dress for cruise trip

40+ Fashionable Cruise Dresses: The Ultimate Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to selecting the perfect cruise dresses! Embarking on a cruise means stepping into a world of both relaxation and elegance.

Whether you’re lounging on the deck or attending a glamorous dinner, the right cruise dress can enhance your experience. Let’s dive in!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure  here .

Cruise Sun Dresses

Women’s Flowy Casual Mini Dress

Price: $39.99

Where to Buy: Amazon

Experience comfort and elegance in this flowy dress, crafted from high-quality, ultra-soft fabric that keeps you cool in style. With flutter sleeves, a V-neck, and chic design details, it’s the perfect choice for a fashionable and comfortable look.

Women’s Summer Dress

Price: $28.99

Where to Buy:  Amazon

Whether you’re planning a casual day out, a day out at port, a beach trip, or just your daily routine, these cruise dresses are the perfect choice. Additionally, their soft and comfortable fabric ensures you’ll feel at ease throughout the day.

Women’s Summer Maxi

Price: $24.99 – $28.99

This elegant ruffle maxi dress, with its versatile design and comfortable material, is the perfect choice for a wide range of occasions. Whether it’s a casual day out, a romantic date, a day in port, a fun dinner, or any special event, this dress effortlessly fits the bill, ensuring you look and feel your best.

Womens Summer Backless Dress

Price: $35.99 – $36.99

This dress is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions. From relaxing beach outings and memorable cruise adventures, elegant evenings out, and even glamorous formal nights, it effortlessly combines versatility and style, ensuring you’re impeccably dressed for any event on your calendar.

Women’s Summer Boho Dress

Price: $40.99 – $44.99

With its comfortable, slightly stretchy fabric, this summer boho maxi dress is perfect for various occasions. Featuring charming floral prints, spaghetti straps, a square neck, and cottagecore-inspired details like knot shoulders and ruffles, it’s ideal for travel, vacations, beach outings, casual weekends, and daily summer wear.

Beach Dress for Women

Price: $36.99

Whether you’re strolling on the deck, enjoying a dinner by the sea, or exploring exotic ports of call, this dress offers the versatility and ease of wear that’s well-suited for a cruise adventure. Its stylish design and practical features make it a convenient and fashionable choice, ensuring you can enjoy your cruise in style and comfort.

Women’s Summer Sleeveless Dress

This dress is a must-have for cruise vacations, offering the perfect attire for your onboard and onshore adventures. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, exploring exotic destinations, or attending evening events, its versatility and comfort make it an ideal choice for a cruise wardrobe.

Women’s Summer Sundress

Price: $35.99

This halter neck, backless, mini dress with waist ruching, floral print, and convenient pockets is the ultimate choice for your cruise wardrobe this season. Whether you’re attending a cocktail party, a beach outing, or simply hanging out onboard, this dress is versatile and stylish.

Tropical Dresses

Price: $27.91

This midi ruffle dress is the ideal choice for your cruise wardrobe, offering versatility to dress it up or down as per your day’s plans. Whether you’re exploring ashore or enjoying onboard activities, you can effortlessly style this dress with heels or sandals, a sun hat, and a clutch, ensuring you look chic and comfortable throughout your cruise vacation.

Women’s Floral Maxi Dress

Price: $46.99

This elegant summer maxi dress is a cruise essential that fulfills your summer fashion desires. With options in five beautiful colors, it features an off-shoulder style that highlights your shoulders and a feminine floral print, making it the perfect choice to stand out during your cruise vacation.

Women Loose Fit Wrap Dress

Price: $42.99

This short sleeve cover-up dress is an excellent addition to your cruise wardrobe. It’s designed to complement swimsuits, bikinis, and beachwear, making it perfect for beach and poolside outings. Whether you’re strolling on the street, taking photos, or enjoying the scenic beauty during your cruise vacation, this versatile dress is a great choice.

Womens V Neck Wrap Dress

Price: $32.99

This sexy long maxi dress with a flattering v-neck design is a cruise essential, showcasing your elegant neckline while providing practicality with adjustable spaghetti straps and side pockets. Its vibrant floral print makes it versatile for different cruise occasions, whether you’re headed to the beach, a casual outing, a party, or a wedding as a guest, making it the perfect choice for your vacation wardrobe.

Womens Casual Short Sleeve Dress

Price: $49.98

Whether you’re lounging on the beach, attending a poolside party, exploring outdoor destinations, or enjoying evening cocktails, this dress is perfect for various cruise occasions, making it an ideal outfit for your summer vacation.

Womens Tropical A Line Dress

Price: $38.69

This tropical tree short sleeve off-the-shoulder midi beach summer dress is an excellent addition to your cruise wardrobe, offering versatility for various cruise occasions.

Women’s Summer Wrap Maxi Dress

Price: $47.99

This versatile maxi dress is a must-have for your cruise wardrobe, suitable for beach vacations, outdoor activities, parties, and more during the spring and summer. You can easily style it with heels, sandals, or layer it with a jacket and boots for different cruise occasions.

Women’s Boho Floral Print Dress

Price: $40.99

This off-shoulder ditsy floral dress is a versatile addition to your cruise wardrobe, perfect for a range of cruise occasions. Whether it’s a sunny day by the pool, a casual evening, a wedding celebration, or a formal event during your cruise, this dress is an ideal choice for your summer vacation.

Formal Cruise Dresses

Women’s Long Formal Dress

Price: $62.99

This elegant formal cruise dress is designed for women who want to make a statement. With its one-shoulder design featuring a bow, a thigh-high split highlighting slender legs, and a maxi length that exudes elegance, it’s perfect for formal cruise events.

Women’s Summer Formal Dress

Price: $44.99

This dress is a perfect choice for cruise formal nights, offering a variety of plain colors that allow you to mix and match accessories for different looks. The delicate ruffles create a soft and romantic appearance, ensuring you look charming and attractive during your cruise formal events.

Women’s Plunging Formal Dress

Price: $52.99

The unique embroidered floral pattern on sheer mesh adds chic appeal, and when paired with high heels and accessories, it’s suitable for cruise formal nights, parties, dinners, and other festive cruise occasions.

Womens One Shoulder Sleeveless Dress

Price: $41.99

This formal dress is an excellent choice for cruise occasions, featuring one shoulder with a sleeveless design, ruffle detail, and an elegant empire waist. The soft and stretchy material ensures a perfect fit, highlighting your body curves beautifully.

Womens Long Satin Dress

This versatile dress is perfect for cruise formal night occasions and can be styled with boots, high heels, sandals, and accessories. Whether you’re attending a cruise party, dinner, formal night, or enjoying a casual evening, this dress showcases your charm with its empire waist, side slit, and mock neck design, making it a valuable addition to your cruise formal night wardrobe.

Womens Long V-Neck Dress

Price: $49.99

This dress is an excellent choice for cruise formal nights, featuring a sexy v-neck, elegant ruched high waist, and a comfortable, lightweight design. Perfect for formal or semi-formal cruise occasions like cruise parties, dinners, and formal nights, it pairs beautifully with accessories to capture attention.

Women’s Sequin Formal Dress

Price: $66.99

This glamorous short-sleeve party dress with sparkling sequins and an asymmetric one-shoulder design is perfect for cruise formal events like themed parties, dinners, and formal nights. You can easily pair it with heels or sandals for an elegant and dazzling look.

Women’s Elegant Formal Dress

Price: $69.99 – $92.99

This cruise formal dress, with its charming chiffon design, double v-neck, and side slit, is perfect for various cruise occasions, such as formal dinners, evening parties, and formal night events. It allows you to look stunning and stylish while enjoying your cruise, making it a versatile choice for onboard events.

Rompers/Jumpsuits

Women’s Casual Summer Romper

Price: $19.99

This stylish romper with a sleeveless strap design and a loose waist is perfect for cruise occasions. Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or on vacation, it showcases your elegant style and offers versatile matching options for a comfortable and fashionable look during your cruise.

Relipop Women’s Floral Romper

Price: $28.99 – $37.99

This stylish cruise floral romper with a deep v-neck and ruffle hem is perfect for various cruise occasions. Made from high-quality polyester, it’s lightweight and comfortable. You can pair it with sandals, heels, and accessories for a fashionable look during your cruise.

Women’s Casual Loose Jumpsuit

Price: $32.88

This versatile romper is perfect for cruise occasions, with its one-piece sleeveless design, wide-leg pants, and side pockets. Whether you’re headed to the beach, exploring the city, or enjoying a cocktail evening, it’s a stylish and comfortable choice for your summer cruise adventures.

Women’s Tie Front Romper

Price: $19.99 – $24.97

This romper is a versatile choice for cruise occasions, whether you’re attending a cruise party, relaxing on the beach, or enjoying casual wear onboard. Its stylish design with a sexy v-neck and floral print adds a chic touch to your cruise wardrobe, making it suitable for various cruise activities and events.

Meyeeka Knit Romper

Price: $38.99

This Meyeeka sweater romper is a cozy and stylish choice for cruise occasions, made from high-quality knitted material that’s soft and comfortable. With features like a crewneck, long sleeves, and an oversize design, it’s perfect for casual outings, parties, and streetwear during your cruise.

Women’s Summer Straps Romper

Price: $43.99

This trendy jumpsuit with one-shoulder straps and a high waist is a must-have for cruise occasions, offering a fashionable and cute travel outfit. Whether you’re attending a cocktail party, wedding, or simply enjoying your cruise vacation, it showcases your sexy and elegant shape, making it a versatile choice for various cruise activities and events.

Women’s Short Overalls Romper

Price: $29.99

Whether you’re heading to the beach or running daily errands onboard, you can pair this romper with various tops and footwear, ensuring a simple and chic look that exudes sophistication and comfort during your cruise.

Women’s Beach Ruffles Romper

This Valphsio jumpsuit is a versatile choice for cruise occasions, crafted from lightweight and soft fabric with a unique back zipper design for easy wearing. It features a deep v neckline and flared wide legs, making it suitable for cruise parties or pairing with hats and boots for a chic spring and summer look during your cruise.

Women’s Smocked Wide-Leg Romper

This versatile romper with decorated buttons, adjustable waist belt, and spaghetti straps is perfect for cruise occasions. It suits various activities during your cruise, from daily wear to holidays, and can be effortlessly paired with hats and bags for added style.

Swimsuit Cover Dresses

Women Swimsuit Crochet Dress

This cruise cover-up dress is an ideal choice, featuring a round neck, mini dress length, long sleeves, and a knit crochet design for a sheer beach cover-up look. Whether you’re heading to the beach, poolside tanning salon, or a water park during your cruise, it’s a perfect outfit to complement your swimwear.

Blooming Jelly Womens Coverup

This cruise dress with a deep v-neck and bell sleeves is perfect for various occasions, including swimming, beach outings, and vacations. Its simple A-line style makes it easy to match with shoes and bags, and it’s versatile as a summer sundress, beach cover-up, or casual beach dress.

Womens Open Front Coverup

This kimono cover-up is a stylish choice for your cruise, featuring an open-front design with bohemian tie-dye stripes. Made from soft and comfortable fabric, it’s suitable for beach outings, swimming pools, and cruise daily activities, making it a versatile addition to your cruise attire.

Womens Hollow Out Coverup

Price: $11.49 – $24.99

This cover-up is an essential addition to your cruise wardrobe, made from soft and breathable lightweight fabric that’s easy to wear. Whether you’re heading to the beach, pool, honeymoon, or water park during your cruise, this cover-up is a must-have for your wonderful vacation.

Womens Cover Ups Crochet

This cover-up is a perfect choice for cruise occasions, made from soft and comfortable crochet knit stretch fabric that fits various body shapes. It’s easy to pair with swimwear, making it a must-have for vacation, beach outings, and poolside activities during your cruise.

Womens Swimsuit Coverup

Price: $18.88 – $22.94

This swim cover-up is a versatile choice for cruise occasions, featuring a simple and generous A-line style that’s easy to pair with shoes and bags. It’s suitable for various activities such as beach outings and swimming pools, with the added convenience of two side pockets to carry small items.

Blooming Jelly Crochet Coverup

Price: $24.99

This crochet swim cover-up is a stylish choice for your cruise, featuring a round neckline, long sleeves with hollow-out design, and a thigh-length cut to showcase your body. It’s ideal for beach, pool, and water park outings during your cruise, and it also makes a thoughtful holiday gift for your loved ones.

Dos and Don’ts of Cruise Dresses

Do’s:.

• Do Check the Dress Code: Always check the specific cruise line’s dress code . Each cruise may have different guidelines for casual, semi-formal, and formal nights .
• Do Opt for Versatility: Choose dresses that can be dressed up or down with accessories. This way, you can adapt to different occasions without overpacking.
• Do Consider Comfort: Select dresses that are comfortable for extended wear. Think about breathable fabrics and comfortable fits, especially for daytime activities.
• Do Pack a Formal Option: Even if it’s just one, bring a formal dress for special evenings like captain’s dinners or gala nights.
• Do Think About Layers: Be prepared for varying temperatures. A light shawl or cardigan can be perfect for cooler evenings on the deck.
• Do Play with Color and Patterns: Cruises are a great opportunity to wear vibrant colors and fun patterns that reflect the joy and relaxation of a holiday.
• Do Choose Wrinkle-Resistant Fabrics: Look for fabrics that are less prone to wrinkling , as it can be challenging to iron clothes on a cruise ship.

Don’ts:

• Don’t Overpack: Avoid packing too many dresses. Consider the length of your cruise and plan outfits that can be mixed and matched.
• Don’t Ignore Comfort for Style: While looking great is important, don’t sacrifice comfort, especially for dresses you’ll wear all day.
• Don’t Forget About Footwear: Avoid choosing dresses that don’t match the shoes you’ve packed. Comfortable yet stylish footwear is essential.
• Don’t Disregard Cultural Sensitivities: If your cruise stops in various countries, be mindful of local customs and dress codes, especially in religious or traditional sites.
• Don’t Overlook Daytime Attire: Remember that daytime on a cruise is just as important. Pack casual dresses suitable for excursions and relaxing on the ship.
• Don’t Neglect Dress Length: For formal nights, a longer dress might be more appropriate, whereas shorter dresses can be ideal for casual settings.
• Don’t Underestimate the Wind: On a cruise ship, it can be windy. Choose dresses that won’t easily fly up and cause discomfort or embarrassment.

By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure a stylish, comfortable, and appropriate wardrobe for your cruise adventure.

Understanding Cruise Dress Code

One of the exciting aspects of a cruise vacation is dressing up for different occasions on board.

Cruise dress codes can vary from one cruise line to another and even between different ships within the same cruise line.

To ensure you’re prepared for any dress code scenario during your cruise, it’s essential to understand the different dress codes and pack accordingly.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the cruise dress code:

Casual Wear

• Daytime: During the day, casual attire such as shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, swimwear, and flip-flops are generally acceptable. However, make sure to cover up when you’re not at the pool or beach when on board.
• Evenings: For casual dinners and evenings, resort casual attire is typically recommended. This includes slacks, khakis, jeans, blouses, polo shirts, and casual dresses. Comfortable footwear like sandals or closed-toe shoes is also suitable.

Smart Casual or Resort Casual

• Daytime: Similar to casual wear, resort casual attire works well during the day.
• Evenings: For smart casual dinners and evenings, men can opt for collared shirts, dress slacks, and loafers. Women may choose from dresses, skirts, dressy tops, or tailored pants. Avoid jeans, t-shirts, and flip-flops in the dining areas.

Formal or Elegant Evenings

• Daytime: Even on formal nights, daytime attire remains casual.
• Evenings: On formal or elegant evenings, cruise lines often encourage passengers to dress up. Men can wear tuxedos, suits, or dress shirts and ties. Women can choose from evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or elegant pantsuits. Remember to pack appropriate footwear, such as dress shoes or heels.

Themed Nights

• Many cruises host themed nights, such as tropical or 80s-themed parties. These provide a fun opportunity to get creative with your wardrobe and join in the festivities.

Specialty Dining

• Some cruise lines offer specialty dining venues with dress codes that may require more formal attire. Be sure to check in advance if you plan to dine in these restaurants.

Practical Considerations

• Don’t forget to pack swimwear, cover-ups, and appropriate footwear for poolside lounging and shore excursions.
• Consider the climate and itinerary of your cruise. If you’re visiting cooler destinations, bring appropriate layers and outerwear.
• Comfortable walking shoes are essential for shore excursions and exploring ports of call.

Cruise Line Specifics

• Each cruise line has its own dress code policy, so it’s crucial to review their guidelines before packing. Some cruise lines are more relaxed, while others have stricter dress codes for formal nights.

Laundry and Dry Cleaning

• Most cruise ships offer laundry and dry-cleaning services (at a cost). This allows you to re-wear clothing and pack lighter.

Packing Tips

• Plan your outfits in advance to ensure you have appropriate attire for each day and evening.
• Roll your clothes to save space in your suitcase and minimize wrinkles.
• Don’t forget accessories like jewelry, scarves, and belts to elevate your outfits.

Remember that cruise dress codes are intended to enhance the overall experience and atmosphere on board.

While adhering to the dress code, also focus on comfort and personal style to make the most of your cruise vacation. By packing a variety of clothing options, you’ll be well-prepared for any dress code scenario during your cruise.

FAQs on Cruise Dresses

Cruise dress codes and attire expectations can sometimes be confusing, especially for first-time cruisers.

To help you better understand what to wear on your cruise vacation, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:

1. What is the dress code for a cruise?

• Cruise dress codes can vary widely depending on the cruise line, ship, and specific dining venues. They typically include casual, smart casual, formal, and themed dress nights.

2. How many formal nights are there on a cruise?

• The number of formal or elegant nights on a cruise can vary, but it’s common to have one or two formal nights on a week-long cruise. Some cruise lines have optional formal nights, while others may require formal attire.

3. Can I skip formal night on a cruise?

• While you can choose not to participate in formal night activities, dining in the main dining rooms may require adherence to the dress code. Specialty dining venues often offer more flexibility.

4. What should I wear on casual nights?

• Casual nights typically allow for resort-style clothing, such as khakis, slacks, dresses, and casual tops. Avoid swimwear, tank tops, and flip-flops in dining areas.

5. What is smart casual attire for a cruise?

• Smart casual attire includes collared shirts, dress slacks, dresses, skirts, and dressy tops. It’s a step up from casual wear but not as formal as elegant attire.

6. What should I wear on formal nights?

• On formal nights, men can wear tuxedos, suits, or dress shirts with ties. Women may choose from evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or elegant pantsuits.

7. Can I wear jeans on a cruise ship?

• While jeans are generally discouraged in dining venues on formal and smart casual nights, many cruise lines permit them in casual dining areas during the evening.

8. Are themed nights common on cruises?

• Yes, many cruises host themed nights like tropical or 80s-themed parties. These are fun opportunities to get creative with your wardrobe.

9. Can I do laundry on a cruise ship?

• Most cruise ships offer laundry and dry-cleaning services, making it convenient to re-wear clothing and pack lighter.

10. How can I avoid overpacking for my cruise?

• Plan your outfits in advance, focusing on mix-and-match pieces. Check the cruise itinerary to pack appropriately for shore excursions and varying climates.

11. What should I wear on a cruise shore excursion?

• Dress comfortably and consider the activity. For beach excursions, bring swimwear and cover-ups. For city tours, wear comfortable walking shoes and lightweight clothing.

12. Can I wear shorts in the main dining room on a cruise?

• On casual and smart casual nights, cruise lines often permit shorts in the main dining room. However, it’s best to check the specific cruise line’s policy.

13. Can I wear flip-flops to dinner on a cruise?

• While flip-flops are suitable for casual daytime wear, they are typically discouraged in dining areas during dinner service.

14. Should I pack formal attire for a cruise with no formal nights?

• It’s still a good idea to bring some dressier clothing for specialty dining or themed nights, even if there are no formal dress code nights on your cruise.

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Cruise Outfits to Wear on Your Next Cruise Vacation (2024)

Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links, which at no cost to you I may earn a small commission.

Cruise Outfits for Women

Having trouble figuring out what exactly to wear on a cruise? You’ve come to the right place. In this post, I’ll share cruise outfits for women that I’ve worn on my past cruises as a Millennial cruiser, and give you inspiration on your cruise wardrobe.

In the past few years, I’ve been on 8+ cruises, and each time I’ve perfected all the outfits you’d need to pack for your cruise.

I’ve been on all kinds of itineraries from shorter Caribbean cruises to long Mediterranean cruises, and from my experience, the cruise outfits generally stay the same.

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.

So whether this is your first cruise or if you are a seasoned cruiser, I hope you find some new inspiration for your upcoming cruise with these new cruise outfits.

Read More: – For a more comprehensive list of what to pack for a cruise, read my ultimate cruise packing list that covers everything you’d need to bring (plus things you wouldn’t even think about but make a HUGE difference)

Daytime Cruise Outfits

Embarkation day cruise outfits.

The first day of your cruise is exciting! You’re getting accustomed to your new home at sea with lots of exploring and finding a delicious cocktail.

Now before the fun of exploring, keep in mind you’ll be doing a lot of waiting around to get on the ship, plus going through security, and perhaps waiting for your room to be ready.

For embarkation day I would plan on wearing a casual outfit with lighter materials with layers- or even your airplane outfit . Something lightweight, yet appropriate to wear wandering around the ship.

I wouldn’t worry too much about what to wear on Embarkation day, but having a swimsuit ready to go is a great idea.

Pro Tip: Wear a swimsuit underneath your clothing with a stylish coverup and take advantage of the resort deck pool while everyone gets settled or hits up the buffet. It will feel like you’ve added an extra day on to your cruise!

What to wear on a Cruise Sea Day

Stick to casual clothing during the day on a cruise. A typical sea day on a cruise begins with breakfast, you can wear casual items like t-shirts, jean shorts, etc.

I like to wear cute sets, or shorts and a cute top that’s easy to throw on when heading to the breakfast buffet. This is the least formal part of your cruise, but I would avoid walking around in your pajamas .

After that, you’ll probably walk around the ship or head to the resort deck which you’ll need to bring a bathing suit and beach coverup .

I always like to bring a larger tote bag so I can stick in all my essentials that I would need for a full pool day like sunscreen, a book, a water bottle, and extra clothes if I decide to swim.

Just think about wearing classic resort casual wear for the daytime.

Not sure what resort casual wear is? I have a full post that explains it. Read What is resort casual wear & how to wear it .

Now in the early evening after lounging on the resort deck, I like to wear a nice sundress or something a little dressy to have a sunset cocktail in. Thankfully for us ladies, I can usually wear the same dress to dinner without a problem.

What to Wear on a Caribbean Cruise Excursion

I find a lot of Caribbean shore excursions involve lots of water activities like swimming & snorkeling, or boat excursions.

For a Caribbean cruise excursion, I would wear a swimsuit plus a coverup , and additional dry clothes if you want to change into something more comfortable after your day in the water, especially for warm destinations.

If you are not headed on a water excursion, wear casual clothing like sundresses , shirts, and shorts in light breathable materials like linen, cotton, or jersey.

Plus a comfortable pair of shoes you can easily walk around in for different terrain.

I took a cooking class in St. Kitts on a cruise excursion. I wore a casual top and shorts and everyone else wore something similar. Keep in mind that Caribbean islands are hot and humid.

What to Wear on a Mediterranean Cruise Excursion

Here are some Cruise outfit ideas I wore on my Mediterranean cruise excursions in Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Montenegro.

If you are going on a Mediterranean cruise, your ports of call and excursions tend to be a bit different than a Caribbean Cruise.

Instead of mostly swim & snorkel excursions you’d find on a Caribbean cruise, Mediterranean cruises have more city sightseeing excursions that involve a lot of walking , touring, and being in a city center.

For example, if you stop in Naples Itay, you could explore the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Naples, and even Pompei which all involve different kinds of daytime outfits.

I like to wear lightweight breathable dresses and comfortable walking shoes with a larger day bag to keep all my essentials inside.

Surprisingly my Birkenstock Arizona sandals were my go-to shoe on all my excursions. I even climbed a mountain in Kotor Montenegro in them and they were still comfortable afterward.

Evening Cruise Outfits

To be honest, I think that the ladies have an easier time with evening cruise outfits because mostly anything goes as long as it’s dressy. Darker-colored sundresses , cocktail dresses , or even pants with a dressy top will work.

Men on the other hand have more rules like long pants and collared shirts.

Like I previously mentioned, after lounging at the pool deck, I like to get dressed up in a nice sundress to have a sunset cocktail before dinner. I usually head straight to dinner in the same dress and never had any problems.

Casual Dinner Outfits

I find that a lot more cruises are ditching formal dinners and instead have an “evening chic” dress code which can mean dressing elegant and sophisticated in your way.

Here are some examples of “casual” dinner cruise outfits. Keep in mind that I like to dress up no matter what the dress code is.

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.

Formal Dinner Outfits

Here are some examples of formal dinner cruise outfits for the main dining room I’ve worn on recent cruises:

Some cruise lines have “ formal ” nights, but even in recent years the strictness of the dress code has become more lax . Formal dress codes for ladies include cocktail dresses, elegant skirts, and evening-wear blouses.

But if you still want to wear a formal evening gown, it’s welcome. It’s a great excuse to dress up a little.

Double-check which cruise line you are cruising with to see the exact evening dress code.

What to wear on a cruise

No matter if you are going on a Caribbean Cruise or a Mediterranean cruise, here are things you should pack for your next cruise.

Pack sundresses to wear during the day, early evening, and perhaps dinner. These can be flowy maxi dresses or shorter styles. My favorite Amazon Maxi dress looks more expensive than it is and works great on a cruise.

