Want to take HAL to Alaska, don't want to get dressed up!

[maxiesmommie]

My question for the cruise pros here: How formal are the meals? Found a cruisetour we would like to take, but watching our friends video of the Statendam. Wow, everybody is dressed up! Don't want to have to take warm clothes and dressy clothes.
Kathy

[Roz]

Kathy,

If you don't want to get dressed up for dinner, you could eat in the Lido. However, in my own personal opinion, you would be missing a big part of the cruise experience. On my 2 HAL Alaskan cruises (both 7 days), there were 2 formal nights, 1 informal, and the rest were casual. I wore the same gown for both formal nights, and brought a "church" dress for the informal.

Eating in the dining room is something that's important to me, but it may not be for you. Besides the Lido, you could also do room service. BTW, casual means no shorts, t-shirts, or jeans.

Hope you get to cruise Alaska, regardless of what option you choose.

Roz

[hdawson]

Kathy. Daywear of casual is course. In Alaska suggest layered clothing.
Two evenings on a seven day cruise will be formal; tux or suit, gown or cocktail dress; one evening will be semi-formal, sport coat or dress. All other evenings will be casual, dockers with polo or other collared sportshirt, slacks or capris. There is the buffet area for those that don't want to dress.

[localady]

You could easily take HAL and not dress up. The Lido is open from 6:00-7:30 for casual dinners on HAL's ships. On the second week of our B2B in Alaska we opted not to dress for the formal nights, as the weather and scenery were calling us outside. We went up to the Lido, had a great salad bar, entree cooked to order and sinfully wonderful cheesecake etc for dinner, with our jeans and polo shirts on! Most cruisers had a simular attire and no one seemed to frown on our attire! :) You can also order a full dinner meal into your cabin, which is a romantic option if you have a balcony. ;)

[Budget Queen]

As mentioned- the dining rooms will require proper dress, but the lido buffets are casual. Just as important- be VERY aware of what you are purchasing for your land tour. A great deal of people just aren't aware of differences. I don't recommend the partial cruises that have the long land tour from Skagway- endless bus rides with lacking scenery in this portion. Better are the tours out of Anchorage, but go for as long as you can afford, ideally at least a 7 day add on, shorter have too much time in transit compared at the destinations. Tours are point to point- you miss a great deal in between and no meals included unless specified. Budget 50% than you would at home for a cushion. The more you know the better. :)

[rmmm]

Hi,

We took our first HAL cruise to ALaska in 1998 and dressed to the nines for formal nights. THis past June we went on the the Canada and NE cruise and decided ahead of time that we wouldn't eat in the dining room on formal nights. My mom was recovering from a biopsy surgery and I had just finished a very stressful year of teaching so we just wanted to relax. The first night we went to the dining room and dinner took over 2 hours. THat's when we decided to eat in the Lido for the rest of the cruise. The relaxed atmosphere suited us and it left us more time to enjoy the aspects of cruising that we enjoy. Decide what is right for you.

Rose

[superstein61]

As most folks will tell you - I am a rebel when it comes to the dress code - particulalrly in the Carribbean.

But instead of me encouraging you to stretch the rules (as I probably would) - you may want to consider NCL instead. When we cruised to Alaska - we chose NCL and loved their freestyle option of dining and dress. It fit perfectly in with what we wanted on an Alaska cruise.

Just something to consider

[hdawson]

As has been said many times, there is a cruiseline to match almost anyone's taste, style and comfort level. We should all reseach for what matches us best.

[RuthC]

Please be aware that it isn't just the "dinner" that is formal, it is the "evening". HAL passengers are requested to respect their fellow passengers---and the dress code---in public areas for the entire evening. That would include the show lounge and the public lounges.

As hdawson says, there is a cruiseline with the style for every taste.
I hope you find what's best for you, and that you enjoy Alaska throughly.

[dougnewmanatsea]

To be quite honest, as Ruth said, what people wear in the dining room is generally what they wear elsewhere for the rest of the evening - so even if you do eat dinner in the Lido, you may look a bit out of place elsewhere on the ship on a formal evening anyhow.

