Gala Night - sample outfit

[Stratheden]

 

 

But this is somehow preferred for the viewing pleasure of others? I mean, it's a jacket, it's a tie, and it certainly is impressive! (though in what way is for you to decide)

 

 

Best-

 

Steve

 

And I have seen similar in the MDR. :eek:

[cruz chic]

***I am not this young or handsome; sorry ladies.

 

Seems this is acceptable by the company

 

 

 

But this is somehow preferred for the viewing pleasure of others? I mean, it's a jacket, it's a tie, and it certainly is impressive! (though in what way is for you to decide)

 

 

Best-

 

Steve

 

yup, everyone that wears a jacket looks like this. In my 350 plus days on Hal I've seen nothing remotely like that. That said the picture that you posted as casual looks pretty much like no one on the ship.

Edited January 19, 2016 by cruz chic

[Lizzie68]

The guy in the first pic could get away with wearing just about anything.;) Would you look like that in that shirt???

[PhDUnderTheSea]

yup, everyone that wears a jacket looks like this. In my 350 plus days on Hal I've seen nothing remotely like that. That said the picture that you posted as casual looks pretty much like no one on the ship.

 

I think you are missing the point.

 

Some here insist that the second one better meets the "spirit" because it is a jacket and tie. Personally, I think it looks heinous and ugly. The first outfit I think looks stylish and neat, not outlandish or ugly. But it offends the sensibilities of some, while the second would be fine.

 

I mean...that second outfit sure is...festive<!?> and impressive :eek::eek:

 

Best-

 

Steve

[PhDUnderTheSea]

The guy in the first pic could get away with wearing just about anything.;) Would you look like that in that shirt???

 

I'm no slouch <toot, toot> but I'm far from that young and chiseled.

 

My better half thinks he is overdressed.

 

Best-

 

Steve

[cruz chic]

I think you are missing the point.

 

Some here insist that the second one better meets the "spirit" because it is a jacket and tie. Personally, I think it looks heinous and ugly. The first outfit I think looks stylish and neat, not outlandish or ugly. But it offends the sensibilities of some, while the second would be fine.

 

I mean...that second outfit sure is...festive<!?> and impressive :eek::eek:

 

Best-

 

Steve

 

I'm not one that sees the "spirit" so I'm not missing anything. I just wish that Hal would end this charade and pretence that there is something special about gala night. That ship has sailed.

[Lizzie68]

I think you are missing the point.

 

Some here insist that the second one better meets the "spirit" because it is a jacket and tie. Personally, I think it looks heinous and ugly. The first outfit I think looks stylish and neat, not outlandish or ugly. But it offends the sensibilities of some, while the second would be fine.

 

I mean...that second outfit sure is...festive<!?> and impressive :eek::eek:

 

Best-

 

Steve

 

 

I don't think you quite get what formal (or Gala) dress usually is. It definitely is not that.

[PhDUnderTheSea]

I don't think you quite get what formal (or Gala) dress usually is. It definitely is not that.

 

Well, I normally wear a tuxedo to the gala dinners I attend, but those usually are for philanthropic organizations, or for milestones celebrated by colleagues, or thrown by companies to celebrate successful studies or product launches. I'm quite aware of what real gala wear is. I do participate when there is a real reason to. Vacation is not amongst those.

 

The point being that some are so bent on others wearing a jacket and tie that, well, they just might get the lime green jacket and technicolor neck tie that will stick out like a sore, whereas a simple button up short sleeved black silk shirt won't cause anyone to bat an eye. But from what I read here it seems some people would prefer that.

 

But, then again, the question was settled long ago anyways, was it not?

 

Wishing I was that young and handsome still.

 

Best-

 

Steve

[faerievert]

When we sailed in 2009 and 2013, we only attended one formal night per cruise in the dining room. My husband was in a black suit, colored shirt, coordinating tie. The others we stayed our normal appropriate but casual and ate in the Lido. On the transatlantic, he was one of the most casual diners. On the alaskan, he was one of the more formal.

