New to HAL- Dress Code Question

[NickCDN]

I am a previous NCL and Carnival cruiser looking for more relaxed and upscale cruise experience. We are now confirmed on the Nov 27 Eurodam sailing. I have not sailed on a line like HAL and am wondering about dress code.

 

We always dress nice, with dress pants, collared shirt, dresses etc etc. My only concern will be formal nights. Is a suit jacket mandatory. I really dislike the feel of suit jackets, but do wear tie, collared long sleeve dress shirt, pants and shoes. Will this suffice for the formal night, or will I have to dust off the dreaded suit jacket? I want to make sure I am not going to be an eye sore for those other cruisers. I am leaving Carnival due to the type of clients they have sailing with them.

 

Thanks

Nick

[planobob]

From HAL's website (www.hollandamerica.com):

 

Clothing & Dress Code

Clothing & Dress Code The right clothing can make a big difference in the enjoyment of your cruise. First and foremost, dress for comfort. Daily life aboard ship and in ports of call is relaxed and casual. Warmer climates call for clothing made of lightweight, breathable fabrics. For cooler climates, we suggest casual clothes that can be layered easily and possibly a raincoat and waterproof hat or umbrella and gloves. Certain shore excursions may require particular attention to clothing. For example, certain churches or other places of worship may not allow tank tops or short pants. Bring a swimsuit as all of our ships have pools and whirlpools. You may wish to bring more than one outfit for the water. We ask that you wear shoes and a cover-up over a bathing suit when walking through the interior of the ship. If you would like to jog on the sports deck or work out in the fitness center, bring workout gear. Footwear should include comfortable walking shoes for visits ashore and sandals or rubber-soled shoes for strolling on deck.

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.

Formalwear for ladies and gentlemen can be pre-ordered for your use during your cruise by calling Cruiseline Formalwear at 800-551-5091 or make your reservations online. Your formalwear will be in your stateroom when you board.

Clothing & Dress Code

Clothing & Dress Code The right clothing can make a big difference in the enjoyment of your cruise. First and foremost, dress for comfort. Daily life aboard ship and in ports of call is relaxed and casual. Warmer climates call for clothing made of lightweight, breathable fabrics. For cooler climates, we suggest casual clothes that can be layered easily and possibly a raincoat and waterproof hat or umbrella and gloves. Certain shore excursions may require particular attention to clothing. For example, certain churches or other places of worship may not allow tank tops or short pants. Bring a swimsuit as all of our ships have pools and whirlpools. You may wish to bring more than one outfit for the water. We ask that you wear shoes and a cover-up over a bathing suit when walking through the interior of the ship. If you would like to jog on the sports deck or work out in the fitness center, bring workout gear. Footwear should include comfortable walking shoes for visits ashore and sandals or rubber-soled shoes for strolling on deck.

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.

Formalwear for ladies and gentlemen can be pre-ordered for your use during your cruise by calling Cruiseline Formalwear at 800-551-5091 or make your reservations online. Your formalwear will be in your stateroom when you board.

[NickCDN]

I have been having a hard time getting the HAL website to load since the weekend. Thanks for posting that. Looks like the suit jacket is coming out!

 

Thanks

Nick

[Aunty Pat]

Maybe it is time to get a new, better fitting, jacket if your suite jacket is uncomfortable, you can rent a tux from HAL and it will be waiting in your cabin when you arrive or buy a nice navy blazer with gray slacks.

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

RCCL - Song of America ‘89

American Hawaiian - Independence ‘98

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

Carnival - Spirit ‘05

Celebrity – Summit ‘05

Cruise West - Yorktown Clipper ‘06

Princess - Golden Princess ‘07

A & K - East Queen ‘07

Cunard - QM2 ’08

Crystal – Serenity ‘09

Future Cruises

Oasis of the Seas - December 11, 2010

[djhsolara]

Maybe it is time to get a new, better fitting, jacket if your suite jacket is uncomfortable, you can rent a tux from HAL and it will be waiting in your cabin when you arrive or buy a nice navy blazer with gray slacks.

 

Aunty Pat

 

Wow...I'm sure you didn't mean it, but it really didn't take long for this one to go to a bad place. Nowhere did the OP state that his jacket didn't fit...he said that he doesn't like the feel of a jacket...totally different things.

