Packing Advice - 1st Time Cruiser

[Shiny137]

I am leaving for a Caribbean cruise in two weeks and I am unsure on a few things. I've been reading a lot of different articles, reviews and threads here but I figured I'd just post my specific question.

 

It looks like we will have two formal nights on our cruise. However, from the menu samples I've found for the MDR, my bf and I are thinking we probably won't eat there. We're quite simple and picky when it comes to food. The MDR looks to have beautiful fancy delicious food. I am pretty sure I could find something but bf is super picky so we're not planning on eating there much if at all.

 

We do have a free specialty dinner that was part of a package when we booked so I think we'll be safe at Chops Grille and order steak. I plan to wear a dress for that. For guys, are pants and a polo shirt okay or does he need to wear a jacket/tie?

 

 

Also, we plan on attending a few of the shows on board. What is the attire for that? I'm sure it's not formal (tux/dresses) but what is best? Sundress instead of shorts for me? Can bf wear shorts and a tshirt or should he dress nicer? I guess I'm more concerned about what he plans to pack. He joked saying he was fine with swimsuit and tshirts and I was like uh, you need a FEW nice things!

 

Lastly, I'm not sure if this question is in the right section but swimsuit wise. I have lost about 30 pounds and really wanted to wear a bikini. I've never been able to wear one before. However my goal had been to be closer to 40-50 pounds down from where I was. I'm 5'6 and 154 pounds. I'm not fat but I'm not a tiny fit girl either. I hold most of my weight in my stomach too which is why I've never worn a two piece. My friends and bf say I look fine and should go for it because I'll never see anyone again. Yet I'm still a bit insecure. I don't want to be the fat girl on the ship that people wish would cover up. So I guess my question is...do you see a lot of people of all shapes and sizes in two pieces or is it mostly just the young thin beautiful ones?

Edited November 1, 2013 by Shiny137

[puppycanducruise]

There are lots of things on the menu in the MDR including plain food. In addition to a different menu each night, they always offer steak or chicken. Please check out the menu posted outside the MDR before you decide not to try it. We always get great service in the MDR and it is a wonderful thing while on a cruise - no extra charge. But of course, the choice is yours.

As to the bathing suit issue - I'm so jealous. Wear a bikini - enjoy YOUR cruise.

[cb at sea]

The dining room isn't as "fancy" as you are thinking! If something comes with a sauce, tell them no sauce....to make it plainer! But...whatever you want to do. Of you try the MDR, and don't like anything, you can always head to the WJ and get something! You should give it a try! The descriptions of each item is on the menu....so a "fancy" sounding item may not be so fancy after all!

 

Polo/golf shirt and slacks are fine for the specialty restaurants.

 

You are hardly fat! Wear that bikini! Jeez!

 

Attire for shows is casual...whatever you want to wear (aside from bathing suits!) is fine.

Edited November 1, 2013 by cb at sea

[laurabegorrah]

I live by the mantra that there will always be someone with a better body than me at the pool, and there will always be someone with a worse one.....

 

And in the end, do I really care what any of these people think of me? Nah!!! Esp if the BF is encouraging you. :D Wear your 'kini and enjoy your cruise!!

[champagne123]

You are over thinking the ambiance of the ship. Very few people dress to the "nines". Please do not miss going to the main dining room. It is part of the experience. There are many options to choose from as far as the menu goes. I am sure you will find something you will enjoy.

 

As far as the weight loss.....CONGRATS. At 154lbs...believe me, you are FAR from being "the fat chick" on the ship. Very few "beautiful, skinny" girls walking around. BE PROUD and wear that bikini.

 

Have a WONDERFUL time and stop stressing. :o

[Keith1010]

One suggestion I have is to also ask for input on the cruise line board that you are sailing.

 

Have a wonderful time.

 

Keith

[5326jan]

Congrats on weight loss. Don't be discouraged if you pick up a few pounds on the ship and your clothes feel tight. They use a lot of sodium in the food to enhance the flavor and alcohol causes you to hold fluid. My clothes always feel tighter by the end, but it's gone within a week or two. Just drink tons of water. Have fun and don't worry about your outfits. It's no different than going to a land based vacation and you'll see extremes on both ends, but the Caribbean cruises are fairly informal as a rule.

[ducklite]

I am leaving for a Caribbean cruise in two weeks and I am unsure on a few things. I've been reading a lot of different articles, reviews and threads here but I figured I'd just post my specific question.

