Mixed signals about staying dressed up after dinner..

[Boytjie]

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.

 

What makes you think others are worried about it? Just because it is discussed here does not mean its an obsession. :rolleyes:

[CruiserBruce]

Thanks Copper for a logical presentation of the "facts".

 

How "short" are you!!

 

Glad to see you active again.:D

[Copper10-8]

...............How "short" are you!!

 

.................

 

Christmas Eve (Day Watch) Bruce!;)

[Topsham]

How many posters, who prefer to change into something casual after dinner, would continue to cruise with HAL if the company were to 'insist' that the dress code be adhered to for the entire evening?

 

Would you continue to cruise with HAL or book on one of the lines that do not have a dress code?

 

Stephen

[momofmeg]

If you are concerned about being dressed the same as most of the other guests, stay dressed up on formal nights with your uncomfortable shoes, etc. If I find my formal outfit uncomfortable, shoes are killing me, etc. after diner I’ll change into a long dark color (navy blue or black) knit dress that is as comfortable as a nightgown and put on a comfortable pair of silver sandals and go back out to enjoy the rest of the evening.

Aunty Pat

 

Barefoot Windjammer - Phantom ‘81

K&D German Rhine Line ‘84

NCL - Norway ’85, Pride of America ’05, Southward ’87, Star ’97 & ‘05, Starward ’92, Sun ’02 & Windward ’93

RCC - Song of America ‘89

American Hawaiian - Independence ‘98

HAL - Volendam ’99, Noordam ’06, Oosterdam ’07 & ‘09, Statendam ’02 & ‘08, Prinsendam ’03 & ’06, & Zuiderdam ’04, ’06 & ’07, Westerdam ‘09

Carnival - Spirit ‘05

Celebrity – Summit ‘05

Cruise West - Yorktown Clipper ‘06

Princess - Golden Princess ‘07

A & K - East Queen ‘07

Cunard - QM2 ’08

Pending Cruises:

Oceania – Insignia, June 17, 2010

 

Aunty Pat-I don't buy uncomfortable shoes period-dressy or casual-I have several pairs of dressy strappy sandals with kitten heels-I have no problem wearing them. I have not worn shoes that hurt my feet to "look good" since I was 30. There are plenty out in the stores, of formal wear shoes that are comfortable.

[Gator83]

Because that is what HAL suggests? :rolleyes:

 

 

I disagree....if you can go into the Lido with a certain outfit then you can spend the whole night in the outfit. Makes no sense to let people dress more casual in the buffet (Because they don't want to dress up for the MDR) and then make them change to other clothes for the evening. That is what is interesting about adding the buffet years ago. In the past there was no buffet so everyone dressed up and stayed that way but now that you can go to the buffet in casual clothes, then they can't say you can't be that way the rest of the evening....it makes no sense.

 

BTW...I eat in the MDR and stay dressed for the evening.

[Gator83]

 

 

love it!!

[suse]

Yeah, this thread got way complicated. So many issues.:)

[SeaMatesNYC]

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.

 

Did they ever find the missing 13 passengers?:D

[Boytjie]

I disagree....if you can go into the Lido with a certain outfit then you can spend the whole night in the outfit. Makes no sense to let people dress more casual in the buffet (Because they don't want to dress up for the MDR) and then make them change to other clothes for the evening.

 

Well, feel free to may disagree wiith but you are also disagreeing with HAL's stated dress code.

 

That is what is interesting about adding the buffet years ago. In the past there was no buffet so everyone dressed up and stayed that way but now that you can go to the buffet in casual clothes, then they can't say you can't be that way the rest of the evening....it makes no sense.

 

HAL's dress code says exacly that: the dress code applies to the public areas.

[esther e]

I have the perfect answer to all this: those who dress can go into the public areas at will; those who chose not to, must wear a tag stating they didn't want to dress and there will be areas designated just for them. This way, everyone who is dressed up will be together; those who are "casual" will be together. And nobody has to see the other group.;)

 

Why did it take a woman to decide this???:confused:

[RuthC]

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?

Not at all obsessive. Some people are observant of the world around them; others are oblivious.

[suse]

That's a classy return!:)

[Opinions]

 

 

HAL's dress code says exacly that: the dress code applies to the public areas.

 

The only mention of "public areas" in the HAL dress code is..."T-shirts, swimsuits,tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public area during the evening hours".

[northernphoenix]

Just returned from Ak on the Volendam ( sigh ) Septemer 2,2009. I must say that while preparing for this first time cruise, we were determined to meet the dress requirement. DD(23) dressed in very apprpriate dinner attire from cocktail to pencil skirts and dresssy tops; DH looked amazing in his tux on Formal night, but still was my dream man in his dockers and casual plaid shirts on the alternate evenigs, DBIL wore a very nicely tailored navy suit on formal nights, but again was as handsome as ever in his khakis; and I dressed in cocktail length dress/evening pants or dressy pants/tops. otherwise. The general impression that I did come away with on any evening was that the surrounding company did seem to be enjoying their own personal experience. I cannot say that I can actually respond to being offended in any way by any other passenger on any evening. Loved this holiday, and fervently hope that all the pax did the same.

