Mixed signals about staying dressed up after dinner..

[CowPrincess]

I believe if the guidelines on a HAL ship states that you stay dressed in the attire of the night, than you should do just that.....you know this when you book a HAL ship....if you do not like this and prefer to dress down on the formal nights after dinner, then maybe you should book with another cruise line.....I know other lines do not state that on their dress code, but we still remain dressed in ours until we retire for the night.

 

Well, my formal wear is not appropriate for my venue of choice -- the Promenade deck and the aft pool. I'm quite happy to dress for dinner, but will not risk my safety by doing laps on the Promenade deck in high heels and long dress. So I apologize if I offend you as I walk through the public areas to the venue where I choose to spend my late evenings.

[DizzyDallasDi]

What if your luggage didn't make it with you to the ship? I guess you'd expect them to eat at the Lido, not attend the show, stay out of the casino and bars because they weren't up to "code?" How would you even know if those that are "underdressed" had options other than what they had on? Their bags contained all the finery and glitz for formal night but they can't don it because it's not with them. Don't jump to conclusions about those onboard if they're wearing less than "code" on formal night. These poor folks should not be forced to stay in their room or out on deck due to something completely out of their control. Be nice...it might be you someday. :D

 

The reason I mentioned this is because I have a friend on a Med cruise right now (not HAL) that this happened to. I hope her fellow passengers are more tolerant than some on this board.

 

Diane

[iancal]

If everyone who dressed 'down' after formal dinners followed your advice and booked with another line HAL would be out of business....on the verge of bankrupcy as they were when Carnival Corp. acquired them.

[hogwildcruzers]

I knew I would catch all kinds of hell for saying what I did and I would never say anything to anybody about what they were wearing.....and nobody would offend me with what they were wearing.....I thought that everyone on these boards had a right to express themselves and what I believe is the right thing for us to do does not mean you have to feel it is right for you......I certainly hope everybody on a cruise has the best time of their life.....cause we have it every time we cruise......and part of that is that we like to stay dressed........but then again there are always those that go against the flow just because nobody is going to tell them what to do.

[mrmac]

Cruises have always been marketed as special experiences and part of that specialness has always been formal nights. The thing that makes these nights special is that everyone (most) dresses up and treats them as special. People look great! They are formal nights, not dinners, and HAL, Princess, Celebrity and others ask that you remain in your formal dress for the evening. Would you go to a prom and change into casual clothes after dinner for the dancing? Would you dress up for a wedding and then change for the reception? Some may answer yes but the above cruise lines ask that you remain dressed on formal nights so as to continue the special feeling of the evening in the lounges and entertainment venues.

 

 

Many people do not follow the dress request and rationalize their response: "It's my vacation. Many other people didn't follow the code so I didn't. I dress up for work all year long. My shoes hurt. We ate in the Lido." Obviously, if you are going to the pool or working out on the deck or gym you would be changing into other clothes. But if you're going to the other spots you would stick out by wearing t-shirts and shorts or jeans and tennis shoes to the show or casino. And yes, it does reduce the specialness of the event for the rest of us when the people next to you at the show have shorts and t-shirts on and you are all dressed up. Not that you need to think about anyone but yourself....

 

P.S. I think formal nights are fun and the women look great!

[DizzyDallasDi]

But if you're going to the other spots you would stick out by wearing t-shirts and shorts or jeans and tennis shoes to the show or casino. And yes, it does reduce the specialness of the event for the rest of us when the people next to you at the show have shorts and t-shirts on and you are all dressed up. Not that you need to think about anyone but yourself....

 

If someone's luggage didn't make it to the ship and they are wearing the only clothes they have, then too bad so sad that it reduces "the specialness of the event" for the rest of the people. Of course, "not that you need to think about anyone but yourself..." Wow!! :eek: I can't believe you really said that.

[mrmac]

No one is talking about people who have lost their luggage. That's not the point of this thread.

[Zappa Fan]

No one is talking about people who have lost their luggage. That's not the point of this thread.

 

What's to tell the difference?:confused:

[earl_m]

We stay dress the same way all evening .

[Randyk47]

We stay dressed in whatever is the dress code for the evening. Doesn't particularly bother me that some folks change, that's their choice. Will admit that we are in favor of the dress codes and particularly like formal nights.

[pipedreams62]

Cruises have always been marketed as special experiences and part of that specialness has always been formal nights. The thing that makes these nights special is that everyone (most) dresses up and treats them as special. People look great! They are formal nights, not dinners, and HAL, Princess, Celebrity and others ask that you remain in your formal dress for the evening. Would you go to a prom and change into casual clothes after dinner for the dancing? Would you dress up for a wedding and then change for the reception? Some may answer yes but the above cruise lines ask that you remain dressed on formal nights so as to continue the special feeling of the evening in the lounges and entertainment venues.

