Does HAL's reference to jeans on casual night include designer and/or colored jeans?

[carolcreek]

At the risk of starting World War III with this question, I am wondering if, on casual nights, HAL's admonition about jeans not being allowed in the dining room, Lido restaurant, or public areas applies to the more traditional Wrangler and Levi-type blue denim jeans or if, in fact, it covers all types of jeans, including designer and/or colored jeans. This question is posed in anticipation of an August 2004 HAL cruise through the Baltics. Thanks.

[stillfrantic]

Incoming........duck!

[FlorenceItaly]

As MUCH time as I spend on this board, you would think I would know the politically correct answer to this...but I don't. I am guessing, no, it covers all jeans...jeans are jeans, regardless of the color??? Is this what the fashion police would say??:)

Marie

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

That policy is refering to all types and brands of jeans - IMHO.

Neither my husband or I own a pair of jeans and even if we did we would not think to take them on a cruise let alone wear them in the evenings on the ship.

:)

[peaches from georgia]

I would think HAL defines 'no jeans' to mean 'no jeans', so they are not then asked to get into which designers, which colors, and on and on. Bottom line- we all know what jeans are. :rolleyes:

[anngie]

My husband or I have ever taken jeans on a cruise. We do wear jeans at home. About 7 or 8 years ago we went on a 7 night Western Caribbean cruise along with 2 other couples. It was a RCCL Majesty of the Seas ship. One of those nights was Country and Western night in the dining room and on the whole ship. We felt so out of place being dressed in resort casual clothes.
Another night was 50's night. We were not dressed for that occasion either.
We have never used the travel agent who booked the cruise for us again.
She could have done her homework and told us that several of the nights had themes. Other people were dressed for the occasions.

[jhannah]

Jeans are jeans. Doesn't matter the makeup. A tux is a tux. Single-breasted, double-breasted ... doesn't matter.

[WindyCity]

Hubby & I live in our jeans - it's our everyday wear. On our Alaskan cruise, we took along jeans for the shore excursions, but that was the only time we wore them the entire cruise. Never saw anyone else wearing them in the evenings - designer or not, and Alaska is a "casual" cruise.

[sail7seas]

Jeans, are jeans, are jeans. If you wish to abide by the "requested dress" for the evening, you will wear slax vs. jeans.


Hope you have a great cruise.

[jane_p]

I feel I have to relate our experience on a Veendam Alaska cruise last September. For one reason or another, we grew to know both the Maitre D and the head waiter. That may have been in part with where we were seated - right at the top of the stairs.

Well, we pulled out all the stoppers for the formal nights (cruise was in celebration of a milestone birthday and anniversary). From reading these boards, we had the impression that HAL had cut out the semi-formal evening entirely. So, we only made note of the two formal nights.

One night, after a somewhat long day, I decided not to get too dressed up. I put on a pair of black, designer jeans (no top stitching) and a very nice black and white pull over sweater. My thought was "if they say something, I'll go back to the room and change." Well, we get there - it's the semi-formal evening. OMG - a few friends we had made on the trip - ribbed me a little. I even voiced my concern to the Maitre D and the head waiter - BOTH of them said "don't worry about it - you look just fine, it's no big deal."

However, not to be shown off by our new friends, my husband did go back to the room and put on a jacket.

[Theresa04]

I agree with the other posters. It's best to play it safe in this situation and just avoid jeans altogether.

[clopaw]

I wonder what exactly would be considered designer jeans? I just read an article about teenage girls buying $175 pairs of jeans because they make their butt look good. (I didn't think teenage girls needed that much help!) Those jeans cost more than any pair of pants I own, but they are still jeans. Even if I could afford them, I wouldn't wear them to dinner.

[localady]

On our Ryndam cruise, there were folks in jeans in the Main dining room and the Pinnacle, even on formal nights. Nothing was said to them, and they did not appear to feel out of place. I will say that it did NOT spoil my meal nor were these folks asked to leave by any HAL staff that I witnessed. HAL is choosing not to enforce this policy on that Alaskan cruise, I can't speak for the other Ships.

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

I sure hope we don't see people wearing jeans on the Statendam - expecially in the Pinnacle Grill on formal nights.

I am suprised that someone didn't say something to those people who wore jeans to the Pinnacle on formal nights.

:)

[cactuslady]

I would advise against wearing jeans in the dining room. Regardless of designer or color, they get so heavy and waterlogged after you are made to walk the plank by the fashion police. :rolleyes:

[dakrewser]

Rather than get into a discussion of what's "designer", which colors are "ok", etc. just use common sense - what would you wear to a dinner at the Country Club? What would you wear to dinner at a 5-star resort? If it'll pass in those places, then you can wear it and sit at my table..... :cool:

[iluvcruzin]

I would advise against wearing jeans in the dining room. Regardless of designer or color, they get so heavy and waterlogged after you are made to walk the plank by the fashion police. :rolleyes:
LOL!! Someone posted recently jeans is not mentioned as something not to wear on casual nights so as someone who hasn't sailed HAL yet, I'm not convinced on what the actual code of conduct for dress is. It seems pretty subjective from what I've read on this board. It cracks me up when the cruise board fashion police put their 2 cents in - and that's both sides of the argument.

[ASM]

iluvcrusin:
Actually, HAL does mention no jeans on casual nights in its cruise booklet. I would interpret that as no designer jeans as well.

[hdawson]

Regardless of color, fancy label or how much you overpaid for them they are still jeans. What is so hard to understand? Do they really mean I can't smoke in the dining room?

[jhannah]

Attire and other important information appears online, in the "Know Before You Go" booklet, and within the cruise contract (tickets.) Good reading!

[LAFFNVEGAS]

On our Ryndam cruise, there were folks in jeans in the Main dining room and the Pinnacle, even on formal nights. Nothing was said to them, and they did not appear to feel out of place. I will say that it did NOT spoil my meal nor were these folks asked to leave by any HAL staff that I witnessed. HAL is choosing not to enforce this policy on that Alaskan cruise, I can't speak for the other Ships.
It was the same for us on the Oosterdam in May, of course it was a bit colder but as Vegas Jim mentioned I do not believe that anyone read the "Know Before You Go Booklet" On any given night with exception for Formal Night there were about 30% to 40% wearing jeans and probably 10% on formal night. My DH who loves to wear his Tux was shocked at the lack of guys wearing Tuxs on formal nights. He was one of the less than 10 percenters.:eek:

I have to admit it was the first time I had even wore jeans myself in many years, mostly due to the fact I had lost quite a bit of weight and actually fit in them, but of couse I never wore them in the Dining Room.

[Jacqueline]

I would take this to mean blue denim. No one cares how much blue jeans are or whether or not they are designer. My duaighter has $140 jeans that look positively ratty. They would not be appropriate for dinner ever.
Black cotton twill, or white slacks are most likely fine. I have worn white twill slacks from the gap to dinner on casual nights. With the right top, jewelry, etc. they are more than presentable. Same with some black capris I have which are also a cotton (2% spandex) blend.

[localady]

I have to admit it was the first time I had even wore jeans myself in many years, mostly due to the fact I had lost quite a bit of weight and actually fit in them, but of couse I never wore them in the Dining Room.
Lori L- Congrats to you on your weight loss!!! :D I do love my jeans but know better than to wear them in the dining room. We did eat in the Lido a couple of nights and did wear jeans up there, but it was casual night, and I believe that is okay!

[superstein61]

I would take this to mean blue denim. No one cares how much blue jeans are or whether or not they are designer. My duaighter has $140 jeans that look positively ratty. They would not be appropriate for dinner ever.
Black cotton twill, or white slacks are most likely fine. I have worn white twill slacks from the gap to dinner on casual nights. .
Yes !!! Forget the fashion police here. there are Blue Jeans and then there is colored denim.

Yellow / White / black denim certainly is permittable and very presentable. Blue jeans - even those from designers is generally frowned upon.

[bdmarine]

Carolcreek,

As your original question mentioned that you will be cruising through the Baltics, you might want to be careful of your dress when in port. To avoid being targeted as an American tourist, please know that the first sign of this is wearing sneakers and the second sign is wearing everyday jeans.

