What to wear on your cruise vacation

I remember my first cruise. I did not know what to wear on board. I was afraid of being overdressed or underdressed. So I packed a little of everything and boy was my suitcase heavy!

What to wear on a cruise ship has become less of a dilemma than before. More and more cruise ships are embracing casual wear but the expensive, upscale ships are sticking to tradition. That is, dressing up for dinner. So, if dress code is important to you, check with your cruise agent or cruise ship about the dress code before booking. You do not want to be in your cocktail dress or tuxedo and enter a dining room full of people with khakis and t-shirt. Neither do you want the other way round.

Cruise Ships have the ‘Captain’s Dinner’ maybe once or twice during the voyage and you are expected to wear evening wear which is long or short cocktail dresses for ladies and tuxedo or dark suit for men. Again, this also depends on the type of ship and their dress code. As a general rule when traveling, I pack an evening wear and a business casual wear so I am always prepared. There are the usual of course, t-shirts, shorts, sundresses and swim suits. Ladies, do not forget your wraps!

The beauty of cruises is that ships are making available to their guest different types of restaurants on board so no matter if you want to dress up or dress down, you will have a restaurant that fit not only your culinary taste, but also your dress style. If you do not want to pack too much and money is not an issue, you can always buy clothes like t-shirts, shorts or sundresses on board.

For men, some ships rent tuxedos but you will have to call in advance to reserve yours. Ships also have services that cater for guests who forgot things like their cuff links, socks etc. The more upscale you go on cruising, the more amenities you have and the less you need to pack.

Walking up and down decks can be slippery and tricky. Bring comfortable none slip shoes on board. You may want to pack walking shoes and of course shoes to match your evening and casual wear. If you will be spending time by the pool or at a beach, pack your slippers or rubber sole sandals. Did not get your pedicure done? No problem, you can do that on one of the salons on board.

No matter where your destination is, it is wise to pack a wrap or light jacket for that evening sea breeze. Do not forget your sunglasses, hat and your sun screen. You will be spending many hours under the sun and you want to take care of your skin.

So, relax and do not get frustrated with packing the right clothes. You can always add ‘new clothes’ money to your vacation budget. It’s a vacation so have fun!