Cruise Mistakes to Avoid: 7 Outfits That Will Raise Eyebrows on Board
Cruising is becoming increasingly popular, with a growing number of first-time cruisers embarking on their first voyage. However, cruising is not like a regular land vacation, and there are some important fashion rules that need to be followed.
It's time to brush up on our cruise ship etiquette to ensure everyone has an enjoyable time. While it's not necessary to conform to the latest fashion trends, it's essential to know what's acceptable to wear and what's a big no-no on a cruise ship. Don't worry, I'm not the fashion police, so feel free to express yourself. But, to make your experience more comfortable and stress-free, here are some tips and answers to frequently asked questions about dressing appropriately for a cruise.
number one
While you might think that rocking your favorite cargo shorts and a t-shirt to dinner is a perfectly acceptable option, think again, my friend. Many cruise lines, including the likes of Celebrity and Royal Caribbean, have a strict "no shorts at dinner" policy. Yep, you heard me right. No shorts. Not even the fancy ones with a button and a zipper.
So, what's the alternative, you ask? Well, fear not, for the solution is simple - wear jeans or nice pants. It's as easy as that. Now, I know what you're thinking - "But I want to be comfortable!" - and I totally get it. But trust me, there's something about dressing up a bit for dinner that makes the whole experience feel a little fancier. Plus, you might even get some extra points with your significant other for looking sharp.
And if you're thinking of sneaking in a pair of shorts and hoping no one will notice, think again. Those eagle-eyed cruise staff members will spot you from a mile away and kindly ask you to go change into something a little more appropriate. So, save yourself the embarrassment and stick to the dress code, my friend. Who knows, you might even start a new trend of "jeans-only" dinners.
number two
The three big no-nos that can earn you a one-way ticket to fashion disaster island. First up, sleeveless shirts for guys. Sorry fellas, I know you're proud of those guns, but showing them off during dinner just won't cut it. Unless you're dining in the buffet area or on the pool deck, it's best to cover up those shoulders.
Next up, cutoff shorts. I get it, they're comfortable, they're cool, but they're just not appropriate for most dining areas on a cruise ship. Stick to nice, casual shorts instead, and save the cut-offs for the beach.
Last but not least, flip flops in the dining areas. Sure, they're easy to slip on and off, but they're not exactly the epitome of class and sophistication. If you're heading to the main dining room or one of the specialty restaurants, opt for closed-toe shoes instead.
Now, I know what you're thinking - "But I'm on vacation! I don't want to dress up!" - and I hear you. But trust me, following the dress code can actually enhance your dining experience. There's something about dressing up a bit that can make you feel like you're part of something special, like you're on a truly luxurious vacation.
So, there you have it, folks - the three big no-nos of cruise ship fashion. Follow these rules, and you'll be dining like a pro in no time. Bon appétit!
number three
Let's talk about a topic that might seem obvious but apparently needs to be said - no pajamas or sleepwear outside of your cabin. That's right, folks, as tempting as it might be to just roll out of bed and head straight to the breakfast buffet in your cozy jammies, it's just not the done thing.
Now, I know what you're thinking - "But it's so comfy!" - and I get it. There's nothing quite like the feeling of snuggling up in your favorite PJs. But, when you're on a cruise ship, it's important to remember that you're sharing public spaces with other people, many of whom might not want to see you in your flannel pants and robe.
And speaking of robes, let's just make it clear - those are also a no-go outside of your cabin. I know some of those robes can be pretty fancy and tempting to show off, but trust me, it's just not worth the embarrassment.
So, in summary - dress appropriately for the public areas of the ship, folks. Save the sleepwear for your cabin and the comfort of your own bed. Let's keep the public spaces classy and stylish, and make sure we all look and feel our best.
number four
While hats are a great accessory for a day out in the sun, they're generally a no-go in the main dining room or specialty restaurants during dinner.
Now, I know what you're thinking - "But what if my hair is a mess? What if I'm having a bad hair day?" - and I get it. We've all been there. But trust me, it's worth taking the extra time to style your hair instead of covering it up with a hat.
But wait, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you have a medical condition or wear a religious head covering, like a hijab or yarmulke, then hats are usually allowed. And I've also heard that cowboy hats are generally acceptable too, especially if you're dining in a restaurant with a western or cowboy theme.
So, there you have it, folks - the lowdown on hats in the main dining room and specialty restaurants during dinner. Remember, it's all about keeping things classy and stylish.
number five
Let's talk about a sensitive topic when it comes to cruise ship fashion - swimwear. Now, I'm all for rocking your best beach bod and feeling confident, but there are some rules that we need to follow to make sure everyone feels comfortable and respected.
First up, guys - let's leave the tiny speedos at home. I know they're popular in some countries, but on a cruise ship, they can make some people feel uncomfortable. Opt for a more modest pair of swim trunks instead.
And ladies, while thong bikinis might look great on Instagram, they're not always appropriate for family-friendly cruise ships. Let's keep it classy and opt for a more modest two-piece or a one-piece swimsuit instead.
And for everyone, let's avoid see-through swimwear at all costs. I mean, nobody wants to see that much skin. Respect other passengers' boundaries and keep things covered up.
Remember, we're not just on a cruise ship - we're also visiting beaches and countries where different cultural norms may apply. Let's be respectful of the local culture and dress appropriately when we're on land. And let's also be respectful of families on board the ship who may not want their kids exposed to too much skin.
So, there you have it, folks - the dos and don'ts of cruise ship swimwear. Let's keep it stylish, but also respectful of those around us.
number six
Let's talk about a fashion faux pas that many of us might not be aware of - camouflage clothing. While it might seem like a fun and adventurous choice for a cruise, it's important to remember that it can be offensive in some Caribbean islands and Mexico.
Why, you might ask? Well, camouflage clothing is often associated with military forces, and some countries in the Caribbean and Mexico have a complicated history with military involvement. Wearing camouflage clothing can be seen as insensitive or disrespectful.
So, leave your camo gear at home, folks. Opt for something a little more colorful and tropical instead. There are so many fun and vibrant clothing options that are perfect for a cruise - think bright floral prints, pastel shorts, and flowy sundresses.
Remember, when we visit other countries and cultures, it's important to be respectful and mindful of their customs and traditions. Let's keep it classy and stylish, but also culturally aware.
number seven
Let's talk about an essential aspect of cruise ship fashion that often goes overlooked - footwear. Now, I know we all want to look our best and show off our stylish shoes, but let's be real - there's nothing worse than wearing uncomfortable shoes on a cruise.
Think about it - you'll be walking around the ship, exploring new destinations, and maybe even hitting the dance floor at night. The last thing you want is to be hobbling around in painful shoes.
So, leave those sky-high stilettos and tight, constricting shoes at home. Opt for something comfortable, yet still stylish. Sneakers, sandals, and loafers are all great options that will keep your feet happy and pain-free.
And don't forget to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions. Whether you're strolling along the beach or hiking through the jungle, you'll want to have something supportive on your feet.
Remember, a cruise is all about relaxing and having fun. Don't let uncomfortable shoes ruin your vacation. Let's keep it comfy and stylish, folks.
In conclusion, cruise ship fashion can be a tricky topic to navigate, but with a little bit of knowledge and some common sense, we can all look our best while still being respectful and mindful of our fellow passengers, the crew, and the destinations we visit. From swimwear to footwear, hats to camouflage clothing, it's important to be aware of the do's and don'ts of cruise ship fashion. So, let's pack our suitcases with stylish yet appropriate clothing, leave the uncomfortable shoes at home, and get ready to embark on the vacation of a lifetime.