Clothing Optional?

[nycglitter]

Okay, I realize you need clothing for a Mediterranean cruise, but I am totally confused as to what is "appropriate" attire for excursions. Depending on where you are visiting, women have to have shoulders and knees covered and tank tops are not permitted. What about the men? What does my husband need to wear for the churches and places like the casino in Monaco? Every tour we booked called for "appropriate" attire.

 

Also, if I wear a sun dress and pack a lightweight wrap, will that be suitable for entering a church?

 

We like to dress nice as a matter of course, but are worried about the heat in July in the Mediterranean.

 

Help please!

[Desertbelle]

When we were in Europe on the Millennium I wore summer dresses almost always while on excursions. I bought 2-3 travel knit weight dresses and they were very cool and never wrinkled....they were perfect for Europe. If the dress was sleeveless I brought along a lightweight knit wrap, almost like a poncho, that covered my upper arms when needed in a church.

 

My husband and son wore long pants and shirts with short sleeves on all excursions.

 

We purchased some slacks for my husband and son that could be made into shorts by way of a zipper. They loved them. It was so hot in Europe while we were there, so they could stay cool except for when we were entering a church or somewhere that shorts wouldn't be appropriate. The legs of the slacks zipped on/off very easily in a few seconds.

[nycglitter]

Thanks so much for your response. I will be doing similar packing to you, but I am glad to hear that there are options for my poor husband. He would roast in full length pants all day.

 

Where did you find the pants for your husband and son?

[Desertbelle]

These are like the pants we bought: http://www.rei.com/product/746903

 

REI isn't the only store that sell them, you could probably find them at many sporting goods stores and travel clothing sites.

[nycglitter]

Thanks again!

[slim24usus]

I feel like I've been in every church in Europe ( we do a lot of traveling). I have seen women (men too ) wear the most rediculous stuff. Since you are concerned enough to ask, I doubt you will have a problem. I have not seen a a true requirement for women to wear head coverings in a church in years! Mosques are different. Almost all mosques you will encounter on an excusion will have people stationed at the door to make sure you remove your shoes and they will offer (require) inappropriately dressed people (99% women) a shoulder cloth or long skirt. If you refuse they just won't let you in. My wife usually wears a long skirt and brings a shawl. She has never been hastled. Every mosques I've visited that allows visitors is prepared. I've never seen a real problem, most guides will know what to do. Don't worry about it.

[kitty9]

The three times I've been in Venice and Rome, they had guards at the door of St Peter's and St Mark's to make sure you don't wear shorts or sleeveless clothing.

[nycglitter]

I am so exicted about all of our stops and Florence and Rome in particular and want to be sure that I am prepared.

 

Very different way to pack compared to a Caribbean trip!:)