If thinking of wearing formal clothing on that sea voyage, first be aware that it may not be necessary. Most cruise lines today don’t require formal dress at on-board events. However, for some cruise passengers, it’s an enjoyable tradition.

They dress up for one or more of the sit-down dinners, and at late night dance and entertainment programs. It can give feelings of elegance not found on most occasions. Another plus is that there will be photos and/or video to show the folks at home how elegant you were. Before packing formal clothing for a cruise, be aware of certain factors. First, along with shoes and other necessary accessories, those items take considerable weight and space in your baggage. If accustomed to traveling with only carry-on bags, formal wear requires at least one large suitcase for each person. If flying to get to the cruise ship, the suitcases will need to be checked.

Cruises today are much less formal than in previous years. That means when you insist on getting all dressed up for those special onboard occasions, most other people will be in casual dress.

Packing formal clothes requires careful planning. Put each group of articles in separate flat transparent plastic bags. After patting the air out, pack them in layers. Take meds, jewelry and toiletries in smaller sealable waterproof bags.

With this system, when going through airport security, the guards can see what’s in each bag, and may quickly get you through the line. Additionally, if security searches mess up your suitcase, the plastic bags make it simpler to repack quickly and neatly.

Rather than put large items tightly inside suitcases, which may cause wrinkles, carry dress-up clothes on hangers, protected by form-fitting bags carried over the shoulder. However, if you need to fly to the embarkation port, this could be awkward and inconvenient and unwieldy during security checks.

Once aboard, if packed clothing needs pressing and/or cleaning, your cabin steward will take care of it. Another option, available on many major cruise line ships, is to get formal clothing from the onboard rental shop.

When considering a cruise, check with online and hometown travel agencies about packing dress-up clothing and/or if the ship has a formal rental shop. If you rent, it would save considerable time, weight, packing and carrying chores.

Before booking a cruise, consider several options about packing. Opt to leave fancy wear at home, pack lighter carry-on bags, and get formal clothes from the onboard rental shop. Or just don’t dress up and enjoy the cruise.