HAL no longer requires formal dress

[dakrewser]

HAL is just providing more options; so that some people can vacation a bit more casually. Pants and a collared shirt is really not the end of the world but you would think differently reading some of these posts. No one is compelled to dress at this level if they don't wish to. Jacket and tie simply not required any more in the MDR. That's the only change. If you want to wear a jacket and tie, I don't see how this clarification of policy and slight easing of dress code impacts you at all. Wear a tie and jacket if it pleases you :confused:

 

1) some people want everyone to dress to their taste (this one cuts both ways)

 

2) some are insecure if they think they are "overdressed"

 

For me, I read the cruise line's dress code and comply with it. What others do is up to them. But I do think all passengers should comply with the rules on the ship - whether that's about clothes, booze, open flames or what have you.

[POA1]

1) some people want everyone to dress to their taste (this one cuts both ways)

 

2) some are insecure if they think they are "overdressed"

 

 

I think #2 cuts both ways as well. Most people I know would rather be overdressed than underdressed for dinner. I'm talking of course, about the dining room or one of the specialty restaurants. Something like a poolside barbecue would be a different thing altogether.

[LMaxwell]

I think #2 cuts both ways as well. Most people I know would rather be overdressed than underdressed for dinner. I'm talking of course, about the dining room or one of the specialty restaurants. Something like a poolside barbecue would be a different thing altogether.

 

 

I agree on #2. I would feel uncomfortable being severely undressed in some circumstances. Say, t-shirt and cargo shorts in a meeting where everyone else had shirt, tie, slacks. But a cruise vacation where resort casual is specified (pants and collared shirt) I wouldn't; I'd meet or exceed the baseline and not be troubled further.

 

As to #1; I can't help people there. I'm not that way so maybe I just can't fully understand it.

[dakrewser]

Of course, a lot of posters here simply want more specificity from HAL. Something like this list of definition from the OpenTable restaurant reservation site:

 

Dress codes are listed on each OpenTable restaurant profile page for your reference. Follow our guidelines below to ensure you won't be over or under dressed for your reservation!

 

 

Casual Dress - The range includes casual daywear, casual evening wear, and tasteful outfits. Avoid shorts and flip-flops unless they are absolutely appropriate to the climate.

 

Business Casual - From khakis, collars and button-downs to suits, separates and dresses, business casual refers to the attire of the lunching professional. Men should not wear open-toed shoes or tank tops, and regardless of gender, athletic shoes, T-shirts, flip-flops and shorts are not appropriate.

 

Jacket Preferred - Men without jackets should wear long pants and tasteful, long-sleeved, button-down shirts with or without ties, or something equally sophisticated. Women's attire can range from dressy day wear to classy evening wear. All no-no's above apply.

 

Jacket Required - Men should wear jackets or blazers and long pants, and women should wear elegant attire ranging from sophisticated separates to tasteful dresses.

 

Jacket And Tie Required - The rules are the same as "Jacket Required," with the addition of a necktie for men. Women should consider dressing up a tad more as well.

 

Formal Attire - The rules here are less strict than "Black Tie," so you needn't pull out your tuxedos and gowns. Consider "Formal Attire" to be a significant step up from "Jacket and Tie Required." Men should wear elegant jackets and ties, and women should wear evening dresses or very sophisticated separates.

[RocketMan275]

1) some people want everyone to dress to their taste (this one cuts both ways)

 

2) some are insecure if they think they are "overdressed"

 

For me, I read the cruise line's dress code and comply with it. What others do is up to them. But I do think all passengers should comply with the rules on the ship - whether that's about clothes, booze, open flames or what have you.

 

I'm not sure I agree completely.

1. It's my perception that the only ones who want everyone to dress to their taste are those who prefer formal nights. The ones who prefer casual do not seem to care how others dress.

2. Some are insecure if they feel they are "over-dressed". Some are insecure if they feel they are "under-dressed". Some are secure regardless of how they are dressed.

