Belize/ Honduras cruise: shoes/hiking clothing and dress code (1st timer)

[3ric]

Hi all,

I am booked on the Belize/honduras cruise this fall. I am first timer cruiser, this will be my first cruise.

I looked at the packing list on the app and I am a bit unsure as to what to bring. It looks like most of the excursion will be either in zodiacs/boats or involve getting into the water, so water shoes are mentionned. They mention canvas shoes that dry quickly. But canvas does not strike me as a material that would dry quickly.

 

Has anyone been on these trip and can enlight me as to what to bring exactly. I figure i would want light hiking shoes suitable for summer weather, or some quick drying water shoes? I am honestly not sure. 
I have columbia hiking shoes but they are typical hiking shoes, they are not meant for hot weather and unlikelt to dry quickly. I also have cheap water shoes but no way I can walk in these for extended amount of time.

Finally, I am trying to really understand what the dress code is for women on the boat. People mention dressing up and jacket/collared shirt for dinner. and then more dressed for gala. Does anyone have actual pics or example, are we talking cocktail attire, evening gowns? I am a light packer and usually only bring a small carry on on vacation. 
 

Here are some examples, ranging from casual to formal. if someone can weigh in on what would be appropriate when, or at all on the boat, and during meals. that would greatly help.

1. casual tank dress: https://www.nordstrom.com/s/zella-gwen-ponte-knit-tank-dress/5785008?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FUnder %24100&color=030
2. casual dress https://www.target.com/p/august-sky-women-s-geometric-tiered-mini-dress-rdm2015-black-medium--no-aasa/-/A-86417026
3. large flowy dress
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/satu-one-shoulder-dress/6633359?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FCocktail %26 Party&color=330
4. black dress: https://www.nordstrom.com/s/french-connection-whisper-ruffle-minidress/5290740?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FCocktail %26 Party&color=001
5.satin mid dress https://www.nordstrom.com/s/elliatt-cassini-one-shoulder-dress/6109413?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses%2FCocktail %26 Party&color=355
6. sequin formal https://www.nordstrom.com/s/sequin-starburst-a-line-gown/7177900?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses&color=710

[Host Jazzbeau]

What a great itinerary!  Sorry I can't help you with the dress and footwear questions, but I am envious.  Enjoy!

[Pudgesmom]

This is what we use for water shoes. They are available for women too. They dry fast, stay on, protect the bottom of your feet well and last a long time. They are also great for water aerobics. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PYZ847C?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1&psc=1

 

I have no pics to share, but I like 3 and 4.

[Catlover54]

I was recently on my first Ponant cruise, but it was non-expedition.

If you only travel with carry-on, you would get the most versatility by packing a couple pair of quality black slacks and a couple festive blouses or other tops (perhaps a little sparkling) which you could rotate for dinners. Add some jewelry for festive evenings, remove it for non-festive evenings.

Black sandals that have some support on the sole but don't look like clunky Birkenstocks would give you the versatility of wearing them with your black pants at dinner, or during the day with more casual pants, without having to bring a pair of fancy shoes.

 

For breakfast and lunch and around the ship, wear whatever you'd wear at a nice hotel -- short or long pants, (lighter color just fine) resort dress, even jeans (preferably without holes). Comfort is the focus.  Avoid shirts with writing on them and backwards baseball caps.

If you're going into the zodiak, or to shore in a hot location, have sturdy soled lace up shoes so you don't slip and which you can adjust the tightness of if your feet swell, and a shirt or two you can sweat in that is quick-dry. 

You don't need to pay Nordstrom prices, you can get all of the above cheaper at many, many  places. You'll not look interesting or fascinating with the simple black pants and pretty top approach for dinner and casual stuff for the day, but your suitcase will be light and you'll fit in fine, and also be ready for other cruise lines 🙂

[Becky2010]

@3ric How was your trip? Did you end up happy with the clothes you brought?

 

[3ric]

We have not gone yet.. but I am getting closer.. Excursions clothing is taking precedence on any smart outfits for on board..The shoes have been interesting. I purchased water sneakers and the Palladium boots they have on the packing list.I used to own a pair, they are super light, and less warm than my hiking boots. They were not terribly expensive either so it will work for future trips. 

[Becky2010]

11 minutes ago, 3ric said:

We have not gone yet.. but I am getting closer.. Excursions clothing is taking precedence on any smart outfits for on board..The shoes have been interesting. I purchased water sneakers and the Palladium boots they have on the packing list.I used to own a pair, they are super light, and less warm than my hiking boots. They were not terribly expensive either so it will work for future trips. 

I have some light walking shoes and Teva water sandals which we bought to the Galapagos and I was planning on packing those. But I am also afraid I'm not going to be looking too elegant on this trip! 😂 We carry on our luggage, and between the dive mask and the extra shoes, I'm not sure how much room we will have.

[3ric]

ohhhare you taking snorkeling gear? i thought they supplied it!

[Becky2010]

41 minutes ago, 3ric said:

ohhhare you taking snorkeling gear? i thought they supplied it!

They ask you to bring your own mask and snorkel, and they will supply the rest! But I have a prescription mask so I always travel with mine. Here’s what it says in the travel docs: “Mask and snorkel: for health reasons due to Covid-19, we strongly recommend that you come on board with your own mask and snorkel. As an exception, you will be able to borrow them in accordance with sanitary conditions.”
 

[Pudgesmom]

We have just finished our Ponant cruise last week, and almost all of the snorkelers borrowed mask and snorkel. It was offered to all during the equipment distribution.