A Word About Formal Night Appearance

[usha]

Hence, the changing of the show times to 7:00 and 9:00 PM;)

Hmmmmm, interesting hypothesis...:cool:

[Boytjie]

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL a suggestion to those in Florida, please don't wear the shorts to church on Easter Sunday.:D

 

I don't think God would mind the shorts, they will be in church at least. ;)

[Boytjie]

i'm just happy to have 'em in church on easter sunday ... Or any sunday!

I'd let 'em come in pajamas, if they'll just come! There is no dress code at st. Stephen's.

 

Somebody, pick up rita. I think she must have just fainted.

 

Amen to that!

[Boytjie]

One other thing, staying dressed after dinner, not us, if we go to the casino I don't want our clothes smelling from smoke so we will change.

 

Are you going to the casino naked? :eek: If not, won't the clothes you change in also smell of smoke? :confused:

 

If we go to a show and there is no smoking we will stay dressed up. If no one likes it, tough petunias.

I don't believe smoking is allowed in the theater.

 

Flame me if you wish, I can take it, but this is how I feel.:rolleyes:

Why do people always throw out the flame shield? Is it to ward off any comments that may not go with the poster's opinion? (And no, this is not a flame!)

[Boytjie]

Yuck. People like this make me *want* to take another trip on HAL, just so I can be an agent of change.

 

Or you could try a cruise line that has already adopted that which you want to change HAL to. Why do you feel the need to change HAL if you have other options?

[Justgottago]

I'd let 'em come in Pajamas, if they'll just come! There is no dress code at St. Stephen's.

 

Greg – There is no dress code at St Johns either. I have been wearing polos and shorts to church all summer long but for Easter Sunday today I wore my best dark suit and dw wore her “mother of the bride” elegant outfit .

This has been a fascinating thread to read from start to finish. I agree with previous posters who pointed out that in our society standards of formality in dress have generally relaxed over time, and I know that I am dressing less formally at church, at work, or in a restaurant than I would have 20 years ago.

In any situation I like to conform to what is generally acceptable and would never wish to wear a tee shirt, jeans or a cap in the main dining room of a ship. I am more comfortable wearing a similar standard to most fellow diners. I would happily take and during the cruise wear each of my tuxedo, dark suit and navy blazer – in fact on our Princess cruise out of Auckland, our home port, I did just that. However we are faced with the reality that when we fly and cruise we are stuck with packing to comply with airline weight limits, in our case 50lb for our flight back from Alaska.

We are cruising on Statendam to Alaska in June. I would appreciate the opinions of previous cruisers as to what is the level of dress actually worn on HAL Alaska cruises, as opposed to the line's promulgated dress code?

[RevNeal]

I'm appalled that some folks would have people hidden away because they aren't wearing tuxedos, or <gasp> have the nerve to be a woman in a pantsuit.

 

Who has said that they want people "hidden away" because they are not wearing Tuxedos or are wearing a pantsuit? Please be specific and provide direct citations with direct correlation to the not wearing of Tuxedos or the wearing of pantsuits.

[RevNeal]

HAL is not going to advise those folks to leave the public lounges (incl. the casino) just because they are no longer 'adhering to' the 'suggested' code.

 

You are absolutely correct ... to the point of shorts and t-shirts, as I proved.

[RevNeal]

LOL ... naaaaaa, I'm okay. I'm just sitting here wishing I could be in your congregation. :)

 

If you're ever in the Dallas area on a Sunday morning, please feel free to join us at either the 8:30 or 11 am services. :) It's a laid back, liberal, open and welcoming congregation. I enjoy serving as their pastor.

[Pokeynose]

Are you going to the casino naked? :eek: If not, won't the clothes you change in also smell of smoke? :confused:

 

I don't believe smoking is allowed in the theater.

 

[/size]Why do people always throw out the flame shield? Is it to ward off any comments that may not go with the poster's opinion? (And no, this is not a flame!)