Bonus tip: find dresses in non-wrinkle materials such as jersey material so you won’t have to worry about trying to get the wrinkles out.

Swimwear & Cover-ups:

You will be living in a swimsuit & coverup on your cruise, so be sure you bring your favorites. I love this one piece from Amazon . It’s flattering on any body type, comes in multiple colors, and looks expensive.

This beach coverup from Amazon is also one of my favorites. It’s in a nice cotton gauze-like material and looks so sophisticated.

Lightweight Jacket / Scarf

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. This could be a denim jacket, a lightweight sweater, or shall.

I’d recommend going for an extra-large scarf or sweater that still can be worn over your shoulders during the evening. It’s not too casual and looks dressy, while still keeping you warm.

Dark Pants / Jeans:

Be sure to bring a dark pair of pants or jeans if you don’t want to wear dresses to dinner. Dark pant goes with any dressy top, and it’s a basic you can wear more than once on your cruise.

Evening Dress

A nice evening dress is essential for any cruise. I find that a little black dress is a perfect item to bring because it’s dressy and easy to pack.

Some of my favorite evening dresses from Amazon .

A pair of sandals that you can easily slip on and off are a must. Ideally, bring a pair that you don’t mind getting wet – especially if you plan on going to the resort pool deck or any water excursion.

You can bring heels, but keep in mind that you’ll be doing plenty of walking on cruise ships, and most of the time they are carpeted. If your heels are uncomfortable on land, they will be uncomfortable at sea.

A great compromise is a shorter kitten heel, a wedge, or a dressy flat.

A pair of white sneakers go with everything and are comfortable to put on after wearing sandals for so many days. These are great to have for strenuous activities, adventurous excursions, and exploring ports of call.

Read next :  23 Best White Sneakers For Women You Can Wear All Day

Sun Hat & Pair of Sunglasses

Don’t forget your accessories like a sun hat and a pair of sunglasses. To avoid your hat getting blown away by the wind, find one with a chin strap.

You’d be surprised at how many things you need to bring with you when you leave your cruise cabin.

I love bringing a stylish tote bag to throw all my essentials for the day inside like sunscreen, book, phone or tablet, an extra change of clothes, towel, etc.

I recommend this stylish tote from Amazon that I wore on my recent cruise. Or I love a sturdy canvas tote that goes with any outfit.

Mens Cruise Outfits

I can’t leave the men hanging, so here are some men’s cruise outfit ideas:

Men’s Day Outfits

During the day, men can wear casual clothing like swim trunks and a neutral shirt that is acceptable for the breakfast buffet and the resort deck.

Men’s Evening Cruise Outfits

Now unfortunately for the men, the evening cruise line dress code applies mostly to men.

Cruises suggest men wear in general long pants or nice jeans, a collared dress shirt, and dress shoes.

For Formal Nights : Men should wear dress slacks, a collared shirt, and a sports coat. A tux or suit is optional, but double-check the specifics from your cruise line.

@danaberez Some outfits i packed for my cruise vacation #cruiseoutfits #vacationoutfitinspo #cruiseoutfitideas ♬ BLING BLING – ALTÉGO

Cruise Outfits FAQ:

How many outfits to pack per day on a cruise.

I would pack two outfits per day on a cruise- something to wear during the day either on board or at a port of call, and something a bit dressier for the evening. Now you can wear a swimsuit & coverup more than once on your vacation, so keep that in mind when you’re packing.

Do you dress up for dinner on a cruise?

Generally yes, you do dress up for dinner on a cruise. However, a lot of cruises are dropping the mandatory “formal” night where you had to dress to the nines in black tie attire. Instead, you’ll find smart casual, or evening chic dress codes in place for dinner.

What are the best clothes to wear on a cruise?

You’ll want to wear something comfortable and casual during the day. Don’t forget your swimsuit for excursions or lounging at the resort deck. And add something a bit dressy for the evening.

What NOT to wear on a cruise?

Now there are a few things not to wear on a cruise that pertain mostly to the evening. Flip flops, swimsuits tank tops, and shorts are generally not allowed inside restaurants during dinner.

Another thing to keep in mind is your footwear. Cruise ships are huge and you’ll be doing a surprising amount of walking (especially if your cabin is on the opposite of the buffet) Don’t wear shoes you can’t walk in like super high heels , etc.

Let’s Sum it up on Cruise Outfits

I hope you found this post helpful for packing for your next cruise vacation. To sum it up here are things you need to think about when packing for cruise outfits.

• During the day you’ll want to bring something to wear around the cruise ship. Think comfortable and casual.
• Bring a swimsuit + coverup for days on the resort deck.
• I always recommend bringing something easy to throw on for quick runs to the buffet, especially in the morning for coffee!

Pro tip: bring a reusable insulated water bottle to fill up with coffee, water (or cocktails) to keep warm or cold throughout your cruise.

• During the evening pack something a bit dressier. For ladies that can be dark pants and a dressy top or a nice dress. Men should bring long pants and a collared shirt for dinner time.

Headed on a Cruise? – Read these posts next:

The Ultimate Cruise Packing List

Amazon Travel Essentials

What is resort Casual Wear?

Cruise Reviews:

Virgin Voyages Review

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Dana Berez is a fashion and travel blogger with a focus on affordable style and outfit ideas, especially when traveling. Dana Berez has been featured on the Wall Street Journal, CNN Underscored, Apartment Therapy and more! Plus , you can also watch Dana on Youtube for fashion hauls and travel guides that has over 9 million views.

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What to wear on a cruise: Cruise attire and cruise line dress codes

Editor's Note

Have you ever had that nightmare where you're at work, in school or giving an important presentation only to look down to discover you're only wearing underwear (or worse, nothing at all)? If you're new to vacationing at sea, knowing how to dress for a cruise can be confusing and just as potentially embarrassing if you're not prepared.

Packing acceptable attire for a cruise is simple if you remember a few general rules. Here, I'll break down some safe options if you're unsure, and I'll give an overview of the cruise dress codes for each of the "big eight" cruise lines.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

What do people wear on a cruise?

You can't go wrong with resort-casual clothing for sea days when you'll remain on board your ship. Although some lines will be more or less casual than that, it's a good baseline. What is "resort casual" though?

Khaki pants or shorts with loose-fitting, short-sleeved button-down shirts or even nice, plain T-shirts work well for men. Women might opt for khaki shorts or palazzo pants with a nice top or a sundress. In most cases, nice jeans (dark wash with no holes) will also work well.

On most ships, this clothing will also be acceptable at night in the main dining rooms. For extra-fee restaurants, you might choose to dress up a bit more. Collared shirts or long-sleeved button-downs are acceptable for men, and slacks with a blouse or a dress for women are acceptable.

For formal nights, which are optional on many lines' ships, men will want to bring a collared, button-down shirt at the bare minimum. For something a little more snazzy, bring a jacket to wear over your shirt, with or without a tie. Some men opt for suits or tuxes. For women, pantsuits and dressy pants outfits are a great choice, as are party dresses or even ball gowns.

Although most lines have eased dress codes on formal or "elegant" nights, jeans are generally not allowed in the main dining rooms. Cut-off shorts, baseball caps and flip-flops are banned at all times — not just on formal nights — during dinner in the main dining rooms.

Related: 7 cruise ship packing mistakes you want to avoid at all costs

Another key piece of clothing to bring is a bathing suit. Whether you're headed to a warm-weather destination and plan to laze by the pool or on the beach, or you're visiting somewhere chilly but want to take advantage of your vessel's hot tubs, it's an item you won't want to forget. Note that cover-ups are required for entry at all restaurants and dining rooms, with the exception of walk-up poolside window-service venues.

For shore excursions — particularly those in more rugged or active destinations that require a lot of walking — comfortable, casual clothing and sturdy footwear are a must. Bring layers for cold climates and moisture-wicking fabrics for places where it's warm or where you expect to work up a sweat.

Finally, check to see if your cruise line has any special theme nights planned. If so, you might want to pack an outfit for the white party or '80s night.

Carnival cruise dress code

Carnival is one line where casual is the name of the game. Passengers will be fine in jeans, T-shirts, tank tops, shorts and bathing suits for their days on board or ashore.

At night, nice jeans and nice tops are perfect for eating in the main dining rooms.

On Carnival cruise formal nights, known as "cruise elegant" nights, cruisers wear everything from slacks with nice shirts to tuxes and ball gowns. However, most passengers stick to clothes that fall somewhere in the middle.

Voyages of six nights or longer will have two "cruise elegant" nights, while those five nights or shorter will see only one.

Celebrity Cruises dress code

Celebrity Cruises maintains a dress code that's best described as chic-casual. The demographic on board tends to be a bit more upscale than what you'll find on Carnival, Royal Caribbean or Norwegian. That means khaki shorts with nice button-downs are more common than jean shorts and tank tops, although you won't be out of place in the latter.

For dinner, you'll want to dress it up even more, as the line has a smart-casual dress code at night in most restaurants, including the main dining room. Anything from unripped jeans to dress pants with nice blouses or button-downs is acceptable.

Related: 20 must-have items I won't cruise without

Are there formal nights on Celebrity cruises? Yes, the line holds one "evening chic" night on every sailing of six nights or fewer and two on voyages of a week or more. The dress code encourages passengers to go all-out with tuxes and evening gowns. However, most men choose slacks with collared or button-down shirts and jackets, sans ties. Most women choose slacks and nice blouses, sundresses or party dresses.

Disney Cruise Line dress code

Disney Cruise Line is synonymous with children, and children like to be comfortable. With that in mind, just about anything goes in terms of dress on The Mouse's ships. These cruises tend toward casual in spite of their stellar service and high price point.

It's not uncommon to see jeans, shorts, T-shirts or bathing suits during the day. Unlike most other lines, the same goes at dinnertime, with jeans and T-shirts just as common as dressier attire like slacks and button-downs.

Exceptions are the line's "dress-up" nights — two on sailings of a week or more and one on shorter voyages. For those, DCL suggests that men avoid jeans and wear jackets. Women should go with dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits.

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for families

Some of Disney Cruise Line's added-fee restaurants, such as Remy — one of the most expensive alternative eateries at sea — require jackets for men and don't allow jeans.

Each Disney sailing features a Pirate Night; cruisers wishing to participate should pack their best swashbuckling gear. As is standard at Disney parks, you're also likely to see large numbers of costumes and mouse ears at all hours of the day.

Holland America Line dress code

Although the dress code on Holland America ships is technically "cruise casual," you'll rarely spot anyone looking disheveled or like they just rolled out of bed. Most passengers tend toward resortwear or, at the bare minimum, nice jeans with pressed T-shirts.

The casual dress code carries through to dinner, but HAL cruisers often dress up a bit more. This includes collared shirts or button-downs (sometimes with jackets) and slacks for men and slacks with nice tops or dresses for women.

As for Holland America formal nights, on sailings shorter than a week, there will be one "gala night," during which travelers don evening or ball gowns, suits or tuxedos. Voyages of eight to 13 nights will see two gala nights, while any cruises of two weeks or longer will have three chances to dress to the nines.

MSC Cruises dress code

What to wear on MSC cruises largely depends on the crowd with whom you're sailing. On European cruises, your fellow passengers are likely to dress up more often — even during the day; skimpy resortwear and designer bathing suits often grace the pool deck as far as the eye can see. On those voyages, dinner is an even more fancy affair, with elegance as the norm. Expect to see glittering dresses and stylish pants and button-downs with dress shoes, even when it's not a formal night.

On cruises that depart from the U.S., expect a more casual vibe, with jeans, T-shirts and bathing suits ruling the day. At night, you'll be fine with nice jeans and a collared shirt or a sundress, although you might want to dress up a bit more to match the ship's ambience.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Are there formal nights on MSC cruises? Absolutely. They're called "gala dinners," and they appear at least once per voyage, but the number can vary by itinerary. The dress code is strict, with the buffet the only place that will allow T-shirts and shorts. You'll fit in best in a ball gown, cocktail dress, suit or tuxedo.

Norwegian Cruise Line dress code

Norwegian , which pioneered the concept of "freestyle cruising," prides itself on allowing cruisers to dress as they please, providing a "come as you are" atmosphere during the day and at night. The most popular clothing is cruise casual, and passengers are free to wear whatever they'd like with an emphasis on comfort.

The only exception is at dinner, when a smart-casual vibe encourages travelers to avoid torn clothes or suggestive or skimpy outfits.

In a nod to Norwegian's laid-back style, NCL formal nights — dubbed "Dress Up or Not" nights — provide a chance for you to get dolled up. However, it's not required, and you won't be turned away from the main dining rooms if you choose not to participate. Passengers have been spotted wearing everything from jeans and T-shirts to ball gowns and tuxes, and all coexist in perfect harmony.

Princess Cruises dress code

Princess ' casual daytime mindset means you can wear the same types of clothing on board as you would during a day ashore — activewear, beachwear and jeans or T-shirts are totally fine.