[RocketMan275]

Everyone is going to have a different opinion. I'm not really preoccupied with what looks better. Formal nights are gone from HAL. This puts them on my radar more than ever. Yes, I still know how to dress smartly. Yes, I MAY even put on a suit and tie if I choose to from time to time, but I did not like the aspect of being compelled to do so and now I won't be compelled. Those who choose to do so, I think that is 100% fine and they should do what pleases them.

 

Now if someone prefers and chooses a true formal ambiance, I likewise think that is fine, but HAL is pretty clearly saying "But that's not us." It's really no different than me preferring and choosing a line that will allow the same basic smart casual all evenings. It's not important to me if others dress smart casually, or if they go full formal. But I understand to some people it ruins the mood. At least the false pretenses are gone.

 

It's unfortunate that so many people are up in arms or very upset by this increase in options. The option may not be for YOU, but it is not being forced either. It remains an option.

 

NOW, if HAL did something TRULY special for a Gala/Formal night I might reconsider my stance. But since there's nothing different in the food or service, I'd prefer to be casual. They now embrace it. I embrace it. I'm not out to ruin anyone elses good time. But I'm there to have a good time too. They have a better chance of getting my money in the future.

 

Great post and this change puts HAL back on my list for future cruises.

[Fouremco]

I would feel uncomfortable being severely undressed in some circumstances.

I dare say that most of us would feel uncomfortable being severely undressed in public! :)

[3rdGenCunarder]

No....

 

Cunard still advertises that they deliver the ambience of a true formal night....which is far more than a dress code. So that got me looking at their ships and itinerary and prices ....and I liked what I saw....so I thought I would give them a try on their signature cruise "The Crossing"

 

There is more to a cruise, than a dress code......

 

Yes, there is. Ambiance aplenty in the evenings. And since you're doing a crossing, (technically not a "cruise"), you'll have sea days with lots of activities. They always have a variety of speakers, often a well-known author who will also do a signing of his/her books. Dance lessons, also dancing in a ballroom (QM2 claims to have the largest ballroom at sea), lots of evening entertainments. Afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters and with music, usually harp or piano, in the background.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Yes, there is. Ambiance aplenty in the evenings. And since you're doing a crossing, (technically not a "cruise"), you'll have sea days with lots of activities. They always have a variety of speakers, often a well-known author who will also do a signing of his/her books. Dance lessons, also dancing in a ballroom (QM2 claims to have the largest ballroom at sea), lots of evening entertainments. Afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters and with music, usually harp or piano, in the background.

 

 

I have been reading the Cunard line boards and came across people lamenting the end of Ocean Liners vs Cruise Ships....I didn't realize that a "crossing" was not considered a cruise...I did realize that it was special (which is why I looked at that "cruise" vs others)

 

But back to the thread...I guess since HAL is part of CCL which owns Cunard....CCL may figures that there are enough people who desire the classic formal night to keep 3 ships busy...probably a good marketing strategy.

 

I know HAL spends a lot more time thinking about this than anyone else.....

[rjrpar]

Once your dress code is down to "collared shirt" and "long pants", you have told your customers that they should no longer expect anything resembling the ambience of a true formal night.

 

Gala night will now be like any other nice restaurant ashore....there will be 10-20pct coat and tie....a few with jeans and backwards hats....and the occasional tux...with people whispering (they look good)...

 

But when your expectation is long pants and a collared shirt ...your next step is the same as a 7/11...,shirts and shoes required...

 

Fine. I am still booking with HAL with my eyes open.....but I just put down a deposit on my first Cunard cruise for this reason.....not sure if I will like Cunard any better (lots more to cruising than formal night) but I would likely have never given them a shot for not this change.

 

However, I am sure I am in the minority.

 

Happy cruising!

 

You do realize that formal nights really were not formal. You were obviously pleased with a sports coat, khakis and a tie, which is fine, but not formal. I do get your point that relaxing the dress code further will result in a more casual experience, probably with t-shirts, etc. but that is our changing society. You see shorts and polos in some very fine restaurants, which are more upscale than most cruise lines.

