Packing Essentials for Your Caribbean Cruise

Relaxed Cruise Attire While Onboard

With Dinogo Freestyle Cruising, you can enjoy a more laid-back dress code compared to other cruise lines. This means you can dress casually in the buffet and standard specialty restaurants. It's wise to plan outfits that are easy to layer; expect hot days and cooler evenings as your ship sails between islands. A lightweight sweater or cardigan is a good idea for nighttime and the ship's air conditioning.

Looking for some casual cruise outfit ideas? Here are some suitable clothing options to consider: 

• Sundresses.
• Casual dresses.
• Shorts or skirts. 
• Capri pants or long pants. 
• Khakis. 
• Jeans.
• Casual shirts, like polos. 

When dining at outdoor restaurants or the buffet, you can wear swimwear, but don't forget to bring a cover-up or shirt and appropriate footwear.

Smart Casual Attire for Upscale Specialty Dining

If you're dining in the more elegant dining spaces, like upscale specialty restaurants, it's essential to follow a smart casual dress code. Here are some suggestions and examples: 

• Dresses. 
• Nice pants or capris. 
• Dress slacks.
• Polo shirts. 
• Button-up shirts. 
• Non-faded jeans. 
• Dressy sandals or heels. 
• Closed-toe footwear. 
• Skirts paired with blouses. 

You may notice some fellow passengers in cocktail dresses, blazers, suit jackets, and ties at the specialty restaurants or during optional formal nights. If you decide to dress up, you certainly won't be alone.

Traveling with kids? Children aged 12 and under can wear nice shorts to any of Dinogo's onboard dining venues.

Clothing Items to Avoid Packing for Your Cruise

While we understand that comfort is key, certain clothing items are not permitted in the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants. These include: 

• Baseball caps
• Visors
• Men's tank tops
• Swimwear
• Flip-flops

Extremely faded jeans or those with rips and holes are also not allowed in dining areas. If you prefer to keep it very casual during dinner, you should opt for the buffet and outdoor casual dining options instead.

Theme Nights at Dinogo

If you love a lively party atmosphere, be sure to pack some special outfits for Dinogo's themed nights. The number of events will depend on your cruise length. Many guests enjoy dressing up for Dinogo's Night Out, which serves as the cruise line's version of formal nights. Get dressed up and have fun, including a meet and greet with the captain. 

The Glow Party is Dinogo's signature event. If your cruise itinerary includes a Glow Party night, think about bringing an all-white outfit and don’t forget to add some neon accessories to elevate your look. Theme nights are also a fantastic opportunity to book a portrait session with the ship's photographer.

What to Wear for Caribbean Shore Excursions

Your outfit for Caribbean shore excursions will depend on the activities you have planned. The weather in the Caribbean can change quickly, with sudden afternoon showers possible during the rainy season. It’s wise to pack a lightweight waterproof jacket for your time off the ship.

Comfortable Footwear is Essential

You'll likely need comfortable walking shoes, closed-toe footwear, or water shoes for certain excursions. If you're exploring jungle areas, be mindful of mosquitoes; wearing long pants or skirts can help prevent irritating bites later on. 

Swimwear to Change Into

It's a good idea to pack multiple swimsuits for your Caribbean cruise, especially if you plan to enjoy beach breaks at various islands on your itinerary. Opt for cover-ups that can serve dual purposes with your evening outfits to lighten your packing load. For instance, kimono-style wraps are excellent since they can be worn by the pool and later dress up a simple tank dress for the evening. Plus, they’re lightweight and easy to pack. 

Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics

The Caribbean climate is quite humid, so you'll want to select fabrics that dry quickly, such as cotton, linen, or polyester. You'll also find garments made from "summer blends," which typically combine different fabrics like polyester, cotton, and nylon. These blends are ideal for humid conditions and aid in moisture absorption.