Advice please.. What to wear during the cruise?

[incruzcontrol2]

Hi everyone.. Hope everyone is doing well.. We've started packing and I wanted to get some input on what everyone is wearing.. suggestions please?!?!?! :) We are first time cruisers and I don't want to overpack, yet I don't want to run out of clothes.. and ofcourse, I want to be wearing what is appropriate.. shorts, skirts, jeans, khakis, t-shirts, tanks, sweaters.. all of the above... women and men attire.... Please advise.. What is good to wear around the boat, day/evening.. how about excursions.. Oh, and shoes.. how many pairs should I be bringing.. tennis, dress, flip flops???? Thanks!

[Tisha49]

Well, here is what I'm taking for a 7 night eastern carribbean cruise on Liberty:

 

Formal nights: 2 formal outfits.

Dressy Casual night: Just a nice summer dress and heels.

 

Remainder of trip: 5 pairs shorts, 7 casual top, 2 pair summer jeans (white and yellow), 3 fancier tops for dinner, 1 pair very nice capris for dinner (I'll wear them twice with heels), 3 summier skirt/top ensembles. I might take a light weight jacket just in case. Lots of costume jewelry. No good jewelry except my rings which I always wear.

 

About 11 pairs of shoes (plus the tennis shoes I'll wear on board). Since it's summer, they are all sandals and light weight. I"m distributing them among our 4 suitcases :)

 

4 bathing suits. I just like wearing different ones.

[simplelife]

Well, here is what I'm taking for a 7 night eastern carribbean cruise on Liberty:

 

Formal nights: 2 formal outfits.

Dressy Casual night: Just a nice summer dress and heels.

 

Remainder of trip: 5 pairs shorts, 7 casual top, 2 pair summer jeans (white and yellow), 3 fancier tops for dinner, 1 pair very nice capris for dinner (I'll wear them twice with heels), 3 summier skirt/top ensembles. I might take a light weight jacket just in case. Lots of costume jewelry. No good jewelry except my rings which I always wear.

 

About 11 pairs of shoes (plus the tennis shoes I'll wear on board). Since it's summer, they are all sandals and light weight. I"m distributing them among our 4 suitcases :)

 

 

4 bathing suits. I just like wearing different ones.

 

12 pairs of shoes:eek::):o

Not a good piece of advice for someone wanting to pack light. I suggest a nice pair of sandals (2 if you must) that will go with the non-formal outfits and one dressy pair. (Notice the operative word here is "go with" not "match." ) Then of course shoes for the various activities. I take a comfortable pair of walking sandals; pool shoes; water or hiking shoes(depending on excursons ). You'll need sneakers if you work out. But the OP can easily cut the number in half.

[Lois R]

Hi, your very first cruise?:D:)....hope you LOVE it!:)

 

As for packing, as you can already see, you will get various

replies. For a 7 night Caribbean Cruise I only bring about 5 pair

of shoes total....I have never brought more than 6 and that

was to Alaska;).

 

During the day to the Caribbean I usually wear either:

1) a bathing suit with a cover up

2) shorts and tops

Excursions..depends on what I am doing in order to

decide what to wear. Beach/water excursions ...bathing suit.

Sightseeing excursions I wear shorts, top and a pair of sandals.

 

Just depends on the individual.

 

I do hope ya'll have a wonderful cruise. Just remember,

it can become addictive:D

[cb at sea]

During the day, almost anything goes---and you can rewear things more than once. For instance, I'll wear the same pair of shorts to breakfast several times, and then, it's into a bathing suit for the rest of the day (sea days). I generally don't "dress" again until it's time to get ready for dinner. On all but "formal" nights, it's capris, heels, nice top....

When we go ashore, it's shorts and a cool top, (with our without a bathing suit under, depending on whether we're going to a beach!)--once again...no changing until dinner!

