What Clothes Do I Need to Buy to Take on a Cruise?

Many ladies, especially first time cruisers, ask me "what clothes do I need to buy to go on my cruise". The answer is pretty easy--probably nothing! If you have a bathing suit, flip flops, sneakers, casual attire such as shorts, tee shirts, capris, a couple of party or church dresses, a pair of dress shoes, a couple of dress pantsuits, and a change or two of costume jewelry may be all you need. Yes, you do see photographs in the brochure of ladies in evening gowns and gentlemen in tuxedos; and yes, if you have these things and want to certainly take them. But to go out and purchase an evening gown or cocktail dress isn't necessary. Here are a few ways to find the clothing you need or want to take on a cruise.

• Shop in your own closet. Root around and look for little worn items, things still in the bag you have forgotten about, or out of season items that may be perfect for your vacation. Often I am pleasantly surprised at the things that I have forgotten about that are there in the back of my closet.
• Borrow from a friend. When I ran out of time and money after buying several new outfits for my daughter's wedding, I asked a friend to lend me a beaded purse. Since I knew she probably had several (and she did) I was able to find one that was just perfect and got compliments on how beautiful it was as I carried it down the aisle.
• Shop your local thrift stores. Some of the outfits I take regularly with me on cruises came from thrift stores. Things that are gorgeous and perfect for dressing up for the dining room may only cost a few dollars at the second hand shops. I recently found a very expensive cotton sweater with beaded palm trees, flamingos, sunglasses, etc. Would I have paid the $100 this sweater cost new? No, but I sure will enjoy wearing it for the $5.95 I paid for it.
• Mix and match. I bring only one pair of dress shoes and wear them on both formal nights. Same with earrings and other jewelry. I bring two dresses that will coordinate with one pair of shoes and one set of jewelry. Better still, bring only one dress--who will remember?

One thing you will need to buy if you don't have it is a sun hat. The sun in the Caribbean is stronger and different than even a girl who grew up with Myrtle Beach in her backyard could take, so be sure to bring a hat. I did buy a good crushable one with a chin strap after having one blow away in Bermuda.

Hope this helps! Email me if you have specific questions about clothes to take on your cruise.

Divacruiser is really Sandy Wheeler, Independent Agent, for Connie George Travel Associates, who sponsors Chicks at Sea ladies cruises. See www.ChicksAtSea.com for more.