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Holland America Line has simplified its dress code for evenings from three options to only two, smart casual and formal, beginning with the May 2 Rotterdam Europe cruise from Piraeus, Greece.

“We made the dress code change as a result of our guest surveys,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales, and guest programs. “Our new policy will preserve our popular formal nights yet allow guests to simplify packing by not having to worry about bringing an extra suit and dress or two for what we used to call informal.”

For smart casual evenings, women wear casual dresses, slacks and informal evening wear. Slacks and collared shirts are suggested for men. Shorts, t-shirts and tank tops will not be permitted. Formal is defined by ladies wearing cocktail dresses or suits and gentlemen required to wear a jacket and tie. Dark suits and tuxedos are suggested.

Seven-day cruises will feature two formal nights; 10-13 day cruises will offer three formal nights; and on cruises of 14 days or longer, there will be two formal nights per week. Formal wear can be rented by both ladies and men for use during their cruise. Information is provided in cruise documentation and in cabins upon embarkation.

The new dress code for dining will be implemented on the first departures of all cruises in May 2007, except for on the ms Oosterdam, where it will begin on the May 5 cruise, the first sailing of the ship’s Alaska season.