My husband and I are going on a HAL cruise this summer (Bermuda). It will be our first cruise without our teens and on Holland America.
It is also a smaller ship than we have been on before.

I wondered how formal the formal nights are?

I see you've been on Princess. Formal nights on HAL are very similar.

Our 24th cruise and the first on Holland America...I was wondering about the Formal Nights too....Thanks for asking...we will both get some good answers.....

Happy sailing to us all

Bob E

You will see anything from tux & gowns to suits and fancy dresses to (ie my husband) slacks, sport coat and tie and (ie me) simple black dress. I've also see dress kilts and uniforms. Even on HAL, formal "ain't what it used to be". But, I've NOT seen anyone in the dining room that wasn't appropriately attired. HAL is more "low key", but the service is impeccable, the decor and fresh flowers everywhere are wonderful and crew and staff so helpful and attentive. HAL is our preferred line - we'll be doing our 5th sailing with them in February.

Sports coat, tie, slacks is my standard "Formal Night" wear now too. No tux anymore and my kilt shrunk....:-) Happy sailing to us all...

Bob E

Well thanks for the answers. We had a wonderful HAL cruise and will go back to them for sure. The formality is not really formal, a few tuxs but not many and a sports jacket and tie for my husband worked.
Smart casual was fine too.
I was a bit thrown by casual dining room nights as a few teens showed up in short shorts but overall lovely dining experience.