I cruise once a year. So far the Carribean, but two times to Alaska. Each cruise line does have their own rules on formal night, some don't even have them at all. Formal clothing tends to be heavy especially for the men. So step one, contact the cruiseline or the person who booked your tours (if that is the way you set it up).
Here is what I do: 1. I pack one garment bag on wheels. 2. I pack one hard sided expandable suitcase 3. I pack one wheeled duffle (small). I check all my bags on the airline (What can I say, I fly only Southwest)! This is for both of us. So you could say I fly light. 4. I have one folding tote bag that I can take out of my suitcase for extras that I buy. Most of my luggage comes from Ebags online. That means I have packing cubes, and all kinds of accessories that allow me to organize my luggage.
I wear slip on shoes as in Sketchers. I take one pair of really nice black shoes for dress, usually Clarks. I select two main colors and one accent. I will take in December the colors black, white and red (accent) I can mix and match.
I have one pair of flowing cargo pants, in black... Lisa Rinna. I bring one black skirt, A-line and rather silky. Then comes my fancy tops, sparkly, one in black, one in red this time around. I also bring a sun dress and wear a shrug with it. Again this time I have a red, black, white floral. This covers my formal night.s. ( I might even bring my patent red shoes along for accent.
For the day and tours off the ship: I wear cargo pants which have pockets. Mine are from QVC (Susan Graver -- As IS of course). I wear a light weight vest with pockets as well (If I am going ashore). I carry a tote bag to stuff goodies that I buy. I don't wear a handbag or purse. I do have a fanny pack that is magnetic that holds my phone or ID or something I need fast. It has no strap, it goes over my pants (waist) and locks in place. My tops are simple and again in my red, black and white colors. And I do buy one tee shirt aboard from the cruise or on shore that is symbolic of my trip. I DO NOT WEAR SHORTS IN CASE YOU ARE WONDERING.
I might also bring white capris along, I will not wear color on the bottom. And I do bring one bathing suit to sit by the pool and watch hubby swim. I am petrified of water so I do not swim. My coverup is soft and tunic like, which can be worn as pajamas or belted with slacks.
As for hubby, simple. Slacks (2) pairs, another black pair for formal. I bring him two banded color shirts and one regular collar. One tie. We dance every evening so we have to wear appropriate attire. Square and round dancing -ballroom. And he has the same color match as me. What can I say dancing has influenced me.
In the past he has worn a black western jacket.. very formal. For casual, shirts with pockets and collars (tee shirts from the Blair catalog). He also brings one pair of black shoes and then wears one pair of athletic shoes. (our cruises are ALWAYS booked by our marvelous square dance caller from Florida--- we live in Maryland however so communication is most important.
Hope I have not rambled too much. I do love love love cruisin' and hope you have a great time.
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