 

It looks like we will have two formal nights on our cruise. However, from the menu samples I've found for the MDR, my bf and I are thinking we probably won't eat there. We're quite simple and picky when it comes to food. The MDR looks to have beautiful fancy delicious food. I am pretty sure I could find something but bf is super picky so we're not planning on eating there much if at all.

 

The MDR food on Royal Caribbean is NOT fancy. It's Olive Garden quality.

 

We do have a free specialty dinner that was part of a package when we booked so I think we'll be safe at Chops Grille and order steak. I plan to wear a dress for that. For guys, are pants and a polo shirt okay or does he need to wear a jacket/tie?

 

No need for jacket or tie.

 

Also, we plan on attending a few of the shows on board. What is the attire for that? I'm sure it's not formal (tux/dresses) but what is best? Sundress instead of shorts for me? Can bf wear shorts and a tshirt or should he dress nicer? I guess I'm more concerned about what he plans to pack. He joked saying he was fine with swimsuit and tshirts and I was like uh, you need a FEW nice things!

 

The shows are casual, no bathing suits allowed though.

 

Lastly, I'm not sure if this question is in the right section but swimsuit wise. I have lost about 30 pounds and really wanted to wear a bikini. I've never been able to wear one before. However my goal had been to be closer to 40-50 pounds down from where I was. I'm 5'6 and 154 pounds. I'm not fat but I'm not a tiny fit girl either. I hold most of my weight in my stomach too which is why I've never worn a two piece. My friends and bf say I look fine and should go for it because I'll never see anyone again. Yet I'm still a bit insecure. I don't want to be the fat girl on the ship that people wish would cover up. So I guess my question is...do you see a lot of people of all shapes and sizes in two pieces or is it mostly just the young thin beautiful ones?

 

Here's my take on it. No you will not be the heaviest person In a bikini. I am your height and over 30 pounds lighter, but feel a lot more confident in a one piece. I rock that, but my abs aren't ready for a bikini--yet. If you will feel confident and comfortable in a bikini, wear it. The fact that you are asking tells me you won't, and in my opinion, you'd have a better time wearing the one piece or tankini and being able to relax. Just my two cents. Congrats on the loss--keep up the good work! :)

 

 

Autocorrect responsible for most typos...

Edited November 2, 2013 by ducklite

[royalcruz]

The MDR menu uses gourmet words to describe simple food. They are cooking for thousands of people so it's banquet hall food.

[diane.in.ny]

Simply order all of your food with no sauces or gravy. My dad did that all the time.

 

You can even order a salad with no dressing or dressing on the side. Friend of mine loved a big green salad and at the start of the cruise, met with his head waiter and specified what he wanted. There was a salad waiting for my friend every evening.

 

As someone already mentioned, you can get a grilled steak or chicken breast every night. Don't like fancy potatoes? Ask for a baked potato. Lots of flexibility

[RedHeadTexan]

Lastly, I'm not sure if this question is in the right section but swimsuit wise. I have lost about 30 pounds and really wanted to wear a bikini. I've never been able to wear one before. However my goal had been to be closer to 40-50 pounds down from where I was. I'm 5'6 and 154 pounds. I'm not fat but I'm not a tiny fit girl either. I hold most of my weight in my stomach too which is why I've never worn a two piece. My friends and bf say I look fine and should go for it because I'll never see anyone again. Yet I'm still a bit insecure. I don't want to be the fat girl on the ship that people wish would cover up. So I guess my question is...do you see a lot of people of all shapes and sizes in two pieces or is it mostly just the young thin beautiful ones?

I am 5'11" and on January 1st I weighed 242 pounds. By the time I left for my Alaska cruise at the end of August I weighed 182 pounds. I was not in "bikini" shape by any stretch of the imagination, but I brought a bikini anyway. My proudest and bravest moment on the cruise was when I took off my coverup and walked to the hot tub in my bikini. It was an empowering moment to realize that I was finally comfortable in my skin. I think you should rock the bikini.

 

Lisa

[Shiny137]

Thank you everyone for commenting!

