While many people would love to have a full wardrobe available on a cruise vacation, it is really not practical.The accommodations on many cruise lines give travelers very small wardrobes and bureaus to unpack their bags.There is just not enough room in most cruise ships for an extensive wardrobe unless one chooses a big luxury liner.
Many cruisers must travel by air to the departure location for the cruise and a larger wardrobe means a bigger expense for checked bags on the plane. Wrestling with bags through the airport, in cabs and on shuttle buses can make traveling very difficult. Packing light avoids all this difficulty and allows you to enjoy your travel from start to finish.
Most cruises today are more casual than in the past.There are still formal nights and events on the ship that will require formal attire, but the theme of many cruises today is casual fun. This means cruisers should pack attire that is appropriate for strolling on the deck of the ship, dancing in a nightclub and lounging by the pool. Most folks can get away with business clothing for formal events on the cruise instead of formal tuxedos and gowns.
There are some cruise lines that are more luxurious and formal from start to finish. For these, formal gowns and tuxedos must be packed. Fortunately, the more luxurious cruise lines also have larger wardrobe accommodations.
Women should pack a selection of sundresses, casual skirts, shorts and tops for activities during the day. The clothing you choose will depend on the activities you are planning during the day.
A day of sightseeing off the ship will give you an opportunity to wear casual walking shorts, skirts and pretty sundresses, but a day of snorkeling or kayaking will require a bathing suit and a wrap. When dining in a restaurant off the ship, dress casually and not in short shorts, tank tops and a bathing suit. Pack elegant clothing for dining on board. You won't have to pack a formal gown, but something silky and flowing would be appropriate. Plan to pack comfortable shoes for those days of sightseeing and walking, but also include some elegant sandals with straps for dinners and formal evenings.
A sport coat and khakis are a must have on board. These items can be worn for most occasions, with the exception of a formal dinner. Shorts, jeans, T-shirts and sport shirts are appropriate for daytime wear while on the cruise. Casual wear is appropriate when sightseeing off the ship, but make sure that you are wearing neat clothing if you are planning to dine in the port of call.
A tuxedo is certainly very nice on formal dinner evenings, but you can get away with a business suit. Some cruise ships will have an on board tuxedo rental shop for those formal nights when you feel under-dressed without it. Don't forget to pack dress shoes to go with the suit or tuxedo.