 

You really don't need all those shoes...pick a pair of sandals that will go with anything--or flip-flops, and just wear them everywhere. If you plan on doing some sort of "physical" excursion, bring shoes appropriate for that activity.

 

For just roaming about the port, shopping or going to the beach, flip-flops are fine.

[mauiedin87]

After 14 cruises, we pack less every time. To each his/her own of course, but for a two-week cruise my husband and I manage with one (that's ONE) large suitcase and two carry-ons. I take only one thin long black dress for formal and change it with different wraps and tops for formal nights. 3 pairs of shoes max, one pair for formal and dancing, two pairs of light walking shoes, same for DH. Two pairs of shorts, a few nice T-shirts, maybe a light skirt. That's it! Almost everything we pack is microfiber and takes little space. And all this also assures that we can do self-help disembarkation. With that little to schlep, it's a breeze!

[timeforadaiquiri]

I would cut down on the shoes. No need for that many. What 4 are your most comfortable? I think we always pack more than what we would wear. You didn't mention but are you bringing extra underwear? To me that was important. And sometimes you might see that perfect cruising outfit or top when shopping during excursions.

[Iluvmypuggle]

This is what I typically wear on the boat:

 

During the day: If I'm at the pool, obviously a bathing suit/coverup. If I'm walking around the ship, comfy capris & a tank top. I always bring a long sleeve shirt with me indoors BC that air conditioning freezes me out!

 

In Port: I usually wear shorts/capris/tanks & flip flops. Sometimes I wear my bathing suit underneath. Sometimes I bring it just incase I need it.

 

Water Excursions: Wear a bathing suit/coverup. I usually bring a bag with water shoes, towels, etc. and an extra dry coverup/tshirt.

 

Dinner: On NCL, this varies nightly. Some nights I wear jeans, a cute top and heels. Other nights, I'll wear a dress and heels. For the dress up nights, I usually wear either black pants & a cute top or a dress. I prefer to be casual on vacation so most of the things I bring are pretty versatile & can be dressed up or dressed down.

 

Nighttime: After we have dinner, see a show & go to the lounges & bars, I usually go back to the room to put on something comfy. Black yoga pants, long sleeve tshirt & flip flops or sneakers before I head to the casino or for a late night snack. At the end of the night, I love to be comfy.

 

SHOES: Now, this is always one of those things that I find it sooo hard to bring less of.

 

*2 Pairs of flip flops- obviously one for the pool & another pair for when you don't want your wet pool flip flops.

*1 Pair of sneakers- Sometimes you do a lot of walking and flip flops or sandals don't always cut it.

*About 3 pairs of sandals/dressy shoes- You need to bring a couple because if one pair ends up hurting your feet, then its important to have a backup. And when you're trying to coordinate outfits for dinner, it's nice to have even a small selection. I like to have a pair of black shoes, gold or bronze, and then some sort of cork-type wedge for when I need a casual heel.

 

Appropriate Clothing: During the day, most people are very casual! And at night, especially on NCL, you can be casual or dressed up. All of the restaurants, with the exception of one main dining room, allow for "nice jeans". Khakis, Capris, Nice Jeans, Black Pants, etc. are appropriate for men & women for dinner. Skirts & dresses for the ladies work also. I would not wear shorts or flip flops to any of the restaurants. Pretty much anything you'd wear to a restaurant at home is acceptable on NCL. As for the dress up (or not) nights, some people participate with cocktail dresses & suits and some don't participate at all. So it's really up to you.

[zoncom]

Think practical, walking shoes for shore. No jeans, too hot; they just dont look right on ship. Leave stilletos home, lower heels( kitten?). Ship can rock & roll. Separates; I get things I like out on bed, then pare it down to what works best with all other clothes. Usually end up w. a few dominating colors. You will find yourself changing several times a day.Enjoy!

