Cruise fashion dilemmas !

Over the last 4 years, one of the questions I get asked by new cruise customers is “what sort of thing should I wear?”

Dressing up for me is one of the main highlights for me whilst cruising. I  love planning which frock goes with which shoes, how i’m going to wear my hair etc…. As a lady I think we are very lucky in todays fashion as there is so much choice.

However……….. I’m the first to admit if i have got it wrong and there is always that dress which screams “WHAT WAS I THINKING?”

This is definitely my worst cruise attire to date on Independence of the sea 2007.

This is much better Cunard Queen Mary 2 2014

So what exactly do the cruise lines mean when they talk about dress code?

Formal nights are generally very grand evenings, so for men will need tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits  and evening gowns, cocktail dresses or elegant trouser suits/ jumpsuit for Ladies. Also on some cruise lines  you can wear formal national dress and military uniform.

DID YOU KNOW ….. for those who may not have a tux hanging in there personal suit collection, some cruise lines hire tuxedos and gowns on board, it is recommended to book in advance, but this is great especially if you are trying cruising for the first time.

Semi Formal / Smart Formal will be one step down. Men will need to wear a jacket and tie with long trousers and smart shoes in the restaurants. For ladies dresses long or short, 2 piece set, jumpsuits.

Casual / Resort Casual– Would be much like if you were going to a nice restaurant in the evening so Chinos or light trousers and open-neck shirts, sweater, deck shoes for men and skirts or dresses, trousers, blouse or sweaters for Ladies, all much more relaxed.

 Day time attire During the day your wardrobe will depend on your location and plans for the day. Plan ahead make sure you have comfy shoes for those fantastic cruise excursions. Make sure you plan for any climate changes especially on repositioning cruises you may start your cruise in warm jumper and end it in shorts and t-shirts.

And cruise evening wear no no’s………………

1/ Shorts

2/Trainers

3/ Baseball caps

4/ Tracksuits

5/Swim wear

6/ Jeans

7/Football/sport tops

These may sound obvious, but there will always be one or two that will try getting away with this on one of their formal nights.  If you do want to try  be ready to turned away from a restaurant as most cruise lines are very restrict on this matter.

However if you want a night off from the glitz and glamour of cruising the Buffett restaurant will always be open for guests and no dress code is necessary for enjoying a meal in there.

For a full break down of individual cruise lines and their specific dress code click here for our hand guide to cruise dress code.

http://www.cruise.co.uk/guides/cruise-information-fashion/

I hope that has answered a lot of your questions however if you would like any others answers please contact me direct on 0330 303 8260 or email me at [email protected]

Until next time

Marie

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