If you don't want to dress up the best cruise line for you is probably NCL. They have some very nice ships in Alaska (STAR, SUN, and SPIRIT) on which you can eat anywhere you want without getting more dressy than slacks and a golf shirt.

Unfortunately NCL do not offer cruisetours (a major handicap on their Alaska product) - but then, no "dress-code-free" cruise line does. Princess or Royal Caribbean may be somewhat less dressy than HAL but you'll still be left with the same option (the Lido) if you don't want to dress up on formal nights... So if you have your heart set on a cruisetour, and HAL has one you like, then I suppose you might as well stick with them. But just so you know, there are other options if you don't want a traditional cruise experience complete with dress codes, as HAL offer.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Of all the Alaskan cruises that we have taken, 3 were on HAL and yes, the majority of the passengers do dress up in the evening - they followed the dress code. Those who didn't ate at the Lido - and when they left there to go elsewhere on the ship, many of us glared at them - jeans - t-shirts - they really looked out of place.

If you want to be casual - try NCL - no dress codes there.

[localady]

I disagree respectfully! I do not believe that our sitting at the back pool and taking pictures of the wonderful scenery with like minded people (ie casually dressed) was disrespectful to anyone else on the ship that were dressed formally!! It sure would not cause me to choose NCL!:eek:

HAL has provided an opportunity for everyone to enjoy their type of cruise IMHO. If we can all be respectful of others then everyone can enjoy their vacation. I assure you on a formal night, you are not going to see me walk into a bar or a show dressed in jeans. That doesn't mean I can't choose to sit on my balcony or on the Lido level dressed in my casual attire. JMHO.:cool:

[digby]

Please be aware that it isn't just the "dinner" that is formal, it is the "evening". HAL passengers are requested to respect their fellow passengers---and the dress code---in public areas for the entire evening. That would include the show lounge and the public lounges.



The entire dress code is only SUGGESTED in documents and on board. It is not a hard and fast rule unlike what some here would like to make you think. On a recent Westerdam cruise many men wore suits or blazers on formal night and the world did not end.

If even that makes you uncomfortable, go with NCL. Their food and service are as good as HAL and is better when it comes to suites. Or wait a few years and formal nights will probably be a thing of the past.

[sail7seas]

Localady.....What you describe is perfectly fine. You were not roaming the interior of the ship. You were out on a weather deck and casual dress is approrpriate for that and, frankly, is safer. If the decks are wet, it is not wise for ladies to be walking in high heels and strappy sandals. As long as you were not in the show room, the lounges etc you were not being disrespectful to anyone IMO

But, also IMO, for people to not follow the dress code and be out and about in the public areas of the interior of the ship is disrespectful. Hard and fast rule....what in the world is that? There is no law punishable by a certain number of hours/days in the brig. It is a matter of good manners and respect. Because the dress code is suggested rather than demanded does not mean it should carelessly be disregarded IMO

The original poster here has done a polite, respectful thing IMO and has asked the appropriate question in order to make the best decision as to the ship/cruiseline which will suit them best. They have shown an interest in not offending others.

[hdawson]

Sail7. I agree with you. As for a hard and fast rule concerning a dress code, most times an invitation to a "formal event" will say black tie please or suggested or requested. It would be considered impolite to suggest the invitee need to be told "required". In the case of cruiselines, "formal" is plainly stated to include suits.

[localady]

Localady.....What you describe is perfectly fine. You were not roaming the interior of the ship. You were out on a weather deck and casual dress is approrpriate for that and, frankly, is safer. If the decks are wet, it is not wise for ladies to be walking in high heels and strappy sandals. As long as you were not in the show room, the lounges etc you were not being disrespectful to anyone IMO

But, also IMO, for people to not follow the dress code and be out and about in the public areas of the interior of the ship is disrespectful. Hard and fast rule....what in the world is that? There is no law punishable by a certain number of hours/days in the brig. It is a matter of good manners and respect. Because the dress code is suggested rather than demanded does not mean it should carelessly be disregarded IMO

The original poster here has done a polite, respectful thing IMO and has asked the appropriate question in order to make the best decision as to the ship/cruiseline which will suit them best. They have shown an interest in not offending others.
I agree with you 100%! I would never think to be disrespectful to others who enjoy the formal nights and would limit my "visability" in my casual attire.