[Happy ks]

Hi everyone.. Hope everyone is doing well.. We've started packing and I wanted to get some input on what everyone is wearing.. suggestions please?!?!?! :) We are first time cruisers and I don't want to overpack, yet I don't want to run out of clothes.. and ofcourse, I want to be wearing what is appropriate.. shorts, skirts, jeans, khakis, t-shirts, tanks, sweaters.. all of the above... women and men attire.... Please advise.. What is good to wear around the boat, day/evening.. how about excursions.. Oh, and shoes.. how many pairs should I be bringing.. tennis, dress, flip flops???? Thanks!

 

 

It sounds like you have everything under control - don't fret too much ;)

 

I take enough for the trip minus 2 days of casual wear, every time I've packed for the whole time I end up bringing home clean, unworn clothing. I wear the same clothes to embark and debark, having them laundered or dry cleaned onboard by the service.

 

formal nights:

2 cocktail dresses

 

Casual nights:

1 pair black slacks and 2 tops

1 pair ivory slacks and 2 tops

 

One of the above I wear the first and last nights, sending to the dry cleaners in between.

 

Day time, I pack for 5 days, typical of your above list. I usually don't pack jeans or sweaters unless we are in cooler weather, then only one each.

 

Shoes are debatable, some people want a different pair for every event, some take the bare minimum and get along just fine. I take 5 pair and have not been able to reduce it any more than that.

 

1 pair formal shoes

1 pair shoes for casual nights

1 pair of sandals that are comfortable to walk in

1 pair sneakers for walking laps

1 paif flip flops for the pool

 

The most important thing to remember is that the people on cruises are not dressed up during the day, it is quite casual and you don't need an abundance of daywear. Even though we pack light, we don't skimp on bathing suits as you will find yourself wearing those more than casual clothing. Since they pack like nothing, I take at least 3 or 4, one being a sacrificial suit for the hot tub.

 

My husband packs pretty much the same, he takes one suit with one shirt, two ties for formal nights. Two pair slacks for other evenings and 4 shirts. Casual day wear the same, take only enough for 5 days. Shoes, pretty much the same number as I take.

 

We pack in one suitcase, one large garment bag on rollers, one carry on and my purse for a week. A longer cruise is pretty much the same, only the laundry bill is a little higher. We've just learned to make the vacation about the trip and not the clothing.

 

We take all our own toiletries. I keep all this stuff packed into a kit that is replenished for every trip. I find we need the same stuff for just about every type of travel and it's just easier to have it all together and not have to search and make lists for it, it's just always there. Everything is travel sized with the exception of sunscreen...we take a full sized bottle for each of us for the week, it gets pricey to buy onboard.

 

Oh....and don't forget to pack a small first aid kit. A sampling of typical OTC meds, a few bandaids and antibacterial ointment. Don't get carried away and take a medicine cabinet! My kit is the size of a small cosmetic bag, probably 4 X 6, I've learned to take it on every trip, even just an overnight.

 

Whatever you pack, have a great time and make a list when you get home....both what you wish you would have packed and what you didn't use and can leave behind next time.

[Houndmom]

I just did my "packing run-through," and here's what is going on my 7 day cruise plus 2 days with the children in Houston.

 

I don't like to wear my bathing suit all day, but lots of people save space by planning to wear bathing suit and coverup most of their sea days.

 

Shoes:

 

I am a Shoe Hog. I admit it. I like options. But I manage with these:

 

1 pair Skechers walking shoes (wear them on the plane)

1 pair dressy heeled sandals

1 pair ballet flats

1 pair dressy flat sandals

rubber flip flops

Aqua sox (if I run out of room, these stay home)

 

BOTTOMS:

 

1 pair jeans or chinos (wear them on the plane)

1 khaki bermuda short

1 cream color bermuda short

1 navy blue walking short

1 black linen drawstring trouser

 

TOPS:

 

1 lightweight cotton sweater (wear on the plane)

4 tees (wear one on the plane)

3 tank tops in various colors

2 short sleeve camp shirts

1 sleeveless white blouse

2 matte jersey tees (these can double as rash guards for snorkeling)