[sail7seas]

Good point. It isn't always a great idea to stand out as a typical American tourist in some locales these days. In addition to that, it simply is more respectful to locals to dress with some consideration for their sensitivities. In many places, you will not be allowed in to tour various churches if not dressed appropriately. I am sure you would be permitted in wearing jeans but sometimes not if wearing sleeveless blouses/shirts or shorts. In Monte Carlo, you cannot enter the Casino if wearing sneakers.

[grannynurse]

Hi,
My original post on this was directly from the booklet in the cabin on our recent Rotterdam transatlantic.

Jeans were omitted from what not to wear on casual nights in the dining room. Consequently, some people did wear jeans in the dining room on casual nights.
The statement was " no shorts or tank tops".
GN

[sail7seas]

grannynurse.....I am very sure you know of what you speak.


What "booklet" in the cabin do you mean? I can't picture what you are referring to.

[doone]

When I sailed the Baltics, I found people to dress up more at night.

[lindacat]

The booklet that is referred to may be the daily program. I know because I told my SIL that no jeans were allowed in the dining room at night. I think all she packed other than her two dresses, were jeans. I pulled out the daily program to illustrate the no jean rule, and imagine my surprise when it was not there. Therefore, she wore jeans on every casual night, and she was not alone.

[ekerr19]

Good point. It isn't always a great idea to stand out as a typical American tourist in some locales these days. In addition to that, it simply is more respectful to locals to dress with some consideration for their sensitivities. In many places, you will not be allowed in to tour various churches if not dressed appropriately. I am sure you would be permitted in wearing jeans but sometimes not if wearing sleeveless blouses/shirts or shorts. In Monte Carlo, you cannot enter the Casino if wearing sneakers.

Sail-

We are going to Monte Carlo on our upcoming Med cruise... we thought it was "formal wear only" in the casinos and were planning to dress up - DH wants to wear his tux and I plan to wear a gown... would we be over-dressed?

[Jacqueline]

Its gowns and tux's for formal nights. Code in the casino and clubs is the same as the suggested dress for dinner that evening.
You will have several casual nights which are usually on very busy port days as well as the first and last evenings.

[ekerr19]

Thanks Jacqueline! That's what I thought...

[grannynurse]

The navy blue bound information book that contains ships services, room service menus, stationary etc. The first page discusses dress code. This is the FIRST time I've seen that omission.
GN

[Lois R]

Hi:) I actually emailed HAL...not on "what to wear" but asking how many formal nights, etc....

I received an email back from saying there are 2 formal, 1 informal and 4 "elegantly casual nights"......new wording?

"Formal men - tuxedo (which may be rented) or dark business suit and tie, women - elegant fancy dress or slacks
Informal men - jacket required (tie optional), women - fancy dress or slacks
elegantly casual men and women - polo shirts, long or short sleeves, slacks, pants, casual dress. No shorts, tee shirts or jeans."

Anyway........and this is just another person's thoughts.....I don't bring jeans with me to the Caribbean. I have linen/cotton pants suits...they may not be "elegant", but they are nice enough with cute sandels and nice jewelery for any of the 4 casual nights. I also have (for you gals who know this brand) Citiknits....very cute...no wrinkle knits...you can dress them up or down...(heels, etc)...and they pack up into nothing too:D .
But for me, the jeans stay home.

[lknick]

In Monoco, there is a charge to enter the casino. Formal attire is not required during the day, but suit at a minimum during the evening.

You may not enter the l'hotel de Paris unless you appear you belong there...and that means no sneakers, no jeans, no T-shirts, and no cameras hanging from your neck. During the day, if you wear country club causal you usually will not be stopped...but that's the door man's call. During the evening, suit or formal is required. If you sneak in using the side employees entrance [as more than one American has done], you will not be served.

The Cafe de Paris is less stringent, but 'freedom of choice' will not receive a table.

[sail7seas]

Thanks, grannynurse. I forgot that the portfolio does discuss dress code.