We did manage to do this quite well on the Ryndam this summer as the weather was unreal (70s and 80s) and we were rewarded to an absolutely pristine evening cruising through the Inner passage, Priceless!! :cool: Those of us that were more casually dressed seemed to congregate on the aft pool deck, what a fabulous way to share a warm long summer night. Those I spoke to knew it was formal night and seemed to respect that, eatting in the Lido and staying on the outside decks, which were, no doubt "the best view in the house" that night!:) :cool:

[sail7seas]

If I were in the mood to walk Promenade....not stroll but 'exercise walk', I would not hesitate to change into my shorts and sneakers. I would get from my cabin to the outside deck by the most direct, shortest route as quickly as I could, but for folks who may wish to go to sports deck to play shuffleboard or jog ....of course they have changed into casual wear. I see nothing wrong with that. But I would never sit in a lounge, or go to the show, or the casino or wander the shops if I were not properly dressed according to the requested code for that evening.

[hdawson]

The vast majority of cruisers that I have encountered are very considerate and respectful. Those cruisers contribute much to our cruise vacations.

[CanSail]

Well Kathy I bet you wished you didn't ask your question! I am a formal dresser myself but I would be honoured to have you join me on any cruise. I judge people for who they are not for what they wear! I would never think anyone is being disrespectful because they did not wear formal clothing.
For goodness sake it is only HAL, not one of the more formal lines.

I hate to tell you though I don't think you would have much of a choice with the warm clothing...I think that is a must.

Happy Sailing To All

[maxiesmommie]

Well first off, thank you everyone for your 2 cents! What we REALLY want to do is go on Cruise West, but don't feel like spending that much money for a 2 week vacation. However, we still may do so.

DH is a very relaxed and laid back guy and I hate to ask him to dress up on vacation. Ok, I'm already being honest- I don't want to either.

Didn't realize there is a separate dining area where we can 'hide' on formal night. However, I'm being given too much credit for being respectful of those who do wish to go formal. And frankly, I feel, from some of these posts that I will be looked down upon for not doing so. Again, I say WOW!

If we don't go with CW and that's slim right now, we will be taking the Vancouver to Fairbanks - tour 17. I promise to dress appropriately! I already know HAL IS the cruise line for me.
thanks again,
Kathy

[Cruiseoften]

My question for the cruise pros here: How formal are the meals? Found a cruisetour we would like to take, but watching our friends video of the Statendam. Wow, everybody is dressed up! Don't want to have to take warm clothes and dressy clothes.
Kathy

Most Lines have the same itineraries but HAL's is the best - it's your choice - the climate is not controlled by the cruise line . Warm clothing/layering is the answer - mittens and a warm sweater do not go amiss, you just might need them!

Dressing up or not is your choice - I agree with the suggestions given.

We traveled end of June, took HAL's land tours (fantastic!) - panned for gold, rode the rails, lived it up in Dawson City - and 'survived' a couple of 'formal nights' on board!

Dinner (on board - 2 nights) is the only, what could be called 'formal' dress required - it means no jeans, cut-offs, T shirts, tank tops etc. Jackets, shirt and tie required for men; jazy blouse, sexy long skirt/slacks required for gals - no need for elaborate cocktail dresses and or flowing gowns!





.

