You’ve booked a cruise – how exciting! Now it’s time to start thinking about what to wear.
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser, planning your first fly-cruise trip, or are a seasoned traveller departing from a home port, my advice can help make your holiday. A little advanced planning with me will ensure that you don’t spend the entire trip worrying about whether you’ve packed enough, or the right things, so you can concentrate on relaxing and enjoying yourself instead.
Planning your cruise wardrobe
Typically, I offer help and advice on:
• Shopping for your cruise: help with covering your ship’s dress-code and the activities you’ll be enjoying.
• Utilising your existing wardrobe: you may already have your cruise outfits; I can help you plan them.
• Capsule wardrobe planning: how to get multiple looks from the least combination of clothes.
• Tips on packing and storing your clothes so that you and your wardrobe arrive looking your best.
• Make the most of your carry-on bag so your first day on board is smooth sailing.
• Planning for the weather: from departing in English weather to arriving in Alaska or the Caribbean, I can help make sure your wardrobe will cope.
• Colour and style consultation: if you’ve never been colour- or style-analysed, this essential service can help get all your wardrobe planning off on the right foot.
Does this sound like something you need?
Contact me for a no-obligation chat.
Call 023 8000 1017 or 07469 246722 email fiona@yourcolourandstyle.com
Have I packed the right things? Have I packed enough?
Not all cruise lines or cruise holidays are the same. Dress-codes, in-cabin facilities and activities are all different, and can be a bit of a minefield to negotiate. Take something as simple as ironing or laundry services: some cruise lines have self-service launderettes on board, some only have the housekeeping laundry service (which you’ll pay for). Many seem to have banned irons (including travel irons) as they are a fire hazard; where they are available, make sure you take a cotton handkerchief to iron through to protect your clothes from whatever the last person left stuck to the iron plate!
If you’re leaving from a UK port, you will be able to exploit the (almost) unlimited baggage allowance that cruising offers. Most cruise lines encourage people to stick to around 45 kilos – that’s about two suitcases – plus your carry-on bag. However, if you are flying to join your cruise, you will be limited to probably half that, whatever your airline’s luggage limit is. That can bring a whole new dimension to your packing, and where tips like planning a capsule wardrobe can come into their own. (How many different outfits can you really get out of one suitcase? I like a challenge!)
Usually, you will leave your luggage in the cruise terminal and walk on board with just your carry-on bag. Depending on the size of your ship and your departure time, therefore, it could be a few hours before the bulk of your cases are brought up to your cabin for you. The good news is that most cruise ships seem to operate an informal dress code for dinner on the first day out, partly for just that reason, so you may not need to squeeze an evening dress into your handbag. However, planning the contents of your carry-on bag to get you through that first day – potentially – without your other cases can be a real boon. (As a free tip for you, please scroll to the bottom of this page for my list of 7 carry-on essentials!).
My essential cruise tips
The packing essentials for any cruise should include:
- Something to change into that meets your ship’s dress code for dinner
- A simple first aid kit, and your own medications
- A light jacket, cardigan or pashmina that can get you through unexpected weather
- A waterproof jacket in case excursions encounter rain
- Comfortable shoes (whether you’re spending your time on- or off-board!)
- Sun and insect protection
- Chargers for your devices; check if you will need adaptor plugs on board
Of course, this list is also a useful prompt to ask your cruise line what their specific onboard requirements are. I’ve already mentioned some not allowing travel irons, for example, but many also check electrical items (like multi-plug extensions and adaptors) for surge protection, as this can be a hazard on board. Anything that is confiscated will be returned when you disembark but better to know in advance what the rules are!
My 7 seven carry-on essentials
To ensure your carry-on bag can get you through day one smoothly, think about including:
- Your passport and cruise documents/forms
- Your credit card (and perhaps some cash for tipping the porters)
- Your camera (or mobile phone) for any ‘sailing away’ photo opportunities
- Any medication you will need in your first 24 hours
- A change of clothes, including shoes and underwear (flipflops are a light choice)
- Small, essentials toiletry bag (toothbrush, contact lens solution etc)
- Entertainment: a book, your laptop, your swimming costume; whatever you would choose to occupy your time with.
For my full holiday packing list, click here, or you can find my absolute top 5 must-take holiday items here. I’ve also got some tips on choosing new sunglasses, here, in case you’re going somewhere warm!
