Dress Code Noordam

[caviargal]

"I think they (HAL) knows the more traditional cruiser will stick with HAL."

I am all for three designations, Formal, Informal and Casual (as in Country Club Casual). However, I don't agree that people looking for that experience have only HAL to look to. While my first Hal cruise is upcoming, my last was on Celebrity, the Constellation to the Caribbean, and people upheld the three dress designations, with a preponderance of tuxedos on formal nights, and the vast majority of men in sports jackets on informal nights. I did not see any jeans in the dining room, ever. If HAL thinks they have a corner on mainstream traditional passengers, they'll feel free to relax the dress codes as much as they want. There is an alternative.

That being said, I'm hoping for the best on my first HAL cruise on the Noordam.

 

On a recent cruise with X (November) the disregard for the dress code was blatant. I saw shorts, ball caps, wool caps, sloppy T shirts, sneakers and flip flops in the dining room at dinner, even on formal night.

 

I have always considered X and HAL to be the leaders in elegance amongst the mass market lines. When several men in my party were turned away from the PG on an informal night last year because they did not have jackets on, I was very pleased to note that the dress code was being upheld.

 

HAL is one of the very few lines that still has the old world elegance I have always considered an integral part of the cruise experience. Should they choose to go the way of NCL, RCI and CCL, there would be no reason to cruise them again, at least for me.

[grandsix]

We Believe In And Dress According To The Hal Guidelines.

[caribbean girl]

That wasn't my experience in the diningroom for 2/7 cruise on the Noordam. It's sad that people would come to the beautiful diningroom dressed for a gym. Casual is described as "country club" casual.

 

Maybe HAL has to rethink their description of what is acceptable and what is not.

 

Except for the lady with the curlers on in the main dining room, that is. :rolleyes:

 

We also saw people walking around the ship in t-shirts on formal night and they quite stood out, I might say, while we were all lining up for (and looking forward to) photos.

[innlady1]

Except for the lady with the curlers on in the main dining room, that is. :rolleyes:

 

We also saw people walking around the ship in t-shirts on formal night and they quite stood out, I might say, while we were all lining up for (and looking forward to) photos.

 

 

She loved those curlers! I saw her with them more often than not!

 

We saw people walking around in t-shirts, too, on formal nights. The dining room was one place where I thought the dress code was upheld on Formal Nights. Most other nights, too.

 

HAL needs to establish a firm policy...whatever that might be...and then enforce it. And, if people don't care for the dress code, there are plenty of other cruise lines from which to choose that might be a better fit.

[gourmetgirls]

We had a party of 6 adults and 7 kids on the Veendam in Alaska (July 2005). The kids ranged in age from 9-15. We all enjoyed dressing up, even on casual nights. The adult guys wore tuxes and the younger boys wore black suits with a tux shirt and bowtie on the formal nights. All of the girls wore dressy cocktail or long dresses. The guys usually wore a sport coat or suit on the other nights and the girls wore dresses or dressy pants. We thought that the kids would opt for the Lido on the nights that the adults ate in the Pinnacle Grill, but they all chose to dress up and eat in the main dining room.

 

I do not get to wear nice clothes at work, so I enjoy dressing up when I get the opportunity and I just love a man in a tux!

[madelinerose]

My most memorable vision is an elderly gentlement leaving the dining room in a tux ... flossing his teeth.

 

 

 

Oh how lovely! Just goes to show you, you can dress 'em up.......... :rolleyes:

[NoNoNanette]

On formal night I will dine in the Lido, but after, I will wander the ship in my polo shirt and dockers, visit the bars and the casino, go to the disco and enjoy myself, and spend my money at these venues, which I am sure Holland America appreciates more than my returning to my cabin to watch TV or go to bed. They do not enforce a dress code throughout the ship on formal nights, and that is a fact, no matter what you traditionalist say. I am not ruining your night, you're doing it on your own, because of your own attitude.:rolleyes: Woe is me, things are changing.

