Rare POA1 Posted August 12, 2015 #401 Share Posted August 12, 2015 But aren't we assuming that the baseline of trousers would be included in the ensemble? Don't go all "lowest common denominator" on me now. :D Oops, never mind. I started it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SurferJoe57 Posted August 12, 2015 #402 Share Posted August 12, 2015 What? Did they stipulate TROUSERS?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stratheden Posted August 12, 2015 #403 Share Posted August 12, 2015 (edited) You're describing me..I'm a Shoe Diva & proud of it.. :D:D I'll still take my seven to eight pairs of shoes even if HAL cancels out Gala nights.. Completely understand what Cruz Chic is saying.. We had the opposite experience from you, in an elevator on HAL several years ago.. Have forgotten, when or on which ship.. We had been to a cocktail party & DH & I were in formal wear...A group of younger men & women boarded & were feeling no pain having had a few drinks.. One of the men made a disparaging remark about my DH's Tux only because they considered him to be over dressed that evening.. They asked him if he was a crew member in a sneering way..We were both shocked but laughed it off.. We could not think of a good comeback..:( I am envious of you having a shoe collection. I have screws and plates in one ankle/leg - therefore cannot wear heels of any sort. I am short 5'2" and dress and flats/sandals look quite ordinary on me. I will stick to pants and dressy top. Nobody notices shoes in that situation. Edited August 12, 2015 by Stratheden Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sofietucker Posted August 13, 2015 #404 Share Posted August 13, 2015 (edited) What? Did they stipulate TROUSERS?? Not a bit. The trousers are reserved for women. You'll be relieved to know that for men, it's "collared shirt and SLACKS" (no mention of those with jacket & tie, though). So the kilt (utility or tartan) is out. The common denominator here--with the ban on shorts--is male knees being covered. Hmmm. Edited August 13, 2015 by sofietucker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serendipity1499 Posted August 13, 2015 #405 Share Posted August 13, 2015 I am envious of you having a shoe collection. I have screws and plates in one ankle/leg - therefore cannot wear heels of any sort. I am short 5'2" and dress and flats/sandals look quite ordinary on me. I will stick to pants and dressy top. Nobody notices shoes in that situation. Don't be envious.. I can no longer wear high heels, since I had a hip replacement.. The highest heel I can wear is just one inch, but I still love shoes & have lots of small heels, flats & sandals..I'm also quite short at just 5' 1", (I've lost 1/2 an inch) & DH used to be 6'2'' but also lost about a 1/2 inch.. When I was able to wear heels & we danced, it my nose to his chest.. Now with me in flats or small heels it's my nose to his belly button.. :) No problem after 39 years of marriage we've learned to adjust...LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clueless2 Posted August 16, 2015 #406 Share Posted August 16, 2015 (edited) Sorry if already posted. For some reason it will not let me post the direct link to the "Is there a dress code" verbiage. Just click on the "Is there a dress code?" link. http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-planning/PlanningAndAdvice.action?tabName=Cruise+Preparation&contentMenu=Baggage,+Packing+%26+Dress+Code&=WT.ac=pnav_NTC_WhattoBring# Q: Did HAL change their dress code? A: Yes, some refinements were made to improve consistency and the policy now reads: Most evenings smart casual attire is appropriate. Shorts, pool/beachwear, distressed jeans and men’s tank tops are best left to the daytime and are not permitted in fine dining restaurants. Gala Nights evoke the grand traditions of cruising as guests dress to impress for special events on board, including our five-course gourmet dinner in the Dining Room. For gentlemen, collared shirts and slacks are required in all fine dining restaurants. Q: Why the change from “Formal” To “Gala” night? A: To many, the “Formal” term was misleading as it implies a specific type of dress (black tie or tuxedo) that has never been a requirement. “Gala” still implies festive or dressy without misleading guests to bring attire the majority of guests don’t wear. Q: What about ladies’ gala attire? A: Dressy attire is appropriate. Dresses, skirts, and slacks are all acceptable. Q: Are a jacket and tie required for men? A: Jacket and tie is the preferred attire in all fine dining restaurants on Gala Nights, though it is not required. Guests without a jacket and tie were allowed in the fine dining restaurants before the new wording so this is not a policy change. Q: Are jeans allowed? A: Jeans without holes, tears or embroidery are welcome on most evenings in all restaurants, but on Gala Nights jeans are only allowed in the casual dining restaurants. Q: Can I wear shorts in the main dining room? A: Not at dinner. The dining room is considered a fine dining restaurant and shorts are not permitted. Q: Is the dress code the same on Grand Voyages? A: Yes. The policy applies to all Holland America Line voyages. Edited August 16, 2015 by clueless2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare cruisemom42 Posted August 16, 2015 #407 Share Posted August 16, 2015 Sorry if already posted. For some reason it will not let me post the direct link to the "Is there a dress code" verbiage. Just click on the "Is there a dress code?" link. http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-planning/PlanningAndAdvice.action?tabName=Cruise+Preparation&contentMenu=Baggage,+Packing+%26+Dress+Code&=WT.ac=pnav_NTC_WhattoBring# Q: Did HAL change their dress code? A: Yes, some refinements were made to improve consistency and the policy now reads: Most evenings smart casual attire is appropriate. Shorts, pool/beachwear, distressed jeans and men’s tank tops are best left to the daytime and are not permitted in fine dining restaurants. Gala Nights evoke the grand traditions of cruising as guests dress to impress for special events on board, including our five-course gourmet dinner in the Dining Room. For gentlemen, collared shirts and slacks are required in all fine dining restaurants. Q: Why the change from “Formal” To “Gala” night? A: To many, the “Formal” term was misleading as it implies a specific type of dress (black tie or tuxedo) that has never been a requirement. “Gala” still implies festive or dressy without misleading guests to bring attire the majority of guests don’t wear. Q: What about ladies’ gala attire? A: Dressy attire is appropriate. Dresses, skirts, and slacks are all acceptable. Q: Are a jacket and tie required for men? A: Jacket and tie is the preferred attire in all fine dining restaurants on Gala Nights, though it is not required. Guests without a jacket and tie were allowed in the fine dining restaurants before the new wording so this is not a policy change. Q: Are jeans allowed? A: Jeans without holes, tears or embroidery are welcome on most evenings in all restaurants, but on Gala Nights jeans are only allowed in the casual dining restaurants. Q: Can I wear shorts in the main dining room? A: Not at dinner. The dining room is considered a fine dining restaurant and shorts are not permitted. Q: Is the dress code the same on Grand Voyages? A: Yes. The policy applies to all Holland America Line voyages. Thanks for posting this. At least we have a better idea of what HAL is thinking now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KirkNC Posted August 16, 2015 #408 Share Posted August 16, 2015 (edited) Sorry if already posted. For some reason it will not let me post the direct link to the "Is there a dress code" verbiage. Just click on the "Is there a dress code?" link. http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-planning/PlanningAndAdvice.action?tabName=Cruise+Preparation&contentMenu=Baggage,+Packing+%26+Dress+Code&=WT.ac=pnav_NTC_WhattoBring# Q: Did HAL change their dress code? A: Yes, some refinements were made to improve consistency and the policy now reads: Most evenings smart casual attire is appropriate. Shorts, pool/beachwear, distressed jeans and men’s tank tops are best left to the daytime and are not permitted in fine dining restaurants. Gala Nights evoke the grand traditions of cruising as guests dress to impress for special events on board, including our five-course gourmet dinner in the Dining Room. For gentlemen, collared shirts and slacks are required in all fine dining restaurants. Q: Why the change from “Formal” To “Gala” night? A: To many, the “Formal” term was misleading as it implies a specific type of dress (black tie or tuxedo) that has never been a requirement. “Gala” still implies festive or dressy without misleading guests to bring attire the majority of guests don’t wear. Q: What about ladies’ gala attire? A: Dressy attire is appropriate. Dresses, skirts, and slacks are all acceptable. Q: Are a jacket and tie required for men? A: Jacket and tie is the preferred attire in all fine dining restaurants on Gala Nights, though it is not required. Guests without a jacket and tie were allowed in the fine dining restaurants before the new wording so this is not a policy change. Q: Are jeans allowed? A: Jeans without holes, tears or embroidery are welcome on most evenings in all restaurants, but on Gala Nights jeans are only allowed in the casual dining restaurants. Q: Can I wear shorts in the main dining room? A: Not at dinner. The dining room is considered a fine dining restaurant and shorts are not permitted. Q: Is the dress code the same on Grand Voyages? A: Yes. The policy applies to all Holland America Line voyages. I think that pretty much explains the new requirements (or new disclosures of old requirements), thanks for posting it. Be interesting to see the impact it has. Edited August 16, 2015 by KirkNC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuthC Posted August 16, 2015 #409 Share Posted August 16, 2015 ... some refinements were made to improve consistency .... HAL thinks this policy will "improve consistency"? We'll see. The way I read it, the policy is much closer to "formal optional", which would hardly be "consistent", at least in terms of the level of dress. Now, if HAL means "consistency" in terms of what is allowed in the dining room, that's another matter (and still open to push back). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iancal Posted August 16, 2015 #410 Share Posted August 16, 2015 (edited) The change for us means that we will be able to go to the Pinnacle or Tamarind instead of the Lido on gala nights. A positive change from our perspective. Edited August 16, 2015 by iancal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fouremco Posted August 16, 2015 #411 Share Posted August 16, 2015 The change for us means that we will be able to go to the Pinnacle or Tamarind instead of the Lido on gala nights. A positive change from our perspective. A good point. I originally wasn't going to take jacket and tie for our upcoming Canada/New England cruise, but when we received the Dine Around package, I thought I might have to in case our Pinnacle meal fell on a formal night. Now it no longer matters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LMaxwell Posted August 16, 2015 #412 Share Posted August 16, 2015 HAL thinks this policy will "improve consistency"? We'll