Where to Start?
The most obvious answer to that question is "At the beginning". But what is the beginning?
First let me say that there is no way to advise you on what to pack for EVERY cruise. There are just too many itineraries and climates. And for each of you there will be incidentals that are of importance to only you. So we will deal here with the topic in a somewhat general way.
Start with choosing luggage that is suitable for your needs. The luggage that you choose should be lightweight and durable - especially if you require a flight to get you to the port of departure.
You can easily be overweight which can cost you more than adding another piece of luggage. Luggage handlers, whether at the cruise port or at the airport are not the most gentle of characters. Your luggage may get tossed, dropped, dragged or otherwise abused long before you even get on board the ship. Expensive designer luggage that is designed for looks more than utility may not be the answer here.
It is always wise if you are taking a flight to check the airline's website for maximum luggage weight and size and make sure that you are not over their limits.
Enough said about luggage.
Formal Wear - Get the Tough Part Over With First
So let's get on to the task of picking out your vacation cruise wear.
What you should pack will be determined by the type of cruise and the itinerary. For example, a cruise aboard one of the upscale cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas will have a much more formal dining room and dress code.
While cruise lines such as Carnival, Princess and Royal Caribbean are less formal you will still want to pack some formal attire to take part in the formal night. (Guys, I know that some of you dread that thought but think instead of strolling through the ship with you darling "dressed to the nines" while every other guy is watching with envy!)
So... you will want to check on how many formal nights there are so that you can pack the appropriate attire for those occasions. Men in most cases will wear a tuxedo, suit or sports jacket preferable with tie. And ladies - well I don't need to go far here. You know what you look great in - be it a gown, dress or pant suit. (And if you don't have what you want you now have an excuse to go on-line and buy one!)
Day Time on Board the Ship
What are your preferences for your days on board? Will you spend much of the time by the pool? Swim wear and cover-ups are the order of these days.
If you will be spending time attending the events, trainings, tastings, crafts... etc. you will want comfortable clothes. On some cruises this may mean shorts or skirts and tops or on cooler climate cruises maybe slacks, sweats and the like.
On many cruises including warm climate cruises it can be quite breezy on the decks. You may require something a little warmer including a light jacket. (This will come in handy in the evenings on deck as well).
Day Time in Port
Here again what you pack will largely be dependent on your personality and activities. If you are a "beach bum" like me you will already have your swim wear packed.
On some of the tours, your attire is recommended so you might want to check the itinerary on you cruise line's website. They most often have the ship's tours identified and you can even pre-book them in many cases.
Do not wear high fashions in an area where you would stand out or look out-of place. That could make you a target of less than law abiding individuals and groups.
Generally, you will want to be respectful of the customs of the place that you are visiting. Remember, you are a visitor to their country, island, village or community.
Evenings - Let the Entertainment Begin!
Evenings on board ship can be as quiet and relaxing as you would want. Or... you can party all night!
Of course the attire for each of these can be very different.
In most cases the formal dining rooms prefer dress casual attire on the nights that there is no formal event. That means slacks and shirts for men, and a dress or slacks for the ladies. (I have personally not seen anyone thrown out or barred from entering the dining room because of their attire.)
Most often the buffet is operating during dinner as well for those of you that would prefer to remain in more casual attire. Dress for dinner is the same here as it is for breakfast and lunch. (Cover-ups are requested over swimwear.)
Many of the evening events have no particular dress code although some of the night clubs and lounges may have one. The theatre on board will have great shows and entertainment - again with no particular dress code but in most cases you will find yourself looking out of place in say swimwear at these events.
Strolling on the decks in the evenings can be a little cool with the ocean breezes and the speed of the ship. You may find that a light jacket or sweater is required to remain comfortable.
Summing It Up
In general make sure that you have comfortable clothing. Remember. You are on vacation. You should feel comfortable and relaxed.
On the topic of comfortable, PLEASE make sure that you have comfortable footwear. You will be amazed at how much walking that you will do in a day on board ship or in port.
One more thing... Don't over pack. It amazes me that after all of the cruises that we have taken that I still come home with one quarter of the clothes that I took untouched. Why drag around your whole wardrobe when a couple of outfits will be all that you wear?
If you really need something while away, you can always find something in the ship's shops or in one of the ports-of-call. (And souvenirs are always good, right?)
So don't get all uptight packing for your cruise. Relax. Think about what you would like to do while away and the wardrobe that you will pack will present itself to you. (But don't forget that you have an excuse to buy that new "killer" outfit!)
Brian A Schmidt is the author and webmaster of a Discount Cruise vacation website. For more great information regarding cruises and what to pack for a cruise check out our site. Visit our Resort Wear and Cruise Wear page for great fashions at discount prices! You can even find great deals for your fabulous cruise on our Romantic Cruise Getaways page.
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