Casual dress on Formal nights

[RevNeal]

Again, thanks for your very well worded post.

 

Yeah, Rita ... what an excellent choice of labels and epithets.

 

"snobs" indeed :(

[iceman93]

I don't think there are many people here arguing that there should be SOME standard of dress ... and in my personal opinion, resort casual is fine. Resort casual does not include jeans and tee-shirts, and certainly one shouldn't be admitted to the dining room dressed that way (with the possible exception being the last night of the cruise if luggage has to be out before the dinner hour).

 

Why? If my personal opinion is that cut-offs and a wife-beater are fine in the dining room, who are you to say that I'm wrong? Why should you be admitted to the dining room on formal night in your resort casual dress, but I can't be in a bathrobe and bunny slippers?

 

What other shipboard rules are open to interpretation if we follow your line of reasoning (which seems to be that your personal opinion overrules accepted standards and published guidelines)? Can 15 year-olds gamble in the casino? Can people in inside cabins "crash" the Neptune Lounge? Can able-bodied people book handicapped cabins hoping for a free upgrade? Can people smoke anywhere in the ship, not just in the desginated lounges?

[caviargal]

Thank you, Peggy, for an excellent and down-to-earth post. I agree 100% with your thoughts on dress. As long as people are dressed decently (no tee-shirts or jeans in the dining room), give them a break! Not everyone wants to get all gussied up just to have dinner. And, why shouldn't they be able to eat in the dining room, and be served, without having to jump through the dress code hoops to do it? Believe me, HAL is coming around on this issue. Just look at all the people who dine each night dressed casually on formal night. Believe me, if the majority of passengers were dressing to the nines and had a problem with it, the Matri 'd would be turning these people away. As it is, they walk right in, are seated, and enjoy a meal. Doesn't that tell people something?

 

As for children in the pool and the man telling his kid to swim in whatever pool he wanted ... I don't know how I feel about that. I go back and forth on that issue. On the one hand, HAL is trying to market themselves to families, and part of a family experience is to be able to swim together in the pools. On the other hand, some adults want a pool that is quiet ... and that's one generally one pool will be designated for adults only. But ... if one pool is excluded to children, that forces everyone in the remaining one. Doesn't make sense, does it? I guess the father felt that he paid his child's cruise fare, and there was no valid reason why his kid couldn't swim wherever he chose. So, in that respect, I can understand the father's instructions to his son. If a cruise line is gonna advertise itself as a "family friendly" cruise experience, then they can't exclude certain family members from age-appropriate facilities. Obviously the pools are age appropriate for children.

 

Again, thanks for your very well worded post.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

 

So not only is it acceptable for people to ignore the dress code and dress as they wish - within your definition of acceptable - but it is also fine for passengers to be have cannonballing, yelling kids in the adult designated pool because the parents paid for the cruise. They can "swim together" in a pool but why does it have to be the one designated for adults?

 

I paid for my cruise, too. How come I am not entitled to what I purchased, namely formal nights that are kept formal and areas where kids are strictly prohibited.

 

It really all comes down to the sheer selfishness of the me-me-me mentality.

 

How sad...I really thought HAL was different but from this board it appears they are sinking to the level of the other cruise lines.

 

I will stick to adult AIs and cruise lines that discourage children for my personal travel. There, it is not a mattern of interpretation.

[peggy1]

Why is it when people disagree with your point of view,and dare to state them on this site that you criticize them with "labels and epithets-snobs indeed", you didn't have a problem with the "refinement" label by RuthC. I'd like people to be able to have their say without the political correctness which in your case means agree with me, I'm a HAL devotee. What happened to the doctrine of acceptance, Reverend????

[dakrewser]

Why is it when people disagree with your point of view,and dare to state them on this site that you criticize them with "labels and epithets-snobs indeed", you didn't have a problem with the "refinement" label by RuthC. I'd like people to be able to have their say without the political correctness which in your case means agree with me, I'm a HAL devotee. What happened to the doctrine of acceptance, Reverend????

