Are you getting ready to go on a cruise? If so, it’s time to start thinking about what you’ll pack and wear! Cruises are a great way to relax and have fun, but they can be tricky when choosing the right outfit. You want something comfortable yet stylish, appropriate for various activities, and will look good in photos for your Instagram.
Whether packing a few items or filling your suitcase with chic ensembles, this article will give you all the information you need to pick out the perfect outfits for your vacation at sea. So, let’s get started!
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Essential Clothing Items
When it comes to packing for a cruise, there are certain essential items that should be noticed. Cruise outfits should include intelligent, casual attire such as shorts and sundresses for casual days in port or at sea.
Cocktail dresses or elegant skirts with blouses and heels will come in handy for evening dinners. A timeless classic like the little black dress is always appropriate aboard a ship – perfect for formal nights at dinner or drinks in the lounge.
If you plan on shore excursions during your trip, pack sandals and athletic shoes to make walking around easier. Additionally, remember a couple of nice workout clothes if you want to take advantage of the fitness centers and workout classes onboard most ships.
Dress Codes At Different Cruise Lines
Surprisingly, cruise line dress codes can vary greatly! Most cruises have at least one formal night (and possibly even two on cruises of seven days or longer), while some do not even have one.
On sea days, many passengers opt for casual clothing such as shorts and t-shirts or casual dresses.
On most cruise lines, for example, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, “cruise casual” is the standard dress code for daytime and evening onboard activities. This means comfortable clothing appropriate for relaxed settings, such as shorts, sundresses, or slacks and a collared shirt.
However, it’s important to note that swimwear and gym clothes are only generally considered cruise casual in designated areas. Alternatively, the Norwegian Cruise Line dress code is highly relaxed and allows guests to wear whatever they want – even swimwear!
No matter what type of clothing you choose to bring on your trip, it is important to ensure it is appropriate for the climate and environment. Lightweight fabrics are often best suited for warm climates, whereas more substantial items may be necessary for cold weather.
Also, remember that certain activities may require different types of attire. Always check with the ship’s staff before embarking so you know exactly what to expect from their specific dress code guidelines.
Formal Night Attire
Now that you know the essential clothing items for a cruise, it’s time to consider what to wear on a formal night. Many cruises have a strict dress code requiring guests to adhere to formal wear.
Depending on the Cruise line, female guests should be prepared with evening or ball gowns; men typically wear a dark suit with a collared shirt or tuxedo and dress shoes.
The formal dress code is usually based on the type of ship and its corresponding decorum. Different ships have different dress codes, and some are stricter than others.
The formal night may also require attendees to make reservations at an onboard restaurant, necessitating dressing up in evening wear. It is essential to check with your specific cruise line in advance so you can plan accordingly and be dressed appropriately for all occasions aboard the ship.
Sunset Chasers are not the type of ladies that typically partake in the formal night. On a recent cruise on MSC, we did wear a cute cocktail dress that was within the dress code for the cruise line.
If Formal night is not your thing, but you still want to dine in the main dining hall, I suggest wearing a maxi dress or party dress that makes you feel comfortable! Even though I love bright colors, you can never go wrong with a black dress on a formal night or for formal dinners at specialty restaurants.
Sea Day Outfits
Optimize sea days by packing casual outfits that can take you from morning to night. Don’t forget to bring a few tank tops and bathing suits – these are practically mandatory!
Tank tops can be dressed up or down, depending on where you’re headed. They look great with anything from shorts and sneakers for a casual afternoon stroll around the deck to a maxi skirt and sandals for dinner.
Remember accessories, too! Consider bringing oversized sunglasses and hats as they are necessary for fashion and protection against the sun in hot weather.
On top of that, having some comfortable shoes will ensure you have no problem exploring different areas of the cruise ship throughout the day. So, break out those fashionable flats or Birkenstocks!
How To Dress Comfortably On The Pool Deck?
When heading to the pool deck, it’s essential to dress comfortably. Flip flops are ideal for footwear as they are lightweight and easy to take on and off around the pool area.
Sandals with straps can also be a good option because they give more stability than flip-flops. Additionally, if you plan on participating in any activities near the pool, then closed-toe shoes may be necessary.
As far as clothing is concerned, casual wear is best suited for the pool deck. Swimsuits or shorts paired with T-shirts are a great combination that won’t restrict your movement while swimming or participating in water sports.
Avoid wearing jeans and other heavy fabrics since these can become uncomfortable when wet and take longer to dry off afterward.
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Theme Nights
Theme nights on board a cruise ship are becoming increasingly popular and a great way to add excitement to your voyage. Whether it’s a Hawaiian Luau or a Black and White Ball, there’s always something for everyone to enjoy.
