Before you starting packing your bags for that much-awaited cruise stop for a minute to consider. You need to consider the number of days you will spend on this vacation and the places you are about to visit. Also think about whether you would prefer to remain on board even when the ship docks or whether you would like to enlist for all the outings the management has planned for the passengers. Don’t try to cram your suitcase with clothes. If you have spent too much time in packing and re-packing then you must be going wrong somewhere.

Traditionally people are used to dress in formal attire while on a cruise. This concept has undergone changes though and nowadays it is really up to you to decide what you want to wear. There was a time when a dinner party inevitably called for a tuxedo but times have changed; you can go to such occasions comfortable in a formal suit and a tie. For women there is the cocktail dress, but a more comfortable version of this will do just as well. Dresses made out of silky material or long dress of cotton silk is also just as good. Although many claim that it is prudent to carry only half the amount of clothes you had packed initially and two times the amount of cash you wished to carry with you, these are not rules meant for a cruise.

Casual wear is perfect when you want step ashore while the ship is docked, or pursuing leisurely pastimes. You can also wear these around the pool. Such items would include a nice pair of jeans, some shorts, a swimsuit, a shawl, comfortable and sturdy shoes, normal not-too-revealing t-shirts and sandals. Pick and choose stark colors which can easily be used with a different pair of pants or another skirt; this means that with a lesser number of clothes you will still be dressed smartly in a variety of outfits. Furthermore, if you are in the habit of purchasing clothes from souvenir shops, pack a lesser number of tops since all that extra clothing is bound to take up luggage space. For evening wear you mustn’t wear shorts or a pair of jeans even if the invitation card reads ‘casual’ for dress code. Chinos, khakis, a jazzy skirt, pants or polo-neck t-shirts should do the trick.

For the first day of setting sail and your final day of stay people are usually requested to dress casually, even aboard luxury cruise ships. This is because the passengers’ belongings may not be easily available. You cannot possibly unpack all your clothes on the very first day and the last day usually has your bags all packed and sealed for the trip back to your house.

Remember that you should always be comfortable in what you are wearing

If you wear clothes with brand names or slogans screaming for attention you will immediately be hailed as a tourist in foreign parts and treated accordingly. Some t-shirts have messages printed on them which might offend the locals of a certain area. Too many trinkets are bound to catch unwelcome eyes and be a source of discomfiture. Take care to wear plain, loose-fitting clothes which are smart at the same time. Whatever you wear make sure you feel comfortable in it.

Casual Wear for onboard activities

What exactly constitutes casual wear for a cruise? Simple sporty clothes just won’t do as won’t something you would wear to an extremely formal occasion. Women can dress themselves in a stylish silken or chiffon top paired with some slacks while men can put on a casual sporty jacket with a tie inside.