Princess' formal nights are special because the line is one of the few industry holdouts in that it still has an official formal night. Its passengers enjoy a more traditional cruise experience, and they relish the romantic vibe that a formal night can provide. With that in mind, the line doesn't mention super-fancy garb like ball gowns or tuxes; instead, it advises suits or slacks with jackets for men and cocktail dresses or pantsuits for the ladies.

On voyages of less than a week, passengers should plan for one formal night, while sailings of a week to 13 days will have two, and cruises two weeks or longer will have three.

All other nights are listed as "smart casual." This means sundresses or pants with flowy tops for women and nice jeans or slacks with collared shirts for men will suffice.

Royal Caribbean dress code

As is the case with Carnival and Norwegian, Royal Caribbean is a casual line during the day. Like Disney Cruise Line, it caters to a lot of families. Translation: Wear what allows you to have the most fun in the most comfort. Expect to see shorts or jeans with T-shirts or tank tops and bathing suits or beachwear almost exclusively during the daytime.

At night, you might want to put on something a little less comfortable, but it's certainly not required unless it's a formal night. (Like Princess, Royal still has those.) The confusing part is that the line has three different dress codes, all of which are loosely enforced: casual, smart casual and formal. The ones that show up on your voyage will depend on the length of the cruise.

The only difference between the first two is that smart casual recommends pantsuits for ladies and jackets for the guys, but skirts or trousers with blouses or collared shirts are fine in both cases. Smart casual also strongly discourages jeans — even nice ones.

Royal Caribbean formal nights have the highest expectations for passengers, urging them to wear their finest cocktail dresses, evening gowns, suits or tuxes. As with the line's smart-casual dress code, jeans are not allowed in the main dining rooms on formal nights.

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What To Wear On A Cruise: Dressing For The Vacation Of Your Dreams

By Taylor Fuller | Published on January 24, 2024

So you've booked your dream vacation sailing on the open seas, but you're not sure what to wear on a cruise. Don't worry — cruise vacations take the stress out of travel, and your wardrobe should reflect the laid-back vibes you'll feel as you sail through paradise. The quintessential cruise style is easy to pull off; think vibrant colors, tropical prints and lightweight fabrics.

When you're planning a weekend away, it's important to pack smart. Whether your plan is to cruise through islands, posting up on stunning beaches and swimming in warm, crystal-clear waters, or to hike ancient ruins and wander through medeival cities, this guide will help you pick out the best cruise wear for your trip.

1. What To Wear On A Weekend Getaway Cruise

Packing outfits for vacation can be overwhelming, especially if you're one to overpack for a trip. If that's you, a weekend getaway  can be the perfect challenge for you to curb your bad habits and stick to packing for versatility. The best advice I can give is to pack for the vacation you want to have. Weekend cruises are a great way to unwind and explore another world in a short amount of time, so pack for busy days where you'll be going from the beach to a museum, out to lunch and then back to the beach. For example, pack a swimsuit and some chic sunglasses for the relaxing beach day you're craving, and bring along a breezy cover-up and sandals or comfortable shoes, so you can check out the cool town during lunchtime.

If you're new to cruising, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that there are activities and events that happen onboard the ship in the evenings and on sea days. Most cruise vacations include at least one formal night where everyone dresses their best for a special dinner. Cruise formal wear still embraces the relaxed energy of sailing, so outfits like a lightweight sport coat, chinos, a colorful dress or a jumpsuit will fit right in. You'll also want to include some smart casual looks, which means something that's a step up from sneakers and sweatpants for your other evening meals.

For sea days when traveling in a warmer climate, you'll definitely want a swimsuit if you plan to take advantage of the onboard water park. However, if you're cruising through a colder region like Canada, you'll want a jacket and some warm layers, so you can stay comfortable on deck.

2. Packing For Your Vacation Plans

Planning ahead for your cruise vacation will help you pack for every moment. Most onshore excursions require reservations, so discuss with your family or travel buddies what kind of activities you cannot miss on your trip ahead of time. If you book an excursion that requires physical activity, opt for comfortable clothing you can move around in like leggings, shorts, sneakers, hiking boots if you're hitting trails, a light jacket (depending on the region you're exploring) and a sturdy backpack. Though hiking boots can take up precious suitcase space, they're essential for exploring a tropical jungle or mountainous terrain, and can double as comfortable shoes for long days spent sightseeing. If you have whale-watching on your agenda, pack a jacket in case it's cold or misty, a hat so you don't get sunburnt, and binoculars.

A quick weekend cruise can take you to some amazing places. I recommend using your time wisely and trying to see as much as you can. For example, a two-night Cyprus cruise  is all about beaches, history and incredible cuisine. Pack outfits that you'll be comfortable in even when the sun is scorching hot, so you don't have to worry about going back to the ship to get changed midday. Effortless flowy skirts and airy linen shirts make great cover-ups for swimwear that will protect your skin from the sun as you explore ancient sites. Comfortable shoes are a must for a trip like this, whether that's a flat sandal with straps or sneakers. Just make sure you're wearing something that won't get caught in the cobblestone streets of Cyprus. Add some fun accessories like a hat or sunglasses and a tote bag to carry all of your souvenirs, and voila  — you have an all-day outfit mapped out.

If cooler climes and rugged mountains call to you, consider a cruise to Canada . Of course, British Columbia requires a different packing strategy than a trip to The Bahamas or the Mediterranean. Even when cruising in the summer months, be sure to dress for the destination, not the season — layers are your friend here. Pack some thin thermals you can layer under your clothes if necessary, so you can spend the day comfortably strolling along the Inner Harbour and checking out Victoria's most notable landmarks. Don't forget a hat and gloves and some wool socks to keep your toes warm, too! When you're hanging out onboard, a thin, packable windbreaker or jacket will come in handy, so you can sit out on the deck with a cup of coffee, admiring the breathtaking scenery.

Still unsure about what to wear on a cruise? Whether you're packing cruisewear for women, men or non-binary people, I recommend getting creative. My favorite part of going on a vacation is that I get to wear things I wouldn't normally wear in my day-to-day. I love putting together patterns and colors that may feel a little funky and wearing sunglasses the size of my face. Take risks with your wardrobe! Your dream vacation will only be that much more memorable.

No matter what type of cruise you're looking for, you're sure to have a blast when you pack the perfect cruise wardrobe. Whether you're interested in history and want to explore ruins or would rather relax on the beach with a cold beverage in hand, there's a cruise getaway waiting for you. So what are you waiting for? Start searching for your next weekend adventure.

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What to wear on a cruise: daytime, formal nights & more.

Experts share their top recommendations for versatile cruise clothing.

What to Wear on a Cruise

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Know what types of clothing, shoes and accessories are best to wear on a cruise.

When it comes to cruising in style, packing the right attire for every occasion is essential. Including a few key versatile items on your cruise packing list will prevent your suitcase (and the limited closet space in your stateroom) from becoming overcrowded – and keep you looking appropriate for all events.

Although most cruise lines outline their suggested dress codes in the FAQ sections of their websites, be sure to also review the specifics of your cruise itinerary. Not only will the destination and weather factor into what you should wear on your cruise, but you'll also want to know if formal nights require black-tie attire, themed dress parties need costumes or shore excursions necessitate unique clothing or footwear.

Whether you'll be lounging by the pool or attending a glamorous dinner, our list of must-have items and suggestions from industry experts will help you navigate dressing for your next cruise vacation.

For relaxing sea days, prioritize comfort above all else. Depending on your planned activities, any of the following casual options are considered acceptable attire:

• Skirts or skorts
• T-shirts and tank tops
• Breezy lounge pants
• Bathing suits
• Cover-ups 
• Sun hats or baseball caps

Travel writer Jill Schildhouse always packs her VOTEPRETTY sundress . "This is my go-to cruise workhorse," says Schildhouse. "It's light and breezy, and the pockets come in very handy." She adds that the sundress can be worn to casual dinners on the ship or on shore excursions, and it can even double as a swimsuit cover-up. "I've taken it all over the world and it always arrives wrinkle-free," she says. Schildhouse has received many compliments on this classic sundress, which is available in multiple colors.

Sheri Griffiths, host of YouTube series CruiseTipsTV , suggests wearing comfortable, broken-in shoes on a cruise. She recommends avoiding brand-new footwear during your voyage to prevent blisters and daily discomfort. A basic sneaker can be worn for just about any cruise itinerary, from Alaska to the Caribbean . Griffiths says, "We love these Adidas Stan Smiths because they wear in quickly and have a timeless style."

Read: The Top Walking Shoes for Travel

In the evening, most cruise ships adopt a dress code in their main dining rooms and specialty restaurants that incorporate smart-casual or resort-wear attire. The following clothing choices will suffice:

• Maxi dresses
• Elegant tops
• Long- or short-sleeved button-down shirts
• Polo shirts
• Blazers and ties (typically optional, unless otherwise stated)
• Shawls or wraps
• Closed-toe dress shoes
• Sandals or heels

Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief at Cruise Critic, shares her best advice for cruise footwear. "I always pack my Rothy's shoes for any cruise because they're infinitely comfortable, work as both a formal and [an] informal shoe and can be tossed in the laundry if they get dirty." She notes that she has several pairs, but two of her go-to styles are The Point and The Ballet Flat . McDaniel adds that the shoes work in every occasion, from strolling along the ship decks to perusing cobblestone streets on shore. "I bought both [pairs] 5 years ago, and they look as new today as they did out of the box despite literally hundreds of hours of wear," she says.

Jason Leppert, founder of YouTube channel Popular Cruising , always packs his signature Hawaiian shirts to wear day or night. He says, "I love the RSVLTS collection because they can play casually with shorts or more dressy with slacks for dinner."

Formal Nights

While more casual these days, cruise formal nights still call for a bit more sophistication and style. Appropriate options include:

• Cocktail dresses
• Evening gowns
• Dress shoes

Ashley Kosciolek, senior cruise writer for The Points Guy, always packs a gown or a fancy cocktail dress for a formal night. "I work from home and don't have a reason to dress up otherwise, so I look forward to it." Still, Kosciolek is a firm believer that travelers should wear what is most comfortable for them while on vacation. She adds, "My dinner won't taste any better or worse based on what others are wearing."

Mikkel Woodruff, editor of cruise site Sometimes Sailing , always brings her Omega Sailing Bracelet on cruises. She says, "I like to bring jewelry that reminds me of the ocean and being on the sea." Woodruff appreciates the bracelet's versatility, noting how easily it can go from shore excursions to formal evenings to everyday activities.

Explore cruise deals on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Shore Excursions

When heading off the ship for a shore excursion, opt for comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear to make the most of your adventures on land. Consider packing the following items:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Mesh water shoes
• T-shirts or tank tops
• A waterproof jacket

Freelance travel writer David Swanson shares his favorite versatile cruise shoes. He discovered a comfortable pair of Danner multitasking shoes that worked for dinners, casual events and multiple days of cycling on a recent European cruise. "I didn't think I'd find something to do dual duty, but I love this comfy pair from Danner, an outdoor brand [that is] new to me but has been around since 1932," says Swanson.

Paul Thornton, host of The Joy of Cruising Podcast , always packs his Coofandy linen shirts and shorts for hot Caribbean days and breezy cruise ship evenings. "I love Coofandy because they enable this senior to look 'youthful' on the beach and excursions," says Thornton. He adds that the brand is also his go-to retailer for White Party-themed nights on board.

Read: Beach Packing List

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Cruise Line Dress Codes

Dress codes can vary significantly from one cruise company to the next, so it's a good idea to check with your specific line before filling up your suitcase. Once you're on board, be sure to read the daily program for reminders about the dress codes required at the events and dining venues during your voyage.

Azamara Dress Code

• Daytime: Fairly casual attire is suitable throughout Azamara 's ships during the day. However, baseball caps, distressed denim, tank tops and bathing suits cannot be worn at Discoveries, Aqualina and Prime C restaurants (and shoes are required).
• Evening: At night, women typically wear casual dresses, skirts, pants, capris, blouses and knit tops, while men are welcome to wear collared golf and polo shirts, shorts and pants. Sport coats are optional. Note: There are no official formal nights on Azamara's voyages.
• Themed Nights: Be sure to pack an all-white outfit for Azamara's signature White Night dinner and deck party.

