Taking a luxury cruise is an exciting experience, offering everything from sunny days by the pool and fun trips ashore to elegant dinners and theater shows. Your ship acts as a full resort, hosting many events like a casino, a spa, formal restaurants, and casual decks. This wide variety means you must choose your clothes carefully.
Since you have limited space in your suitcase, packing smart is necessary. This naturally brings up the question: What to wear on a cruise ship? This guide will help you understand the different clothes you need. We’ll cover outfits for the many activities and occasions on board, ensuring you’re ready for every part of your special journey.
TL;DR
The clothing you should wear on a cruise is based on three things: the time of day, the place you are on the ship, and the weather at your travel stops. The best way to pack is to plan outfits for three main groups: Daytime Casual, Evening Smart Casual, and Optional Formal Nights. The trick to packing well is choosing clothes that you can mix, match, and wear in layers.
Fun in the Sun: Daytime Casual and Comfortable
During the day, you want clothes that feel comfortable and look good. This style is fine for relaxing on the sun deck, grabbing a quick lunch at the buffet, and most of your trips off the ship.
Attire for the Pool and Sun Lounge
When you are near the water, the focus is on swimwear and sun safety.
- Swimsuits: Bring two or three swimsuits. This lets one dry while you wear another.
- Cover-ups: Use sarongs, flowy dresses, or simple shorts and T-shirts.
- Important Note: Do not wear swimwear in the main dining rooms, specialty restaurants, or any inside area away from the pool deck.
- Footwear: Casual flip-flops or easy sandals.
- Sun Protection: Always include sunglasses and a wide-brimmed or baseball hat.
Attire for Onboard Fun and Lunch
For walking around inside the ship, eating an easy lunch, or doing other activities, choose neat and relaxed clothing.
- Tops: T-shirts, collared polo shirts, tank tops, or simple blouses.
- Bottoms: Shorts, jeans, capri pants, or casual sundresses.
- Shoes: Comfortable sneakers or walking sandals are best. You will want these for days at sea when you walk a lot or for active shore excursions.
- Layers are Important: Always pack a light sweater, cardigan, or light jacket. The air conditioning inside the ship is often set quite cold.
After Sunset: Dinner and Entertainment
Most cruise lines have rules for what you must wear in the main dining room and special restaurants at night. Your evening look should match the high quality of your journey.
1. Smart Casual (The Usual Evening Look)
This dress code is the norm for most nights on the ship. It means dressing a little nicer than you did during the day.
| For Women | For Men |
| Dresses, skirts paired with a nice blouse, clean jeans (no holes) with a stylish top, or dressy pantsuits. | Collared shirts (polo shirts or button-down shirts), nice slacks or chinos, or clean, dark-colored jeans. |
| Footwear: Dressy sandals, heels, wedges, or smart flats. | Footwear: Dress shoes, loafers, or neat sneakers. |
What Not to Wear: Don’t wear shorts, flip-flops, swimwear, tank tops (for men), or baseball caps in the dining rooms for dinner.
2. Evening Chic / Formal Night (1-2 Special Nights)
Most cruises include one or two evenings that are more dressy. These nights are often called “Formal,” “Evening Chic,” or “Dress Your Best”. This is your chance to really dress up!
| For Women | For Men |
| A cocktail dress, a long evening gown, a dressy skirt and blouse set, or an elegant pantsuit. | A suit with a tie, a sports coat or blazer with dress slacks and a collared shirt, or a tuxedo (if you want to be extra fancy). |
Tip: If you do not want to dress up, don’t worry. Most ships offer a casual dinner option, like the buffet or a specific, relaxed restaurant. You can wear the smart casual clothes or even more relaxed outfits there on formal nights.
What to Wear for Shore Excursions
What you wear when you leave the ship at a port depends fully on what you plan to do.
- For Seeing the Sights and Shopping: Wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers. Choose lightweight pants, capris, shorts, and a top that lets your skin breathe.
- For Holy Sites and Museums: Be aware of local customs. You may need to bring a scarf or wrap to cover your shoulders, and wear pants or skirts that cover your knees.
- For Active Fun: For things like hiking or zip-lining, wear active clothing. Athletic shorts or leggings and strong, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes are necessary.
- For the Beach and Water: Wear your swimsuit, a cover-up, and water shoes.
Planning Your Packing Strategy
As an expert travel planner, I always tell people that the smartest way to pack is to bring pieces that can be worn in many ways.
The Power of Versatile Pieces
- Mix and Match: Choose colors that go well together. A pair of black pants can be worn with a T-shirt for a casual look during the day. The same black pants can be worn with a silk blouse and nice jewelry for a Smart Casual dinner.
- Day-to-Night Tops: A simple, stylish blouse can be worn with shorts for lunch. Later, wear the same blouse with dress slacks or a skirt for an evening show.
- Pashminas or Wraps: These are very useful. They add a pop of color, keep you warm in cold rooms, and can cover your shoulders for conservative visits on shore.
What to Pack Beyond Clothes
Do not forget small but important items that make your trip easier:
- Jewelry and Accessories: You can change the entire feel of an outfit with a necklace or a pair of earrings. They take up almost no space.
- Small Purse or Clutch: Bring a nice clutch or small bag for the evenings. This is all you will need for dinner and the theater.
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Protect your skin, and make sure to use reef-safe products if you will be swimming near coral.
- Small Umbrella: Even in sunny places, a sudden rain shower can happen.
- Travel-Sized Detergent: You can wash small items like underwear or swimsuits in your cabin sink. This helps you pack fewer of those items.
The Carry-On Trick
Always pack one full extra outfit in your carry-on bag, just in case your checked luggage is delayed. This outfit should include a swimsuit, a casual daytime outfit, and clothes for a smart casual dinner. This simple step gives you peace of mind so you can relax right when you step onto the ship.
Design Your Perfect Journey With Labbé Travel
Packing for your cruise is the first part of planning a perfect trip. We know that the best luxury travel comes from attention to every detail, ensuring your experience is as special as possible. This is where the Labbé Travel difference comes in.
At Labbé Travel, we specialize in creating custom journeys that take you to the most luxurious corners of the world38. Caroline Labbé, our founder, is a true expert in high-end travel. She has traveled to the most exclusive places and uses that knowledge to find only the best experiences for you39.
We want your time to be spent enjoying your vacation, not worrying about the small things. Let us help you plan the whole experience.
We can assist with:
- Choosing the cruise line and itinerary that best fit your style.
- Booking the finest cabin or suite for your comfort.
- Giving you a customized checklist that perfectly matches your cruise and destination dress codes.
Your journey is waiting. Do you want to work with an expert to design a cruise experience that reflects your personal vision and delivers an extraordinary, seamless adventure? Contact us today to start planning your dream voyage.