does that have to do with them being appropriate in a fine fine dining venue?
Please forgive me ... but I'm sorry ... but I just don't necessarily consider the HAL dining room a "fine dining venue." It's the equivalent of an upscale "family style" restaurant on land ... perhaps on a par with Outback or TGIF ... that sort of place.

I guess when I think of fine dining, though, I picture something more along the lines of a LeBec Fin ... $150 plus wine for a complete dinner for two ... limited seating ... that sort of thing. Of course, you wouldn't wear jeans to a place like that, but I see nothing wrong with wearing them in HAL's dining room. The Pinnacle Grill may be a stretch and perhaps they shouldn't be allowed there, but the dining room? What's so fancy about that? It's no better than Outback.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Copper10-8]

I don't think your post is offensive at all. It's very realistic.

RevNeal and I have a running bet ... who buys the other a drink at our next meeting. I say within a year HAL will go to a 100% resort casual dress code EVERY night in the dining room, with perhaps a couple of OPTIONAL formal nights. He disagrees. We'll see. :)

You're right. Times are changing and unfortunately for the HAL traditionalists on this board, the majority of new cruisers want a more casual environment. They don't want to go on vacation and have to pack formal clothes. They don't want to have to go out and buy new clothes because maybe their at home wardrobes include jeans exclusively for casual wear. So, they want to be able to wear what is comfortable for them ... within reason, of course, and they are speaking their minds on the comment cards. HAL is obviously listening.

So all I can say to the HAL traditionalists is that it's gonna get a lot worse, I'm afraid. It's jeans now, but formal will go the way of steerage class in the next year or so. Fixed seating and dining times too will go. I'd be willing to bet on it.

Blue skies ...

--rita

I respect your opinion Rita but I'm curious: How do you know that the majority of new cruisers want a more casual environment and are speaking their minds on the comment cards? Do you have some kind of inside info from HAL?

PS

You're gonna loose that bet with the Rev;)

[SnorkelBear]

Hi Rita,

Your points are valid, but I hope you are off on your assessment of the HAL Dining rooms. The servers at Outback and TGIF wear jeans and a polo shirt. At Le Bec Fin they wear jackets and ties. (Yes I have dined at Le Bec Fin, and Georges, and Brassierie Perrier) On HAL they wear jackets and ties. It is the ambiance that sets the tone for the venue not just the food. We all know cruise food is on the decline. if we give up on the ambience as well, it will be like dining at TGIF. Where is the fun in that?

[mike35]

If you were president, would you wear jeans to the State of the Union Address?

Hmmm - if I had just come off my perennial brush-clearing in Crawford, I probably would (if Laura would let me).

Mike

[bruce-r]

If you must wear jeans to the dining room, beware, I will wear a thong to the pool. Just me, a bucket of beer and my pet squirrel. (Ron White joke.)

What, no cheese wheel? (more Ron White)

[SnorkelBear]

Bruce,

No cheese wheel. Except the one time I went snorkeling on an Alaskan cruise.

Did you notice Grumpy's post regarding Santorini?
You can take zee donkey or zee tram. Too funny tater.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Jennie, I'm so glad you found this thread and posted that. I thought that would be your reaction:) .

Snorkel Bear, I think you may be misinterpreting some of these posts. Many of us are simply reacting to the OP, not to you or anyone else. CG has come back on this thread and told us that her question wasn't real ... that she never wears jeans and basically just wanted to see if she could stir the pot.

It lead to an interesting debate. But nonetheless it's annoying when a newbie comes on, asks a question and then tells us that she has no interest in the answers and has no time to read them.

The most amazing part of this thread is its lack of continuity. It's as if about 3 conversations are going on at the same time and have no relation to each other.

I agree that Rita is going to lose her bet.

[sail7seas]

So all I can say to the HAL traditionalists is that it's gonna get a lot worse, I'm afraid. It's jeans now, but formal will go the way of steerage class in the next year or so. Fixed seating and dining times too will go. I'd be willing to bet on it.

Blue skies ...

--rita

It is my personal opinion that Informal night on seven day cruises will disappear before formal nights.

;) We'll see.

