Ships, like people, have personalities, and the trick to a successful voyage is to match your lifestyle to the ship`s clientele and itinerary.
The rule of thumb is: If you think you might not wear it, leave it home. Since storage space in most cabins is minimal, surplus gear will only cramp your style.
All cruise ships sell sports clothes and gift items in duty-free shops. So if the days on your Alaskan cruise are chillier than you expected, you can buy a sweater or windbreaker. The same is true for bathing suits, swim caps and sun visors; bathing towels are always furnished.
Housekeeping staff will launder your clothes and sometimes dry clean them for a fee. To save money, as well as space in your bags, ask if the ship has self-service washers and dryers. (Royal Viking, Holland America, Princess, Cunard, and America Hawaii cruise lines offer self-service machines as well as dry cleaning and laundry services.)
It`s a good idea to carry a change of clothing for your first afternoon and evening at sea. You may board at 2 p.m., but who knows when your luggage will reach you? Why be uncomfortable in your traveling clothes when you can enjoy a swim in the pool or the buffet served on deck?
Cruise travel has a language all its own, and it helps to have the codebook before you weigh anchor. So ask your travel agent or cruise representative what`s considered ”formal,” ”informal” and ”casual.”
For example, what`s considered ”formal wear” on the Seabourn Pride is not what you can get away with on a Carnival ”fun ship.”
If informal is the mode of dress, don`t let the word fool you. An
”informal” evening means a coat and tie for men, a dress or pantsuit for women. Only on American Hawaii cruises can you get away with flower-print shirts and cotton dresses.
As for ”casual wear,” this is how you like to dress during the day-whether on board or in port. Slacks and cotton shirts are appropriate for men and women, with comfortable, rubber-soled shoes. A swimsuit and a cover-up will allow you to enjoy the pool and still enter public rooms or partake of the buffet lunch on deck.
A word about fabrics: Synthetic materials don`t ”breathe” as well as natural fibers like cotton and tend to retain heat. Take a sweater or shawl, even in the Caribbean for cool evenings or fiercely air-conditioned rooms.
On cruises to Alaska, the North Cape, and the Norwegian fjords, you`ll need warm clothing, plus a raincoat or parka. It won`t hurt to pack an umbrella either.
Your best guide to the day`s events is the daily activity sheet slipped under your door at night. It will tell you what dress is appropriate for shore excursions as well as for the evening.
Most ships have exercise equipment and aerobic classes to keep you fit, so if you plan on being athletic, take your workout clothes. Similarly, Masquerade Night (or what name the special ”dress up” night is known on your ship) is your chance to win free champagne. You can bring a costume or create something original with the help of the cruise staff.
Don`t panic if your bags don`t show up at your cabin; instead contact the purser`s office. They`ll make every attempt to locate your missing bags and fly them to the next port of call if they were left behind. In the rare instance they can`t be located, cruise lines will give you a clothing allowance so you can outfit yourself.
But the cruise line`s liability for loss or damage to baggage is limited
(usually $100 per person), so it`s smart to insure your baggage and personal property before departure. All cruise companies offer baggage protection plans, which cost about $50 for coverage up to $500 per person.
