Glad Rags or Flip Flops….

Alot of people,  especially those of you new to cruise can get into a bit of a pickle when it comes to what to pack for your cruise.

Do you go smart and pull out all the stops or do you keep it casual and just go relaxed.

This all depends massively on which cruise line your going with as they all have different criteria ranging from very formal to chilled and relaxed.

Always make sure you ask us about the cruise line you are picking and we can advise what it will be like on board.

Here is a little guide below to make sure you know what to take and help you all feel fabulous on board darling !!!!

1. CASUAL WEAR

As it implies, clothes that you feel comfortable in so for warm weather cruises make sure you take swimwear cover up and sandals for round the pool and beach. If you are thinking of doing a few shore excursions then polo shirts, t-shirts and shorts and don’t forget your comfy walking shoes. If you have heard of evening casual then this does not mean that you can wear your shorts and t-shirts to dinner it is more a case of chinos and shirts for the men and skirt and blouse for the ladies.

2. INFORMAL

This can mean different things for different cruise lines so I would always advise to have a good read up of on the brochure before you go just to be sure. It can mean in some cases that a dressier dress would be worn then the casual evening, but still not the full works and the men may wear a jacket along with the chinos and shirt.

3. FORMAL

This is the time when us ladies can really go to town. One of the fabulous things about cruising it is one of the only times, apart from a wedding or special occasion when we can really get dressed up in all our finery. Different people will go to different measures and again it very much varies on the standard of ship that you are going on. I personally like wearing full on party dresses with lots of sequin and glamour and of course all the accessories that go with it like shoes, clutch bag, jewellery etc. Some ladies like to wear full length gowns and cocktail dresses to add a bit of sparkle. Not forgetting the gentleman folk as I’m sure deep down they love the dressing up side of it too. Tuxedos black or white jackets for the more outlandish men or if this is not every ones cup of tea a dark suit would be suitable. The gentleman can rent the tuxedos on board if they would prefer this, especially if you are new to cruise and testing it out.

4. COUNTRY CLUB CASUAL

This is usually for the smaller American style ship where generally the whole feel on board is that of a laid back relaxed one. Oceania and Windstar cruises offer this as attire for every evening on board which would mean tuxedos and gowns are never required. Or, if you wanted to go with a bigger cruise line with a more relaxed style then NCL or Thomson’s maybe most suitable.

Hope this has helped those of you who were getting into a bit of a fluster about what to take on your cruise holiday. I’m sure you will all look a million dollars on board.