Cruising in January - what to wear

[momofkhm]

Hi guys!

We're going for our first cruise ever in January - Jan 10 precisely. We are so looking forward to going, but I'm trying to figure out what to take to wear. It's a 4 day Bahamas cruise. I've read enough to know about casual and dressy clothes. I can look up the weather on Nassua but what about at sea? How cool is it? Or how warm is it?

I out on a jacket or sweatshirt at about 65. Will I need mostly long sleeves? Or will just a jacket to cover up do all I need? I read something about needing a blanket on deck. Is that just after dark? OH! And the inside parts of the ship - is it like at the World where you sometimes need a jacket inside but not outside?

Thanks!

Going with dh, dd(15), dd(12) and ds (9).

 

[Lemola]

I'm curious too! Just booked Jan 17 4 night Wonder. Our first cruise ever! (and I thought I'd have to wait until April!)

 

[DLW8]

We just got off the Wonder yesterday from our first cruise. We didn't have the best weather, it was cloudy, but still warm (for me at least!). I wore short sleeve shirts and capris during the day (or a bathing suit while at the pool with the kids).

It was cooler at night on deck, I would pack a sweater or sweatshirt. The dining rooms were even colder than outside, that is where I ALWAYS wore a sweater. I didn't find the theatre cool though, only the dining rooms.

Our day at Castaway Cay was also overcast and windy (more windy near the ship than the beach though). The water was still swimmable and we all went in and snorkled for quite a while.

I'd pack some layers so you can add or subtract as needed. If you tend to be cold, then make sure you are prepared. The parties on the deck (Sail Away and Pirates IN the Caribbean) can be chilly depending on the weather.

Enjoy your cruise - we certainly did, an dwe booked another while onboard!!!

 

[hawky7]

Hey there!

We cruised last Jan and are going again this Jan... its completely random. Our first day was GORGEOUS, we wore shorts and tanks all day, and even at night I was fine with a tee and jeans... BUT the second day was FREEZING (we didn't get to go to Castaway Cay due to winds...sad) so I was glad I brought a sweater. So I'd recommend just bring a sweater or very light coat and I think you'll be fine. I don't ever remember feeling like I needed a blanket on the decks.

Have fun!

 

[Jennifer in MI]

Hello!!! I know you! Good to see you over here! These people here are VERY helpful! I just wish you were on the 14th or 17th cruise with us! Next time . . .

Last year we went in January and the weather was awesome!! We had only one day where it was chilly. Castsway Cay started out a little chilly, but ended up near 80. The water was too cold for me to swim, but the kids all got in and snorkeled.

Anyway, on to what you asked about! I found that I needed a sweater inside most days. The AC is kept pretty cool. I just tied it around my waist when I went outside. I found the deck to be chilly at night. But, it's my absolute favorite thing to do on the ship - be outside on deck 10 watching the water and feeling the wind.

I brought one sweatshirt for each boy and one pair of pants in case it was chilly. (That decision was made after checking the weather right before we left.) I think I also threw in a spring jacket for each. I had a cardigan to match each outfit for me and dd!

Have fun packing!!! And, look for us as you're leaving!

 

[Angelia'sthree]

Going in January as well, the 9th~! Not sure how we will pack just yet.
Thanks for the help everyone~!

 

[KSandbergFL]

We've cruised the last 3 January's in row (my wife's birthday is in Jan). We are going again on Jan 21st, a Wonder 3-nt cruise.

Typically, the temps on the water will feel 5-10 degrees COOLER than the air temp -- if the weather says 75 degrees, it will feel like 65 on the deck of the ship while it's on the open water. Likewise, if the temps drop into the low 60's or high 50's at night -- it could feel like it's in the 40's. Usually the deck of the ship is pretty windy (especially if it's moving at 15-20 mph).

We always pack light as possible -- think "layers". You don't need to bring a bulky winter jacket... a t-shirt, long sleeved shirt, and a warm pullover sweater/fleece or hoodie usually suffice.

Out of the three January's we cruised (9 days on the boat total) -- only one day did we have COLD temps (50's). It's the Caribbean, after all, the weather is usually stellar.... usually it's sunny and 75-80 during the day; clear and 55-60 at night. You folks from "up north" will think you're in paradise

 

[mommy2paris]

I just wanted to say Hi! We are on the same cruise as you... check out the cruise meets under Wonder 2010 for our dates... there are several of us!! I'm nervous about packing as well!

 

[mmouse37]

I'm curious too! Just booked Jan 17 4 night Wonder. Our first cruise ever! (and I thought I'd have to wait until April!)

We are on the Jan 17th Wonder as well. We have also cruised before in January and as mentioned weather varies all the time but we never had down right COLD temps. Just cooler than what you would find in the Bahamas in the summer.

I am still packing my capri's and short sleeved tops but will throw in long pants and a sweatshirt or two as well!!

MJ