What to Wear on a Cruise: Complete Packing & Style Guide

What to wear on a cruise depends on your cruise line, destination, and itinerary. From casual pool days to elegant formal nights, cruises require versatile wardrobe planning. This complete guide helps you pack perfectly for any cruise vacation.

Understanding Cruise Dress Codes

Modern Cruise Dress Codes

Today’s cruise lines typically have:

• Casual – Daytime and some evening dining
• Smart Casual – Resort casual dining
• Formal/Elegant – Special evenings (often 1-2 per cruise)

Cruise Line Variations

Luxury Lines (Regent, Silversea):

• Higher dress code expectations
• More formal nights
• Elegant resort wear

Premium Lines (Celebrity, Holland America):

• Mix of casual and elegant
• Designated formal nights
• Country club casual

Contemporary Lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian):

• More relaxed overall
• Optional formal nights
• Resort casual standard

Daytime Cruise Attire

On the Ship (Sea Days)

Pool/Deck:

• Swimsuit with coverup
• Comfortable sandals or flip-flops
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Casual shorts and tank tops
• Light layers for AC indoors

Casual Dining:

• Nice shorts or capris
• Casual sundress
• T-shirt or casual top
• Sandals or sneakers

Activities:

• Comfortable athletic wear for fitness
• Golf attire for simulators
• Comfortable walking shoes

Port Days

Shore Excursions:

• Comfortable walking shoes (essential)
• Weather-appropriate layers
• Modest clothing for cultural sites
• Practical bag for essentials
• Sun protection

Beach Ports:

• Swimsuit and coverup
• Sandals
• Beach bag
• Sunscreen and hat

City Exploration:

• Comfortable but nice outfit
• Walking shoes
• Cross-body bag for security
• Layers for AC vs. outdoors

Evening Cruise Attire

Casual Nights

For Women:

• Sundress
• Nice pants with blouse
• Casual maxi dress
• Stylish sandals or flats

For Men:

• Khakis or nice shorts (if permitted)
• Collared shirt or nice polo
• Casual loafers or deck shoes

Smart Casual Nights

For Women:

• Cocktail casual dress
• Nice separates
• Dressy jumpsuit
• Elegant sandals or heels

For Men:

• Dress pants or chinos
• Button-down shirt (no tie required)
• Blazer optional
• Dress shoes or nice loafers

Formal/Elegant Nights

For Women:

• Cocktail dress
• Long gown (optional)
• Dressy pantsuit
• Elegant accessories
• Heels or dressy flats

For Men:

• Dark suit
• Sport coat with dress pants
• Tuxedo (optional, luxury lines)
• Dress shirt and tie
• Dress shoes

Cruise Wardrobe Essentials

For a 7-Day Cruise

Daytime:

• 3-4 casual tops
• 2-3 pairs of shorts/capris
• 2 swimsuits
• 2 coverups
• 1 casual dress
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Athletic wear (if using gym)

Evening:

• 2-3 casual evening outfits
• 1-2 dressy casual outfits
• 1 formal/cocktail outfit
• Evening shoes
• Accessories

Always Pack:

• Light cardigan or wrap (AC is cold!)
• Rain jacket (compact)
• Sunglasses and hat
• Comfortable underwear and socks
• Sleepwear
• Workout clothes (optional)

Women’s Cruise Outfit Ideas

Daytime Looks

Pool Day:

• Stylish one-piece or bikini
• Flowy coverup dress
• Platform sandals
• Wide-brim hat

Sea Day Casual:

• Linen pants
• Breezy tank or blouse
• Espadrilles
• Lightweight cardigan

Port Exploration:

• Comfortable dress
• Walking sneakers or sandals
• Crossbody bag
• Sun protection

Evening Looks

Casual Night:

• Maxi dress
• Strappy sandals
• Simple jewelry

Elegant Night:

• Cocktail dress (knee to midi length)
• Heeled sandals or pumps
• Statement earrings
• Clutch bag

Formal Night:

• Long gown or elegant cocktail dress
• Heels
• Sparkly accessories
• Evening bag

Men’s Cruise Outfit Ideas

Daytime Looks

Pool Day:

• Swim trunks
• Tank or rash guard
• Flip-flops
• Baseball cap

Sea Day Casual:

• Shorts
• Polo or button-down
• Boat shoes
• Sunglasses

Port Day:

• Comfortable shorts or pants
• Breathable shirt
• Walking shoes
• Daypack

Evening Looks

Casual Night:

• Nice shorts or pants
• Polo or casual button-down
• Loafers or boat shoes

Smart Casual:

• Dress pants
• Button-down shirt
• Loafers
• Belt and watch

Formal Night:

• Dark suit or sport coat with slacks
• Dress shirt
• Tie
• Dress shoes

Cruise Destination Considerations

Caribbean/Tropical

• Light, breathable fabrics
• Bright colors welcome
• Beach-ready pieces
• Rain protection (quick showers)

Alaska/Northern

• Layers essential
• Warm jacket (even summer)
• Waterproof outer layer
• Comfortable closed-toe shoes

Mediterranean

• Modest clothing for churches
• Comfortable walking shoes
• European-style casual
• Mix of casual and elegant

River Cruises

• More elegant overall
• Smart casual minimum
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Layering for variable weather

What NOT to Wear on a Cruise

General No-Nos

❌ In Main Dining Rooms (Evening):

• Swimwear
• Tank tops (men)
• Baseball caps
• Flip-flops
• Ripped jeans

❌ On Formal Nights:

• Casual shorts
• T-shirts
• Sneakers
• Overly casual attire

❌ Practical Avoids:

• Brand new shoes (break them in first)
• Overpacking (stick to versatile pieces)
• Valuable jewelry for ports
• All-black wardrobe (vacation calls for color!)

Cruise Packing Tips

Smart Packing Strategies

Color Coordination:

• Choose 2-3 base colors
• Mix and match pieces
• Maximize outfit combinations
• Reduce total items needed

Versatile Pieces:

• Dress that works day to night
• Blazer over multiple outfits
• Neutral shoes that match everything
• Accessories that elevate basics

Don’t Forget:

• Formal wear (often forgotten!)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Lightweight layers for AC
• Sun protection

Laundry Options

Most cruise ships offer:

• Self-service laundry (some ships)
• Laundry service (additional cost)
• Spot cleaning capabilities

Plan your wardrobe accordingly.

Special Occasion Cruise Attire

Theme Nights

Many cruises feature:

• White Party – All white attire
• 70s/80s Night – Retro theme
• Caribbean Night – Tropical prints
• Masquerade – Elegant with masks

Pack accordingly if your cruise has theme nights!

Captain’s Dinner

Usually the most formal night:

• Your most elegant outfit
• Gown or cocktail dress for women
• Suit or tuxedo for men
• Photography opportunity

How xlook AI Helps with Cruise Packing

Planning a cruise? xlook AI can:

• Create a complete packing list
• Suggest versatile pieces that mix and match
• Plan outfits for each day and evening
• Consider your destination and cruise line
• Help you pack light but stylishly

Conclusion

What to wear on a cruise requires planning for multiple occasions—from lazy pool days to elegant formal nights. The key is packing versatile pieces that work for various settings while matching the dress codes of your specific cruise line.

Focus on comfortable daytime wear, elegant evening options, and don’t forget that formal outfit! With thoughtful planning, you’ll look great at every port and every dinner, while still having room in your suitcase for souvenirs.

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