Why can we not wear jeans on Casual nights?

[Hojo's redbeard]

Some people on this thread don't seem to realize that cruises are mass marketed and not everyone becomes an educated consumer before booking a cruise. No, not everyone books a particular cruise line for their ambiance. It already has come down to the itenerary and price more often than some people want to admit. :o

 

My question, how long does the cruise have to be for it to include a "Casual Night"?

 

Jeans. They have come a LONG way from what some of you know, remember and own. Denim itself comes in hundreds of variations. The things some of you have listed as your personal reasons for not liking jeans, well, there's a pair out there for you that doesn't do that. I have a few pairs of jeans that are nearly as light as my wool suit pants, and they have more give in them than any of my khakis.

 

Someone mentioned not knowing why anyone would wear jeans on a carribean cruise. I've never understood why anyone would want to wear formal wear on a caribbean cruise!?!? :confused: That's a whole lot hotter than jeans.

 

That all being said, I have always stuck to the dress code on cruises. It's just the way I was raised. I think one of the things that DW likes most about cruising is that it's an excuse for her to go buy a new wardrobe. She just picked up two new formal gowns for our upcoming cruise (:eek: she couldn't have the same dress on in the pictures as our last cruise:eek: )

 

I do fall into that demographic that the cruiselines are all clammoring for, so my comment cards include the desire for jeans more often.

[skyedoggie]

I was so disappointed to see this thread on top of the one that is listed under "Why did HAL change?" My DH and I thought we had found a cruise line that represented everything we were looking for! The aforementioned thread also talks about the relaxed rules of jeans being allowed in the dining room and goes into detail about loud music following you around everywhere. We are booked on the new Southern itinery this Jan 07 and the only pair of jeans I'll bring will be the ones that I travel in to the airport and back. If we find this whole scenario to in fact be true we'll be looking to another cruise line.

 

Just think of that beautiful dining room and all of its staff, who are working so hard to present an elegant meal to the guests on board. Is it too much trouble for a person to dress appropriately??? I think it is a mistake for HAL to lower its standards to appease everyone....there are too many grey areas of what does a "neat pair of jeans" look like. Have you seen what jeans look like lately - even when they are brand new??? Hello out there - designer jeans are sold with more than $50 price tags attached and they already look like they've been dragged along the street!

[HeatherInFlorida]

I think the funniest part of these dress code threads is that.....

 

1. They're always the same in the end ... and

 

2. The same people say the same thing every single time.

 

I have to wonder why we do it because it's never going to change. No one is going to change their mind and eventually it stops being fun ribbing and ends up nasty and name calling and the hosts come in and have to either remove posts or lock the thread.

 

So do you all ever wonder why we keep doing it? Just because we can? I think when questions like this come up we should all just answer .... "sure, wear jeans ... do whatever you want".

 

Because all the OP is ever looking for is someone to justify what they're going to do anyway!!!:D :D :D

 

Sail .... I have to admit that I have succumbed to "guys" and am old enough now to take it as a compliment. I have come to view it as being included in the younger group. We go to a local sports bar now and then called Duffy's. They always come to the table, sit back on their heels to be at eye level, say "Hi Guys!" with a big grin. And I say "Hi Guy!" right back and just enjoy the moment.

 

So there are some "changes" in this world that I have come to accept and some I have not;) . On my next cruise out on the big Atlantic I'm going to raid every room, steal all the jeans and toss 'em in the big 'ole ocean:D .

[herb]

I think the funniest part of these dress code threads is that.....

 

1. They're always the same in the end ... and

 

2. The same people say the same thing every single time.

 

You're absolutely right Heather...

There are those that are for jeans, those that are against jeans, those that get a kick out of the dress code threads, but one thing in common... these threads sure do boost everyone's post count :D

[OldCodger73]

Wow! These jean threads seem to have more lives than a cat.

 

It's unfortunate that many of the people posting in this thread are operating on a misconception based on past practices. Contrary to what the HAL website says-- and we all know how up to date, state-of-the-art and readily accessible the website is--jeans are no longer banned in the dinning room on casual night. This has been repeated numerous time in this thread, but some people still don't get it. Those of us who have actually cruised HAL this year know that in the booklet that comes with your cruise documents, jeans are not listed as being prohibited.

[hammybee]

Restaurants everywhere, impose a minimum dress code on their guests, ranging from very basic, shoes and a shirt to something more formal.

 

Guests are free to choose which restaurant they dine.

 

Those that prefer to dress casually tend to dine in more casual venues.

 

Those looking for a special night out seek the more formal venue and generally expect the other patrons will be like-minded.

[hammybee]

Those of us who have actually cruised HAL this year know that in the booklet that comes with your cruise documents, jeans are not listed as being prohibited.

 

You are absolutely right. The OP's title made reference to jeans on casual night. Our reaction to the OP's tone of "bowing to another culture" is what set this one off, and took it well beyond casual night.

