Why is Dress Code Only Adhered To In The Dining Room...???

[tinkerfenwick]

We have just returned from out 1st HAL cruise and was rather disappointed at the lack of other guests who actually wore DJ’s or TUX during formal nights.

We understand that this is probably due to baggage allowance restrictions imposed by many airlines – this we can accept – and in the dining room, guests still looked smart and men worse shirt/ties.

However, what aggravates me is that it only seems to be the main dining room which adheres to the dress code.

After formal dinner, we usually went into the Queens Lounge to enjoy the fabulous HALCATs and used to end up dancing next couples in denim & trainers or even worse tracksuit & croc style shoes, clothing which I would not even consider to be appropriate for ‘smart casual’….! I felt I was on an NCL freestyle rather than HAL. Not a pretty sight on photos to show friends and family when we are all dressed up and in the background all you see is tracksuits, jeans and trainers...

So – why is it just the dining room which seems to adhere to the dress code…???

[tip]

That's right! The "unwashed" should be confined to their cabins if they do not wear a jacket or a tux on formal nights!:rolleyes:

[kazu]

people who eat in the Lido can dress casual. They do not need to dress up;)

 

While HAL suggests that the dress code be respected throughout the ship, those who did not dress up for dinner are hardly going to dress up to see a show.

 

Just the same, they should be in a nice smart casual:rolleyes:

[1 HappyCruiser]

It sound to me like it's just part of the new types of people cruising who are more accustomed to casual attire. With different parts of the ships not requiring formal clothing it becomes an impossible rule to make people adhere to.

I'm still glad to hear they don't enforce formal clothing outside the dining room- it makes for a much more relaxed vacation.

[Winters in NZ]

That's right! The "unwashed" should be confined to their cabins if they do not wear a jacket or a tux on formal nights!:rolleyes:

 

HAL to introduce new concept...Barge Class.

[sandthrush]

Plain and simple, a cruise line (any cruise line) is a business, not an exclusive country club. If you don’t fill the ships and sell extras like drinks, etc. , you won’t be in business very long. Make the rules too strict and people will stop going on that particular cruise line. Tell people they can't frequent any of the clubs or other areas of the ship, because they aren't dressed properly and you will loose revenue for that night. It's real easy to say "Well those people that don't want to adhere to the dress code should just go on....", but that's not dealing with reality. I imagine the cruise lines are playing a constant balancing act, trying to keep the majority of the passengers happy.

[catl331]

Well, there is also "Bathrobe Class!".

 

If I dress up for dinner, I get a little perturbed in the casino or showroom sitting next to someone with cutoff denims and a teeshirt. I guess if that person has a few drinks in front of him, his attire doesn't matter to the HAL clothing patrol.

 

I keep saying over and over "HAL is in business and needs to make money so they can turn the other way at little things". $$$$

[3rdGenCunarder]

We have just returned from out 1st HAL cruise and was rather disappointed at the lack of other guests who actually wore DJ’s or TUX during formal nights.

 

We understand that this is probably due to baggage allowance restrictions imposed by many airlines – this we can accept – and in the dining room, guests still looked smart and men worse shirt/ties.

 

However, what aggravates me is that it only seems to be the main dining room which adheres to the dress code.

 

After formal dinner, we usually went into the Queens Lounge to enjoy the fabulous HALCATs and used to end up dancing next couples in denim & trainers or even worse tracksuit & croc style shoes, clothing which I would not even consider to be appropriate for ‘smart casual’….! I felt I was on an NCL freestyle rather than HAL. Not a pretty sight on photos to show friends and family when we are all dressed up and in the background all you see is tracksuits, jeans and trainers...

 

So – why is it just the dining room which seems to adhere to the dress code…???

 

I understand how you feel. HAL seems to waffle on a number of "rules." On Veendam to Bermuda last year, most people were dressed nicely on formal nights. At the show, we saw a group of people in cargo shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops. They were sprawled on the banquette as if they were home on the sofa watching TV. All they needed was a can of beer and a big bag of chips (crisps) to complete the picture. They looked completely out of place.

 

I have found that when people dress up, their manners improve. And, sadly, the converse is true.

 

I see that you are in the UK. Try Cunard, where formal night still means something.

[Crazy Gramps]

Because HAL is becoming ( if it hasn't already) a mass market line.

 

If you want style and elegance don't use HAL.

There are other choices.

 

Personally I'm having my doubts about the others too.

 

Gramps

[gregdude]

Wake up folks, all the "high end" cruise lines have dropped formal nights completely. It's only the mass market lines that keep it going. Five years from now formal nights will be a long memory and it's about time.

[startwin]

I understand how you feel. HAL seems to waffle on a number of "rules." On Veendam to Bermuda last year, most people were dressed nicely on formal nights. At the show, we saw a group of people in cargo shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops. They were sprawled on the banquette as if they were home on the sofa watching TV. All they needed was a can of beer and a big bag of chips (crisps) to complete the picture. They looked completely out of place.

 

I have found that when people dress up, their manners improve. And, sadly, the converse is true.

I see that you are in the UK. Try Cunard, where formal night still means something.

 

I am sooo going to disagree with this. With a number of cruises under my belt - and we DO dress for formal night - my experience has been that clothes make not one iota of difference to people who are bad-mannered. Some of the worst offenders have been those dressed to the nines and wearing their bling.

[iancal]

There are a good number of people who dress for dinner and change back into casual later prior to going to show, casino, etc. We used to do that. Now, we just leave our formal togs at home...it is no longer a big deal for us.

 

It looks like this formal environment is declining. If you want it, you may have to spend thousands to join an exclusive club rather than paying the $400-$600. that will get you on a cruise ship for 7 days.