Carnival Cruise Line Dress Code

• Daytime: Pack casual, comfortable attire to sail with Carnival Cruise Line , such as T-shirts, polo shirts or relaxed tops paired with shorts, capris, khakis or jeans. Athletic wear paired with a lightweight sweater or jacket are suitable for those looking to stay active. 
• "Cruise casual" attire for men typically suggests longer dress shorts, pants or jeans and a collared polo shirt. Women usually wear sundresses, blouses, skirts, dress shorts and capri pants.
• "Cruise elegant" typically translates to dress slacks, dress shirts and sports coats (suggested) for men, with some wearing suits, ties or tuxedos. Women choose dresses (party or cocktail), pantsuits and elegant skirts with blouses, while some may wear evening gowns. Kids should follow the adult dress code, opting for school dance- or party-appropriate attire. Note: Jeans, men's sleeveless shirts, shorts, T-shirts, sportswear, exercise clothes, baseball hats, flip-flops and bathing suits are not permitted. The number of "cruise elegant" evenings varies based on the length of the cruise.
• Carnival Journeys cruises feature a "Throwback Sea Day," where guests can relive the '80s by day (outfits included) and dress up for a themed Captain's Cocktail Party by night. 
• Cruises between early December and Christmas Day feature an "Ugly Sweater Contest."
• Costumes are suggested for Halloween cruises between the end of September and October. However, when choosing a costume, keep in mind that full masks are prohibited (masks covering half of the face are allowed).

Celebrity Cruises Dress Code

• Daytime: During the day, smart casual resort wear is suitable throughout Celebrity Cruises ' ships. (Think: sundresses, shorts, polos and button-down shirts paired with sandals, low heels and loafers.) Bathing suits with cover-ups, T-shirts, tank tops, hats and sunglasses are only appropriate poolside. Cruisers should avoid wearing these items in the dining areas.
• Evening: Most evenings, guests are expected to wear comfortable yet tasteful attire. This entails dresses, skirts, long pants or jeans, stylish tops and button-down shirts. Shorts and flip-flops do not meet the evening dress code. Depending on your voyage, there will be one or two formal nights that require "evening chic" wear. Passengers can dress to impress in formal gowns, tuxedos, cocktail dresses, dressy jeans or blazers.

Costa Cruises Dress Code

• Daytime: During the day, Costa Cruises ' passengers may wear casual clothing like T-shirts, shorts and sundresses. Beach clothing and flip-flops are not permitted in ship restaurants. Depending on the itinerary, some shore excursions may have specific dress codes.
• Evening: Most nights require resort attire; however, Costa hosts one or two Elegant Evenings per cruise, when men may wear dark suits or tuxedos and women can wear evening gowns or cocktail dresses.
• Themed Nights: Costa recommends that guests pack white clothing for its White Night events and white, red and green clothing and accessories for its Italy-themed evenings.

Cunard Line Dress Code

• Daytime: Shorts, T-shirts and sundresses are appropriate daytime wardrobe options on sailings with Cunard Line . Swimwear is acceptable by the pool but should not be worn in indoor dining areas.
• Evening: In the evenings, passengers are asked to wear smart attire, which includes dress shirts and trousers for men, and cocktail dresses or sophisticated tops and skirts for women – similar to what you'd choose for dinner at a trendy restaurant or a special occasion. Voyages lasting seven nights host at least two Gala Evenings, during which guests are requested to adhere to a more formal dress code. 
• Themed Nights: Gala Evenings employ themes ranging from specific colors (such as black and white or red and gold outfits) to the roaring '20s to masquerade balls.

Disney Cruise Line Dress Code

• Daytime: On Disney Cruise Line sailings, cruise casual attire is acceptable during the day; outfit options include sundresses and shorts and tees. Swimwear and tank tops are not permitted in dining venues.
• Evening: After the sun sets, polished attire like collared shirts and jeans without rips are acceptable. Bathing suits, tees, tank tops and sports attire are not allowed. Adult-exclusive dining venues on Disney ships call for elegance; formal or semiformal wear is recommended.
• Themed Nights: On three- and four-night sailings, there is typically a pirate-themed deck party and one optional dress-up night for guests of all ages. Sailings lasting seven nights or longer add one formal and one semiformal night, when women may wear a formal dress or pantsuit and men can opt for a suit or dress pants with a jacket.

Holland America Line Dress Code

• Daytime: Plan on wearing casual attire aboard Holland America Line 's ships during the day. When indoors, guests must wear shirts, cover-ups and footwear.
• Evening: On most nights, smart casual clothing is acceptable. However, in table service restaurants, shorts, bathing suits, distressed jeans and tank tops are prohibited. Grand Voyages cruises host formal nights, when suits and dresses are appropriate.
• Themed Nights: Once per cruise, Holland America hosts an Orange Party in celebration of King's Day. Pack your favorite orange clothing and accessories for this event, which honors the cruise line's Dutch heritage.

MSC Cruises Dress Code

• Daytime: Guests of MSC Cruises dress fairly casual during the day in T-shirts and shorts.
• Evening: Collared shirts, dresses and tailored pants are expected at night in the main dining rooms, specialty restaurants and entertainment venues. There is one optional Gala Night, when varying levels of elegance are acceptable. Guests should wear what makes them feel comfortable, ranging from tuxedos or ball gowns to dressy jeans and polo shirts.
• Themed Nights: MSC hosts a White Night Party (where guests wear all white) and a Sunshine Party, where guests don cheerful colors.

Norwegian Cruise Line Dress Code

• Daytime: During the day, plan to wear cruise casual attire like summer dresses, jeans, khakis, shorts and casual shirts on Norwegian Cruise Line voyages. At the buffet and outdoor restaurants, swimwear can be worn with a cover-up and footwear. In dining rooms and specialty restaurants, Norwegian does not permit tank tops for men, jeans with rips or tears, flip-flops, baseball caps or visors.
• Evening: In Norwegian's upscale specialty restaurants, smart casual attire is the norm. Women can wear slacks, jeans, dresses, skirts and tops, while men should opt for jeans or slacks, a collared shirt and closed-toed shoes. Children ages 12 and younger may wear shorts in all restaurants. On each cruise, there is one particular "Dress-Up or Not Night," when guests can wear fancier clothing (if they choose).
• Themed Nights: Pack an all-white outfit for the White Hot Party and formal attire for Norwegian's Night Out.

Princess Cruises Dress Code

• Daytime: In Princess Cruises ' restaurants and public spaces, casual resort wear is required. Shoes must be worn in the dining areas, and pool or beach attire, ball caps and frayed jeans are prohibited in restaurants.
• Evening: On most nights, smart casual attire is acceptable in restaurants. However, on formal evenings, women may wear evening gowns, cocktail dresses or elegant pantsuits; while men may opt for tuxedos, dark suits or dinner jackets with slacks. The number of formal nights per cruise depends on the length of the sailing.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Dress Code

• Daytime: Elevated resort wear, including jeans, shorts, T-shirts and tennis shoes, is appropriate before 6 p.m. on Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' ships.
• Evening: At night, elegant casual attire is recommended. Women typically dresses, pantsuits or slacks paired with blouses or sweaters; a collared shirt and dress pants for men is the norm, with the option for sport jackets and ties. On cruises lasting 16 nights or longer, there are two evenings when guests can choose to wear formal or semiformal attire. Wardrobe choices include dark suits and cocktail dresses or tuxedos and gowns. Note: On the last night of every voyage, the dinner dress code is "relaxed casual" to accommodate guests packing for early morning flights.

Royal Caribbean International Dress Code

• Daytime: A relaxed, casual style is acceptable during the day on cruises with Royal Caribbean International . However, swimwear should be limited to the pool deck. 
• Evening: On most nights, guests wear smart casual attire, which includes collared or button-up shirts, dresses, skirts, blouses and pantsuits. Jackets, sports coats and blazers are encouraged but not required. On formal evenings and for the Chef's Table dining experience, cruisers are expected to wear black-tie attire, which includes tuxedos, suits with ties, cocktail dresses and evening gowns. The number of formal nights per cruise depends on the length of the sailing.
• Themed Nights: Offered on cruises lasting four nights or longer, themed nights may include toga parties, masquerade balls, decade themes and black and white nights.

Silversea Cruises Dress Code

• Daytime: Casual attire akin to what you'd wear at a five-star resort is suitable during the day aboard Silversea Cruises ' ships.
• Evening: Evening attire is categorized into three groups: casual, informal and formal. On casual evenings, women wear pants, blouses, skirts, and casual dresses, while men wear open-neck shirts and slacks. On informal evenings, ladies often choose dresses or pantsuits, and gentlemen typically wear jackets (ties are optional). Formal night is always optional; if you choose to participate, outfits may include cocktail dresses, gowns, tuxedos and suits. The number of formal nights per cruise varies by voyage length.

Seabourn Cruise Line Dress Code

• Daytime: Casual resort wear like jeans and shorts are welcome in all lounges and dining venues on Seabourn Cruise Lines ' ships. Athletic apparel and swimwear should only be worn in the pool area, on the deck or at the spa and fitness center.
• Evening: After 6 p.m., the dress code is "elegant casual." Men are expected to wear slacks with collared shirts or sweaters (jackets are optional), while women can choose pants, skirts, pantsuits or dresses. Elegant jeans are allowed in all dining venues except The Restaurant. On formal evenings in The Restaurant, men may wear tuxedos, suits or slacks and jackets, while women can opt for evening gowns and cocktail dresses.

Viking Ocean Cruises Dress Code

• Daytime: On Viking Ocean Cruises ' ships, casual daytime clothing such as shorts, pants, jeans and comfortable walking shoes are acceptable. Athletic wear including exercise clothing, swimsuits and cover-ups may only be worn in the fitness center, pool zones and sports deck.
• Evening: While there are no dedicated formal nights, the dress code after 6 p.m. calls for elegant casual attire for all dining venues, lounges, bars and theaters. Jeans are not permitted (with the exception of the World Cafe, where the dress code remains casual in the evenings). For women, wardrobe options include dresses, jumpsuits, skirts or slacks paired with elegant tops. Jackets and ties are optional for men, but trousers and collared shirts should be worn in the evenings.

Virgin Voyages Dress Code

• Day or night, cruisers on Virgin Voyages ' ships are encouraged to wear attire that expresses their personal style. Just note: In restaurants, bathing suits are not permitted, and shoes are necessary. There are no formal nights; guests can dress up or down, depending on what makes them feel their best.
• Themed Nights: Pack something scarlet red for the Scarlet Night Party, which occurs once per voyage.

Why Trust U.S. News

Dana Freeman is a highly experienced cruise writer who embarked on her first cruise with her grandmother when she was just 12 years old, and she hasn't stopped since. Having sailed on more than 20 different cruise lines and completed over 30 voyages, Freeman's cruise expertise spans from small ships accommodating only eight passengers to massive ones accommodating over 5,000. To curate this article, she leveraged her extensive knowledge of the cruise ship industry, combined with her strong research skills.

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Cruise Outfits for Women 31 Tips What To Wear on Cruise 

Cruise Trips can be so exciting, but the packing process can sometimes be a bit of a challenge as you don’t want to overpack. But at the same time, you don’t want to leave behind your favorite clothes. So we’re here to help you pack for your cruise with some great outfit ideas.

Vacations are like taking a break from our daily lives. A Cruise trip can be more than just a vacation because you’re going to travel around the sea.

On a cruise, you can explore the seaside, but without actually leaving your comfortable beds or missing out on parties. You’ll have to pack clothes that always look good as you do.

Here’s everything that we’ll cover today:

What To Wear On A Cruise

Summer cruise inspo, winter cruise inspo, outfits for women over 50, formal cruise dinner looks, 7 – cruise formal / gala night outfit, plus size outfits, what celebrities wear on cruise.

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some useful tips/tricks that will be really helpful in your packing list. Please note that these tips have been drafted when considering a one-week cruise trip. If you’re going for more days then you’ll have to plan accordingly but this will give you a good idea:

• Pack at least one set of heels or flats to wear with your dress. One pair of day shoes as well. If you like to workout, then do bring your sneakers or workout shoes.
• Cruise trips are generally for a whole week, So carry 7-8 outfits and some extra clothes.
• Bring a few basic pieces of jewelry to mix and match with your outfits.
• Bring some warm clothes or a sweater because the nights are usually cold, and even when they’re not, the air conditioners on cruise ships can make you feel a little chilly.

What to Pack for a Cruise Trip?

If you’re stuck wondering what to wear on a cruise, take some inspiration from these incredibly simple vacation outfits.

31 – Cruise Date Outfits

For a date on a cruise, you want to look minimalist but fresh so go for a simple printed dress like the below ones in polka dot and striped prints. Keep your makeup as light and natural as possible.

30 – Casual Outfit

Both striped tees and blue-coloured tees are the best choices when it comes to a casual outfit. You can wear them with bottoms of your choice, including white pants, shorts or skirts. Or you can just wear baggy tees on their own.

29 – Red Pants

Bright and bold outfits always look good in your cruise pictures and there’s nothing better than red pants when we talk about bright colored outfits. If you’re confused about what to wear with such pants then do go through these Ideas On How To Wear Red Pants .

28 – Tie and Dye Outfits

Tie and Dye outfits, particularly in black or blue colors on a white base are a great choice for cruise vacations. You can choose them in either dresses or shirts, in a shape and style that suits you best.

Here are some of my personal favourite ways to wear tie dye.

27 – Can I Wear Boots on a Cruise?

