What to wear on your next cruise?
This topic is debated endlessly, but the short answer is: whatever you want.
However, what you wear may determine where it is appropriate for you to be eating and hanging out onboard the cruise ship.
For example, if you want to wear your bathing suit the entire cruise, you can do that. But, you probably aren't going to show up to formal night dinner in the main dining room with just a cover-up and flip flops. That attire is appropriate for the poolside grill and usually the buffet too. Similarly, there's usually an open air bar where you can go in whatever you have on at any time of the day or night, but the upscale champagne bar may necessitate a little more clothing.
So, if you want to wear whatever, chances are you want a casual, laid back type of vacation. So easy grill and buffet food is probably cool.
If you are more of a foodie, then you may want to pack some other clothing options to go with the suggested attire for the MDR (main dining room) or Specialty Restaurants. Also for evening performances in the theater, most cruise lines will suggest "smart casual" or above.
So what's "Smart Casual" versus "Casual", "Business Casual" or "Formal"?
"Daytime Casual" is going to be different from "Evening Casual" for dining and entertainment.
To me, Daytime Casual is pretty much anything other than a bathing suit- be comfortable.
Evening "Casual" is defined by what it isn't: NOT JEANS, not shorts, not tank tops, not flip-flops, not t-shirts, not sneakers.
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| What not to wear! |
Cruise "Casual" is sort of the same as a dressed down "Business Casual" - For men this would be slacks and a shirt with a collar. For women it would be a skirt, nice capris, or pants with a blouse, or a sundress.
"Smart Casual" is going to mean a sports coat OR a shirt with a tie for men, and dresses or pantsuits for women. Think afternoon wedding.
"Formal" can be as dressed up as you'd like. I've seen white dinner jackets and full length gowns before, but personally tend to go with a middle of the road option - the classic black cocktail dress for me and a dark suit and tie for the spouse.
The cruise line makes a difference too - some tend to be more dressy than others. Most have information on their website that will offer suggested attire.
Where you're sailing also may impact what you wear. Tropical cruises are more dress-down than Alaskan, European, and trans-Atlantic. If there are a lot of sea days, dressing up in the evenings makes the nighttime seem a little more special.
Also check your itinerary for special dress nights -like a "White" or "Pirate" party, and pack accordingly.
For kids-
Children can get away with a more casual look overall, younger boys are okay with nice khaki shorts or slacks and collared shirts, even on formal nights. Although dressing up can be fun for them too, so if you have a suit or pretty dress from cousin so-and-so's wedding, formal night on a cruise is a good opportunity to wear it one more time before it is outgrown.
Fore more ideas, visit my Pinterest board!