 

 

Many people do not follow the dress request and rationalize their response: "It's my vacation. Many other people didn't follow the code so I didn't. I dress up for work all year long. My shoes hurt. We ate in the Lido." Obviously, if you are going to the pool or working out on the deck or gym you would be changing into other clothes. But if you're going to the other spots you would stick out by wearing t-shirts and shorts or jeans and tennis shoes to the show or casino. And yes, it does reduce the specialness of the event for the rest of us when the people next to you at the show have shorts and t-shirts on and you are all dressed up. Not that you need to think about anyone but yourself....

 

P.S. I think formal nights are fun and the women look great!

 

 

Another thing for me is. When it's formal night and you hang around the atrium lobby etc,there's a certain vibe, an energy of people looking good and being dressed up. There's photos being taken,it's just a great positive vibe.

 

The guy schlepping around in wrinkled cargo shorts and neanderthal sandals complete with corn chip toe nails,just does not add to this.

 

lost luggage????-- That's weak

[suse]

This is exactly why I am totally wearing dressy clothes all the time on my next cruise. It's so much fun! You learn so much here. I'll be the one in the gym with the "smart" clothes on. Heh. I have a neighbor who is always dolled up. It makes me laugh. I'll just take a cue.:)

[mozleo]

The thing is they DON'T go to shows dressed. I doubt they dressed up in the first place. There is NO WAY a cruise line can offer you casual dining , and then it is not ok for you to go to shows, casino, etc afterwards. On my Alaska cruise it was about 50/50 at nights. This message board may want everyone to dress up, but it isn't the way it is.

[Jade13]

I read messages that say you have to, then I read an equal number that says you do not. Does it all depend on where you are going to? I was only on one HAL, and yes they stayed dressed all night long, but that was a few years ago, has things changed? I am on HAL in Oct, 2010.

 

Well, if you have early dinner and are going to the pool or gym afterwards, I guess you would wear the appropriate clothing for those activities.

[Lady Oceanic]

I follow the dress code for the evening. If on a formal night I wanted to change, I'd just go back to my cabin and put on my ps's. Too much trouble to keep changing clothes all day.

[Jade13]

I agree. It's not nearly as formal as some members of this forum would like. HAL is a "mainstream line". Dress is not an issue, other than sometimes in the dining room. (or so they report) Don't fret.

 

Agree.

 

And by the way we were just on SilverSeas and people dressed more on HAL...

[Boytjie]

Well, my formal wear is not appropriate for my venue of choice -- the Promenade deck and the aft pool. I'm quite happy to dress for dinner, but will not risk my safety by doing laps on the Promenade deck in high heels and long dress. So I apologize if I offend you as I walk through the public areas to the venue where I choose to spend my late evenings.

 

Outside decks, hallways, the Lido etc are not usually an issue with the dress code of the evening.

 

 

What if your luggage didn't make it with you to the ship? I guess you'd expect them to eat at the Lido, not attend the show, stay out of the casino and bars because they weren't up to "code?" How would you even know if those that are "underdressed" had options other than what they had on? Their bags contained all the finery and glitz for formal night but they can't don it because it's not with them. Don't jump to conclusions about those onboard if they're wearing less than "code" on formal night. These poor folks should not be forced to stay in their room or out on deck due to something completely out of their control. Be nice...it might be you someday. :D

 

The reason I mentioned this is because I have a friend on a Med cruise right now (not HAL) that this happened to. I hope her fellow passengers are more tolerant than some on this board.

 

How many people are not dressed to code because of missing luggage? Not too many. How many people would like to use this argument as an excuse not to follow the requested dress code. A lot. :D

[bcd2010]

Cruises have always been marketed as special experiences and part of that specialness has always been formal nights. The thing that makes these nights special is that everyone (most) dresses up and treats them as special. People look great! They are formal nights, not dinners, and HAL, Princess, Celebrity and others ask that you remain in your formal dress for the evening. Would you go to a prom and change into casual clothes after dinner for the dancing? Would you dress up for a wedding and then change for the reception? Some may answer yes but the above cruise lines ask that you remain dressed on formal nights so as to continue the special feeling of the evening in the lounges and entertainment venues.

 

 

Many people do not follow the dress request and rationalize their response: "It's my vacation. Many other people didn't follow the code so I didn't. I dress up for work all year long. My shoes hurt. We ate in the Lido." Obviously, if you are going to the pool or working out on the deck or gym you would be changing into other clothes. But if you're going to the other spots you would stick out by wearing t-shirts and shorts or jeans and tennis shoes to the show or casino. And yes, it does reduce the specialness of the event for the rest of us when the people next to you at the show have shorts and t-shirts on and you are all dressed up. Not that you need to think about anyone but yourself....

 

P.S. I think formal nights are fun and the women look great!

 

Thank you MrMac. I've been thinking the same thing but haven't bothered to post because the current of the very few is so strong and I just didn't want to bother. I think most who point out the policy and a willingness to adhere to it are simply trying to inform.

