DH in a cast... what to do about tux?

[ekerr19]

Well, we just found out DH must remain in his cast for our 11/3/04 cruise. He says "no way" is he going to be able to get the tux jacket over the cast and I am inclined to agree at this point.

What should we do for formal night? He says we eat in the room or Lido, and I say "no way" -

I was thinking about getting 2 short-sleeved white dress shirts (I guess as dressy as a short-sleeved shirt can be) and having him wear them with his tux pants and a bow-tie... he also must wear an arm sling, so I think people would understand if he had to forgo the tux jacket... do you think this would be acceptable?

Any thoughts? I pretty much had our wardrobes planned, and now this kind of puts a crimp in things.

Also, we will be packing VERY light - as I'm not wheeling all that luggage around. :D

[Stevesan]

Go with the short sleeved shirt. Paint a tux shawl collar and bow tie on the cast to show the Maitre d.:D
or you could pin an "excuse" note on his shirt. That'll work.

[dakrewser]

Buy a couple of cheap evening shirts and cut the sleeve out of the side with the cast. Get a black silk sling and have him wear it under the dinner jacket. (You might need to pin the jacket closed so it doesn't slip off.

Throw in a black silk eyepatch and you'll have to post guards around him as all the women throw themselves his way :rolleyes:

-dave

[Esme]

My DH dislocated his right shoulder before one of our cruises, but it's so long ago, I really can't remember what he did but do know that he was able to put on his tux jacket but then he wasn't in a cast. The sling went on the outside of his jacket. He was in his glory having the other ladies at the table cut up his food. :p

I think your DH will be fine if he can't put on his jacket. If someone is bothered by it, that's too bad. A suggestion - have him put the jacket over his shoulders and then just hang it over the back of the chair when he gets to the table.

Good luck. Fun, aren't they! ;)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Well this is just not fair!!!! I have no ideas, but I see you're getting good ones from others. He can always just throw the jacket over his one shoulder with his arm in the other sleeve. No one is going to criticize him for the cast!!! I wouldn't worry about in the least.

But the part I'm upset for you about is lugging all that luggage with airports, etc.!! What a pain!!! Just not fair, IMHO.:(

[RuthC]

You can find short-sleeved dress shirts---my husband preferred the shorter sleeves.
Get one in white, add a black bow tie. Then---get a long, black silky scarf and drape that around his neck.
Or, instead of the scarf, a black vest would give a polished look.
Trying to keep a jacket draped over one shoulder might be more trouble than it's worth.

The goal should be to look like he made an attempt to look formal, and went as far as his restrictions allowed.

Good luck. (Will you need to cut his meat, too? :( )

[bepsf]

I believe the protocol is to use either a black or preferably white sling for his arm (over a suitably "altered" white formal shirt) and to either wear the dinner jacket over the shoulders, or he can wear it on his good side normally w/ the other side pulled over the shoulder - however, if he does it this way, the loose sleeve should be pinned straight down to the body of his jacket and the front of the jacket could probably be pinned to the sling (w/ the unused cufflink, perhaps?) so it won't blow off his shoulder on deck.

Either way, I'm sure he'll look quite dashing...
;)

[gliles]

How about one of those tux T-shirts?

[gliles]

This?

[grandma bev]

gliles,

You beat me to it! Tux tee shirt is a great idea. Either way, I don't believe the Captain will throw him off the ship. ;-)
Bev

[ekerr19]

Oh you guys! These are all great suggestions! I didn't realize they made a tux t-shirt... hey Superstein, oops, never mind. ;)

I like the idea of cutting the arm off one long sleeved shirt, but DH isn't sure about that - and I'd have to hem the cut side.

He does have a few fancy vests he could wear - I'm thinking the short sleeved might be the way to go.

He does like the idea of a nice black sling and a matching black eye-patch!

