Packing For A Cruise
What should you bring on a cruise?
By Lena Hunt
So you found the cruise that fits your destination, your budget, and desired and now it's time to pack for your cruise. What should you bring on a cruise? How do you pack for a cruise? We offer some tips and pointers to help you prepare for your sea departure.
The biggest mistake that people usually make is overpacking. What you decide to wear is mainly based on your preference than on the cruise line. Cruise lines have relaxed on their dress codes due to passenger demand so many of the shipboard atmospheres call for resort casual. On many cruise lines, dinner is a time to dress up if you want to dine in the ship's more formal dining room. Otherwise, you can choose to eat elsewhere and can stick with more relaxed styles.
However, luxury cruise lines including Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Cunard, and Seabourn Cruises do enforce more enforce formal attire depending on the
Packing For A Cruise
What should you bring on a cruise?
By Lena Hunt
Southern Florida Cruise Port Specialist
Tampa - Miami - Port Canaveral - Ft. Lauderdale
May 23, 2010
itineraries. Yet, overall, the dress codes have lightened up and even on special nights such as Formal Night on most cruise lines, it is common to see some passengers in glittered ball gowns next to passengers and tee-shirts and cut off denim shorts.
As we give you some cruise packing tips, keep in mind that there is no need to pack everything listed. This is just a guide. Use common sense, choose what you need and want to pack but do remember the biggest mistake most people make when packing for a cruise is overpacking. Although who wants to do laundry while enjoying a great cruise, do know that the ship does have a self-service laundry room as well as valet laundry services (for a fee) just in case you need them.
Day Wear
Most likely, you'll be wearing swim wear constantly so be sure to bring quality swimwear and make sure that you have a coverup
as most cruise lines require more than just a swim suit when going into the dining rooms. Ladies can opt for sundresses, swimsuit cover ups, and sarongs. Men can throw on a tee-shirt or a casual shirt before entering dining areas. In the evenings, if you prefer to dine in the ship's dining room, you will be sharing a table with other guests. The attire is a bit more formal than the laid back dress code outside of the dining room during dinner and you'll be sitting with other passengers so opt for something a bit dressier than your normal pool-side attire.
Some very useful items include flat shoes or shoes made for wet conditions (such as sailing shoes) as the deck floor can be wet, a sun hat or any type of hat/cap that will keep the sun off your head and face, and a pair of sunglasses or two in case you lose one. The ship will also have these items for sale.
If your ship has a special event and requires that passengers dress in smart casual wear, know that trousers with a dress shirt or a polo-type shirt, dress shorts, a skirt, or sun dress will be fine. Otherwise, the rest of the time onboard is quite casual.
Evening Wear
Cruise lines usually host one or two formal evenings per week. A suit or tuxedo is worn by men and tux rentals are provided on most ships. Women can wear an evening dress (it can be floor length or it can be shorter). Women can also wear a dressier pantsuit. Other than the formal events, less dressy outfits such as silky shirts, trousers, and skirts can be worn. But do remember the cruise lines have changed over to more casual attire. Bring a nice sweater, shawl, or jacket as cruise ship's air conditioning can be quite chilly especially on the new ships.
Finally, bring things that can be mixed and matched and worn again. Bringing a wardrobe that is versatile will offer you less fuss and less bulk so that you can truly enjoy your cruise vacation.