[dougnewmanatsea]

I disagree respectfully! I do not believe that our sitting at the back pool and taking pictures of the wonderful scenery with like minded people (ie casually dressed) was disrespectful to anyone else on the ship that were dressed formally!! It sure would not cause me to choose NCL!:eek: I don't think that anyone would even suggest that you ought to be formally dressed to sit at the pool and take photos - I was thinking more of partaking in indoor activities. On a formal night most people in the lounges will be formally dressed and, whether they're right or wrong to do so, some of them are bound to object to casually dressed people sharing those facilities

It's true that the dress code is just "suggested", but even if HAL don't care, some of your fellow passengers would. So for those who don't want to dress up the best bet really is NCL - you can go anywhere you want and not have to worry about dress at all, unless you want to wear a t-shirt and shorts in the dining room at dinner. Or go nude ;) .

That said since NCL don't offer cruisetours I guess it's really not an option here - but I do think that, in any other situation, people who don't want to get formally dressed are probably best off on a cruise line that doesn't ask them to, just as people who can't stand people around them not to be as well-dressed as they are would be best off choosing a more formal line.

[hdawson]

Wouldn't Princess and their "personal choice" option be a good alternative? They've been doing Alaska along time.

[cmyers]

We just got back from the Zaandam to Alaska and packed way too many clothes. We found that people do not dress up as much to Alaska as they did on our Carribean cruise and everyone was welcomed into the dining room. We got back late one night from one of our Kechikan shore excursion and did not realize it was informal night and showed up to the dining room in our port clothes. - no problem - lots of others were not dressed for dinner either. Go with what you feel comfortable with. Nice pants and a blouse for ladies and a nice shirt and pants for the gents seemed to be the norm.

[a1moty]

We also visited Alaska last summer on the Zaandam--(late July)
I had brought two evening gowns and was surprised that I was somewhat
over dressed at our table on the formal nights. Most of the women at my table just wore nice 'church type' apparel. They looked great and I certainly was not offended that they didn't have on glittery gowns. Wear what ever you feel comfortable in. I don't think most people really care.
Also, besides the mittens and heavy sweater--don't forget either a warm hat or ear muffs---you'll probably need them!! Have a great cruise---

[SeaCruiser_1]

I agree that most Alaskan cruisers still manage to look nice but somehow do it in a casual way. The saavy traveler can wear a simple black dress and wear a glittery pin and fit in nicely. One of my table mates wore a black twin set that had a few sequins and looked wonderful. Formal gowns were rare! Don't be intimidated by the "formal" language!

[grannynurse]

you certainly don't want to feel out of step or uncomfortable. Most HAL cruisers enjoy dressing for dinner but even those who do don't want to dress up evey night. And most of us wouldn't care if someone bordered on the casual most of the time except on formal nights which we feel are "special"

I would suggest that you fully explore your options. If the cruise tour is that important to you, bite the bullet, and take the advice of the above poster who suggested the simple black dress. There are travel knits that are slinky but cross over to be dressed up or down.

many men do wear tuxes but the trend depends on the itinerary. We know that the Caribbean is less formal than Europe, but our New Year's cruise will probably be just as formal so we're taking his tux.
I can't comment on Alaska but I would venture to guess if you go in shoulder season that there will be more formal dress as opposed to traveling in the height of the season when more families travel.
Good luck on your decision.
GN

[superstein61]

Of all the Alaskan cruises that we have taken, 3 were on HAL and yes, the majority of the passengers do dress up in the evening - they followed the dress code. Those who didn't ate at the Lido - and when they left there to go elsewhere on the ship, many of us glared at them - jeans - t-shirts - they really looked out of place.

WOW - Glad you never encountered me - as I would glare right back at you for being so judgemental

[superstein61]

Well first off, thank you everyone for your 2 cents! What we REALLY want to do is go on Cruise West, but don't feel like spending that much money for a 2 week vacation. However, we still may do so.

DH is a very relaxed and laid back guy and I hate to ask him to dress up on vacation. Ok, I'm already being honest- I don't want to either.

Didn't realize there is a separate dining area where we can 'hide' on formal night. However, I'm being given too much credit for being respectful of those who do wish to go formal. And frankly, I feel, from some of these posts that I will be looked down upon for not doing so. Again, I say WOW!

