I am going on my first cruise and do not know what clothing to take. Day wear? pool? night?

Question

I am in my early 50's but am told I look less than 40. I am a size 6-8, white, with fairly toned build. What do I need for daytime around pool, buffet, shops, etc? What do I need for night life on ship, other than at dinner? What does one take with them when you dock in ports? Suggestions?

Answer 1

For many first time cruise questions, the CLIA website (Cruise Lines International Association)  is a fantastic resource.  Under FAQ and What do I pack the answer is:

Pack like you would for any resort. Cruise vacations are casual by day, whether you're on the ship or ashore. In the evening, ships vary as to dress. As on shore, attire is dictated by occasion. At the Captain's Gala, for example, you'll probably want to wear something more formal, such as a dark suit, or cocktail dress; perhaps even a dinner jacket or gown.

Bon Voyage, you will have a wonderful experience.

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Answer 2

You can wear anything comfortable during the day. If you eat in the formal dining room for dinner there are no shorts, jeans or t shirts. Guys can wear khakis or dockers and a polo/ golf shirt. Ladies wear sundresses, nice slacks/ sweater, capris skirts etc. Formal night is guys suits/ tuxes, ladies evening gowns or cocktail dresses. Don't forget formal shoes. You can go to cruiseaddicts.com for any question. the veteran cruisers just love to share their experience with other cruisers. I'm leaving on my 4th cruise this month and still pick up tricks and tips there. Remember pack half the clothes and twice the money.  HaHa Seriously check and see if your ship has a self serve laundry and take a little laundry soap. You can do a load or two while sailing and take fewer clothes. If the ship doesn't then laundry service is usually available.

Answer 3

First let me tell you what to expect on your cruise.

When you arrive at the port to check in you (each passenger) will receive a key card which will serve as your room key, charge card for anything you buy ON SHIP (i.e.,drinks, souvenir) and its also your pass to get on and off ship in each port. When you first board the ship the security personnel will have you insert your key card into a scanner and then will take a photo of you that is included in the magnetic strip on the card.  Each time you get off ship you will need this key card and many times also a photo ID (passport or driver's license). This card allows them to keep an accurate track of all passengers entering and/or leaving the ship.

Each day of your cruise you will receive in your cabin a "newsletter" listing the time, place and particulars of everything happening for you on ship. There are generally activities like demonstrations of ice carvings, napkin folding and towel folding, and cooking demonstrations.  Some ships may offer a galley (kitchen) tour or a tour of the bridge. There may be organized games and other activities around the pools. In the evenings there are generally shows, one show for those with an early dinner seating and another (same show) for those who eat late. There is always food available. Usually there is a place in ship where you can go get something. Or, you can always just pick up the phone in your cabin and order from the room service menu (food is free). If you want, you can order breakfast room service.

All ships have a casino with slots and table games. Ships have movie theaters, generally small but nice, and you can also see movies in your room. They have ATM’s and a purser’s desk where you can cash a check or exchange currency if you need to.  There is a tour and activities desk so you can schedule land tours and activities.

Ships have free morning exercise programs, stretching and walking, etc, and on some you can pay for other things like Spinning. All cruise ships have gyms so you can go workout, usually any time from 6:00 AM to late at night. There is usually a walking/running track on one of the decks also. Some ships leave the gym open all night. They call the gyms Spa because they do promote getting pampered with things like wraps and massages with aroma therapy. They will also generally have a beauty salon to do hair and nails.

There are always pools. Some ships have more than one and the newer ships generally have an indoor pool as well as outdoor ones and all of these have hot tubs. There is generally a basketball court on the top deck, a place for scuffle board, and a mini-golf course. The newer Royal Caribbean ships have a rock climbing wall and the newest one has a pool for water surfing.

There are places on ships to play cards and board games, and the cards and games are provided. If you want to just sit and read, there’s a library where you can bring your books or select one from the shelf.  Ships have internet cafes and some offer WIFI if you bring your prefer to use your computer in your cabin (some ships offer notebooks for rent).  There are cocktail lounges that feature a variety of music.  Some have a piano bar with jazz. There is usually a disco that starts after 10:00 PM each night and last until everyone leave.  On certain days ships will have special activities like a chocolate lovers buffet, or a midnight deck party .      

Ok, where's what to take.

The dress on ship is casual all day until 6:00 PM when they request that you wear "sports casual" attire in public places.  That's attire that you would expect a person to wear in a business office, shirt with a collar, slacks, skirt, blouse, etc.  You can still wear shorts and swim wear in the pools and spas but not in public areas like dining rooms and restaurants, show rooms, bars, casino, etc. Most 7-day cruises have two formal nights when you can wear your best stuff and get pictures taken, and maybe meet the ship’s Captain.  The formal nights are REQUESTED not required attire.  But most people do dress up in a tux for men and a long dress (any color) for women.  Some men just wear a suit and tie and some women wear a nice dress but not a gown.  You will not be denied access to the dining room or anything else if you choose not to dress up.  (we usually take off the formal stuff after dinner and pictures anyway).  Since your ship will have pools, hot tubs, a gym and walking track, take clothes to do these activities if you want.  Take comfortable walking shoes.  When you get to ports take your meney and credit cards in a pouch kept under your clothes. (most cruise lines now havea  safe in the cabin for valuable; so take only as much cash as you will need for shore and not all of your credit cards) Some places have pick pockets working.  If you are going to a beach the ship will usually provide a towel for you to take with you.  If you booked a tour they will tell you waht to bring.

Answer 4

It really depends on where the cruise is going.  If tropical, where shorts and t shirts or button shirts during the day, same at night.

Answer 5

You need to ask your question again and be more specific.  As far as clothes to take, it depends on what cruise line you are going on.  Example... Norwegian Cruise line is very casual even for dinner; allows levis; whereas others like Seaborn, etc. which are more upscale and people will dress up for dinner more and even wear formal gowns and tux.  

It also depends on what time of the year you are going and where you are going, as sometimes it can be cold  outside.

Have some clients that wont go during winter months because of cool weather which makes it quite cool on deck when the ship is moving.

Answer 6

Pool swimsuit,flip flops or sandals, evening shorts,shirt,what ever ya wanna wear,buffet,same,shops,same,night life dinners dress clothes, formal wear, or tux.... when you dock at the ports dress comfortable i know our first cruise i wore flip flops my feet was killing me by the end of the day...

we are leaving for Virgin islands on the 24, so i hope this helps you out,

And have fun!   (Good Luck)!!!

Answer 7

Daytime around the pool, your bathing suit and cover-up will do just fine.  Casual shorts but not jean cut-offs for around the ship during the day.  Nightlife is funtime so take clothes you would wear to a city club.  Of course, since you will be looking for fun, take s**y lingerie.

Answer 8

That is a question you should pose to your travel agent.

Answer 9

Traditionally , cruise lines promoted formal attire on select evenings however, more and more , the attire is resort casual.  Some cruise lines have eliminated formal nights completely....

Answer 10

When you get your documents, you shoud get told about the various activities available to attend.  These days there are a variety of levels of sophistication on the ships.  You should be able to get by with shorts and tops or swimsuit and wrap or sundress during the day..don't forget sunscreen... for night, if you plan to eat in the dinning room, you will want to be more formal. there will probably be a very dressy meet the captain night and a dress down night.

For excursions when you dock, think comfortable shoes and clothes.  

We could be more specific if we knew which cruise line and what ports of call you were going on.

Most of all, plan on having a blast!  We started every day with a mile walk on the running track and still gained 5 pounds.  there are so many things to do, you will have to come home to rest.