Most theme nights require a specific dress code, so planning and packing is essential. On Hawaiian Luau night, you may want to dress in brightly colored tropical attire, while guests typically wear elegant formal wear on a Black and White Ball night.
| Cruise Line | |||||||
| Carnival Cruise Line | Signature Rock n Glow Deck Party | Mega Deck Party | White Hot Parties | Latin Dance Party | Formal Night | ||
| Celebrity Cruises | 60s Parties | Motown Party | Latin Party | Rock Masquerade | Silent Disco | White Hot Parties | Formal Night “Evening Chic” |
| Disney Cruise Lines | Pirates Party | Pixar Pals Party | Frozen Party | Formal Night | |||
| MSC Cruises | White Parties | Tropical Party | Flower Glory Party | Brazilian Carnival Party | Space Party | ||
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Latin Nights | Caribbean Night | 50s/60s sock hop | 70s & 80s nights | Country Hoedown | Latin Dance Party | |
| Royal Caribbean | Disco Inferno | Caribbean Party | Formal Night or Masquerade Ball | Black and White Party or Red Party | 50s, 60s, 80s or 90s party | Country Western | Toga Party |
| Virgin Voyages | PJ Party Night | Scarlet Night |
What to wear on Shore Excursions
When going on a cruise, know that you need to make sure you have clothes to go on onshore excursions or at least to walk around the port. There are so many Shore Excursions and activities you can do while off the cruise, so let us dig into what to wear.
Tours and Sightseeing
A large number of Shore excursions offer up tours and Sightseeing. Whether you are wandering around the streets of Europe, bouncing around Key West, or Exploring the Glaciers of Alaska, you want to ensure that you have the right clothes while Sightseeing. One of the best things to pack is comfortable shoes, nice jeans or dresses, and casual clothes that make sense for your port of call.
Beach and Water Activities and Private Island Outfits
If your cruise has a private island, you must bring the proper outfit to the island! Getting off the cruise ship in your bathing suit and cover-up is perfectly acceptable.
Make sure you bring a change of clothes in your beach bag so you can change without worrying about being in a wet bathing suit.
While on the private island, you will want to bring a straw hat, sunglasses, and sandals to wear around the island.
Read our blog post on the best things to do while visiting Bimini while taking a Virgin Voyage!
Cruise Vacation Outfit Ideas For Cold Climates
You must arm yourself with the right clothing items to protect against any and all temperatures you may encounter on your voyage. In the main dining room, it’s best to dress up more than usual. A button-down shirt paired with long trousers or dark jeans will keep you warm while still looking put together.
For women, an elegant blouse can be paired with slacks or a long skirt if desired. Adding a light jacket will help complete the look and provide extra warmth during those cooler evenings at sea.
Layering is essential when heading out onto the deck, as temperatures are often unpredictable when near open water. Consider pairing a light sweater over your shirt, wind-resistant pants, and shoes that won’t easily slip on wet surfaces.
Additionally, a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat can be handy, depending on how chilly it gets outside. This is particularly important if you’re going on an Alaskan cruise! With these few pieces in mind, you’ll be ready for whatever the weather brings while enjoying your cruise vacation in colder climates.
Dressing For A Caribbean Cruise
Cruise casual is the guideline you should aim for on most cruises. That means no jeans or shorts during dinner time. A great way to create your own cruise packing list is to start with a few different outfits containing basics such as khakis, dress pants, button-down shirts, summer dresses, skirts, and blouses. If desired, you can also add some nice accessories like scarves and jewelry.
For those who want to make an extra effort when dressing up for formal nights onboard the ship, several options are available. Men might opt for suits or tuxedos while women could choose from evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or even jumpsuits.
For semi-formal events such as daytime activities around the ship or excursions ashore, try smart casual with light-colored linen trousers paired with colorful tops and sandals.
Tips for Packing for your Cruise
It’s a good idea to plan for your cruise and make sure you have all the necessary items packed. Cruise wear should be comfortable, stylish, and appropriate for any occasion or activity onboard. Pack versatile pieces that can easily transition from day to night activities.
A few essential packing tips are:
- Stick with versatile items like polo shirts, sundresses, and shorts so you can get more use out of them during your trip.
- Consider bringing some comfortable shoes for strolling around on deck and some water shoes if you plan to participate in any watersport activities.
- Bring enough swimsuits so that one is always drying. The general rule of thumb is 2-3.
- Mix-and-match things like tops and bottoms, jackets and skirts.
- Layer clothing as temperatures may vary in different ports of call.
- Include some formal eveningwear if there are special events planned aboard the ship.
- Pack a few pieces of jewelry and accessories – they will help create different looks without adding too much bulk.
- Remember a hat and sunscreen!
Bring enough clothing to last for at least one week, but don’t overpack either – remember that there are laundry facilities onboard many ships these days. If you plan to do laundry, you can always bring your laundry pods and dryer sheets.
Lastly, it’s always wise to watch the weather forecast before setting sail. That way, you know what clothes will work best for each part of your journey.
What Not To Wear On A Cruise?
It’s important to remember your surroundings while dressing appropriately for this type of trip. If there are certain areas within the ship where swimwear is prohibited, avoid wearing revealing clothes, even if they may be fashionable.
Choose garments that reflect who you are but still maintain respectability during your stay onboard the cruise liner – after all, you don’t want to stand out for the wrong reasons!
What to wear on a cruise
As you prepare for your cruise, remember that comfort is the most important part of choosing what to wear. Each type of cruise will require different attire, so ensure you have enough clothing items and accessories for each day at sea.
Always check your cruise line’s dress code and find out what events and special occasions are taking place that might require a particular outfit. Remember to pack something special for a formal night as it’s a great way to show off your style!
No matter where your cruise takes you, having fun should be your top priority. So put together looks that make YOU feel comfortable and stylish! Because, after all, relaxing and enjoying yourself is key to any successful voyage!
