Cruise Wear: What to Wear on a Cruise

For those who haven't been on a cruise, the mention of this word paints a picture of one enjoying a lazy holiday sunbathing by the side of the pool of a luxurious cruise. However, for those who have actually gone though the brochures of various cruises, with a serious intent of going on one, will realize that a cruise vacation is not all about lying in your swimwear soaking up the sun. Cruising can be a seriously glamorous way of holidaying, especially if it is a large liner that you are eying. Whether big or small, every cruise has an evening or two where one has to be in formal wear. Other than that, one can be casually or formally dressed. However, keep in mind that in reality people do not dress up like the models in the brochures. Just knowing the dress code for the day, and following it elegantly, will prevent you from blowing a hole into your pocket while you shop for clothes to wear on the cruise.

Cruise Wear

After one has gone through the brochures of the various cruises, and finally decided on a cruise that suits one's budget and taste, the next daunting task is to decide what to wear on a cruise. However, this should not be a cause of panic as cruise wear is divided into three categories, and understanding these will help to pack one's clothes smartly for the trip. Moreover, cruise literature clearly indicates (specially in case of formal evenings) the dress code for every day. Cruise wear falls under three categories – formal, informal and casual. Let us understand what each of these categories mean.

• Formal: Formal evenings can be a treat for the eyes. This calls for both and women to flaunt their good taste in dressing. Women could wear an elegant evening gown or cocktail dress. For men, a dark suit and a tie, with formal shoes is the best attire. Women could save the most flattering jewelry and heels for this night.
• Informal: The dress code for most of the evenings on cruise ships is informal. Men could wear a collared shirt and a jacket, maybe a sports jacket. In some ships, men might have to wear a tie too. It is best to refer to the ship's document to understand the dress code. Women could dress up nattily in a pant outfit or dressier clothes. Most liners have replaced the term informal with the term 'resort casual attire' which is more formal than casual but still does not require men to wear a coat and tie.
• Casual: Casual wear is meant for comfort. This is the occasion one can be dressed in the most relaxed way. When by the pool or on the beach during the day, one obviously has to be in swimwear. If one is planning to take a tour of the local markets along the shore, or venture further into the mainland, a pair of shorts coupled with polo style shirts or tee shirts and a pair of comfortable sandals is the best attire. In the evenings, men could wear slacks topped with polo or sports shirts, whereas women could wear a comfortable pant outfit, tops and skirts or any sporty dress.

Accessories

If you are on a cruise vacation, you are definitely going to spend a lot of time out in the sun. There is no better occasion than while on a cruise trip to bring out your beautiful wide brimmed hats. Don't get the plain ones. Pick the ones with beads or flowers.

Cruise trips are also a good time to wear your jewelry. With some clever selection of bangles, necklaces and earrings, women could surely jazz up their light outfits during casual wear, without going overboard with these accessories.

As far as footwear is concerned, while you could pack in a pair of smart heels (for women) and formal shoes (for men) for the formal evening cruise wear, a pair of tennis shoes or walking shoes is a must. When on a cruise, one may have to climb separate decks to access various amenities on the ship. Whether one is just walking on the deck or climbing up the stairs, a pair of walking shoes or tennis shoes are very comfortable.

Though you might be sailing in the Caribbean, the air conditioned rooms can be cold and there is no guarantee that one might not feel a slight chill during the evenings. It is always prudent to pack in a sweater or at least a shawl when going on a cruise.

It is true that going out on a cruise is an exciting way to break the monotony of everyday life. However, dressing is an important part of every cruise. Following the dress code of a cruise liner not only ensures that you have a complete experience of the fun that a cruise trip is all about, but it also makes the trip enjoyable for the staff as well as the fellow holidayers.