[ore-ee-gun]

On our Alaska cruise aboard the Amsterdam, we noticed that there was no informal evening, just two formal and the rest casual. Because the daily program didn't specifically state "no jeans", we asked about it at the front desk and were told we'd "probably" be seated if we were wearing jeans. We didn't try to find out - we changed into nice clothes.

[hotspur]

My DH who loves to wear his Tux was shocked at the lack of guys wearing Tuxs on formal nights. He was one of the less than 10 percenters.:eek:

Only 10% (or maybe fewer) wore tuxes (including me, feeling all the time as if I were being conned) on the Maasdam cruise to Canada/New England. I suspect, thankfully, the number will continue to shrink, and cruise lines will eventually emulate Oceania, face the reality of 21st-century American life, and drop the archaic ritual of "formal night."

The fact is: There is nothing that happens on a cruise ship that merits formalwear. Nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. It's a big phony. The sooner the cruise lines face up to this, the better. Formal night has become merely a crass tool to drive the sale of photographs to those playing make-believe, and is an embarrassment to all involved, especially the poor captain who is turned into a piece of scenery in the process. They might as well use a cardboard cut-out.

[BorderLady]

"Formal night has become merely a crass tool to drive the sale of photographs ... and is an embarrassment to ... the poor captain who is turned into a piece of scenery in the process. They might as well use a cardboard cut-out."

You're exactly right!!! A couple years ago on the Inaugural Cruise of a brand-new Carnivore, we were amused to see ship's photogs enticing passengers to be photographed next to a life-size cardboard cut-out of the Captain .

The funniest part -- the Captain was a plain old black and white photo!

Another giggle -- it was a Baltic cruise but they had the Pirate of the Caribbean circulating around the ship, available for photos. Apparently it didn't occur to anyone that a Viking warrior costume would have been more in keeping with the cruise.

[Jacqueline]

On our Alaska cruise aboard the Amsterdam, we noticed that there was no informal evening, just two formal and the rest casual. Because the daily program didn't specifically state "no jeans", we asked about it at the front desk and were told we'd "probably" be seated if we were wearing jeans. We didn't try to find out - we changed into nice clothes.

I think Alaska is a bit different than all other cruises I have been on. The weather and the types of tours coupled with a rush to an early seating mean that there will be some jeans at dinner.
ITs too hot in the Cabbean and most other cruise destinations for jeans to be a comforatble choice.

[jetfixer03]

I rarely have occasion to wear a suit and tie in the 'real world' but, to my surprise, I really enjoyed dressing up for dinner on the ship. The elegant atmosphere of the dinners was fun. Having said that, I think the tux is archaic and outdated these days, relegated almost solely to cruise ships and senior proms. Another poster made a good point, look at the Academy Awards... who is more fashion aware than Hollywood? You'll see the most elaborate and stunning dresses on the ladies, but nary a tux to be found. If the tux is your thing, go for it. For me a nice suit and a beautiful tie is the way to go.

Chris J

[Leslieswiger]

I agree with the following: anngie, localady. HAL should enforce the policy. Why have one if your not going to enforce.

Bdmarine...Its very true what your saying. I am X AFOne and have handled many VVIP's. I now live in Canada. Never but never do I use my US passport or say that I am American when out of the country.

Keep your gowns and diamonds for the dining room and safe. When off the ship dress very respectable and be HUMBLE.

We have just finished a three months tour of the world (#17). I am by birth American and God bless America..BUT..I can tell you we are NOT liked at all. Be very careful my dear cruisers.

[Jacqueline]

I
[b]Keep your gowns and diamonds for the dining room and safe. When off the ship dress very respectable and be HUMBLE.

Gee I was going to wear my diamonds and ball gown to go sightseeing...


We have just finished a three months tour of the world (#17). I am by birth American and God bless America..BUT..I can tell you we are NOT liked at all. Be very careful my dear cruisers.

My brother and his family has lived abroad for many years. For the last 5 years they have been in Paris and their kids go to French schools. Neither of them speak anything but English nor to they dress to pass as locals. They live in a neighborhood that is not American...
When I have visited I have never had the slightest problem with the French. In fact, I have had strangers lend me their cell phones in the airport !
They have no problems at all with being disliked or poorly treated.
Most people seem to be able to seperate a countries policy from the individuals.
I think its totally unnecessary to introduce doom and gloom into this thread.

