The question is not: what to wear on a cruise? -
But is: What to bring and when to wear it?. Cruise dress codes fall
into three categories casual, informal and formal. I will define these
categories later on, but for now just remember that a cruise is an
elegant experience that everyone should experience. Watching the sun
go down behind the oceans horizon will truly cast a spell on you and
your partner, a memory never to be forgotten.
Cruises have a defined evening schedule. The dress
codes for the scheduled events are strictly adhered to, so it is
important that you are prepared with all the necessary attire to get
the full benefit out of your holiday. Daily dress codes take affect
after 6pm. Before 6pm every day is casual.
Included in the final documentation for your cruise
should be a schedule. This schedule is a complete itinerary of your
time on and off the ship. More important however it will clearly
define the theme for each day/evening and what the expected dress code
will be for each event.
A typical 7 day cruise will consist of
· Two formal nights
· Two casual nights
· One to four informal nights
Plan for success-Make a list
You will typically have limited luggage space
unless you are planning on paying for extra luggage so careful
planning is in order to ensure you have enough outfits for every
event. Wearing the same cocktail dress twice will never be noticed if
you accessorize it differently. Changing your purse, jewelry, shoes
and a shawl will give a different look for any outfit.
Some people wear long gowns on cruises but a
shorter formal dress is just as acceptable unless you're on the most
exotic cruises.
Casual Wear-Informal Wear-Formal Wear
Before we proceed any further, we need to
differentiate between casual, informal and formal wear. This will
allow us to put the dress codes in prospective.
Casual Wear
Casual wear should be comfortable. Depending on
your plans for the day your clothing should match the activities. Warm
weather on the ship will require your choice of swimwear, cover-up and
sandals. Day trips ashore will dictate shorts with tee shirts or polo
style shirts and comfortable strolling shoes. You can also plan on
buying tops while you are shopping however keep in mind that you need
room to bring them home. Mix and Match will save packing room and give
you a different look as your cruise progresses.
Evening casual is slightly a different story.
Shorts are not considered acceptable evening casual wear. A women's
evening causal wardrobe consists of skirts, tops, pant outfits or
sporty dresses. Focusing on two colors that can be combined, you can
mix and match with different accessories for a complete different look
for every casual event.
Keep in mind the first night and last night are
typically casual nights. You likely won't have your luggage before
dinner on the first night and your luggage will already be packed for
the last evening.
Some cruise lines discourage jeans in their dining
rooms on casual evenings. For the most part you can get away with them
but you will likely feel out of place. Use common sense when it comes
to jeans. Plus jeans are hot; you should consider a lighter material.
A word of caution, short shorts are only
acceptable in the fitness center and while you are at the pool. They
are strictly shunned upon while walking around the cruise ship so make
sure you have a cover-up if you plan on walking around the cruise ship
in your swimsuit or short shorts.
Informal
Informal wear is a grey area when it comes to
cruise lines. Your best bet is to review the definition of "informal
wear" defined by the cruise line you are traveling on. This
definition can be found on their website and travel brochures.
The general rule for informal wear is that it only
applies to evening activities. Informal wear consists of a dressier
dress or pants outfit. Many cruise lines have dropped the informal
category and replaced it with resort casual, which is slightly more
formal than casual wear.
Formal
The formal night on cruise ships for lack of a
better term is the Cinderella effect. The dress code for women
will range from simple cocktail dresses to the most formal shimmering
gowns. If you have been to a graduation, wedding or similar formal
gathering your outfit will surely meet the dress code and make you
shine.
The most important piece of formal wear a woman can
own is a pair of silky black dress pants. They take up no room in a
suitcase, can be mixed and matched for different occasions and
typically have an elastic waistband which comes in handy as your
holiday progresses while eating all of the rich food typically
provided on a cruise.
Wraps
Cruise ships keep their indoor temperatures on the
cool side and evening temperatures on the deck will cool off so
include a wrap in your wardrobe to fend off the chill after a day in
the sun.
A cover up will save you a great deal of time on a
cruise ship. You can wear your swimsuit by the pool, throw on your
cover up and venture into the lunch buffet without going back to your
cabin to change.
Shoes
Comfortable shoes are a must for sightseeing, deck
shoes with a rubber type sole will be an asset for strolling aboard
the ship.
High heels are permitted but remember cruise ships
are big and you will spend a good portion of your day strolling from
place to place. Comfort is the key.
Hats
Wearing a hat will ward of the sun but keep in mind
that the prevailing winds will send your hat abroad if it is not well
fitted.
Additional Items you should consider packing
- Portable radio/CD player
- Bottle corker
- Camcorder
- Camera
- Medications
- Tylenol/Advil
- Motion sickness
- Prescription medications if required
- Sunburn creams
- Nausea medication
- Sunscreen
- Extension cord-Ship cabins have limited
outlets
- Hair dryer-ships hairdryers are typically
small
- Shampoo
- Hair Conditioner-salt water and ocean spray
will dry your hair
- Body wash
- Electrical adapters- may be required on
foreign cruise lines
- Extra sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Cell phone-ship phones are very expensive;
your cell phone will be considerably cheaper. A word of caution
however, check with your cell phone service provider before using your
cell phone in foreign country Many countries have different
regulations pertaining to privacy and your personal information could
be at risk
Final Words of Advice
1) Pack a carry-on bag with one outfit, a swimsuit
and your essentials. Luggage does get lost and if you have the minimum
basics with you, shopping for a couple of essentials while you are
waiting for your luggage to show up will not be as stressful. Most
important, don't let the temporary loss of your luggage ruin your
cruise, go with the flow, it will usually show up at the next port.
2) When on shore, keep your clothing simple,
t-shirts with funny sayings or logos might not only be offensive to
the local community but advertise you are a tourist
3) Don't wear extravagant jewelry when you are off
of the ship. This will attract unwanted attention and cold have a
disastrous outcome
4) When sightseeing, be careful when entering
churches and temples, many will enforce a strict dress code so long
shorts, loose skirts and tops with long sleeves are the safest
approach
5) In Muslim countries, women will need to cover
their heads, shoulders and legs before entering a mosque. This dress
code is enforced and violations will not be tolerated.
6) Don't insult fellow passengers by rushing back
to your cabin after a formal dinner and change back into your shorts
or swimwear. Go with the flow and enjoy the evening as it is planned.
7) If formal wear is not your style, there are
cruises that are strictly casual and will give you a more relaxed
atmosphere however you will be missing a great opportunity for luxury
and relaxation. Everyone should take one formal cruse in their
lifetime; if for nothing else just to have the experience.
8) Last but not least, relax, enjoy and respect
your fellow passengers. Many people meet lifelong friends on cruises.
The combined experience of open ocean air and daily port excursions
will make your cruise a memorable one.
