My Formal Night Experience...Again

[vbmom87]

I agree wholeheartedly with Ruth. HAL must deal consistently with these issues. If HAL wants to state in its brochures that informality reigns on the shorter cruises fine. But they must be consistent in turning passengers away from the MDR.

 

I, too, agree. However, HAL obviously doesn't. My TA told us on her HAL ALaska cruise men were allowed in the dining room on formal night in polos and dockers. On our ship you would be turned away if you came to the dining room dressed like that. Yes, consistency would be great. It seems simple, but apparantly HAL can't figure it out.

[Jalex63]

I am new to posting on this forum, but not new to cruising. Personally, after years of carting formal clothes to and from cuise ships, my wife and I have had enough. Life in general is getting more informal and it seems that the cruise ships are about the last hold-outs. BUT, that is fine with us, we remember the days when dressing for dinner was fun, but not for us anymore. So, we pack no formal clothes what-so-ever for cruises and simply enjoy the lido and avoid the lower decks on formal nights.

[Tredebo]

Ive been on cruises where a pax luggage was lost and the crew managed to get a tux for the first formal night. Somewhat suspicious if there's not a hiden agenda here.

Depends on whether the OP was (1) aware he could ask for assistance in this instance, and (2) whether he did ask for said assistance.

[mariner]

He would not have to ask. The crew would be aware and would go out of their way to equip him with clothes to get by until the first port when the bag usually arrives.

[ger_77]

We were in a situation where we didn't get our luggage until the end of the 3rd day (our first port of call). On formal night we didn't even consider going to the dining room, knowing full well what was the expected dress code. We went to the Lido where we had a lovely dinner outside on the back deck, enjoying another couple's company (their luggage was also lost), and making new friends.

 

I honestly don't think the maitre d' should have let the man in with shorts and a shirt - if there's a dress code, it should be enforced. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

Smooth Sailing! :):):)

[vbmom87]

if there's a dress code, it should be enforced. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

Smooth Sailing! :):):)

 

That is the problem. There is a dress code, but it is not enforced. From reading these boards for several years, I have come to the conclusion that there is no intention by HAL to make all ships conform to the dress code.

[Cruising-along]

We were in a situation where we didn't get our luggage until the end of the 3rd day (our first port of call). On formal night we didn't even consider going to the dining room, knowing full well what was the expected dress code. We went to the Lido where we had a lovely dinner outside on the back deck, enjoying another couple's company (their luggage was also lost), and making new friends.

 

I honestly don't think the maitre d' should have let the man in with shorts and a shirt - if there's a dress code, it should be enforced. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

Smooth Sailing! :):):)

 

We would have done the same thing, either eat in the Lido or get room service. I can only imagine how uncomfortable I would feel entering the dining room dressed like that -- on any night. So many other options, just not worth the stares and embarassment IMO. :)

[petrakae]

I actually enjoy the Formal nights as we live a quiet life as retirees, travelling north for our winter with our caravan (Travel trailer to USA), and saving for more cruises. These nights are the only times I can get my husband into a suit, (unless it is for a funeral) and it gives me a chance to 'dress-up'. Bear in mind, that hubby is a wearer of shorts in all seasons and I believe if they brought in suits with short trousers he would be first in line to buy one.:D

[lvz2cruz]

I wonder if the wording of SUGGESTED dress code makes people feel they do not have to follow. If it said REQUIRED dress code, there would be no leeway--dress like this or do not try to enter the MDR.

 

I do think exceptions should be made when your luggage is lost. Some people see the dining experience as a huge part of the cruise experience and should not be penalized when they pack appropriate clothes that are delayed or lost. The people who have no respect for rules have ruined it for those who do.

[lovetocruise2020]

On our OCT 30 sailing of the Eurodam, we met an older couple who LOST EVERYTHING. It had been left at the port. HAL gave them $150 SBC on the 4th day, when they finally admitted it had been left, because they had not found it yet. They only had thier small carry on with meds etc.

They should have found them some formalwear, but didnt. What a shame. Dining is a major part of cruising. If my luggage was lost, I would make them feed me in Tamarind & Canaletto every night! :)

[Randyk47]

I understand there are circumstance where luggage doesn't show up, etc., etc., and certainly accommodations can and should be made for those circumstances. That said I really throw this whole appropriate wear thing back on HAL. Stop waffling HAL! Set the standard. Explain the standard. If necessary highlight the standard. Enforce the standard. Period.

[RedmondCruiser]

Just returned from a 20 day collectors voyage on the Noordam. We had 6 formal nights.

 

1. The tux is dead. There were very few tuxes on the ship. Normally you see more on a Caribbean cruise than an Alaska cruise. In July we were on the Rotterdam and you could count the tuxes on one hand (exageration - but you get the point)

2. Saw no shorts in the main dining room. But we did see a fellow with a tee shirt on formal night. Also many men with open collars and no tie ( same as the old semi-formal nights) The big factor in the death of the tux was the luggage and weight limits imposed by the airline.

