No shorts at night?

[Cruising-along]

[quote name='cruzingtchr']I find it interesting that many places frown upon shorts... even the Docker-like cargo ones... yet there's no code saying how short or how skimpy a woman's skirt/dress can be. Definitely more skin is shown with some of the dresses I've seen on cruises.[/quote]

I agree!

[mr green]

Here I go again.
HAL has written as to what the line expects its guests to wear in its Main Dining Rooms. To those who don't like it I have three things to say.
1. If you wish to wear shorts at dinner,then you are more than welcome to eat in the Lido.
2. If that does not suit you, find another cruise line, there are some out there that alow shots at dinner in their MDR's.
3. If neither of the above suit you, but you still wih to sail with HAL, PLEASE do not act like aspoiled child to try to see what you can 'get away with' in the Main Dining Rooms.

IMO the dress code laid down by HAL is what the vast majority of its guests enjoy, even if we have to pay a little more for the privilege.

john

[PathfinderEss]

[quote name='big green']So what--they need to change with the times--bookings are down ( the low prices in Alaska and Europe to attract cruisers)--just like the music they have on board is way outdated--we saw lots of shorts after dinner on our Hawaii cruise--no one flinched. Our coming 30 day cruise to French Polynesia will probably have a lot of shorts in the evening. (For for the price we paid I will certainly wear shorts to lounge around and have drink in one of the venues at night).

The dining rooms have no glamour--they are crowded, loud and service is not that good--so why the formal thing--on our last cruise several times in the dining room the tablecloths were in ill repair. diners manners were lacking, and formal clothes ranged the gamut--so I see the formal nights disappearing in the near future.

BG[/quote]
[SIZE=3][COLOR=darkred][B]It is not clothing or outdated music that is conributing to the crusie sales being down, it is because the economy is in the tank. Really I don't understand why your even interesed in going on Hal with the attitude you have about their ships. I think you will be surprised how dressed up your French Polynesia cruise will be, as it is an older crowd that does that itinenary. [/B][/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][COLOR=darkred][B]I believe what some of us are afraid of is before you know it passengers will be wearing torn jeans and tee shirts. Dirty shorts and shirts because they can, and nobody seems to care anymore.[/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkred][/COLOR][/SIZE]

[1 HappyCruiser]

[B]One of my favorites for the DR.

[URL]http://www.google.com/imgres?q=mens+pants+that+convert+to+shorts&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1052&bih=448&tbm=isch&tbnid=Ym9NT_CNke1PQM:&imgrefurl=http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/mens-pants-shorts-filter-category-extended-sizes/men-39-s-outbound-convertible-pants.html&docid=4YTkkTBHDrE64M&imgurl=http://images.thenorthface.com/is/image/TheNorthFace/370x370/men-39-s-outbound-convertible-pants-AXQR_0C5_hero.jpg&w=370&h=370&ei=JDXdT5_mPIyi8gT3nNjZCg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=247&vpy=110&dur=6325&hovh=225&hovw=225&tx=128&ty=145&sig=114615319976117600383&page=3&tbnh=127&tbnw=127&start=26&ndsp=19&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:26,i:170[/URL][/B]

[donh1]

How many times have you been in the show lounge on a formal night and see people walk in and grab front row seats wearing tee shirts and shorts. It's sad when people don't realize they are somewhat out of place. One of our table mates wore a Popeye tee shirt to the dining room on three separate evenings on a 11 day cruise. """ Who am I to question that logic ??""".. What could I possibly say that could be constructive?
The only thing stupider than being inappropriately dressed and is trying to modify someone's behavior regarding dress code .....

[mr green]

[quote name='PathfinderEss'][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkred][B]It is not clothing or outdated music that is conributing to the crusie sales being down, it is because the economy is in the tank. Really I don't understand why your even interesed in going on Hal with the attitude you have about their ships. I think you will be surprised how dressed up your French Polynesia cruise will be, as it is an older crowd that does that itinenary. [/B][/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][COLOR=darkred][B]I believe what some of us are afraid of is before you know it passengers will be wearing torn jeans and tee shirts. Dirty shorts and shirts because they can, and nobody seems to care anymore.[/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/quote]

I think that you have hit the nail on the head. Some of us DO care.

john

[Ians Grandma]

I have been on the South Pacific cruise 3 times and I would say that it is quite casual for the most part. Many people dressed up on formal nights but the Lido was also busy with many people in shorts and capris. I don't think that most people care too much about what other people are wearing from my observations. I asked an officer on the ship about it as we never dress up and he said "No problem, this is not the Titanic:).

[itzmered]

I plan on wearing capris and I am sure my husband will wear shorts in the evenings and OMG probably to the show room to watch the shows. If people want to stare at us let them. I go on vacation to enjoy my self, be comfortable and relax. They are not grungy looking and wont look like people of walmart. Some people will get their undies in a bunch over anything and look down their noses at you. Go and enjoy yourself. From my experience the only place the fashion police exist is on here :)

[Typhoon1]

As for the MDR, it depends.

