lawcruiseboy Posted April 23, 2009 #1 Share Posted April 23, 2009 If formal attire only required in the dining facilities during formal nights or is it also required in other public areas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir PMP Posted April 23, 2009 #2 Share Posted April 23, 2009 If formal attire only required in the dining facilities during formal nights or is it also required in other public areas? On formals nights you are supposed to be in your tux all night like other folks are, isn't that great? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDinWA Posted April 23, 2009 #3 Share Posted April 23, 2009 When I cruised with my daughter, we liked to play ping-pong after dinner. It was a challenge in long skirts and heels, but kind of fun too. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meterman2 Posted April 23, 2009 #4 Share Posted April 23, 2009 Good question. We were trying to convince another couple to go on a cruise with. One obstacle was their resistance to "formal wear". I told them they could "go to the Lido" on formal nights (I never have). Does HAL offer any guidance on this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michmike Posted April 23, 2009 #5 Share Posted April 23, 2009 Yes, the HAL guidelines do ask that you remain in formal wear the entire night in all areas. In practice, many folks go back to their rooms after dinner and change into something more comfortable. As long as that isn't a change into shorts and a t-shirt, you'll be fine. Or you can choose to eat in the lido in basically a shirt with a collar and a pair of dockers and no one will bother you. Keep in mind that the folks you hear from here are a small percentage of those that cruise and while they may personally have STRONG opinions on many matters, including proper conduct re dress code on formal nite. The vast majority of folks you'll be cruising with have never heard of cruise critic and have likley not read much of the literature HAL sends them outlining expectations. So take your friends along and enjoy yourselves and don't sweat the tux issue. Now, if you DO want to eat in the dining room on formal nite, then you should plan to dress according to the code in order to do so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxmantoo Posted April 23, 2009 #6 Share Posted April 23, 2009 From HAL's website: 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 asks that you observe the suggested dress code throughout the entire evening. Quite clear and no other explanation needed. The question of enforcement on the other hand is very delicate. It seems to vary according to the ship, the staff and the guests. There are more comments on these boards than I care to count. Everybody will not have the same opinion, so you will have to make up your own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted April 23, 2009 #7 Share Posted April 23, 2009 A little common sense needs to rule IMO If someone wants to enjoy their dinner in the dining room on formal night, they are expected to dress appropriately. If, after dinner, they wish to exercise walk some laps around Promenade Deck, of course they are going to change to more practical clothing. Years ago, on Veendam, we were worried about a friend who left the ship ill and I wanted to work off some of the anxiety with a bit of exercise. We changed to our walking clothes, went directly from our cabin to Promenade Deck. Did our walk and returned directly to our cabin. I seriously doubt anyone would have a problem with that and if they did, IMO, they have a problem. :rolleyes: We would not have considered going to a lounge or casino or anywhere else dressed like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meterman2 Posted April 23, 2009 #8 Share Posted April 23, 2009 I honestly never gave it much thought. We always dress formally on "formal nghts", doing so without too much thought about what others wear. The reason I asked about the Lido was because I have "passed through" it during dining hours and did notice that most folks were dressed casually (at best). Certainly no tuxes or suits. No problem, I just thought that this(Lido) was the alternative to "dining" in formal wear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsltg Posted April 23, 2009 #9 Share Posted April 23, 2009 I was in the Lido on formal night due to a bad sunburn and an inability to get dressed up because of it. I was wearing casual capris and a tee shirt. I was dressed on par with every other guest up there. There was no dress code for the Lido. I even walked around the ship afterward. Though I was entirely underdressed and felt uncomfortable I was by no means the only one who was not in formal attire. Base the way you dress on your own comfort level. If you are going to be uncomfortable in more casual clothing after dinner don't change. If you are ok with it go ahead and change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
penetangjudy Posted April 23, 2009 #10 Share Posted April 23, 2009 Dressing for dinner every night was a lot of fun for me and my dh. We personally never thought of it as an inposition and it felt nice to look good :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Typhoon1 Posted April 23, 2009 #11 Share Posted April 23, 2009 We immediately change out of formal wear after dinner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidPatrick Posted April 23, 2009 #12 Share Posted April 23, 2009 There is something about a husband wearing a Tux that makes most women happy. Whether or not it brings a feeling of having "made it" or just that hubbies seem to look extra special in a Tux. My advise to husbands buy or rent a Tux for your cruise and you'll make your wife happy. On Holland most people dress for formal nights, you'll see a few in shorts in the casino, but maybe they haven't left there all day. Holland is mostly upper middle class, where I have never seen or heard a drunk, or anyone raise there voice, other than to laugh at the shows.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cb at sea Posted April 23, 2009 #13 Share Posted April 23, 2009 We don't change out of our "finery"--heck, we look great! Why dress down when you don't have to? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twinkletoes4445 Posted April 23, 2009 #14 Share Posted April 23, 2009 If formal attire only required in the dining facilities during formal nights or is it also required in other public areas? It is not required, only suggested. We did not bring any formal wear with us on our last cruise and loved it! We dined in the Lido most evenings, and found we truly enjoyed this experience. Hubby wore Docker's and Polo shirts, and I wore Capri sets. On formal nights, I wore dressier Capri sets, but that wasn't necessary. In the Lido, you'll see everything from dressy clothing (we saw a couple dressed formally), to shorts. A lot of people do stay in formal clothes, but a lot never participated in the formal evenings to begin with and they did not hide out in their cabins. They were out and about enjoying the evening on the ship. Go and have a good time! To each his own. If you like to dress formally, got for it. We just have no desire to do this, and thankfully HAL has other options for us. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Copper10-8 Posted April 23, 2009 #15 Share Posted April 23, 2009 ;)Reality check here: Many HAL pax, yours truly included, still dress up to 'da suggested dress code' onboard the dam ships - You will see anything from tuxes - not required, btw - to suits, to various combinations of jackets/ties & slacks. For the ladies (and I am in NO WAY a fashion expert for the weaker sex;)) you'll still see gowns, recycled prom/wedding party dresses, glittery tops and various other coverings, etc. Yes, you will also see so-called 'dress code violators' during formal nights - some of those might just be partaking in a 'casual meal' in the Lido restaurant and/or utilising room service in order to maintain their daily calory intake. As has been quoted, HAL requests that everyone remain in 'formal attire' throughout the evening. Some folks will follow that request, others will not - If you don't, HAL will not single you out, 86 you from a 'formal area' (casino/bars/lounges/corridors) and make you peel spuds in the galley if you are no longer conforming to da code after (or before) dinner. HAL also has a 'code' that prohibits the wearing of shorts/bathing suits, etc. in restaurants during evening hours. HAL has made the Lido restaurant THE place to consume a meal while dressed casually. In order to safely arrive at that location without having to run the 'formal gauntlet', be tagged as 'dress code violators' and/or climb or descend ropes on the exterior of da boat, those wishing to partake in that meal will, at times, cross paths with those dressed up to 'da code' - Besides isolated reports of 'daggers being thrown' and an even more isolated report of remarks like 'OMG, will you loook at that' being said, no full-blown riots have broken out yet between the jets ('formals') and the sharks ('casuals') on those occassions and officer Krupke has been able to remain incognito in the background. Go out and enjoy your cruise! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pipedreams62 Posted April 23, 2009 #16 Share Posted April 23, 2009 ;)Reality check here: Many HAL pax, yours truly included, still dress up to 'da suggested dress code' onboard the dam ships - You will see anything from tuxes - not required, btw - to suits, to various combinations of jackets/ties & slacks. For the ladies (and I am in NO WAY a fashion expert for the weaker sex;)) you'll still see gowns, recycled prom/wedding party dresses, glittery tops and various other coverings, etc. Yes, you will also see so-called 'dress code violators' during formal nights - some of those might just be partaking in a 'casual meal' in the Lido restaurant and/or utilising room service in order to maintain their daily calory intake. As has been quoted, HAL requests that everyone remain in 'formal attire' throughout the evening. Some folks will follow that request, others will not - If you don't, HAL will not single you out, 86 you from a 'formal area' (casino/bars/lounges/corridors) and make you peel spuds in