Oosterdam public areas and shorts?

[RuthC]

Yes, Sue, it is a vacation. It's a vacation from work---not from polite society. And whether or not you can imagine that people will notice that you are disrespectful of them, they will. They will be too polite to respond in kind, but they will notice the slight.

[bonstersd]

Please remember that my original question was not whether or not we should dress up for formal night, but rather if it would be OK to change afterward. I know that HAL requests that guests stay in the dress code for the entire night, but is it truly looked down upon to change to something more comfortable later in the evening? Our group consists of working professionals that want to have a good time, and RELAX while on vacation. I can't imagine that if I decide to change out of my evening dress and slip into something more comfortable before I head to the casino, or sports bar, that someone would actually think that I was disrespecting them. I'm not saying I'm going to throw on my jammies, or a bathing suit coverup, but something more suitable for sitting on a barstool, or dancing in the disco...It is a vacation, after all, isn't it?

 

Cruisin Sue, you are really barking up the wrong tree on these boards. Most likely, you will not receive one "it's okay" from anyone here. They will recite the rules to you and rant about how your dressing in anything other than the stated attire will ruin everyone else's cruise and you picked the wrong cruise line and how rude you will be and so on.... Seriously, quit these boards while you're ahead and I promise you will enjoy your cruise so much more!!! And, by the way, I wish I were cruising with your group, but I'll have to settle for my surfer group.

[Cruisin Sue]

Thank you Bonstersd, I really appreiciate it!

[caviargal]

Please remember that my original question was not whether or not we should dress up for formal night, but rather if it would be OK to change afterward. I know that HAL requests that guests stay in the dress code for the entire night, but is it truly looked down upon to change to something more comfortable later in the evening? Our group consists of working professionals that want to have a good time, and RELAX while on vacation. I can't imagine that if I decide to change out of my evening dress and slip into something more comfortable before I head to the casino, or sports bar, that someone would actually think that I was disrespecting them. I'm not saying I'm going to throw on my jammies, or a bathing suit coverup, but something more suitable for sitting on a barstool, or dancing in the disco...It is a vacation, after all, isn't it?

 

The answer to that original question is that HAL requests that you stay in the requested attire all evening.

 

If that takes away from your vacation and you decide to change after dinner, you are not likely to be sent to your room.

 

Is it looked down upon? Yes, by those of us who prefer a certain onboard ambiance and do not understand why others would choose a cruise known to be more traditional; no by those that share your sentiments.

[pbcbbc]

Cruisin Sue, try and understand you have chosen a cruise line that many people specifically pick because of the higher dress code standard. I will admit to not always following the rules and have felt out of place when I don't. It is your vacation to do as you wish. Just try and remember that, just like Celebrity, it is a different product with different standards than RCI or Carnival.

[herb]

you have chosen a cruise line that many people specifically pick because of the higher dress code standard

 

Strange, whenever I've mentioned that we're trying Holland America, no one ever said, "that's the cruiseline to choose if you're looking for a higher dress code standard".

 

What I had heard is "that's the cruiseline to choose if you don't appreciate a wild and raucous atmosphere and are looking for peace and quiet and relaxation ... and that's why we chose HAL. We got tired of all the noise and party atmosphere.

[Nasmas]

Cruisin Sue, I'm the one going with a group of surfers and I received all of the HAL CCers' opinions as to evening attire. Apparently now, anyone desiring to dress a little more casual is associated with surfers. Sorry...that's my fault! Please don't worry about these posts and whether you booked the right cruise for you. Luckily not everyone on these posts will be on your specific cruise...or mine. There are many people who cruise who have never even heard of cruise critic, and I'm starting to think that is a good thing. Your group will figure out what is comfortable for you and within the ship's "dress code" and I'm sure your group will have a grand time! That's what I plan on doing. Enjoy your cruise!

 

I agree with you. The first cruise I was on, it was so cold on the ship that I changed into my wind suit every night just to keep warm. I wore it everywhere. I'm sure most people that only saw me after dinner, thought I'd lost my luggage. But, I just wanted to be warm. They do ask you to abide by the dress code the entire night, but sometimes its just not practical. No one ever said anything to me.

[krewzin]

Seriously, quit these boards while you're ahead and I promise you will enjoy your cruise so much more!!! And, by the way, I wish I were cruising with your group, but I'll have to settle for my surfer group.

 

 

 

Why bother coming to these boards and asking a question if you know before hand that you're more than likely not going to like the response?

 

There's a 50/50 chance you're gonna hear what you wanna hear...but if you don't, what's the purpose in arguing it?

 

You're not going to change what the cruise line advocates for proper attire by belaboring the point here, nor will you change the mind of those that believe in following what the cruise line deems appropriate.

 

Likewise, your mind is made up and no matter what anyone says you'll do what you want...so what's the point?

 

I sincerely hope you and your longboarders enjoy your cruise.

 

Signed: A surfer "what has class.":D ;)

[bonstersd]

Why bother coming to these boards and asking a question if you know before hand that you're more than likely not going to like the response?

