How formal is formal night?

[Opinions]

But you're not a woman, so it's probably harder for you to understand.

A blazer is the jacket worn with a suit. That screams "business wear" not "formal". That is, unless the "blazer" is something like a black velvet or satin, with white satin collar and cuffs or beaded collar and cuffs. Which is why I questioned the fabric and detailing.

 

I did not question whether it's "formal"?...I asked why it did not meet the code...A blazer and slacks for a man is not "formal" but it's acceptable under the code...I don't know what my being a man has anything to do with my understanding of what is acceptable...The ladies on this board often make comments about what men wear on formal nights, which is their right...However I have never heard any of them complain that a man wearing a suit on formal night "screams business wear"...Gee, I wonder what you must think of a woamen wearing a pants-suit?

[jan can]

Just off the Veendam. Officially formal night might start in all areas but in reality the people going to the late seating were in their regular clothes around the bars and casinos.

 

I can see how those that eat in the Lido don't want to be restricted to just that area. I can see them enforcing the rules in DR.

 

At lunch hour in the DR, a fellow was turned away because he was wearing a sleeveless top (not a young, wild style) but his wife was allowed in her sleeveless top. He just ran upstairs and changed and he wasn't complaining.

 

I wouldn't want to be the one enforcing or explaining rules.

[marysb]

If he is willing to wear a shirt, tie and dress pants, he will look nice; and if he doesn't feel out of place with your group. WHO CARES! Be together and enjoy!

[RevNeal]

Having just come off the Amsterdam, and a week before that the Ryndam, both Alaska Cruises, I will offer the following observations:

 

On Formal Nights aboard the Ryndam I saw:

-A man dressed in black slacks, grey shirt and a black tie (no jacket) was admitted.

-A man in a plaid shirt, jeans, and boots was also admitted

-A woman in a jogging suit was admitted

-A young man in shorts and t-shirt was NOT admitted

-My general impression was that about 40% of the men I saw at dinner and at the captain's toast, etc., were dressed in slacks, dress shirt, jacket and tie. About 15-20% of the men were in Tuxedo. Most of the rest were in suits. Only a handful refused to "play along" but they were very obvious ... like the above list.

 

On Formal Nights aboard the Amsterdam I saw:

-A man and his wife presented themselves at the upper level-entrance (ahead of my mother and I) on the first formal night dressed in jeans and button down shirts -- they were turned away/asked to change for formal night.

-A man in slacks, dress shirt, and tie was seated, along with a man in a black silk open-neck shirt and slacks.

-A man in jeans, cowboy dress shirt, bolo tie, and a western-wear jacket was admitted.

-An Asian gentleman in Philippine Formal Shirt (a white "Barong") was admitted.

-A woman in a jogging suit was not admitted. Ditto for a man in jean-shorts and polo shirt.

-About 30% of the men were in jacket, slacks, dress shirt and tie; about 30% were in suits; about 10-15% were in Tuxeos; the rest either ignored the code and didn't go to the main dining room (but were in evidence around the ship later), or ran the guantlet and got in even though the staff was proctoring the door a little more strictly than aboard the Ryndam.

 

As has become my practice over the past few cruises, I inquired with the Dining Room Managers on both ships about the strictness of the dress code as enforced: my question was in the form of an informal interview with them, with the expressed purpose of quoting them on Cruise Critic and elsewhere relative to this, and other, subjects. I was told by both that a man in a jacket would be admitted without question even if he lacked a tie, but that a without a jacket but with a tie should be turned away or lent a jacket ... unless the gentleman in question was presenting himself in a particular culture's formal garb (i.e., the Philippine formal shirt). I asked each if this was his personal policy, the ship's policy, or the Line's policy, and I was told, on both occasions, that Seattle was supporting DRMs who refused entrance to men without jackets or other formal attire, but that the Administration also didn't like hearing complaints from passengers on this matter (coming from either direction!) and was encouraging DRMs to find ways to encourage a minimal compliance (so as to please those who like a formal atmosphere) without also upsetting those who didn't want to "play along." In general, most Hotel Managers are giving their DRMs a free hand to deal with the matter and allow for exceptions, but that complaints have been on the rise regarding the "dressing down" seen on many ships and some minimal standards are being encouraged.

 

Those are my observations from recent Ryndam and Amsterdam cruises. So ... you take a chance if you don't bring/wear clothing to meet the code, but chances are you can "get away with it" if you really try.

[Cruise Junky]

Having just come off the Amsterdam, and a week before that the Ryndam, both Alaska Cruises, I will offer the following observations:

 

On Formal Nights aboard the Ryndam I saw:

-A man dressed in black slacks, grey shirt and a black tie (no jacket) was admitted.

-A man in a plaid shirt, jeans, and boots was also admitted

-A woman in a jogging suit was admitted

-A young man in shorts and t-shirt was NOT admitted

-My general impression was that about 40% of the men I saw at dinner and at the captain's toast, etc., were dressed in slacks, dress shirt, jacket and tie. About 15-20% of the men were in Tuxedo. Most of the rest were in suits. Only a handful refused to "play along" but they were very obvious ... like the above list.