If we don't go with CW and that's slim right now, we will be taking the Vancouver to Fairbanks - tour 17. I promise to dress appropriately! I already know HAL IS the cruise line for me.
thanks again,
Kathy
Kathy - I agree with you - WOW !!!

Ok - I made my nice comment above about I wouldn't encourage you to be a rebel like I am. But hell - after these comments - Rebel my dear, rebel !!!

I quite frankly care less what others wear - and I would not look down upon anyone for how they dress. What they wear will not spoil my enjoyment of a cruise. So wear what you want and enjoy - and if the shallow minded folks get bent out of shape - so be it.

[dakrewser]

So wear what you want and enjoy - and if the shallow minded folks get bent out of shape - so be it.
Simply because others think differently does not mean you are a "deep thinker" or that they are "shallow thinkers". Just as there are choices and options for those who wish to 'dress down' there are also options for those who wish to 'dress up'. It would appear that you are among the 'dress down' crowd. Nothing wrong with that, just as there's nothing wrong with those who wish to 'dress up.'

What's really nice is that there are cruise line options for all of us. No one is being elitist or judgemental when they suggest that a cruiser pick a line with a philosophy (whether its dress, drink or ambiance) that closely aligns with their own. Choose that which makes you comfortable, but also be considerate of others and make choices that would offend them.

-dave

[localady]

Simply because others think differently does not mean you are a "deep thinker" or that they are "shallow thinkers". Just as there are choices and options for those who wish to 'dress down' there are also options for those who wish to 'dress up'. It would appear that you are among the 'dress down' crowd. Nothing wrong with that, just as there's nothing wrong with those who wish to 'dress up.'

What's really nice is that there are cruise line options for all of us. No one is being elitist or judgemental when they suggest that a cruiser pick a line with a philosophy (whether its dress, drink or ambiance) that closely aligns with their own. Choose that which makes you comfortable, but also be considerate of others and make choices that would offend them.

-dave
Well said Dave.:) The issue here is being considerate of others!:cool:

[ekerr19]

Very nicely put Dave. While I don't mind what anyone else does or doesn't wear - I believe showing respect for your fellow pax by observing the suggested dress of the evening or choosing to eat in the Lido.

In my opinion, "considerate" is not "shallow" - sorry.

[hdawson]

Dave. So very well stated. I don't consider myself as shallow for adhering to what is expected of me. Guess my Mom taught me well. Proud and thankfull for the things she taught me.

[CanSail]

Well Superstein & Kathy please feel welcome to come join me at any dinner. Though I am a formal dresser I would never judge you for what you are wearing on a HAL cruise. If it were a Seabourn or Silverseas cruise yes I would think more formal wear is more appropriate, but this is HAL.
The dress code seems to be a issue that people feel very strong about one way or another, I myself feel "live and let live" on this issue as I am sure others may think the same.
So Superstein I guess I do agree with you on this subject. Am I in trouble now?!?

Happy Sailing To All

[dakrewser]

If it were a Seabourn or Silverseas cruise yes I would think more formal wear is more appropriate, but this is HAL.

Now this I really don't understand.

I understand those who don't like to dress for dinner.
I understand those who believe in following the dress code.

But why do you feel that published dress codes should only be followed on some cruise lines and not others? What other behavioral suggestions can we safely ignore on HAL? Which ones on Seabourne? On Costa? Please enlighten me!

-dave

[CanSail]

Well Dave,
On Seabourn and Silverseas formal nights are very formal. When the evening is formal everyone dresses such and enjoys doing so. A person not dressed formally would certainly feel out of place.
On HAL formal nights what people wear can range from what one may call "informal" to "formal", there is quite a range.
Hope that answers your question.
Happy Sailing To All

[hdawson]

Dave. Again. Very good point. How far should cruising be dumbed down. We all know what is expected when we book. Most people choose cruising because it's different from a week at the beach or going to an all-inclusive.
Most enjoy the traditional aspects of cruising. I don't think those that honor the dress standards and the behavior expected are snobs or elelists and I think they have every right to expect the same from others. I realize that some book a cruise because of it's itenerary such as Alaska, but again they know what is expected of them in choosing a cruise as the way to see that area. Of course these are only personal opinions. In 14 cruises I've never seen but a very, very few people that didn't meet the spirit of those standards.

