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Cruise wear is a fashion phenomenon all its own.
The cruise wear you choose for embarkation day depends on several factors. Here are four things you need to consider when putting together the perfect outfit to get on board the ship.
Say Cheese
After checking in at the cruise terminal, you’ll begin your trek on board the ship. But before you get too far, photographers from the cruise line will be waiting to take your picture. You can skip the photo queue, but they won’t make it easy. If you plan to document every moment of your travels, you may want to choose cruise wear that is photo ready.
2. Cruise Line
Depending on the cruise line, you’ll want to dress up…or down. I try to look nice when I first get on the ship. I like to make a good first impression, but on a recent Carnival sailing out of California, even a striped jersey dress was a bit too upscale for embarkation day. Jeans or leggings and a t-shirt would suffice for a Carnival cruise ship. NCL, MSC, and Royal Caribbean are also quite casual, but most people put in a little more effort. That same striped jersey dress would be the perfect choice. Jeans or leggings with a flowy blouse and a scarf or necklace to give it a bit of pizzazz are also good options. For higher-end cruise lines, proper slacks or a pretty sundress are definitely in order.
3. Points A and B
If you’re setting sail from a climate that is quite different from the one you’re sailing to, there’s fine line to walk when choosing your cruise wear. You want to wear something that speaks to your destination, but you also want to look appropriate for the current climate. For example, if you’re headed to the Caribbean in January, shorts and a tank might seem like a great idea. But if your sailing out of New Orleans, it might be a bit chilly. A t-shirt dress and a kimono wrap will give you a lightweight look with the extra warmth you need for the cool chill at your starting point.
4. Activities
Sometimes, you’re luggage doesn’t arrive at your room until after you’ve set sail. This means you’ll be wearing the same thing all day—possibly even to dinner. When choosing your embarkation cruise wear, consider the activities you’ll be doing throughout the day. If you arrive on board early, you may want to spend some time sunning yourself on the Lido deck. Wearing a swimsuit under your outfit may be a good idea. Or, perhaps you’ve booked a dinner in one of the more refined restaurants. While most cruise lines are more lenient about dress codes on the first day, typically you would try to look a bit nicer for your special meal.
Selecting the perfect cruise wear for getting on the ship can be stressful. But follow these helpful tips, and you’ll look just right when you set sail. Have other tips for what to wear when you get on board the ship? Tag your Instagram photos with #wanderlustwayfarer to share your ideas.