 

There's a 50/50 chance you're gonna hear what you wanna hear...but if you don't, what's the purpose in arguing it?

 

You're not going to change what the cruise line advocates for proper attire by belaboring the point here, nor will you change the mind of those that believe in following what the cruise line deems appropriate.

 

Likewise, your mind is made up and no matter what anyone says you'll do what you want...so what's the point?

 

I sincerely hope you and your longboarders enjoy your cruise.

 

Signed: A surfer "what has class.":D ;)

 

First, I have no idea what "A surfer 'what has class.'" means....

 

Secondly, thank you, I sure hope my DH longboarder does enjoy our cruise so that we can go on more cruises togeher.

 

Thirdly, I have no desire to change those advocating proper dress attire. I do, however, desire to share with those not understanding the advocates that they are not alone and that hopefully they will enjoy their cruise in spite of what is said on these boards.

[caviargal]

Strange, whenever I've mentioned that we're trying Holland America, no one ever said, "that's the cruiseline to choose if you're looking for a higher dress code standard".

 

What I had heard is "that's the cruiseline to choose if you don't appreciate a wild and raucous atmosphere and are looking for peace and quiet and relaxation ... and that's why we chose HAL. We got tired of all the noise and party atmosphere.

 

 

As a TA, I can tell you that HAL has always been known for being a traditional and formal line. I recommend HAL and X to clients looking for that experience. From looking at their marketing campaign, IMO it is pretty obvious that this is their niche.

 

Part of their appeal is indeed their dress code, which has been widely forced. From the boards, it appears that it may no longer be the case, as least not consistently. That would be a shame as there are so few lines left that offer a traditional experience.

 

I will be on ZUI in 6 weeks so will be seeing for myself.

[gizmo]

First, I have no idea what "A surfer 'what has class.'" means....

 

Secondly, thank you, I sure hope my DH longboarder does enjoy our cruise so that we can go on more cruises togeher.

 

Thirdly, I have no desire to change those advocating proper dress attire. I do, however, desire to share with those not understanding the advocates that they are not alone and that hopefully they will enjoy their cruise in spite of what is said on these boards.

 

I don't think it is a matter of not understanding the advocates for the (surfer :rolleyes: )shorts and tee shirt look. It is more of a matter of following the cruise line's policy and requests.

 

Not all cruise lines are alike. There are cruise lines that cater to the "surfer look" 24 x7, but Hal is not one of them.

 

As far as your earlier comment about being put down for cruising on Carnival, I disagree. Carnival referrs to their ships as "Fun Ships".

[herb]

As a TA, I can tell you that HAL has always been known for being a traditional and formal line.

Part of their appeal is indeed their dress code, which has been widely forced. From the boards, it appears that it may no longer be the case, as least not consistently. .

 

My wife and I will probably be more "accepting" of the dress code on HAL because the great majority adhere to it and STAY dressed up for the WHOLE evening. As long as every one stays dressed up we have no problems staying dressed up as well.

 

but....

 

what we have noticed on each and every subsequent cruise we've taken, fewer and fewer guest stay dressed up after they've finished their dinner. It almost looks comical walking through the ship after late seating is done and half the people are dressed in evening gowns and suits, and the rest look like their ready to go on a shore excursion!

[bonstersd]

I don't think it is a matter of not understanding the advocates for the (surfer :rolleyes: )shorts and tee shirt look. It is more of a matter of following the cruise line's policy and requests.

 

Not all cruise lines are alike. There are cruise lines that cater to the "surfer look" 24 x7, but Hal is not one of them.

 

As far as your earlier comment about being put down for cruising on Carnival, I disagree. Carnival referrs to their ships as "Fun Ships".

 

It seems you have a problem with the "surfer" look in general. If you must know, the surfer look is just shorts and a surfboard...now that would be a great cruise to be on!!!

[Himself]

You know my friends, why is it such a bugaboo to look a little presentable in the evening. Our whole society has gotten too casual. I grew up in an era when people went to church on Sunday and wore their "Sunday Best" and stayed somewhat dressed up for Sunday. People always looked presentable and dressed up when one went out to a restaurant and got dressed up to go visiting relatives or family friends. Boys go all through grade school and never even learn to tye a tie. I think all men and women--or many anyway--need a lesson or two on when grub is apropos and when it is not apropos.

[caviargal]

It seems you have a problem with the "surfer" look in general. If you must know, the surfer look is just shorts and a surfboard...now that would be a great cruise to be on!!!

 

You can find just that on Windjammer cruises, as well as easycruise.

 

For many of us, that would be a cruise that we would avoid at all costs. Not at all because of the surfers, but because shorts and a casual atmosphere is NOT why we enjoy cruising, and most definitely NOT why we choose HAL.

[bonstersd]

You can find just that on Windjammer cruises, as well as easycruise.

 

For many of us, that would be a cruise that we would avoid at all costs. Not at all because of the surfers, but because shorts and a casual atmosphere is NOT why we enjoy cruising, and most definitely NOT why we choose HAL.

