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Always
ask your cruise agent about any specific clothing needs
for your particular ship. Some ships have special
requirements that may affect your packing plan. |
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Although you can purchase many items on ship or in
cruise ports, you will often pay a heavy premium, and
may not find exactly what you
need. For example, film for your camera will cost
significantly more once you leave home and you may not
find the size or speed you require. |
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Try to pack clothing that is
re-usable on the cruise. For example, a men's blazer may
be used on a formal night if packaged with the
proper shirt & tie. The same blazer can be used with an
open-neck shirt or a less-formal shirt and tie for an
informal night. A formal skirt can be mixed with
different blouses and/or jackets for varying effects. |
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Formal nights are not
necessarily extremely formal. Some passengers, who enjoy
dressing up, will go all out with tuxedo's, long
gowns, etc. On most seven-night cruises, this is not
necessary. The majority of men wear a suit or blazer
with white shirt and conservative tie on formal nights.
Many women wear cocktail dresses, fancy dresses, or
suits. It’s like getting dressed for a nice wedding.
Young boys can wear nice slacks with a shirt and a tie.
The more expensive the ship, the more likely that formal
wear will be worn. |
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Many ships have self-serve
laundry and ironing facilities in addition to the
available washing and/or dry cleaning. Sometimes it makes
sense to do a load or two during the cruise rather than
pack enough of everything for your entire trip. |
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It's
quite possible to avoid getting dressed up during a
cruise. How? Simply plan to eat your evening meal in the
Lido restaurant during
formal nights, or have room service that night. You can
even have a snack and a nap at dinnertime, and enjoy the
midnight buffet in casual attire. If you're interested
in a totally casual cruise, ask your cruise agent how
the line you've chosen handles casual evening meals. By
the way, Lobster tails are commonly served on one of the
formal nights. If that's important to you, ask your
waiter which night the lobster will be served. |
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If you choose to travel with
expensive jewelry, use the purser's safe when you're not
wearing it. Although room safes are available on
many ships, only valuables locked up in the purser's
safe are covered under the ship's insurance (check you
cruise contract, usually supplied with your cruise
documents). Frankly, we'd recommend leaving your very
expensive and/or priceless jewelry at home, or in your
bank's safe deposit box. |
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If you're planning to buy t-shirts, hats, etc. on the
ship or ports of call, why not wear them on your
cruise? You'll cut down on the amount
of clothing you'll bring, and you won’t need to plan for
extra space on your trip home. If you under-packed
(unlikely), you can purchase additional clothing during
the cruise.
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In the tropics, use light
cotton clothing as often as possible. You'll be cooler
and more comfortable. |
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Plan your carry-on load
carefully. A larger carry-on bag (within airline
carry-on requirements) is useful so that you can comfortably carry a
change of clothing. Keep your carry-on bag safe when
you're in the airport; never leave it unattended. |
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Carry all documents, medicines,
essentials, and valuables with you in your carry-on. If
your main article of luggage is lost or misplaced, can
you exist with what you're carrying? |
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