 

In the OP's defense, it is the regular double standard where it takes many layers for a man to be considered dressed in formalwear (undershirt, shirt, tie keeping us tight around the neck all night, vest or cummerbund and jacket) but a woman can put on a simple black cocktail dress and be considered dressed in formalwear. I've said it before and will say it again...women have it much easier than men when it comes to being considered dressed in formalwear. Don't get me wrong...I love getting all dressed up "to the nines"...but it can prove to be a hassle sometimes.

 

Off my soapbox now...SORRY!!

 

I do, however, agree about the tux rental. Even though we own our tuxes, we have found that using the rental service is much more convenient than having to pack our own. When we do that, we do take along our own "accessories" such as our own ties/cummerbunds/vests to add our own touch to the rental.

[3rdGenCunarder]

Wow...I'm sure you didn't mean it, but it really didn't take long for this one to go to a bad place. Nowhere did the OP state that his jacket didn't fit...he said that he doesn't like the feel of a jacket...totally different things.

 

In the OP's defense, it is the regular double standard where it takes many layers for a man to be considered dressed in formalwear (undershirt, shirt, tie keeping us tight around the neck all night, vest or cummerbund and jacket) but a woman can put on a simple black cocktail dress and be considered dressed in formalwear. I've said it before and will say it again...women have it much easier than men when it comes to being considered dressed in formalwear. Don't get me wrong...I love getting all dressed up "to the nines"...but it can prove to be a hassle sometimes.

 

Off my soapbox now...SORRY!!

 

I do, however, agree about the tux rental. Even though we own our tuxes, we have found that using the rental service is much more convenient than having to pack our own. When we do that, we do take along our own "accessories" such as our own ties/cummerbunds/vests to add our own touch to the rental.

 

Loosen your tie and you won't be too cranky. (Or buy shirts with a larger neck size--it might be the collar, not the tie that's too tight) Yes, men wear more layers, but your clothing is easier to pack. The reason many women go the "little black dress" route is that it packs well. I have seen many pretty dresses that I know would be a packing disaster, so I've not bought them.

 

And here's one way men's clothing is more comfortable than women's: shoes. It is possible for women to get comfy dress shoes, but it takes a lot of hunting to find them.

 

In defense of Aunty Pat, the OP did say "dust off" the jacket, which made it sound like it might be old. Newer fabrics are more comfortable.

[djhsolara]

Loosen your tie and you won't be too cranky. (Or buy shirts with a larger neck size--it might be the collar, not the tie that's too tight).

 

Thanks for the advice but I'm well aware of my neck size and the proper size of a shirt...and have never had a cranky time on any ship or anywhere I've been. :( :(

[3rdGenCunarder]

Thanks for the advice but I'm well aware of my neck size and the proper size of a shirt...and have never had a cranky time on any ship or anywhere I've been. :( :(

 

Sorry, you did say your tie was too tight. ("...tie keeping us tight around the neck all night...")

 

DH had to wear a tie to work every day and he says they're not uncomfortable. He doesn't find the bow ties for his tux uncomfortable, either.

[djhsolara]

Sorry, you did say your tie was too tight. ("...tie keeping us tight around the neck all night...")

 

DH had to wear a tie to work every day and he says they're not uncomfortable. He doesn't find the bow ties for his tux uncomfortable, either.

 

I wear a tie daily and I do not find them uncomfortable, but given the preference I would prefer not have something around my neck all night long. And that does not mean that I shouldn't be crusing HAL, so I would appreciate that not being offered as an option.

[CaveDiving]

... it is the regular double standard where it takes many layers for a man to be considered dressed in formalwear (undershirt, shirt, tie keeping us tight around the neck all night, vest or cummerbund and jacket) but a woman can put on a simple black cocktail dress and be considered dressed in formalwear. I've said it before and will say it again...women have it much easier than men when it comes to being considered dressed in formalwear. Don't get me wrong...I love getting all dressed up "to the nines"...but it can prove to be a hassle sometimes.

.

 

Hi Douglas,

 

You have got to be kidding me! Make up, stockings, underware, heels, dress, jewelry, etc.

 

I always wear a tux at formal dinners but DH goes to a whole lot more trouble to get dressed for a formal dinner. And I love that she does it.