Shorts are not allowed during dinner. However, I have seen people wearing shorts during dinner. I probably depends which DRM is minding the door.

[Post Captain]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5]Formal attire helps stimulate conversation at the dinner table:[/SIZE][/FONT]

[URL]http://classicmoviestills.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Charles-Laughton-center-Clark-Gable-Franchot-Tone-Mutiny-On-The-Bounty-1935.jpg[/URL]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5]
This is ideal attire for formal night in the South Seas, especially on a cruise to Tahiti or any of the Polynesian islands:[/SIZE][/FONT]

[URL]http://i2.listal.com/image/1561305/936full-mutiny-on-the-bounty-screenshot.jpg[/URL]


[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5]This passenger made the mistake of trying to enter the dining room without the attire requested in the line's brochure. When he refused to comply with the maitre d's suggestion that he return to his stateroom to don a shirt, this was the unhappy result:[/SIZE][/FONT]

[URL]http://thebestpictureproject.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/62mutinyonthebounty.jpg[/URL]


[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5]Under no circumstances should a shirt with horizontal stripes be worn with trousers with vertical stripes. (And please remove your hat before entering the dining room!) This attire may be [I]casual,[/I] but it definitely is not [I]smart:[/I][/SIZE][/FONT]

[URL]http://www.doctormacro.com/Images/Laughton,%20Charles/Annex/Annex%20-%20Laughton,%20Charles%20%28Mutiny%20on%20the%20Bounty%29_03.jpg[/URL]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5]
"Good God, man, do you think you are on the [I]Norwegian Jewel?"[/I][/SIZE][/FONT]

[URL]http://www.project-blu.com/images/reviews/44c1e675-e4f7-51641dycj1tffjpg.jpg[/URL]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5]
An alternate dining venue for those who do not wish to participate in formal night:[/SIZE][/FONT]

[URL]http://images.easyart.com/i/prints/rw/lg/2/4/Celebrity-Image-Mutiny-on-the-Bounty-245074.jpg[/URL]



[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5]Of course, certain exceptions to the formal dress code are always allowed:[/SIZE][/FONT]

[URL]http://www.franzbrown.com/reynoldbrownart/ReynoldBrown/images0400-movie/62-03%20Mutiny%20on%20the%20Bounty/Mutiny-on-the-Bounty_poster_lg%20Brando%20portrait.jpg[/URL]



[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5]This is what happens when passengers decide to rebel against the formal dress code:[/SIZE][/FONT]

[URL]http://www.doctormacro.com/Images/Laughton,%20Charles/Annex/Annex%20-%20Laughton,%20Charles%20%28Mutiny%20on%20the%20Bounty%29_02.jpg[/URL]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5]
Why wear a heavy and uncomfortable suit or a fancy gown when you're on a tropical cruise? Leave stress behind and dress however you wish. After all, it's [I]your[/I] vacation![/SIZE][/FONT]

[URL]http://images.static-bluray.com/reviews/3530_4.jpg[/URL]

[ksimpso3]

[quote name='itzmered']I plan on wearing capris and I am sure my husband will wear shorts in the evenings and OMG probably to the show room to watch the shows. If people want to stare at us let them. I go on vacation to enjoy my self, be comfortable and relax. They are not grungy looking and wont look like people of walmart. Some people will get their undies in a bunch over anything and look down their noses at you. Go and enjoy yourself. From my experience the only place the fashion police exist is on here :)[/quote]

I agree 100%!! I am on vacation! I don't want to have to dress in stuffy, uncomfortable clothes. I will never be sloppy, but I think a nice pair of shorts can look better than some of the "formal" clothes I've seen people wearing. If the clothes are clean and neat, I don't give a rat's ... what someone else wears. That is why I will probably not cruise on HAL. That being said, if the rules call for no shorts in dining rooms at dinner (which every cruise I have been on does) then I will not wear shorts at dinner. Simple as that.

[winste]

I've been reading this thread with amusement all day.

I will be going on my 4th cruise on HAL in Dec. Granted the last one was in 2003 or so.

My wife and I are in our early 40's so certainly on the younger side of the typical HAL passenger. We enjoy the better service and subdued tone of the cruise line.

Having said that, times do change and cloth styles do as well. I have been in the financial services industry since college in the early 90's. Dress standards certainly have changed since then.

Think back to the turn of the century where women wore full dresses and men full three piece suits in the middle of summer without air conditioning. You can't tell me that wasn't uncomfortable.

Since then though, the standards of dress have certainly changed. Some would say declined. But it is all relative.