 

Since when is "refinement" an epithet???

[bookworm0911]

 

Secondly, the menu in the formal dining room is more extensive than that for the evening meal in the Lido. All passengers have paid for that extra level of service and the more extensive menu in the formal dining room consequently they're entitled to enjoy the formal dining room IMHO even if they choose not to dress for formal night.

 

 

Am I wrong or can you not enjoy the more extensive menu by room service if you choose not to dress? It seems HAl is providing for all choice like dress or not dress formal and Lido with a smaller menu or the full thing by room service if not to dress is your choice.

[RevNeal]

Why is it when people disagree with your point of view,and dare to state them on this site that you criticize them with "labels and epithets-snobs indeed", you didn't have a problem with the "refinement" label by RuthC. I'd like people to be able to have their say without the political correctness which in your case means agree with me, I'm a HAL devotee. What happened to the doctrine of acceptance, Reverend????

 

Peggy,

 

I don't have a problem with someone disagreeing with me. It happens all the time, and while I will passionately contend for my position and opinion, in the end the disagreements don't bother me. After all ... people are different, and that's a good thing. I have had disagreements with folk in this forum whom I consider friends. I consider Rita my friend. It's why I posted what I did to her.

 

What I have a problem with is being labeled with condescending, judgmental terminology -- a "snob" -- which attempts to besmirch one's very character based upon one's preference for dress codes. How would you feel if Ruth had shifted the second letter in the word "snob" back 2 places in the alphabet to the letter "l" and applied it to all those who don't want to abide by the dress code? I suspect you would have taken offense. Well ... I took offense at being labeled with a pejorative epithet like "snob."

 

Expressing disappointment at being labeled with with a demeaning epithet is not a call for "political correctness." It's a plea for civility. Frankly, name-calling and labeling is pretty much the equivalent of having a food fight in the forum.

[peggy1]

I don't think "snob" nor "refinement" is an epithet, and if you don't want to feel judged, than don't judge others who don't choose to dress as formally as you would like. And, to those who suggest that they don't go to the dining room and also not to show their faces in public spaces for the entire evening is ridiculous. If you don't want to be judged as a snob than don't be one. Show some more tolerance and acceptance. Get off the high horses. If you and others on this site can't tolerate people who go more casually than you don't go on cruises as you will find people of all kinds on cruises, it is called diversity. Rather than suggesting that they hide out in their cabins, you may want to give a thought to going to a Ritz somewhere and feel like you are in your rarified element. Having said all this, we do dress formally, however I can't abide the, (and here's the word "snobby") attitutde. It has been my experience that those who hold themselves in such high esteem are usually there only in their own minds. Anyway, hope this makes sense as I just returned from a procedure.

[krewzin]

If you don't want to be judged as a snob than don't be one.

 

 

 

Ouch. :rolleyes:

[Cruiseoften]

(QUOTE.....By: dakrewser

 

(QUOTE:Quote:

Originally Posted by peggy1

Why is it when people disagree with your point of view,and dare to state them on this site that you criticize them with "labels and epithets-snobs indeed", you didn't have a problem with the "refinement" label by RuthC. I'd like people to be able to have their say without the political correctness which in your case means agree with me, I'm a HAL devotee. What happened to the doctrine of acceptance, Reverend????

 

Since when is "refinement" an epithet???(END QUOTE)

 

Good question dakrewser - and what does 'acceptance' have to do with it, pegggy1?

 

I'm obliged to and do accept many things, e.g. a crying baby in the next cabin - but I don't feel obliged to accept deliberate flaunting of dress code suggestions.......they should be RULES and be enforced.

[ryansmemom]

Only snobs would confuse the two, refinement shows in decorum not dictating what others should wear.

 

I beg you pardon, Peggy. However, my mother taught me that name calling was not mannerly or a sign of good decorum. I understand what you are trying to say. I do think you may want to take a second look at the way you are saying it and the judgemental labels you are applying to people who are perfect strangers on a message board.

