Like any other trip, going on a sea cruise, you should not take too many things with you. Airlines today are constantly striving to cut baggage allowances, so it’s more cost-effective to go what’s called light. But if you do so, you should be aware of what things and accessories you need on the plane, throwing in a suitcase first encountered in the hands is not a good idea. If you’re puzzled over what to take with you on your first cruise, you can breathe a sigh of relief – we’ve developed a special guide with a list of things you’ll definitely need to pack.
First things first. Short shorts are only allowed to be worn if you’re by the pool on the deck or going to the fitness center. You can also pull them on if you’re heading to the poolside buffet for a snack. That’s it. It’s even stricter with swimsuits. They’re only appropriate for the pool.
Daytime closet guide. Walking shorts, slacks, jeans, casual shirts and sundresses have a good chance in the interior of the liner. On the outdoor decks – bathing suits (by the pool and in the sunbathing areas), shorts in the style of casual, all possible combinations of shirts and jeans.
At the beach. Depending on the occasion, if you are going on a kayak excursion or snorkeling, go for a casual look. If you’re going into town, daytime closet items are appropriate.
Evenings. Cruise ships set a daily evening dress code – casual, resort casual, casual, formal. They go into effect in public areas and restaurants starting at 6 p.m. (it’s always a casual style during the day). Usually on a weeklong cruise you’ll have two formal evenings, a couple of casual options, and one to four semi-formal ones. To find out what the dress code will be today, read the daily cruise paper. For all but formal evenings (as well as casual on higher-class ships), resort casual style is the accepted dress code. That means your outfit doesn’t have to be pure silk, but it does have to be elegant. Think flowing cotton dresses, silk mixes and pant suit combinations that you would wear to a symphony orchestra concert on land or to a nice restaurant.