[SnorkelBear]

Heather,

I don't think I am misinterpreting. Most of my post are just tongue and cheek. The others are in response to those that think jeans are fine and change is inevitable. That could very well be true, but I would still like to see some variations among different lines. If all cruise lines go resort casual, then we have no choice. I also enjoy being casual, and there are lines that provide that. Sometimes I want to dress up. Like on our upcoming 10th anniversary cruise on HAL. I just want choices. Everything is becoming too homoginized.

[sunflowerstarr]

Hope none of you against jeans so adamantly are on my cruise on the Maasdam in Nov! I have two pairs of NICE jeans I plan to take as well as some dressier clothes too. I have very nice tops to go with them(purchased yesterday...yay shopping!) and I definitely plan to wear them on casual nights in the dining room. Almost anything nowadays can be dressed up or down with the right shoes or other accessories. I agree people shouldnt come in wearing jeans that are dirty and torn but I do not see a problem with people wearing jeans. From what I hear its a small amount that do and if you let that small amount ruin your cruise then you are way too spoiled imho. Some people just want a vacation with good food, fun and relaxation. From the sounds of it a lot of you guys would prefer us poorer, undignified, disrespectful people to leave HAL alone. I have been coming to these boards since Feb so I know mostly everyones helpful and wants you to enjoy yourself. But some of you it seems like prefer to be snobs about things that are really no big deal. If you have a problem with something HAL is doing write to them, petition or do whatever you feel you have to but I personally think its disrespectful on your part to treat anyone who advocates jeans or says they will wear them as hicks and trailer trash.

The jeans issue isnt a big deal to me whether I wanted to wear them or not. What is a bigger issue to me is the attitude of people in regards to whats been said on here. Thats my stand and I know people will get their panties(or whatever) in a bunch over this but I feel I am speaking the truth from what I have seen on here.

[hammybee]

Let's assume that Rita has the pulse of 100,000 passengers and HAL will soon abolish formal nights and traditional dining. What might the new HAL brochure look like? Will the waitstaff still wear formal attire while serving tables of strangers, wearing just about anything? Or will the staff then demand dress down cruising too? Afterall, it's their cruise too.

Will the dining rooms be renamed "Outback" and "TGIF" or shall it just go with the flow and ask each passenger if they want pickles or not, on their double meat whopper this evening?

[hammybee]

Hope none of you against jeans so adamantly are on my cruise on the Maasdam in Nov!

The topics of attire, tipping and smoking bring out the worst of this and all CC boards. Wearing of jeans on casual night is acceptable to the host, HAL.

I have dined with people wearing bathrobes on an optional formal night on NCL and have seen the future of an anything goes cruise. And I'll probably sail NCL again. But when possible, I come home to HAL for a traditional, affordable and reasonably elegant cruise.

The OP posted to create controversy and achieved her goal. This too shall pass.

[sunflowerstarr]

Hammybee I am well aware of all that it just seems like more people are ready to condemn everyone that feels differently than they do. People looking down their nose at me when it is unwarranted will annoyme much faster than a simple matter of jeans. I can tell you I honestly have never done anything as elegant as I plan to on our trip. I picked HAL because I wanted a nice classy vacation and it seemed the best choice. I still think it is and plan to wear what I want but I know whatever I choose to wear I will make sure I am presentable and that is all that should matter.

[SnorkelBear]

Hi Sunflowerstarr,

I appologize if you were offended. Just an attempt at some Blue Collar humor. I wear jeans to work every day. Sometimes when I go on a cruise I would like to feel I am someplace special. Someplace refined.

I know there can be nice jeans. Your jeans probably cost more than my $14 khakis from Costco. That is not the point. A line has to be drawn. First you allow nice jeans, then it's all jeans, then it's sweatpants.

Now it feels like dining in a very average restaurant. I would like something nicer than that for our upcoming cruise. There are cruise line that offer casual dining. Why is there a push to make them all that way.

