Formal Night Question -- Beyond Dinning Room

[Mid-Age]

In formal night, can I wear casual in show room or casino? :confused:

[hammybee]

This is from HAL's web site:

 

Each night a daily program will be delivered to your stateroom announcing the suggested dress for the following evening.

 

Evening dress falls into two distinct categories: Formal or Smart Casual. Smart Casual can be defined as slacks and sports shirt or sweater for men and skirt or trousers and sweater or blouse for women. T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas during the evening hours. On festive Formal evenings, ladies usually wear a cocktail dress or gown and gentlemen usually wear a suit and tie or tuxedo. There are approximately two formal nights per week.

[kryos]

This is from HAL's web site:

 

Each night a daily program will be delivered to your stateroom announcing the suggested dress for the following evening.

She's not asking how to dress on formal night; she's asking if she needs to stay dressed up after dining.

 

Technically, yes ... the dress code for the evening is the dress code throughout the ship ... on all decks except the Lido.

 

However, in actuality, lots of people get changed after dinner and it is highly unlikely that anyone is going to stop you from going to the show lounge because you're no longer formally dressed. As long as you are presentable (no shorts, tee-shirts, etc.), you should be fine if you wish to slip into something a bit more comfortable after dinner.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[cf_chuck]

Technically, yes ... the dress code for the evening is the dress code throughout the ship ... on all decks except the Lido.

 

However, in actuality, lots of people get changed after dinner and it is highly unlikely that anyone is going to stop you from going to the show lounge because you're no longer formally dressed. As long as you are presentable (no shorts, tee-shirts, etc.), you should be fine if you wish to slip into something a bit more comfortable after dinner.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

 

That is my experience and I think it makes sense. I doubt HAL would want to preclude those that opted out of the formal dining experience from attending shows or spending money in the lounges and casinos.

[barriedavis]

She's not asking how to dress on formal night; she's asking if she needs to stay dressed up after dining.

 

Technically, yes ... the dress code for the evening is the dress code throughout the ship ... on all decks except the Lido.

 

However, in actuality, lots of people get changed after dinner and it is highly unlikely that anyone is going to stop you from going to the show lounge because you're no longer formally dressed. As long as you are presentable (no shorts, tee-shirts, etc.), you should be fine if you wish to slip into something a bit more comfortable after dinner.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

 

Regrettably, we seem to be in realms of anything goes now. I once talked to a CD who told me that the official view was that, if someone was not properly dressed in accordance with the suggested code, they would not be picked to take part in on stage games. Having now viewed my Voyage DVD of last weeks Zuiderdam cruise, the Dating/Marriage Game portion was noticeable by its complete departure from this rule. It was recorded on formal night. The old couple were in tux and gown, the middle couple were in business suit and dress but the newlyweds looked as though they had just returned from a two week ditch digging excursion. Dirty tee shirt, shorts and he could not even be parted from his baseball cap for the occasion. What were they even doing in the lounge like this, let alone being invited to play?

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have seen all types of dress on formal nights in the show room, casino and bar/lounges. People are rarely following the rules - some itineraries seem to be worse than others. Our Alaskan cruise really had the worst dressed people that I have ever seen. We even had suite guests show up at the Pinnacle for dinner and the suite buffet wearing jeans, t-shirts and baseball caps -- I swear they didn't even change their clothes.

[Boytjie]

In formal night, can I wear casual in show room or casino? :confused:

 

'Can'? Yes, 'Shouldn't' you, maybe. :D

[RevNeal]

Here's the appropriate page from the Know Before You Go Booklet. This is the latest copy of the book, received with my documents for the Eurodam Inaugural Cruise.

 

 

Note the statement:

 

In order to complement your fellow guests, Holland America Line asks that you observe the suggested dress code throughout the entire evening.

 

It is not found in the Website section dealing with the dress code, but despite 2 years of predictions on this mater it has not disappeared from the official "Know Before you Go" booklet. And it's not that the line is just trying to use up a supply of the books ... this is the 05/01/08 revision. The Line has had many opportunities to remove the statement, but they haven't.

 

So, the answer to the OP's question is, technically, no. But, practically, you'll see people dressed in formal wear and you'll see people dressed in the Smart Casual "Minimum," and you'll even see a few dressed all the way DOWN to shorts and print t-shirts.

[Boytjie]

So, the answer to the OP's question is, technically, no. But, practically, you'll see people dressed in formal wear and you'll see people dressed in the Smart Casual "Minimum," and you'll even see a few dressed all the way DOWN to shorts and print t-shirts.

 

Intersting that now it says 'printed t-shirts', before it was:

'T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas during the evening hours.'

That would imply that solid color t-shirts are OK....