RuthC - Yes, unfortunately I will have to! He cannot hold the knife well enough to actually cut something. :(

I figure, he owes me for this one. :D Especially for having to deal the luggage. Of course he has to make the comment, "Now you're FINALLY gonna pack light" - to which I replied, "but of course" :)

[gliles]

Oh you guys! These are all great suggestions! I didn't realize they made a tux t-shirt... hey Superstein, oops, never mind. ;)

I like the idea of cutting the arm off one long sleeved shirt, but DH isn't sure about that - and I'd have to hem the cut side.

He does have a few fancy vests he could wear - I'm thinking the short sleeved might be the way to go.

He does like the idea of a nice black sling and a matching black eye-patch!

RuthC - Yes, unfortunately I will have to! He cannot hold the knife well enough to actually cut something. :(

I figure, he owes me for this one. :D Especially for having to deal the luggage. Of course he has to make the comment, "Now you're FINALLY gonna pack light" - to which I replied, "but of course" :)
Can you really not find a white long sleeved shirt that will go over the cast? My DH's shirts sleeves are all pretty big. If the cast is over the wrist, clearly you won't be able to cufflink it. I also find the jacket sleeves on his tux's (rentals) are pretty big as well.

[HeatherInFlorida]

I have decided, EKerr, that after having to "work" so hard this cruise on your DH's behalf that you deserve another whole cruise (in addition to any already booked) just for recovery ... or shall we call it "pain and suffering"?:D

[CaptData]

Buy a black cape (it's Helloween). Due the shirt bit and tie the cape around the shoulders with hooks add a black bow tie (and maybe some teeth).

He will be devilishly hansome. Oh don't forgets the pants.

[ekerr19]

Can you really not find a white long sleeved shirt that will go over the cast? My DH's shirts sleeves are all pretty big. If the cast is over the wrist, clearly you won't be able to cufflink it. I also find the jacket sleeves on his tux's (rentals) are pretty big as well.
We tried his on this afternoon - no way. The shirt maybe, but it's tight and he is under Dr.'s orders not to move his arm in certain ways.

His tux jacket was not going over that cast - also we were afraid he'd rip it (the jacket).

I hate to rent one when he has one that fits perfectly, so we were wondering about alternatives... he can always carry the jacket - or drape it over his good arm. :)

[ekerr19]

Buy a black cape (it's Helloween). Due the shirt bit and tie the cape around the shoulders with hooks add a black bow tie (and maybe some teeth).

He will be devilishly hansome. Oh don't forgets the pants.
Black cape... hmmmm - maybe with the black silk eye patch and black silk cast sling... :cool:

[ekerr19]

I have decided, EKerr, that after having to "work" so hard this cruise on your DH's behalf that you deserve another whole cruise (in addition to any already booked) just for recovery ... or shall we call it "pain and suffering"?:D
Heather, oh my pain and suffering has been huge. :D

He is the worst baby, I tell you - I LOVE your idea, in fact, I think he & I will talk as soon as he takes his next dose of Pecodan...lol :eek:

Another cruise will go along way to easing my pain & suffering! ;)

[Esme]

Heather, oh my pain and suffering has been huge. :D

He is the worst baby, I tell you - I LOVE your idea, in fact, I think he & I will talk as soon as he takes his next dose of Pecodan...lol :eek:

Another cruise will go along way to easing my pain & suffering! ;)

Oh, ekerr, I know what you are going through. Men have got to be worse than children when they are injured or sick. They moan, they groan....it's "oh, poor me", or "nobody loves me". Can you just imagine what they would be like going through childbirth! :p :eek:

[gliles]

We tried his on this afternoon - no way. The shirt maybe, but it's tight and he is under Dr.'s orders not to move his arm in certain ways.

His tux jacket was not going over that cast - also we were afraid he'd rip it (the jacket).

I hate to rent one when he has one that fits perfectly, so we were wondering about alternatives... he can always carry the jacket - or drape it over his good arm. :)
Bummer. And no, renting one would be silly. I agree with the others (that is if he refuses the tux T-shirt :p ) that as long as he looks nice, he will be fine. Now you, that is another story...not only do you have to do all the heavy lifting you will have to listen to everyone baby him not like you haven't done enough of that yourself already!