 

Yes the casual clothes will smell but I can send them to the laundry. I don't want to send DH's suit and my dress clothes to be laundered or drycleaned since we will wear them to the Pinnicle a couple of nights. Naked to the Casino, that's a thought:eek: but I would scare everyone at my age. I hope I have answered all your questions.:rolleyes:

[Beebob1]

I just came off the e-dam today. The dress code Was not what I expected by reading the board here. Most were in a suit & tie or nice dress. I didn't see any of the upscale folks like I thought would be cruising. Maybe it was just this once. However I plan not to take the "required" clothes on the next HAL cruise. I loved the cruise and will travel HAL again. I do not believe HAL is as upscale as "they" believe or the "finer" folks here who believe "they" are. The e-dam ship may be upscale but the cruisers are not.

[RevNeal]

We are cruising on Statendam to Alaska in June. I would appreciate the opinions of previous cruisers as to what is the level of dress actually worn on HAL Alaska cruises, as opposed to the line's promulgated dress code?

 

It can vary greatly, depending upon the passenger mix.

Here is what I would do if luggage were an extreme issue:

 

I would pack a pair of dark grey slacks, a white shirt, and two ties in my luggage and wear dockers, sport shirt, and a black jacket on the plane. On the formal nights I would wear the dark grey slacks, white shirt, tie, and black jacket. Code met, no luggage impact ... easy. And, regardless, you'll be fine on the cruise -- you certainly won't be overdressed relative to your fellow passengers, neither could you be possibly underdressed relative to the code.

 

I will be aboard the Ryndam and the Amsterdam this May for two cruises in Alaska. I will be bringing a black suit and clericals for formal nights; on several Smart Casual nights I will wear dockers, sport shirt, and black sports jacket.

[RevNeal]

I just came off the e-dam today. The dress code Was not what I expected by reading the board here. Most were in a suit & tie or nice dress. I didn't see any of the upscale folks like I thought would be cruising. Maybe it was just this once. However I plan not to take the "required" clothes on the next HAL cruise. I loved the cruise and will travel HAL again. I do not believe HAL is as upscale as "they" believe or the "finer" folks here who believe "they" are. The e-dam ship may be upscale but the cruisers are not.

 

You say you observed that most people were wearing suit and tie or nice dress on the cruise. You do realize that this reflects the dress code, and that most (if not all) on the dress-up side of the debate would be perfectly happy with this. Do many of us wear Tuxedos or dresses? Sure ... many of us own them and wear them on cruises. But that isn't what is "required."

[iancal]

It would not bother me in the least if you were not wearing your formal togs. I would not be so rude as to engage you in a conversation about your chosen attire in case of causing you any embarassment whatsoever-and I would not be that interested. I am a big believer in MYOB and live and let live.

[DizzyDallasDi]

Greg – There is no dress code at St Johns either. I have been wearing polos and shorts to church all summer long but for Easter Sunday today I wore my best dark suit and dw wore her “mother of the bride” elegant outfit .

This has been a fascinating thread to read from start to finish. I agree with previous posters who pointed out that in our society standards of formality in dress have generally relaxed over time, and I know that I am dressing less formally at church, at work, or in a restaurant than I would have 20 years ago.

In any situation I like to conform to what is generally acceptable and would never wish to wear a tee shirt, jeans or a cap in the main dining room of a ship. I am more comfortable wearing a similar standard to most fellow diners. I would happily take and during the cruise wear each of my tuxedo, dark suit and navy blazer – in fact on our Princess cruise out of Auckland, our home port, I did just that. However we are faced with the reality that when we fly and cruise we are stuck with packing to comply with airline weight limits, in our case 50lb for our flight back from Alaska.

We are cruising on Statendam to Alaska in June. I would appreciate the opinions of previous cruisers as to what is the level of dress actually worn on HAL Alaska cruises, as opposed to the line's promulgated dress code?

