What To Wear on a Cruise: The Ultimate Guide

Happy Sailing! You deserve a vacation and what better way to get away than with a cruise on the high seas? If you are going on a cruise, it’s important to know what to pack and what to wear. 

Whether it’s an island cruise or a chilly “arctic” cruise, I’ve got the ultimate guide on what to bring and what to wear. You will be able to hit the deck perfectly put together after reading this thoughtfully put-together guide.

No matter where the cruise or life may take you, here are all of my top tips on how to style outfits for a cruise line vacation and what to pack for your next adventure.

10 Cruise Outfit Ideas

If you’ve got lots of activities planned on your cruise, you probably don't want to be in heels and an expensive nice dress for the majority of your trip. It’s still important to bring some in case there is a fancier dinner, or the cruise itself has a specific dress code.

Most cruises do have a certain standard of dress code (as well as other cruise ship etiquette guidelines). You can be dressed up wherever you go, but yes, there is a way to do it in style and comfort. For the adventurous cruise-goer, I’ve got five casual outfit ideas so you can have fun in the sun yet still be the best-dressed on that entire boat.

Let’s go:

Rompers 

Rompers (and jumpsuits) are one of the most versatile pieces of clothing you can own, and they are perfect for cruises. Not only are they movable and comfy, but they can be super cute too. Pair this cruise look with a floral romper, a denim jacket, and some strappy sandals. Now, you have a flawless look for a day in the sun.

Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat to complete this outfit for a cute and casual summer look. You can also easily dress up or down this outfit depending on your accessories and how you choose to style it. 

Maxi Skirt + Crop Top 

If there is one place where crop tops are appropriate, it’s a cruise. I recommend pairing your favorite crop top with a maxi skirt for that ultimate “island” feel.

Crop tops are not only great for your confidence, but they help you cool down under the sun's intense rays while you are on the cruise ship. You can’t go wrong with a simple crop top and skirt combo for your next cruise adventure. 

Flowy Dress

Dresses are no doubt an outfit staple when it comes to cruises, and you definitely want to add one that is flowy and breathable. This is also a great chance to dress up a little if you haven't already. Find a long dress that has a thinner fabric that truly blows in the wind to live up to your seaside dreams and truly feel as fancy as you look. 

High Waisted Shorts 

For a look that is as fashionable as it is functional, look no further than a solid pair of high-waisted shorts. High-waisted shorts are super cute and are perfect to bring for a cruise.

Pair this look with a relaxed blouse and your favorite pair of sunnies, and you have a simple and stylish cruise outfit that is as timeless as it is comfy. This is also a fab way to incorporate a subtle pop of color or a slight pattern or fabric into your cruise outfit! 

Fancy + Formal 

Depending on what cruise line you end up on, there may or may not be a specific dress code for dinners and other activities. It’s crucial to know what to wear and what to prepare for.

It’s always a smart idea to bring a fancy outfit or two in case there is the option of a formal dinner. Plus, it always feels good to get a little dressed up and enjoy your vacation to the fullest (and look great while you do it!) 

Bathing Suit + Tied Skirt

If there's one place you can get away with just wearing a bathing suit top and a shirt or skirt around your waist is a cruise. Just pair your favorite bathing suit with a flowy skirt or shorts. It’s a cruise-worthy outfit that is stylish and functional in case you see a pool or have to head on to another activity, like the cruise-ship famous shuffleboard.

It’s a casually cute look that you won’t regret pulling out for a poolside endeavor. Not to mention, with the sun beating down, you will be grateful for the least amount of layers possible (but don’t forget your sunscreen!).

Maxi Dress

Dresses are always a great fashion choice when it comes to cruises. They really toe the line between fancy and casual, so they are great for a variety of occasions. Maxi dresses are an excellent choice for everyday wear on a cruise or even a fancy night as well. 

They could easily double as either, and they inherently feel fancier in nature than maybe another length of dress would. I highly recommend adding a classy maxi dress to your packing list next time you go on a cruise and recommend you explore different colors and patterns for your dress as you begin styling your outfits. 

Little Black Dress

Hey, you never know where the night will take you, and cruise lines have lots of fun and sometimes unique additions like nightclubs. Having a chic little black dress handy is never a bad idea.

Not only do some cruise lines have dress codes, but a lot of them have upscale dining options. It never hurts to have a little black dress on hand for whatever may happen, so you can feel classy and sexy no matter what event is happening. 

Cozy Sweater 

One thing people don’t often realize about cruise lines is that they can get a little chilly at times. Packing your go-to, cozy sweater is never a bad idea, especially if you want to step out and look at the water at night with the wind roaring and the boat rocking. 

Always bring a cozy and fashionable sweater that can be used for a variety of things; you won’t regret it, I promise. 

Prepare for Themes

Oftentimes, cruise lines have themes that are specified before you even purchase a ticket! Be prepared for these and have costumes, outfits, etc., at the ready for whatever fun event the cruise line may be throwing.

Whether or not you are a big costume person, if a cruise line has a theme, it is always fun to join in and commit to a costume for the sake of the cruise and the party joining you.

You can never go wrong with a thoughtfully planned costume or outfit, whether the cruise has a theme or not. But, if they do, it’s always in good taste to plan a costume and join in on the fun and whatever specific events the cruise line has to offer. 

Happy boating!! 

Sources: 

The Little Black Dress: A Hidden History | Latino USA

Cruise Ship Etiquette Tips: A Primer for Before You Sail | Condé Nast Traveler

10 Themed Cruises That Will Have You Ready To Set Sail | TheTravel