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What to Wear on a Cruise

What to Wear on a Cruise by Jos A Bank
 

Packing for a vacation can be a combination of exciting and stressful. Sure, it's great to get away for a couple of days, to trade the monotony of the office life for warm, sandy beaches and crystal-clear water. The excitement of setting sail for the high-seas and working on your tan is almost too much to bear.

However, unlike other vacations, if you forget something essential before you embark on a cruise, you are miles out to sea and far from your neighborhood Jos. A. Bank store. Thus, it is essential to plan ahead to ensure you have the variety of outfits necessary to have an enjoyable nautical experience.

Modern cruises offer a myriad of different events and activities for passengers to partake in. From dances, to competitions, to formal dinners, every night has something special to offer. Make sure you've packed your suitcase accordingly.

The Beach

One of the main selling points of a cruise are the places where the ship comes to port. When the ship docks in a tropical island it's time to unwind and be comfortable. If you are planning on walking around and doing some sight-seeing before you settle down on the beach, make sure you've stepped off the boat in clothing that is relaxed and breathable. Trade in your khaki pants for something a little more fun. Loose-fitting linen pants are an option, as is a simple pair of shorts, topped off with a short-sleeve sportshirt, a fedora and slip-on shoes.

Dinners

For the most part, the "dress code" on a cruise is casual. You are expected to enjoy yourself as much as possible, and to dress as comfortably as you like. For dinner, passengers typically wear something a little nicer, but not overly-formal. A collared shirt and a pair of pants is the perfect dinner combination. You will look fashionable for dinner and be comfortable enough to hit the dance floor soon after.

Formal Night

Most cruises have at least one "formal" dinner night, where the guests are expected to dress to the proverbial nines. The menu is top-notch, and the flashbulbs are blinding. If you want to, this is a great time to dust off your tuxedo, and finish your look with an immaculately-tied bow tie.

You can add a touch of class to your outfit by adding a tie or a blazer with a pocket square. These small accessories will also give you the opportunity to splash some color into your ensemble.

If you aren't quite feeling the tuxedo look, any other suit and tie combination is also an acceptable ensemble. If you're feeling particularly tropical add a dash of color to your outfit with a bold tie or a bright shirt.

Now that you've got all the appropriate clothing packed away in your suitcase, make sure you've got your passport and you're ready to enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation!