Who Wants an End to HAL Formal Nights Entirely?

[sail7seas]

I've not heard any mumblings from anyone who would know of what they speak mention about anyproposed upcoming change in dress code. I often hear comments about some other changes but no one has mentioned dress code re-vamp.

 

Anyone else heard from a reliable source something contrary to that?

 

[Gotta Go Cruisin]

This is rich! Just in case you have not looked outside your non-conformist window, the world is now full of politically correct 'big brother' governments and everything you do or say is so regulated and sanitized that 'bending the rules' does not even come into it!

...and you are seeing the reaction to the phenomenon that you have just outlined. It seems that there is a wave of non-conformists standing up and being counted, at least here in the USA. :)

 

BTW, we are venturing off topic. (Sorry it was my fault) Back to the Formal Attire discussion.

[world~citizen]

Originally Posted by Jesterplaying

"You all know about not being able to get around the ship because the passage ways are blocked with photographers. That is real money to the cruise line.

 

"

I am not too sure about this. We were on Azamara this March. There are no formal nights on Azamara. The photographers were just a busy as ever and the PAX seem to be buying as much as ever. There was a line of PAX waiting to pay for picrures.

 

Maria

 

I noticed the same thing. Also, we bought more photos on Azamara than we did on our last HAL cruise.

 

Seems its one of those counter-intuitive things.:)

 

Smooth sailing...

[world~citizen]

I've not heard any mumblings from anyone who would know of what they speak mention about anyproposed upcoming change in dress code. I often hear comments about some other changes but no one has mentioned dress code re-vamp.

 

Anyone else heard from a reliable source something contrary to that?

 

 

Only on Cruise Critic:eek:

[Topsham]

...and you are seeing the reaction to the phenomenon that you have just outlined. It seems that there is a wave of non-conformists standing up and being counted, at least here in the USA. :)

 

.

 

 

Recation? I don't see that at all.... other than from Glenn Beck .... and I'll bet he would wear a tux on Formal Night!

[iancal]

Whether we dress appropriately on formal nights for the MDR, and change after or whether we go casual and eat in the Lido, I can assure you that it has no impact on whether we attend the show, go the the lounge, browse the retail outlets, or visit the casino. The notion that those not dressed appropriately for the the MDR should not be seen or heard in any other area of the ship is, has others have said, NOT enforceable. Whats more, notwithstanding HAL's stated wishes, they run the ship like a casino. The very last thing that HAL wants is cruisers sitting in their cabins NOT spending money. So, while HAL may turn someone away from the MDR who is not dressed appropriately (and they have every right to do so), I doubt very much whether they would restrict their access to the lounges, casinos, stores, etc. After all, business is business, revenue is revenue. HAL would not let a little thing like dress code come between that.

[Gotta Go Cruisin]

Recation? I don't see that at all.... other than from Glenn Beck .... and I'll bet he would wear a tux on Formal Night!

 

Help me with this, Recation? I don't know what you're saying? Mr. Beck probably would wear a Tux on Formal Night, I don't know, you could call and find out. I'm not all that interested, except to say I hope he enjoys his cruise. :D

[Gotta Go Cruisin]

Help me with this, Recation? I don't know what you're saying? :D

 

Oops Sorry, I think it must have been a spelling error, I think you meant Reaction. I do that all the time, get typing too fast and put a letter or two out of place. Anyway, I think I understand now. I'll stay with what I said earlier, I would say we here in the USA are in a "Reation" Mode right now. I don't want to hijack this thread, but the short of it is, we'll see in November. I'm glad there's no dress code for voting. ;) Now where were we...oh yes Formal Attire on Formal Night. :)

[Old As Dirt Mom]

Whether we dress appropriately on formal nights for the MDR, and change after or whether we go casual and eat in the Lido, I can assure you that it has no impact on whether we attend the show, go the the lounge, browse the retail outlets, or visit the casino. The notion that those not dressed appropriately for the the MDR should not be seen or heard in any other area of the ship is, has others have said, NOT enforceable. Whats more, notwithstanding HAL's stated wishes, they run the ship like a casino. The very last thing that HAL wants is cruisers sitting in their cabins NOT spending money. So, while HAL may turn someone away from the MDR who is not dressed appropriately (and they have every right to do so), I doubt very much whether they would restrict their access to the lounges, casinos, stores, etc. After all, business is business, revenue is revenue. HAL would not let a little thing like dress code come between that.