[3rdGenCunarder]

I have been reading the Cunard line boards and came across people lamenting the end of Ocean Liners vs Cruise Ships....I didn't realize that a "crossing" was not considered a cruise...I did realize that it was special (which is why I looked at that "cruise" vs others)

 

But back to the thread...I guess since HAL is part of CCL which owns Cunard....CCL may figures that there are enough people who desire the classic formal night to keep 3 ships busy...probably a good marketing strategy.

 

I know HAL spends a lot more time thinking about this than anyone else.....

 

Wow, irony twice on the same thread! :D

 

CCL has always kept its various lines separate, providing a great variety of services to satisfy a variety of passengers. When they bought Cunard, I heard lots of moans and groans on board, but by that time they'd owned HAL for many years and not messed up HAL, so I had faith that they'd let Cunard be Cunard. To be fair, without CCL's money, there never would have been a QM2.

[3rdGenCunarder]

You do realize that formal nights really were not formal. You were obviously pleased with a sports coat, khakis and a tie, which is fine, but not formal. I do get your point that relaxing the dress code further will result in a more casual experience, probably with t-shirts, etc. but that is our changing society. You see shorts and polos in some very fine restaurants, which are more upscale than most cruise lines.

 

No, HAL's "formal nights" were not truely formal. But as they relax the dress code to formal optional, they claim they have "gala nights" when passengers "dress to impress." Shorts, polos, and t-shirts are not "dress to impress" clothing.

 

What I'm trying to figure out is, who is HAL trying to fool by claiming to have "gala nights," passengers or themselves????

Edited August 17, 2015 by 3rdGenCunarder

[DaveOKC]

Darn this new policy! Now I have to decide whether or not to bring a coat and tie for my upcoming Caribbean trip! I do not mind wearing it, but on the other hand it would be nice to have fewer things to pack.

 

Decisions, decisions.

[ScriptOhio]

On our May cruise on the Volendam, it really did not matter in the least what the women were wearing. I saw on Formal night nice t shirt type of tops with capris on several women. What I did see was if a man had on a tie and no jacket that was totally fine but if no tie and no jacket they gave him a jacket to wear but the few I saw would take them off the minute they got to the table and place it on the back of the chair.

 

There in lies the hypocrisy of "formal nights" as it currently exists on HAL ships. There is no "formal dress standard" for women and the extent of the formal requirement for men is only while you are walking in from the door to your table (in the MDR or Pinnacle Grill, etc.). And if your table is in the back of the MDR, that could be for about a whopping 30 seconds. Also, there is no enforced formal requirement on any other place on the ship, i.e. show lounge, bars, and/or casino, etc.

 

Darn this new policy! Now I have to decide whether or not to bring a coat and tie for my upcoming Caribbean trip! I do not mind wearing it, but on the other hand it would be nice to have fewer things to pack.

Decisions, decisions.

 

Re: What I did see was if a man had on a tie and no jacket that was totally fine

 

For those that don't want to pack a suit, etc. you will fine by just bringing a "clip on" tie:

 

...

Edited August 17, 2015 by ScriptOhio

[RocketMan275]

 

For those that don't want to pack a suit, etc. you will fine by just bringing a "clip on" tie:

 

...

 

What a grand idea and you can easily place it over the back of your chair once you get to your table.

[travel123456]

just back from Westerdam alaska.

 

On the gala nights we saw everything from tuxes(very few) a few more full suits, lots of sport coats with or with out ties and much to my surprise... a lot of sweat suits... I guess when they say wear a suit, they don't specify which type!!!

:eek:

[taxmantoo]

...

 

The last time I wore one of those I was young enough that I was also allowed to wear shorts to dinner :rolleyes:

[Cruising-along]

I'm looking forward to hearing more reports from posters on upcoming cruises. We have another 8 months to wait, so plenty of time for this to all shake out. :D

 

Right now our plan is kind of middle of the road. I will continue to bring a LBD and/or cocktail dresses, and DH will bring slacks, dress shirt and tie. He's thrilled to not have to bring a suit jacket, as we seem to always have lots of land travel before and after a cruise.