[dakrewser]

Oh, ekerr, I know what you are going through. Men have got to be worse than children when they are injured or sick. They moan, they groan....it's "oh, poor me", or "nobody loves me". Can you just imagine what they would be like going through childbirth! :p :eek:
You know, we can see these threads! Here I was, going to go along and help ekerr with the luggage, get her DH's meat for him, help him dress - just so she could have an enjoyable cruise. But not any more! You & Heather will have to make the sacrifice now.....:rolleyes:

[RuthC]

I figure, he owes me for this one. :D Especially for having to deal the luggage. Of course he has to make the comment, "Now you're FINALLY gonna pack light" - to which I replied, "but of course" :)He sure does! I remember the time my husband was to join the cruise in progress---it was the final voyage of the ss Rotterdam from Vancouver through the Panama Canal to Ft. Lauderdale; he planned to board in Acapulco.
But he had me drag his luggage cross-country for him! How that man could pack when he wanted to!

The upshot of it all was that he wasn't able to board in Acapulco! A few changes in plans later I saw him again in Costa Rica.
Good thing he made it---that luggage was going overboard before I dragged it home too!

[superstein61]

Well the tux t-shirt does seem like a great idea :D

But he will be fine simply forgoing the jacket. Don't get caught up on what some others may expect. Simply be presentable and he will be fine

[LAFFNVEGAS]

ekerr, I would have DH go with the short sleeve shirt, bow tie and Vest and not worry about the jacket. I seriously doubt anyone will say anything since his arm will be in a sling. I think it will be too much of a pain to have it hang over his shoulder, you will end up just placing it over a chair and risk forgetting about it.

[Roboat]

I always like pre-approval for this kinda stuff, and people really do like to solve problems, especially if the solution involves zero work.

Soon after you board you and DH will probably visit the dining room to make sure you are happy with your assigned seating.

At that time, seek out a Maitre D' and fret softly to him about the problem. When he sees that you are a maiden in distress, :mad: who is sincere about the dress code, he will go overboard to come up with a solution - my hero! :) - which will almost certainly be one you have already decided upon. You thank him profusely, ask his name and (drum roll please....) ask him to sign the cast so the other MD's know it has been cleared.

Then you won't be nervous about it for 2 days wondering what will happen on formal night.

Tip: Don't scream at him about the lousy table assignment until AFTER he signs the cast. ;)

[Charliesmom]

A tip for handling the luggage:

1. Take a limo or a taxi to the airport.
2. When you get to the airport, hire a luggage handler to bring your luggage to the counter for you.
3. Check everything but one bag which holds your valuables and your medicines.
4. At the other end, hire a luggage handler to bring your luggage to transportation to the ship.
5. Tip everyone well.

You might never handle your own luggage again.

Don't forget to bring a big stick to beat off the women who fall in love with your temporarily handicapped husband.

Roberta

[ekerr19]

Oh, ekerr, I know what you are going through. Men have got to be worse than children when they are injured or sick. They moan, they groan....it's "oh, poor me", or "nobody loves me". Can you just imagine what they would be like going through childbirth! :p :eek:
Esme- Oh how I can relate! I told him today, "You owe me", he replied "whatever you want babe, but can you get me another pillow? I'm dying here..."

I told him, "let's talk about Europe next summer on the Westerdam... with the kids...."

[ekerr19]

You know, we can see these threads! Here I was, going to go along and help ekerr with the luggage, get her DH's meat for him, help him dress - just so she could have an enjoyable cruise. But not any more! You & Heather will have to make the sacrifice now.....:rolleyes:
Oh Dave.... We could really use your help... !!!!

Is there any chance we could persuade you? :)

[ekerr19]

He sure does! I remember the time my husband was to join the cruise in progress---it was the final voyage of the ss Rotterdam from Vancouver through the Panama Canal to Ft. Lauderdale; he planned to board in Acapulco.
But he had me drag his luggage cross-country for him! How that man could pack when he wanted to!

The upshot of it all was that he wasn't able to board in Acapulco! A few changes in plans later I saw him again in Costa Rica.
Good thing he made it---that luggage was going overboard before I dragged it home too!
RuthC-

I wouldn't have dragged it home either! Just found out my DD left her brand new tennies ($80) under the bed at the Hollywood Renaissance... I mean who in the world leaves their shoes "under the bed?" Her reply, "but Mom, you pack our stuff and must have forgot them..."