I had always enjoyed formal night and own two tuxes and one dinner jacket. Possibly I could have a ceremonial cremation on the front lawn ?

Suprised not to hear the Rev chime in on this subject ?

[Boytjie]

Has $25 for an extra bag really killed the tux? :confused:

 

I find it funny that people will hundreds or thousands of dollars on a cruise vacation and then claim that they just cannot pay $25 more for another piece of luggage.

 

On our most recent cruise in Hawaii (formal night optional on NCLA we didn't pack tuxes). I guess we could have skimped on clothing, worn the same stuff more often and gotten it all in one suitcase each, but the $50 we paid for an extra bag round trip did not deter me - we checked three bags and paid for one of them. $50... about what we each paid to see the USS Bowfin and USS Missouri, or a couple of rounds of Mai Tais. It's vacation...

[Randyk47]

Has $25 for an extra bag really killed the tux? :confused:

 

I find it funny that people will hundreds or thousands of dollars on a cruise vacation and then claim that they just cannot pay $25 more for another piece of luggage.

quote]

 

Actually had the same thought. I know I'll be taking my tux and white dinner jacket in March. If it were to mean, and I'm certain it won't, that I had to take an additional bag then I would. It's important to us and worth the money.

[cruz chic]

Has $25 for an extra bag really killed the tux? :confused:

 

I find it funny that people will hundreds or thousands of dollars on a cruise vacation and then claim that they just cannot pay $25 more for another piece of luggage.

 

On our most recent cruise in Hawaii (formal night optional on NCLA we didn't pack tuxes). I guess we could have skimped on clothing, worn the same stuff more often and gotten it all in one suitcase each, but the $50 we paid for an extra bag round trip did not deter me - we checked three bags and paid for one of them. $50... about what we each paid to see the USS Bowfin and USS Missouri, or a couple of rounds of Mai Tais. It's vacation...

No, that's just a BS excuse IMO not to dress. I'll take as many clothes as I deem required. I have to laugh, I remember people asking if they could put Xmas lights on their balcony. I bet they weren't worried about the weight of those puppies:D.

[kazu]

I have really mixed feelings on this one. I know if our luggage was missing no way would dh go into the dining room in shorts (but he doesn't wear shorts on the plane, anyways). He also hates renting things. He likes his own clothes.

 

However, if the suitcase was truly lost, I don't think the passenger should be chastized. If he has the nerve to walk into the dining room in shorts, more power to him. who knows if HAL offered him an outfit or not or if it fit or if they had his size?

 

i have been to formal nights and seen one pile of tuxes and other cruises where people wore sequined jean outfits (not my idea of formal attire).

 

The point has been made. It's not consistent. We dress appropriately and while we might chuckle at a couple of people that don't (the jean type - please don't flame me), we don't worry about other people are wearing (unless i see a dress I wish I had)

[Boytjie]

No, that's just a BS excuse IMO not to dress. I'll take as many clothes as I deem required. I have to laugh, I remember people asking if they could put Xmas lights on their balcony. I bet they weren't worried about the weight of those puppies:D.

 

 

So true! Or the weight of blenders and irons ;)

 

So people would gladly pay for specialty dining but not an extra suit case?

[Floridiana]

So true! Or the weight of blenders and irons ;)

 

So people would gladly pay for specialty dining but not an extra suit case?

 

They may not be the same people. An extra suitcase may be a hassle not just an expense.

 

When I read these fashion police comments, I feel like I am going to be on the wrong ship.

[Lady Chew]

I think it's perfectly understandable that people get to a certain point in their vacation planning and say "nope, not worth another $25" for whatever it is they want to do, including carrying formal wear.

 

Mr Chew will be wearing a nice blazer, nice slacks, dress shirt & tie for formal night. That way he doesn't have to carry his good shoes ... which are 13 1/2 and weigh several pounds.

 

If we really, really wanted to go all out ... we would happily pay for the extra luggage. Although come to think of it, our cruise in January is two weeks, plus 5 days before & after, so we'll probably need an extra suitcase anyway!! But still not bringing the formal formalwear. We'll be happy in our Smart Casual and I bet we won't raise an eyebrow in the MDR.

 

We just don't think that "formal" on a cruise means the same thing as "formal" at the White House or other galas. Perhaps if they had other special events requiring formalwear on the ship besides dinner, it might have more meaning. But just to wander around the ship, go to a show or to the casino ... for the "atmosphere" ... not worth the effort. For us, anyway. There's plenty of room for everyone!

[suse]

Yikes! This man was having a much bigger problem than formal night. Day three of his 10-day cruise and no clothes and no suitcase?:eek: Might have been time to do some onboard shopping. Hope he had baggage insurance.

Just a suggestion for HAL. Maybe it would be prudent to sell underwear onboard for these situations. Imagine going days without clean tidy whites. How bleak.