 

Scott & Karen

[djhsolara]

To the OP...obviously as you can see, dress code is something that people can be very passionate about.

 

As you asked, is a jacket required for formal nights? If you read what HAL says, it does not say that a jacket is required, but rather suggested. If you are planning on eating in the MDR, you may feel more comfortable if you wear a jacket...on all of our sailings I will say that most gentlemen that we have seen do wear jackets. I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with wearing a shirt and tie, but you may feel out of place.

 

Honestly, it is what makes you comfortable, both in what you are wearing and in your surroundings. Dress within the guidelines but be comfortable and have fun!! :) :)

[JDinWA]

I've never really understood ties. They have no functional purpose.

 

I agree with djhsolara that women have it easier but for a different reason: women have much more flexibility and choice in achieving an acceptable "formal" appearance. I think men's options are much more limited.

[Gotta Go Cruisin]

I am a previous NCL and Carnival cruiser looking for more relaxed and upscale cruise experience. We are now confirmed on the Nov 27 Eurodam sailing. I have not sailed on a line like HAL and am wondering about dress code.

 

We always dress nice, with dress pants, collared shirt, dresses etc etc. My only concern will be formal nights. Is a suit jacket mandatory. I really dislike the feel of suit jackets, but do wear tie, collared long sleeve dress shirt, pants and shoes. Will this suffice for the formal night, or will I have to dust off the dreaded suit jacket? I want to make sure I am not going to be an eye sore for those other cruisers. I am leaving Carnival due to the type of clients they have sailing with them.

 

Thanks

Nick

 

Sorry Nick, the Suit Coat or Tux is required for the MDR for formal night. That's "da code" :D Works well for those who like dressing up, not so good for the rest of us. :( Enjoy... whatever you decide.

[Hwy101A]

lido trays

[Hwy101A]

And we only wear a tux for weddings, so we are probably going to do the tamarind or room service for formal nights. aye

 

http://fashion.about.com/cs/menstips/l/blaskmen.htm

 

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pan-asian-cuisine-showcased-at-holland-america-lines-new-tamarind-restaurant-57556422.html

[RevNeal]

And we only wear a tux for weddings, so we are probably going to do the tamarind or room service for formal nights. aye

 

http://fashion.about.com/cs/menstips/l/blaskmen.htm

 

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pan-asian-cuisine-showcased-at-holland-america-lines-new-tamarind-restaurant-57556422.html

 

Gentlemen can be attired according to the requested dress for the Formal Evenings if they wear slacks, dress shirt, tie, and jacket.

A Tuxedo, while suggested and preferred by some men, is not required by the Line. Many men wear also wear business suits rather than Tuxedos. Personally, I like my Tux ... it's easy, fun, different from my normal dress-up attire, fits me well, and -- hey -- people tell me I look good in it. :) But a guy does not have to wear one on Formal Nights if he doesn't want to.

[RevNeal]

I've never really understood ties. They have no functional purpose.

 

They provide color and point toward the gentleman's face.

Personally, I dislike them. Thankfully, I don't have to wear them for my work. :D One of the nice things about clericals is that, if worn appropriately, they stand away from one's throat and do not choke. Of course, the same is true for a dress shirt and tie ... if worn appropriately, they should not choke. Most guys dislike ties because they've never really been shown how to buy appropriately sized dress shirts or tie a half-windsor, Pratt, or 4-in-Hand knot so as to not strangle themselves.

[Jade13]

You can wear a jacket to the MDR and take it off once seated.

[sapper1]

I am a previous NCL and Carnival cruiser looking for more relaxed and upscale cruise experience. We are now confirmed on the Nov 27 Eurodam sailing. I have not sailed on a line like HAL and am wondering about dress code.

 

We always dress nice, with dress pants, collared shirt, dresses etc etc. My only concern will be formal nights. Is a suit jacket mandatory. I really dislike the feel of suit jackets, but do wear tie, collared long sleeve dress shirt, pants and shoes. Will this suffice for the formal night, or will I have to dust off the dreaded suit jacket? I want to make sure I am not going to be an eye sore for those other cruisers. I am leaving Carnival due to the type of clients they have sailing with them.

 

Thanks

Nick

A jacket and tie go hand in hand with the more upscale experience you are looking for. It's a no brainer.:)

[terigo]

My husband has a shirt that looks like this... it's a mandarin collar.

very dressy, and no tie required... just a stud button.