[Hojo's redbeard]

skyedoggie's comment got me to thinking. Everyone focuses on the bad, those who aren't following the rules and gripe about it. Gets a person to thinking that of the 800 or so people at any particular dinner seating has a couple hundred people wearing jeans. So, I have a question.

 

Please only answer in regards to an HAL cruise. How many people were wearing jeans in the dining room on your last HAL cruise? Please also try to be specific to Casual night, informal night and formal night.

 

Let's see if we are getting feathers ruffled by 2 out of 800 people on an informal night, or if its 200 on casual night.

[babyher]

Heather

 

I hope I am not in my jeans at the time when you go around throwing them all over board :) :) :) *LOL*

 

Your assessment of the dress code threads reminds me of two people I work with.

 

they are soooooooooo opposite of eachother and every now and then they get on a subject and really go at it. Then the smoke clears and all is well between them.

 

As they say about it. "Every once in a while we need to have a blow out, we have it, and then we both walk away, each thinking we won that arguement" *LOL*

[hammybee]

I think the funniest part of these dress code threads is that..... They're always the same in the end .

 

 

Heather, you are right. Formal nights, tipping and smoking threads all die for lack of fuel and a brief pause before the next one begins.

[lawyerrose]

It's your choice realy, free country and all....

 

Now, I'm a Utah resident and jeans are the norm, wear them every day- to go shopping, to eat out....but......

 

It's about respect and following the rules. I guess I was raised "right" to respect the wishes (ie - code, rules, principles) of others, whether it is a dress code, a religious code of another's culture, etc -if it does not harm me or go against my principles.

 

When I visited a mosque in an Arab country I covered my head and arms (cant wear something sleeveless there) out of respect for their desires. It did not harm me. They were much more willing to talk to me afterwards, knowing I respected their requests.

 

My kids always get a job after the first interview because they dress for it (boys-shirts and ties and no jeans and daughter in nice pantsuit or dress). Employers even thank them. They range in age from 15 -20.

 

Would it harm you, really, to wear something that conforms to the code (formal wear, etc), for a few hours?

 

 

flame away

 

No flame. Absolutely agree. Glad you said it.

[hammybee]

As they say about it. "Every once in a while we need to have a blow out" *LOL*

 

I think this hits the nail on the head. If we did not enjoy the battle, we would create a "sticky" and be done with it.

[serendipity1499]

skyedoggie's comment got me to thinking. Everyone focuses on the bad' date=' those who aren't following the rules and gripe about it. Gets a person to thinking that of the 800 or so people at any particular dinner seating has a couple hundred people wearing jeans. So, I have a question.

 

Please only answer in regards to an HAL cruise. How many people were wearing jeans in the dining room on your last HAL cruise? Please also try to be specific to Casual night, informal night and formal night.

 

Let's see if we are getting feathers ruffled by 2 out of 800 people on an informal night, or if its 200 on casual night.[/quote']

 

On the "Prinsendam" 24 day cruise in April we noticed one gentlemen who wore Jeans every night including Informal night (with a jacket) in the DR..However, he wore a TUX on Formal Nights.. One out of 900+ passengers is less than .001%...It never affected the enjoyment of my cruise! I've since re-read the paragraph in the new booklet & sure enough Jeans are not even mentioned..

 

We also had the complete opposite: A very attractive older lady wore a different formal every single night complete with matching Boa's or shawl's...She also had nice strappy shoes to match each outfit.. These were very elaborate & frilly (some low cut) gowns/dresses..I enjoyed watching her as she was escorted into the Dining room on the arm of a different Gentleman (table mate or MATRE_d') each night..Her Make-Up & hair was always perfect & she had an infectious laugh...She seemed to be charming her tablemates....I'm a "people watcher" & looked forward to seeing her each night in the Queens Lounge...I'm sure she had to board with trunks for all these lovely clothes.. It reminded me of watching movies about cruises in the 50's & 60's...They seemed so romantic then! After that I never felt embarrassed about taking my 9 pair of shoes. ;)

 

Wonder if HAL is deliberately keeping their WEB site & booklet different in order to keep these threads going.;)

 

Betty

[SnorkelBear]

It started with jeans in the dining room. Now HAL has changed their design plans for the upcoming class of "ships". Welcome the new TrailerDam. Jeans are required for Formal Night.

 

[HeatherInFlorida]

I agree with everyone's comments about my post. Truth be told, these threads often tend to be a bit more interesting than some others. And everyone knows I always jump into the frey.

 

Babyher, if you're actually wearing the jeans I'm afraid you're toast:D .

 

But Hammybee is right and the "bowing to another culture" is what roused me:o . New Zealand is known for its hospitality and wecoming ways so I was a little surprised by the comment.

 

Whether or not HAL allows jeans almost stops being the issue. When I go to another country I will always "bow to their culture" out of respect for the country I'm in. I would hope that all Americans would do that.