[Boytjie]

The only mention of "public areas" in the HAL dress code is..."T-shirts, swimsuits,tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public area during the evening hours".

 

And further down:

In order to complement your fellow guests, Holland America Line asks that you observe the suggested dress code throughout the entire evening.

Now surely they won't be talking about staying in dress code in your cabin... :rolleyes:

[Copper10-8]

............ DD(23) dressed in very apprpriate dinner attire from cocktail to pencil skirts ....................

 

Ma'am, what is a 'pencil skirt"? A knuckledragger thanks you! (attempting to improve my overall metrosexual knowledge);)

[Texas Tillie]

Ma'am, what is a 'pencil skirt"? A knuckledragger thanks you! (attempting to improve my overall metrosexual knowledge);)

 

In the "old" days this was known as a straight skirt. Think of one with a "kick" pleat on the back seam.

[Kittycat2009]

I am not surprised at the amount of threads about the dress code on the ship. We just took our first cruise on September 11th. Reading thru HAL's ship rules I took alot of clothes thinking I would have to change before dinner, certainly didn't want to be thrown out of the dining room. ;) I was pleasantly surprised that smart casual is just that. No need to dress to the nines every night. There were several nights where we went to dinner in our daywear, which by the way wasn't sloppy or anything. :rolleyes: We did dress up for formal nights. Personally, I enjoy doing so. I have several lovely dresses that I don't get wear that often.

 

All this to say, I think the dress code is much ado about nothing. As long as you are neat and presentable you will pass inspection. :D

[COLLEYBERRY]

The only mention of "public areas" in the HAL dress code is..."T-shirts, swimsuits,tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public area during the evening hours".

 

In my vast cruise experience( two whole cruises :rolleyes:) I saw very few people dressed inapproprately for the venue or the occasion. There were a few dressed to" code "who I wondered if they had a mirror ,but you know what ,they were smiling and seemed to be enjoying themselves and that afterall is why we cruise.(who am I to judge their taste)

But I do recall one fellow,( 60ish) striding purposely through the dining room on formal night.He was wearing shorts , tee shirt ,ball cap( which I personally don't think should ever be worn if there is a ceiling:) ) and a very defiant look.( go ahead ,somebody confront me if you dare).I remember thinking I read about you on CC.

Now maybe he had a late lunch :D or maybe he had already been asked to leave.I was just glad it wasn't my job to remind him of Hal 's suggested dress code.It must be the one thing dining staff dread the most.

[watchdiva]

Not at all obsessive. Some people are observant of the world around them; others are oblivious.

 

Sorry RuthC - I don't consider myself oblivious at all - yet I don't waste my time looking at what someone is wearing when there's beautiful scenery right out the window. I always have to laugh when I read these threads........same old, same old.......

 

After 2 HAL cruises - we decided it just wasn't the product that we were interested in.

[momatibm]

I've been sailing since the '80s -- the first cruise my DH bought a Tux because at that time it was cheaper than renting. Our other cruises he's worn a dark suit, I've done a velvet skirt and fancy top. The only thing I've ever noticed in the MDR is the folks from Open seating being brought upstairs, but not what they were wearing.

 

I've not done the Lido for dinner. I like the MDR -- I eat like the MDR at home when I got out to dinner.

 

Now just to put all this in perspective -- I work full time. I sometimes work a 13 hour day. I then come home and fix dinner 8 of 10 nights. I am the only person in my office that does this. ---They haven't figured it out == because I cook -- we save money -- we can cruise with my other frugalities.

 

Sorry if I went off thread.

[hogwildcruzers]

I just don't understand....2 nights on a 7 night cruise is all HAL is asking you to stay dressed in your formal wear for the entire evening.....why do people have to be so defiant or rebelling on this.......it is such a special night......suck it up and just be an adult for a few hours.

[baggal]

I just don't understand....2 nights on a 7 night cruise is all HAL is asking you to stay dressed in your formal wear for the entire evening.....why do people have to be so defiant or rebelling on this.......it is such a special night......suck it up and just be an adult for a few hours.

 

If you know the guidelines before you book - BOOK ANOTHER CRUISE LINE OR STAY HOME IN YOUR PJ'S AND SWEATS. Its really not such a difficult choice.

[Cqis]

Why do any of you own uncomfortable evening clothes.All of mine are comfortable .I buy shoes that fit and wear them a few times, sure high heels are not comfortabe , wear flats. With all the new styles some must be ok. Men take the tire of and be very seek with one top button undone.

Come on be James Bond a few days in your life.

 

Cely