see. To me it most certainly improves consistency. Policy and real world application will be more consistent. No more wondering what a particular ship may or may not allow compared to another ship or different voyage. The fact that the policy is written in plain-speak English is also refreshing and easy to understand. Like I said earlier; this is HAL offering MORE options, not less, and that is good for all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Viv0828 Posted August 16, 2015 #413 Share Posted August 16, 2015 (edited) DH will take a tie but not a jacket. I will take my usual sparkly sweater that I wear with long underwear underneath it (you cannot see the long underwear) because I am always freezing in the MDR. Finding dressy but warm clothing was always a nightmare! And no, a shawl or scarf does not help. :( Edited August 16, 2015 by Viv0828 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fouremco Posted August 16, 2015 #414 Share Posted August 16, 2015 DH will take a tie but not a jacket. I will take my usual sparkly sweater that I wear with long underwear underneath it (you cannot see the long underwear) because I am always freezing in the MDR. Finding dressy but warm clothing was always a nightmare! And no, a shawl or scarf does not help. :( I do hope that's a long sweater if that's the only thing you are wearing with the long underwear! :eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Viv0828 Posted August 16, 2015 #415 Share Posted August 16, 2015 Lol! I think I'll add long pants or a skirt to that!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmcfad2 Posted August 16, 2015 #416 Share Posted August 16, 2015 I do hope that's a long sweater if that's the only thing you are wearing with the long underwear! :eek: Well, maybe if the underwear was sparkly, it would be okay :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fouremco Posted August 16, 2015 #417 Share Posted August 16, 2015 Lol! I think I'll add long pants or a skirt to that!! I know that some people like to push the boundaries, but that did seem a bit too naughty! :):D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fouremco Posted August 16, 2015 #418 Share Posted August 16, 2015 (edited) Well, maybe if the underwear was sparkly, it would be okay :) Ah, now there's an idea!:D Edited August 16, 2015 by Fouremco Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Topsham Posted August 16, 2015 #419 Share Posted August 16, 2015 (edited) Should shorts be allowed in the MDR? Sure. I've done it. For formal or from semi formal. Edited August 16, 2015 by Topsham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare 3rdGenCunarder Posted August 16, 2015 #420 Share Posted August 16, 2015 "Guests without a jacket and tie were allowed in the fine dining restaurants before the new wording so this is not a policy change." I find this interesting, as I have seen jacketless men turned away or given a "loaner" jacket. Can't remember how long ago that was, maybe 2 years ago. Didn't see if it happened this past winter because I was always facing away from the doorway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare 3rdGenCunarder Posted August 16, 2015 #421 Share Posted August 16, 2015 HAL thinks this policy will "improve consistency"? We'll see. The way I read it, the policy is much closer to "formal optional", which would hardly be "consistent", at least in terms of the level of dress. Now, if HAL means "consistency" in terms of what is allowed in the dining room, that's another matter (and still open to push back). I agree. For women, "dress, skirt, or slacks" is a very wide range. Now I'm trying to figure out how "gala" our attire will be for our upcoming cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serendipity1499 Posted August 16, 2015 #422 Share Posted August 16, 2015 (edited) A good point. I originally wasn't going to take jacket and tie for our upcoming Canada/New England cruise, but when we received the Dine Around package, I thought I might have to in case our Pinnacle meal fell on a formal night. Now it no longer matters. Even though it no longer matters, HAL still states Jacket & tie are preferred on Gala aka Formal nights.. When someone states something is preferred, IMO it means they would like to see us follow those preferred guidelines.. Quote Jacket and tie is the preferred attire in all fine dining restaurants on Gala Nights, though it is not required. Guests without a jacket and tie were allowed in the fine dining restaurants before the new wording so this is not a policy change. Unquote I would guess that most HAL cruisers would wear a Jacket & tie in the Pinnacle on a formal night.. Edited August 16, 2015 by serendipity1499 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruz chic Posted August 16, 2015 #423 Share Posted August 16, 2015 I agree. For women, "dress, skirt, or slacks" is a very wide range. Now I'm trying to figure out how "gala" our attire will be for our upcoming cruise. You and me both. I hope you'll come back and report what you found. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare 3rdGenCunarder Posted August 16, 2015 #424 Share Posted August 16, 2015 You and me both. I hope you'll come back and report what you found. I'm going in a few weeks. I promise to take notes. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruz chic Posted August 16, 2015 #425 Share Posted August 16, 2015 I'm going in a few weeks. I promise to take notes. ;) I thought you were going soon. Any info will be great. My guess is the majority won't know about the change because they don't read the cruise docs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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