 

[3rdGenCunarder]

They provide color and point toward the gentleman's face.

Personally, I dislike them. Thankfully, I don't have to wear them for my work. :D One of the nice things about clericals is that, if worn appropriately, they stand away from one's throat and do not choke. Of course, the same is true for a dress shirt and tie ... if worn appropriately, they should not choke. Most guys dislike ties because they've never really been shown how to buy appropriately sized dress shirts or tie a half-windsor, Pratt, or 4-in-Hand knot so as to not strangle themselves.

 

I agree. (And got smacked around for saying so)

 

The only menswear I've seen that looked truly uncomfortable were my BIL's navy dress whites with the "choker collar." But he did look good. A couple of girls in the casino ran over to him and said "Oooh, are you an officer can we take our picture with you?" In the time it took for them to say that, two of them stood on either side of him and a third took their picture. They were gone before he could explain that he was not one of the ship's officers.

[HeatherInFlorida]

For the OP ... my husband always wore a suit or tux formal nights, but now he has eased up on himself and wears a navy blazer with white shirt and tie (and of course grey or tan slacks). He looks wonderful.

 

 

Thanks for the advice but I'm well aware of my neck size and the proper size of a shirt...and have never had a cranky time on any ship or anywhere I've been. :( :(

 

You accused Aunty Pat of taking the thread to a "bad place" which I didn't think her comment did at all ... she was merely suggesting that maybe the jacket was uncomfortable because of fit. Her post was very polite and helpful imo.

 

this post, however, in response to 3rdGenCunarder not so nice. Again, merely a suggestion that the collar might be uncomfortable simply because of the size.

 

I agree. (And got smacked around for saying so)

 

The only menswear I've seen that looked truly uncomfortable were my BIL's navy dress whites with the "choker collar." But he did look good. A couple of girls in the casino ran over to him and said "Oooh, are you an officer can we take our picture with you?" In the time it took for them to say that, two of them stood on either side of him and a third took their picture. They were gone before he could explain that he was not one of the ship's officers.

 

Oh no!!!!!:eek: They took a photo with your BIL who was NOT an officer? What a worthless shot;) (at least perhaps in some people's eyes:))

 

As for me, the girls went home with a beautiful picture of themselves with an obviously attractive man who wasn't being paid for the shot .... nothing wrong with that!!!

[slotl]

I have been having a hard time getting the HAL website to load since the weekend. Thanks for posting that. Looks like the suit jacket is coming out!

 

Thanks

Nick

 

Nick, I have been traveling on HAL since 1969 and have experienced the changes first-hand. We now travel mostly on cruises longer than 20 days (Prinsendam, Rotterdam VI, Amsterdam, and Volendam).

 

In by-gone years, HAL had 3 levels of dress FOR DINNER:

1. Formal

2. Informal

3. Casual

 

Let me start with lunch and breakfast in the dining room (not lido buffet). No swim suits, but shorts, t-shirts are allowed.

 

Dinner. On formal nights, I used to bring a very fancy dress. Now I bring a nice blouse and pants. My hubby used to wear a tux, now he brings a business suit.

 

Informal nights have been eliminated. The "old" dress code was suits and ties for men and women would wear a "nice" dress (not fancy, but nice).

 

Now most nights are casual. My hubby wears a golf shirt (collared) and dockers. I wear a blouse and long pants. NO JEANS (although many people do try and are successful).

 

Hope this helps.

[3rdGenCunarder]

<snip>

Oh no!!!!!:eek: They took a photo with your BIL who was NOT an officer? What a worthless shot;) (at least perhaps in some people's eyes:))

 

As for me, the girls went home with a beautiful picture of themselves with an obviously attractive man who wasn't being paid for the shot .... nothing wrong with that!!!

 

Thanks for the supportive comments. We're still teasing my BIL about that picture. We didn't have time to say anything, they were there and gone that fast. BIL did look good. He'd only been retired a year at that point. Alas, he couldn't get into the dress whites now. But who am I to comment, I can't wear the dress I had on that night now, either. ;)

[ironin]

A Clip-on tie :eek: is a always an alternative for those who feel bothered or uncomfortable with a traditional tie.