Okay You’ve Booked A Cruise – Now What To Wear?
Our Approach To A Complete Cruise Packing List
Nobody wants to make mistakes when packing for a cruise. Some people over pack lugging along heavy and multiple suitcases, while others under pack and end up with nothing appropriate for that upscale dinner onboard. Especially for first-timers it’s difficult to know exactly what to bring on that cruise and there won’t be any do-overs once your cruise ship pulls away from the pier.
To start you need to understand that dress requirements are different for each cruise line and also, dress codes have changed over the years on most cruise ships. The first recommendation is to check your cruise lines web site for dress code recommendations. For example the following is a recommendation right from Royal Caribbean’s Website:
Current Royal Caribbean Dress Code Advice
While the days of dedicated “formal nights” in the main dining room have since sailed, one of the most pressing questions for first-time cruisers remains: “how formal is formal?” The answer: it’s up to you! Royal Caribbean encourages you to “Wear Your Best” whenever you want. This means that you can dress casual with jeans, polos, and blouses for our restaurants, but please do keep the swimwear, tank tops and bare feet to the pool deck.
Make A Packing List
The best approach is to start by creating a packing list.
Most cruise wardrobes can be divided into several major categories:
- 1. Casual clothing for daytime on the ship – Usually shorts, casual slacks, tee shirts.
- 2. Pool deck and beach attire depending on the weather – bathing suits, tees, cover-ups.
- 3. Evening clothes to match the ships dress code (one or two outfits) – dresses, tie and jacket.
- 4. Clothes that layer for changing temperatures or unexpected weather – matching shirts, sweaters, jackets and thermal vests.
- 5. Shore Excursion attire – comfortable clothes in layers and cover ups for churches, temples.
- 6. Travel clothes for thr trip home – comfortable being the theme.
Depending on the ship and cruise line, daytime casual attire is normal – think shorts and tees. While some ships prefer to see no tees and flip-flops in the Dining room, upscale cruise ship passengers lean toward more fashionable clothes in the evening like dressy slacks, collared shirts, dresses and sport coats.
Dress For Expected Weather
Where you’re cruise is going and the expected weather should always guide your thinking. Flannel and thermal vests are not for a cruise to the Caribbean, but warmer clothes worn in layers is perfect for Alaska’s cool, wet weather. Always include something for unseasonable weather.
Evening clothing
Even if your cruise line doesn’t require passengers to dress up for dinner, chances are you won’t be out of place in a coat and tie or a nice dress. Our rule of thumb is to dress with what you like best. Often jeans can be dressed up in the evening by match them with stylish tops and nice shoes. If cocktail dresses, suits, ties, and jackets are your style, rest assured you won’t be out of place. With some cruises still on formal nights don’t be surprised if guests who are not appropriately attired are prohibited from entering in dining rooms, specific restaurants and even attending some shows. And if you’d rather not dress up for dinner, you can still dine at the buffet.
Shoes can take up a lot of space in your suitcase so it’s important to give footwear a good amount of thought. When traveling wear comfortable shoes like tennis shoes, pack a pair for dressing up and a pair of flip flops for pool and beach. One tip is to stuff the shoes you’re packing with socks to conserve space. Coordinate your evening clothes to just one pair of shoes. Water shoes are also a good option to replace flip flops as they can be worn at other times.
Bon Voyage!
The Intentional Travelers 