[dakrewser]

Well Dave,
On Seabourn and Silverseas formal nights are very formal. When the evening is formal everyone dresses such and enjoys doing so. A person not dressed formally would certainly feel out of place.
On HAL formal nights what people wear can range from what one may call "informal" to "formal", there is quite a range.
Hope that answers your question.
Happy Sailing To All
No, it doesn't answer the question. Are you saying that Seabourn passengers are more considerate than those on HAL? The dress codes are approximately the same after all.

-dave

[CanSail]

No, it doesn't answer the question. Are you saying that Seabourn passengers are more considerate than those on HAL? The dress codes are approximately the same after all.

-dave

???
What I stated Dave has nothing to do with being considerate of others.
I stated that the person who was not dressed in formal wear on a formal night would feel out of place on a Seabourn cruise.

[superstein61]

Simply because others think differently does not mean you are a "deep thinker" or that they are "shallow thinkers". Just as there are choices and options for those who wish to 'dress down' there are also options for those who wish to 'dress up'. It would appear that you are among the 'dress down' crowd. Nothing wrong with that, just as there's nothing wrong with those who wish to 'dress up.'

What's really nice is that there are cruise line options for all of us. No one is being elitist or judgemental when they suggest that a cruiser pick a line with a philosophy (whether its dress, drink or ambiance) that closely aligns with their own. Choose that which makes you comfortable, but also be considerate of others and make choices that would offend them.

-dave
Ahhh but Dave - it was not I who said I "glared at those wearing jeans and T-shirts". That to me is shallow. To look down upon how someone dresses is VERY Shallow.

BTW - Did you even bother to read my first post on this thread? I actually suggested NCL as an option. But if people are set on a HAL cruise - especially on the land portion - they should not feel constrained by the dress code police on this board.

[superstein61]

Very nicely put Dave. While I don't mind what anyone else does or doesn't wear - I believe showing respect for your fellow pax by observing the suggested dress of the evening or choosing to eat in the Lido.

In my opinion, "considerate" is not "shallow" - sorry.

But Glaring at someone because how they are dressed is VERY VERY shallow.

And people shouldn't be shunned to the Lido and out of the public areas if they would like to dress down a bit.

If you truly don't mind what anyone else does or doesn't wear - then this should be a non-issue for you

[superstein61]

Well Superstein & Kathy please feel welcome to come join me at any dinner. Though I am a formal dresser I would never judge you for what you are wearing on a HAL cruise. If it were a Seabourn or Silverseas cruise yes I would think more formal wear is more appropriate, but this is HAL.
The dress code seems to be a issue that people feel very strong about one way or another, I myself feel "live and let live" on this issue as I am sure others may think the same.
So Superstein I guess I do agree with you on this subject. Am I in trouble now?!?

Happy Sailing To All
Better look out CanSail - agreeing with me can be dangerous at times on this board :D :D

but like you - I don't judge anyone by how they dress. And how someone else dresses has not one iota of impact on my cruise experience.

I realize there are those who feel strongly about dressing to the nines - and to them, I say go for it. but don't expect everyone to feel the same way and don't get upset when others dress differently

[dakrewser]

Ahhh but Dave - it was not I who said I "glared at those wearing jeans and T-shirts". That to me is shallow. To look down upon how someone dresses is VERY Shallow.

BTW - Did you even bother to read my first post on this thread? I actually suggested NCL as an option. But if people are set on a HAL cruise - especially on the land portion - they should not feel constrained by the dress code police on this board.
And I agree that NCL would be an excellent choice for the OP. I also didn't take the "glaring" comment as being intended to reflect judgement on a person's dress, but to reflect judgement at other's flaunting of the conventions. As you've said, there are cruise lines and options for those who do not wish to follow HAL's dress suggestions. It's quite possible for everyone to have the cruise they most enjoy...