 

Ah yes, the church dress code is now creeping into the cruise ship dress code. I like it. My BIL's brother (or, my sister's BIL...whichever way, he's the same person) is the pastor at his Friday night non-denominational church. Very dressed down affair and he welcomes his congregation in any attire...just come and listen and learn is his mantra. I think this is the new wave for churches today...they simply want to fill the church to spread "the word." Dressing for dinner on a cruise ship is different. It's meant to be a festive and elegant affair. I understand and respect that.

 

I also want to know if an Alaska cruise would trend toward less formal attire during formal evenings. Given the weight limitations on airlines and the heavy apparel that one needs to lug to a cold environment, does this affect the way people dress in the evenings? I'm taking my first Alaska cruise next month and want to be prepared.

 

Diane

[WhansaMi]

Who has said that they want people "hidden away" because they are not wearing Tuxedos or are wearing a pantsuit? Please be specific and provide direct citations with direct correlation to the not wearing of Tuxedos or the wearing of pantsuits.

 

Well, let's see:

 

from ViolaSwamp:

 

>>My personal opinion on women's pantsuits are that they belong in the board room and should not count as acceptable formal night wear. >>

 

From RuthC:

 

>>People who do not wish to dress for the evening, or to change after dinner, are welcome on outside decks, and the Lido Deck.

But the show lounge, other lounges, casino, are all areas where the dress code continues until it's time to retire for the night. >>

[iancal]

Oh oh, I think we broke the rules either by not wearing dress attire, or as often as not, wearing a dark suit but changing back into casual for the casino, the show, or just walking around. Guilt is overtaking us.

[COLLEYBERRY]

As more of a lesson:

ASSUME the 2nd Coming were to happen onboard any HAL-DAM on Formal Night, should HE be denied entrance to the Main Dining Room ?

Just Asking,[/quote

 

HE might then remind us that the most unattractive thing any one can wear is a look of disdain for their fellowman.

Best wishes to all enjoying Easter and Passover this weekend.

[DizzyDallasDi]

Well, let's see:

 

from ViolaSwamp:

 

>>My personal opinion on women's pantsuits are that they belong in the board room and should not count as acceptable formal night wear. >>

 

From RuthC:

 

>>People who do not wish to dress for the evening, or to change after dinner, are welcome on outside decks, and the Lido Deck.

But the show lounge, other lounges, casino, are all areas where the dress code continues until it's time to retire for the night. >>

 

Uh oh...I'm afraid the guilty have been exposed.

[RevNeal]

Well, let's see:

 

from ViolaSwamp:

 

>>My personal opinion on women's pantsuits are that they belong in the board room and should not count as acceptable formal night wear. >>

 

From RuthC:

 

>>People who do not wish to dress for the evening, or to change after dinner, are welcome on outside decks, and the Lido Deck.

But the show lounge, other lounges, casino, are all areas where the dress code continues until it's time to retire for the night. >>

 

And the references regarding Tuxedos being considered "required" on Formal Night????

 

RuthC's remark had NOTHING to do with requiring Tuxedos or denying Pantsuits on Formal Nights. The Dress Code that RuthC references as applying in the public spaces doesn't stipulate Tuxedos as being "required" nor deny the wearing of pantsuits. Indeed ... I think I've seen Ruth wear dress pants on a Formal Night.

 

Allow me to amplify my point. I do not see people on this board saying that if a man isn't wearing a Tuxedo he must stay hidden in his cabin. The specificity of the "Tuxedo" is critical here ... neither the code, nor we, are asking men to all dress in Tuxedos: a jacket and tie is just fine. And, while you illustrated that someone expressed an opinion regarding pantsuits not belonging, it is an EXTREME minority opinion among those of us who like dressing up.

[iancal]

We have never experienced a problem with spending money in the casino or any where else on the ship on formal nights, after changing into casual. Never had as much as look from the blackjack dealer. I think as long as we are spending money, HAL does not really care what we are wearing.

