I just wanted to put this link up here because I ran across these stores that sell the kind of clothes you might need to buy if you just got a job on a cruise ship.
I remember when I got my job with Holland America they wanted me to wear white slacks and white shoes. White slacks were not TOO hard to find, though a little tricky in NYC in the 90s when the style as all grays, blacks and earthy reds & greens (blah). But they also wanted me to wear white dress shoes! fuggedaboutit - I couldn't find them anywhere.
Now, if you just got your first job on a ship, we don't recommend that you buy a lot of nautical-style clothes with epaulets, etc. But you may have some specs for clothes that are hard to find.
The shops below are in Ft Lauderdale, and they cater to yacht and ship crews. You just might find the hard-to-find items there:
I needed a navy epaulette sweater for when I go as I will be going to Alaska...and onboard they take about a month to order them for you...and in that time I will freeze!!
wow thanks Paul!! I needed a navy epaulette sweater for when I go as I will be going to Alaska!
You're welcome. Yes, the good thing is that these stores are right by where the ships dock in Ft Lauderdale. They have all the appropriate colors for ship staff - snow-white, navy blue... Deck shoes, slacks, sweaters.
As I said, if this is your FIRST job on a cruise ship then read the clothes specs carefully. Don't go overboard with the "nautical" look as that may not be exactly right. They usually want a more formal look. But you may need a navy blazer, polo shirt and sweater, and white slacks or polo shirts.
Another useful place to look is something called Bates (try to google it). They are especially large in shoes and they were very helpful to me when I needed white shoes.
Mr Mate Just a question... NCL provides the whole set of uniforms (DECK OFFICERS) including the u neck t shirts or is just the white shirt and trousers with rank epaulettes...anything else??...what about the navy dark blue night uniform?
Mr Mate Just a question... NCL provides the whole set of uniforms (DECK OFFICERS) including the u neck t shirts or is just the white shirt and trousers with rank epaulettes...anything else??...what about the navy dark blue night uniform?
Christian R
They also provide the dark night uniform (jacket, tie trousers and white shirt.) However, you need to get your own shoes.
i'm going to alaska on the 19th of May. this will be my first contract, i'll work as JAP. i have no idea what to pack.. please can anyone help me..? i was told that Princess provides all the uniform but my question is about personal clothes und stuff..
thank you.
Wow Ana I'm joining on the 19th of May for my first contract aswell - guessing your on Golden too?? I'm working as a JACD. I've got absolutely know idea what to pack either, especially seeing I'll be involved in the activities and things aswell.
So if anyone can help either of us that would be great - and any tips of types of jackets to get - coming out of Sydney, Alaskan temperatures are very different to what I'm used to.
So very excited about joining!
as a jap and jacd princess provide you with your uniforms!!
jacd's tend to need a few formal outfits (dresses/suits) as you get to mingle in passenger areas on formal nights etc when you are not working!! you also get to go to the ships disco in your own clothes, whereas other departments have to wear their awful formal uniform!! ( I suffered this experience being a shoppie)
i was told not to take much of my own stuff as i would be living inmy uniform, but luckily i didnt listen and took 2 suitcases of my own clothes! if you are planning on socialising in the crew bar etc you will need whatever you feel comfortable in!!
I have been shopping for years at Smallwood's on 17th St Causeway in Ft Lauderdale.
They supply uniforms to smaller cruise lines and private yachts.
They carry all the Bates Shoes models - male and female.
They also give you a 10% discount when you show your crew card.
They have a webiste as well.
You don't usually need to buy much before you go that isn't just common sense. Good shoes, some sandals for the beach, and not much else.
Anything uniform-related, you actually have to buy on board. It's quite the racket, actually. Some companies even make you buy their brand of shoes (which is actually kind of it's own little racket on it's own).
Almost all crew members are going to be on a ship long enough to go somewhere in a third world country, where it's actually cheap to buy clothes...so I wouldn't bother paying big prices in the US, when you can buy something cheaper when you get on the ship.
If you need suits, or formal dresses, that's different...but as far as boat-clothes. Haha...forget it. You're in a hotel, or on a beach. There are Walmarts everywhere...and there are usually crew shuttles in every port anyways.
You can't get around buying uniforms onboard anymore...they gouge you. It comes right off your first pay, and they make you buy all their stuff. Sometimes you can get lucky and bring your own stuff and wear it, but you still have to buy what they sell you. I take khaki cargo pants/shorts, and a couple pairs of black pants...that i never wear anyways.
Hope that helps...don't feel the need to spend money if you don't have to. You'll be spending enough when you get on the ship...and you'll be kicking yourself for buying too much before you go.
I pretty much lived in my uniform, and hardly wore anything but. I was always working. If I wasn't...I had like one outfit that would last me days, because I'd only wear it for a couple of hours a day. Off the ship...it's no different than home...really.
I am going to be assigned on a ship as a JAP? Wondering where I could get white shoes or will that be available on board. I don't want to show up and not have white shoes for my uniform.
I am going to be assigned on a ship as a JAP? Wondering where I could get white shoes or will that be available on board. I don't want to show up and not have white shoes for my uniform.
Just go to a shoe store. Make sure they're all white...no colours. Also, make sure they have non-slip soles.
But, honestly, the ships will probably just make you buy their shoes. The cruise line I worked for had a nice little conflict-of-interest going where one of the major shareholders owned a shoe company, so we were all forced to wear their shoes.
Most of the shoe store that I went to like Aldo or whatever have white shoe but have like a black sole. Not too sure that is up to code for the uniform. Saw that they have Bates shoes but being from Canada, not many shoe store carry those type of shoes. The other thing was to order it online but I have a tough time getting and having a shoe that fits cos of the shoe size. I guess I will keep checking. Thanks for your info.
my job requires me to wear formal office shoes but I also need to do a lot of walking as I am in to marketing. The soles are prone to wear and would like to know if there is a better formal shoe I can use to do the work and reduce the expenses on shoes?
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where to buy cruise clothes
- and any tips of types of jackets to get - coming out of Sydney, Alaskan temperatures are very different to what I'm used to.
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