-dave

[dakrewser]

???
What I stated Dave has nothing to do with being considerate of others.
I stated that the person who was not dressed in formal wear on a formal night would feel out of place on a Seabourn cruise.
And I'm trying to see how you can make this distinction, as the dress code is very similar on both lines. Do you feel that HAL passengers are more lax in observing the suggested dress? That Seabourn passengers are "stuffier"? Just why do you feel the way you do about this?

-dave

[maxiesmommie]

I had NO idea what a hot button topic this was or I would have never asked it. I'm sitting here feeling defensive because of the cruise line I have chosen!
1- I am well aware of the need to take lots of warm clothes, layering and all, boots... so needing all this...
2- Don't really want to pack a gown also
3- Have done a fair amount of research and chosen what I feel it the right trip for us. Just because we don't want to dress up for a couple lousy nights we are being told that this isn't the place for us.
4- Glaring at people for not dressing the way you are?? shaking my head. Thanks for your support Superstein. DH feels the same way you do.

Apparently I should have been alot more specific in my OP- all I wanted to know was the extent of the formality of formal night. Will all be in tuxes and gowns, suits and nice outfits?? I think my question has been answered and far more than I wanted to hear.
I thank you all for your opinions, whether I agree with them or not.

[CanSail]

And I'm trying to see how you can make this distinction, as the dress code is very similar on both lines. Do you feel that HAL passengers are more lax in observing the suggested dress? That Seabourn passengers are "stuffier"? Just why do you feel the way you do about this?

-dave

Oh Dave are you just sparing with my words for fun. I do not refer to the dress code itself, but how others may dress more formal on a line such as Seabourn or Silverseas then HAL. I would never refer to any passenger as "stuffy". An example that may help you ...my DH and sons are very comfortable wearing a dark suit on formal nights on HAL but wear a tux on Seabourn. While some gentlemen do wear tuxes on HAL, my "boys" never felt under-dressed wearing a dark suit. On Seabourn a tuxedo on formal night seemed to be the norm in the dining room.
In closing Dave, you asked me why I feel the way I do about comparing the formal nights on both lines (not the required codes) because I have experienced both and it is my observation IMHO.
And please understand that I love both lines (my sons do prefer HAL!)

[dakrewser]

In closing Dave, you asked me why I feel the way I do about comparing the formal nights on both lines (not the required codes) because I have experienced both and it is my observation IMHO.
And please understand that I love both lines (my sons do prefer HAL!)Then it isn't the cruise lines, but your perception of the passengers on each, correct? Interesting take, not necessarily right or wrong, but interesting nonetheless.

Thanks!

-dave

[dakrewser]

I had NO idea what a hot button topic this was or I would have never asked it.
Lost in the dining room discussion was your impression about the "warm" clothes you'll need. At the beginning and end of the Alaska season, that's true. But in July & August, the parts of Alaska the cruises go to is no colder than Seattle and often quite a bit warmer. You won't need parkas or boots unless you're planning some heavy trekking at altitude...

-dave

[maxiesmommie]

Dave, we are planning on going either last week of Aug and or 1st week Sept. We watched our friends video from their trip on the Statendam from several years ago and people were wearing boots on the excursions, especially to Mendenhall. I figured hiking boots will be fine as opposed to sneakers.
Kathy

[Budget Queen]

I just came back from my 18th trip to Alaska and I have NEVER taken hiking boots- better are 2 pair of walking shoes. I have done plenty of hiking- probably more than most- including, Mt. Roberts- back to town, East Loop trail at Mendenhall, Lower Dewey Lake, Upper trail of Exit Glacier+++

[ekerr19]

Cansail-

To say that Superstein and Kathy would be welcome at your table implies that you are judging the rest of us. I'm sure many of us (myself included) would have no problem with anyone who was not dressed in accordance with the suggested dress. I have made this comment many times - I do not care what anyone else chooses to wear or NOT wear - in no way does it hamper my experience. However, I CHOOSE to dress in accordance with HAL's suggested dress for the evening.