[sunflowerstarr]

I cant answer that SnorkelBear. I figure theres the Lido and room service(from the research I've done on here) if you want casual dining. As far as there has to be a limit why not have everyone who does have a problem with what may be allowed write HAL and say "look nice jeans are fine if they are truly nice. but could you please include it to say that so there is no question about what is acceptable. We do not want the ambience harmed by people showing up in dirty, holey jeans." And let them know you are writing because you love the product. If enough people care about that and participate I would think that would make a difference. Maybe I am just being naive. I wasnt offended by people saying they dont likethe jeans. Thats not my problem. And I wasnt pointing fingers at anyone but I have heard other posters call jean wearers disrespectful. As long as they are nice and paired with nice shoes and a very dressy top there should be no issue imo and I know that differs between people. I just think there could be a happy medium that could be reashed if peole were willing to work on it.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Heather,

I don't think I am misinterpreting. Most of my post are just tongue and cheek. The others are in response to those that think jeans are fine and change is inevitable. That could very well be true, but I would still like to see some variations among different lines. If all cruise lines go resort casual, then we have no choice. I also enjoy being casual, and there are lines that provide that. Sometimes I want to dress up. Like on our upcoming 10th anniversary cruise on HAL. I just want choices. Everything is becoming too homoginized.
We are 100% in agreement and on the same page. I think we're talking about 2 different things here. I thought you were reacting to my post saying this is all "same old" and you were saying that you were learning from threads like this and we need them on the board. I was just hoping you knew that most remarks here were toward the OP. I think somewhere our wires crossed because I have really enjoyed your posts.

What I don't quite understand, still, is Rita's intense glee about her psychic view of the future. I still believe that she will be proved wrong. I'm not saying HAL will never go that route, but I think the idea that formal nights will be gone within a year is a bit of a stretch. Formal nights are still too important to too many people. When I cruise the high percentage of people are all decked out on formal nights and they sure seem to be enjoying themselves. Thinking that will go away is just some people's pipe dream (IMHO :))

[boomerSexyK]

Smoking, Gratuities, Attire .... the 3 HOT buttons of the boards...))
Always bound to get people's ire up and their soapboxes out.
I can picture it now...the maitre'D standing guard at the entrance to the dining room " Your Calvin Kleins are okay, sorry your Tommy Hilfiger are not!"
straight leg with cowboy boots (very sexy imho), ultra-wide ghetto jeans with a hint of boxer tops showing, hip-huggers showing off that cute belly button death's head you just bought in St.Thomas, "skinnies" with laces instead of seams. Will HAL publish a catalog of acceptable vs non-acceptable apparel?
Do you have to buy or rent a tuxedo/gown for formal nights? No, I don't think that is the way to go, but a nice jacket and tie is surely passable. Isn't it really HAL's duty to maintain the dress code that they want to project? And enforce that code? If HAL doesn't do it, is it really the responsibility of fellow pax?
Maybe I shouldn't even be wading in on this one since we have yet to set foot on HAL (this Nov will cure that). However that said, we will do the formal, semi-formal and resort-casual thing as suggested by our hosts, i.e. HAL. There will always be those that "tilt at windmills" and that is their choice. And until "dress codes" are enforced or changed, it will always be their choice.

[hammybee]

[QUOTE=What I don't quite understand, still, is Rita's intense glee about her psychic view of the future. [/QUOTE]


Heather, I like your choice of language here.

[seniormiss]

I am fairly new to this board and I do enjoy it. The only thing this thread did for me is to be sure I bring 4 pair of jeans instead of the 2 I orginally planned on bringing on my cruise to Mexico in March.

I really don't understand how people can be so concerned what others are wearing. It is amazing.

[jimmy2x]

skyedoggie's comment got me to thinking. Everyone focuses on the bad, those who aren't following the rules and gripe about it. Gets a person to thinking that of the 800 or so people at any particular dinner seating has a couple hundred people wearing jeans. So, I have a question.

Please only answer in regards to an HAL cruise. How many people were wearing jeans in the dining room on your last HAL cruise? Please also try to be specific to Casual night, informal night and formal night.

Let's see if we are getting feathers ruffled by 2 out of 800 people on an informal night, or if its 200 on casual night.

Definitely agree with your premise. In eight cruises (except for the 1st night) could count the number of pax inappropriately dressed on one hand and have fingers left over. Of course I'm a guy and really don't pay too much attention - but still, much discussion on all of the boards for something that is not really much of an issue.

[bruce-r]

CG has come back on this thread and told us that her question wasn't real ... that she never wears jeans and basically just wanted to see if she could stir the pot.Which is what being a troll is all about. The OP fits the description perfectly.


I agree that Rita is going to lose her bet.
I definitely agree with this.

It is my personal opinion that Informal night on seven day cruises will disappear before formal nights. Indeed this has already happened on RCI. I can easily see it happening on HAL.

