Ladies who cruise: what outfits work for you?

[lodgelady]

Hello Ladies!
I am just beginning to think about clothes for the cruise.

When I pack for a trip I usually have a couple of things that just work so well, I end up wishing I had brought them in a few different colors....the trick is that I never know until I arrive what that "perfect" outfit will be.

So- please share your experience....what was the item of clothing or outfit that worked the best for you onboard? Thanks!;)

[KaitlinsMom]

I loved bringing capri's - They were good for pretty much any type of weather -

Bring good walking shoes - I brought shoes that gave me blisters - I had to buy some more in port (oh darn!)

Sun dresses are good too - I like being comfortable when I am on vacation -

I am interested in what others have to say!

[SC Minnie]

I liked the lighter weight skirts with a pattern and solid tops. They were dressy enough to wear to dinner but still casual enough to wear with sandals.

[zbuddy]

I took capri pants in white, khaki and black and casual and nice tops (and shoes) to go with each. These were perfect for even the dining room at night. I took only one dress, and never wore it. If I had gone to Palo's, I probably would have. A light wrap or sweater is good because sometimes the dining rooms can get cool if airconditioning is running, plus the decks can get cool at night. Of course, shorts are good if it's hot and yes, good tennis shoes and a pair of water shoes for Castaway Cay.

I saw folks there dressed to the "nines" and folks that looked very underdressed...I sort of fell in between, "nice causual". If you love to dress up, do so and have fun. If not, don't worry about it, but do at least try to adhere to dining room dress rules.

I heard somewhere that you should pack and then take half OUT! or as some say, take half as many clothes and twice as much money as you think you'll need.

Have fun!

zbuddy

[4nana]

This is one thing I really obsessed over. I really over packed and only wore half the clothes I took! :rolleyes: You will be surprised at the variety you see aboard. Comfort is the name of the game.

I would suggest things you can easily mix and match. Also a long black dress, skirt or slacks you can dress up or down with asst. tops/jackets, jewelry for evenings. Hope you have a wonderful trip!

[Michelle]

I have a cruise wardrobe that has gotten lots of wear over the past few years. :)

For dinner I have a variety of causal sleeveless sheath dresses and a couple of casual cotton skirts that can be paired with knit tops. I also have 3-4 "little black dresses" that are good for Palo, semi-formal and formal night.

For the day I REALLY pack light, just 2-3 pairs of shorts, tops for every day and two bathing suits. You really live in those during the day so I don't overpack for day wear.

[lodgelady]

Thanks for the replies...very helpful!!!

now ANOTHER question- what about bags?

Did you carry a purse onboard?

I am thinking that for by the pool you want that beach -type tote, but then there are evening activities and shore excursions...do you have to keep switching bags?

Also, if I want to go "bagless" do you know of a neat little way to do that and still have your room key with you?

[tbuot]

I wore a black leather coach waist bag for embarkation and disembarkation. It was very handy for tickets, docs. etc. I used a white plastic DCL container that comes on a cord around my neck for the rest of the cruise. It was watertight and so it was great to have all our ID and KTTW cards. They have a slim one and a chunky one. I went with the chunky one so I could put all of our ID's, money, KTTW cards, and some chapstick.

[Samsma]

Not really for the ladies, but for my DS10 I am going to pack some of those nicer zip off pants, shorts during the day, pants by night!

[kasar]

Sweater sets are perfect for the cruise. I like to wear sweaters in the restaurants but have the option to take it off it gets warm. Another great idea is to find some dressy (Black best I think) sandals that can be dressed up for dinner but still look ok with shorts/pants.

Sorry, did not carry a purse. That's what I brought husband for! He's keeper of the keys and I'm Julie, the cruise director. Works for us.

[Bev J]

As far as bags go I use a fanny pack for all on shore activities and usually have it on daytime on the ship with my room card, a lipstick/chapstick, comb and some sunscreen. For evening I carry a very small black clutch bag with card and lipstick. If I don't feel like carrying that I have my hubby put it in his pocket.

When packing make sure you pack a light sweater since the dinning rooms or other public rooms get chilly. Don't overpack on the shoes. Wear your bulky tennis shoes on the plane and pack the rest. I took some simple gold sandels to wear for evening and they went with most outfits. Since my feet always swell on a cruise they still fit me at the end of the week!

[SueEllen]

I found that the things that worked best for me were:

"little black dress" the basic staple for a woman--goes from casual to dressy in just a few accessories!
sundresses of some form (which I wore almost every night to dinner)
a couple of pairs of shorts with a few different shirts

I didn't carry around a purse on the ship. I didn't see it as necessary since you don't use cash, and DH was usually around with the room key. In port I carried around a small backpack style purse.

Don't fret about it too much. Whatever you end up taking will work out great, and if it doesn't there is always SHOPPING!

Sue Ellen

[Mickey4Me]

I brought along two drawstring linen skirts (black and khaki) on our cruise last summer and got a lot of use out of them. During the day they can be worn with a tee or sleeveless polo and then dressed up at night with a light sweater. They were longer skirts with side slits and packed really well. I got them from Eddie Bauer on sale and wish I had bought a couple more. I also took a short black dress that was very versatile. Comfortable shoes are a must! Enjoy your trip :D

[JLSM97]

I brought along two drawstring linen skirts (black and khaki) on our cruise last summer and got a lot of use out of them. During the day they can be worn with a tee or sleeveless polo and then dressed up at night with a light sweater. They were longer skirts with side slits and packed really well. I got them from Eddie Bauer on sale and wish I had bought a couple more.

I just checked eddiebauer.com and eddiebaueroutlet.com and they've still got drawstring skirts, though most of them aren't linen. I agree, though--these are so versatile, and great for travel! I'd do anything not to have to iron, but I sacrifice for the sake of fashion. ;)

BTW, if you're shopping at eddiebauer.com (not the outlet), use coupon code SUMMERNOW to save 20% off of your purchase of $75 or more, and get FREE shipping too! (expires 1/31/03)

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And um... I don't mean for this to sound like an Eddie Bauer ad!

[lodgelady]

great tips.....even shopping help!!!:smooth: :cool: :D

[gdulaney]

Here is my "can't live without" list:

- aqua shoes (those cool swim shoes are great for Castaway Cay!!)

- backpack style purse (and a small nylon duffle back, which I crumpled up and put in my backpack purse...then we bought stuff, I had a handy place to put it!)

- a handy id wallet with a picture slot for my drivers license and a couple of slots (for my key to the world card, a credit card, etc)...very handy when leaving/boarding

and finally...for anybody going on the western cruise...check out the KINO sandals outlet in Key West. I got the cutest thong-type sandals for $8.00 and boy are they comfy!!

Have fun!!
Ginny

[lodgelady]

gdulaney-

Great suggestions!! extra nylon bag and card folio are brilliant! Thanks!:Pinkbounc