 

*WILDLY APPLAUDING*

[caribbean girl]

The problem is that seriously 'enforcing' some of these rules would involve ticking off a lot of paying pax and possibly causing unnecessary scenes which would be unpleasant for everyone involved. (Has anyone ever witnessed someone not finding what they are looking for at the Lido and expressing their 'unhappiness' about it? Oy vey...:eek: ) HAL probably wisely recognizes that some people will happily observe ALL rules and that there will always be some who will do as they please, like the guy who wore his wife's nightgown in the main dining room, when he was told he could not come in with a sleeveless shirt. That said, we enjoy dressing up and will continue to. It adds to the fun and charm of the cruise. If someone else wants to stick out like a sore thumb walking around wearing a t-shirt (the guy we saw looked like he felt pretty out of place!) it will do nothing to diminish our experience. I just don't want the lady in curlers at our table!!:rolleyes:

[dakrewser]

On formal night I will dine in the Lido, but after, I will wander the ship in my polo shirt and dockers, visit the bars and the casino, go to the disco and enjoy myself, and spend my money at these venues, which I am sure Holland America appreciates more than my returning to my cabin to watch TV or go to bed. They do not enforce a dress code throughout the ship on formal nights, and that is a fact, no matter what you traditionalist say. I am not ruining your night, you're doing it on your own, because of your own attitude.:rolleyes: Woe is me, things are changing.

 

It's not Carnival - there aren't security guards posted on all decks to weed out the troublemakers. HAL expects you're adult enough to know the rules and follow them without having to create scenes to the detriment of all passengers.

 

If you will only follow those rules which are "enforced", I would hope you're never on a cruise with me.

[eldercruser]

Once again may I state that on our recent (last week) cruise aboard the Maasdam there was no request that passengers stay in or even dress in formal wear through out the evening.

 

The following was added under the evening's dress:

 

"Please note: If you should choose not to dress formally, the Lido Restaurant, Deck 11 or In-Room Dining is available as a dining option."

 

That was it - nothing about staying in formal dress during the evening. It is obvious to me that if one did want to dress formally on formal night, then it was fine by the ship - no questions asked.

 

As for me I had a different bow tie and cummerbund set for each (3) formal night, but I also realize "times are changing".

[peterv]

I, for one, do not see Formal Night traditions as an elitist expression but, rather, a festive celebration of a wonderful time being had by ALL. Given how casual our society has become -- all across the board, and in every socioeconomic group -- there are few opportunities in one's life for a regular guy, like me, to "play dress up." Why do away with one of them that many of us enjoy??? If some don't like it ... fine ... rather than trying to change HAL and thereby ruin what we enjoy, they are free to go to those cruise lines which don't have Formal Nights. Please ... leave us who love Formal Nights at least one cruise line that gives us the experience we enjoy ... and without the suggestive judgementalism.

 

Funny how some see playing "dress up" as fun, and think that everyone wants to have the same sort of "fun".

 

I guess the second question is how does wearing a tux or suit and tie to eat your dinner add to your pleasure? and why, if others do not, does it detract from it? After all you are still enjoying your "dress up" night?

 

The third question, which is inevitably pointed out to all, is to either go elsewhere, or sail on this illusory "other" cruiseline that does not have "dress up" nights. With the exception of NCL, none of the mainstream cruise lines offer a casual only cruise.

 

 

How about this, you play "dress up" and stop whinging about what others do or wear? That would appear to solve the whole issue.

 

Of course I am only joking, it would not solve it, as I am sure others would point out! Someone else wearing anything less would just destroy the ambiance. My suggestion to this is to look at your plate not everybody else's clothing.

 

Of course this is just my .02 pence.

 

Cheers,

Peter

[peterv]

I'm in my 30's and I enjoy the chance to buy lovely evening wear, I don't go to any places at home where I can wear a long dress. Talking to my freinds of similar ages, they also prefer the cruise dress-codes before they were relaxed. We all go to the pub in jeans at home, but we wouldn't want to dress that way on a cruise ship dining room./quote]

 

If you enjoy it so much, why do you not go to places at home where you can wear your "lovely evening wear"?

 

Seems silly to me to go out and buy such things only to wear on a ship, once or horrors, more than once. :confused:

 

Cheers,

Peter

[Copper10-8]

The problem is that seriously 'enforcing' some of these rules would involve ticking off a lot of paying pax and possibly causing unnecessary scenes which would be unpleasant for everyone involved. (Has anyone ever witnessed someone not finding what they are looking for at the Lido and expressing their 'unhappiness' about it? Oy vey...:eek: ) HAL probably wisely recognizes that some people will happily observe ALL rules and that there will always be some who will do as they please, like the guy who wore his wife's nightgown in the main dining room, when he was told he could not come in with a sleeveless shirt. That said, we enjoy dressing up and will continue to. It adds to the fun and charm of the cruise. If someone else wants to stick out like a sore thumb walking around wearing a t-shirt (the guy we saw looked like he felt pretty out of place!) it will do nothing to diminish our experience. I just don't want the lady in curlers at our table!!:rolleyes:

 

You hit the nail right on the proverbial head Cirita! In talking to some of the HAL staff about this always popular (and contaversial) topic, it becomes very touchy. HAL supervisors in the dining room have stopped pax at the doors (mostly on formal night) who were not following the dress code only to have those fine folks:

a. Get very angry

b. Turn it into a confrontation and/or a scene

c. Make a b-line to the Front Office and demand to speak to someone "higher"

Some of the HAL personnel we spoke to are frustrated to the point where it's not worth it for them to get into future confrontations with pax so they just let it go. Besides, they don't always get 100% backing from their bosses onboard and/or in Seattle. This throws it all back in the laps of us, the faithfull HAL passengers. We all (well, almost all:rolleyes: ) know that HAL has a dress code that they would like us to follow. If they didn't, they wouldn't put reminders out in "know before you go", the daily program, signs at the doors to the dining room, etc.

It looks to me (been our experience onboard) that the majority of us still does follow the dress code. I mean, come on, besides getting married how often do you get a chance to wear a tux nowadays? (I know, I know, tuxes aren't required)Those that don't, that's your decision but be aware that seventeen years of bad luck will follow upon your return home!;) Happy cruisin' to all of you!

[RevNeal]

The following was added under the evening's dress:

 

"Please note: If you should choose not to dress formally, the Lido Restaurant, Deck 11 or In-Room Dining is available as a dining option."

 

That was it - nothing about staying in formal dress during the evening.

 

Thank you for the quote from the daily program. Please note, they specifically say that "the Lido Resturant, Deck 11, or In-Room Dining" are those places where those who do not choose to dress formally may go. By exclusion, it is reasonable to conclude that the main dining room and public decks 2 and 3 (on the Vista class) are "not an option" for those who do not chose to dress formally. :) Otherwise, the statement is meaningless ... i.e., why would it be needed??

 

Also, please note, the Dress code as published in the "Know Before You Go" booklet for that cruise stated: Holland America Line asks that you observe the suggested dress code throughout the entire evening.

 

So ... there you have it.

 

Now, granted, the ship's staff didn't stop those who were not dressed according to code wandering public decks 2 and 3 (though in many cases they DO stop them from eating in the Main Dining Room), but just because the rule wasn't enforced that didn't mean that it's still not a rule.

[RevNeal]

Funny how some see playing "dress up" as fun, and think that everyone wants to have the same sort of "fun".

 

We think this because they selected a cruise line that has been long known for providing a venue for such fun. Why did those who don't want to partake of that "fun" choose a Cruise Line that is KNOWN for providing a venue for such "fun"?

 

I guess the second question is how does wearing a tux or suit and tie to eat your dinner add to your pleasure? and why, if others do not, does it detract from it? After all you are still enjoying your "dress up" night?

 

That two questions.

 

a) It is pleasurable because we enjoy the formal night setting and the atmosphere and "feel" of the evening. As for why ... if you have to ask, you don't share it.

 

b) As for how those who don't abide by the code detract from our enjoyment of it ... well ... let's put it this way: if, on formal night, I'm one of only a very few dressed formally it won't matter that I'm dressed according to the code, I WILL BE STARED AT AND RIDICULED FOR DRESSING AND UP AND MADE TO FEEL CONSPICUOUS by the likes of you. Some of us want to "fit in" with everyone else, hence we want everyone else to dress up. :)

 

The third question, which is inevitably pointed out to all, is to either go elsewhere, or sail on this illusory "other" cruiseline that does not have "dress up" nights. With the exception of NCL, none of the mainstream cruise lines offer a casual only cruise.

 

Define "Mainstream." Some would classify HAL as a "Premium" line. Let's see, in addition to NCL: Windstar, Disney (their 3 and 4 night cruises), and Oceania do not have a formal night.

 

How about this, you play "dress up" and stop whinging about what others do or wear? That would appear to solve the whole issue.

 

How about this, those who don't want to "play dress up" should stop whining about the dress code, spend the formal evenings in the areas of the ship they are welcomed, and leave the majority of us, who want to have the dress code alone. It's called observing the rules. What a concept, eh? :eek:

 

Of course I am only joking, it would not solve it, as I am sure others would point out! Someone else wearing anything less would just destroy the ambiance. My suggestion to this is to look at your plate not everybody else's clothing.

