Although we are well aware of the fact that attires are made for men, not the vice versa but in real life things are often just the opposite. For attending a formal diner, one has to have a dark suit with matching ties and while attending the best friend’s marriage, a tuxedo suits the person best. If you have ever attended a court case, you cannot miss the dark gown of the lawman who is likely to be debarred from entering into the court room sans that loose-fitting high-flowing legal garb.When you are thinking of what to wear on your cruise, you need to consider where you are going cruising in the first place. Of course what you wear on your Alaska trip would not be the same if you are sailing to Singapore or crossing the Suez Canal.
Dressing appropriately is very important on your cruise holiday
Nevertheless, most elegant cruise ships have an unwritten dress code that the captain expects the passengers to follow. Men should therefore, pack either a dinner jacket or a dark suit for the formal nights (often hosted by the captain – referred to as the captain’s dinner that is hosted either on the first night or the last night of the cruise vacation) while a jacket and a tie for the smart casual evenings will be alright. Of course, it does not matter much even if you forget any special attire since most big cruise ships have evening dress rental service. Moreover, cruise liners are usually provided with boutiques, selling varieties of ladies fashion wear if you indeed need to get some on your cruise holiday. By the way, do not forget to carry a wrap or a pashmina to keep you comfortable for the evenings in-door as most ships are ‘fiercely’ air-conditioned to resemble Alaska-type weather. Wear high heels if you must, but bear in mind that you are likely to walk fairly long distances on the deck of a big liner that is moving in the high seas.
As for protecting your top and bottom, what you need is comfortable shoes for sight seeingand rubber-soled shoes like deck shoes for ‘mooching’ around on board. And if you are used to wearing hats, make sure that they do not blow away on the windy deck (remember you are on the sea where it can be quite windy even when the weather is perfectly normal). If you are planning to use the pool during the cruise, you will of course need to bring your swim suit. Yes you can buy one, but you should be warned that it may cost quite a bit in a cruise – so it is best to bring your own. Also, carry anything appropriate to slip on over your swimsuit to help you moving from the poolside to the lunch buffet without causing embarrassment to others.
When going ashore and visiting churches or temples, make sure that you do not wear fashionable dress or too many trinkets that may make you look like a Christmas tree! Wearing simple and casual outfits is the key issue that may guide you on such religious roams.
‘Smart casual’ or ‘formally informal’ apparel can save you from many a disaster on that cruise ship. A good pair of simple black or white trousers with a dress shirt for men is acceptable anywhere aboard a ship as also when ashore. Similarly, pants and colored silk tops for ladies is considered adequate for any occasion.
Here is list of dress codes for some common cruises expressed for the benefit of persons taking their first cruise.
Casual Dining Code for men consist of khakis, sport slacks, jeans without cut-offs, shorts, collared shirts (sport) while ladies may wear pants, casual skirts and blouses, Capri pants and dress shorts. It may be noted here that gym shorts, basketball shorts, cut-off jeans, bathing suit attire and beach flip-flops are not allowed in the dining rooms during the casual dinners.
Elegant Dining Dress Code for gentlemen includes shirts and slacks, probably with a sport coat. One may also wear suits and ties or a tuxedo. For ladies- they are supposed to wear cocktail dresses, pantsuits and elegant skirts and blouses or an evening gown.
For Canada/New England/Alaska cruises people should wear sweaters, lightweight jackets and carry raincoats. Extra heavy woolens are needed for people traveling to the glaciers.