I for one will not be wearing shorts into the mdr on formal nights. But I will not be wearing a tuxedo either. I will be dressed in dress khakis and a sport coat without a tie. Depending on the weather, I may change into shorts after dinner and enjoy the rest of the night knowing full well I am getting the scornful looks of pax that refuse to admit that times change.

The really unfortunate part of this thread, or the best past of this thread, depending on how you view the OP, is back on page 1, they admitted HAL was not for them and they would be looking elsewhere. So for better or for worse, a potential customer was driven off by the posts indicating a lack of flexibility and the potential of scorn being cast upon them for not adhering to certain peoples standards.

Flame away.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Salacia]

[quote name='kazu']In all honesty - I find many of the public rooms too cool to contemplate wearing shorts at night. A lot of people will wear capris in the dining room though;)[/quote]

Hi Kazu. My experience might have been an exception? Last month on the Veendam, when the dress code was formal, I wore a gown and my husband wore his tuxedo. On the last formal night, the MDR was really uncomfortably warm, as were serveral other public areas such as the casino. After dinner, we returned to our cabin (where the air conditioning was fine), changed to less formal attire, and enjoyed the rest of the evening.

BTW, from my observation, very few passengers were dressed according to the dress code on that voyage. I'm thinking that the dress code is just a "suggestion"?

Perhaps the dress code has become superfluous?

Regards,
Salacia

[cruising cockroach]

[quote name='Salacia'] I'm thinking that the dress code is just a "suggestion"?
[/quote]

For HAL, it is actually just a request. Not a requirement by any means.

[QUOTE]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 [u]asks that you observe the suggested dress code[U][/u][/U] throughout the entire evening.
[/QUOTE]

Certainly not very formal. I am debating whether to buy a loden green Austrian hunters jacket with antler buttons and suede collar for my upcoming cruise.

[lovetocruise2020]

I appriciate and abide by all rules of the line I am sailing.

We are young, we started sailing when we were 21, and now we are 32 & 33.

We have sailed onmany lines including NCL and Carnival. We choose HAL because of its elegance. EVEN in the Caribbean.

So we abide by the rules, we expect other passangers to do so as well.

When we are feeling freestyle, we do NCL or Carnival.

Its a matter of respect, for the line, and your fellow passangers to respect the rules of said line.

Some guests (and I am sure not the OP) feel compelled to do the "its my vacation, I will do what I want" selfish thing.

Luckily, in our travel with HAL, this has been a VERY small amount of guests. This is one of the reasons why we sail with HAL.

PS- And I get that some think the dresscode is just a "suggestion". LOL.
"T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas during the evening hours."
So, tell me, why would the word "allowed" be used in a statement, that was only a "suggestion"?

[Salacia]

PARTIAL QUOTE[quote name='cruising cockroach']... I am debating whether to buy a loden green Austrian hunters jacket with antler buttons and suede collar for my upcoming cruise.[/quote]

Don't forget your Lederhosen! :D

[vancouverfan]

I am new to this website and I am cruise critic and I am amused at this discussion.

Tee shirts and shorts were originally invented as a piece of underwear. For many cultures, they still are.

And true, they are not aways cooler.

[kazu]

[quote name='Salacia']Hi Kazu. My experience might have been an exception? Last month on the Veendam, when the dress code was formal, I wore a gown and my husband wore his tuxedo. On the last formal night, the MDR was really uncomfortably warm, as were serveral other public areas such as the casino. After dinner, we returned to our cabin (where the air conditioning was fine), changed to less formal attire, and enjoyed the rest of the evening.

BTW, from my observation, very few passengers were dressed according to the dress code on that voyage. I'm thinking that the dress code is just a "suggestion"?

Perhaps the dress code has become superfluous?

Regards,
Salacia[/quote]

Hi Salacia - not sure if your experience is the exception or if mine are:D Traditionally I have found the public areas quite cool. I have a favourite shawl which gets packed every cruise and goes to dinner in case it is needed:)

Adherence to the dress codes seems to vary somewhat. From what I have seen (and this is only my experience) - it appears to be more formal on the longer cruises - especially Europe.

HAL really doesn't require Formal attire in the strictest sense of the word - a jacket for men and a tie & nice skirt, dress, pant suit, whatever for ladies. It's not hard to follow the dress code IMO:)

[carlmm]

[quote name='DizzyDallasDi']

Honestly, you will NOT look out of place wearing nice shorts, capris, jeans, etc. on formal night anywhere...except the MDR or Pinnacle Grill. There will be many others doing the same thing. :D[/QUOTE]

Well, fortunately on my cruises there were not "many others".

And you ARE OUT OF PLACE (capitalizied just because it was done in the quoted post) wearing shorts, capris, jeans, etc. on formal night anywhere.