2 "peasant" tops

1 "fold into its own pocket" waterproof windbreaker

 

SWIMMING

 

2 bathing suits

1 chiffon pareo (doubles as an evening wrap)

1 roll up packable sun hat

 

DRESSES & SKIRTS:

 

1 long formal gown

1 cocktail dress

1 fancy tank dress

1 casual tank dress

1 "reversible" skirt (matches two of the tank tops)

1 sundress

1 T-shirt dress (can double as a bathing suit coverup)

 

UNDIES:

I squoosh my undies and bathing suits into a comperssion bag to save space. Who cares if they wrinkle! :)

 

Underpants for 9 days (fast drying microfiber so I can hand wash them in the sink if need be)

Black bra

Beige bra

2 sports bras

2 shelf bra camis

 

2 pairs of socks (I bring them, but hardly ever need them. They are good as bedroom slippers in the stateroom)

 

TOILETRIES:

Makeup pouch with medicines and supplements. Carry copies of your prescriptions with you.

Makeup pouch with minimal makeup -- powder foundation compact, powder blush, waterproof macara, eyeshadow pencils, lipstick, nail polish, polish remover wipes, 2 oz. tube of moisturizer, travel size perfume)

Disposable razors

Contact lens solution & case

Comb

Travel size deodorant & hair spray

Tiny mirror

Hairpins & barettes

Ponytail bands

Travel size hair flatiron (hair dryers are provided in the cabins)

Sunscreen

Bug repellent wipes

Hand sanitizer wipes

Lysol wipes (for wiping down stuff you might be germophobic about like doorknobs, faucets)

2 oz. bottle of 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner (the stuff on the ship makes my hair dry)

Bandaids, neo-to-go spray

 

Jewelry roll

Glasses/extra contact lenses/sunglasses

 

NICE TO HAVE:

waterproof watch

waterproof camera

small binoculars

a couple of good paperback books/magazines

Waterproof pouch for carrying seapass card, money, etc. while on excursions

Small evening bag

Packable beach bag

 

For day, I wear shorts or capris when not in a bathing suit. Pretty much anything is appropriate except bathing suits when eating indoors on the ship.

 

For night, you will hear many differing and often VERY strong opinions Pants and capris are fine for the main dining room on casual nights. I prefer to wear a skirt or sundress each night, only because I love dresses. Rubber flip flops are inappropriate for the main dining room at night, but casual sandals are fine. For men, trousers and any kind of collared shirts (sport shirts, polos, golf shirts) are the norm. Some cruise lines say jeans and shorts are appropriate for casual dinner, some don't. Check your particular cruise line's guidelines to be sure. :)

 

For formal nights, you will again hear the STRONG opinions. Look at your cruise line's website for their specific guidlelines. I wear long gown or cocktail dress with heels on formal night. Lots of women wear evening pantsuits or dress pants with fancy tops. Bring some kind of a wrap -- it can get chilly at night.

 

Men will wear anything from tuxes to dark suits, to dress slacks and white shirt with tie.

All the stuff I listed above fits into one 21" carry-on bag plus one small gym bag. The key to packing light is to resist the urge to put things in "just in case," and bring lots of matte jersey and things that pack really small and don't wrinkle. :)

 

Tricks: Pack small things in baggies and stuff them into your hubby's shoes. There's lots of room in there! Use tissue paper or dry cleaner's bags to keep dresses from wrinkling. Use packing cubes or compression bags. They make things more organzed, and can be used to isolate the dirty clothes from the clean ones.

 

Have a great trip!

[Iluvmypuggle]

Hi everyone.. Hope everyone is doing well.. We've started packing and I wanted to get some input on what everyone is wearing.. suggestions please?!?!?! :) We are first time cruisers and I don't want to overpack, yet I don't want to run out of clothes.. and ofcourse, I want to be wearing what is appropriate.. shorts, skirts, jeans, khakis, t-shirts, tanks, sweaters.. all of the above... women and men attire.... Please advise.. What is good to wear around the boat, day/evening.. how about excursions.. Oh, and shoes.. how many pairs should I be bringing.. tennis, dress, flip flops???? Thanks!