[ekerr19]

In Monoco, there is a charge to enter the casino. Formal attire is not required during the day, but suit at a minimum during the evening.

You may not enter the l'hotel de Paris unless you appear you belong there...and that means no sneakers, no jeans, no T-shirts, and no cameras hanging from your neck. During the day, if you wear country club causal you usually will not be stopped...but that's the door man's call. During the evening, suit or formal is required. If you sneak in using the side employees entrance [as more than one American has done], you will not be served.

The Cafe de Paris is less stringent, but 'freedom of choice' will not receive a table.

Iknick-

Thank you for your input. It is nice to have an idea as to what is expected in Monte Carlo - we do plan on dressing up for our evening casino trip into town. We do not have to be back onboard til 10:30pm - so we hope to see a bit of the Monte Carlo nightlife.

[Orcrone]

I can't see them differentiating between "regular" and "designer" jeans for one reason. Who is going to decide what brands and/or styles constitute designer jeans?

I probably won't bother packing any jeans for my cruises. Why bring along extra items I won't be using much. Remember the rule. If you're not sure if you need it, leave it home.

[Leslieswiger]

You speck ONLY of France and I said nothing about France. I did say that I have 17 trips around the world and NOW one does have to be careful. If you wish to continue the old ways please do. I am not so foolish and I will continue to be humble when a visitor in another country. And speeking four languages and being trained by the US government on how to act when abroad, has helped also.
It is not DOOM and GLOOM.......JUST COMMON SENSE that the Lord has NOT given everyone.:eek:

[ekerr19]

I can't see them differentiating between "regular" and "designer" jeans for one reason. Who is going to decide what brands and/or styles constitute designer jeans?

I probably won't bother packing any jeans for my cruises. Why bring along extra items I won't be using much. Remember the rule. If you're not sure if you need it, leave it home.

Marc-

We've never worn nor needed jeans in the Caribbean, even in December, January, February... In fact, the only time DH brought some was when were left from Norfolk, boy was it ever cold! Once we left Norfolk, the jeans didn't even get unpacked from the suitcase - he took them out and wore them for disembarkation & the trip home - but that was it. I doubt you will need them.

I wore "jeans" to the ship in Norfolk, but I'm not sure if I'd really consider them jeans - sure they were made by Levi Strauss, but they were more a faded black twill instead of denim... this may be what the people are considering the difference. Now days, many pants/slacks/capris for women are not necessarily denim, but twill or cotton, some with lycra (for comfort) and may be classified as jeans, but actually aren't. It just depends on what one's definition is, I suppose. There are those in the camp that will argue "they are not jeans" and wear them to dinner. I don't - I just don't feel comfortable wearing such casual slacks/pants, etc. in the evenings.

I see no problem wearing something that is comfortable to board the ship - especially in inclement weather - others disagree, that's fine. I usually get a bit dressed up for boarding, but in Norfolk I didn't. We always change before dinner, so to us, it makes no real difference.

[Orcrone]

ekerr,

I was thinking of jeans just for embarkation and disembarkation. But I hate to bring them just for that. So I'll just wear Khakis on board and that will hopefully be the only time I'll need any long pants before dinner.

Aside from which I often wear them during the middle of winter around here.

[ekerr19]

Marc-

I think you'd be fine with Khakis... DH wears them for embarkation in FLL, but if it's really warm in FLL, he's been known to break out the Tommy Bahama shorts... :)

In FLL, we've seen many cruisers wearing shorts for embarkation. If it's warm, I'll wear my capris - my shorts aren't as nice as DH's (but my legs are cuter!)... :cool:

[The_Hall_Monitor]

...NOW one does have to be careful...I will continue to be humble when a visitor in another country... Good advice, I think.

In this context, "humble" doesn't mean acting like a toad but rather, not dolling up in a lot of flashy jewelry or doing the Ugly American bit such as "how much is this in REAL money", or, "why isn't this (13th century castle) air-conditioned?"

