Respecting local customs

[Donna_In_India]

In today's world, with so much information at your fingertips, ignorance is no excuse. At the very least, the cruise lines and excursion companies should make sure they provide cultural information. The sense of some people's entitlement is ridiculous.

[Donna_In_India]

Over time, I think the people in Asian countries are getting more liberal and open.

 

Take this for example. This is from Vietnam - one of their low cost carriers called Viet Jet Air. Talk about an eye catching marketing campaign.

 

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They are nowhere near as liberal and open as the Western countries. I don't think this ad is very representative of the culture. India had the same thing. The "booze king" started a low cost airlines and put out a calendar of his air hostesses each year. Their uniforms were not the "norm" and they were skimpily dressed by Indian standards. (The airline is now defunct...)

 

Just curious...Singapore has a bunch of rules. Do you find locals to be tolerant of foreigners who don't follow the rules?

[Iluvcruising2]

Just curious...Singapore has a bunch of rules. Do you find locals to be tolerant of foreigners who don't follow the rules?

 

Depends on which rule you are referring to. Any specific ones you are thinking of?

[greatam]

 

 

Re dress in the MDR's. We found the first part of our 11 night cruise (first 4 nights) all sorts of dress was allowed in the dining room. We dress appropriately, but saw shorts, singlets, flip flops etc When I questioned this I was told that the Asians did not like to dress for dinner and the rules were relaxed. Perhaps as they were on the four nights and didn't bring appropriate clothes..... On the turnaround day (last 7 days) mostly Aussies/Uk/ Canadian/US passengers, the dress code was enforced, and I saw one man being sent back to change out of his shorts. :confused

 

Chez

xx

 

That is really strange. I have spent a lot of time all over Asia for business. I truly have never seen Asians (particularly the women) who didn't at least have on nice slacks and a nice top to GO TO THE GROCERY STORE. Business meeting-generally suits or very, very nice, very conservative dresses. And any kind of party atmosphere-bring out the bling.

 

Even on Star cruises which is generally a 3-4 night booze out, gambling cruise, dress has generally been a level above what a lot of Americans wear. The better casinos in Macau generally have the atmosphere of the Vegas casinos through the 70's until Vegas tried to turn themselves into a "family", anything goes place.

 

I am really surprised that you saw people in the dining room in shorts/flip flops/tank tops. Sure they weren't American Asians???

[cheznandy]

That is really strange. I have spent a lot of time all over Asia for business. I truly have never seen Asians (particularly the women) who didn't at least have on nice slacks and a nice top to GO TO THE GROCERY STORE. Business meeting-generally suits or very, very nice, very conservative dresses. And any kind of party atmosphere-bring out the bling.

 

Even on Star cruises which is generally a 3-4 night booze out, gambling cruise, dress has generally been a level above what a lot of Americans wear. The better casinos in Macau generally have the atmosphere of the Vegas casinos through the 70's until Vegas tried to turn themselves into a "family", anything goes place.

 

I am really surprised that you saw people in the dining room in shorts/flip flops/tank tops. Sure they weren't American Asians???

 

It wasn't only Asians dressed inappropriately;) That was the comment made by the waiter when I questioned if there was a dress code. The man being sent back to change from shorts a few nights later was not Asian.

I figured that for some it was a short cruise and casual.

 

We too have travelled extensively in Asia, I agree with your comments on dress, especially in Japan, the women are so elegant!

 

Chez

xx

Edited March 2, 2015 by cheznandy

[kirin]

That is really strange. I have spent a lot of time all over Asia for business. I truly have never seen Asians (particularly the women) who didn't at least have on nice slacks and a nice top to GO TO THE GROCERY STORE. Business meeting-generally suits or very, very nice, very conservative dresses. And any kind of party atmosphere-bring out the bling.

 

Even on Star cruises which is generally a 3-4 night booze out, gambling cruise, dress has generally been a level above what a lot of Americans wear. The better casinos in Macau generally have the atmosphere of the Vegas casinos through the 70's until Vegas tried to turn themselves into a "family", anything goes place.

 

I am really surprised that you saw people in the dining room in shorts/flip flops/tank tops. Sure they weren't American Asians???

 

I agree with you. I think part of the reason that Asians try to dress nicely and appropriately when leaving the house is because most Asian societies are "communal", as opposed to "individualistic." How you are perceived in public is a reflection on any group you belong to.......family, school, company, etc.

 

And too, I think that Asian women take a lot of personal pride is being dressed well. I've had many visitors comment on how nicely dressed Japanese women are, even ladies just out for an afternoon of shopping. As one American said to me, "They make an effort."

 

Cheznandy........thanks for your kind comment about women in Japan.

 

Kate