 

For some reason when I responded, I thought you said you were cruising on NCL. So that's why I was mentioning NCL in my post. Sorry about that.

[Jane110]

For some reason when I responded, I thought you said you were cruising on NCL. So that's why I was mentioning NCL in my post. Sorry about that.

 

Probably because you like NCL. :)

 

Everyone else is assuming she's cruising the Carribbean - I don't know why. Maybe because that's the only place they cruise to and like?

 

. I'm not one to assume. But I gather she's getting the info she needs, so that's what matters.

[Iluvmypuggle]

Probably because you like NCL. :)

 

Everyone else is assuming she's cruising the Carribbean - I don't know why. Maybe because that's the only place they cruise to and like?

 

. I'm not one to assume. But I gather she's getting the info she needs, so that's what matters.

 

Actually, I wouldn't say NCL is my favorite, and I hesitated to booking my second cruise with them. But it saved me quite a bit of money to book NCL instead of Carnival this time around. So I definitly have Norwegian on my mind since my cruise is coming up in May. And I've heard mostly wonderful things about the Dawn so I'm looking forward to giving NCL another try.

[Jane110]

Two of my friends have sailed on the Dawn out of NY and they love it. They've gone on 3 cruises on that ship. However, they've never been on any other cruiselines, so have nothing to compare it to.

 

Personally, I'd take NCL over Carnival anyday!

[Happy ks]

Probably because you like NCL. :)

 

Everyone else is assuming she's cruising the Carribbean - I don't know why. Maybe because that's the only place they cruise to and like?

 

. I'm not one to assume. But I gather she's getting the info she needs, so that's what matters.

 

I thought of that, but I think most of the time people are cruising the Caribbean unless they mention a different area.

 

It helps if people write the destination and the cruise line, but many times people are new here and don't realize there is a difference. Especially if it is the first time they are cruising :)

 

I'd choose NCL over Carnival as well. Then clothing is no issue at all for evenings!

[Tisha49]

Okay, I went to count my shoes, and I only had 10, not 12. However, I might just cut out 1 and that's it!

 

Sorry...but I don't like things to just " go with", I like my shoes to match my outfits.

 

1 sneakers

1 pool flipflops

2 formal night shoes...completely different color outfits

1 tan sandal

1 black sandal

1 mint low high heel

1 black high heel

1 white high heel

1 brown sandal

 

I'll cut out a pair of mint green flipflops and MAYBE the black high heel...maybe. I think shoes make an outfit just like jewelry.

[incruzcontrol2]

Hi Everyone,

 

I was busy at work yesterday.. didn't even get the chance to get on here.. But boy, am I glad I asked that question! Your answers are fabulous and fast! Thanks everyone for posting. I can't believe how many replies I've already gotten.

 

To get back to a few people.. I'll check my shoes and see how many I end up bringing (seems to be the hot topic:D)... I might just have to bring two sets of flip flops though b/c as someone mentioned I don't like walking in wet flip flops.. and I'll make sure to bring extra underwear ;)....

 

Oh, also appreciate the detailed feedback from Happyks and Houndmom! And yes, we are first time cruisers--sorry forgot to mention we are travelling to Caribbean so Jane110 was right :)

 

I did find some great packing lists on here and have already started my own. They are great for figuring out what "things" to bring.. but as far as attire, I just wanted to make sure I didn't need to bring a 3/4 wool jacket or something like that.. hahaha.. j/k! Thanks again for all the input. It was nice to see what others were packing. If others would like to keep posting.. I'll keep reading :)

[Jane110]

You might want to pack a shawl for the evening if you wear sleeveless tops. Some people (me included) find that sometimes the air conditioning is way too cold.

