Having worked on cruise ships in the past as a dancer and this year I have been invited on a couple of cruises to instruct workshops I thought I would share this with you. Cruising is a wonderful way to see different countries and to have a real rest.
Modern trends towards more casual
cruising, airline weight restrictions and limited wardrobe space in cabins
suggest that you pack as light as possible - unless you are travelling first
class and have a suite booked onboard. However you will need more clothes for a
cruise than any other type of holiday. Your cruise line with give an outline of the dress code as some of the traditional ships do not promote jeans and like men and women to have coverup when leaving the deck area to go inside.
DAYTIME ONBOARD - The daytime dress code on board is always casual:
For men - shorts, jeans (but check the ship's policy), chinos, T-shirts and sports shirts.
For ladies - shorts, casual trousers and skirts and sundresses.
Around the pool swimsuits of course, but you will need footwear and a cover up when you go inside the ship.
ASHORE - Some destinations are more formal than others and smart casual is more appropriate in Bermuda, Europe or the Far East that in the more relaxed Caribbean, Hawaii and Mexican Riviera.
Some countries have struck dress codes and ladies may need clothes that will cover both legs and shoulders. You will generally be more warmly welcomed in restaurants and shops if you are dressed widely. On active shore excursions ultra casual is OK.
EVENING - There is now a trend towards more casual cruising and a choice of dining options with different dress options. Cruise ships assign daily dress codes - casual, informal (smart casual) and formal. The dress code takes effect in public rooms and restaurants from 6pm onwards.
On traditional cruise ships, you can expect two formal nights, a couple of casual evenings when the ship has been into port and the rest informal on a weeks cruise. Black tie is the usual form for men on formal nights, though increasingly a smart suit will suffice Women can wear anything from a classic little black dress to a ball gown. On some ships you can rent formal attire. Do not forget smart shoes. For men a sports jacket and smart trousers worn with a shirt and tie or a polo shirt will meet the informal evening requirements.
For ladies smart casual is the common dress code for evenings other than formal. Dresses, tailored trousers and smart separates but not shorts. If formal evenings are not your bag then try the buffet dining or one of the alternative dining spots where the dress code does not apply.
GENERAL - Pack clothes and accessories you can mix and match. Pack shoes for walking ashore and a wrap even for a cruise in the sub as air conditioning onboard can be quite cold.
You will be provided with a bathrobe for the duration of the cruise on most luxury lines and in suites on the bigger ships.
Most ships have laundries so you can have you clothes washed or dry cleaned as you go, but this can be costly. Some ships have self-service launderettes.
Save some room in your suitcase for your shopping and souvenirs.
DAYTIME ONBOARD - The daytime dress code on board is always casual:
For men - shorts, jeans (but check the ship's policy), chinos, T-shirts and sports shirts.
For ladies - shorts, casual trousers and skirts and sundresses.
Around the pool swimsuits of course, but you will need footwear and a cover up when you go inside the ship.
ASHORE - Some destinations are more formal than others and smart casual is more appropriate in Bermuda, Europe or the Far East that in the more relaxed Caribbean, Hawaii and Mexican Riviera.
Some countries have struck dress codes and ladies may need clothes that will cover both legs and shoulders. You will generally be more warmly welcomed in restaurants and shops if you are dressed widely. On active shore excursions ultra casual is OK.
EVENING - There is now a trend towards more casual cruising and a choice of dining options with different dress options. Cruise ships assign daily dress codes - casual, informal (smart casual) and formal. The dress code takes effect in public rooms and restaurants from 6pm onwards.
On traditional cruise ships, you can expect two formal nights, a couple of casual evenings when the ship has been into port and the rest informal on a weeks cruise. Black tie is the usual form for men on formal nights, though increasingly a smart suit will suffice Women can wear anything from a classic little black dress to a ball gown. On some ships you can rent formal attire. Do not forget smart shoes. For men a sports jacket and smart trousers worn with a shirt and tie or a polo shirt will meet the informal evening requirements.
For ladies smart casual is the common dress code for evenings other than formal. Dresses, tailored trousers and smart separates but not shorts. If formal evenings are not your bag then try the buffet dining or one of the alternative dining spots where the dress code does not apply.
GENERAL - Pack clothes and accessories you can mix and match. Pack shoes for walking ashore and a wrap even for a cruise in the sub as air conditioning onboard can be quite cold.
You will be provided with a bathrobe for the duration of the cruise on most luxury lines and in suites on the bigger ships.
Most ships have laundries so you can have you clothes washed or dry cleaned as you go, but this can be costly. Some ships have self-service launderettes.
Save some room in your suitcase for your shopping and souvenirs.
I offer a service where I come and help you pack taking into consideration airline weight restrictions, the length of your holiday and where you are going.
www.janebusby.co.uk
www.janebusby.co.uk
