How do you really feel about formal nights?

[iancal]

I agree completely. Those who wish to dress up should be allowed to do so. The vast majority of these folks have no problem with those who do not wish to, ie they are not in favor of enforcing this type of dress code.

[eh2zed]

Results of the poll to me suggests that there still is significant support for formal nights. Would be interesring what the the results of the same poll would be on NCL, and others.

[DedeM]

I love it and wish everyone would dress up, but I'm not worried about enforcing it.

 

I know that some people's circumstances don't allow for formal gowns and tuxes. I do like seeing suits and ties and nice dresses or pant suits though.

[Golfette]

I have to agree with Iancal and Bicker. The fact that the dress code is (albeit slowly) being relaxed by management shows that the majority of cruisers (not just the cc Board) want a more relaxed dress code. HAL management is motivated by the profit potential of what the customer wants and their "polls" are far more intensive and scientific than this poll.

 

Again, why do the posters (Rev. Neal since your picture heading & posts seem to show up more than anyone else's) continue to feel the need to argue this question to death? The results of this poll mean nothing except the opinion of a small percentage of the vast number of cruisers in this world. Whatever it showed - fine. It's not to change anything. People are going to do what they're going to do - whatever it is. Let's just shake hands and agree to disagree.

[Freedom55]

We love to dress up (and do), but find it hard to believe that people care what OTHER people do. If our table is dressed and the next isn't who cares? It seems to me that everyone would have a much better time (on a cruise and in the world) if there was a little more tolerance.

I dont think that tank tops and cut off jeans are ok in the dining room but really! what does it matter what your neighbour (canadian sp.) does? Do your own thing and let others do it too. Even the complainers can be entertaining! LOL

 

I think the poll is pretty clear...

out of 519 voters only 10.2 % Don't dress up and 65.9 % LOVE to dress up.

[NoNoNanette]

I have to agree with Iancal and Bicker. The fact that the dress code is (albeit slowly) being relaxed by management shows that the majority of cruisers (not just the cc Board) want a more relaxed dress code.

 

Agreed, Golfette. You're as perceptive as EVER! ;)

 

This minuscule band of CC'rs (AKA "THE VOCAL MINORITY") can whine all they want about formal dress on Holland America....to no avail. :rolleyes:

 

Apparently, the powers that be are letting it go in one ear and straight out of the other. (thankfully).

 

Thus, we see that "dress codes" are becoming a non-issue on HAL. Money is the bottom line with any business.

[RevNeal]

Again, why do the posters (Rev. Neal since your picture heading & posts seem to show up more than anyone else's) continue to feel the need to argue this question to death?

 

I don't know ... perhaps because I like the topic? Perhaps because I enjoy posting? Perhaps because I'm often responding to questions that I'm asked (like this one) and/or offering alternative interpretations to ones that I feel are either highly selective or erroneous? Perhaps because I desperately need a cruise? :) The last possibility is definitely true. It is an interesting question, especially-so considering that I voted with the must numerous single group -- I'm one of the 150 people (28.63%) -- who say: "Love it and wish everyone would dress up, but don't let it bother me." And I don't ... not on a cruise.

 

The results of this poll mean nothing except the opinion of a small percentage of the vast number of cruisers in this world. Whatever it showed - fine. It's not to change anything. People are going to do what they're going to do - whatever it is. Let's just shake hands and agree to disagree.

 

Agreed, on all counts.

But ... someone (and it will not be me) will still take it upon themselves to post a poll, or start a thread, or ask a question, and we'll be off ... again. It has never failed. Sometimes the questions and the threads are truly honest. Sometimes they're launched by pot-stirrers who just want to "get things going." :)

[RevNeal]

We love to dress up (and do), but find it hard to believe that people care what OTHER people do. If our table is dressed and the next isn't who cares? It seems to me that everyone would have a much better time (on a cruise and in the world) if there was a little more tolerance.

I dont think that tank tops and cut off jeans are ok in the dining room but really! what does it matter what your neighbour (canadian sp.) does? Do your own thing and let others do it too. Even the complainers can be entertaining! LOL

 

Why are tank tops and cut off jeans not ok in the dining room? Particularly so if it shouldn't matter what one's neighbor (US spelling) does?

 

I think the poll is pretty clear...

out of 519 voters only 10.2 % Don't dress up and 65.9 % LOVE to dress up.

 

Yes, exactly. And, while not scientific and while a poll of just those who are posting on this particular CC board, I would be very surprised if these results are not at least somewhat reflective of the HAL passenger-base. And, as I say above, it reflects reality aboard ship ... MOST people abide by the dress code. Even those who do so simply because their spouses ask them to do so nevertheless "play along." In other words, people not dressing up is NOT a huge problem ... certainly not the kind of problem that it is sometimes made out to be by some of my compatriots. Oh, sure, I think most of us who have cruised on HAL more than a few times can point to instances when more than 10% of our fellow passengers were not dressed according to the code. But the instances are notable because they are so rare. Hence, at least in my estimation, it's not important as a "problem."

