What to Wear on a Cruise Ship
Published December 28, 2024
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If you're finding it difficult to decide what to wear for a cruise, I'm here to assist you.
Packing your suitcase for an upcoming cruise trip should be enjoyable.
Here are my suggestions to assist you in choosing your outfit for a cruise ship to prepare you for a seamless, fashionable journey.
What Clothes to Wear on a Cruise Ship
If you’re heading to a sunny and warm location, or wondering what to wear on a Caribbean cruise, here are the clothes you should pack for your cruise:
Swimwear Cover-Ups
Although it's completely fine to remain in a swimsuit while relaxing by the pool, you will require cover-ups to walk to the pool from your room.
Remember, depending on the location of your suite, you might have to pass through other shared parts of the cruise ship on your route.
However, ensure that your cover-up makes you feel at ease when walking around other people.
Shawl or Wrap
Shawl is a simple garment you can throw over the shoulders to enhance your outfit and keep you warm when spending time outdoors in cool weather.
You might need to cover your bare arms when going to a church or your shoulders and head when you want to enter a mosque, so include these items in your pack that allow you to honor the local customs.
Swimming Suits
While on board, you’ll spend a lot of time relaxing on a sun deck or by the pool.
You'll also be wearing swimwear at numerous ports you stop at during your journey. Consequently, it’s wise to add several swimsuits to your luggage.
Try to take along a minimum of three if you're setting off on a week-long cruise.
Sweater
Even if you are cruising through the Caribbean, it is wise to bring a fleece or light sweater for the evenings when temperatures usually drop.
Ultimately, you won't want to feel cold while taking in the sky from the cabin balcony or on the ship's deck.
What to Wear to Dinner on a Cruise Ship
While you are certainly free to wear your swimsuit for most of the day on the cruise ship, there are specific times when you will need a different dress code like when going for a dinner.
For a main dining room dinner on a cruise or specialty restaurant meals, I suggest a “smart casual” dress code.
Smart casual dress code includes a dress, skirt, long trousers, fashionable shirt, smart jeans, and a button-up or chic top.
Also, T-shirts and sundresses are all entirely appropriate attire to wear for a cruise for lunch with a relaxed dress code.
However, let flip-flops, shorts, and tank tops be reserved for use in the pool. You're free to use them for relaxed pool attire in the pool area.
Then, if you're enjoying a meal at a specialty eatery or dining at a main restaurant, you should dress ‘smart casual’ on most evenings which is quite adaptable.
Note that in some cruise ships’ dinners, bare feet, T-shirts, robes, tank tops, pool attire, swimsuits, and baseball caps aren't allowed.
What Accessories to Wear on a Cruise
Watch
No matter how much you rely on your phone for time, having a watch with you will assist you in monitoring the time more precisely on a cruise.
You’ll need to arrive at all the cruise ship’s daily events punctually, and a wristwatch will be particularly useful during port visits to ensure you return to the cruise ship promptly before it leaves.
Sunglasses
When going on a cruise, make sure to bring a minimum of one pair of sunglasses with you.
Using sunglasses alongside a baseball cap, sun visor, and a straw hat will really help you shield yourself from the sun.
Jewelry
You should remember to add some playful jewelry and accessories to enhance your outfit on the cruise ship.
Note that you might also wish to purchase a few new things while browsing the cruise ship’s boutiques, therefore keep in mind to leave some extra space in your bag.
What Hat to Wear on a Cruise
Bucket hats and boonies are my favorite hats to wear on a cruise. Then, mesh panels are also good as they assist in enhancing breathability.
Also, a Tilley that has mesh is great for a cruise because it allows for better breathability. Tilleys may be expensive but they are very reliable.
Make sure to choose the one that has mesh panels for ventilation.
Then, carry along one wide-brimmed sun hat to shield yourself from severe sunburn.
A sun hat offers great sun protection and is usually lightweight, portable, quick-drying, and quite affordable.
Then, a Panama hat is also stylish for a cruise though may be less functional. Lastly, you can include one ball cap as well.
What to Wear on a Cruise Formal Night
Formal nights on cruise ships usually focus on guests appearing at their finest and enjoying it.
They are the evenings when you desire to wear your trendiest and most fashionable attire, while also exuding elegance and sophistication.
The dress code on such nights includes cocktail dresses, trousers, and skirts, paired with elegant tops, dress shirts, button-downs, sweaters, and blazers.
You don't have to put on a tie except if you choose to.
A cruise ship formal night allows plenty of space for guests to express their personal style, though you should refrain from wearing a college sweatshirt or ripped jeans.
Still, you can sport high-end jeans matched with your blazer or a chic dress paired with stunning high heels.
Then, if you are excited about wearing a formal gown or tuxedo on a formal night, you can certainly do that too.
However, on every other evening of your cruise, you can don smart casual clothing.
What Shoes to Wear on a Cruise
Although you may feel tempted to just pack a flip-flop and be done with it, there are several other important shoes you should take on your cruise journey.
Sneakers
If you intend to spend much time walking round the ship on sea days, it’s wise to bring along sneakers or comfy walking shoes.
They will also come in handy if you plan to utilize the ship's gym facilities or participate in their fitness class.
Dinner Shoes
Ensure to bring cozy sandals or shoes for wearing during dinner.
Flip Flops
Flip flops will allow you to travel to and from your room to a pool and back again. They also prove useful if you decide to check out a spa.
Also, lightweight shoes are ideal for certain Mediterranean ports, where the beaches are usually rocky.
Boots
If you're traveling to places such as Alaska or Norway, where hiking remains a favored activity, it's beneficial to bring a quality pair of boots.
Conclusion
What you should wear for a cruise depends on your sailing destination.
Although numerous cruises head to warm locations like the Caribbean and The Bahamas, destinations like the Mediterranean also necessitate warmer attire like waterproof apparel and jackets.