 

 

BINGO:p

[Gotta Go Cruisin]

As I was pondering the activities back in the Cabin in the event that Non-Formal passengers would be expected to stay in the rooms during these "Formal" times, I wondered about the DVD players in the Cabins and I have heard the ship has a nice collection of DVDs and was wondering if anyone knows how the check out process works. Is there a fee? How much is the fee? etc. Thanks.

[Topsham]

As I was pondering the activities back in the Cabin in the event that Non-Formal passengers would be expected to stay in the rooms during these "Formal" times, I wondered about the DVD players in the Cabins and I have heard the ship has a nice collection of DVDs and was wondering if anyone knows how the check out process works. Is there a fee? How much is the fee? etc. Thanks.

 

 

Yes they do charge a fee for the DVD rental. But if you are one of the 'snobs' who dress for dinner and are sailing in one of the suites, the DVD's are FREE!

[RuthC]

Yes they do charge a fee for the DVD rental. But if you are one of the 'snobs' who dress for dinner and are sailing in one of the suites, the DVD's are FREE!

Actually, Stephen, I believe they are now free even for us "snobs" down in steerage. (They do go through your photo portfolio first, though, to be sure you consistently pass the dress code standard. :D)

[mamaofami]

The most aqmazing thing about this thread is that over 21,000 people have viewed it. I wonder if anyone has read this and changed their minds about how they will dress?

[Gotta Go Cruisin]

Yes they do charge a fee for the DVD rental. But if you are one of the 'snobs' who dress for dinner and are sailing in one of the suites, the DVD's are FREE!

 

Actually, Stephen, I believe they are now free even for us "snobs" down in steerage. (They do go through your photo portfolio first, though, to be sure you consistently pass the dress code standard. :D)

 

OK, thanks for the info. :confused: I guess I'll bring my own DVDs since I'm neither a "Snob", nor will I be in one of the suites. :p

[Rutland Gate]

Oh, Stop It. Let people enjoy their Cruise.

[nordski]

The most aqmazing thing about this thread is that over 21,000 people have viewed it. I wonder if anyone has read this and changed their minds about how they will dress?

I can't speak for just this particular thread, but, yes, as new cruisers on HAL recently we used the info re: dress codes to guide our decisions.

 

More importantly, as a person who can never be accused of a love of "formality", I began to understand the concerns of those who wished to maintain the rules for formal nights. Although I think some of the reasons given are suspect, there has to be a concern for norms aboard the ship and we certainly have no desire for our dress to become a concern for others. They too have paid to enjoy their cruise.

 

As for the occasional personal attacks (snobs, slobs etc.), they also serve a purpose by revealing a great deal about the poster and help us decide whose views to consider.

 

Thanks to all who made thoughtful replies

[chrispb]

OK, thanks for the info. :confused: I guess I'll bring my own DVDs since I'm neither a "Snob", nor will I be in one of the suites. :p

 

Please don't stay in your cabin watching DVD's (may as well stay at home, if you do that).

There's absolutely no need to "hide away" in your cabin. Just dress informally and eat in the Lido (it's much nicer than the MDR) - the rest of the ship is a free-for-all. Have fun.

Oh, you can also wear your bathrobe to the hot-tub and have a nice quiet hour or so.:D (off to take shelter in my bunker).

[Gotta Go Cruisin]

Please don't stay in your cabin watching DVD's (may as well stay at home, if you do that).

There's absolutely no need to "hide away" in your cabin. Just dress informally and eat in the Lido (it's much nicer than the MDR) - the rest of the ship is a free-for-all. Have fun.

Oh, you can also wear your bathrobe to the hot-tub and have a nice quiet hour or so.:D (off to take shelter in my bunker).