Smoking, Gratuities, Attire .... the 3 HOT buttons of the boards...Actually there are a couple more, "smuggeling" booze aboard ship and chair hogs (definitely a hot topic on the Princess or RCI sections)

[hammybee]

[
Actually there are a couple more, "smuggeling" booze aboard ship and chair hogs (definitely a hot topic on the Princess or RCI sections)
[/color]

Chair hogs don't get too much attention here on the HAL board. It's a known fact by seasoned HAL cruisers that chair hogs are most likely to be a) smokers, b) booze smugglers, c) wearers of jeans, d) parents of nasty kids and e) lousy tippers. Given there is nothing that can be done about most behaviors, chair hogging is revenge time.:)

[scopewest]

Okay, I found this thread late but I have to comment on the comment made about NCL passengers wearing bathrobes to a meal. We live in a city with a lot of resort hotels and some very "upscale" ones where a one-night stay can cost more than a 3-day inside cabin cruise on some cruise lines.

We were eating Sunday brunch at one of these resorts when my DH pointed out a female diner wearing a bathrobe (I trust she was a hotel guest!). Although she looked totally out of place it didn't bother me except I did spend some time wondering what she was wearing underneath?!?

So I guess this dress code argument isn't restricted to cruise ships!

[AAAAmerican]

Chair hogs don't get too much attention here on the HAL board. It's a known fact by seasoned HAL cruisers that chair hogs are most likely to be a) smokers, b) booze smugglers, c) wearers of jeans, d) parents of nasty kids and e) lousy tippers. Given there is nothing that can be done about most behaviors, chair hogging is revenge time.:)


YIKES* I hope at least American made Jeans at least!

Even Warren Buffet of Omaha, NE Berkshire Hathaway BRK.A : NYSE Closed Friday 09/15/2006 at $96,400.00 a share, sold another American Textile firm this year because of overseas low costs..

Levis does not make them in the USA anymore ..grrrr. American Cotton is the Worldsbest Grade.

I have heard of Pot Bellied Pigs and Wood Stoves.. but are Chair Hogs a new breed? Is that where some of the Virus comes from on ships?


:eek: :eek:

[Copper10-8]

Chair hogs don't get too much attention here on the HAL board. It's a known fact by seasoned HAL cruisers that chair hogs are most likely to be a) smokers, b) booze smugglers, c) wearers of jeans, d) parents of nasty kids and e) lousy tippers. Given there is nothing that can be done about most behaviors, chair hogging is revenge time.:)

Why did you have to bring up chair hogs?:rolleyes: I don't like them

[kryos]

Rita, Do you do free lance work for HAL on the side that gives you insight to what 100,000+ annual HAL passengers really want?
Nope! My prediction about formal nights simply arises from what I've seen so far ... and read on these boards ... "Leisure dining," jeans now permitted in the dining room ... the trend is in motion.

Like I told the Rev ... we'll just have to see how everything plays out ... but I'm already savoring the taste of that Pina Colada he's gonna be buying me. :)

And, as for knowing what 100,000+ HAL passengers want ... I do know that the good folks on these boards are not necessarily representative of them. I've talked to many people on various cruises ... both on HAL and on Princess ... certainly not a hundred thousand of them ... but certainly a cross-section, and you know what? Just about every one of them likes to relax when on a cruise and many hate having to get dressed up for dinner on formal nights. Now, maybe you are right ... maybe the majority of those HAL passengers like the formal attire ... but if that's so, then why this move to more informal dining ... like the experiments with "Leisure Dining" on some of the ships? Why all of a sudden jeans are okay in the dining room on casual nights when they never were before? I say it's because the comment cards passengers fill out at the end of their cruise have called for these changes, and HAL wouldn't be making them unless it was an overwhelming majority of their passengers who were making the requests.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[AAAAmerican]

Nope! My prediction about formal nights simply arises from what I've seen so far

Like I told the Rev ... we'll just have to see how everything plays out ... but I'm already savoring the taste of that Pina Colada he's gonna be buying me. :)

I do know that the good folks on these boards are not necessarily representative of them. this move to more informal dining ... like the experiments with "Leisure Dining" on some of the ships? Why all of a sudden jeans are okay in the dining room on casual nights when they never were before? I say it's because the comment cards passengers fill out at the end of their cruise have called for these changes, and HAL wouldn't be making them unless it was an overwhelming majority of their passengers who were making the requests.

