Newbi here with a couple questions

[sjm33]

Wife and I have never cruised. We are taking a HAL Caribean cruise in Feb out of Ft lauderdale We have many questions here are a few
1. what are the prices for beer and Wine ?
2, What is the dress code
3, How the heck can we pack for 7 days LOL
Thanks ,

Ill be back with more Im sure
Steve

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Can answer about the cost of beer. We either have a cocktail or use HAL's wine card.

Dress Code from HAL's website:

Clothing & Dress Code
Clothing & Dress Code The right clothing can make a big difference in the enjoyment of your cruise. First and foremost, dress for comfort. Daily life aboard ship and in ports of call is relaxed and casual. Warmer climates call for clothing made of lightweight, breathable fabrics. For cooler climates, we suggest casual clothes that can be layered easily and possibly a raincoat and waterproof hat or umbrella and gloves. Certain shore excursions may require particular attention to clothing. For example, certain churches or other places of worship may not allow tank tops or short pants. Bring a swimsuit as all of our ships have pools and whirlpools. You may wish to bring more than one outfit for the water. We ask that you wear shoes and a cover-up over a bathing suit when walking through the interior of the ship. If you would like to jog on the sports deck or work out in the fitness center, bring workout gear. Footwear should include comfortable walking shoes for visits ashore and sandals or rubber-soled shoes for strolling on deck.
Evening dress falls into two distinct categories: Formal or Smart Casual. Smart Casual can be defined as slacks and collared shirts for men and casual dresses, slacks and informal evening wear for women. T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas during the evening hours. On festive Formal evenings, ladies usually wear a suit, cocktail dress or gown and gentlemen wear a jacket and tie, dark suit or tuxedo. There are approximately two formal nights per week.
In order to complement your fellow guests, Holland America Line asks that you observe the suggested dress code throughout the entire evening.
Formalwear for ladies and gentlemen can be pre-ordered for your use during your cruise by calling Cruiseline Formalwear at 800-551-5091. Your formalwear will be in your stateroom when you board.

We don't just cruise for 7 -- flying means we need to cruise longer. So we take 4 large suitcases and 2 carry-ons.

[seaisme]

on packing...I offer...DON"T OVERPACK! look at your itinerary and think about what you plan on doing each day...then pack for each day. If you're stopping at Half Moon Cay, then it's a beach day, so all you need is a swimsuit and coverup plus something for dinner. Take things to mix and match. Remember, you can always send something out to be laundered. after several cruises, we have learned less is best.

can't help with the price of wine since we usually purchase a wine card and use it during the week.

[wdw1972]

on packing...I offer...DON"T OVERPACK! look at your itinerary and think about what you plan on doing each day...then pack for each day. If you're stopping at Half Moon Cay, then it's a beach day, so all you need is a swimsuit and coverup plus something for dinner. Take things to mix and match. Remember, you can always send something out to be laundered. after several cruises, we have learned less is best.

can't help with the price of wine since we usually purchase a wine card and use it during the week.

On a 7-night cruise you can wear the same outfit on both formal nights.
For men to cover the other 5 casual nights, 2 pairs of slacks and 5 polo shirts will do. For ladies, try to pack fewer than 5 bottoms and pack 5 tops. Or, rewear the first night outfit on the last night again. Coordinate all your outfits so you can get by with 1 pair of night shoes.

Remember, you're not a fashion model walking down the runway, and you'll likely never see these other people again! Dress according to the dress code, but don't insist on 7 completely different outfits for each day and 7 more different ones for each night!

Sue/WDW1972
Westerdam 1/11/09 or 2/8/09

[tomc]

I met a couple who brought TEN suitcases. They wanted three different outfits each day and did not want to use the laundry.

I bring whatever will fit in a carry-on, mix and match, use the self-serve laundry every six days. They're not looking at this senior citizen; they're checking out the chicks.

[Roz]

The more I cruise, the less I pack.

Roz

[sueclark]

[quote=tomc;16509917]I met a couple who brought TEN suitcases. They wanted three different outfits each day and did not want to use the laundry.quote]

Good heavens. :eek:
I gave up being a fashion plate a number of years ago. I often wear the same thing a couple times or even more as we usually do long cruises. I hate luggage and with all the new baggage fees on the airlines I can't imagine taking more than I actually need. The laundry service amenity for the suites is wonderful and I use it often.

I used to take lovely beaded gowns for formal nights, but now take lighter evening wear - mostly for the same reason, the heavier gowns took up a lot of room and weight in the luggage. I'm seeing more and more women doing the same.

[airlink diva]

Wife and I have never cruised. We are taking a HAL Caribean cruise in Feb out of Ft lauderdale We have many questions here are a few
1. what are the prices for beer and Wine ?
2, What is the dress code
3, How the heck can we pack for 7 days LOL
Thanks ,

Ill be back with more Im sure
Steve
First of all, welcome to cruisecritic and holland america! This website is a mine of great infomation. If you don't see, ask!! Someone will know the answer!!
For the beer and wine pricing, I suggest that you head to http://cruiseclues.com and click on the bar list. Head to the Westerdam menu by Schplinky. He sailed earlier this year and posted the beverage menu.
The dress code is like everyone mention. Casual during the day, two formal nights and informal for the remaining nights. In the day, what would you wear casual during the summer. Also, HMC and some of your ports a swimsuit is a must. For the non formal eveings, I just dress like you heading for dinner (slacks and nice shirt for a man. Dress, blouse and pants or skirt for ladies). For formal night, a tux is nice on a man, if not, a nice suit with a tie. For the ladies, a cocktail dress, or even a nice pair of black pants or skirt with a very nice top.
Packing!! Don't do like I did on my first cruise! I packed three suitcases and didn't wear half the stuff. Some things you can wear more than once. On a seven day, two pair of shorts,one pair of capris, two swim suits, a coverup,two dresses, one pair of black pants,one black skirt, four casual tops and three dressy tops. A pair of water shoes, a pair of black heels and two pair of comfy shoes is all I need.
Enjoy your cruise!!
Happy sailing!!!

[djhsolara]

Wife and I have never cruised. We are taking a HAL Caribean cruise in Feb out of Ft lauderdale We have many questions here are a few
1. what are the prices for beer and Wine ?
2, What is the dress code
3, How the heck can we pack for 7 days LOL
Thanks ,

Ill be back with more Im sure
Steve



On which February Caribbean sailing will you be sailing?

[Himself]

I still bring too much with me

[PathfinderEss]

The more I cruise, the less I pack.

Roz
Ditto