Wasn't this the cruise where your DH had to stay home and surprised you in Costa Rica? Please tell us - this was so romantic! :)

[ekerr19]

ekerr, I would have DH go with the short sleeve shirt, bow tie and Vest and not worry about the jacket. I seriously doubt anyone will say anything since his arm will be in a sling. I think it will be too much of a pain to have it hang over his shoulder, you will end up just placing it over a chair and risk forgetting about it.
Lisa- I think you have the right idea here... I'm afraid the jacket will just get misplaced...

Are you thinking of packing yet? :)

[Pudgesmom]

How about a hook on the end of the cast and a hat with a dashing feather?;) I believe that look is tried and tested on the seven seas!

Beth

[ekerr19]

I always like pre-approval for this kinda stuff, and people really do like to solve problems, especially if the solution involves zero work.

Soon after you board you and DH will probably visit the dining room to make sure you are happy with your assigned seating.

At that time, seek out a Maitre D' and fret softly to him about the problem. When he sees that you are a maiden in distress, :mad: who is sincere about the dress code, he will go overboard to come up with a solution - my hero! :) - which will almost certainly be one you have already decided upon. You thank him profusely, ask his name and (drum roll please....) ask him to sign the cast so the other MD's know it has been cleared.

Then you won't be nervous about it for 2 days wondering what will happen on formal night.

Tip: Don't scream at him about the lousy table assignment until AFTER he signs the cast. ;)
LOL Roboat - We already have a table assigned - with my MIL and her DH... but I think the cast signing idea is BRILLIANT! DH would probably enjoy that!

[ekerr19]

Don't forget to bring a big stick to beat off the women who fall in love with your temporarily handicapped husband.

Roberta-

Do I have to???? :D

[HeatherInFlorida]

You know, we can see these threads! Here I was, going to go along and help ekerr with the luggage, get her DH's meat for him, help him dress - just so she could have an enjoyable cruise. But not any more! You & Heather will have to make the sacrifice now.....:rolleyes:
What'd I do???!!!! I'm not even going on this cruise! How'd I get into this?:o All I did was suggest that EKerr should have a little bitty reward for all the difficulties she has been forced to endure. Not that she isn't more than happy to put in extra work for her darling DH, but a little teeny reward is always nice and does seem to heal wounds and go a long way toward complete recuperation;) .

[Roboat]

LOL Roboat - We already have a table assigned - with my MIL and her DH... but I think the cast signing idea is BRILLIANT! DH would probably enjoy that!
ekerr - Asking the Maitre D' to sign the cast is just an extra. The serious part was to seek out a Maitre D' as soon as it is convenient for you and obtain his support so you won't worry about it any longer.

A question: I requested a particular table for next week's cruise (Gawd I LOVE writing that), but I didn't realize it was possible to have a table assignment guaranteed. How do you do that?

[cruzincurt]

I just find it amazing that anyone would worry about not being able to wear a tux jacket. You will observe that in the dining room on formal night, there will be men wearing just a dress shirt, no tie, no jacket.

Don't worry about it. No one is going to give you a second thought. If they do, they should just mind their own business. You don't owe anyone an apology for not being "dressed properly" Just my opinion.

As for the Maitre D'. he's just an employee, you paid for the cruise. You don't need his "pre-approval" or to be "cleared" to attend dinner. His opinion or possible hurt feelings don't count in my view. I don't need his permission to come to dinner.

[superstein61]

I just find it amazing that anyone would worry about not being able to wear a tux jacket. You will observe that in the dining room on formal night, there will be men wearing just a dress shirt, no tie, no jacket.

Don't worry about it. No one is going to give you a second thought. If they do, they should just mind their own business. You don't owe anyone an apology for not being "dressed properly" Just my opinion.

