Tropical Cruise Gear for the Boomer Traveler

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Headed on a much needed break from the cold weather? Unless you’re a fan of winter adventures, January through March are great months for a  tropical cruise—or warm-weather getaway.

Whether you’re looking to swim with stingrays on a South Pacific cruise or lounge around the pool at a Maui resort like Montage Kapalua, packing the right gear makes all the difference.

When it comes to tropical cruises or getaways, it’s what you pack not how much you pack that’s important. Tropical packing essentials keep you cool, protect you from the sun and keep humidity from ruining your gear.

Clothing essentials for a tropical cruise

I don’t usually wear shorts at home, but I love lightweight fast-drying shorts for warm weather trips.

On a warm weather cruise, I pack items that keep me cool and comfortable for outside activities like shore excursions or dining on deck. However I also bring outfits for evenings inside the ship where the air conditioning adds a chill to fancy dinners or formal nights.

This article is about the tropical getaway essentials that I pack. If you’re looking for inspiration on clothes for formal nights or dressing for evenings on a luxury cruise ship, I show you how in cruise wear for women over 50.

When it comes to tropical cruise wear, I look for products that do double duty. What’s on my must-have list? Take a look.

Black and white pair of Sketcher shoes
I wear Sketcher shoes on tropical cruises for working out and walking around port.

Yes, I visit the gym—and walk on deck during our South Pacific cruises. Plus I need a comfortable pair of shoes for active cruise excursions.

I prefer to leave my good workout shoes at home. First, I don’t want them to get too dirty for the gym from walking around ports. And, second, they are too hot and heavy for tropical climates. 

I solved my problem with the purchase of lightweight Sketcher shoes. They are sturdy enough to make do as a gym shoe, plus the stretch knit is completely breathable. And they look so cute with black or white shorts or crop pants. Of course a good pair of sandals is also a must.

A lightweight, open-weave sweater, paired with taupe Chico’s travelers pants is dressy enough for a night in the restaurant or wear it with white crop pants for a tropical night on deck. And, for deck parties in hot, humid climates, I enjoy wearing an off-the-shoulder top with white pants—much cuter than open shoulder tops where just a circle of shoulder shows on each arm.

Where do I find tropical clothes for boomers? I shop the summer sales at Chico’s or J.Jill to stock up for the next year’s tropical cruise for two reasons. One, shopping summer sales saves me money. Two, if I wait until November to shop for February’s tropical cruise, there won’t be any tropical clothes in the stores except for expensive resort wear.

A white Scala packable hat that's perfect for tropical cruise wear.

Isn’t this the cutest hat?I found this packable Scala hat at a gift store in Yachats during our Oregon coast fall trip. It’s so cute that I bought two—the white and beige one pictured, plus a tan version of the same hat. Scala packable hats regain their shape after being packed in my luggage—check for the latest Scala hat styles on Amazon. And, with a UPF 50+ rating, they offer much-needed sun protection.

Of course you need more than clothes to outfit a warm weather cruise. From prescription snorkeling mask to tinted sunscreen, I’ve shopped so that you don’t have to spend your time researching what to bring.

Tropical Cruise Gear Shopping List

Would you rather purchase tropical cruise essentials all in one place? This Amazon shopping list makes it easy for you to buy what you need. To stay cool, protected from the sun and comfortable on tropical cruises, these essentials are a must.

There you have it—0ur tropical cruise gear essentials. Of course we’ll be adding to the list as we find more must-haves for your next warm weather getaway.

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Tropical cruise gear for boomer travelers
 

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