The minute we open our mouths, they know we're American, regardless how we're dressed. And anyone who has traveled in recent years knows we're not universally loved.

Happily, respectful behavior can bring about some very nice interactions.

[Orcrone]

Good advice, I think.

In this context, "humble" doesn't mean acting like a toad but rather, not dolling up in a lot of flashy jewelry or doing the Ugly American bit such as "how much is this in REAL money", or, "why isn't this (13th century castle) air-conditioned?"

The minute we open our mouths, they know we're American, regardless how we're dressed. And anyone who has traveled in recent years knows we're not universally loved.

Happily, respectful behavior can bring about some very nice interactions.Well maybe we wouldn't have to be so ugly if they'd use real money and air condition those castles. And while they're at it, I wish they'd just print all their signs in English and learn to speak our language.:D :rolleyes:

[lknick]

As a person who has traveled to too many countries, and speaks too many languages, one of the greatest compliments I ever received was from a Venetian: "You can't be American...you laugh too much and seem to enjoy life too much."

I think that's telling.

[cactuslady]

If you are going international, remember that jeans weigh a lot and will cut into your baggage allowance.

However, by all means, DO pack the jeans or at least knock-around khakis if you plan on any shore excursions that include horseback riding, riding through the jungle in jeeps, or bushwhacking through the brush. Nothing looks more unprepared than a tourist wearing shorts and sandals, camera around neck, on a horse. Things can get dusty :( , muddy :p , buggy :mad:, and sweaty :eek: , and you could be a mess by the time you get back to the ship. You need the protection from the saddle and paraphernalia, not to mention the fact that horses just LOVE to cozy up to all the cactus along the trail . . .

Sometimes resort casual just won't do. :cool:

[Jacqueline]

You speck ONLY of France and I said nothing about France. I did say that I have 17 trips around the world and NOW one does have to be careful. If you wish to continue the old ways please do. I am not so foolish and I will continue to be humble when a visitor in another country. And speeking four languages and being trained by the US government on how to act when abroad, has helped also.
It is not DOOM and GLOOM.......JUST COMMON SENSE that the Lord has NOT given everyone.:eek:

I only spoke of the Frence as they are often percieved as being anti- american and many people do go to france, as opposed to say, Syria or Columbia or even Viet Nam. Venice, Barcelona, London, COpenhagen (the usual ports) do not pose the same degree of danger for the average well mannered American who is on vacation and engaging in the usual activities.
I am not trying to get into a competition over who speaks more languages or is better traveled. But I will say that I attended Georgetown School of Foreign Service and most of my education involved studying other languages and cultures.
I happened to be in Mexico when we started dropping bombs on Iraq. There was a lot of anti american sentiment. But we coped just fine.

[Beckey]

Well, I guess this means that my Sears and Roebuck overalls with the red rick-rack trim around the bottom will not cut it for formal night :eek:

Well, it is back to Wally World to try again! :p

Any suggestions?

[marktac]

.....I'm not convinced on what the actual code of conduct for dress is. It seems pretty subjective from what I've read on this board. It cracks me up when the cruise board fashion police put their 2 cents in - and that's both sides of the argument......

You will quickly discover that the so-called fashion police on this board are far and away much more severe in their calls than those who really count...the staff on the actual ship. It's a shame that the old threads had to die...many a discussion about the nuances of what to wear or not to wear were lost.

And, believe it or not, these same folk thought it ok for some fellow to wear fuzzy rabbit bedroom slippers all day and night, every day! Talk about the epitome' of tackiness!

Having gotten that off my chest, if it is called a jean it probably wouldn't be appropriate for the evening meal, unless for some reason they had a "country and western" theme.

That's my opinion, and like the other orifices here, I'm entitled to it

[lknick]

If there 16 types of Coke, and no one tells anyone which Coke to drink, why can't there be more than one opinion on what is proper attire.

Attire is a simple thing. Dress to fit in. In Florida, socks are considered formal. Shorts go everywhere.

Once in St Petersburg, Russia, I saw a flea market vendor charge another American twice what she charged me for the same item. I asked why. "Obviously, by his dress," she said, "he doesn't know value."

QED