Blue skies ...

--rita


Maam in Old San Juan , PR is where the Pina-Colda originated .. Two place claim it is there creation. One has FREE Pina-Colodas. The ms NOORDAM IV only stops there for a few hours :mad: too...

I hope the Reverend Doctor takes you there.. but give him a donation for his church also. Tax benefits and monies donated are always needed.


I have to disagree with you on your thoughts with the B B here. It is a good reflection of a percentage of the cruising public, as well very diverse, IMHO.

Public polls are usually skewed in favor of whatever they want to portray maam.


Now conversely I concur with you on the ships comment cards. They the cruise line (HAL) really looks at and sees as a direct reflection of time spent and opinions given... But will they give the cruisers something more than a meere chance of winning something that cost them nothing...? Yes it is called a cost for doing business...

Why not give cruise and a weeks (7 meals) worth of the Pinnacle Grill credits to use on future cruises ..not just one so people would book multiple cruises then more....


More important when is HAL going to get there act back in NYC area here?

They do not even advertise on TV / Radio Networks as all the other Full Ships from here do.

Do you realise not one HAL Ship that has left NYC is full ..except the Inagural and that many cabins were GRATIS...?

Why? Well a little thing we have here in the Greater NYC area and you in Philly have.. its called competition..

The song lyrics ..If you can make it in NY you can make it anywhere....

Food here is much less here than most places as so many vendors/purveyors are too..

US Population has within a 12 mile circle of me over 1/8th of the US Population NJ is the most densely populated State and also the reverse is true too it has the most open space per capita.. New Jersey, the Garden State is the only fully developed state.

The wealth here is phenominal as it is one of the wealhiest areas in the World.

BUT where are HALS workers here and offices/?\
Ads? Not just CoOp ads with the T/A's...

Even the parent CCL advertises some...

HAL can ya hear us now... :rolleyes:

[Copper10-8]

... but if that's so, then why this move to more informal dining ... like the experiments with "Leisure Dining" on some of the ships? Why all of a sudden jeans are okay in the dining room on casual nights when they never were before? I say it's because the comment cards passengers fill out at the end of their cruise have called for these changes, and HAL wouldn't be making them unless it was an overwhelming majority of their passengers who were making the requests.

Great theory but it's all speculation on your part unless you've read those comment cards, conducted some kind of onboard pax survey yourself and/or have received data from HAL on the cards!

[kryos]

I cant answer that SnorkelBear. I figure theres the Lido and room service(from the research I've done on here) if you want casual dining.
I've heard ... and this is just hearsay ... that the reason the Matri 'd will be "liberal" as far as who gets into the dining room on formal night ... despite maybe not "technically" being dressed formally ... is that if everyone was denied access just because their attire was technically not formal, room service would be overwhelmed. If people knew that they could not get into the dining room, perhaps because they didn't bother bringing formal attire with them on the cruise, and didn't even have a tie with them, then they would just plan to eat "in suite" that night ... and room service would be going nuts with all the orders. They simply don't have the staff to get indunated like that.

The problem with the Lido for casual dining is that it is only open for dinner service for a very, very short period each evening ... like from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30. What if someone wants to dine at their normal time ... perhaps 8:30?

So, again, strictly based on what I've heard ... the Matri 'd is instructed to let pretty much anyone into the dining room as long as they are dressed nicely. Obviously no jeans or tee-shirts ... or sloppy outfits, but not necessarily formal ones either.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[wander]

What passengers on 7 day cruises and or even 10 - 14 cruise want I do not know. But from experience I would say that the overwhelming majority of passengers on HAL's longer cruisers are NOT screaming for jeans. From those I have sailed with, I would be that many of them do not even own jeans.

At home I wear jeans or denim "cut-offs" about 80 percent of the time, so I certainly am not against jeans per se. I love them.

However, when I pick a cruise line to sail with, I pick one that meets the most of my preferences the best and then just follow their "rules", or I would stay home. With all the cruise line choices out there, I do not understand why a person would expect a cruise line to adapt to their needs and wants. (Or was it really true about the "ME" generation? I would like to think not.

If jeans are so important to an individual that they must wear them - then pick a line that allows them. It seems so simple and sensible.

