Knowing what shoes to pack for a cruise can be tricky and sadly so many women get it wrong!
On a cruise you’ll see ladies staggering in heels that are too high as the ship sways from side to side and people limping after traveling five miles on a shore excursion wearing flip flops good market.
After taking more than 20 cruises, I’ve learned what six pairs of shoes I should pack. Of course, you can adapt it to the season and avoid water shoes for a city break. But here are the essential shoes you need for a cruise…
1. Comfortable shoes for shore excursions
Depending on your shore excursion plans, you may find yourself walking for miles and miles, so you need comfortable shoes that you can rely on to keep your feet safe.
When it comes to comfort, I know Sketchers won’t let me down. These lightweight walking trainers are flexible with a bouncy sole. They’re available in over 25 different colors and are made of a breathable mesh that will keep your feet cool, even in the Caribbean sun.
2. Water shoes for the beach
While you might imagine that Caribbean beaches have nothing but soft white sand, that’s often not the reality. On the seabed of most islands you will find sharp rocks, sea creatures like crabs, starfish and sea cucumbers and sometimes even bottle caps and broken glass.
Packing a sturdy pair of water shoes is definitely a wise move, as then you can paddle and swim without worrying about where you are stepping. And if you’re planning on doing a trip like Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica, then water shoes are an absolute must.
These unisex water shoes are available in over 40 different colors and patterns. Older styles are often on sale too, so be sure to check them out.
3. Flip flops for the pool
Once you try these orthotic arch support flip flops, you’ll never go back to wearing completely flat flip flops! Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association, these orthopedic sandals are designed to improve your gait and alleviate foot problems like plantar fasciitis.
These cute and comfy sandals are water resistant and available in over 20 different colors. I especially love the sequins which look stylish enough to wear inside on any luxury cruise ship as well as on the lido deck.
4. Dressy evening shoes
Most cruise ships have at least one formal night where you can put on your best evening dress and enjoy a five-course meal followed by an evening of entertainment and dancing.
Most people find that wearing really high heels can be a little tricky on a cruise ship, especially if it’s rocking in rough seas. Standing can be a challenge.
That’s why these 2 and a half inch block heels are perfect. You can walk with confidence, while remaining elegant and stylish thanks to the thousands of rhinestones that will adorn your feet.
There are seven colors to choose from. I like champagne-colored shoes because I think they go with all dress colors.
5. Casual evening shoes
Most nights on your cruise the dress code will be casual, so you are free to wear whatever you feel comfortable in. You can dress up for dinner in a nice sundress or relax in jeans – it’s your choice.
I love these platform espadrilles because they go well with all outfit choices. They’re almost flat so they’re really easy to walk on, but a platform and a slight nook give you some extra height. There are lots of colors to choose from but I’m a big fan of leopard print.
6. Running shoes for the gym
Cruise ships have some really amazing gyms and many also have free fitness classes so it’s worth checking out. There is often also a running track on the upper deck.
Even if you’re not a gym bunny, you might need training shoes for activities like rock climbing, ziplining, or laser tag. So be sure to pack some if you’re planning an action-packed cruise.
These Under Armor running shoes come in many different colors and are lightweight and breathable, so they’re perfect for hot weather and won’t weigh down your luggage.
So there you have it, the six pairs of shoes you need for a cruise. I think six is probably the most you would ever need. But, if you plan to travel light, you should easily travel in running shoes and just pack a pair of evening shoes and something for the pool or the beach.
That said, if you don’t need to fly to join your cruise, you won’t have any limit on how much luggage you can take. So why not go crazy and pack a different pair of shoes for every day? I know some people definitely do.
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