 

But the only thing that really stood out to me about the nights as being more special than any other night was that there were a bunch of photo ops set up so you could get gussied up and have multiple tries at at professional portraits with zero commitment. Do they still do that? I thought that was a nice touch. I'd be just as happy if they had an evening with that without any pretense of a special dining dress code. If you want to dress up, do. The level of formalwear of your fellow diners or shipmates shouldn't detract from your own special evening. Or perhaps offer a special formal dining seating or section. We really can all get along.

 

This time, I'm making him bring a blazer even though it's not required (ok, so maybe I won't mention that to him) and knowing it'll come off when we sit at the table, just like his suit coat always did. His "formal"-ish wear so rarely gets used, I'm jumping on the opportunity to get it out of the closet and into rotation ;)

 

PS -- I'd totally be down with him wearing that green blazer with a different shirt. I see no reason formal can't also be fun if you have the personality and confidence to match. And I'm pretty sure he owns the accompanying black shirt in blue and in orange!

[DeeniEncinitas]

Hi all!

I see everyone's point of view!

Here is our situation. We will be traveling in August to Europe for almost 3 months! Husband retiring. Did this same cruise with my retirement in 2013.

Traveling staying in apt. In Nice traveling eventually to Venice to board our cruise on Oct. 9th.

My husband will not pack a suit which is bulky and has always worn as the picture all Tommy Bahama with nice dress shoes on these Gala nights. But!!!!

We will go to one of the specialty restaurants. Now they did give my DH a dinner jacket at the PG when we pre booked on The Nieuw this last cruise in March. We did not know it was formal night. So will it now be acceptable no dinner jacket?

We could enjoy a nice dinner in our stateroom. It is hard to really understand HAL. Out of respect we want to do what is right.

Denise:)

[JPH814]

HAL is not difficult to understand at all. Minimum is long pants and a shirt with a collar. They also encourage people to get dressed up, but will not turn away anyone who meets the minimum.

[RuthC]

HAL is not difficult to understand at all. Minimum is long pants and a shirt with a collar. They also encourage people to get dressed up, but will not turn away anyone who meets the minimum.

Exactly. And yet there are still people who can't manage to meet the minimum. :rolleyes:

[POA1]

Hi all!

I see everyone's point of view!

Here is our situation. We will be traveling in August to Europe for almost 3 months! Husband retiring. Did this same cruise with my retirement in 2013.

Traveling staying in apt. In Nice traveling eventually to Venice to board our cruise on Oct. 9th.

My husband will not pack a suit which is bulky and has always worn as the picture all Tommy Bahama with nice dress shoes on these Gala nights. But!!!!

We will go to one of the specialty restaurants. Now they did give my DH a dinner jacket at the PG when we pre booked on The Nieuw this last cruise in March. We did not know it was formal night. So will it now be acceptable no dinner jacket?

We could enjoy a nice dinner in our stateroom. It is hard to really understand HAL. Out of respect we want to do what is right.

Denise:)

 

D -

 

Yes. According to the new dress code, that would be acceptable. Congrats to your hubby on his retirement.

[Bell Boy]

Were on the Nieuw Amsterdam in December 2015 and the thing I can say is that men on all nights (including Gala Nights) wore long pants. Very few had jackets and ties, hardly any tuxes. Collared shirts, golf shirts, and Hawaiian shirts were seen. So wear what you want and be comfortable. That's how my DH did it.

 

Dogo88: See you on the Maasdam in March. Haven't been on this small of a ship but looking forward to it.

 

Oh dear ! just reading all these threads has made me somewhat disappointed. As Cunarder who is about to step out of his comfort zone and try HAL for the very first time, (Koningsdam April 2016). What's with this guy in the Tommy Bahama shirt ? Sorry friend it's Soooooo last year, and certainly not the thing to be wearing after 6pm in Europe, unless on a beach or at deck buffet.

 

I did have to smile at the lady above, who encourages some of us guys to just "wear what you want" :rolleyes: .....Mmm , just because the other half did.;)

[Lizzie68]

I have never found DH's suit too bulky to pack. It goes into a suit bag, on a hanger, folds in three and lies on top in the suitcase. Quick shake at our destination and it's good to go. There's also an extra pair of dress pants. However, if we were doing an extended land tour beforehand where formal clothes are not required, I guess I would re-think the packing, but a jacket of some kind would definitely go along with us. He'd likely wear it on the flight.

[RocketMan275]

Hi all!

I see everyone's point of view!

Here is our situation. We will be traveling in August to Europe for almost 3 months! Husband retiring. Did this same cruise with my retirement in 2013.

Traveling staying in apt. In Nice traveling eventually to Venice to board our cruise on Oct. 9th.

My husband will not pack a suit which is bulky and has always worn as the picture all Tommy Bahama with nice dress shoes on these Gala nights. But!!!!

We will go to one of the specialty restaurants. Now they did give my DH a dinner jacket at the PG when we pre booked on The Nieuw this last cruise in March. We did not know it was formal night. So will it now be acceptable no dinner jacket?

We could enjoy a nice dinner in our stateroom. It is hard to really understand HAL. Out of respect we want to do what is right.

Denise:)

 

Would it be safe to assume you were on The Nieuw in March 2015 when DH was given a dinner jacket in the PG? If so, the code was changed sometime last summer so I'm not sure what happened last March is all that relevant.

 

Here is the current code:

 

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: 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.

 

We're booked on Westy this March and it is our intent to enjoy Gala Nights on our balcony. The dress code for our balcony is strictly enforced and reads:

- The dress code is casual all the time and blue jeans are recommended.

- Gentlemen in tuxedos or wearing ties will be escorted to the rail where they will disembark the ship.

- Ladies are always welcome regardless of their dress.

- Anyone who brings beer, wine or finer spirits can dress as they like.

 

Congratulations on your retirements. We certainly enjoy ours.

Edited January 19, 2016 by RocketMan275

[Jade13]

HAL is not difficult to understand at all. Minimum is long pants and a shirt with a collar. They also encourage people to get dressed up, but will not turn away anyone who meets the minimum.

 

 

Exactly.

[Jade13]

Hi all!

 

I see everyone's point of view!

 

Here is our situation. We will be traveling in August to Europe for almost 3 months! Husband retiring. Did this same cruise with my retirement in 2013.

 

Traveling staying in apt. In Nice traveling eventually to Venice to board our cruise on Oct. 9th.

 

My husband will not pack a suit which is bulky and has always worn as the picture all Tommy Bahama with nice dress shoes on these Gala nights. But!!!!

 

We will go to one of the specialty restaurants. Now they did give my DH a dinner jacket at the PG when we pre booked on The Nieuw this last cruise in March. We did not know it was formal night. So will it now be acceptable no dinner jacket?

 

We could enjoy a nice dinner in our stateroom. It is hard to really understand HAL. Out of respect we want to do what is right.

 

Denise:)

 

 

Totally acceptable! You do not need to eat in your stateroom.

[3rdGenCunarder]

Oh dear ! just reading all these threads has made me somewhat disappointed. As Cunarder who is about to step out of his comfort zone and try HAL for the very first time, (Koningsdam April 2016). What's with this guy in the Tommy Bahama shirt ? Sorry friend it's Soooooo last year, and certainly not the thing to be wearing after 6pm in Europe, unless on a beach or at deck buffet.

 

I did have to smile at the lady above, who encourages some of us guys to just "wear what you want" :rolleyes: .....Mmm , just because the other half did.;)

 

I get where you're coming from. Do not expect gala night to be anything like formal night on Cunard. That said, it may not be all Tommy Bahama at dinner. Some people have seen the MDR full of men in collared shirt to only meet the minimum. Others (including me) have seen the MDR full of men in suits/jackets (butnot tuxes). DH wears a suit or sport coat on HAL and saves the tux for Cunard.

 

And remember, a new ship may bring out the "gala" in the passengers. Also, posters have commented that passengers on European cruises tend to dress up more.

 

And if the King isn't to your liking, there are a few Queens who will welcome you back. ;)

[SeaBands]

I will wear a multicolored raw silk jacket I had made for me in Hong Kong just for cruising and slacks, maybe a tie.

