Clothing question

[Cruz'n Couple]

After numerous cruises, you would think I could answer this question but our next cruise (Rotterdam, May 2, Spanish Rhapsody) is a new part of the world for us!!

DH asking about type of daytime clothes since ship ports in Portugal, several in Spain, Rome, and Gibraltar. My guess would be that clothing should be about same as Caribbean--or am I wrong? I know that for Rome that we wouldn't be wearing shorts, but otherwise, maybe shorts (knee-length for us older folks), nice shirts or tops. Since we also go to Hawaii every year in January, I am thinking approximately same wardrobe.

Sorry to throw out such a stupid question, but he seems perplexed. We already know dress code for evening, and have plenty for MDR for both "smart casual" and "formal" nights.

[lcand1923]

In my experience, you don't tend to see shorts in Europe, except on the American tourists. Since you don't want to advertise that you are American (you will be an immediate target for pick-pockets), your husband would be better served wearing long pants when getting off the ship. Also, if you intend to visit any churches on your shore excursions, knees and shoulders should be covered as a sign of respect. (Quite a few of them have a person who prevents you from entering if you are not dressed appropriately.)

[RuthC]

I totally agree that while sight-seeing in Europe it is important to be dressed respectfully in the churches. And the churches are an important part of what you are there to see. Short/cap sleeves, knees covered is a minimum.

I would also expect that area to be very hot at that time of year. For a woman, a sundress w/sleeves is a good choice as it meets the dress codes in the sites, while still being cool. A large mantilla can do double duty as a head and shoulders covering, and it's very little to carry with you.

[Caribbean Chris]

Based on past crossings with port calls in those places, European cities tend to be more formal than what you would wear sightseeing in a US city. Also it could be a little cool still in May. I would go with long pants and carry a light jacket just in case.

[big green]

I lived in Spain, and in Rome,Italy for 8 years--never had a problem wearing shorts when the weather got hot---however, never go to a church without pants for men and slacks/dress for women. When going to tour inside the Vatican dress conservatively --shoes for all.

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[Cruz'n Couple]

Thanks for the info. Would never consider going sleeveless, especially to Vatican, but then again, I don't own anything sleeveless. Consider old lady's arms too ugly. Will continue to consider capri's for a couple of ports, depending on what we plan to do in each place!

DH was glad to know long pants suggestion. Guess I will have to shop for a couple of light dresses!! Oh well!

[ASIWISH]

never go to a church without pants.

Bg

No comment....;)

[SwissMyst]

Recently back from this part of the world but later in the summer/early Fall and it was hot so everyone was dressed casually, but with a bit of accessory flair - scarves, jewelry and belts as well as more stylish shoes.

So to look less like a tourist, best to not consider our favorite fanny packs and cargo pants a "fashion statement" in this part of the world, and up the accessory angle a bit more. Scarves and belts safer than jewelry unless it is clearly costume jewelry.

It is amazing though how those few extra things make even casual travel clothes look more "pulled together" which European women seem to have an exceptional knack to pull off.

A fashion expert I heard once said the "well-dressed woman" has at least 9-11 "things on at the same time, and the really well-dressed woman takes it up to 13. Kind of fun to see how many things one does choose and what a few extras it takes to bump it up a bit.

Things mean "everything" from ring, watch, chain, belt, scarf, pin, hose, shoes, purse, earrings, bracelet, --there is your eleven things; and for the life of me except more of the same to get up to 13.

[mor mor]

I agree - no bulgy fanny packs or cargo pants -and definitely pants in church!

[SwissMyst]

I agree - no bulgy fanny packs or cargo pants -and definitely pants in church!

That being said, one can wear both with flair and 9 other "things" and pull it off beautifully. :p Particularly if one is tall, young and slender. :(

[sail7seas]

Gents in pants is more 'seemly' IMO

We toured all over Spain, Portugal, and certainly Italy many times through the years and DH managed to wear trousers with comfort. Or course, use common sense in selecting weight of fabrics etc and make appropriate for the weather, but long pants are not such a hard thing for gentlemen to wear IMO

I found wearing lightweight, longish full skirts of lightweight fabric that didn't add 'bulk' or weight ;) were perfect for touring Europe. A jersey, one of the stylish tiered skirts, a belt or not, a scarf or not and a lady can go most anywhere during the day. Shoes HAVE to be comfortable or your whole trip is ruined. :eek:

[cb at sea]

If you are going to the "tourist spots", you will look like a tourist. Just like in your own town, you probably don't go to the historical tourist spots.....well, the residents of the countries you'll visit aren't the ones who are touring these places, either!

So, don't worry if you look like a tourist...you are! And, all of the "locals" know it, because you are there! Wear what is comfortable, fits and don't worry about it!