I also must agree with Dave - what is the difference between cruise lines? You adhere to the dresscode on other lines, but not HAL? I don't get it either... HAL has a suggested dress just like the other lines you mentioned. Are we not worthy enough to expect fellow pax respect the dress code?

Superstein - You know better. I have defended your stance on wearing your Hawaiian shirt and fancy wedding shirt for formal nights on more than one thread. To label me (and many others) as shallow for choosing to adhere to the dress code is wrong, IMO. I respect the fact that you choose to dress the way you want - but I don't get the same respect in return.

Yes, I did read your post - it reads as though you are giving the rest of us a jab for making the choice we do... and sorry, it still reads that way to me.

[vjb223]

I just wear a pair of black pants and a shiny or squein(sp?) top and good to go, don't think I ever got looked down on, hubby wears dark suit and tie, don't own a tux,. The 2nd formal nite we usually eat in the lido so do not have to dress, there is also room service esp. with a suite. Don't sweat the small stuff- after all it is YOUR vacation. Have a wonderful cruise.

[dakrewser]

Dave, we are planning on going either last week of Aug and or 1st week Sept. We watched our friends video from their trip on the Statendam from several years ago and people were wearing boots on the excursions, especially to Mendenhall. I figured hiking boots will be fine as opposed to sneakers.
Kathy
We took hiking boots the first time (actually, wore them on the plane because their so bulky to pack). Only wore them once - simply because we had them. As Budget Queen says, good walking shoes are best. The jackets and coats depend more on your personal feelings of cold or warm - but my personal thought is that a good rain jacket is much more important than a parka. Layering is the secret - t-shirt, flannel shirt, sweater & rain jacket get me set for temps from 30 to 80....

-dave

[OCruisers]

Wouldn't Princess and their "personal choice" option be a good alternative? They've been doing Alaska along time.

On Princess "Personal Choice" (PC) ONLY means choice of time to eat. Formal nights are STILL formal! Passengers can pick Traditional or PC. WeI did PC once. Everyone dresses exactly the same as they would for Traditional. Princess has yet another option in a different location where folks may dress casually. Everyone is requested to remained dressed formally on formal nights on the interior of the ship for the entire evening.

Note: It's NCL that has one dining room formal and one resort casual. The total dress code on NCL is very lax compared to HAL, Celebrity, or Princess.

Get's confusing! :p

Happy Sailing! OCruisers :)

[CanSail]

"To say that Superstein and Kathy would be welcome at your table implies that you are judging the rest of us."

No I would not judge you or anyone as I am sure I stated...a welcome to ones table is just that...a welcome.

"You adhere to the dresscode on other lines, but not HAL?"

I ALWAYS adhere to the dress code! And when comparing the two lines I wrote of how others may dress MORE formal on a line such as Seabourn.
I also stated that I was mentioning what people wore...not the dress code.

" Are we not worthy enough to expect fellow pax respect the dress code?"
???
This comment is not worthy of an answer .

I hope that clears up any misunderstanding you may have of my posts.

[maxiesmommie]

BQ and Dave, thanks so much for that bit of information! Had read somewhere that those were a must. Glad to hear otherwise. And I have no intention of taking a parka! Layering is always the way to go!
Kathy

[superstein61]

Superstein - You know better. I have defended your stance on wearing your Hawaiian shirt and fancy wedding shirt for formal nights on more than one thread. To label me (and many others) as shallow for choosing to adhere to the dress code is wrong, IMO. I respect the fact that you choose to dress the way you want - but I don't get the same respect in return.

Yes, I did read your post - it reads as though you are giving the rest of us a jab for making the choice we do... and sorry, it still reads that way to me.ekerr - sorry - but my comment was not directed your way. It was directed at those who glare at someone because of how they are dressed. It was directed at those who believe their experience is lessened because of how others dress. I think it is quite clear that is not you as I know you have said many times that you do not care what anyone else chooses to wear or NOT wear - that in no way does it hamper your experience.My apologies for not being clearer on the subject