the galley if you are no longer conforming to da code after (or before) dinner. HAL also has a 'code' that prohibits the wearing of shorts/bathing suits, etc. in restaurants during evening hours. HAL has made the Lido restaurant THE place to consume a meal while dressed casually. In order to safely arrive at that location without having to run the 'formal gauntlet', be tagged as 'dress code violators' and/or climb or descend ropes on the exterior of da boat, those wishing to partake in that meal will, at times, cross paths with those dressed up to 'da code' - Besides isolated reports of 'daggers being thrown' and an even more isolated report of remarks like 'OMG, will you loook at that' being said, no full-blown riots have broken out yet between the jets ('formals') and the sharks ('casuals') on those occassions and officer Krupke has been able to remain incognito in the background. Go out and enjoy your cruise! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themerle Posted April 23, 2009 #17 Share Posted April 23, 2009 ;)Reality check here: Many HAL pax, yours truly included, still dress up to 'da suggested dress code' onboard the dam ships - You will see anything from tuxes - not required, btw - to suits, to various combinations of jackets/ties & slacks. For the ladies (and I am in NO WAY a fashion expert for the weaker sex;)) you'll still see gowns, recycled prom/wedding party dresses, glittery tops and various other coverings, etc. Yes, you will also see so-called 'dress code violators' during formal nights - some of those might just be partaking in a 'casual meal' in the Lido restaurant and/or utilising room service in order to maintain their daily calory intake. As has been quoted, HAL requests that everyone remain in 'formal attire' throughout the evening. Some folks will follow that request, others will not - If you don't, HAL will not single you out, 86 you from a 'formal area' (casino/bars/lounges/corridors) and make you peel spuds in the galley if you are no longer conforming to da code after (or before) dinner. HAL also has a 'code' that prohibits the wearing of shorts/bathing suits, etc. in restaurants during evening hours. HAL has made the Lido restaurant THE place to consume a meal while dressed casually. In order to safely arrive at that location without having to run the 'formal gauntlet', be tagged as 'dress code violators' and/or climb or descend ropes on the exterior of da boat, those wishing to partake in that meal will, at times, cross paths with those dressed up to 'da code' - Besides isolated reports of 'daggers being thrown' and an even more isolated report of remarks like 'OMG, will you loook at that' being said, no full-blown riots have broken out yet between the jets ('formals') and the sharks ('casuals') on those occassions and officer Krupke has been able to remain incognito in the background. Go out and enjoy your cruise! :) LOL! I really enjoy your comments!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RevNeal Posted April 23, 2009 #18 Share Posted April 23, 2009 This thread reminds me of the old saying about opinions and a certain orifice. Oh, well ... at least someone beat me to posting the actual statement from the Dress Code on the subject, thus relieving me of the duty: thanks taxmantoo! Although I also have a certain orifice, I think I'll just let the Code's request suffice for my opinion and my practice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Copper10-8 Posted April 23, 2009 #19 Share Posted April 23, 2009 This thread reminds me of the old saying about opinions and a certain orifice. Oh, well ... at least someone beat me to posting the actual statement from the Dress Code on the subject, thus relieving me of the duty: thanks taxmantoo! Although I also have a certain orifice, I think I'll just let the Code's request suffice for my opinion and my practice. Your radar must have activated, Rev! Lots of Blip, blips;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Himself Posted April 23, 2009 #20 Share Posted April 23, 2009 I tend to go with the Program and if I am dressed up for the dinner, I stay that way until I retire to my cabin for the night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir PMP Posted April 23, 2009 #21 Share Posted April 23, 2009 resistance to "formal wear". I think they should stay home, nice and casual! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iancal Posted April 24, 2009 #22 Share Posted April 24, 2009 HAL speaks out of both sides of their mouth. Does anyone really think that HAL does no want as MANY people as possible, formal attire or casual, on formal nights visiting the casino, bars etc. and spending money. The whole issue of formal wear etc is, in my opinion, down to HAL. They have the ability to enforce it, or not to enforce it. Until HAL decides 'what they want to be when they grow up', ie enforce or not -and enforce on a uniform basis, then they deserve to get what they get. HAL has created the ambiguity because they refuse to get off the dime on this topic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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