[RevNeal]

Intersting that now it says 'printed t-shirts', before it was:

'T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas during the evening hours.'

That would imply that solid color t-shirts are OK....

 

I think that they mean something like this:

 

 

Not a solid undershirt or a tank-top or some such other t-shirt without a printed slogan, add, or picture.

[O2B@C]

Intersting that now it says 'printed t-shirts', before it was:'T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas during the evening hours.'

That would imply that solid color t-shirts are OK....

 

There are tops for women that are technically t-shirts, in the sense that they are collarless tops made of knit fabric, but which are quite fancy and very nice-looking. They may be silk, and/or embroidered, and/or decorated with lace, beading, etc., and the overall effect is that they are perfectly acceptable as smart casual wear. I also think that a simple solid tee for men, if it's made of nice fabric (e.g., pima cotton or silk) and just a little bit "dressy," can work for smart casual.

 

I think the reason HAL narrowed it down to "printed t-shirts" is that they are trying to draw a line between t-shirts with jokes, caricatures, slogans, etc. printed on them, versus the kind of "dressy" t-shirts that are acceptable for smart casual night. It's a hard distinction to describe succinctly, but I think I understand what they're getting at. What do others think? Greg? Brian?

[Boytjie]

I think that they mean something like this:

 

 

Not a solid undershirt or a tank-top or some such other t-shirt without a printed slogan, add, or picture.

 

When I see 'printed t-shirt' it means any t-shirt with a logo or graphic. I don't read into it anything about the length of the sleeves. And by definition a tank-top cannot be a t-shirt. :D

[Golfette]

On our December Oosterdam cruise to the Mexican Riviera, even on both formal nights, a large portion of the passengers were not dressed in formal wear after dinner all over the ship. I didn't pay that much attention to what they were actually wearing, but some were pretty casual.

 

Even for dinner, very few were dressed "formally." For men, suits and ties mainly, some sports coats & ties, a few tuxes. For ladies, mostly cocktail type outfits and dresses.

 

Have a great cruise!

[RevNeal]

When I see 'printed t-shirt' it means any t-shirt with a logo or graphic. I don't read into it anything about the length of the sleeves. And by definition a tank-top cannot be a t-shirt. :D

 

It wasn't the sleeve length that I was pointing out, but the quality of the make. Not a thin under-shirt, but an outer-shirt quality T-shirt.

 

Since the code doesn't prohibit Tank-Tops, does this mean that they're allowed? ;)

[RevNeal]

Even for dinner, very few were dressed "formally." For men, suits and ties mainly, some sports coats & ties, a few tuxes. For ladies, mostly cocktail type outfits and dresses.

 

On HAL, a sport coat and tie (with, of course, shirt and slacks) qualify as being within the stipulations of the code for formal night. While not "strictly speaking" formal, it's what HAL's code allows on Formal Night. And, indeed, in many Americans minds that is what passes for "formal."

[Copper10-8]

In formal night, can I wear casual in show room or casino? :confused:

 

As has been pointed out, on formal nights HAL requests that you observe the dress code for the entire evening. Many pax do so and others do not (depends on the length of the cruise and itinerary). The bottom line: it's entirely up to you! If you decide to wear casual in the show room on formal night, no one from HAL will stop you and/or escort you out and tell you to "please go to your room and change, Ma'am."

[Opinions]

 

It is not found in the Website section dealing with the dress code, but despite 2 years of predictions on this mater it has not disappeared from the official "Know Before you Go" booklet. And it's not that the line is just trying to use up a supply of the books ... this is the 05/01/08 revision. The Line has had many opportunities to remove the statement, but they haven't.

 

.

 

Isn't the "Know Before you Go" booklet the one you receive AFTER you purchase your cruise?..At least that was when I received it...Incidentally HAL has had many opportunities to add this statement to their website but they haven't.

[Boytjie]

It wasn't the sleeve length that I was pointing out, but the quality of the make. Not a thin under-shirt, but an outer-shirt quality T-shirt.

 

Well, what is the difference between under-shirt and t-shirt? A solid white t-shirt could be a non-under-shirt.

 

Since the code doesn't prohibit Tank-Tops, does this mean that they're allowed? ;)

 

Tank tops are specifically named as not allowed. :D

[RevNeal]

Isn't the "Know Before you Go" booklet the one you receive AFTER you purchase your cruise?..At least that was when I received it...Incidentally HAL has had many opportunities to add this statement to their website but they haven't.