[Nancyquilts]

 

I also want to know if an Alaska cruise would trend toward less formal attire during formal evenings. Given the weight limitations on airlines and the heavy apparel that one needs to lug to a cold environment, does this affect the way people dress in the evenings? I'm taking my first Alaska cruise next month and want to be prepared.

 

Diane

Don't worry too much about the heavy apparel - I take a warm fleece with a windbreaker, and a hat that pulls down over my ears. This has always worked (saying that, it won't this year).;)

[DizzyDallasDi]

Don't worry too much about the heavy apparel - I take a warm fleece with a windbreaker, and a hat that pulls down over my ears. This has always worked (saying that, it won't this year).;)

 

Thank you for your input but I'm curious why won't it work this year? I'm stressing over packing for this AK trip more than any other.

 

Diane

[Copper10-8]

You are absolutely correct ... to the point of shorts and t-shirts, as I proved.

 

You were going to let that go:cool:

[WhansaMi]

And the references regarding Tuxedos being considered "required" on Formal Night????

 

RuthC's remark had NOTHING to do with requiring Tuxedos or denying Pantsuits on Formal Nights. The Dress Code that RuthC references as applying in the public spaces doesn't stipulate Tuxedos as being "required" nor deny the wearing of pantsuits. Indeed ... I think I've seen Ruth wear dress pants on a Formal Night.

 

Allow me to amplify my point. I do not see people on this board saying that if a man isn't wearing a Tuxedo he must stay hidden in his cabin. The specificity of the "Tuxedo" is critical here ... neither the code, nor we, are asking men to all dress in Tuxedos: a jacket and tie is just fine. And, while you illustrated that someone expressed an opinion regarding pantsuits not belonging, it is an EXTREME minority opinion among those of us who like dressing up.

 

<sigh> You asked for someone who mentioned pants on women. I complied.

 

While I don't have the time, or patience, to review the posts in this thread again, I've seen people on this board (the stalwart defenders of the "dress code") wax nostalgically about how men used to wear tuxedos, and now they don't, etc... how women's pantsuits are NOT formal wear.... etc. While you say these posters are in the minority... I don't know. You couldn't tell it by the resounding silence from the "formal night" devotees.

 

RuthC suggests that those who aren't up the the dress code (yes, it is true, she doesn't define it, in this thread), should indeed, be hidden from view.

 

I find all of this quitte ... well, gruesome... to be honest. It is one thing to want to dress up for yourself -- for the people who love the opportunity to do so, more power to them. But to say that others have to do the same, or it "ruins" or detracts from your (generic) pleasure is just astounding, to me. What if having to look at people with oxygen tanks around the tables detracts from my visual pleasure? Should that be catered to? How about just general aging? Maybe some folks would rather see a young, beautiful woman in a sundress, than an old lady in a formal gown. Shoot, if we are going that route, all of us old people should hide out, because, really, wouldn't most people prefer to see a dining room full of beautiful people?

 

In the end, this is about *clothing*, people -- woven goods that keep our bodies from freezing and UV lights. Is that really something we need to judge/evaluate people on?

 

RevNeal, in your house of G-d, you'll accept people as they are. Should the dining room of some Dam ship be more discriminatory than G-d? Should *human beings* be more judgemental than G-d?

 

I know that my opinion will change nothing and no one. But, I feel I must voice it, the same way I voice it when I hear people judging a young black student of mine, simply because he wears the baggy jeans (they have no idea that he's my top student). I voice it when I see people assuming that the guy with all the tattoos must be trashy... or the girl with the green hair and emo clothes must not be academically inclined.

 

I'm really tired of people judging others based on their appearance -- from how they wear their hair, to the clothes they choose, to how they adorn their bodies with jewelry. It may not bring you (generic) visual pleasure, but others don't live to please you (generic).... they should live to please themselves.

 

Sheila