[DeeniEncinitas]

D -

 

Yes. According to the new dress code, that would be acceptable. Congrats to your hubby on his retirement.

 

Thanks POA and all!

Just needed to hear from my CC family!

This cruise we will be able to use our 4 Star Mariner!

POA 😎 Appreciate you giving congrats on retirement!

Denise:) maybe we will enjoy more good wines from the knowledge we have gotten over the years from you!

[DeeniEncinitas]

Oh dear ! just reading all these threads has made me somewhat disappointed. As Cunarder who is about to step out of his comfort zone and try HAL for the very first time, (Koningsdam April 2016). What's with this guy in the Tommy Bahama shirt ? Sorry friend it's Soooooo last year, and certainly not the thing to be wearing after 6pm in Europe, unless on a beach or at deck buffet.

 

I did have to smile at the lady above, who encourages some of us guys to just "wear what you want" :rolleyes: .....Mmm , just because the other half did.;)

 

Well as a Lady thank you! I prefer my title as DDS! I never encouraged anybody!! As stated we are 4 STAR Mariners been with HAL a long time! I asked a question to a lot of my CC family with our particular situation what would be appropriate, not encouraged. We would enjoy having a wonderful dinner in our suite if need be!

I love WindStar and HAL! You might not fit in with HAL's standards which is not Cunards standards. Do not be discouraged we all here try to help others and try not to be disrespectful.

Before you jump ship, give us a try.! A lot of people dress to the 9's and look fabulous!

Denise:)

[Stratheden]

I have never found DH's suit too bulky to pack. It goes into a suit bag, on a hanger, folds in three and lies on top in the suitcase. Quick shake at our destination and it's good to go. There's also an extra pair of dress pants. However, if we were doing an extended land tour beforehand where formal clothes are not required, I guess I would re-think the packing, but a jacket of some kind would definitely go along with us. He'd likely wear it on the flight.

 

We did 8 weeks in Europe last year a yes my DH took a jacket but it was a multi purpose jacket. Windproof, water proof and warm. Not a jacket for wearing to dinner although I did see a couple of men wearing them in the MDR. My DH chose to wear nice pants, business shirt and a tie. No problems at all. You don't lug a jacket for 8 weeks that you will only wear a couple of times. At no time was a jacket required for dinner in either Italy or Turkey. HAL is just coming into line with the rest of the world.

[JPH814]

We did 8 weeks in Europe last year a yes my DH took a jacket but it was a multi purpose jacket. Windproof, water proof and warm. Not a jacket for wearing to dinner although I did see a couple of men wearing them in the MDR. My DH chose to wear nice pants, business shirt and a tie. No problems at all. You don't lug a jacket for 8 weeks that you will only wear a couple of times. At no time was a jacket required for dinner in either Italy or Turkey. HAL is just coming into line with the rest of the world.

 

A bit of a non-sequitor, don't you think?

 

I can spend a year traveling the world and never need more than a golf shirt and jeans. It depends where you eat.

 

I imagine there are places in Italy where it would be considered quite inappropriate to dine in a windbreaker.

 

I do not think "the rest of the world" has gone business casual.

 

Isn't it just a matter of understanding - and complying with - the requirements of whatever establishment you decide to patronize?

[Stratheden]

A bit of a non-sequitor, don't you think?

 

I can spend a year traveling the world and never need more than a golf shirt and jeans. It depends where you eat.

 

I imagine there are places in Italy where it would be considered quite inappropriate to dine in a windbreaker.

 

I do not think "the rest of the world" has gone business casual.

 

Isn't it just a matter of understanding - and complying with - the requirements of whatever establishment you decide to patronize?

 

Yes we do comply always. You don't NEED a jacket on HAL so if luggage restrictions mean you can't bring a jacket - don't. You will be fine in a collared shirt.

 

When travelling the world we pick restaurants that don't require a jacket, so we are never non-compliant.

 

When we are at home we also pick restaurants that don't require a jacket which is probably 95% of those in Australia if not more.