Hi-
We've been on 8 cruises during the past years, but we prefer independent travel. However, due to health reasons, cruising has become the travel of choice for the past few years. We've never traveled to the following areas, and wonder what is appropriate clothing for a woman, while touring the following cities in May. We're travelling on Holland America Rotterdam. Thanks so very much.
surfingmomma

Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Istanbul, Turkey
Varna, Bulgaria
Odessa, Ukraine
Sevastopol, Ukraine
Sea of Marmara (Cruising)
Ephesus / Kusadasi, Turkey

Rhodes, Greece
Limassol, Cyprus
Cairo / Giza (Alexandria), Egypt

At Sea
Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Well I have not been to the Ukraine, but in general you will be fine with cotton slacks. In Varna and in coastal Turkey many tourists will be wearing shorts and that is fine for the places you are going. I would cover my legs in Alexandria and in Cairo and out at Giza...but there again, many tourists wear shorts. I would not.

Thank you so much. I like to "follow the rules", so, I guess slacks or a skirt would be appropriate for a woman. I assume shoulders covered in churches,etc?
sincerely
surfingmomma

My husband and I are on the same criuse.
We are becoming disenchanted with the cruise lines shore excursions.Are you planning other tours in the ports ?We are.

I would cover your legs (and tops of arms)in Istanbul as well as Egypt. Everywhere else you can wear shorts, skirts or whatever you are comfprtable in. Coastal Turkey is more casual than Istanbul.
Sounds like a great cruise,

Carolena

I'm only familiar with Greece and Turkey and haven't been to the other places. Don't wear shorts in Istanbul. Also be prepared to take your shoes off in mosques. If you're wearing sandals, you might want to carry some socks if you'd rather not walk around barefoot where many others have. If you'll be hiking at all, take hiking boots. If not, at least take walking shoes with good traction or good athletic shoes for clambering around ruins on hills. I think some headwear for the sun would be a good idea--light hat with a brim or even just a cotton scarf. Be prepared for a range of weather.

HI rikki10
yes, we are planning tours at each port. I've just reviewed them, but have not booked any yet. we just booked the cruise this week.
how about you?
surfingmomma