Packed for a Luxury Cruise. One Thing I Didn't Need Surprised Me

Explora III, the newest ship from Explora Journeys, is skipping formal evenings—along with the need to pack a suit and heavy dress shoes. After boarding in early October for an eight-night New England and Canada cruise, the reviewer found the atmosphere relaxed by day and refined at night, with no formal dress hire because there are “no formal evenings onboard.” Still, the line discourages baseball caps and casual beach footwear in restaurants and bars after 6 p.m. The ship pairs understated luxury with everyday service, including table service and quick, attentive attention at venues like Crema Café, where drink orders are handled promptly.