Of course you can! Both brown and black boots and booties are not just very comfortable but they can also be paired with a number of outfits. If you’re comfortable wearing them then do pack them for your trip. If you’re unsure about what you’ll wear with these shoes, do go through these Stylish Outfits to Wear with Long Boots This Season .

26 – Funky Tribal Prints

Tribal prints are funky, bold and eye-catching – so whether you’re planning on sitting by the pool or reading a book in the lounge, a tribal print dress is always a good choice. Most of these dresses are incredibly light weight so you won’t have to worry about over-packing.

25 – What to Wear on a Cruise in the Evenings?

For evening wear, most people choose to go with formal or semi-formal outfits. If cocktail dresses are not your thing, you can dress up in a formal top, designer jeans and heels.

24 – Floral Print Outfits

Floral prints look great against the blue ocean backdrop and the best thing with these prints is that you can always find something that suits your style. From pastels to bright and from bold to dark colors, there is such a huge variety of floral outfits that you can find these days.

23 – Statement Backs

For those dreamy pictures as you look off into the sunset, statement backs are the perfect choice. Do check out these tips on what Bras To Wear With A Backless Dress For A Perfect Look . You can also choose swimsuits with statement backs and then layer over them with a skirt.

Swimsuit from Ubu Swimwear

22 – Playsuit

The good thing about packing playsuits like these is that you can easily mix and match them with other outfits to create new looks.

21 – Must-Have Cruise Trip Accessories

Keeping the latest trends in mind, you must pack with you a straw hat and either a straw or bamboo bag. Both these accessories give off those cruise vibes that we love and you can easily pair them with any outfit for a nice, relaxed day on the cruise. The spacious bags are also great to store other cruise essentials like sun-screens. And if they’re big enough, you can even carry your cover-up in it.

20 – First Day of Cruise Outfit

On the day of departure, the outfit should be casual because throughout the day you will be exploring around the cruise, and taking some good pictures for the gram. The first-night dinner is also served casually, so there is no need to wear anything formal on the first day. Here’s a complete Smart Casual Attire Guide for Women.

19 – Beach Day Outfit

A Beach outfit is a must-have. On most cruises, you’ll be spending an entire day on the sea, so you must make sure to pack up a beach outfit. Choosing the right color according to your style is important because you don’t want to have a bad picture day at the beach. If you’re Accessorizing with jewelry, it will definitely complete your look and if it’s a chilly destination then you would want to keep some cover-ups or kimonos.

18 – Port Stop Outfit

Cruise port stops are great, also getting some time for shopping. As there are some spots to explore a new place and shop around. Outfit for shopping day must be on-point. If it is a sunny day, You can also replace these jeans with denim shorts.

17 – Jumpsuit

We all enjoy wearing jumpsuits on vacation because they are extremely travel-friendly. It’s only one piece of clothing that will make you look stunning while also keeping your luggage light. Jumpsuits come in so many designs and fabrics. But I would advice that you don’t pick one with linen fabric, so you don’t need to iron it again and again. Here are some of my personal favorite Jumpsuits Outfits.

16 – Swimsuit

Swimsuits are what you’ll be needing the most on the cruise. Pool parties happen all the time on the cruise, Always bring a minimum of two swimsuits because it might take some time to dry the other one, so just keep an extra one. If you are still not sure that this is your style, then you can wear a floral cover-up to carry it according to your style.

15 – Striped Pants

Just like your favorite jeans, your striped pants can be paired with any top you want. And the advantage they have over jeans is that these pants mostly come in lose fittings so you’re more comfortable, especially when cruising in Summers or humid weathers. Here are more ideas on the different Ways To Wear Striped Pants .

14 – Blazer with Jeans

If you’re looking for some real cruise trip inspiration, I highly recommend that you follow Graziana from Cruisedapril on Instagram. She’s an Italian beauty, currently based in Germany who loves cruising and shares lots of fun cruise experiences on her blog.

Pictured below is one of our favorite winter cruise outfits from her profile. This beautiful Pink blazer is a must-have for any day-time cruise this year.

13 – All-White Cruise Outfit

White is definitely the best choice for daytime cruise outfits as it looks angelic when work around water. You can layer your white dress with a denim or leather jacket if you want.

Jacket from Zara

Dress from Tetigo

Shoes from Sam Edelman

12 – Black Top Paired with Any Bright Colored Pants

11 – Printed Tops/Dresses

10 – Long Cardigans

9 – New Year Eve’s Cruise Outfit

New year’s eve is one of the most special nights of the year and if you’re lucky enough to be cruising on this day, you need to go all out. Once again, we’re taking inspiration from the cruising queen, Graziana as we crush over this gold sequin dress of hers.

8 – Cruise Dinner Outfit

If you’re going on just a one-day dinner cruise for a few hours, you would want to go fancy and wear a dress, especially if you’re going with someone special. Choose colors that look good at night such as blue, red, black or gold.

Gala Night on a Cruise can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The outfit for Gala Night is supposed to be formal. Nothing can ever go wrong with a formal long Maxi with this beautiful front-cut look.

Always choose heels with this outfit, it can either be mid-length heels or any other pair of heels according to your comfort. For more ideas, you should check out these Women’s Boat Party Outfits .

You can buy this outfit here .

6 – Last Formal Night

On the Last night of the cruise, there will be a formal dinner, you’ll leave with so many memories that you would have made throughout your cruise trip. Your outfit shouldn’t be uncomfortable because that can ruin your evening. So it is important to dress glamorous but yet what is comfortable for you, and this outfit speaks it all.

Here are some more ideas on what you can wear for the cruise formal night:

5 – Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses make great cruise outfits for curvy and plus-size women but you want them to have detailing at the right places.

4 – Bright Colored Jackets

For casual wear, bright-colored tops and jackets are an excellent choice.

3 – Millie Bobby Brown

2 – Hailey Beiber

1 – Beyonce

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. what kind of clothes do you wear on a cruise.

There is no particular restriction when it comes to cruise outfits, so just wear things that you’re most comfortable with – whether it’s jeans, skirts, or maxi dresses. Of course, if you want to make the most of your trip and take some memorable pictures then keep a mix of different types of casual and semi-formal clothes so you can try something new every day.

Q. Can I wear jeans on a cruise?

Most cruises don’t allow jeans on the formal dinners, so it is important to check this with your cruise management before you leave. For longer cruise trips, jeans and shorts are acceptable for daywear and informal gatherings.

Q. Should I carry a purse on a cruise?

Once you’re on board, you probably won’t need your wallet so it should ideally be stored safely in your rooms. Carrying a purse or handbad is completely your choice – if you feel like it complements your outfit or that you can safely carry it around, then do go for it. Many women also prefer carrying handbags on cruises to store items they might need like makeup, sunscreen, perfumes, etc.

Q. Do I have to attend the cruise gala night?

Attending the formal nights is not necessary so you can skip it if you want. But I would recommend that you attend it at least once to enjoy that experience. After all, you paid for the cruise, why not make the most of your time there?

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What to Wear on a Cruise: The Ultimate Guide

Last updated: June 5th, 2024

• Find a Cruise

If you’re having trouble figuring out what to wear on a cruise, don’t worry, we’re here to help. Packing a suitcase for your upcoming vacation onboard shouldn’t be difficult—in fact, it’s all part of the fun.

The key is to know exactly what to expect onboard and to familiarize yourself with Celebrity Cruises. Here are some tips that will help you decide what to wear on a cruise to get ready for smooth, stylish sailing.

What clothes should you wear on a cruise?

What to wear on a cruise depends on where you’re sailing. While many of our cruises sail to warm beach destinations such as The Bahamas and the Caribbean , we do offer cooler weather cruises to places like Alaska and the Mediterranean during shoulder season that require warmer clothes like jackets and waterproof wear.

If you’re traveling to a warm and sunny destination, here are some things you should wear on your cruise:

While onboard, you’ll be spending a lot of your time in the pool or lounging nearby on the sun deck. You’ll also be sporting swimwear at many of the ports you visit  during your trip. Therefore, it’s a good idea to pack a handful of swimsuits in your bag. Aim to bring at least three if you’re going on a seven-day cruise.

Swim coverups

While it’s perfectly acceptable to stay in your swimsuit while lounging beside the pool, you’ll need a cover-up to walk from your stateroom to the pool, and vice-versa. Keep in mind, depending on where your stateroom or suite is located, you may go through other common areas of the ship (in addition to the elevators) on your way to the pool. Make sure your swim cover-up is something you will feel comfortable in while walking around others.

Read: What to Pack for a Mediterranean Cruise

Sweater or fleece

Even if you’re taking a cruise around the Caribbean , it’s smart to take a light sweater or fleece to wear at night when the temperature tends to cool down. After all, you won’t want to get chilly while enjoying the starry sky from your stateroom veranda or on one of the ship’s decks.

Scarf or pashmina

This is an easy clothing item you can drape over your shoulders to dress up an outfit, or to warm you up if you’re outside and there is a chill in the air. You may also be required to cover your head and shoulders if entering a mosque, or bare arms if visiting a church, so pack something that enables you to respect the local culture.

Bring some fun pieces to accessorize your outfit. You may also want to buy some new items while shopping in the ship’s boutiques, so remember to leave a little extra room in your suitcase just in case.

Sunglasses and sun hats

Aside from lathering up on the SPF, protect yourself from all that sunshine by bringing a sun visor, baseball cap, or wide-brimmed straw hat on your cruise—ideally, one that won’t blow away in a sea breeze. You should also bring at least one pair of sunglasses on board.

Read: What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

Even if you typically use your phone as a clock, bringing a watch on board will help you keep a more accurate eye on the time throughout the day. You’ll want to get to all of the ship’s daily activities on time, and a watch can be extra helpful during your port stops to make sure you get back to the ship on time before it departs.

Casual, comfortable attire

T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, sundresses, and skirts are all perfectly fine clothes to wear on a cruise ship to have lunch in the Oceanview Cafe and other restaurants with a casual dress code. You can also dine in casual pool clothes at the snack bar located next to the pool deck.

Dinner or “smart casual” attire

If you’re having dinner in the main restaurant or any meal at one of the specialty restaurants , you’ll follow a “smart casual” dress code on most nights. This means long pants, jeans, a dress or skirt, a stylish top, or a button-down.

We want our guests to feel comfortable, so Celebrity Cruises’ dress code for smart casual is fairly flexible, though there are some restrictions. T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps, and pool wear are not allowed in the main restaurant or specialty restaurants at any time. In addition, shorts and flip-flops are not permitted during the evening hours.

The smart casual dress code works for all areas of the ship in the evening, including in bars and lounges and during shows and events at the ship’s theater.

If you’re headed for Alaska or northern Europe, or the Mediterranean in the cooler months, think about packing these items:

Wicking tops, lightweight fleeces, and even pants that zip off into shorts are all a good idea for Alaska, especially if you’re out hiking.

Waterproofs

Some of the world’s most beautiful scenery gets that lush shade of green for a reason; the occasional rain shower. Bring a waterproof that folds down small, and a waterproof cover for your camera.

Read: Expert Cruise Packing Tips

What kind of shoes should you wear on a cruise?

Footwear should not be an afterthought when packing your suitcase for a cruise. While you might have the urge to throw in a pair of flip flops and call it a day, there are a few other essential shoes you’ll need to bring along on your trip.

Flip flops, sandals, or waterproof slides

These shoes will take you back and forth from your stateroom to the pool and vice versa. They also come in handy if you choose to visit the onboard spa . Lightweight water shoes are great for some ports in the Mediterranean, where beaches tend to be pebbly.

Sneakers or comfortable walking shoes

If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking around the ship during days at sea, it’s a good idea to pack a pair of sneakers or other comfortable walking shoes. Sneakers will also be useful if you try out a fitness class or use the gym equipment in the ship’s state-of-the-art fitness center.

If you’re headed somewhere like Norway or Alaska where hiking is one of the most popular activities, it’s worth packing a good pair of walking boots.

Shoes or sandals for dinner

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.

Do you have to dress up on a cruise?

While of course you’re welcome to stay in your swimsuit almost all day long on a cruise, there are certain occasions when Celebrity Cruises dress code requests otherwise.

If you’re wondering what to wear on a cruise during dinner in the main dining room, meals at specialty restaurants, or shows in the theater, the Celebrity Cruises dress code for these occasions is usually “smart casual”. This means a dress or skirt, stylish pants, smart jeans, a stylish top or button-down. We’d prefer that shorts, tank tops and flip flops were kept for the pool.

What do you wear on a dressier night on a cruise?

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.

The Celebrity Cruises dress code for Evening Chic nights is cocktail dresses, skirts, pants, or designer jeans with an elegant top, or dress shirt, button-down shirt, or sweater, and an optional blazer. There’s no need to wear a tie unless you want to.

Our Evening Chic dress code leaves a lot of room for you to show off your personal style, although we’d ask you to leave your ripped jeans or favorite college sweatshirt in your stateroom. You can wear anything from designer denim paired with a blazer to a cocktail dress with a killer set of heels.

