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In a nod to Norwegian's laid-back style, NCL formal nights — dubbed "Dress Up or Not" nights — provide a chance for you to doll up. However, it's not required, and you won't be turned away from the main dining rooms if you choose not to participate. Passengers have been spotted wearing everything from jeans and T-shirts to ball gowns and tuxes, and all coexist in perfect harmony. Passengers will be just fine in jeans, T-shirts, tank tops, shorts and bathing suits for their days on board or ashore. When going to dinner on a cruise, bringing dressier shoes to elevate your outfit is a good idea. Whether it’s a formal night or a casual evening, having the right shoes can add a touch of elegance to your dining experience.
Sightseeing Cruise Outfit
Celebrity Cruises maintains a dress code that's best described as chic-casual. The demographic on board tends to be a bit more upscale than what you'll find on Carnival, Royal Caribbean or Norwegian. That means khaki shorts with nice button-downs are more common than jean shorts and tank tops, although you won't be out of place in the latter. Jeans are not allowed in the main dining rooms on formal nights, and cut-off shorts, baseball caps and flip-flops are banned at all times during dinner in the main dining rooms.
Packing for Daytime Adventures Onboard and Ashore
Surprisingly my Birkenstock Arizona sandals were my go-to shoe on all my excursions. I even climbed a mountain in Kotor Montenegro in them and they were still comfortable afterward. I wore a casual top and shorts and everyone else wore something similar.
How many outfits to pack per day on a cruise?
While not mandatory, many cruise lines will have an optional white themed evening or white party. Research your cruise to see if there are special theme nights that require specific attire, including a white dress. If you’re wearing form-fitting outfits, adding shapewear to your packing list is optional. Wearing tighter clothing earlier in the cruise, while saving the looser cruise wear for later is a practical tip from me to you ;-). While it’s perfectly acceptable to stay in your swimsuit while lounging beside the pool, you’ll need a cover-up to walk from your stateroom to the pool, and vice-versa. Keep in mind, depending on where your stateroom or suite is located, you may go through other common areas of the ship (in addition to the elevators) on your way to the pool.
What colors should you wear on a cruise?
You'll fit in best in a ball gown, cocktail dress, suit or tuxedo. On cruises that depart from the U.S., expect a more casual vibe, with jeans, T-shirts and bathing suits ruling the day. At night, you'll be fine with nice jeans and a collared shirt or a sundress, although you might want to dress up a bit more to match the ship's ambiance. Yes, there's one on every sailing of six nights or fewer and two on voyages of a week or more, but they have a different name. "Evening chic" nights encourage passengers to go all out with tuxes and evening gowns.
Voyages of six nights or longer will have two "cruise elegant" nights, while those five nights or shorter will see only one. Check the weather forecast and pack a rain jacket, poncho, or umbrella if rain is a possibility during your cruise. Depending on the style of your top (ie. backless), you may want to consider an adhesive silicone bra. If you plan to use the spa, which we would encourage, don’t worry about bringing a robe; these are provided for you. Some of the world’s most beautiful scenery gets that lush shade of green for a reason; the occasional rain shower.
Aim to bring at least three if you’re going on a seven-day cruise. Regarding evening dining or “smart casual” dress codes, bring a selection of pants, jeans, a dress or skirt, blouses, a nice top, or a button-down shirt. These outfits are perfect for a delicious dinner while looking stylish and put-together. For port days, consider your shore excursion plans and decide what to wear. If you’re heading to a beach, a bathing suit and cover up are perfect. If you’re sightseeing, a cute top and shorts or a sundress or maxi dress is the way to go.
Is Cruising's Formal Dress Code a Thing of the Past? - TravelAge West
Is Cruising's Formal Dress Code a Thing of the Past?.
Posted: Sat, 03 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
For the women, think of the breezy women’s cruise wear, such as flowy dresses and lightweight tops perfect for strolling the ship or a local market. Men can opt for casual cruise wear for men, including relaxed button-up shirts and breathable shorts, making transitions from onboard leisure to shore excursions seamless. Remember comfortable footwear; supportive sneakers are ideal for daytime exploration, while sandals work well for casual hangouts.
Generally, men aren't allowed to wear sleeveless shirts in the main dining rooms. While swimwear can be worn almost anywhere outside, including poolside bars, swimsuits are not permitted in most public areas, including some outdoor dining venues. You can dine in a swimsuit in the alfresco section of the buffet, but make sure you dry off and cover up when you head indoors to grab a plate of food.
(In Europe, expect to see your fair share of Speedos!) If your ship offers recreational activities such as a rock-climbing wall or basketball court, remember to pack socks and sneakers. When planning your wardrobe for a cruise, considering the climate is paramount. For those setting sail on a Caribbean cruise, you’re likely heading to tropical locations with a hot and humid forecast.
Cruise accessories can be the unsung heroes of your cruise wardrobe. Not only do they elevate an outfit, but they can also be practical additions to ensure smooth sailing throughout your trip. Here’s how to make sure you’re perfectly attired from sunrise to sunset with cruise clothes. The TUMI suitcase (below) is well-reviewed and should be easy to roll up the gangplank. You can wear your wrap over your shoulders with your evening dress, or slung over your daywear if it’s chilly on deck.
The quintessential cruise style consists of chic but relaxed pieces. Think breezy fabrics, loose silhouettes, light neutrals, bright colors and beachy accessories. Embarking on a cruise is more than just a vacation – it’s an experience, an adventure into the blue yonder. Like any grand journey, a cruise is best enjoyed when you’re prepared, not just in terms of itinerary but also in what you wear and carry.
You can download all your reading material on your Kindle rather than carrying bulky books around with you. You can add guidebooks to the destinations you will be visiting as well as novels to read by the pool. The Kindle Oasis (below) is metal rather than plastic, and waterproof in case you splash it while by the water. It can get breezy when you’re cruising, so to make sure your towel stays on your sunlounger, a couple of beach towel clips can be handy. It won’t take up much room but will make your outfit evening-ready.
Dresses don’t take up much space in your luggage, and are vacation workhorses. These stylish sandals look great and cost way less than anyone would think. This short sleeve plus size dress is gorgeous and very flattering.
Complete your look with stylish heels and statement jewelry to enhance your overall appearance. Accessories are not just add-ons; they can define a cruise clothes outfit and enhance your cruise experience. If you might be spending some time swimming, snorkeling or paddle boarding, you’ll want to make sure that you don’t get sunburned. Make sure to have a wide brim sun hat on your Caribbean cruise packing list! Make sure to pack a bathing suit cover up or two for cruise sea days.
