Most cruises have at least one formal dinner, when it would be appropriate to wear a tuxedo, suit or evening gown. Of course sun lovers will bring a bathing suit. For the Caribbean, more cotton and breathable materials for hot and humid days. On any cruise, don't forget your athletic shoes for walking the deck, aerobics and working out, and appropriate footgear for shore excursions, and dancing, etc. See our Travel Tips page.
Quality is a relative term, yet in the cruise industry it is the norm due to competition.
A large number of different experiences are available, including sailing ships and yachts, specific theme cruises, celebrity cruises, and a myriad of others, such as golf packages with pro golf tour players, and well-known personalities from such fields as entertainment, business, politics, and food and wine, to name a few. Itineraries are also varied, with the majority being 7-night packages. Bargain hunters can sometimes find good value by taking a cruise when the ship is relocating from one seasonal area to another, such as the Mediterranean to the Caribbean. Word of mouth from friends or acquaintances is another way to determine a cruise line's reputation and itineraries. As always, you get what you pay for.