 

I think we will try out the Main Dining Room sometime. I just had seen a few sample menu's and was worried about what my other half would eat. I know we'll be okay at the buffet but the MDR menu seemed to use 'gourmet terms'. If it's about as fancy as Olive Garden as someone mentioned, I think we can handle that. :)

 

Good to know that the attire for shows is casual. I was worried if we were wearing shorts we would be turned away. I have nice shorts and tops and sundresses but my bf loves his shorts and graphic tee's.

[Shiny137]

I am 5'11" and on January 1st I weighed 242 pounds. By the time I left for my Alaska cruise at the end of August I weighed 182 pounds. I was not in "bikini" shape by any stretch of the imagination, but I brought a bikini anyway. My proudest and bravest moment on the cruise was when I took off my coverup and walked to the hot tub in my bikini. It was an empowering moment to realize that I was finally comfortable in my skin. I think you should rock the bikini.

 

Lisa

 

 

Great job with your weightloss!! Yes, I am hoping for the empowering moment realizing I am comfortable in my skin. There are days I look at old pictures and then new and I'm like wow, look how far I have come. Then days such as the day I posted this topic when I was having an insecure moment. I know it's good to pack more than one bathing suit so I think I'll pack both and maybe one day on the ship I'll feel good enough to rock it!

[RedHeadTexan]

Great job with your weightloss!! Yes, I am hoping for the empowering moment realizing I am comfortable in my skin. There are days I look at old pictures and then new and I'm like wow, look how far I have come. Then days such as the day I posted this topic when I was having an insecure moment. I know it's good to pack more than one bathing suit so I think I'll pack both and maybe one day on the ship I'll feel good enough to rock it!

Congratulations on your weight loss too! I still have those insecure days where I can't see the weight loss. But as time goes by I see the real me more and more. I think it's a good idea to bring a several options and just go with what makes you feel good about yourself. Keep up the great work.

 

Lisa

[skipsaur]

Good to know that the attire for shows is casual. I was worried if we were wearing shorts we would be turned away. I have nice shorts and tops and sundresses but my bf loves his shorts and graphic tee's.

 

Not to worry, my BF would always wear shorts and graphic tees to shows, too, and we never felt the least bit uncomfortable. He'd get dressed up for the couple hours of dinner and change out of that ASAP!

 

I guess it depends what line you're going on. When we were on NCL, we never dressed up for dinner, I think he went to dinner in (nice) khaki shorts most of the time and maybe a polo shirt. I usually wore sundresses. On RCCL, he went with black pants or khaki pants and a polo shirt because any less dressy than that would have felt weird, and I went with more cocktail-type dresses.

 

Also depends what you're doing that day. I'm not usually the type to shower and redo my hair/makeup for dinner, but after a long port day, you'll probably want to shower when you get back on the ship anyway, or if you've been in the pool, so since you're showering anyway, you might as well put on something a little nicer afterward. Nothing to stop you from heading right back to the room and changing after dinner, before heading to a show! (Just don't do what we did and make the mistake of laying down "for just a little bit" after a long, full dinner...we kept falling asleep and missing the shows! :()

[Minneapolistraveler]

I am 5'11" and on January 1st I weighed 242 pounds. By the time I left for my Alaska cruise at the end of August I weighed 182 pounds. I was not in "bikini" shape by any stretch of the imagination, but I brought a bikini anyway. My proudest and bravest moment on the cruise was when I took off my coverup and walked to the hot tub in my bikini. It was an empowering moment to realize that I was finally comfortable in my skin. I think you should rock the bikini.

 

Lisa

 

Wow Lisa that's fantastic!! Congrats on your weight loss!

[Minneapolistraveler]

I am leaving for a Caribbean cruise in two weeks and I am unsure on a few things. I've been reading a lot of different articles, reviews and threads here but I figured I'd just post my specific question.

 

It looks like we will have two formal nights on our cruise. However, from the menu samples I've found for the MDR, my bf and I are thinking we probably won't eat there. We're quite simple and picky when it comes to food. The MDR looks to have beautiful fancy delicious food. I am pretty sure I could find something but bf is super picky so we're not planning on eating there much if at all.

 

We do have a free specialty dinner that was part of a package when we booked so I think we'll be safe at Chops Grille and order steak. I plan to wear a dress for that. For guys, are pants and a polo shirt okay or does he need to wear a jacket/tie?

 

 

Also, we plan on attending a few of the shows on board. What is the attire for that? I'm sure it's not formal (tux/dresses) but what is best? Sundress instead of shorts for me? Can bf wear shorts and a tshirt or should he dress nicer? I guess I'm more concerned about what he plans to pack. He joked saying he was fine with swimsuit and tshirts and I was like uh, you need a FEW nice things!