 

A comment was made about your statement "Not that you need to think about anyone but yourself...." I thought you were referring to the people who won't dress up, not to those who think as you do. Look at the excuses they give: "It's my vacation. Many other people didn't follow the code so I didn't. I dress up for work all year long. My shoes hurt. We ate in the Lido." That is what looks like "Not... think(ing) about anyone but yourself". You had already stated a broader view in your post.

 

It reminds of my brother who lives in a state that requires motorcycle helmets when riding. He says they are infringing on his rights to do what he wants. I ask him "What about MY rights to not have your brains smeared all over my windshield?" He never answers, goes off in a different direction. The few (same) people who jump into all the threads adamantly stating that they won't follow the policy aren't voicing consideration for what anyone else wants, what everyone else also paid for (their vacations that include dressing for the evening so as to enjoy the "specialness" of it), what the preferences and "rights" are for the vast majority of people who do dress as specified and stay dressed through the evening.

 

I worry about people, esp. first-time HAL cruisers who are seriously looking for info/guidance. To look at many of these threads, they might get the impression that most people don't adhere to the policy. My experience onboard has been that the vast majority DO (even the children, so cute in their frilly little dresses and suits, sometimes even a tux or 2). Those who protest are right that, usually, nobody says things or gives dirty looks - that's civility, not approval or condoning acceptance.

[hogwildcruzers]

Lost luggage is a special exception and nobody could or would say anything about it.......changing clothes after dinner is a choice......it is a special night and that means the entire night, not just dinner.

 

mrmac....I agree with your post totally 100%.

[DizzyDallasDi]

Lost luggage is a special exception and nobody could or would say anything about it.......changing clothes after dinner is a choice......it is a special night and that means the entire night, not just dinner.

 

mrmac....I agree with your post totally 100%.

 

How would you know if people were wearing casual attire because of lost luggage or because they simply wanted to? My friend is in the Med on a cruise and her luggage (along with the rest of her group of 14) did not make it to the ship. You make it sound like there would be a way of knowing what their circumstances were.

[pipedreams62]

[RuthC]

How would you know if people were wearing casual attire because of lost luggage or because they simply wanted to? My friend is in the Med on a cruise and her luggage (along with the rest of her group of 14) did not make it to the ship. You make it sound like there would be a way of knowing what their circumstances were.

When people are wearing something different at least once a day, they can't claim "lost luggage". Carry-ons don't hold that much.

[Copper10-8]

1. HAL has a recommended dress code! That's a fact! It has been published here ad nauseum. Frequent fliers to this site of sites know it by heart and can recite it when awakened from a sleepy stupor at 0321 hours.

2. Said dress code is 'enforced' by HAL staff on formal nights in the main dining room, albeit inconsistently. I've also heard it enforced inside the Pinnacle Grill, albeit inconsistently.

3. That means if you don't dress per 'da code' you run the risk of being send to your room without passing 'go' and w/o collecting $200

4. HAL requests that you observe the suggested dress code throughout the entire evening 'in order to complement your fellow guests'. There are guests (as we can see here) who choose not to observe the 'suggested' code. That's their decision and HAL doesn't keel-haul them for making it. I've never see anyone dressed in anything less than formal kicked out of the Crow's Nest, Casino, Show Lounge, you name it, on a formal night.

5. If you don't want to dress up on formal night, you have the option to dine in the Lido restaurant (in Canaletto on those dam ships that offer it) and/or order room service. The stuff about only being allowed only on the Lido (and other open) deck(s) is great but not wrtitten down anywhere. Plus, you've gotta be able to get to the Lido without having to rappel down the exterior of the ship to get there. In other words, we, the ones who dress up, will run into pax who are not dressed up.

6. Last time I checked, those that do adhere to the dress code outnumber those that don't. On HAL ships, there's still that atmosphere, that ambiance. that folks look for on formal night. Yes, you might see some shorts, you might see some t-shirts but it shouldn't run your vacation!

7. Don't sweat the small stuff! Life's too short!:cool:

[iancal]

Copper-10....your number 7 is RIGHT on.

 

Too many uptight folks running about worrying about whether it is ok for poor old me to change into my dockers (do they have to be Dockers?), put on my BUTTON DOWN SHIRT (hope this passes inspection) after dinner and go down to the show or more probably the casino. Sometimes I put on a jacket but not very often because I find it too warm in the bars and in the casino. Sometimes I wear suede deck shoes, other times a very 'smart' pair of loafers (never, never penny loafers of course). My socks always match my slacks. I don't worry. I just enjoy the vacation away from our normal routine. We have never lost our luggage and quite often I carry on my 21" roller.

[DizzyDallasDi]

When people are wearing something different at least once a day, they can't claim "lost luggage". Carry-ons don't hold that much.

 

Wow...you actually make note of what everyone is wearing at different times each day? :eek: Unless you were making mental notes about peoples attire, you would not know if they had changed. A bit obsessive, wouldn't you agree?