Category: Cruise Tips

Cruise Casual Dress Code
Men: sport slacks, khakis, Jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long) and collared polo shirts
Women: summer dresses, casual skirts, pants, capris, dress shorts, Jeans (no cut-offs) blouses and tops
Not permitted: Cut-off Jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, tee-shirts, gym or basketball shorts, baseball hats, flip-flops and bathing suit attire

Cruise Elegant Dress Code
Men: dress slacks, dress shirts, and we also suggest a sport coat; men may also wish to wear a suit and tie or tuxedo
Women: Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; ladies may also wish to wear an evening gown
Not permitted: Jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, shorts, tee-shirts, sportswear, gym or basketball shorts, baseball hats, flip-flops and bathing suit attire

What to wear on Embarkation Day

Embarkation Day can be quite a challenge for some women, especially if you are new to cruising. Trying to decide on the perfect outfit to wear when boarding the ship can be quite a challenge. If you are new to cruising, you are probably thinking of that you need the perfect nautical attire for your memorable embarkation picture.

Many years ago the normal routine was to get all decked out for embarkation, although times have changed over the years. There are still some who board the ship wearing a nice outfit that they can also wear the same evening to dinner, although you will find that most dress more casual. When I say casual I mean very casual, less than what is considered the cruise casual norm. You will find that the majority of the people are wearing shorts, T-shirts, tanks, sundresses, and a lot with their swimsuits underneath their clothing so they can immediately start soaking up the sun once they are onboard the ship and filled up their bellies with a huge plate at the buffet.

Some will bring a change of clothes for dinner in their carry on bag just in case their luggage hasn’t arrived before dinner. Although it’s not necessary, most cruise ships do not enforce their dress code the first night since they realize luggage is still being delivered. With the exception of some of the more luxury cruise lines.
Over the last couple of years printed T-shirts with your cruise information and group shirts have become popular to wear on embarkation. It also makes a nice memorable souvenir shirt of your cruise.

So to answer the question “what should I wear on embarkation day”? Well it’s really a personal choice. You can’t go wrong with whatever you choose. You will fit right in with the variety of attire you will see. I will suggest you wear something comfortable and comfortable shoes. If you’re not catching some sun, you may want to explore the ship and don’t want to start your vacation with sore feet. If you plan on hanging out by the pool, either wear your swimsuit under your clothing or bring it along in your carry on bag to make it easy to change.
But most important, Don’t stress over it. You are on vacation, relax and enjoy!!

Sharon Asmus