 

Thanks Chris, The DW and I have decided to dress nicely (Not Formal) on the four "Formal Nights", go to the Lido for Dinner and then fly under the radar for the rest of the evening. I'm sure we'll be able to avoid those tasked with seeking out people like us not in Tuxes and Evening Gowns. :rolleyes:

Seriously, I really was interested in finding out about how the DVD thing works...where, when, how much, that sort of thing. The Hot Tub does sound pretty nice too. One other thing you can count on, we will have a Great time. :D

[CCMP]

I'd just as soon do away with formal nights also. DH hates ties and I hate having to drag the extra luggage for the four of us. But not a deal breaker either way....

[Tailskid]

No. I do not like going to dinner in an uncomfortable tux - but formal dining must be maintained! Its about STANDARDS! When you bring standards down, service goes down with them. Look at what has happened to the airlines. If you want to end up being treated like cattle start by doing away with the formal attire. I don't like it but it's a discomfort I am prepared to tolerate to keep cruising as a special vacation experience.

Tailskid

[grandgeezer]

Bottom line: If you don't want to dress up, go on Norwegian instead of complaining about it and ignoring the dress code. Cruising is supposed to be something a little more elegant and classy. Maybe they should elminate the dress code for the passangers and waitstaff. Then you'll have people serving you mac and cheese, dressed in t-shirts, shorts and flip flops. The paper plates and plastic untensils will be coming next. I'm not a big fan of dressing up but I abide by their dress code. There's nothing more irritating than going into the dining room on formal nights and see 90% of the people dressed up and other people in jeans, tennis shoes and even baseball caps. I've seen it on every cruise I've been on and on all five of the cruiselines I've sailed.

Cruising used to be something special, but lately it's turned into a a backyard barbeque, come as you are.

[fatcat04]

Mr. Fatcat and myself and even the kiddo all dress up in our shiny best for both formal nights. We have on every cruise we have been on. It is so funny to see all these folks say that HAL will go the way of the dinosaurs if they don't change their formal night policy. On our one and only Carnival cruise, the sheer volume of ladies dressed in evening gowns was amazing. Those that were not at least in their Sunday best stuck out horribly and Carnival has no hard and fast rule about formal night attire. Many of the young ladies I think took that opportunity to drag their formal prom dresses out of storage and show off. I know it may come as a shock.. so brace yourself Myrtle and grab hold of something steady... many people like to dress up. It's fun and you look so nice, clean, and spiffy. For us, it makes the atmosphere that much more magical. If you don't like it, then don't dress up. As momma says, no skin off my nose. But don't take the magic away from those of us who do.

[world~citizen]

No. I do not like going to dinner in an uncomfortable tux - but formal dining must be maintained! Its about STANDARDS! When you bring standards down, service goes down with them. Look at what has happened to the airlines. If you want to end up being treated like cattle start by doing away with the formal attire. I don't like it but it's a discomfort I am prepared to tolerate to keep cruising as a special vacation experience.

Tailskid

 

For me, this is the most compelling reason to continue formal nights. Why didn't I think of it?:eek:

 

Does a tux have to be uncomfortable to be stylish, or are the folks on "what not to wear" just pulling our legs?:D

 

Smooth sailing to you...

[velotaco]

There are so many people who say they will eat in Lido rather than dress formal, that I wonder at what point, it's time to do away with formal nights - to go all 'elegant casual'.

 

Maybe it is mainly because of airline weight restrictions and people don't want to lug the formal clothing or maybe it is because formal is alien to their lives and they don't want to experience on vacation but it seems many folks say they don't wish to participate.

 

You want it to continue or not?

 

I've always enjoyed dressing up for formal night, but I really would'nt care if they did away with it. I must admit I did like the "causal" atmosphere in the Azamara and Oceania dining room where they served a fancy meal every night without having to dress formally.

[BoomBot8]

I like to dress up a bit but I hate "formal nights". It's way too dressy just to go to 'dinner'. Granted if you do away with formal wear, people will go in shorts/t-shirts and whatnot. I love your elegant wear suggestion or just enforce a no jeans/t-shirt/flip flops policy.

 

Whatever most people wear to church on Sundays (for those who go to church) works with dining out.