Why not redefine "formal"?

[LAFFNVEGAS]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ron46936:

I asked the question on the Princess board regarding formal nights. The reply I got (which is consistent with their brochure) is that Princess is basically the same as HAL for dress. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

ron46936, I was just wondering when you asked this question on the Princess Board? I seached the Princess Board and could not find such question. I also did a search of your recent posts and went back over a year and could not find it. I was just interested in reading the reponses.

 

Lisa L

 

Monarch of the Seas-March 2002 West. Carib.

MS Zuiderdam-April 2003 East.Carib.

Monarch of the Seas-December 2003 Baja Mexico

MS Oosterdam-May 2004 Alaska

 

Till we set sail on the MS Ryndam-Sea of Cortez-November 2004

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Till We set sail on the MS Westerdam-Western Caribbean March 2005

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[user8]

I just got off the Statendam and we had two formal evenings. I wore my tux the first night and felt out of place as there were so few other men wearing them. I opted for a coat and tie the second formal night and was definitely with the majority- at least for the 6:15 dining time. I did not see a single tux in the dining room except for the staff people.

 

As for comfort, I was much more comfortable in the coat and tie than I was in my tux. My tux shirt has a higher, stiff collar which bothers me, perhaps because I wear a tux shirt so seldom.

[OCruisers]

Formal clothes do NOT have to be uncomfortable!!!!!

 

Why people don't make absolutely sure their formal clothes fit comfortably before going on a cruise is beyond me!

 

My DH has no problem with his tux because it fits him (with a bit of room to spare so it will still fit by the end of the cruise )!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I do the same not only with FORMAL ... but, also EVERYTHING I take on a cruise. If an outfit is even the least bit snug, it doesn't get to go cruising!

 

We are equally as comfortable in our clothes/shoes for formal nights as we are on casual nights!

 

Didn't mean to go on-and-on!

 

Happy Sailing!

[sail7seas]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by _I did not see a single tux in the dining room except for the staff people._

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

 

You may not have noticed others in tuxedos but it would be the first cruise in modern day history of HAL that no male pax were wearing a tux.

 

As to "staff people".....MOST wear uniforms.

 

 

As to 90 degrees..... Thankfully, modern day ships are air conditioned.

 

<img src=http://domania.us/DaveEdwards/HALlogo.gif>

 

 

 

 

[digby]

It seems that most of the posters who love to see the men in a tux are WOMEN! Of course they can arrive near naked from the boobs up while the men have several layers of cloth between their skin and the air -- tee shirt, white STARCHED shirt, silk tie, vest and finally a wool jacket! Try it! The obvious answer is to allow everyone to wear what they want to from resort casual to formal. No one will explain why what I wear should have any influence on how you enjoy yourself.

[sail7seas]

Ambience, Digby.....ambience; mood; setting; atmosphere.

 

<img src=http://domania.us/DaveEdwards/HALlogo.gif>

 

 

 

 

[user8]

Sail,

 

I didn't believe it either but I didn't see anyone in a tux on the second formal night. As a result, I am seriously considering leaving the tux at home next month when we sail on the Rotterdam.

[Randyk47]

Oh well....to each his own. I'm taking my tux, it fits, the shirts fit and I like it. That's my call I guess. On informal nights I will wear a sports coat, shirt and tie. Again, that's my choice.

 

Until Galaxy

 

 

[LizB1]

user8...if you are going on the Rotterdam next month either to or in Europe I am sure you will see many a gentleman in a tux. Those cruises are somewhat more formal than the Caribbean cruises most often. Hope you don't leave your tux at home!

[Lisa63]

I agree that formal does not have to be uncomfortable. For instance, I will often wear low-heeled shoes under my gown -- and I get clothing that fits properly.

 

I also agree that it is different for the gentlemen. Last year, we were on a ship that had four, consecutive formal nights. On the third night, DH contemplated wearing a suit instead of a tuxedo. He found the cumberbun to be uncomfortable. I suggested he omit it, and he was fine.

 

Our son's tuxedo, which we rented, came with a vest. That's a great alternative, and one that my husband is considering for himself.

 

 

Lisa63

Looking forward to Maasdam Canada/New England 2004

[Guest]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> As has been written on this board a million (or more) times.....they can wear a pair of silk/satin evening pants and a beaded or jeweled or dressy top of some sort, put on a dressy shoe and maybe a pretty earring and they'd be dressed appropriately.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>The HAL dress code says"On festive formal evenings women usually wear cocktail dresses or gowns..."So men must follow the suggested dress but the ladies can decide what is appropriate.

[sail7seas]

Slacks have become a regular part of a lady's wardrobe. Most people who live in North America are aware that women wear slacks in all sorts of settings today. There are yoga pants, there are jeans, there are fine garbadine, woolens, knits and, indeed, there are even lady's tuxedos. Ever watch Hollywood awards shows?

 

If the gents wish to wear cocktail dresses or gowns, I guess things could get a little wild.

 

<img src=http://domania.us/DaveEdwards/HALlogo.gif>

[Guest]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Slacks have become a regular part of a lady's wardrobe. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I agree..So let's have HAL update their dress code so it reflects what people really wear in the 21st. century.

