Weather on SouthAmerica cruise
 

We are taking my 90 year old mother on a Crystal cruise from Florida through Panama Canal to Chile over Christmas holiday 2005, and was wondering what the temperature is like on the sea and in the ports. Will we need very warm clothes even though it is summer in the southern hemisphere? Also, what kind of formal wear for dinner is appropritate in the dining room at that season? Do all the woman wear dresses with bare shoulders? Is black worn at that time of year? My mother will not enjoy herself if she is not dressed like the other ladies. Please advise on suitable wear on and off the boat. Thanks for your time.

I believe you will find Crystal on the dressy side. The majority of men will be in tuxes and women will wear fancy cocktail dresses to long beaded/sequined gowns. For formal wear, black is always a popular choice and not out of place in evening wear.

If this trip takes you around Cape Horn, it will be on the chilly side. Although it is their summer, it will still be cool to cold. Also, the trip around the Horn can be rough. It is one part of the world that usually experiences rough passage.

Thanks Bonnie for your insights. We are going to have to do some shopping. The cruise stops in Chile and we don't round the horn. Will sweaters provide enough warmth?

Where about in Chile? The country is long and has many different climates. Santiago would be on the warm side, think LA in summer, but the Lake country would be cooler. You'd appreciate a down jacket around the Horn.

Klam,
We did Santiago to Ft. Lauderdale and it was hot, especially thru the Panama Canal. I would plan on summer clothes but a light windbreaker is always a good idea. I think you will find that the A/C on the ship is the coldest temperatures you will have once you get into the Caribbean and all the way to Santiago. Crystal, as mentioned, is a more dressy line than many others. I am sure you will enjoy this cruise. I got some of my best bargains in Ecuador (shawls and panama hat, small carvings made from a nut I can't think of the name of but looks like ivory).