As for the Maitre D'. he's just an employee, you paid for the cruise. You don't need his "pre-approval" or to be "cleared" to attend dinner. His opinion or possible hurt feelings don't count in my view. I don't need his permission to come to dinner.
VERY WELL SAID !!!!!

[ekerr19]

ekerr - Asking the Maitre D' to sign the cast is just an extra. The serious part was to seek out a Maitre D' as soon as it is convenient for you and obtain his support so you won't worry about it any longer.

A question: I requested a particular table for next week's cruise (Gawd I LOVE writing that), but I didn't realize it was possible to have a table assignment guaranteed. How do you do that?
Our TA requests from HAL and we receive...:D Kidding aside, we do request specific tables peridically. I think the TA does it through ship services or reservations... I can ask her.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Our TA requests from HAL and we receive...:D Kidding aside, we do request specific tables peridically. I think the TA does it through ship services or reservations... I can ask her.
Ekerr, this is quite amazing because I've read other places on the boards that HAL says they will not do this under any circumstances. So quite clearly you are VERY special;)

[Roboat]

As for the Maitre D'. he's just an employee, you paid for the cruise. You don't need his "pre-approval" or to be "cleared" to attend dinner. His opinion or possible hurt feelings don't count in my view. I don't need his permission to come to dinner.
Oh?
Take a look at the extract from revneal's delightful ongoing trip report sent from the Rotterdam last week.



This wasn’t true for everyone, however. There were a few people who didn’t feel like abiding by the published dress code. This was particularly true at the table behind us. A gentleman, who had been asked to change into slacks for casual evening the night before, came to formal night dinner dressed in slacks and a button-down sports shirt -- no jacket, no tie. Jerry, the Matre’ D, came over while their drink orders were being taken, and I could hear him say in a quiet yet respectful tone, “Sir, tonight is formal night.”

“Yes?” the man replied.

“I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to return to your cabin and retrieve a jacket and tie.”

“But the dress code says that’s suggested.”

“No, sir. What’s suggested is a tuxedo; what is required is a jacket and tie.”

“Required?”

“Correct, sir.”

“What if I refuse?”

“Then, sir, you will not be served in the Rotterdam Dining Room.”

“You’re kidding me.”

“No, sir, I'm not kidding you.” The Matre’ D then stood up straight and walked away, apparently stopping to inform the area supervisor of the situation.

After a few minutes, the fellow got up and left. Less than 10 minutes later he showed up in slacks, a sports jacket, white shirt and tie. Nothing else was said, either by the Matre’ D nor by his table companions, but I’m sure the fellow was more than just a little bit embarrassed. I was reminded of our discussions on this board a few months back ... it's that kind of embarrassment that I'd rather certain people not have to experience. This fellow's not being dressed in formal garb didn't both me at all -- I couldn't even see him, given that was was seated behind me -- but he was made to be embarrassed thanks to his own unwillingness to conform.

[superstein61]

Roboat - not that I want to call the Rev a liar - but that is just too coincedental to the "possibilities" the Rev would post on here that might occur.

Could he be stretching the truth to make his point - yes.

Could he be telling 100% the absolute truth - yes

Could he have promted the Maitre'd to do something - yes.

none one truly knows . All I know is my own experience - and I have not followed the dress suggestions on formal night and NO ONE said a word to me

[HeatherInFlorida]

........... All I know is my own experience - and I have not followed the dress suggestions on formal night and NO ONE said a word to me
That's 'cause you're soooooooooooooooo scarey:eek: :D ;)

[ekerr19]

Ekerr, this is quite amazing because I've read other places on the boards that HAL says they will not do this under any circumstances. So quite clearly you are VERY special;)
Really? I know of several who so so - in fact Sail requests the same table all the time, I remember her posting that - our TA is bugging us to pick a specific table number for our Volendam cruise next March. She mailed me the seating diagram and I've emailed to several who have asked me for it...

Now I'm really curious... I don't like to think we are getting any type of preferential treatment - maybe I'll start a new thread & see if others are also doing this.

[ekerr19]

We are going with the short sleeved white dress shirt and no jacket... I think it will be apparent that DH is not able to wear one. He will wear a tie & vest perhaps, but no jacket. There is absolutely no way his tux, or any of his suit or sport jackets will go over that cast - and I don't want to ruin one just for the sake of wearing a jacket.