 

 

P.S. Snorkelbear, I love it!!!!! LOL!

[SnorkelBear]

Here's a happy newleywed couple ready to board.

 

And the new Midnight Dessert Buffet.

[CoconutFish]

Well, this is another interesting thread on dining attire. I read them all, appreciate all the differing opinions.

On and on they go, the mind tends to wander and I can't remember exactly what points have been brought up, so please forgive me if I am repeating what has been said already.

 

Does everyone have a good picture in their minds of the HAL dining rooms? Spacious, elegant, beautifully appointed, white table cloths and napkins, sparkling glasses, polished silverware, seroius china, flowers, upholstered chairs, plush carpet. Waiters in black pants and elegant jackets. Sounds like a nice restaurant, almost on the posh side of the scale, doesn't it?

 

Why would anyone want to introduce a seriously discordant note into this picture? I mention no specific item of clothing, but one can imagine the possibilities. I am not talking about "conformity", but consistency.

 

Is it really out of place to consider some consistency with the surroundings all that strange an idea as far as attire goes?

 

Who wears a tux to MacDonald's? Why wear casual clothes at the extreme end of the spectrum to a dining room like HAL's?

 

As far as the Lido goes, it is more casual and no one expects suits on formal nights. That would be inconsistent with the surroundings.

 

Consistency is the key word and shows a lot of maturity and respect on the passengers' part for HAL and fellow cruisers.

[EngineerDel]

I assume the HAL web site is constantly being updated with the newest information available from coorporate headquarters. Since some posters have said that their booklets have removed the word "jeans" from the dress code, I was curious, so I just finished looking up the information on HAL's web site as of today at 1:00 p.m. (www.hollandamerica.com/)

 

When I clicked on the subject "FOR BOOKED GUESTS," the next page displayed the subject "PLANNING & ADVICE." There, I found "CLOTHING AND DRESS CODE." Paragraph 3 says this:

 

Evening dress falls into three distinct categories. Each night a daily program will be delivered to your stateroom announcing the suggested dress for the following evening. Comfortable, relaxed clothing is fine for evenings designated as CASUAL; however, T-shirts, JEANS, swimsuits, and shorts are NOT ALLOWED in the dinning room, Lido restaurant, or public areas during the evening hours.

 

If this is in error, then someone needs to inform HAL so that this matter can be corrected. If it is correctly printed, then all the dining room captains on all HAL ships should be notified that this rule should be strictly inforced. It should be as simple as that!

 

On our last Volendam cruise in November, no one was allowed in the dining room dressed inappropriately. I actually witnessed one man being turned away because of this. Obviously, from the above mentioned information, nothing has changed, unless it hasn't been updated.

 

We're booked on the Volendam again for December. Hope the same dinnig room captain is there.

 

Del

[Chivalrygirl]

;) Just wondered what one had to do to get a good debate going on here. I posted this last night, then went to bed, got up this morning and was staggered at the response.

 

I would have thought there was "no particular culture" when one is in international waters and all at sea :)

 

Just for the record. I actually DO NOT wear jeans, don't like them and don't feel comfortable in them.

[Chivalrygirl]

I haven't got the time right now to read them all. Far too much to do as we fly out of here on the long, long trek north. :)

[sail7seas]

The shame is you began a thread and people responded to your request for comments and then you don't read them.

 

That's a shame. Hopefully, when you get home, you'll have a chance to read them and 'catch up' with all the comments on your thread.

 

 

Have a safe flight. You haven't a signature to indicate if your long trek north is for a cruise. If it is......Bon Voyage. If not, enjoy whatever it is you are doing.

 

 

 

 

[HeatherInFlorida]

I'm sorry Chivalry Girl doesn't have time to read what she reaped, but it's interesting she now feels there is no particular culture involved in international waters. Personally I never would have thought of it one way or another nor do I think it's ever been mentioned on CC before (what's this, a first?:) ).

 

But in fairness, wasn't it Chivalry Girl who brought it up in her OP? She distinctly asked did she need to "bow to another culture".

 

Something sort of fishy about the whole thing given that she told us that jeans is all that is worn in New Zealand and it seemed this was going to be a hardship for her. Now she says she doesn't wear them, doesn't like them.

 

Here it is in case you missed it:

 

Why can we not wear jeans on Casual nights?

 

Hey guys

We are from down-under, jeans are very much part of our out for dinner wear if out for a laid back casual wear. Jeans and nice shirt. Do we really have to bow to another culture? You wear khakis (which we find very strange) and we wear jeans. So will you be offended when we come to dinner wearing fashion jeans etc.?

??????:confused: Is it just me???:o

............

[Copper10-8]

Just wondering if this would be acceptable in the Lido?

[Catnip]

Only if you have on your flip-flops, too!! :D :D

[sail7seas]

Proud member of: DTTT!!

 

 

I bite........what is it?