 

On Formal Nights aboard the Amsterdam I saw:

-A man and his wife presented themselves at the upper level-entrance (ahead of my mother and I) on the first formal night dressed in jeans and button down shirts -- they were turned away/asked to change for formal night.

-A man in slacks, dress shirt, and tie was seated, along with a man in a black silk open-neck shirt and slacks.

-A man in jeans, cowboy dress shirt, bolo tie, and a western-wear jacket was admitted.

-An Asian gentleman in Philippine Formal Shirt (a white "Barong") was admitted.

-A woman in a jogging suit was not admitted. Ditto for a man in jean-shorts and polo shirt.

-About 30% of the men were in jacket, slacks, dress shirt and tie; about 30% were in suits; about 10-15% were in Tuxeos; the rest either ignored the code and didn't go to the main dining room (but were in evidence around the ship later), or ran the guantlet and got in even though the staff was proctoring the door a little more strictly than aboard the Ryndam.

 

As has become my practice over the past few cruises, I inquired with the Dining Room Managers on both ships about the strictness of the dress code as enforced: my question was in the form of an informal interview with them, with the expressed purpose of quoting them on Cruise Critic and elsewhere relative to this, and other, subjects. I was told by both that a man in a jacket would be admitted without question even if he lacked a tie, but that a without a jacket but with a tie should be turned away or lent a jacket ... unless the gentleman in question was presenting himself in a particular culture's formal garb (i.e., the Philippine formal shirt). I asked each if this was his personal policy, the ship's policy, or the Line's policy, and I was told, on both occasions, that Seattle was supporting DRMs who refused entrance to men without jackets or other formal attire, but that the Administration also didn't like hearing complaints from passengers on this matter (coming from either direction!) and was encouraging DRMs to find ways to encourage a minimal compliance (so as to please those who like a formal atmosphere) without also upsetting those who didn't want to "play along." In general, most Hotel Managers are giving their DRMs a free hand to deal with the matter and allow for exceptions, but that complaints have been on the rise regarding the "dressing down" seen on many ships and some minimal standards are being encouraged.

 

Those are my observations from recent Ryndam and Amsterdam cruises. So ... you take a chance if you don't bring/wear clothing to meet the code, but chances are you can "get away with it" if you really try.

 

We were in most ports with you on the Amsterdam, we were on the Zuiderdam :) We pretty much observed the same thing as you did, but I didn't see anyone turned away, and oh boy, there were some interesting outfits!

[retltrcrr]

I hope he is turned away, but probably won't be. I love to dress up in a tux on formal night because I spend most of my time in scrubs in the emergency room and it is great to spruce -up and be with others who look great and take pleasure in alittle elegance!

 

 

I spend most of my time in suits and ties in the board room and it is great to dress down in my leasure time - especially when I'm on vacation. :cool:

[iancal]

It is time that they went business casual across the board...no more formal nights.

[linda_22003]

There is a guy (60+) in our group that plain refuses to were a suit or Jacket. We did however convince him to bring (and wear) a tie.

 

 

Why isn't a guy a grownup by the age of 60? :confused:

[jan can]

It is time that they went business casual across the board...no more formal nights.

 

 

I'm indifferent on this but for many women this is their only chance to really dress up - i.e. also a motivating factor in selling cruises. You're in a store looking at the pretty dresses, the glittery jewellery..... "I should buy it for the next cruise".

 

BTW - I'm female and jmo.

[prescottbob]

...own concern and not mine. Enforcement of existing 'dress codes' seems to vary among ships / itineraries.

 

In so far as ourselves, we enjoy 'dressing up' on formal nights on HAL, and most land-based venues for that matter, (e.g. weddings, charity balls, etc.).

Seldom do we 'dress up' otherwise anymore these days.

 

When we walk into a HAL dining room (or any HAL cocktail / dancing venues) we enjoy only the momenets with ourselves .

 

What others wear (or do not wear) is of no concern to me (us).

 

The moment(s) are indeed, special.

 

Bon Voyage & Good Health!

Bob:)

[RuthC]

It is time that they went business casual across the board...no more formal nights.

The bar has been set low enough already. Take a good look at how people are already dressing on Smart Casual nights. Remove the last pretense of any dress-up nights and it may as well be called "Come as you are". :rolleyes:

[pms4104]

It is time that they went business casual across the board...no more formal nights.

Pretty confusing for a lot of folks. I once worked at a place (a travel company, no less) that had a business casual dress code ... and the company had to elaborate and state that tube tops, flip flops, shorts, bedroom slippers all were unacceptable. Further, it said that everyone was expected to wear shoes in the office. That was for a biz casual code ... shouldn't have required any futher explanations, right?

 

As long as HAL still has formal nights, those who prefer to dress more casually should be pleased that thre are dining venues other than the main room where they can dress less formally. I vote for formal nights to stay.

[pipedreams62]

It is time that they went business casual across the board...no more formal nights.

 

 

[seabreezer]

Okay, I have to ask at the risk of being flamed, but why do people care so much what other people wear? I'm not saying it's okay to wear an Hawaiian shirt on formal night but I've sensed on some dress code threads (not this one) intense disdain towards anyone who dares to push the envelope even a little: jacket but no tie, sport coat instead of suit, suit instead of tux. I have to say I don't even notice if someone dresses down a little - I'm too busy eating!

 

I would however be all for relaxing the dress code a little bit, especially on the Caribbean and Mexican cruises. It's a bit strange to be schlepping around a near third world country by day and then dressing to the nines to eat hotel banquet style food by night. Formal just seems like overkill.

[Copper10-8]

................... I asked each if this was his personal policy, the ship's policy, or the Line's policy, and I was told, on both occasions, that Seattle was supporting DRMs who refused entrance to men without jackets or other formal attire, but that the Administration also didn't like hearing complaints from passengers on this matter............" .............................

 

Bingo! The old "tightrope walking trick"!:eek:

[RevNeal]

Bingo! The old "tightrope walking trick"!:eek:

 

Precisely ... and it's a mighty fine rope they walk on, too!!!!!

[Copper10-8]

Precisely ... and it's a mighty fine rope they walk on, too!!!!!

 

Here's hoping they have a large capture net hanging underneath that rope!

[iancal]

Well, we will probably be seeing how strict the Veendam is in Dec. Prior to cruising in Dec, we will be schlepping around for two or three weeks in Argentina. We are independent travellers...we will be in back of beyond places. I can assure you that we have no plans to hump formal wear all the the way from Canada, thru South America just to wear for three or three nights on the Veendam. We will travel with our 24' and 21" rollers and will just have to make do with what we find in the bag. An no...we won't be renting some else's clothes thanks very much.

[DebbieS732]

Well, we will probably be seeing how strict the Veendam is in Dec. Prior to cruising in Dec, we will be schlepping around for two or three weeks in Argentina. We are independent travellers...we will be in back of beyond places. I can assure you that we have no plans to hump formal wear all the the way from Canada, thru South America just to wear for three or three nights on the Veendam. We will travel with our 24' and 21" rollers and will just have to make do with what we find in the bag. An no...we won't be renting some else's clothes thanks very much.

 

On our first two cruises, my husband declined to bring formal wear (you know ..."I wear a suit and tie every day at work, why would I want to dress up on vacation..."). It was fine. There are plenty of dining options and not everyone is dressed to the nines. Although, our 17 year old son talked my husband into bringing his tux this time. Yipee!

[EduTravler]

From reading all of these threads about formal wear, I feel I can compare it to going to the opera (yes, I talk my husband into one every once in a while). You will see everything from jeans to long beaded dresses.

I am looking forward to dressing to the nines for formal night and although I would love to see the room filled with like attire, I know that others may not be dressed in kind. Don't really know how a cruise-line can enforce the the code without a slew of irate customers. Won't know how I really feel until "formal" night. BTW, this is my first "real" cruise.

[Copper10-8]

............. Don't really know how a cruise-line can enforce the the code without a slew of irate customers. Won't know how I really feel until "formal" night. BTW, this is my first "real" cruise.

 

Unless they make it 100% clear that they will be doing that and consistently, you are absolutely right! Have a great cruise!

[taxmantoo]

The bar has been set low enough already. Take a good look at how people are already dressing on Smart Casual nights. Remove the last pretense of any dress-up nights and it may as well be called "Come as you are". :rolleyes:

Agree with Ruth. There is no reason for all of us to adopt a "lowest common denominator" dress code. We may be a dying breed but we will look d*** good in the coffin!

[RuthC]

We may be a dying breed but we will look d*** good in the coffin!

My husband sure did! I buried him in his white dinner jacket.

He's spending eternity looking good. ;)

[sunviking90]

 

I think you've found the perfect solution for those darn (or dam) Vista class ships with no laundry room for pressing. Wrinkle free!;)

[mamaofami]

From reading all of these threads about formal wear, I feel I can compare it to going to the opera (yes, I talk my husband into one every once in a while). You will see everything from jeans to long beaded dresses.

I am looking forward to dressing to the nines for formal night and although I would love to see the room filled with like attire, I know that others may not be dressed in kind. Don't really know how a cruise-line can enforce the the code without a slew of irate customers. Won't know how I really feel until "formal" night. BTW, this is my first "real" cruise.

 

At the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, the only people in tuxes are members of the opera guild. There are some younger people in jeans in the family circle. Even theater in New York sees everything today. People used to be all dressed up, but not anymore.

 

I love dressing up on the ship and would hate to see it go by the wayside. It's one of the fun things about cruising for me ,but DH wears a suit, not a tux. I still think he looks great.