If we get denied access to the dining room, oh well. I suppose we'll deal with it. :)

He likes the idea of the tux T-shirt though. :D

[HeatherInFlorida]

No way in H*** you're going to be denied access under the circumstances. Don't give it another thought.

Yes, start a new thread on that (if you haven't already). I'd be interested because I know I saw something on this within the last month.

[superstein61]

That's 'cause you're soooooooooooooooo scarey :D :D :D Or it could be because you can still look presentable without wearing a coat and tie:)

[dakrewser]

As for the Maitre D'. he's just an employee, you paid for the cruise. You don't need his "pre-approval" or to be "cleared" to attend dinner. His opinion or possible hurt feelings don't count in my view. I don't need his permission to come to dinner.Listen officer, I'm a taxpayer and you're just an employee. I paid for this car, so I'll drive it just as fast as I want. That stop sign? It's only a suggestion - I won't let it impede my progress. And, no, I won't wear a seatbelt - it's too constricting.

-dave

[HeatherInFlorida]

Listen officer, I'm a taxpayer and you're just an employee. I paid for this car, so I'll drive it just as fast as I want. That stop sign? It's only a suggestion - I won't let it impede my progress. And, no, I won't wear a seatbelt - it's too constricting.

-dave
:D Too funny, Dave! You know what I like about you? You tell it like it is. I admire that in a man.....or a woman for that matter;)

[cruzincurt]

dakrewser,

Apples and oranges. No one is going to be injured or die because someone didn't wear a jacket to dinner on vacation.

Obviously, with an arm in a cast, you can't be expected to wear a jacket.

Now if HAL would also stop people from coming in to dinner 20 minutes late, I'd appreciate that!

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Now if HAL would also stop people from coming in to dinner 20 minutes late, I'd appreciate that!
They Do, On our past Oosterdam cruise to Alaska the Dining Room Doors were closed 10 minutes after Dining Time. One night one of our table mates were not there, I asked them the next day what happened and she said they were late and they were not allowed in so they ate in the Lido.

[Roboat]

Now if HAL would also stop people from coming in to dinner 20 minutes late, I'd appreciate that!
Why should anyone care when I choose to come to dinner? I paid for my cruise, I'll come when I feel like it. :D And when I then choose to sit at your table because I prefer it over the one assigned to me, and I start flossing my teeth, and take off my shirt, and begin sniffing your dinner companion, :eek: who you gonna call? Ghostbusters?

Just because one prides oneself on being inconsiderate and ill-mannered doesn't mean there aren't other folks even more inconsiderate and ill-mannered.

Rookie. :)

[cruzincurt]

Roboat,

I forgot that some people might be held up in traffic on the way to dinner.

[Roboat]

Roboat - not that I want to call the Rev a liar - but that is just too coincedental to the "possibilities" the Rev would post on here that might occur.

Could he be stretching the truth to make his point - yes.

Could he be telling 100% the absolute truth - yes

Could he have promted the Maitre'd to do something - yes.

none one truly knows . All I know is my own experience - and I have not followed the dress suggestions on formal night and NO ONE said a word to me
Did you know you can edit your posts if you type something while you're out of your skull?

[superstein61]

Now if HAL would also stop people from coming in to dinner 20 minutes late, I'd appreciate that!
They Do, On our past Oosterdam cruise to Alaska the Dining Room Doors were closed 10 minutes after Dining Time. One night one of our table mates were not there, I asked them the next day what happened and she said they were late and they were not allowed in so they ate in the Lido.
Well - I can assure you this was not the case on the Zuiderdam. Our table mates came to dinner 20 minutes late one evening - and 40 minutes late another evening.

