Wearing formal attire on a cruise used to be the norm. However, on today’s cruises to Mexico, much depends on individual cruise line standards, length of the cruise and passenger tastes. Some travelers to Mexico may find it a challenge to pack properly and be prepared for the range of activities, events and excursions offered. As this is a cruise into the tropics, clothing should be comfortable, light and interchangeable. Passengers should pack accessories and necessary articles such as cameras, binoculars, hats, visors and several pairs of shoes and sandals.
FactsTerms such as “cruise casual” and “dress casual” mean different styles of dress to different people. For a Mexican cruise, pack light, “mix and match” clothing that can dress up a casual outfit, especially during the evening hours, dining in the formal dining room or attending special events. Outdoor activities such as swimming, dining around the pool or participating in sports certainly dictate the appropriate clothing such as hats, shorts, light shirts and casual dresses. One rule that applies on most cruises is: no T-shirts or shorts in the main dining room after 6 p.m.
SignificanceCommon courtesy and consideration of dress is important to the enjoyment of a cruise. It wasn’t long ago that standards of clothing were much higher in order to maintain certain decorum and good manners. Although cruise ships have relaxed those standards to accommodate modern attitudes and styles, there is still a certain expectation that protocol is upheld for everyone’s benefit. Cruises to Mexico allow casual wear for an enjoyable cruise within shipboard rules.
EffectsMexican cruises travel into warm, often hot regions where the sun can shine all day long. Being comfortable in practical, interchangeable and attractive clothing makes for an enjoyable cruise and a good attitude. Packing appropriate clothing--swimwear, casual and dressy--eliminates the worry many vacationers encounter about what to wear.
Expert InsightForeign staff that passengers might encounter on a daily basis are often formal in their service. In a way, that is appreciated on any cruise, and it can affect the way a passenger dresses in such an environment. Consult an experienced travel agent or chat with others who have been on cruises to Mexico for their suggestions and opinions.
BenefitsPacking and wearing tropical cruise wear that fits into all the different shipboard activities contributes to a good cruise experience and a happy passenger. When in doubt, there are resources to that may be helpful (see below). The best advice you can get is from other travelers who have already taken a cruise and therefore will be able to give you practical advice as to what clothing to bring with you on your cruise.
ResourcesConsult cruise lines for their Rules of Proper Attire:
Carnival Cruise Line
Princess Cruise Line
Crystal Cruise Lines
Norwegian Caribbean Line
By: Natasha Lawrence
Natasha Lawrence is a service journalist and photographer with over 20 years of writing experience for Internet destination companies such as Gayot.com, Wcities.com, Citysearch.com and SouthernTravelNews.com. She’s been a contributor to magazines like "Savannah Magazine," "Alaska Business Magazine," "Northern Virginia Magazine" and "Florida Woman." Her photographs have been on the cover of "Traveler of Charleston" and "Florida Artists."
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