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It’s not too casual and looks dressy, while still keeping you warm. No matter when or where your cruise is, a lightweight jacket is a good idea for added warmth on cooler nights or heavy inside air conditioning. Surprisingly my Birkenstock Arizona sandals were my go-to shoe on all my excursions.
What To Wear On A Cruise – FAQ
Keep in mind that I like to dress up no matter what the dress code is. I like to wear lightweight breathable dresses and comfortable walking shoes with a larger day bag to keep all my essentials inside. You’ll need to consider what you’ll wear on the ship during the day, what you’ll wear on port days, and evening attire- which I’ll cover in this post. These are general guidelines for smart and light packing for your cruise outfits for women. Remember, the key is to pack clothes that make you feel good and happy during your cruise.
What Clothing To Pack For Your First Cruise
On a 7 day cruise, you’ll usually have 4-5 casual or smart casual evenings, sometimes called cruise casual. As we mentioned, tuxedos are out of place on almost every mainstream cruise ship these days and you likely won't even see a full suit. For the most part, cruising on mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian (NCL) has become an almost entirely casual affair. That makes packing simpler than the days of stuffing full suits and elegant dresses into your suitcase. You'll also want to consider the destination of your itinerary and how connected you'll need to be on your cruise to gauge your non-clothing packing needs.
Cruise Outfits for Ladies over 50
Aim to bring 2 to 3 pairs of cruise shoes, depending on your plans on and off the ship. Consider everyday shoes, like sandals, sneakers, and flip-flops for excursions. Sandles with some sparkle work well for formal nights—dazzle with comfort. Bring at least one nice outfit for formal nights that makes you feel comfortable and confident. While cocktail dresses are popular, any chic outfit from your closet can work.
Your ticket is booked for a dream vacation – now it’s time to pack! To make it easier to assemble a vacation’s worth of chic and fashionable finds, we've combined all of our favorite resort wear into one convenient section. Our collection isn't limited to just resort wear – find beach wear for your island getaway or cruise wear for your sailing adventures.
But don’t fret if your closet isn’t brimming with tuxedos and ball gowns – a dark suit and a sophisticated little black dress can go a long way. They provide coverage when you’re away from the water and can be a fashionable accessory for your poolside or beachside looks. On dressier nights, you can embrace a more glamorous and refined look. Ladies can opt for a stunning cocktail dress or an elegant evening gown that complements the occasion.
Tote Bag
Now, I am by no means a model, but I have a theory that everyone looks good on a cruise. With that in mind, we've put together a basic (but comprehensive) cruise packing list, including the clothes you'll need as well as the odds and ends you'll want with you as well. Light, airy, and effortlessly chic, this pair is a no-brainer to keep you cool and complete your beachy looks! Readers also share they pack well, are easy to dress up or down, and will stay looking nice throughout your trip. Daytime on a Caribbean cruise means hot and humid weather, beautiful sights, and tons of exciting activities to choose from each day!
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.
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Opt for casual and comfortable attire for daytime activities onboard or during port excursions. T-shirts, shorts, sundresses, and sneakers are perfect options for exploring, lounging, and participating in onboard activities. If you'll be spending your port days shopping, dining, and exploring new cities and towns, you'll need cruise outfit ideas that are both stylish and practical. A flowy top or polo shirt, bright-colored capris or khaki shorts, comfortable shoes, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat will keep you cool during the day. When the sun goes down, dress it up with a button-down shirt, shawl or cardigan.
Pack at least two bathing suits for a cruise to the Caribbean or the summer in the Mediterranean, while one is sufficient for an Alaska cruise. These are versatile for sunbathing on the pool deck and spontaneous pool or jacuzzi dips. A bathing suit is also essential for beaches and water activities at port. The dress code for formal nights on a cruise typically requires guests to wear formal attire, such as a suit and tie for men and a cocktail dress or gown for women.
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Always pack at least one swimsuit for your cruise, even if you aren’t on a hot weather cruise. There are several hot tubs on most cruise ships, and occasionally covered pools. You’ll need socks and closed-toe shoes or sneakers for some of the cruise ship activities. Essential for pool days, a mesh tote bag takes up minimal space and is perfect for carrying your essentials including sunscreen and a book or kindle. Even if you’re not a gym-goer, comfortable sneakers or walking shoes are a must. These are ideal for walks around the ship, activities and exploring in ports of call.
Here is a great example of a casual dinner outfit that doesn’t involve a dress. A pair of nice dark pants and a dressy top and flats will do the job for casual nights. Shore excursion footwear varies from flip-flops or sandals for beach days to comfy sneakers for walks and shore excursions. Alternatives like a jumpsuit or maxi dress can be perfect for a formal night. Aiming for a slightly more dressed-up look than your everyday attire is key. When the weather heats up, they become my default, offering comfort and versatility.

They’re dressy and stylish but will keep your feet much more comfortable than a regular high heel. They’re a step down from a fancy dress but are still elevated and fashionable enough for the evenings. Be ready for all of the fun cruise ship adventures, from the skydive simulator to the waterpark.
Our more formal nights are called “Evening Chic” nights because they’re all about guests looking their absolute best—and loving it. These are the nights when you want to dress up in your most fashion-forward and stylish clothes, while also being elegant and sophisticated. Since flip flops are not allowed in the evening, make sure to bring comfortable shoes or sandals to wear during dinner in the main room.
Men will also be required to cover legs and shoulders at most religious monuments, so be prepared ahead of time and reconsider shorts and tank tops. In general, the same rules apply to men and women when it comes to packing for a cruise. Keep shorts, jeans and pants to a minimum and devote space to fresh shirts, tank tops, polos and what not. On nearly every mainstream cruise line, you can forgo a suit or tuxedo. If you'd like to spiff things up, consider a sport coat, but it's generally not required. Focus on lightweight tops -- tank tops and T-shirts are more than fine all day long, indoors or out.
Whether lounging poolside or exploring exotic locales, understanding what to wear on a cruise during the day is essential to enjoy every moment. Dressing up on a cruise is not mandatory, but it can enhance the overall experience and add to the festive atmosphere onboard. Whether you embrace formal nights or opt for a more relaxed dress code, the key is to feel comfortable and confident in what you wear. Preparing for an upcoming cruise can be stressful, and you must consider what you will wear.