What kind of clothes to you wear on a cruise?

[MaryPoppinsPenguins]

I’m 35 (but will be 36)... 5’5, and have lost almost 3 stone so far so hope to have an acceptable figure by then

Apparently dinner is dressy? And days are visiting carribean islands.

Any ideas? With links 🤗

You need to go here:

www.cruisecritic.co.uk

Different cruise lines have different levels of dressyness. This site will tell you everything you need to know.

Well done on the 3 stone! If you’re going off the ship exploring then something comfy on your feet with shorts/strappy top as you can do quite a lot of walking in ports. But if you’re just sunning yourself on a beach you won’t need to worry so much! If just hanging about ship I’m just usually at pool or with some shorts/beach cover up type thing on.
At night it really depends on the cruise line as some are a bit dressier than others. I like the dressing up bit so we usually go on one that you have a formal night. 1 formal night on a 1 week cruise, usually 2 if it’s longer. I usually wear something like a dress from coast/phase eight/monsoon/french connection/ted Baker type idea...something I’d wear to a wedding for example. I usually get sale bargains in Jan!
The other nights usually a summery dress. You tend to find that Americans are a lot more casual than Brits. You’re not meant to wear shorts in dining room and I have seen them say to people not to.

You need a full length for the captain's dinner which is normally black tie plus some cocktail dresses (not full length dressy) for dinner. Most people make a bit of an effort, but there are casual options, I.e. eating in the cafe rather than dining hall if you prefer. A bikini or swimsuit, shorts and vests, palazzo pants, pretty much does It! I usually take a jersey maxi dress as well which does for sightseeing or an evening.

Formal night this kind of thing:
www.tedbaker.com/uk/Womens/Clothing/Dresses/VALTIA-Chatsworth-jacquard-off-shoulder-dress-Natural/p/143438-NATURAL

Dress code depends on the ship. The website a PP linked to is a brilliant source of information on all things cruising including what to wear.

Put out what you think you want to take and then put half of it back in the wardrobe ! and certainly don't take a whole suitcase full of shoes (21 pairs) for a seven night cruise, you'll prob wear three or four pairs. I'm a much better packer now ! Enjoy your cruise.

Dress code depends on the shop. Who are you cruising with? I've long since abandoned bring full evening dresses on cruises. A couple of nice cocktail dresses should see you through. Most cruise lines don't expect you to be formal for dinner anymore. It's usually a case of long trousers for men but no jeans. So something you'd wear to go out for a meal at home but as mentioned earlier, some lines are more formal than others so either let us know or check out cruise critic.

I tend to do formal night as wedding attire (so nice dress - dh does suit rather than tux now) then other evenings what I would wear to a restaurant at home (so a mix of summer dresses, trousers and a nice top ect). In the day comfortable shoes are where you should start planning your outfits - I take nice trainers as well as comfortable sandals so I can swap depending on the amount of walking. Flip flops for around pool area on deck are ideal.
I’m pretty pregnant and writing packing list for cruise in a few weeks which is proving a little trickier!