Holland America Formal Night Dress Code

[cavecreekguy]

ghjcmo, this thread hasn't been too bad, but sometimes you really need to ignore people on this board. They can sometimes be very rude.

 

For example, a couple weeks ago on one of these dress code threads, I posted that I was tired of lugging the whole tux and all the associated paraphernalia on vacation. When I said I prefer a blazer and tie, another poster felt it was appropriate to label me as "lazy." But a blazer and tie are perfectly acceptable to HAL. So whatevs...

 

And I think you asked, but I didn't see the answer, about dress code after dinner. On my Alaska HAL cruises, I was amazed at how quickly people managed to get to their cabins to change back into more casual clothes after dinner. I've heard different markets may be different in this respect. But the dress code seems to only be enforced in the MDR.

[qsuzi]

ghjcmo, this thread hasn't been too bad, but sometimes you really need to ignore people on this board. They can sometimes be very rude.

 

For example, a couple weeks ago on one of these dress code threads, I posted that I was tired of lugging the whole tux and all the associated paraphernalia on vacation. When I said I prefer a blazer and tie, another poster felt it was appropriate to label me as "lazy." But a blazer and tie are perfectly acceptable to HAL. So whatevs...

 

And I think you asked, but I didn't see the answer, about dress code after dinner. On my Alaska HAL cruises, I was amazed at how quickly people managed to get to their cabins to change back into more casual clothes after dinner. I've heard different markets may be different in this respect. But the dress code seems to only be enforced in the MDR.

 

Thank you for posting this Cavecreekguy

[Crew News]

 

And I think you asked, but I didn't see the answer, about dress code after dinner. On my Alaska HAL cruises, I was amazed at how quickly people managed to get to their cabins to change back into more casual clothes after dinner. I've heard different markets may be different in this respect. But the dress code seems to only be enforced in the MDR.

 

With the exception of eating dinner in the Lido Restaurant, I wear a sports jacket for every evening meal. I don't expect others to do the same.

 

I agree that the Formal Night dress code is only enforced in the MDR. Expecting those without a jacket and tie to not be visible in the elevators, Show Room, movie theater, Shops, indoor pool area, casino, aft Lido smoking area, etc is unrealistic and affecting much anticipated revenue.

 

As you stated, my observation is also that formal attire disappears as soon as dinner is completed.

 

Although there must have been at least one somewhere, I have never seen a tuxedo in the movie theater in my very frequent visits on Formal Nights. At least in the Caribbean, passengers wearing shorts coexist with those few wearing tuxedos in all of the common areas of the ship after each MDR seating. In Alaska, tuxedo- and suit-adorned passengers also coexist with flannel shirts and jeans-attired passengers.

[Tante Amalie]

I have to agree with the statements about not taking the commentary on this thread too seriously. I suspect that 95+% of HAL passengers are very laissez faire with regards to dress codes. This board seems to attract that small vocal minority who are hung up on the issue.

 

Don't let worries about how others might feel about your apparel choices detract from your cruise experience. If they want to let these petty issues ruin their cruise, so be it. Don't get caught up in the nonsense. Dress the way you feel is appropriate. You might even give the people with too much time on their hands something to talk about.

 

I especially get a kick out the comments about the "non-compliant" people being self-centered and all about ME ME ME. I guess the holier-than-thou types fail to see the irony in their own comments. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

[Lizzie68]

It has to be said that Cruise Critic members make up maybe 2% of cruisers. Take everything with a pinch of salt. This is not the gospel of cruising.

[ithaca gal]

[quote name=tip;45733754

 

I am always perplexed when it is stated that those who do not care for the current dress suggestions should avail themselves of cruising with another line. Maybe those who are so distressed and concern themselves with what others are wearing should consider cruising another line' date=' perhaps Cunard?[/quote]

 

I'm afraid I don't see the logic in your tongue-in-cheek (?) comment. Those of us who suggest that those who do not care for the suggested attire on formal nights on HAL switch to cruiselines that do not require "dressing up" are happy to follow the suggestions on our favorite ships. If we are following the suggestions that we know about and are completely satisfied with, why should *we* consider cruising another like -- whether it is Cunard or not?

 

Shouldn't those who do NOT like a cruiseline's rules/suggestions consider another cruiseline whose rules/suggestions are more in line with the ones who are looking for ways to get around the suggestions that make the vast majority happy? Just asking.

[esimon]

absolutely Ithaca girl - I went to Ithaca college - a few years ago lol -- bet its cold there

[esimon]

I have to agree with the statements about not taking the commentary on this thread too seriously. I suspect that 95+% of HAL passengers are very laissez faire with regards to dress codes. This board seems to attract that small vocal minority who are hung up on the issue.

 

Don't let worries about how others might feel about your apparel choices detract from your cruise experience. If they want to let these petty issues ruin their cruise, so be it. Don't get caught up in the nonsense. Dress the way you feel is appropriate. You might even give the people with too much time on their hands something to talk about.

 

I especially get a kick out the comments about the "non-compliant" people being self-centered and all about ME ME ME. I guess the holier-than-thou types fail to see the irony in their own comments. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

 

Those of use who Like the dress code didn''t make it up -- We just follow it - not the pot calling the kettle black -- the group following the suggestions -- Its not like people walk around talking about the underdressed - and after dinner I don't care -

Many of us have said if you don't like the suggestions - go where you do like the suggestions - get off your I don't follow the rules and you can't make me high horse -

Wear what you want wear you want - don't complain if some one says something and enjoy your cruise

 

I will enjoy mine

[Waverolling]

Now tell me would black dress pants and a grey dressy sports jacket, shirt and tie work or would that be frowned on. On our last cruise I did rent a tux for my DH but this time around thought he could get away with the above. We will be on a transatlantic cruise this fall which is our first HAL cruise. Our cruise experience is very limited.

 

I most certainly want to dress up and my choices will be acceptable in my eyes. I do know right from wrong in that department, I think. For me (more than my DH) this will be part of the enjoyment of the cruise. He will look spiffy tux or no tux I can vouch for that. I guess renting is still an option if need be.

Edited February 25, 2015 by Waverolling

[taxmantoo]

Now tell me would black dress pants and a grey dressy sports jacket, shirt and tie work or would that be frowned on. On our last cruise I did rent a tux for my DH but this time around thought he could get away with the above. We will be on a transatlantic cruise this fall which is our first HAL cruise. Our cruise experience is very limited.

 

I most certainly want to dress up and my choices will be acceptable in my eyes. I do know right from wrong in that department, I think. For me (more than my DH) this will be part of the enjoyment of the cruise. He will look spiffy tux or no tux I can vouch for that. I guess renting is still an option if need be.

 

What you describe is well within the HAL recommended guidelines and would be quite acceptable. You might find that a few more people will be wearing tuxes on a Transatlantic than on a Caribbean or Alaskan cruise.

[RevNeal]

Thanks Joanie. I appreciate that. I just booked my cruise last night (and paid in full) so I've gone from being thrilled to wondering if I had made a terrible mistake. I think I need to avoid this thread for my own mental health. LOL

 

You've not made a terrible mistake. The Noordam is a lovely ship, the crew is excellent, the itineraries she sails are very nice ... her 10-day cruises are superb. I was aboard her for her inaugural cruise out of New York (February 22 -- March 4, 2006), and have been aboard her 4 times since for a total of 58 days.

 

I enjoy formal nights, however they are not for everyone. The Holland America Line has set an easy-to-follow dress code that doesn't require suits or tuxedos for gentlemen ... slacks, button-down shirts, a tie, and a sports jacket are perfectly fine for gentlemen on Formal Nights. And, if packing-space is an issue, one can always wear the jacket on the plane. I always bring a Tuxedo for Formal Nights, however I also bring a sports jacket for some of the smart casual nights ... and to get it to the ship without having to pack it, I'll wear it on the plane.

 

For those who simply don't want to participate in Formal Night, excellent dinners in a nice, yet casual, setting are available in the Lido Restaurant. On Formal Nights the MDR is often specially dressed with covers on the chairs and extra-elegant table settings ... and sitting in such an environment, surrounded by men in suits or tuxedos and ladies in dresses or elegant pantsuits, can sometimes make some people feel a little bit conspicuous. For those, as well as for those who just don't want to be bothered by it, the Lido Restaurant is a superb option.

 

I hope you have a great time on the Noordam!

[ithaca gal]

You've not made a terrible mistake. The Noordam is a lovely ship, the crew is excellent, the itineraries she sails are very nice ... her 10-day cruises are superb. I was aboard her for her inaugural cruise out of New York (February 22 -- March 4, 2006), and have been aboard her 4 times since for a total of 58 days.

 

I enjoy formal nights, however they are not for everyone. The Holland America Line has set an easy-to-follow dress code that doesn't require suits or tuxedos for gentlemen ... slacks, button-down shirts, a tie, and a sports jacket are perfectly fine for gentlemen on Formal Nights. And, if packing-space is an issue, one can always wear the jacket on the plane. I always bring a Tuxedo for Formal Nights, however I also bring a sports jacket for some of the smart casual nights ... and to get it to the ship without having to pack it, I'll wear it on the plane.

 

For those who simply don't want to participate in Formal Night, excellent dinners in a nice, yet casual, setting are available in the Lido Restaurant. On Formal Nights the MDR is often specially dressed with covers on the chairs and extra-elegant table settings ... and sitting in such an environment, surrounded by men in suits or tuxedos and ladies in dresses or elegant pantsuits, can sometimes make some people feel a little bit conspicuous. For those, as well as for those who just don't want to be bothered by it, the Lido Restaurant is a superb option.

 

I hope you have a great time on the Noordam!

 

Everything that needs to be said is contained in this post. Thanks, Rev. Neal!

[ithaca gal]

absolutely Ithaca girl - I went to Ithaca college - a few years ago lol -- bet its cold there

 

And I'm originally from Ohio!

[serendipity1499]

What is so funny to me is: This thread was started over 2 1/2 years ago (in 2012) & we all are still arguing for & against HAL's Dress code!

 

LOL :D:D:D:D:D

Edited February 26, 2015 by serendipity1499

[The-Inside-Cabin]

After reviewing many threads on this subject on many lines - I have learned that they all follow a similar path....

 

OP inquires about dress code

 

After receiving factual answers - OP asks if something less than the requirement will be acceptable offering one or all of following reasons for non compliance.

1) I am on vacation and don't want to wear a tie

2) formal clothes are uncomfortable

3) airline baggage charges - no room in baggage

 

Then the OP engages into debate with posters about the validity, and possible workarounds of the above and then some general discussion about the merits of the reasons for non compliance...

 

Now the discussion will enter the last phase titled:

 

"How does my dress affect your cruise".

 

This will begin the lively final phase as everyone will chime in with their opinions - changing no ones mind - and hopefully not getting anyone too offended in the process.....

 

In conclusion someone will summarize the dress code, remind all of other options and wish everyone happy cruising....

 

Fade to black until it starts again...

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Edited February 27, 2015 by Pete and Judy

[ghjcmo]

What is so funny to me is: This thread was started over 2 1/2 years ago (in 2012) & we all are still arguing for & against HAL's Dress code!

 

LOL :D:D:D:D:D

 

Well I'm afraid that's my fault. I read HALs code on their website, but frankly ALL cruise lines say pretty much the same thing, but don't really enforce it I think I saw someone turned away for wearing a t-shirt and shorts on formal night, but nobody was turned away for no jacket and tie. Then I had read in this thread that different HAL ships have different "guidelines" so I was trying to find someone with specific experience on a specific ship.

 

I was ill prepared for the response it generated and the attitudes shown.

[ghjcmo]

Please please don't judge HAL by your experience on this thread. The tone of some of what has been said is not helpful or positive.

 

Thanks, I appreciate that. But imagine my shock when the VERY FIRST reply to my question (which apparently has since been deleted) was basically, "go away, we don't want you there."

 

I know HAL has changed over the years. When I first sailed with them in 2000, they were proud of their "No tipping required" policy. Now I see that like the other lines, they just automatically add the tips to your onboard account. So I guess I had incorrectly thought maybe they had changed their dress code too.

 

So that was my mistake.

[ghjcmo]

In Alaska, tuxedo- and suit-adorned passengers also coexist with flannel shirts and jeans-attired passengers.

 

But, but, but . . . that can't be. I as assured in this thread that kind of mixed attire would quite likely cause the ship to implode!

 

/end sarcasm. :p

[Crew News]

But, but, but . . . that can't be. I as assured in this thread that kind of mixed attire would quite likely cause the ship to implode!

 

/end sarcasm. :p

 

Anonymous CC posturing and bravado here tend to not be present when sitting only a few feet apart at a shipboard bar. When you cannot pick your table mates at anytime dining, passengers just seem to get along.

[cavecreekguy]

A jacket and tie (and slacks) is all that's required if you want to go to the MDR on a "formal night." In spite of what others may say about how they don't think that's "formal" enough.

 

Personally, I don't care for the MDR so I don't go there. But I still like to throw on a jacket or blazer in the evening.

 

On my last 7 night Alaska cruise, on the last night I threw my blazer on before I went to happy hour to just have another layer. Two people asked me why I was so dressed up and was it a formal night. LOL.

[ghjcmo]

Personally, I don't care for the MDR so I don't go there.

 

Well as a single cruiser, I do enjoy getting together with the same table mates each night. I hate giving up a couple of nights because heaven forbid I'm not wearing a jacket and a tie, but so be it.

 

I'm LOLing at myself though for being such an idiot. For some reason way back in 2000 and 2002 it seemed I had no problem squeezing in a suit, and if I recall correctly, way back then they had "informal" nights too where I probably wore a sport coat. (I was dating a gal back then and she made me dress up, LOL) but Lord I can't seem to find the same room in luggage these days. Guess I've lost the knack for packing. LOL

Edited March 2, 2015 by ghjcmo

[cavecreekguy]

I'm going to wear my jacket on the plane. Along with dress shoes (easy to slip off in security). The tie will be in my luggage. Easy peasy.

[ghjcmo]

I'm going to wear my jacket on the plane. Along with dress shoes (easy to slip off in security). The tie will be in my luggage. Easy peasy.

 

Kind of depending upon the weather when I leave (and when I land) I might do the same. It's always kind of a pain of managing a jacket/coat when flying from cold weather to warm weather so that might be the solution.

[ghjcmo]

Anonymous CC posturing and bravado here tend to not be present when sitting only a few feet apart at a shipboard bar. When you cannot pick your table mates at anytime dining, passengers just seem to get along.

 

Good point, and I should known that. That's quite common on internet bulletin boards and I've yet to find one where that doesn't occur. It happens every where. Someone will say they like something a certain way and then proceed to tell everyone else why they MUST also feel the same way. It can be quite comical if you don't let yourself get sucked in. Whether it be a certain TV show, a video game, a football team, or how to dress on a cruise ship, the same patterns always emerge.

 

Upon reflection, after getting over my initial :eek: reaction to some of the responses here, I actually find this whole discussion rather amusing. In particular, those arguing strenuously for strict adherence to the formal code often follow that closely by stating they won't let what others wear affect their cruise.

 

For the record, I never one time suggested to ANYONE that they NOT dress formally. I was asking FOR ME and what the specific guidelines were for the Noordam. Someone answered that question, and now I know, and I'll make the decision FOR ME if I want to skip the MDR on formal nights or not. For those of you who really enjoy dressing formally, I'm ABSOLUTELY NOT in favor of any policy that doesn't allow you to do that. But I think despite your protestations to the contrary, you give too much control to other people over your own enjoyment.

[cruz chic]

ghjcmo, this thread hasn't been too bad, but sometimes you really need to ignore people on this board. They can sometimes be very rude.

 

For example, a couple weeks ago on one of these dress code threads, I posted that I was tired of lugging the whole tux and all the associated paraphernalia on vacation. When I said I prefer a blazer and tie, another poster felt it was appropriate to label me as "lazy." But a blazer and tie are perfectly acceptable to HAL. So whatevs...

 

And I think you asked, but I didn't see the answer, about dress code after dinner. On my Alaska HAL cruises, I was amazed at how quickly people managed to get to their cabins to change back into more casual clothes after dinner. I've heard different markets may be different in this respect. But the dress code seems to only be enforced in the MDR.

Why would someone call you lazy for that? It totally meets the code. I'd love to see that post.