[cruisinjudy]

S7S,

We did have a gentleman wearing a gown on formal night on Infinity last year.

[ryansmemom]

Good Evening Everyone,

 

FYI: Here is a link to a site that will give you everything your ever wanted to know about the tuxedo. And probably some stuff you didn't want to know,too. However it is interesting. At least as we discuss this over and over again we will all be very well educated. It is interesting.

 

Tuxedo

 

Linda

 

Thanks for listening

[superstein61]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by annebill:
You are a man after my own heart, Superstein61. Do you think we two could start a trend ? Off hand, I don't know just where to find one but have seen them in various catalogs. I have also seen them in a Steinmart.The other thread seemed to be getting some terribly upset, so thought I'd try something in a lighter vein.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks !!! Not sure if we could start a trend, but I would love to try !!!

[superstein61]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by OCruisers:
_Formal clothes do NOT have to be uncomfortable!!!!!_ [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif[/img]

Why people don't make absolutely sure their formal clothes _fit comfortably _ before going on a cruise is beyond me! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img]
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sorry - but my formal clothes can fit me perfectly, just like they are freshly tailored, and tha still doesn't make them comfortable.

Sorry, but no way you can tell me that wearing a tie, collared shirt and a jacket is more comfortable than an open necked shirt.

[superstein61]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by digby:
It seems that most of the posters who love to see the men in a tux are WOMEN! Of course they can arrive near naked from the boobs up while the men have several layers of cloth between their skin and the air -- tee shirt, white STARCHED shirt, silk tie, vest and finally a wool jacket! Try it! The obvious answer is to allow everyone to wear what they want to from resort casual to formal. No one will explain why what I wear should have any influence on how you enjoy yourself.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Agreed Digby, agreed. If some guys find a Tux comfortable, more power too them - but the majority do not. Notice how one of the ladies duck and ran from this question:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by sail7seas:
Why is it asbsolutely mandatory that we always have to be extremely comfortable in our clothes?
-----------------------------------------------<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>



Spoken from someone who doesn't have to wear a necktie and coat in 90 degree weather.

And why should we be comfortable - c'mon, you've got to be kidding me. Do you harken back to the days of tight laced up corsets and huge hoop skirts for women?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[F5Loar]

It appears to me HAL has already "redefined" the true meaning of formal attire when they "lowered" their dress standards to include "a jacket and tie on formal night".
That's pretty wide open. Does not say tie must be tight so loose is fine. You can wear your favorite Rodney Dangerfield lime green houndstooth sport coat with your Ben Hogan yellow slacks and Rush Limbaugh tie and that will conform to the HAL Formal standards. No longer are the dark suits the expected alternate to the tux. It simply says "business suits" which means any color you can dream up.
What are you complaining about here? How much more can you redefine it? Do want to go naked on formal night?

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2003;07;19;13;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]
Till we sail on the Zuiderdam

Til we sail on the Mariner of The Seas RCL
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=808000&cdt=2004;3;7;12;01;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]
until we sail on the Disney Wonder
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00ff00&cdt=2003;10;09;12;01;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]
til we sail the ms Maasdam
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=808000&cdt=2004;05;29;11;30;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]

[annebill]

Ladies, ladies! Why is it that you would deny men the same many options for dressy or formal that you enjoy? Would you be pleased if society INSISTED that only long hooped skirts would do for YOUR formal attire ? Would you?? [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[ron46936]

I don't recall now if I posted the question on the Princess board as a topic or as a reply to a thread similar to this one. I've not had success with the search function in finding it.
I will post the question again.

The Princess Brochure does refer to formal dress applying to dining rooms.

A few years ago President Clinton attended a conference of world leaders in the Phillipines. All the men dressed in guayaberra (sp) shirts.

[gizmo]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by F5Loar:
You can wear your favorite Rodney Dangerfield lime green houndstooth sport coat with your Ben Hogan yellow slacks and Rush Limbaugh tie and that will conform to the HAL Formal standards.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Good comination! LOl [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

What about "casual"? On my last cruise we had a group with pajama looking bottoms of assorted colors and doo rags.

[Randyk47]

What a mess! Actually it makes me laugh a bit. Some folks don't like formal wear, some do. Playing with the definition is not the answer in my opinion. I guess if enough folks ignore the dress code then the cruise lines have two options. They can try to enforce the code and risk making all whole bunch of folks mad or they can modify the code much like it appears HAL has. Again, we like the formal nights, we like our formal wear and look where we live (San Antonio, TX) so we know about 90+ degree temperatures. If formal nights go away or are modified to the point where there are no formal nights then I guess we'll adjust. Right now we'll stay with tux and gown.

Until Galaxy
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[annebill]

Randyk, with all due respect, you miss the point. The question is: would you accept any other option for "formal" or dressy for men, just as we all accept the many options for women (even though some, but not me, don't like women in pants)? Would you ? I can't get you ladies to answer the basic question, which is NOT to do away with formal nights on HAL, as most of you seem to think.

[Randyk47]

No and no. I neither missed the point nor do I think there need be more options for "formal" than tux or dark business suit.

Until Galaxy
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