[cruisergrandma]

We just returned from the Sept. 9th sailing of the Oosterdam to Alaska. Jeans and t-shirts were all over the dining room on casual night. In fact, very few people held to the dress code on any given night. One man had on jeans every night except the final formal night and he did wear a suit.

[esther e]

On our X cruise in July, those men who showed up in the dining room without a jacket on informal nights were asked to either get one or eat in the Lido. Good for X

[kryos]

If jeans are so important to an individual that they must wear them - then pick a line that allows them. It seems so simple and sensible.
The OP did. Holland America ... cause they allow them now.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Sea King]

How bout we ask Levi Strauss for his opinion on this and then get on to something important like the impact nuclear energy will have on ships of more than 50,000 tons that charge $30.00 to dine in alternative restaurants:rolleyes:

What do you "guys" think:eek::eek:

[esther e]

I think the bottom line (for me) is age. We're older than most of you, and are definitely not the jeans-wearing-cruise folks. Sure, we bring them on a cruise for ports and tours that are of the ilk for them. However, as far as the dining room there is absolutely no way I would (or my husband) consider ever wearing them. If it's casual, he's in pressed khakis and a tucked in sports shirt, and I can be found in linen or cotton slacks with a pretty top. Living in Florida, we are always casual, and for us it's pretty nice to dress up. And it depends on the vacation; if we're doing a driving trip, as we're on now, shorts or jeans are perfect.

As I said it's age related for us. And I guess what you'd feel comfortable doing. I always feel more "comfortable" dressed nicely.:) O.k., I guess some would say there are nice jeans, but......

[caviargal]

I think the bottom line (for me) is age. We're older than most of you, and are definitely not the jeans-wearing-cruise folks. Sure, we bring them on a cruise for ports and tours that are of the ilk for them. However, as far as the dining room there is absolutely no way I would (or my husband) consider ever wearing them. If it's casual, he's in pressed khakis and a tucked in sports shirt, and I can be found in linen or cotton slacks with a pretty top. Living in Florida, we are always casual, and for us it's pretty nice to dress up. And it depends on the vacation; if we're doing a driving trip, as we're on now, shorts or jeans are perfect.

As I said it's age related for us. And I guess what you'd feel comfortable doing. I always feel more "comfortable" dressed nicely.:) O.k., I guess some would say there are nice jeans, but......

Hi, Esther:).

I am 50 and have been cruising since I was 9 YO. The continuing decline of dress codes has been a real issue for me. We live in FL, where people are, IMO, casual to a fault, but neither my age nor the atttire of others influences how I dress for a nice dinner here or onboard ship.

I am very disappointed that HAL has lowered their standards. These "adjustments" by other lines have resulted in a huge attire free for all, and clothing continues to get more and casual on each cruise I take. I was appalled at what was permitted in the dining room on a recent RCI cruise. And I expect the same decline will take place on HAL.

Since the onboard ambiance is a huge part of the enjoyment of a cruise vacation, it is obvious I will have to look elsewhere to the ships of Crystal and RSSC, or just stick to a land based vacation.

While others do not understand why what other people wear should impact my personal enjoyment of a cruise, the fact is that it does. And sitting next to folks in jeans and shorts surely does relegate a very nice dining experience to the equivalent of a chain restaurant dinner, another evening out that is not on my list of options.

Some call it progress, I call it sad...:(

[HeatherInFlorida]

..............The only thing this thread did for me is to be sure I bring 4 pair of jeans instead of the 2 I orginally planned on bringing on my cruise to Mexico in March.


:confused: :confused: .... may I ask why? This just doesn't compute. Why, based on this thread, would you need 2 additional pair of jeans?????

I agree with Rita that this board is not representative of all the HAL passengers .... and thank goodness for that!:D Because the majority continue to follow the dress code. Here on the Board it almost looks skewed toward more casual dress, but the majority of people cruising still happily dress for dinner. At least they look happy to me:) .

If I were to guess, HAL may now omit "no jeans" from their policy because jeans have come to be quite a different thing from the Levi "farmer's jeans" of old. So HAL is simply trying to move with the times and fashion trends. While I understand that, I'm sorry to see it since it's just one more step down.

Esther, I'm not sure at all that you're older than "most" of us ... quite a cross section here. But I'm afraid that in general, you're right.

I think we should all agree to meet back her in September 2007 to discuss whether or not HAL has eliminated formal nights on their ships.:D