 

Poor service in the dining room, on the other hand, is.

[Lynne Myrna]

Gosh, you make them sound like bimbos! :D

 

That was not me.....that was a post by cactuslady....I just quoted her....look back & read what she wrote....made me angry!!!! Sorry if I offended anyone.....

[hammybee]

That was not me.....that was a post by cactuslady....I just quoted her....look back & read what she wrote....made me angry!!!! Sorry if I offended anyone.....

 

Lynne, I saw this too and thought it out of character for you and then realized that the quote and attributes were missing.

 

La-da-da-daaaaa one and all :)

[Lynne Myrna]

Thanks hammy.....I really appreciate it, I would never hurt anyones feelings:)

[NoNoNanette]

commitments aren't so hard to understand.

 

They hide in plain sight for most of us.

 

As do those leading dual-lives! ;)

 

Come on....fess up.....I'll bet that there are some Princess and Celebrity spies on here. It's time to come out! :)

[bepsf]

I'll let Dave know you posted, and about what.

I don't think he's checking the board right now. The last I got from him (last week) he's at a photo shoot somewhere in the upstate New York area.

 

Thanks Greg - I'd appreciate that.

Feel free to pass along my e-mail addy.

:)

[tech]

When I was a child I loved to play dress up.

 

Just a historical note folks. :D

 

Went to the Mall recently , except for the young Jr. Prom night and the Mother of The Bride Dept., I noticed traditonal Formal clothes nowhere to be seen. i.e. Nordstorms, Dillards. Getting ready for two cruises....

 

So something is afoot Sherlock. People seem to be voting with their money. Formal evenings are not happening as often.

 

Oh, one can pair up the little black t shirt with the pants, etc. but true formal women's wear to go with the Penquin suits of the men.... seem to be in short supply.

 

On board ship does my husband roll his eyes at me more if I have on a glitter dress and 5 inch heels...Nope, he is even happier if I am in my nightgown. :)

 

Do I enjoy flouncing into the dining room in my full formal ensemble ? Not really. Sometimes those clothes are not comfortable.

 

Will I now feel a part of the 5th avenue pack ? Nope !

 

Under all the "enforcing of rules " seems to lurk this nasty little underbelly of who is the proper person ?

 

No one wants to acknowledge that attitude...."Why some of my best friends are blue collar workers , but really couldn't they dress up to fit in better " Or maybe try NCL ? "

 

So sad that we still have this conversation with regular intervals and the same people stand on either side of the great debate ( right after fiinding the cure for world hunger, cancer, war )

 

So fortunate to cruise and so determined to bring it back to the glory of first and second class.

 

And a strange question, is everyone one here retired ? As a former manager, seem lots are spending their employers work time online. Just a thought.

 

It would seem that someday this Dead Horse will go to his grave in the proper formal wear.

 

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." - Matthew 7:1-2, NIV

 

 

And a quote that rather describes threads like this one, entertaining tho they may be....

 

The rule is perfect: in all matters of opinion our adversaries are insane.

 

Mark Twain, in Christian Science

 

:D

[RevNeal]

Thanks for the toughts, Tech. I've not found "Formal Wear" in the "regular" department stores for ages. It is true that it's more difficult to find such clothing in the "run-of-the-mill" department stores. I bought my Tuxedo at Mens Wearhouse, however, and they had quite a selection to choose from (both traditional and non-traditional). I know many men who buy their Tuxedos on-line ... indeed, that's where/how I bought my white dinner jacket.

 

However, one CAN find plenty of clothing that qualifies for wear on "Formal Night" on HAL. For men, excellent suites are still plentiful in all the major department stores and at Men's Wearhouse. I buy my suits at Men's Wearhouse because their prices are good and they have a wide range of suit styles (though, being what I am I usually just buy black or dark-grey 2-button single-breasted suits very little different from the suits I bought 20 years ago).

 

And a strange question, is everyone one here retired ? As a former manager, seem lots are spending their employers work time online. Just a thought.

 

:D No, I'm not retired. But, as clergy, I do have work hours that are not exactly "normal." For instance, as I write this I'm sitting at the office waiting for my Wednesday Night bible study crowd to arrive. :) I'll be working until 9:30 pm tonight, having begun this morning at 9:30 am -- with a couple hours break in the middle. Normally, during the day, I check the boards about once an hour ... if I'm not in a meeting, at the hospital on a sick-call, or otherwise tied up. As the days and weeks get shorter as I approach my next cruise, I find myself checking more and more frequently.

 

Ooops ... must go. Time to teach my class.

[NoNoNanette]

Nice try, Tech.... but it was all for naught. ;)

 

*sighing*

[NoNoNanette]

Maybe a WOMAN will reply to your post, Tech. Or maybe an individual who is accustomed to wearing women's clothes? :confused:

 

Ummmm..... nevermind.

[tech]

Maybe a WOMAN will reply to your post, Tech. Or maybe an individual who is accustomed to wearing women's clothes? :confused:

 

Ummmm..... nevermind.

 

Well, having a sense of humor....the idea of me at 5'1" tall shopping at Men's Warehouse is pretty funny.

 

I know that Ellen D. and Rosie has made tuxs for women popular but I am afraid I would pose a challenge to the salesperson. And I don't think my husband would like to escort me dressed as Charlie Chaplin. :)

 

However, wearing only the Tux bottoms with suspenders just might do the job.

 

The top of the trousers would just about come up to my chin...therefore modesty would be no problem.

 

I might have trouble "tripping " the light fantastic but I bet my picture would stand out on the Photo Rack !

 

Where I would put the bow tie....you just do not want to know :D

 

As to work...be glad you have free time. Before I retired the whip on a woman manager's back made for 10 hour days and monitored computer use. All on a salaried postion . :eek:

 

The company blocked out most internet sites and kept track of phone numbers called.

 

I really, really worked hard for my money !

 

I did find some tops and a pair of black pants for next cruise...do I think I look formal and cool. No ! I think I look like that little kid playing dress up...but it is the best I could find without looking like The Mother or Grandmother of the Bride....a bit too old for the "let it all hang out " dresses in the Junior Dept.

 

But letting it " all Hang out" seems to be in vogue ....or Not ! Some are letting it hang in :D

[RevNeal]

tech, I'm sorry ... I didn't realize that you were asking for suggestions on where to buy formal clothing or that your remarks should only be responded to by women. I took your remarks as a general observation, and I decided to offer my own observations from my own experience. Since I am a man, my experiences will follow suit (pun intended).

 

If I insulted you, I am very sorry.

[PatsyAnne]

Went to the Mall recently , except for the young Jr. Prom night and the Mother of The Bride Dept., I noticed traditonal Formal clothes nowhere to be seen. i.e. Nordstorms, Dillards. Getting ready for two cruises....

 

Oh, one can pair up the little black t shirt with the pants, etc. but true formal women's wear to go with the Penquin suits of the men.... seem to be in short supply.

 

Do I enjoy flouncing into the dining room in my full formal ensemble ? Not really. Sometimes those clothes are not comfortable.

 

Several companies now make "travelers" clothes, including long black skirts and full pants that can be paired with different tops to be as dressy as you like (diamonds not included). They are comfortable, versatile, and pack well.

[Susie51]

I enjoy reading this type of debate. I like different cruise lines. My next cruise is on HAL, so I'm reading this forum mostly.

 

I am looking forward to 2 formal nights on Zui... in Nov. with DH. (I hope no one is offended by my diabetic shoes that I need to wear because of problems with my feet.) For some reason, dressing formally does make us feel more romantic and for me I'm more romantic when my feet aren't in excruciating pain.

 

In Jan. I'm cruising with my mom, uncle, and sister on Norwegian Majesty.

They do not like formal nights so NCL will be good for us. I'm flexible, so I'll enjoy the cruise because I won't be cooking and I love being at sea which is incredible no matter what ship I'm on.

 

Oh, yes, I too am fascinated by all the beautiful clothes, shoes, and jewels.

[tech]

I know PatsyAnne, I have gone to the mix and match black for next cruise.

 

But I did notice on the last one that many of us looked like we were going to a funeral or maybe ready to sing backup choral with the sympthony.

 

:D :D

[tech]

double post

[tech]

1. Why do people use different font in a message ....in this case it sounds sarcastic ?

 

"If I insulted you, I am very sorry."

 

Why change the font on the one word you ? In most cases this would seem to denote a different meaning....as in if I insulted you , instead of you insulted me ?

 

Very strange how fonts and sizes can change the meaning of a message.

[bUU]

Typographer-geek alert: Technically, the word "you" wasn't in a different font, but rather was the same font expressed in a different font-weight.

 

There is a whole canon associated with online interaction, I'm sure, though most folks go by gut-feel. My understanding is that varying font-weight within a message is generally used to express intended tone and emphasis. I think your proposed interpretation is a very sound one, but I've found that it is often best to ask what the intended meaning of typographic features is, if there is any doubt in your mind. Unfortunately, there are limitations of this medium.