Your Packing List for 2008 Cruising

by Lori Wynne

It's cruising season again and the same question plagues a lot of us. What am I going to wear? The length of your cruise and how much luggage you want to drag around are some good guidelines for your cruise wardrobe.

If you are cruising without your burly man to haul your luggage (like I am this year), try to limit yourself to a manageable sized bag, keeping in mind to leave room for souvenirs. My goal this year is to try not to look like a "high maintenance mama" with my cluster of matching luggage.

For a four day cruise, like the one many Pretty Sisters are taking to Cozumel, a simple carefree wardrobe is best. We're here to have fun, right? Here is a suggested list of items to bring:

  • One cocktail dress and dressy sandals for formal dining night. It's the perfect time to use body shimmer, too.
  • Three swimsuits. You can wear one swimsuit while another is hanging to dry and keep a third for fun
  • For this trip, three tops and three bottoms should work nicely. Your choice of coordinating light-weight shorts, skirts or capris, and tees or breezy blouses will outfit you for fun in the sun, shopping in the ports or a day-long excursion. Leave your jeans at home. The only jeans you will see on the cruise will be on the maintenance men.
  • Chunky jewelry that coordinates with your tops and bottoms.
  • Flip flops for the pool or beach.
  • Thicker soled shoes for hiking or extended walking/touring/shopping.
  • Even the Caribbean can feel a bit breezy, so bring a light cardigan or jacket to keep the chill away.
  • Sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat or visor to protect your beautiful face from the sun.
  • If you are taking advantage of the all-you-can-eat pizza and ice cream bar, you may want to bring workout clothes to work it off in the ship's gym.
  • I like to dress a little nicer for dinner even if it is not the official formal night, so I will change for dinner and wear a pretty sundress or dressy slacks. Don't forget the shoes and jewelry for these outfits.
  • Pajamas in case you are doing some late night card playing with the other cruisers.
Don't worry if you forget something, you can shop on board or at your destination. See you on the ship!

Your Loving Fashionista