 

I was just trying to lighten the subject and, admittedly, I was picturing hot, young surfers strolling the deck of a cruise ship.

[annemarie]

I am embarrassed to read this thread. To read grown women escpecially bicking as you are. We are taking our first HAL cruise this March and I hope none of you are on my cruise. We choose it to get away from the party atmosphere as we have 2 teenage daughters.

 

Himself times are changing nobody dresses for anything anymore. They used to dress to go down to dinner at home. Do you.

 

Caviargirl TA or not you have taken only 2 HAL cruises and 45 RCL cruises so give it a rest.

 

I am sure you guys have better things to do than respond like this. This is the most negative talk I have experienced on the CC boards.

 

And for the record I do enjoy dressing up for the evening.

[tumeroll]

They used to dress to go down to dinner at home. Do you.

 

.

 

You mean people have stopped doing this? I am confused as I thought it was still what civilized folks did. I better ask Buttons my house man if he knows about this trend. Egads!

[tortugas]

Thank you Annmarie for your thoughts... you cut to the chase quite nicely. I tried posting on another thread on this topic in an effort to say succinctly that times are indeed changing. Clearly, Holland America is aware of this trend or they wouldn't include this verbiage on their website:

 

"First and foremost, dress for comfort. Daily life aboard ship and in ports of call is laid-back and casual. We encourage you to wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable-sportswear, shorts, sundresses, slacks, and so on. "

 

Yes, they do go on in greater detail about "three distinct" codes of attire in following paragraphs, but the fact that they START the topic with this tone is, I believe, very telling.

 

I think it's clear that the cruiseline industry in general is trending toward a more casual vacation experience. HAL is trying to cover all the bases and have it both ways... appease their loyal guests AND bring in new cruisers who are in turn bringing in their new ideas. SO... we have this "drama" ensuing. And in fact, the Cruise Critic review of Westerdam somewhat addresses this topic as well.

 

That being said, I think there is a VERY vocal group on these boards who like the "old ways" and even though we cruise critic people are on these boards daily or weekly or whatever, it might be interesting to know what percentage of the cruising public is on these boards!!!

 

Which is why I said in the first place, those who enjoy dressing up, so be it. Those who enjoy more resort casual attire, so be it. Like it or not, that's the wave of the future... ride it or not :-)

 

And as my final note on this topic, I think it's quite sad that a certain poster continues to make ugly remarks at every given opportunity. Not appropriate, not necessary, and NOT WELCOME!!!!

 

I'm all for hearing everyone's opinion, and am delighted to be surrounded by a diversity of thought, but please, BE NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!

[babyher]

Annemarie and Tortugas

 

 

You both said it beautifully:)

 

Thank you

[gizmo]

It seems you have a problem with the "surfer" look in general. If you must know, the surfer look is just shorts and a surfboard...now that would be a great cruise to be on!!!

 

I think you read me wrong. I don't have a problem with the "surfer look" in general. I never said anything was wrong with it.

 

I guess my thoughts on what the "surfer look" is was not the same as yours since I included a tee shirt.

 

I am sure it would be a great cruise to be on. If the surfer look is just shorts and a surfboard, all the guys would have blood shot eyes :eek: watching some of the females. :D

[herb]

We've all chosen to sail HAL for one reason or another. The main thing is that all of us us have fun planning our cruise, and come back with many happy memories.

[bonstersd]

I think you read me wrong. I don't have a problem with the "surfer look" in general. I never said anything was wrong with it.

 

I guess my thoughts on what the "surfer look" is was not the same as yours since I included a tee shirt.

 

I am sure it would be a great cruise to be on. If the surfer look is just shorts and a surfboard, all the guys would have blood shot eyes :eek: watching some of the females. :D

 

Often, emails and posts are not interpreted in the spirit in which they were meant. :)

 

Maybe HAL will come up with a new dress code for our surfer cruise that requires only shorts! :)

[gizmo]

Often, emails and posts are not interpreted in the spirit in which they were meant. :)

 

Maybe HAL will come up with a new dress code for our surfer cruise that requires only shorts! :)

 

Very true !:)

 

Let me know if you hear about a surfer cruise. I am sure Mr. Gizmo would be very interested. ;)

[MikeT718]

For me if you are doing your research before your cruise and you are concerned about dress codes and how they work you would see HAL and if it is not for you then you could book something else..But if you are going to book HAL and not care, then why come here and open a can of worms where you are not going to get the answer you require..Granted I am only doing my 2nd HAL cruise in April but I understand how things work.. I enjoy getting dressed in my Tux for the ENTIRE EVENING. I can not see hanging out all day in my shorts abord ship getting back to my cabin just before dinner showering and getting dressed for dinner then being that way for what 2 hours. Then runnung back to my cabin to CHANGE AGAIN!!! that to me is dumb and a waste of my time + I am TOO LAZY to want to change again unless it is for BED!!!!!