Cruise Fashion Looking at the cruise brochures, full of models in designer clothes might make you feel intimidated. Do you need to buy a whole new wardrobe for the cruise? Don’t worry, if you don’t possess a wardrobe of expensive clothes, nor do most other people who cruise. The reality is that you don't need to max out your credit card to fill your suitcases with new cruise clothes. Despite your fashion anxiety you probably have almost everything you need. Cruise wear falls into three categories: Casual -- Informal -- Formal Your cruise documents should include information indicating how many evenings fall into those categories. You'll know when to wear what by reading your ship's daily newsletter—each day's dress code will be prominently announced. Firstly the type of cruise line Casual cruise lines – these require no formal clothes at all. The most formal they get is a clean shirt, but most of the time bare feet, shorts and a tee shirt is fine. Windjammer Barefoot Cruises are the most laid back. There are also the Windstar cruises which do not have any formal dress codes, and the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has freestyle dining, which give the passenger the option of which dining room to use – a formal one, or an informal one. Informal /Formal Cruise Line – The majority of cruises fall into this category, although many cruises will have a formal evening, at which you may wear a tuxedo, but most people will just opt for the jacket and tie option. As long as it is smart, it will suffice. The three categories of dress code are: Casual Wear This is exactly what it implies—clothing to be comfortable in. Your plans for the day will dictate what you should wear. For warm weather cruises you'll typically need swimwear, a cover-up, and sandals for pool and beach. Time spent ashore touring and shopping calls for shorts topped with tee shirts or polo-style shirts and comfy walking shoes. Conservative is a rule to live by and mix-and-match will save room in your suitcase. If you plan to purchase souvenir tee shirts, make them a part of your cruise wardrobe and pack fewer tops. Evening casual does not mean shorts. For men it's long trousers (not jeans) and nice polo or sport shirts. Ladies' outfits will be sporty dresses, skirts and tops, or pants outfits. By sticking to two colours and a few accessories, you can mix up tops and bottoms for a different look every night. The first and last nights onboard are always casual for obvious reasons—you may not have your luggage before dinner that first night and you've already packed for home on the last night. A word about jeans... many people consider them casual wear. Some cruise lines discourage them in the dining room. Use your own judgment and keep in mind, denim is hot—you might want to wear a lighter fabric. Informal This one's a little trickier—it only applies to evening and can mean different things, depending on the cruise line. Informal for women is a dressier dress or pants outfit and for men it always includes a jacket. Often, but not always, it also means a tie for him. Check your documents carefully. Formal Formal night is Fantasyland for women and perhaps not such fun for men... from the sounds of male complaints, that is. This is your night to shine and you'll see women in everything from simple cocktail dresses to elaborate glittering gowns. Tuxedoes (either all black or with white dinner jacket) or dark suits are required for gentlemen. Formal wear is going out of fashion on cruise ships, and the definition of "formal" is getting more and more relaxed. Ask us for advice on the particular cruise line. Ladies, have you been a "Mother-of-the-Bride" lately? Chances are your outfit for the wedding is just perfect for formal night. |