 

So please keep those reports coming. :)

[Globaliser]

1) some people want everyone to dress to their taste (this one cuts both ways)

 

2) some are insecure if they think they are "overdressed"

Distorting what other people say doesn't bolster your own credibility.

[POA1]

I'm looking forward to hearing more reports from posters on upcoming cruises. We have another 8 months to wait, so plenty of time for this to all shake out. :D

 

Right now our plan is kind of middle of the road. I will continue to bring a LBD and/or cocktail dresses, and DH will bring slacks, dress shirt and tie. He's thrilled to not have to bring a suit jacket, as we seem to always have lots of land travel before and after a cruise.

 

So please keep those reports coming. :)

There's a hot off the presses report from the Nieuw Amsterdam here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=47466405

 

The NA is in Europe, and in our experience Europeans, on average, are dressier than most Americans. It's also only about a month since the policy change. But a data point is a data point.

[dakrewser]

Distorting what other people say doesn't bolster your own credibility.

 

Sorry, but what are you reading as "distortion"? Both of these sntiments have been expressed multiple times in this thread...

[Topsham]

No, HAL's "formal nights" were not truely formal. But as they relax the dress code to formal optional, they claim they have "gala nights" when passengers "dress to impress." Shorts, polos, and t-shirts are not "dress to impress" clothing.

 

What I'm trying to figure out is, who is HAL trying to fool by claiming to have "gala nights," passengers or themselves????

 

 

How way back Kathy? Up until ten years ago it was 'formal'.... same as you found on Cunard.... well, apart for QE2 transatlantic... and QM2 now is not was it was back in the days on QE2.

 

HAL then was on a 7 day routine was 2, formal, 2 informal and three casual.

 

There was no casual lido in the evening... it was Main Dining or nothing and the dress was for the entire evening.

 

It all changed when they started casual dinners in the lido and then allowed casual throughout the evening regardless.

 

Stephen

[Cruising-along]

There's a hot off the presses report from the Nieuw Amsterdam here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=47466405

 

The NA is in Europe, and in our experience Europeans, on average, are dressier than most Americans. It's also only about a month since the policy change. But a data point is a data point.

 

Thanks! I agree, Europeans do dress up more on "gala" nights. It will be interesting to see if there will be much change in the coming months as more people learn about the change in dress code.

 

Great idea to look at the photo wall. :D

[3rdGenCunarder]

How way back Kathy? Up until ten years ago it was 'formal'.... same as you found on Cunard.... well, apart for QE2 transatlantic... and QM2 now is not was it was back in the days on QE2.

 

HAL then was on a 7 day routine was 2, formal, 2 informal and three casual.

 

There was no casual lido in the evening... it was Main Dining or nothing and the dress was for the entire evening.

 

It all changed when they started casual dinners in the lido and then allowed casual throughout the evening regardless.

 

Stephen

 

We've had two "incarnations" with HAL, and I'm talking about our recent HAL experiences. (last six years, I think) We sailed with them late 70s, early 80s, and yes, formal night was taken seriously, as it was on all lines. Not all men wore tuxes, but they wore suits and women wore gowns. As you said, if they wanted dinner, they had to dress for it. When HAL gave up the NY-Bermuda run, we tried other lines, and fell in love with QE2, so we didn't follow HAL to other homeports.

 

When HAL came back to the NY-Bermuda run, we came back to HAL for the first season on Veendam. From HAL's description, we expected formal nights to be like they had been before. DH wore his tux and was disappointed that we saw only a handful of other men in tuxes. And we saw shorts and flipflops at the show on formal night, despite HAL's "out of respect for your fellow guests..." line. So somewhere in the gap between our early cruises and more recent cruises, formal night started slipping.

[YubaSutter]

just back from Westerdam alaska.

 

On the gala nights we saw everything from tuxes(very few) a few more full suits, lots of sport coats with or with out ties and much to my surprise... a lot of sweat suits... I guess when they say wear a suit, they don't specify which type!!!

:eek:

 

At least it isn't a birthday suit. On a Hal cruise, I may lose my appetite looking at so many wrinkled bodies.