[Happy ks]

Just be careful of all the "extras" on those lists you will find around here!

 

So many of them list every little thing you could possibly use and remember, you're going on a cruise not a camping trip :)

 

I go through our morning and evening routines and take travel sizes of all the things we normally use. I don't pack anything extra and I don't take along anything I think may come in handy....it doesn't.

 

Leave home all the junk like cups, markers, cruise ticket booklet (all you need is your set sail pass or ticket with confirmation number), extension cords, bungee cords - gosh I could go on and on, some of those lists I can eliminate 50 items out of the carry on!

 

Experience is the best teacher and you will know better after your first cruise. What I can't live without may be nonsense to the next person so do trust your own instinct, don't pack anything just because someone else says they use it.

 

As far as shoes go, I have learned to pack from the shoes up instead of choosing clothes first. But, I've been cruising long enough that I know what type of clothing and shoes pack best, wear well and that I feel comfortable in.

 

Packing light and looking good can be accomplished easily, what works is quality over quantity.

[BoardwalkBabe]

We drive to the ports so we don't have airline luggage restrictions, which is good because I tend to over pack a wee bit. :D

 

I bring shorts and tees to wear around the ship/ports for those times when I am not wearing a bathing suit/coverup. I also have two formal dresses and then the rest of the time it's either capris and cute top or I have these cute cotton skirts (knee length) that I can wear with a nice tee and a belt. I bring lots of shoes - don't like to be limited to just a couple of pairs so I bring whatever I think I will need and they always get worn.

 

I also bring exercise clothes, a pair of sneakers, a rash shirt and water shorts. Sure, I come home with a few things that haven't been worn but not many and it's good to have those things (especially if the weather doesn't cooperate and your sun time gets reduced - you'll need things to wear on those days other than bathing suits).

[mimi217]

I agree with Jane110 I find it really chilly in some of the dining rooms and other areas of the ship. Also I always bring a lightweight sweater or sweatshirt in case you have a chilly day. We recently cruised and both our sea days going and coming back were cloudy and very windy. It was so cold on deck you needed something with long sleeves at least. Have fun on your cruise. You're going to love it:)

[Lois R]

I agree with Jane110 I find it really chilly in some of the dining rooms and other areas of the ship. Also I always bring a lightweight sweater or sweatshirt in case you have a chilly day. We recently cruised and both our sea days going and coming back were cloudy and very windy. It was so cold on deck you needed something with long sleeves at least. Have fun on your cruise. You're going to love it:)

 

Hi mimi:)I see you are up in New England. I may finally be

able to sail up your way next summer! (May 2010)....not 100%

yet but 75 maybe:D

One itinerary I have yet to do and always wanted!:)

[Lady Chew]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned: POCKETS! Very often women's clothing doesn't have good pockets, so I look for shorts & capris with deep pockets, pockets with flaps (velcro or button) so that I don't have to carry a purse around the ship and I can keep my port/tote bag free for shopping. I do use Mr Chew's pockets for my camera sometimes, but I like to carry lipstick, glasses, seapass, etc myself. I do take a teeny purse on formal night, because there are NO pockets in women's formal clothes ...

[Lois R]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned: POCKETS! Very often women's clothing doesn't have good pockets, so I look for shorts & capris with deep pockets, pockets with flaps (velcro or button) so that I don't have to carry a purse around the ship and I can keep my port/tote bag free for shopping. I do use Mr Chew's pockets for my camera sometimes, but I like to carry lipstick, glasses, seapass, etc myself. I do take a teeny purse on formal night, because there are NO pockets in women's formal clothes ...

 

Actually, I sail solo and even if I didn't I prefer to carry my

own stuff;)

Anyway, ALL my shorts have pockets (I make sure of it:D)

and around the ship I use them:)

Evenings, I do use a small purse and try to find one

that is cross body. They make many wonderful styles these

days:)

Formal evenings....I use a dressy clutch.:)