My thoughts - What am I taking

P&O Cruises Official Website Any questions

OK - to save you going off to look at the page here is briefly what it says: What should I pack?

1. Don't forget those essential extras, specifically if you have a favourite brand of sun-cream or pair of sunglasses.
2. For hotter climes it would also be advisable to pack some insect repellent to help avoid irritating insect bites. If you are taking any personal medication, please ensure you bring sufficient to last the duration of the cruise.
3. Dressing gowns are only provided in suite accommodation. Towels are provided for the bathroom. For the swimming pool, towels are provided at the poolside.
4. Also, don't forget your camera!
5. However, in the event that you do forget anything, our on board shops are very well stocked with 'ordinary everyday' goods.

The secret of packing for a P&O Cruises holiday is "keep it simple".

1. By day, casual shirts, shorts and beachwear are ideal.
2. For going ashore and walking on deck, flat comfortable shoes are a must.
3. You’ll also need a lightweight jacket or coat for cool evenings and occasional showers.
4. Don’t forget sun protection cream, a sun hat and sunglasses – the sun is much stronger at sea!
5. A spare pair of glasses and an ample supply of any medicines you’re taking are a good idea.
6. Although cruising isn’t nearly as formal as it once was, people still love to dress up and we have a variety of Formal, Informal and Smart Casual evenings.
7. On formal evenings, for ladies this is the opportunity to wear something glamorous and dressy such as a formal evening or cocktail outfit. For men a dinner jacket or tuxedo are the norm, otherwise a suit and tie is fine.
8. On Informal evenings many gentlemen will feel comfortable with a jacket and tie, others will be pleased to know that smart shirts that do not require a tie and can be worn with a linen jacket or blazer-style jacket are also in order. For ladies the options range from tailored trousers to cocktail dresses, while for Smart Casual evenings stylish resort or leisurewear is ideal, eg open-necked shirt and long trousers for men (jackets are most definitely not required), casual separates or dresses for ladies. We would request that sportswear, eg trainers and track suits are not worn.
9. Bring your brightest clothes for our Tropical evening. Don’t worry if you do forget something as our shops on board carry a wide range of leisure wear and formal clothing. As a guide there are normally four Formal evenings, four Informal evenings and six Smart Casual evenings on a two week cruise. However, in extremely hot temperatures these suggested dress codes may be relaxed. For example, for Arcadia and Oceana’s Caribbean seasons, there will be four Formal nights and ten Smart Casual nights.

So, what can one assume on a 12 week cruise which covers equator to pole (with a strong equator bias) I will work on 8 weeks being equivilent to the caribbean season and 4 weeks on a more traditional split of formal to informal.

So for the cooler climate I look to double the figures provided in point 9. This gives me 8 formal, 8 informal, 12 casual. For the warmer climate times I have to quadruple the figures. 16 formal 40 smart casual. I make this the following likely breakdown of dinnerware required

• 24 Formal
• 8 Informal
• 52 Smart casual

I sure hope the boat doesnt just have a laundry but also a dry cleaning facility. I do not think many Tuxedos would take being washed and i know my posh dresses are dry clean only!!