Just picture for example people dancing and having drinks in the Oceans Bar in their tuxedos and evening dresses - a specific atmosphere created and enhanced by the guests - and now somebody comes in wearing shorts or capris etc. Sorry, you do spoil the evening for others who do adhere to the dress code and enjoy a formal setting on formal evenings.

[HamOp]

[quote name='carlmm']Well, fortunately on my cruises there were not "many others".

And you ARE OUT OF PLACE (capitalizied just because it was done in the quoted post) wearing shorts, capris, jeans, etc. on formal night anywhere.

Just picture for example people dancing and having drinks in the Oceans Bar in their tuxedos and evening dresses - a specific atmosphere created and enhanced by the guests - and now somebody comes in wearing shorts or capris etc. Sorry, you do spoil the evening for others who do adhere to the dress code and enjoy a formal setting on formal evenings.[/quote]

[SIZE=5]You mean like this?[/SIZE]

[IMG]http://tdpowers.com/wrongplace.jpg[/IMG]

[S.O.C.I.O.C.A.T.s]

A cruise is a personal vacation. It is not my intent to interfere with your enjoyment of the cruise nor do I expect you to do likewise. Just because I chose to go smart casual or even a jacket on formal nights is not insulting you. I do not care what you choose to wear nor should you criticize me. I am on vacation. I wore suits and ties for over 40 years and on vacation i believe I should have the option to do so or not. I will not rain on your parade nor should you do so for me. On formal nights I will wear my jacket. I will not venture near the MDR so as not to hurt your feelings or make you feel hurt because I am not dressing to your standards. I am not on the cruise to impress people but to relax and have a good time. I will not wear shorts to dinner but smart casual.

[3rdGenCunarder]

[quote name='ksimpso3']I agree 100%!! I am on vacation! [B][COLOR=red]I don't want to have to dress in stuffy, uncomfortable clothes.[/COLOR][/B] I will never be sloppy, but I think a nice pair of shorts can look better than some of the "formal" clothes I've seen people wearing. If the clothes are clean and neat, I don't give a rat's ... what someone else wears. That is why I will probably not cruise on HAL. That being said, if the rules call for no shorts in dining rooms at dinner (which every cruise I have been on does) then I will not wear shorts at dinner. Simple as that.[/quote]


I've seen this myth trotted out before. Formal clothes do no have to be uncomfortable. It isn't that difficult to find comfortable formal wear. Try it on in the store--it if isn't comfortable, keep looking. Easy.


[quote name='winste']I've been reading this thread with amusement all day.

<snip>
The really unfortunate part of this thread, or the best past of this thread, depending on how you view the OP, is back on page 1, they admitted HAL was not for them and they would be looking elsewhere. So for better or for worse, a potential customer was driven off by the posts indicating a lack of flexibility and the potential of scorn being cast upon them for not adhering to [B][COLOR=red]certain peoples standards[/COLOR][/B].

Flame away.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD[/quote]

You may have been reading the thread all day, but you missed the point of several posts. The people in favor of adhering to the dress code are supporting what HAL asks people to do, not promoting their own personal standards. Actually, the people who want to follow THEIR OWN standards are the ones who want to dress as THEY please, not as HAL asks them to.



[quote name='surfergirle']I appriciate and abide by all rules of the line I am sailing.

<snip>
[B][COLOR=red]Its a matter of respect, for the line, and your fellow passangers to respect the rules of said line.[/COLOR][/B]

Some guests (and I am sure not the OP) feel compelled to do the "its my vacation, I will do what I want" selfish thing.

<snip>
[/quote]

THANK YOU for saying this!!!! I agree!!!

[innlady1]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]One thing I have never understood...why someone would book a cruise on any given cruise line and disagree with the policies? Why not book a line that has similar "rules" more in keeping with their own wishes ???[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]Personally, I'd rather "fit in" than "stick out like a sore thumb". :o[/SIZE][/FONT]

[GitUpAndGoze]

[quote name='3rdGenCunarder']I've seen this myth trotted out before. Formal clothes do no have to be uncomfortable. It isn't that difficult to find comfortable formal wear. Try it on in the store--it if isn't comfortable, keep looking. Easy.




You may have been reading the thread all day, but you missed the point of several posts. The people in favor of adhering to the dress code are supporting what HAL asks people to do, not promoting their own personal standards. Actually, the people who want to follow THEIR OWN standards are the ones who want to dress as THEY please, not as HAL asks them to.





THANK YOU for saying this!!!! I agree!!![/quote]

Bravo and Right On. I couldn't have said it better.

[esther e]

[quote name='innlady1'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]One thing I have never understood...why someone would book a cruise on any given cruise line and disagree with the policies? Why not book a line that has similar "rules" more in keeping with their own wishes ???[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]Personally, I'd rather "fit in" than "stick out like a sore thumb". :o[/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]

As usual, you are a very wise lady and absolutely right.