 

Linda

[jckvpa0]

I know that most of CC´s like to dress for formal nights and enjoy the dining room and all the atmosphere around it, but this question is for those that choose NOT to dress and NOT to go to the DR, I want to know all experiences and notes.

 

I´m going to Alaska this june and like to have a different cruise, more casual. Also I´m on an aft. corner suite on the Westerdam and dreaming of the large balcony and all the use I can get from it, like having breakfast and dinner.

 

Thank You

 

I have only read the first page of this thread, how did this turn into a dress code thread! Talk about going off subject!

 

I believe the OP was looking for something more along these lines:

 

 

My dh & I had an aft corner suite as well & we also choose to fore go formal night one evening. Much to my surprise this ended up being the most memorable evening of the whole cruise!

 

We began the evening by sipping Champagne & enjoying appetizers out on our Veranda while Mozart was playing in the background. Just as the sun began to set our entrees arrived with a wonderful bottle of red wine. The warm breeze & the star light sky was just breathtaking! Much to my surprise before my dh had even finished his dinner he took my hand and said, "may I have this dance"........................

 

Well you get the idea, I think the OP very well understands the dress code. I believe she was just wishing someone would share their experiences!

[gizmo]

I have only read the first page of this thread, how did this turn into a dress code thread! Talk about going off subject!

 

 

It's the nature of the beast. Just mention dress code and that beaten horse is resurrected. :D

[herb]

It's the nature of the beast. Just mention dress code and that beaten horse is resurrected. :D

It's about as guaranteed as low tide, high tide.

[caribbean girl]

I have only read the first page of this thread, how did this turn into a dress code thread! Talk about going off subject!

 

I believe the OP was looking for something more along these lines:

 

 

My dh & I had an aft corner suite as well & we also choose to fore go formal night one evening. Much to my surprise this ended up being the most memorable evening of the whole cruise!

 

We began the evening by sipping Champagne & enjoying appetizers out on our Veranda while Mozart was playing in the background. Just as the sun began to set our entrees arrived with a wonderful bottle of red wine. The warm breeze & the star light sky was just breathtaking! Much to my surprise before my dh had even finished his dinner he took my hand and said, "may I have this dance"........................

 

Well you get the idea, I think the OP very well understands the dress code. I believe she was just wishing someone would share their experiences!

 

What a wonderful description of a lovely evening!! :) Touchee!! And, thanks for 'lightening up' another predictably contentious dress code thread. I do hope the OP takes note...there's absolutely no dress code, when it comes to finding ways to make wonderful memories on board a cruise ship!!

[dakrewser]

I don't think "snob" nor "refinement" is an epithet, and if you don't want to feel judged, than don't judge others who don't choose to dress as formally as you would like. And, to those who suggest that they don't go to the dining room and also not to show their faces in public spaces for the entire evening is ridiculous. If you don't want to be judged as a snob than don't be one. Show some more tolerance and acceptance. Get off the high horses. If you and others on this site can't tolerate people who go more casually than you don't go on cruises as you will find people of all kinds on cruises, it is called diversity. Rather than suggesting that they hide out in their cabins, you may want to give a thought to going to a Ritz somewhere and feel like you are in your rarified element. Having said all this, we do dress formally, however I can't abide the, (and here's the word "snobby") attitutde. It has been my experience that those who hold themselves in such high esteem are usually there only in their own minds. Anyway, hope this makes sense as I just returned from a procedure.

 

I could not care less what people actually wear. But I care very much when people flout the rules and conventions. Tonight they may decide to not observe the dress code, tomorrow they may decide to light candles all over their cabin or cough all over the salad buffet.

 

Either folks show consideration to their fellows by observing the rules, or they serve their own ego-centric notions of what it's OK to do. The former I admire, the latter I look down upon.

[babyher]

What a wonderful description of a lovely evening!! :) Touchee!! And, thanks for 'lightening up' another predictably contentious dress code thread. I do hope the OP takes note...there's absolutely no dress code, when it comes to finding ways to make wonderful memories on board a cruise ship!!