 

Yes, indeed ... it is the booklet you receive with your cruise documentation. And, yes, they've had plenty of opportunities to add the statement to their website, but they haven't. LIKEWISE, they have had plenty of opportunity to subtract the statement from their booklets, but they haven't. Some have speculated that the statement remains in the booklet because the Line has a large supply of them to off-load. But, no ... the last revision to the booklet is dated May 1, 2008 ... and, still, the statement remains in the printed documentation.

 

I can't think of a reason why they've not added it to the website or, alternatively, removed it from the booklet. The discontinuity makes no sense.

[RevNeal]

Well, what is the difference between under-shirt and t-shirt? A solid white t-shirt could be a non-under-shirt.

 

Thickness and opacity of the material. A Froot-of-the-loom undershirt is NOT the same as an outer-wear t-shirt.

 

Tank tops are specifically named as not allowed. :D

 

Ah, yes ... how silly of me not to remember. I've seen men and women wearing them in the evening so often as of late (well, on the Volendam last year) that I forget they're listed in the so-called "not allowed" group.

[usha]

In formal night, can I wear casual in show room or casino? :confused:

On formal night, does HAL recommend wearing casual in show room or casino? Nope.:cool:

Will you get away with wearing casual in the show room or casino? Probably.:(

[kryos]

Yes, indeed ... it is the booklet you receive with your cruise documentation. And, yes, they've had plenty of opportunities to add the statement to their website, but they haven't. LIKEWISE, they have had plenty of opportunity to subtract the statement from their booklets, but they haven't.

Sadly, printed documentation is often the last to be revised. I'd be willing to bet it hasn't been revised simply because no one thought to revise it.

 

I doubt very, very strongly that HAL wants to forego the revenue from the casino, bars and lounges after dinner just because a goodly number of people want to change into something more comfortable after eating. They want those people to step into the bars, order a drink (or two or three), go to the casino, visit the shopping promanade, etc.

 

Trust me, HAL is not about to give one hoot that those people shed their formal clothes right after dinner and are out and about in resort casual attire. As long as they look reasonably presentable (no shorts and flip flops), HAL will gladly take their money in any of those shipboard venues.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[kryos]

On formal night, does HAL recommend wearing casual in show room or casino? Nope.:cool:

Will you get away with wearing casual in the show room or casino? Probably.:(

The way I prefer to consider HAL's perspective on the matter is ... come as you are, just spend your money. :)

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[RevNeal]

Sadly, printed documentation is often the last to be revised. I'd be willing to bet it hasn't been revised simply because no one thought to revise it.

 

HAL doesn't seem to have any problem with revising the booklet in multiple respects and all the time. Each edition that I have seems to be a little bit different from the one before it ... sometimes there are major changes, as when HAL changed the dress code to its current stipulations and when HAL phased in As You Wish Dining. Granted,it may be that they've just overlooked the one statement in question, however ... I seriously doubt it. I've written to them several times concerning it; each time the response I have received is a form letter that details the code as printed in the Know Before You Go Booklet, including the clause in question, and that it is their intention to maintain the code as-is. I've recently written them again asking for a clarification relative to the discontinuity between the website and the Know Before You Go booklet in hopes this will either spur them to add it to the website or remove it from the booklet. We'll see, and I'll post their response to this board if/when one comes.

 

I doubt very, very strongly that HAL wants to forego the revenue from the casino, bars and lounges after dinner just because a goodly number of people want to change into something more comfortable after eating. They want those people to step into the bars, order a drink (or two or three), go to the casino, visit the shopping promanade, etc.

 

I agree with you. That point is not in question, but wether or not HAL would rather they did so while maintaining the evening's ambiance. The continued presence of the clause-in-question would tend to make me think the later. They won't pitch a fit if people don't, but they'd rather that they did.

 

Trust me, HAL is not about to give one hoot that those people shed their formal clothes right after dinner and are out and about in resort casual attire. As long as they look reasonably presentable (no shorts and flip flops), HAL will gladly take their money in any of those shipboard venues.

 

And, trust me ... HAL will even take their money when dressed in shorts and flip flops. I've seen it, and documented it, right here on this board. None of this is a matter of trust, Rita, nor is it about friendship or kindness; it's about what the code says vs. what one actually experiences aboard ship. For me, it's a waste of time to go back to my cabin and change into something else after dinner ... I enjoy staying dressed up and enjoying the lounges and the show, etc.. However, as I've said before, recent events have caused me to entirely re-think how I choose to experience those who don't abide by the code: that's their business, not mine.

[Taxguy77]

Intersting that now it says 'printed t-shirts', before it was:

'T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas during the evening hours.'

That would imply that solid color t-shirts are OK....

Printed T-shirts

Does that mean I can't wear my NCL T-shirt to the formal dinner?:confused:

I'm looking forward to getting a "dam"shirt on my 1st HAL cruise.:cool: