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Like I previously mentioned, after lounging at the pool deck, I like to get dressed up in a nice sundress to have a sunset cocktail before dinner. I usually head straight to dinner in the same dress and never had any problems. In the past few years, I’ve been on 8+ cruises, and each time I’ve perfected all the outfits you’d need to pack for your cruise. The only difference between the first two is that smart casual recommends pantsuits for ladies and jackets for the guys, but skirts or trousers with blouses or collared shirts are fine in both cases. Smart casual also strongly discourages jeans -- even nice ones. The only exception is at dinner, when a smart casual vibe encourages travelers to avoid torn clothes or outfits that are suggestive or skimpy.
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For instance, many excursions that involve motor vehicles like 4-wheelers or dune buggies require participants to wear closed-toe shoes. So while you will see people dressed up around the ship, don’t feel obligated to do so if you’re eating somewhere else. One of the biggest questions people have is what to wear to formal night. Some people think that anything short of a tuxedo or a formal evening gown is too casual.
Cruises
If you feel confused or uninspired about what to pack for your next cruise, we're here to decipher the dress codes with photos of stylish examples of acceptable cruisewear. For long and overnight flights to your cruise, pack accessories for the plane. If you've scheduled a pre-cruise hotel stay, consider packing the necessities for that overnight in a separate bag so you don't need to unpack and repack your main suitcase. Like hotels, cruise ships typically provide soap and shampoo in your cabin. However, it's hard to know whether your hair will respond well to the onboard products or if you'll hate the scent. We've listed 103 essentials you should always pack for any cruise vacation.
Packing for Shore Excursions
Then, change from swim trunks and flip-flops to chinos and dress shoes before heading to the onboard restaurant. A Panama hat adds an element of holiday luxe no matter the time of day. A day bag is clutch on a cruise, too, whether you’re toting books and baby snacks for a few hours poolside or hopping ship for a shore excursion for the day.
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If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking around the ship during days at sea, it’s a good idea to pack a pair of sneakers or other comfortable walking shoes. Sneakers will also be useful if you try out a fitness class or use the gym equipment in the ship’s state-of-the-art fitness center. If you’re having dinner in the main restaurant or any meal at one of the specialty restaurants, you’ll follow a “smart casual” dress code on most nights. This means long pants, jeans, a dress or skirt, a stylish top, or a button-down. When going on a cruise, there are certain clothes you should not wear, including offensive t-shirts, cut-off jeans, and overly revealing swimwear.
Read my complete cruise ship packing list with printable PDF checklist that you can download. They're called "gala dinners," and they appear at least once per voyage, but the number can vary by itinerary. The dress code is strict, with the buffet the only place that will allow T-shirts and shorts.
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For sea days when traveling in a warmer climate, you'll definitely want a swimsuit if you plan to take advantage of the onboard water park. However, if you're cruising through a colder region like Canada, you'll want a jacket and some warm layers, so you can stay comfortable on deck. Solid-colored board shorts paired with a button-up shirt (nautical print encouraged) work just as well for a day on deck.
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Eveningwear: Casual
For example, you might need clothes that cover your shoulders and knees to visit a mosque, or a hat, durable shoes and socks for a rainforest hike. In this post, we’ll go over the basics of cruise line dress codes, as well as ideas for cruise wear for sea days, shore excursions and dinners on a cruise ship. I’ve also included cruise packing checklists to help you plan your cruise outfits. Pack comfortable shoes for every occasion; you might find that you need to pack several pairs.
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A good tip is to pair a daytime outfit with dressier shoes and some jewelry, and wear it in the evening for a whole new look. The Celebrity Cruises dress code for Evening Chic nights is cocktail dresses, skirts, pants, or designer jeans with an elegant top, or dress shirt, button-down shirt, or sweater, and an optional blazer. Most ships have a gym, so if you’re a regular visitor to the gym and don’t want to miss out, make sure you bring your gym gear. When packing your clothes, plan how many workouts you’ll be doing and make sure you have enough. Some gyms won’t let you in if you don’t have the right footwear, so make sure you have a pair of trainers. During the day on a cruise, you’ll likely be doing a range of activities, particularly if you have a day at sea.
The excitement really starts the instant you see the ship in the distance. Then you realize that the day you’ve been looking forward to for months is finally at hand. It’s understandable that you might be wondering exactly what to wear when visiting the Caribbean on a cruise. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. In especially scenic destinations, such as Alaska or Scandinavia, you might want to bring binoculars and/or a DSLR camera (rather than relying on your phone for photos).
You may also be required to cover your head and shoulders if entering a mosque, or bare arms if visiting a church, so pack something that enables you to respect the local culture. If you’re having trouble figuring out what to wear on a cruise, don’t worry, we’re here to help. Packing a suitcase for your upcoming vacation onboard shouldn’t be difficult—in fact, it’s all part of the fun.
Linen pants and a good pair of socks and boots are invaluable for rainforest hikes, while a lightweight long-sleeve shirt and a sunhat with a drawstring will keep you covered when visiting ancient ruins. If you're packing outfits for a cruise destination in a warm climate, bring something that can be worn over a swimsuit, so you're always ready to take a dip in hidden cenotes. Cruising gives you the chance to relax by the pool, sightsee & shop at various ports, go on thrilling excursions and dine on incredible meals. Plan your cruise outfits carefully and not only will you look good in your photos but you’ll also be able to travel relatively light.
At night, nice jeans and nice tops are perfect for eating in the main dining rooms. Instead, if you don’t want to dress up, look for somewhere else to dine on formal night. Formal night is a big deal to some people on the ship, and if it’s not important to you, it’s good to keep the atmosphere nice for others who do enjoy dressing up. On a cruise you don’t have the luxury of your complete wardrobe and closet to pick from. Instead, you only can choose from what you’ve brought with you. That means you’ve got to pack for what to wear in a variety of different situations that you’ll find while on the ship.
If you’re cruising with kids, you can have them put a bathing suit on under their clothing. This way they can hit the pool and water slides as soon as you finish lunch on embarkation day. Keep in mind, that if you’re not feeling like dressing up, you can always eat in more casual clothes in the buffet and most casual restaurants on the ship. On Lifestyle Fifty you’ll find fashion tips and products to help you look more stylish and feel more confident.
For water sports like kayaking, consider a dry bag to stow your camera gear, smartphone and wallet and prevent them from getting wet. Waterproof cases for your cellphone and camera are also useful, as well as "beach wallets" that let you go into the water with your credit cards and cash on your person. Many cruise cabin walls and doors are magnetic (Did I just blow your mind?), so I like to pack magnets both as fun decor and for organizational purposes. Magnetic clips and hooks can help keep paperwork and hats off the in-room desk and couch, while a magnetic whiteboard can be useful for leaving notes for your travel companions. If you like to walk about with your morning coffee or tea, you can't get a to-go cup at the buffet unless you're paying extra for a latte or espresso.
Another key factor when deciding what clothes to bring on a cruise is whether you want to use the ship’s laundry service. If you’re going on a long cruise or travelling with kids, this might be ideal for you. It is expected that clothing should be respectful, this means you should not wear anything too revealing. Also, many of these places are hot destinations, so make sure your clothes are light and cover your arms and legs, such as a long dress or linen trousers and a top. Cruise ships are huge and you’ll be doing a surprising amount of walking (especially if your cabin is on the opposite of the buffet) Don’t wear shoes you can’t walk in like super high heels, etc.