 

Thank you for your suggestion and your opinions.

[RevNeal]

If you enjoy it so much, why do you not go to places at home where you can wear your "lovely evening wear"?

 

Seems silly to me to go out and buy such things only to wear on a ship, once or horrors, more than once. :confused:

 

I cruise 2 or 3 times a year. I wear my Tuxedo on those cruises where I'm not serving as Chaplain (and, since I like longer cruises I usually wear it 3 or more times each cruise). Additionally, I wear my Tuxedo at the Grand Gala Night of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Dallas Opera, the Nasher Center Celebration Night, and one or two other Black Tie events where I am not "working" as clergy.

 

In short, many of us who have formal clothing for cruising do dress up at times other than on cruises.

[cat1]

Can we carry this one step further just for ha, ha sakes?

 

Just got off the 11 day Noordam and was not amused by the number of people who showed up at the Lido for breakfast in their bathrobes and pajamas. I kid you not. If they can set up a dinner dress code and enforce it, I would much rather have them enforce the Lido dress as too many people were wearing bathing suits, no shoes, bathrobes and pajamas. On a formal night if a man chooses not to wear a jacket I don't have a problem with that. However, If a person chooses to wear their bathing suit with everything hanging out everywhere and with no shoes in the Lido, I have a problem with that.

[hammybee]

.However, If a person chooses to wear their bathing suit with everything hanging out everywhere and with no shoes in the Lido, I have a problem with that.

 

Man boobs, perhaps?

[madelinerose]

I guess the second question is how does wearing a tux or suit and tie to eat your dinner add to your pleasure? Peter

 

 

It's not about eating dinner, it's about DINING

[RevNeal]

Man boobs, perhaps?

 

Think butt-cleavage.

<ugh!:eek: :p >

[debsjc]

I'm in my 30's and I enjoy the chance to buy lovely evening wear, I don't go to any places at home where I can wear a long dress. Talking to my freinds of similar ages, they also prefer the cruise dress-codes before they were relaxed. We all go to the pub in jeans at home, but we wouldn't want to dress that way on a cruise ship dining room

 

If you enjoy it so much, why do you not go to places at home where you can wear your "lovely evening wear"?

 

Seems silly to me to go out and buy such things only to wear on a ship, once or horrors, more than once. :confused:

 

Cheers,

Peter

 

I don't really have the time, or the money to go to the type of places wear a formal dress would be worn when i'm not on vacation. Plus it wouldn't be such fun if I did it all the time.

 

However I do usually buy my outfits for the formal nights in the sales ...the new dress I have this time was 1/5 of it's original price - at £15 I don't mind if I only wear it once! ;)

 

The other dress is from my last cruise, and still looks great. Classic evening wear doesn't date too quickly so I can keep it from one cruise to the next.

[mariner]

As I sat in Northern Lights last week on NOORDAM, I talked to an officer about eliminating informal from the dress code.

 

His response was, ``Americans just don't seem to understand what informal means.''

 

I told him it's more a case of not wanting to understand.

 

We also shook our heads at the gang in shorts and Ts who were on the dance floor. The officer said it's impossible to enforce.

 

Casual dress ran the spectrum: from country club casual to Growing Up Gotti sweats.

 

At least the maitre d was turning away people from the dining room.

 

BTW, the Vistas weren't built to attract a younger clientele. They were built so the line could stay competitive in high volume markets such as the Caribbean.

[RevNeal]

BTW, the Vistas weren't built to attract a younger clientele. They were built so the line could stay competitive in high volume markets such as the Caribbean.

 

CORRECT!

[Woe is me]

It's not Carnival - there aren't security guards posted on all decks to weed out the troublemakers. HAL expects you're adult enough to know the rules and follow them without having to create scenes to the detriment of all passengers.

 

If you will only follow those rules which are "enforced", I would hope you're never on a cruise with me.

 

WOW! So what would you do if I was on a cruise with you, create a scene? Woe is Me, the great dakrewser is after me.:rolleyes:

[caribbean girl]

WOW! So what would you do if I was on a cruise with you, create a scene? Woe is Me, the great dakrewser is after me.:rolleyes:

 

 

I can just see it...a tux wearer and a down dresser mixed up in a tousle in front of the main dining room!!:eek: I think the people in line would probably end up killing someone if they even suspected that they might lose their place!!:rolleyes:

 

These dress code threads never fail to amuse and bore me all at once.

 

;) Life goes on, thank goodness.