It is not necessary to buy clothes just for cruising. Cruisers can shop in their closets for the right mix of items. A cruise vacation is like being at a resort, so resort clothes are fine. Hawaiian shirts, fluid tropical skirts and summer outfits will serve well. However, it is important to take a few fancier items. as many cruisers will dress up. A cruise wardrobe should include more than picnic or camping-style clothes.
A Cruise's Ports of Call are Important
A cruise wardrobe also depends on the time of year, the itinerary and how formal the cruise line is. For clues on the formality of the line, study what the models in their brochures are wearing. Cruises that draw more European passengers are usually more formal. A Caribbean cruise will require more than one bathing suit, more shorts and perhaps some dressy sandals. An Alaska cruise demands warn-up suits, zippered jackets and warm head gear. A travel umbrella is always a good idea. A nature or adventure cruise may require hiking shoes with deep treads.
The Basics of a Cruise Wardrobe for Women
Nice informal pants or skirts with matching tops, or those with coordinating jackets are what most women wear on a cruise. Pants can be capris, ankle length or long. Try to choose fabrics that don't wrinkle. Linen is a problem on a cruise as ironing in the cabin is often prohibited as a fire hazard and pressing can be expensive. A sweater is important for cool nights or vigorous air conditioning. Most cruises include two to four Formal Nights, For these a pair of silk or satin evening trousers and three or four glitzy tops will do, or take a formal skirt to pair with your tops. Evening gowns are also welcome. Using a packing list helps.
What is Smart Casual?
Often the dress guidelines put out by the cruise line will recommend "smart casual" clothes for dinner on non-formal nights. For women this means good-quality pants sets, matching skirt sets, dresses or bottoms with matching sweaters. Jewelry to dress up an outfit for dinner is a good idea.
Other Useful Items to Pack for a Cruise
A small purse that can be snapped onto a belt or go around the neck can carry the cruise card, which needs to be shown every time one wants to purchase something. A cover-up to wear over a bathing suit is good, as often one needs to walk through public areas on the way to the pool or hot tub. For shoes, take a formal pair, a pair of athletic shoes, a pair of sandals and a pair of flats. Even on the ship itself there is a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are important.
What Men Need to Take on a Cruise
Men may wear a dark suit or even a dressy sports jacket for formal nights. it is not necessary to wear a tux. Some cruise lines provide a rental service if a man wants to wear a tux but not have to pack one and all its accessories. For day, chinos or other informal trousers and a sports shirt are fine. Some cruise lines require a shirt with sleeves to be worn in the dining areas. For dinner on non-formal nights, a sports jacket or blazer and a sport or business shirt are usual. Athletic shoes, loafers and sandals also come in handy.
A bathing suit is important and if one plans on golfing at port time, golf clothes. An informal jacket and a hat are a must.
What to Pack for Days in Port
A small backpack, a hat or sun visor, a hiking-style water bottle and holder, sun screen and insect repellent are great to take. A camera with its case, with an extra memory chip and battery, are critical. A pair of binoculars, a note pad and a cell phone will also come in handy. In most ports except sophisticated cities, Guests can wear the same day clothes that they wear on board. A plastic ticket or card holder with a cord that goes around the neck makes it handy to flash the cruise card or find a credit card quickly. An informal jacket will complete a port outfit.
Finally, A Few Packing Secrets
Some cruisers pack a few fragrant dryer/ softener sheets in with their clothes to keep them smelling fresh.Underwear in light weight fabrics or those sold in travel catalogs that can be washed out and will dry quickly will help keep the luggage weight down because you can pack fewer of them. Pack a plastic bag of detergent for handwashables. A tip: leave room in the suitcase for those must-haves bought along the way.
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