 

 

Very well said :)

 

I can vouch that some of DWs and mine best evenings on a cruise (and a few other places) were when we never even left the cabin , let alone got dressed :)

[Copper10-8]

Very well said :)

 

I can vouch that some of DWs and mine best evenings on a cruise (and a few other places) were when we never even left the cabin , let alone got dressed :)

 

Awwwrighty then!;) And now, for something completely different! A man with a tape recorder up his nose

[babyher]

Awwwrighty then!;) And now, for something completely different! A man with a tape recorder up his nose

 

Sorry I'm Sicilian *LOL*

 

A Monty Python afficienado I see :) :) :)

[jckvpa0]

What a wonderful description of a lovely evening!! :) Touchee!! And, thanks for 'lightening up' another predictably contentious dress code thread. I do hope the OP takes note...there's absolutely no dress code, when it comes to finding ways to make wonderful memories on board a cruise ship!!

 

Thank-You, now I just need to finish the script,(I hadn't even gotten to dessert ;) ),print it & give to my dh to read :D !!!

[caribbean girl]

Thank-You, now I just need to finish the script,(I hadn't even gotten to dessert ;) ),print it & give to my dh to read :D !!!

 

Is this your way of saying, 'To be continued'?:rolleyes: If so, I shall be checking in for updates...;) Always glad to pick up a pointer or two from someone's tried and true tricks! (Alliteration completely unplanned...:) )

[kryos]

Yeah, Rita ... what an excellent choice of labels and epithets.

 

"snobs" indeed :(

 

Well, I think there are some people who are snobs. We've all encountered them. :)

 

LOL ... but I wasn't necessarily referring to her choice of words in that regard. What I really liked about her post was how she cut to the chase with the dress standards ... and centered on what was really important ... that people dress neatly and are clean when they come into the dining room each night. After all, dress does not make a person ... as we all know. Someone could be adorned in their finest ... and still be an absolute nightmare to dine with. Personally, I'd rather dine with someone who is a lot of fun ... can hold a conversation ... and keeps the dinner table lively ... wearing their nice open collar shirt and nice pair of slacks ... than eat with a total bore who happens to have a nice tuxudo on. :)

 

Of course, with you I would get both ... nicely dressed and a neat, fun person. So, how could I go wrong? We've got to sail together some day. I'd really enjoy that.

 

Blue skies!

 

--rita

[kryos]

Why? If my personal opinion is that cut-offs and a wife-beater are fine in the dining room, who are you to say that I'm wrong? Why should you be admitted to the dining room on formal night in your resort casual dress, but I can't be in a bathrobe and bunny slippers?

Because every institution has a minimum standard of acceptable dress. Sure, I'd like to be able to work dayside at my job ... and still wear my jeans and skydiving tee-shirts. But I can't do that. Business casual is the standard there in offices during normal business hours. So, I work in the computer center, night side, where no one cares what I wear as long as it is clean and covers me up in all the appropriate places. :)

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[RevNeal]

If you don't want to be judged as a snob than don't be one.

 

One doesn't have to be a snob in order to be judged as such. All it takes is wearing a tuxedo and thinking that the dress code is nice and wishing that others would abide by it, too.

I'm not a snob.

Ruth isn't a snob.

Others who post here who dress according to the code, and would like it if others abided by it too, are also not snobs.

But you couldn't tell it by the way the label was being slapped on our behinds by some.

 

Peggy, my objection is to the name-calling. You seem to want to justify it. I find that most unfortunate, for it enables you (and others) to treat some of us according to the labels that you've given us and not in accordance with who and what we really are. Your advice regarding tolerance is quite apropos ... you should give serious consideration to actually taking it.

[RuthC]

Because every institution has a minimum standard of acceptable dress.

And it is HAL's prerogative to set that standard on their ships. Which they have done. It is not the provence of any passenger to overrule HAL's authority on that matter.