 

Lastly, I'm not sure if this question is in the right section but swimsuit wise. I have lost about 30 pounds and really wanted to wear a bikini. I've never been able to wear one before. However my goal had been to be closer to 40-50 pounds down from where I was. I'm 5'6 and 154 pounds. I'm not fat but I'm not a tiny fit girl either. I hold most of my weight in my stomach too which is why I've never worn a two piece. My friends and bf say I look fine and should go for it because I'll never see anyone again. Yet I'm still a bit insecure. I don't want to be the fat girl on the ship that people wish would cover up. So I guess my question is...do you see a lot of people of all shapes and sizes in two pieces or is it mostly just the young thin beautiful ones?

 

Congrats on the weight loss! I also say rock the bikini...although I have only cruised once, I have vacationed frequently in the caribbean, and see lots of women all shapes and sizes wearing bikinis. And most of them are much larger than you! When I see a woman who does not have a perfect body - but is confident and rocking a bikini - I think it's totally awesome. :). Enjoy your cruise!!

[Anita Latte]

Lastly, I'm not sure if this question is in the right section but swimsuit wise. I have lost about 30 pounds and really wanted to wear a bikini. I've never been able to wear one before. However my goal had been to be closer to 40-50 pounds down from where I was. I'm 5'6 and 154 pounds. I'm not fat but I'm not a tiny fit girl either. I hold most of my weight in my stomach too which is why I've never worn a two piece. My friends and bf say I look fine and should go for it because I'll never see anyone again. Yet I'm still a bit insecure. I don't want to be the fat girl on the ship that people wish would cover up. So I guess my question is...do you see a lot of people of all shapes and sizes in two pieces or is it mostly just the young thin beautiful ones?

 

First...a BIG congratulations on your weight loss so far!! It's absolutely fantastic. Do not bemoan the pounds you didn't lose...celebrate the pounds you did. Strive to keep your progress framed in the most positive mindset.

 

Second...I am also in the process of losing weight. As a part of this process, I've been spending time analyzing clothing and what is and isn't truly flattering to wear...what really makes a woman look her best? I have spent so much of my life dressing to cover what I perceive as my flaws...that I end up ALSO downplaying what could be my greatest assets. And I have come to the conclusion that it is very important to dress to play up and call attention to what is most attractive...and just ignore what you still want to improve. Then...hopefully, everyone's eye's are drawn to what is SO RIGHT about your appearance.

 

That said...if your BF and friends say you look fine...then likely you are rockin' that bikini already. SOMETHING...whether it's you rear or your girls is looking good and your stomach is not really a factor because the good is outweighing the bad. And it is my opinion that most bikini tops are extremely flattering to the girls...KWIM ;)? And most bikini bottoms frame your rear end, JUST SO...and no matter what you got back there...and these days, it seems the bigger the better...you look as good going as coming in a bikini because it is MADE to highlight the best features that make women women. A one piece doesn't offer the same eye catching appeal IMO.

 

All that to say...I think you should wear the bikini. :D

[Gunner22aa]

On every cruise we take. Pack the way you want and then take half of it out and put it back in the closet.

[Shiny137]

Not to worry, my BF would always wear shorts and graphic tees to shows, too, and we never felt the least bit uncomfortable. He'd get dressed up for the couple hours of dinner and change out of that ASAP!

 

I guess it depends what line you're going on. When we were on NCL, we never dressed up for dinner, I think he went to dinner in (nice) khaki shorts most of the time and maybe a polo shirt. I usually wore sundresses. On RCCL, he went with black pants or khaki pants and a polo shirt because any less dressy than that would have felt weird, and I went with more cocktail-type dresses.

 

Also depends what you're doing that day. I'm not usually the type to shower and redo my hair/makeup for dinner, but after a long port day, you'll probably want to shower when you get back on the ship anyway, or if you've been in the pool, so since you're showering anyway, you might as well put on something a little nicer afterward. Nothing to stop you from heading right back to the room and changing after dinner, before heading to a show! (Just don't do what we did and make the mistake of laying down "for just a little bit" after a long, full dinner...we kept falling asleep and missing the shows! :()

 

Good to know your bf wears shorts and graphic tees! That is pretty much what mine wears all the time.

 

We are RCCL and it does state that no shorts are allowed in dining room even on non-formal nights. That's why I was concerned about the shows/specialty restaurants.

 

Oh yes, I'm sure if we laid down for "just a little bit" after along full dinner and a day in the sun we'd fall asleep and miss shows too!

 

Thanks for the good info!

[Shiny137]

Congrats on the weight loss! I also say rock the bikini...although I have only cruised once, I have vacationed frequently in the caribbean, and see lots of women all shapes and sizes wearing bikinis. And most of them are much larger than you! When I see a woman who does not have a perfect body - but is confident and rocking a bikini - I think it's totally awesome. :). Enjoy your cruise!!

 

Thanks! I was hoping someone would say that you see women of all shapes and sizes wearing them.

 

First...a BIG congratulations on your weight loss so far!! It's absolutely fantastic. Do not bemoan the pounds you didn't lose...celebrate the pounds you did. Strive to keep your progress framed in the most positive mindset.

 

Second...I am also in the process of losing weight. As a part of this process, I've been spending time analyzing clothing and what is and isn't truly flattering to wear...what really makes a woman look her best? I have spent so much of my life dressing to cover what I perceive as my flaws...that I end up ALSO downplaying what could be my greatest assets. And I have come to the conclusion that it is very important to dress to play up and call attention to what is most attractive...and just ignore what you still want to improve. Then...hopefully, everyone's eye's are drawn to what is SO RIGHT about your appearance.

 

That said...if your BF and friends say you look fine...then likely you are rockin' that bikini already. SOMETHING...whether it's you rear or your girls is looking good and your stomach is not really a factor because the good is outweighing the bad. And it is my opinion that most bikini tops are extremely flattering to the girls...KWIM ;)? And most bikini bottoms frame your rear end, JUST SO...and no matter what you got back there...and these days, it seems the bigger the better...you look as good going as coming in a bikini because it is MADE to highlight the best features that make women women. A one piece doesn't offer the same eye catching appeal IMO.

 

All that to say...I think you should wear the bikini. :D

 

Thanks! I think I am going to pack it. I think part of my problem is what I see in the mirror isn't always correct. I have a distorted view. I'm not sure if you have ever experienced that. I still see the heavier version of myself but when I do look at pictures or if other see me they tell me I look thinner.

 

You make a very good point about playing up my other areas. My rear is pretty flat but up top is a good thing to play up. I will focus on that. I tend to do that with clothing.

[Shiny137]

Another question about packing! This time camera vs phone camera. Since I've gotten an iPhone I tend to use it as my main camera because it has more megapixels than my digital camera. However, phones are more expensive nowadays and more fragile. What do you prefer to use when taking photos? Camera with slightly less quality or phone?

 

Also, what do you ladies do for purses? I don't want to be carrying bag around at all times, but they are convenient to hold things. I was thinking for days in port, just a backpack instead of a purse? That way it can hold my wallet, sea pass card, passport, camera, etc. Plus if I go to the beach and want to swim I can have my cover up/change of clothes in it if we go shopping after.

[Minneapolistraveler]

Another question about packing! This time camera vs phone camera. Since I've gotten an iPhone I tend to use it as my main camera because it has more megapixels than my digital camera. However, phones are more expensive nowadays and more fragile. What do you prefer to use when taking photos? Camera with slightly less quality or phone?

 

Also, what do you ladies do for purses? I don't want to be carrying bag around at all times, but they are convenient to hold things. I was thinking for days in port, just a backpack instead of a purse? That way it can hold my wallet, sea pass card, passport, camera, etc. Plus if I go to the beach and want to swim I can have my cover up/change of clothes in it if we go shopping after.

 

I'm bringing my main camera since it has a strap so I can wear around my neck. I plan on wearing a cross body purse for the ports that we will just be walking around and shopping, but for when we go in excursions to the ruins and snorkeling I am bringing a backpack for sunscreen, water, etc.

[Kingos]

Do they supply tissues in the suites ? . Just packing and thought I'd better ask.

[Kingos]

Congratulations on your weight loss. Rock that bikini!! My husband and I have been on a strict diet for 3 months. He has lost 20kilos and I have lost 6 kilos. I needed to lose 10 but I am very happy with what I have done? My husband is happy too with his loss.

 

Enjoy your cruise