Didn't bother me but it proves it does happen

[superstein61]

Did you know you can edit your posts if you type something while you're out of your skull?
Wow - you can? really? thanks so much for that tip. I will be sure to remember it and remind you that next time you post - as you usually are out of your skull when posting ;)

[ekerr19]

Superstein-

I think it depends on the ship - when we were on the Zui, pax consistently arrived late for dinner. On the Maasdam, I noticed the doors being shut about 20 minutes into dinner - only because we were seated fairly close to them and I faced them... :)

In all honesty, I think arriving late for dinner is hard on the staff in the dining room. We always appear right after the masses, as DH does not like crowds.

We plan to get there after the doors have been opened 5-10 minutes... this way we don't have to wait in a line, nor do we arrive late.

[Host Walt]

...We plan to get there after the doors have been opened 5-10 minutes... this way we don't have to wait in a line, nor do we arrive late.
That's what we try to do as well. We'll relax in a lounge like the Explorers Lounge and start to head for the Dining Room at the scheduled opening time or a minute or two later.

Much more relaxed and we're seated along with almost everyone else.

[superstein61]

Superstein-

I think it depends on the ship - when we were on the Zui, pax consistently arrived late for dinner. On the Maasdam, I noticed the doors being shut about 20 minutes into dinner - only because we were seated fairly close to them and I faced them... :)

In all honesty, I think arriving late for dinner is hard on the staff in the dining room. We always appear right after the masses, as DH does not like crowds.

We plan to get there after the doors have been opened 5-10 minutes... this way we don't have to wait in a line, nor do we arrive late.
Agreed - i am sure it varies from ship to ship and latecomers are sure hard on the waitstaff. And I myself am someone who is always on time -

[ekerr19]

Agreed - i am sure it varies from ship to ship and latecomers are sure hard on the waitstaff. And I myself am someone who is always on time -
We are always on time as well... DH hates to arrive late for anything, but also does not like to stand in a line needlessly. :)

[superstein61]

We are always on time as well... DH hates to arrive late for anything, but also does not like to stand in a line needlessly. :)
At least your DH is on the same page. I hate it when my DW is not ready when she needs to be. Drives me crazy :)

[ekerr19]

At least your DH is on the same page. I hate it when my DW is not ready when she needs to be. Drives me crazy :)
Over the years, I have learned... he gets so antsy if we are running behind - it's not worth it. :)

I can look "fabulous" lol, but all he will see are the hands ticking away on the watch... in all honesty, I don't like to arrive late either - we'd much rather take our time and enjoy the evening, than run around feeling rushed.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Just to keep you all up to date because I know you're fascinated about this, I was finally able to get an email through to HAL requesting a round table for 8 or 10 (we are 4 people) preferably not near the service stairs. It took days because I kept getting a a "non delivery" notice. I notified their Tech Support Dept, they fixed the problem and my request went through.

HAL got back to me today saying that they had added this request to my booking. So we shall see. My first destination always upon embarking is to go to the dining room to see where they have stuck us. If I don't like it I then talk with the Maitre d'.

So we shall see what we shall see;) .

[Oceanwench]

My husband is handicapped, very weak on his left side. He cannot get a suit jacket on.
On formal night he wore a dress shirt & tie and cardigan sweater.

No one complained that I know of!

[ekerr19]

Just to keep you all up to date because I know you're fascinated about this, I was finally able to get an email through to HAL requesting a round table for 8 or 10 (we are 4 people) preferably not near the service stairs. It took days because I kept getting a a "non delivery" notice. I notified their Tech Support Dept, they fixed the problem and my request went through.

HAL got back to me today saying that they had added this request to my booking. So we shall see. My first destination always upon embarking is to go to the dining room to see where they have stuck us. If I don't like it I then talk with the Maitre d'.

So we shall see what we shall see;) .

Heather-

Do you have an update yet for us? I am really curious to hear what happens as you are sailing soooo soon (like we are!) - have you looked at the dining room diagram?

[HeatherInFlorida]

Heather-

Do you have an update yet for us? I am really curious to hear what happens as you are sailing soooo soon (like we are!) - have you looked at the dining room diagram?
Yes, I had the diagram but decided not to request a specific table since there are several that would be fine for us. I just wanted a round vs oblong. But I'll hear no further from them. All they do is say that they have put in the request. So I won't know the outcome until we're on the ship.