[BruceMuzz]

Having worked on many different cruise ships and lines for the past 30+ years, it is very clear that cruise passengers behave better and spend far more money when they are all dressed up.

On formal nights, the number of domestic disputes and mis-behaving drunks is far lower than on other nights - even though passengers tend to drink more on formal nights.

 

Those reasons alone are worth the trouble to keep formal nights as long as we can.

 

Macys in Manhattan - the largest department store in America - no longer carries formal wear. They told me that Americans have no interest in buying formal wear anymore, so there is no reason to carry it.

 

Unfortunately, if nearly everyone on a cruise insists on dressing like a slob, it does not matter what the cruise line says or does. Ultimately the passengers decide what the rules will really be (if the cruise line wants to stay in business).

[Richie2pies]

We have just returned from out 1st HAL cruise and was rather disappointed at the lack of other guests who actually wore DJ’s or TUX during formal nights.

 

We understand that this is probably due to baggage allowance restrictions imposed by many airlines – this we can accept – and in the dining room, guests still looked smart and men worse shirt/ties.

 

However, what aggravates me is that it only seems to be the main dining room which adheres to the dress code.

 

After formal dinner, we usually went into the Queens Lounge to enjoy the fabulous HALCATs and used to end up dancing next couples in denim & trainers or even worse tracksuit & croc style shoes, clothing which I would not even consider to be appropriate for ‘smart casual’….! I felt I was on an NCL freestyle rather than HAL. Not a pretty sight on photos to show friends and family when we are all dressed up and in the background all you see is tracksuits, jeans and trainers...

 

So – why is it just the dining room which seems to adhere to the dress code…???

 

Get a life! In a few years, there will no longer be formal nights. Will that stop you from cruising?

[1 HappyCruiser]

Unfortunately, if nearly everyone on a cruise insists on dressing like a slob, it does not matter what the cruise line says or does. Ultimately the passengers decide what the rules will really be (if the cruise line wants to stay in business).

 

This part of your statement is the crux of the matter. The cruise line will bend to whatever they feel a large number of the customers want & it doesn't necessarily have to be the majority.

[scopewest]

Am I the only person out there who doesn't notice what you're wearing on a cruise or even care? Ask me what my coworkers were wearing yesterday and I'd say something clean.

[iancal]

I have to agree with scopewest....I don't really care and there are other things that interest me more.

 

I can remember interesting people that we met, conversations etc, and the odd complete boor, but I can certainly not remember what they were wearing.

[Globaliser]

In a few years, there will no longer be formal nights. Will that stop you from cruising?

Speaking for myself: it wouldn't stop me, but it would make it less likely that I would cruise.

 

Cruising is only one of many possible holiday options, and dressing up in a dressed-up environment is one of its attractions.

[SwissMyst]

There are other dress codes around the ship: bathing attire for the pool and spa, certain degree of cover up in the gyms, no pajamas for breakfast, or in the movie theaters, no shirt, no shoes no service in the Lido etc, no clothing optional decks.

 

These are unwritten dress codes, but my guess they would be enforced. Ergo, why the big whoop about asking passengers to dress up for four hours for the two main dining room formal dinner nights if this is where they want to dine than evening?

[Krazy Kruizers]

It is sad to see that HAL doesn't enforce the dress code in all parts of the ship on formal nights.

 

FromIs There A 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.

 

HAL's site:

 

 

 

[SwissMyst]

It is sad to see that HAL doesn't enforce the dress code in all parts of the ship on formal nights.

 

FromIs There A 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.

 

HAL's site:

 

 

 

 

Thanks for posting this, kazu. I would say HAL is still trying to maintain dress standards for certain activities through out the ship and if these are guidelines most if not all adhere to for poolside and gym activities, why the big fuss when they are also expected to support them for the greater enjoyment of all on the two clearly labeled Formal nights? :confused:

[iancal]

If we are not dressed appropriately, we do not attend the MDR on formal eventings.

 

HAL gives options, diners are welcome in the Lido, dressed in casual attire, on formal evenings.

 

When we eat in the Lido, and dress casually, on formal evenings, we certainly attend the shows, casino etc in our casual dress.

 

IF HAL determined that it would enforce formal dress throughout the ship on formal nights I strongly suspect that they would loose a fair amount of business. We would be interested to see the instructions on just how to get from our cabin to the Lido while still following the guidelines about formal dress in all areas of the ship.

 

We would certainly NOT consider HAL if this were the case. Not that we make a difference to HAL's bottom line but I suspect that there are many who have the same opinion and that this number is increasing, not decreasing.

 

HAL has it's eye firmed fixed on the bottom line and the quarterly financial results.

[Opinions]

In order to complement your fellow guests, Holland America Line asks that you observe the suggested dress code throughout the entire evening.

 

So what is the suggested dress code for the Lido on formal nights?..If I follow it for the entire evening as HAL asks will that be correct?

[piscesgal223]

I'm certainly not a slobby dresser-I like shorts and a comfortable(but not hole-y or well worn) shirt. With me, it's a matter of comfort. I'm not going to wear long pants and long sleeves in, say, the Caribbean. I sweat just * thinking* about the idea of that!

 

 

That being said,I have a dress blouse and skirt, and a dress I can wear on the formal nights.I always think I'm underdressed but I can't imagine wearing a ballgown/evening gown the way a lot of women do.

[Oceanwench]

Thanks for posting this, kazu. I would say HAL is still trying to maintain dress standards for certain activities through out the ship and if these are guidelines most if not all adhere to for poolside and gym activities, why the big fuss when they are also expected to support them for the greater enjoyment of all on the two clearly labeled Formal nights? :confused:

 

I think Krazy Kruizers and Kazu are two different people! :eek: