Deck Attire

[BG-Pete]

Hi everyone. This is probably beating a dead horse. I have been lurking and reading for a while but cannot seem to find what I am looking for. We are planning a cruise for Jan 2010. We have been on 5 others, all with Carnival. As you know, Carnival has a pretty lax dress code. This time, we are looking either at Holland America, Princess or Norwegian. I understand the dress code requirements for the main dining room, specialty restaurants, etc. I am not one to don a sport coat and slacks any longer than I have to. So, after dinner, is there any sort of dress code for these cruise lines outside of the dining areas...on deck, casinos, shows, etc. Thanks for the help. Looking forward to hearing from you.

[magandab]

On Holland America, on formal nights, they ask that you stay in your formal clothes for the rest of the evening (assuming you are staying in public areas). However, since there are non-formal dining venues, I have never seen it enforced; how would they possibly know where you ate?

[cb at sea]

Once you are out of the dining room, you may wear what you want. Go change, if that makes you happy!

Why you would want to stop looking great is beyond me, but do it if it makes you more comfortable!

[Iluvmypuggle]

Out of the 4 lines you mentioned, I've only been on NCL & Carnival..

 

NCL is especially lax on dress code, so yes you may change after dinner into any outfit that you want in all public areas. I'm not sure about the others, but I can't imagine someone having an issue with you changing from formal to casual if that's what makes you happy on vaca.

 

I do that sometimes too. There are nights where we wear our dinner clothes and go to a show. And then it gets late and we want to stroll around the deck and I need to bundle up to stay warm. And some nights, I don't want my fancy clothes getting all smokey from the casino.

[bluegirlum]

When we were on Princess, some people stayed in their formal gear, but some changed after dinner. No one was ever overly over or under dressed, I thought.

 

BTW, my college roommate grew up in BG. :) Have fun on your cruise!

[BG-Pete]

Thanks for the comments. Now we have to decide which CL. When I'm on vacation, I like being comfortable. A sport coat is not comfortable to me. I prefer shorts and t-shirt However, I also will not ruffle anyone's feathers. "Rules" are rules. I'm not opposed to stretching them but why upset anybody. Better to find out in advance. Thanks again.

[comoxvalley21]

There really are no rules for after dinner. My husband races from the dining room to change from his tux to his shorts. I, however, prefer to stay dressed up.....I guess we could qualify for the odd couple....but we're both happy and comfortable!!

[rabbit72]

Big-Pete, Hello fellow Illini!!! We have been on Princess and Carnival before. In my opinion Carnival is definetly more lax on dress code. Being on Princess on formal nights we would stay in formal attire because for one it's so nice to see everyone dressed up, but you do not have to do that. Wear whatever makes you comfortable, it's your cruise. :)

Have fun planning your cruise!

Brenda

[Sailaways_]

On Princess, I noticed that the majority of pax changed after dinner...very quickly! So at night you'll see a jumble of people, some in their nicer dinner clothes and some back in their shorts. It's such a mix that it's not really a big deal for either group.

[Happy ks]

I don't think NCL has a dress code. When we've been on the only thing we've noticed is men wear long pants to the dining room. Other than that it's a free-for-all.

 

Not having sailed HAL yet, they are probably one of the few lines where people don't change after dinner. I'd have to say, though that if your jacket is uncomfortable (other than too hot), perhaps you're wearing the wrong size. We have a Princess cruise planned in the future, my guess would be it's close to RCI in that not all pax stay in their dinner clothes, a lot go back to their cabin and change.

 

We typically change after dinner because we like to go up on deck for a walk. Walking laps is difficult in heels, the deck is wet and my husband doesn't want the hem of his long pants nor his leather shoes soaked. So, we change into shorts, T's and sneakers.

 

All in all, I have no idea why other people should worry so much about what clothes you are wearing when you are not in the dining room. I cannot understand what the fuss is all about. We dress for dinner, sometimes stay in those clothes if we happen to go to a show or for drinks afterward, but we see people in all types of clothing around the ship at night.

[KLLund]

Actually I think we have seen as many changing after dinner on HAL as any other ship. The note is in the daily newspaper but it is routinely ignored by many.. and no one cares so I wouldn't let it even bother me if that is what I felt like doing. I can't imagine that it would ruffle any feathers .. just go and have fun!!

[Kinkacruiser]

I'd be happiest taking a deck stroll in a comfy tracksuit after the dinner and show event.

Cheers,

Anna

[CowPrincess]

gack! double post!

[CowPrincess]

On Holland America, on formal nights, they ask that you stay in your formal clothes for the rest of the evening (assuming you are staying in public areas). However, since there are non-formal dining venues, I have never seen it enforced; how would they possibly know where you ate?

 

We travel on Holland America, and on formal nights we change out of our formal clothes after late seating dinner to enjoy strolling the deck. Or sitting by the outdoor pool.

 

The Lido has never been "formal", so you will see others in non-formal clothing if they are not going to the Pinnacle or the main dining room on formal nights.