If you were looking forward to wearing a tuxedo or formal gown on Evening Chic nights, you can absolutely do that as well. There is no such thing as being overdressed on Evening Chic nights.

All cruises that are seven nights or longer will feature two Evening Chic nights. Shorter cruises feature one Evening Chic night. On all other nights of the cruise, guests are asked to wear smart casual attire.

If for whatever reason you choose to skip Evening Chic nights, you can always dine in one of the specialty restaurants (in smart casual attire) or at the snack bar located next to the pool deck.

What do you wear on cruises during the day?

On Celebrity Cruises, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible while onboard. During the day, we encourage you to wear casual attire such as t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, sundresses, and skirts.

If you’re spending the day at the pool, you can also have lunch or dine in casual pool clothes at the Mast Grill located next to the pool deck.

Just remember that while walking from your stateroom to the pool and vice versa, you’ll need to wear a swim cover up.

You’ll also be required to wear appropriate clothing in the Fitness Center; suitable shoes for the treadmills and exercise bikes, for example, just as you would in the gym at home.

If you plan to use the spa, which we would encourage, don’t worry about bringing a robe; these are provided for you.

Now that you know how effortless and stress-free it is to choose what to wear on a cruise, book your cruise and start planning out your perfect cruise vacation outfits. Browse itineraries on our website and book your next luxury getaway with Celebrity Cruises.

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Home Trends Inspiration Blogs What To Wear On A Cruise A Guide To Cruise Dress Code

What to Wear on a Cruise? A Guide to Cruise Dress Code

By Tully Luxury Travel | 01-29-2024 |

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T here’s usually a little spring in your step as embarkation day approaches and the suitcases come out for your luxury cruise. The anticipation of the journey, the people you’ll meet or reconnect with, the incredible food that awaits – now, what are you going to wear? In a nutshell, how to dress on a cruise boils down to just two phrases – “mix and match” and “relaxed elegance.” The trick is in how to interpret them. Packing a suitcase for luxury cruise vacations, from casual mornings to formal nights, requires an eye for simplicity. Here are the top tips for a stylish and comfortable cruise vacation.

During the Day

Because you are likely heading off-ship at some point during the day, most people wear classic, resort-style clothing in the daytime – the type of activewear you would see at the golf course. If the day is less sporty, women often wear casual sundresses, blouses, skirts and shorts. Sandals and stylish flat shoes are best. Scarves and hats add verve to daytime outfits. Men typically wear polo shirts or short-sleeved collared shirts and smart-casual khakis or shorts. Sandals, loafers and boat shoes complete the look. T-shirts are relegated to the gym, and you can leave tank tops at home. Everyone should pack swimwear for the pool and beach, with cover-ups for entering and leaving these areas. Sunglasses (your best) are de rigeur.

In the Evening

Nighttime is usually split into two groups – formal and informal. What to wear on a cruise formal night is pretty straightforward – evening gowns, cocktail dresses or elegant separates for women, and dark suits or tuxedos for men. Bring it down a step or two for informal nights, your best interpretation of “casual elegance” – stylish dresses or a dressy blouse and skirt/pant combo for ladies, and a dress shirt and pants for gentlemen. Don’t be afraid to inject your own personal style into these guidelines.

Stylish Yet Comfortable

It’s a good rule of thumb to have everything in your luggage going together in some way, sticking to one color palette. Simply, include a white shirt, black shirt, blue shirt, tan pants, black skirt and jeans. If you’re not going to wear something at least twice, leave it at home. Neutrals can be dressed up with jewellery, colorful scarves and amazing shoes. Keep shoes simple – one dressy, one casual, one sandal, one runner. And if your cruise is short, pare things down even more to just one jacket, one suit, one skirt, one pair of blue jeans, one pair of khakis – yet several swimsuits!

For Specialty Cruises

Naturally, the list for what to wear on Alaskan cruises, for example, is a bit different. If you’re going whale-watching, you will need down jackets, warm gloves and hats and waterproof boots of some kind. The key here is to pack as you would if you were going skiing, so whatever the outdoor adventure – particularly on expedition cruises – you’re warm and dry the whole time, hiking boots at the ready. Most expedition cruises supply guests with parkas and boots, so you don’t have to worry about the outer layer. For luxury world cruises or grand voyages that last 40 or 50 days or more, don’t feel you have to bring your entire wardrobe. Just be selective, packing things that match and that can all go in the wash. Try not to bring anything that requires dry cleaning if you can help it.

Dress for Success!

Keep in mind that different cruise lines may have different sartorial requirements, such as no shorts at the bar after 6 p.m., for example. As well, some dining venues on board may require formal attire only. So when packing for a cruise, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. And just like your best friend always says: When you dress like you own the place, you definitely will.

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12 Affordable Dresses Perfect for a Cruise Formal Night

There might not be a single event on a cruise that can cause as much stress as formal night.

And all that stress comes from one simple question: What can I wear?

To be fair, it can be a tough question to answer. Over the years, formal night has decidedly become more casual. While it used to be just for formal evening gowns and tuxedos, these days almost anything except for shorts (and sometimes even those) will pass the dress code.

That said, we think you definitely should dress up for formal night. The night isn’t just about you — it’s for everyone headed to dinner in the ship’s dining room. Not everyone gets a special occasion to dress up. Being able to get dolled up and head to dinner with other glamorous-looking folks helps to set the atmosphere.

To learn more about what sort of dress is and isn’t allowed during formal night you can read our article here.

In the meantime, we’ve rounded up a dozen formal dresses — all of which would be perfect for cruise formal night. You can find all of these dresses on Amazon, which typically offers free returns/exchanges if something doesn’t fit just right.

Note: The links to Amazon used below are affiliate links. Should you make a purchase, we receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.

Classic Slimming Black Cocktail Dress

Turn heads with this slimming cocktail dress that’s a staple of any wardrobe. Just $23 on Amazon and comes in black, navy, and wine.

Aqua Gown with Peacock Design

Formal with a bit of flair, this beautiful dress comes in seven different colors. Prices vary, but this one costs just $50 .

Classic Sleeved Long Gown

Elegant, yet simple, this dress offers full coverage but with a low-cut back. This $60 dress comes in eight different colors , although we think grey is the most “classy” look.

Strapless Coral Formal Dress

This fun dress just screams “cruise” while also being perfect for formal night. There are a variety of colors, but none as perfect as this coral one for only $30 .

Hip-Hugging Royal Blue Gown

Have curves you want to show off? This is your dress. It’s classy and perfect as formal wear, but also a little sexy… for after dinner. Best of all, it’s only $24 .

Retro-Style Pleated Dress

Looking for a dress that’s a bit different than the long-flowing gown? How about this retro style that comes just to the knee. It’s $35 and has several different colors available .

Sleeveless Dress with Sheer Bottom

Cocktail Dress with Blue/Black Lace Design

This formal dress is totally unlike the gowns shown above and works well for both formal night and day-to-day work back home. Shows off your shape and has a cool design for just $27 .

Above-the-Knee Formal Cocktail Dress

If you’re someone with a petite figure and don’t want to be swallowed up in a large gown, this is the perfect dress. Comes in a ton of different colors, but is the most expensive dress on the list at $120 .

Multi-Color Flowing Evening Gown

Retro-Inspired Sleeved Dress

Strapless Above-the-Knee Dinner Gown

If you want a formal dress that’s fun and flirty, check out this one. It has a high cut in the front to show a little let and the strapless shoulders reveal a little more. Best of all, it comes in 10 colors and only costs $20 .

Can’t find a dress here that you love? Shop all the available formal gowns and dresses here .

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Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of), heading to port the 10 must-have things to bring with you, 15 things under $10 to have for your next cruise, 29 must-have things to pack for an alaskan cruise (11 you’d never think of), 15 perfect christmas gifts for cruise lovers (2023 edition), 11 sexy swimsuits for a cruise vacation, leave a reply cancel reply.

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Updated in 2024: If you’re wondering what to pack for a cruise vacation, check out this awesome cruise packing list put together by Emma with Emma’s Travel Tales  and Heather from Wanderlust Wayfarer .dedicated for travelers that love to cruise! Find out what to wear on a cruise vacation!

Written by: Emma Gray

Table Of Contents

Ruched Side Sleeveless Dress

Whether you’re island hopping in Greece or sailing the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, figuring out what to pack for a cruise vacation can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve never been on a cruise before. Cruising is unique because you may find yourself in a variety of situations and climates all in one vacation.

Packing for a cruise always involves taking more clothes than you would for a normal holiday. On most cruises there are certain dress codes for evening wear and different dress codes for different nights of your trip.

Start by reading these general tips for packing for a cruise:

• 10-Step Guide to Packing for Any Trip
• Understanding the Cruise Dress Code
• 7 Things to Bring on a Cruise (and What to Leave Behind)
• 10 Unexpected Things You’ll Experience on a Cruise
• What to Pack for a Cruise for Women Over 60

Make sure you plan out what to pack in your travel capsule wardrobe for a cruise vacation to be prepared for the diverse destinations, activities, and weather you may encounter. For most moderate to warm-weather itineraries, follow these packing tips for what to wear on a cruise, and you’ll be well prepared.

Tip: Want to pack light, use packing cubes to compress your clothing as shown in this video!

Hat | Earrings | Cover Up | Maxi Dress | Tee | Swimsuit | Shorts | Scarf | Shoes | Sunscreen | Sandals | Sunglasses

What to Wear on a Cruise: Daytime

During the day, the main thing is ensuring your cruise clothes are comfortable for relaxing on board or exploring ashore. Normal resort wear is perfectly acceptable during the day.

Cruise daytime wear is typically broken up into two categories:

• Sea days, where you’re on the boat all day
• Port stops, where you are exploring the latest destination at which you’ve arrived

Sea Day Outfit

On most cruises, you’ll have at least one sea day. This means you’ll be on board the ship all day while you sail to the next port.

Deep V-Neck Cover-Up Maxi Dress

Typically, these are the most relaxed and casual days. Be sure to pack a swimsuit and cover up or sarong. You’ll also need a hat, flip flops, and sunscreen if you plan to sit by the pool all day.

Quince 100% European Linen Shorts

No matter what you plan to do on your sea day, there’s no need to dress up. Shorts and a tank top or t-shirt are ideal if you plan to spend more time taking part in activities inside the ship, such as cooking classes or art auctions.

Mersea Classic Travel Wrap

Often the air conditioning is cranked up pretty high, so be sure to bring wrap sweater or kimono to keep from catching a chill.

Taken In Colombia when TFG editor took a two week cruise across the Atlantic Ocean! 

Port Stop and Shore Excursion Outfit

For beach stops, you can repurpose the same outfit you wore around the pool on your sea day. But if you’re planning to stroll through town or take a ship-sanctioned shore excursion, you’ll want to wear something a with a little more coverage.

Loveappella Jersey Maxi Dress

A maxi dress is an ideal choice for many warm weather destinations. They’re comfortable and cool and perfect for a range of activities, from shopping to dining at a nice restaurant.

Quince 100% European Linen Pants

When planning what to wear on a cruise, consider if your excursion takes you off the beaten path. If so, you may opt for a pair of lightweight pants, joggers or shorts.

Skechers Go Walk 5 Womens Comfortable Sneakers

You’ll also need a sturdy pair of walking shoes, such as Skechers Go Walks or Birkenstocks , depending on your level of activity. It’s also a good idea to take a scarf or light sweater in case there’s a cool breeze.

Dress | Blouse |  Maxi Dress | Necklace | Scarf 1  | Flats | Jeans |  Earrings | Scarf 2 | Bag

What to Wear on a Cruise: Evenings

How much to dress up will depend on the type of cruise. These days, there’s no need to bring formalwear on most cruises, unless you want to. However, there are still some that have formal dinners.

Loveappella Faux Wrap Top

Some people also really enjoy dressing up. If that sounds like you, a cocktail dress and heels is about as dressy as most women get. But if you prefer to keep it casual, dark wash jeans and a pretty blouse are perfectly acceptable.

Take one or two white or solid-colored blouses and a variety of scarves and necklaces you can use to make different combinations each night. No one will even notice you’re wearing the same thing.

Yosi Samra Samara Ballet Flats

Pair your outfit with ballet flats or bejeweled sandals that are easy to pack and versatile. I like Yosi Samra because they come in lots of fun colors and patterns, fold up to fit better in your bag, and are super comfortable.

TFG Editor’s casual evening outfit: Drape Top ( Similar ) | Minnie Flats

Casual Dinner Outfit

On most ships for casual dinner it’s acceptable for ladies to wear a casual resort wear summer dress, pants or dark jeans and a nice top. You can even make it dressier by trading in jeans for trousers or adding a dressy scarf or necklace to your look.

TFG Editor’s formal evening outfit:    Encircled Chrysalis Cardi

Formal Dinner Outfit

Cocktail dresses and full length gowns are appropriate cruise dresses. Formal pant or skirt suits can also be worn as acceptable cruise wear options when in dressier fabrics.

Blazer | Blouse | Tank | Tee | Dress 1 | Dress 2 | Dress 3 | Dress 4 | Jeans | Shorts | Skirt | Swimsuit | Sandals | Shoes | Flats | Cover up

Cruise Packing List

This cruise packing list is based on what I (Emma) would take for a week long cruise in a warm climate:

• Three sundresses that can be worn both for casual dinner and during the day
• Two pairs of shorts for daytime – one denim and one classic
• Three tank tops for daytime – solid colors
• One smart-casual skirt that can be worn for casual dinner and by day
• One long sleeve shirt of light material
• One tunic – perfect for relaxing by the pool on board or by the beach ashore
• One light jacket
• Two bathing suits
• A Little Black Dress – this never goes wrong for evening wear and would be perfect to for a smart-casual dinner
• One cocktail dress – cocktail dresses can be a little more fun than formal gowns but are still suitable for formal dinner.
• One formal gown – a full length gown in a solid color always looks beautiful. Opt for classic elegance and it’ll never go out of style.
• One pair of fancy heels – stick to a neutral color that will match multiple outfits
• One pair of nice sandals – perfect for smart-casual evenings
• One pair of tennis shoes or any comfortable walking shoes
• Complimentary jewelry and bag to match your formal outfits, as well as a practical bag for daytime
• Mascara , foundation , sunscreen and lipstick for a touch of glamour

Compass Rose Packing Cubes

How to Pack for Cruise

Once you’ve chosen all your cruise essentials, use packing cubes and other luggage organizers to organize and compress your clothing tightly to make the most of less space.

Delsey Chatelet Carry On Luggage

Tip: For cruise trip, we recommend choosing a suitcase with brake system lock like the Delsey Chatelet to prevent it from rolling away. 

There are a variety of packing organizers ranging from compression sacks to packing cubes to ziplock bags. Personally, we like using these packing cubes and our readers agree. They’ve helped millions of our readers travel carryon only!

Watch the packing tutorial here or on our YouTube Channel !

We put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!

More TFG Editor’s Summer Outfits

View this post on Instagram ☀️ What beach destination is on your radar for 2020? ? #TravelFashionGirl #SummerWeather #BeachTravel A post shared by Alexandra Jimenez (@travelfashiongirl) on Mar 3, 2020 at 6:06am PST

View this post on Instagram Hello from Merida – the cultural heart of the Yucatan Peninsula! ❤️ I visited the area for both a music festival and a friend's birthday and had such a fantastic time. I highly recommend visiting if you're near the area or simply want to explore more of the stunning Yucatan. Duplicates for the dress I'm wearing are also listed in my LinkTree! Have you visited Merida before? Would you be interested in checking it out? Let me know in the comments! #TravelFashionGirl A post shared by Alexandra Jimenez (@travelfashiongirl) on Oct 13, 2019 at 5:00pm PDT

Thank you to these two ladies for showing us how to pack for a cruise and for creating this cruise packing list!

What are your tips on what to pack for a cruise vacation?

For more vacation packing tips, please read:

• What to Wear on a Cruise to the South Pacific
• What to Pack for a Mediterranean Cruise
• What to Pack for a Sailing Trip in the British Virgin Islands
• Caribbean Cruisewear Essentials

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Hope you liked this post on what to pack for a cruise vacation! Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Author Bio:  Emma Gray is a Scottish girl, with a serious passion for cruising and travelling in general. She’s lucky enough to have already been on 13 cruises, with 6 different cruise lines. Emma On Board aims to share tips, advice, information and personal tales on all things cruise, from a young person’s perspective. Her other blog Emma’s Travel Tales shares her general travel stories from around the world. Emma is always busy making memories around the world.

30 Comments

Love, Love, LOVE ALL of the help you dole out! Your experience help people like me So very much!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the help to this elderly woman!

This list was so helpful for my very first cruise!!! Thank you so much!!!💕

Do you have suggestions for our Alaskan cruise in July? Our first cruise, four ports for sightseeing day trips.

Hi Terry, check out this guide to help get you started for what to pack for Alaska, it was written by a fellow TFG reader. Have a wonderful time!

https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-alaska-cruise-in-august/

This is so helpful! Going on my Caribbean cruise in a few weeks, no idea how I can put everything in 1 luggage))) When it comes to dresses and formal dinner, how many dresses should I pack? Thanks

Hi Anna, A good place to start is to take a look at TFG’s Four Signature Packing Lists for ideas for a capsule wardrobe and how many clothing items you could pack – then depending on your preferences, you can choose more bottoms, fewer dresses, more tops – you can adjust the combination based on your needs: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/functional-and-fashion-packing-list/

Start with 10 items focusing on the absolute essentials – the core – and then decide if you need additional items or if you could do with less. If you carefully select your travel clothing choices and, for example, pack 6 tops and 4 bottoms, you’d have 24 ensembles on rotation. That’s 3 weeks’ worth of travel outfits with just 10 pieces of clothing!

We have more tips for packing for a Caribbean cruise here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/caribbean-cruise-wear-essentials-cruise-dresses-and-more/

Have an amazing time!

We just booked an anniversary cruise trip to Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Greenland for next summer. Great to have all these wonderful Packing tips. I’ve been enjoying your blog for years. Thank you.

These packing lists are so helpful. Thank you 👍🏼

I am headed for a Hawaiian Cruise this week. Your blog posts have been very resourceful. Thank you for all of the information!!

Having a capsule wardrobe is a game changer! I packed way too much for our last cruise and didn’t wear half of what I brought. Even my husband said that we will pack differently for the next cruise!

We are going on a cruise round America the last week in October, Boston, New York, Halifax etc. Any recommendations on what to pack????

Hi Louise, thank you for reaching out.Have a look at TFG’s signature packing lists for ideas for a capsule wardrobe and how many clothing items you could pack: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/functional-and-fashion-packing-list/ The packing lists show you how to pack light and have the right clothes no matter the destination or the length of the journey. Then for North America, we have a range of articles that offer tips to help you create your packing list: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/north-america-packing-lists/ Hope this helps. Have an amazing time on your cruise! ?

What about footwear for the pool?

Hi, women’s flip flops are the ideal water shoe for many trips where you’ll spend most of your time around pools, beaches, and boats. For some recommendations for flip flops, have a look at this article: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/womens-flip-flops/ Hope this helps answer your question! 🙂

Thankfor let me know what to bring on the cruise I Will be leaving out in April

Hi Irene, so pleased you found this article helpful for your packing. You might also find this post interesting for some things you might not be expecting for your cruise: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/ten-unexpected-things-youll-experience-on-a-cruise/ Have an amazing time! ?

Hi, going on a 7 day western mediterranean cruise Early Oct./18 its going to be casual dressing, what to I need to bring; have a habit of over packing.

Hi Sharon, for some ideas for what to pack for your Mediterranean cruise have a look at this post: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-a-mediterranean-cruise/ You may also find this article useful, five things to add to your packing list: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/mediterranean-cruise-packing-list/ Hope this help! Have a fantastic time on your cruise!! 🙂

I don’t know how I missed this when looking for help on my last cruise?!! I’d love to see packing lists for “over 50” women! 😉

I think the items would be the same, just the style might be different depending what you’re comfortable with. For example, the skinny pants might be swapped for a more classic cut and the short short demin shorts for a slightly longer pair. Or not, depending on what you like.

Upcoming Mediterranean cruise leaving Barcelona April 1, preceded by 10 days in London then Paris, followed by 3 days in Venice. Trying so hard to visualize packing less, less, less…

Wow that’s quite the European adventure! This 10 Step Packing Guide should help 😉 https://travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guides/10-step-packing-guide-europe/

Susan, for many European cruises, the itineraries are pretty port intensive and formal nights may not be your thing. On our last we were lucky to get back and eat dinner in time before collapsing into bed to prep for the next day! A simple piece like a long skirt (maxi or midi) that can be dressed up or down with tops or accessories has always worked for me. It saves space to not have to pack a formal dress ( or suit for husband) you are only going to wear 2-3 times. Plus it doubles for coverage if you are going to places that require more modest dress.

Would love pictures of casual & smart casual. Not sure that I know the difference!

Casual wear, I’d define as jeans, tanks, shirts, sundresses, etc. While smart casual has a slightly more polished look. Think what you’d wear to casual Friday in a formal office. Slacks, blouses, put together but not quite business attire. This post: https://travelfashiongirl.com/business-trip-packing-list-for-minimalist-fashionistas/

In the bottom-most graphic, the casual look could even be considered smart casual, but the after-work cocktails look and work attire are definitely smart casual! Hope that helps Sandy!

Can you update the photos? I don’t see the photos any more. I love your site so so very much!

Thanks! I’ll have to write another post as the photos have been removed by their original source. Thanks for reading!

Thanks for showing pictures with your examples! It can get so tricky knowing what clothing falls into what categories.

great! glad to help 🙂

Hi i was just wondering where to find the outfit with the white top and green skirt. thanks 🙂

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Designer Cruise Dresses

If you’re going on your first cruise, figuring out what to wear for the formal events can feel like a daunting task. There’s the Captain's dinner, dinner in the main dining room, and other snazzy cruise events you want to stand out for.  

To avoid sticking out among the crowd, it’s important that you find the right cruise formal wear to bring with you on your exciting vacation. Understanding the different cruise events and the cruise line’s dress code is key before stocking up on garments.

Nevertheless, participating in formal events on cruise ships is fun! For most people, it allows them to dress up and wear designer cruise dresses they wouldn’t typically wear.

Formal Cruise Event Attire

Before you buy clothes to wear, it’s best to look at the dress code your particular cruise line has set. Cruise ships have hundreds of events happening every night and certain events may have different codes than others. Some dress codes can be “resort casual,” “smart casual,” or “formal” for certain events or daytime wear.

Typically, there are one or two dinners aboard the ship that require formal wear, mainly dinners. Depending on how long your cruise is, there will be somewhere between one and three dinner nights where formal wear is the dress code. Other events that may require you to dress up formally could be the casino or shows.

When a cruise line has a “formal” dress code requirement, it typically means men wear suits or tuxedos and women wear  gala dresses and  evening gowns .

Styles To Bring On a Cruise

Cruise lines and luxury cruise lines are your place to make a statement with the type of designer cruise gowns and styles you bring along with you. Staying on top of the trends is another factor to consider when finding the right cruise ship dresses.

For spring or summer colors, the trending tones seem to be pastel colors, specifically  soft pink and  blue tones . Colors to stay away from onboard a cruise ship are  brown or warm tones relating to this color.  Black , however, is an exception.

Navy , white, and lighter colors are the perfect tones to choose for your nautical voyage. When it comes to patterns and styles, off-the-shoulder dresses, halter tops, spaghetti straps, and sequins can add beauty to your sophisticated look.

Why Buy From NYD?

NewYorkDress is a company that keeps up with the trending fashion for any kind of sophisticated, formal event. We feature exclusive designers that offer the best formal and gala dresses to bring as your formal cruise dinner dresses. Our selection of styles is perfect for cruise formal wear, and we love to make sure our customers look fabulous and elegant wherever they go. We like to make our dresses affordable for every woman who’s going to steal the show in the selection of their choice. Get ready for your voyage by shopping from our designer cruise gowns today!

LaDivine CH135 Dress

Terani 1912E9202 Dress

Andrea and Leo 5024 Dress

Portia and Scarlett PS1986 Dress

Cecilia Couture 1409 Dress

La Femme 28176 Dress

MNM Couture M0042 Dress

Clarisse 4852 Dress

Terani 1921M0473 Dress

Portia and Scarlett PS22666 Dress

Terani 2011M2159 Dress

Andrea and Leo A5007 Dress

Lucci Lu 1196 Dress

Marsoni M140 Dress

LaDivine CD989 Dress

MNM Fouad Sarkis 2284 Dress

Portia and Scarlett PS6110 Dress

LaDivine CM327 Dress

Terani 1911E9128 Dress

Mac Duggal 5615 Dress

Cecilia Couture 1405 Dress

Janique K7031 Dress

LaDivine CD233C Dress

Marsoni M286 Dress

La Femme 28206 Dress

LaDivine CH135CL Dress

Lara 29618 Dress

Cinderella Divine CD937W Dress

Terani 1913M9414 Dress

Chvmpayne Collection 10323 Dress

Mac Duggal 26612 Dress

Terani 2111M5289 Dress

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The 15 Best Cruise Dresses From Just $25, According to a Former Crew Member

From elegant options to comfortable styles for everyday wear, shop the best cruise dresses for as low as $24 at Amazon.

Kelsey’s writing has appeared in outlets like Condé Nast Traveler, TripSavvy, Edible Magazine, and TimeOut. Some of the most standout experiences in her travels include living in Tokyo, abseiling in Vanuatu, surfing in Costa Rica, and cycling through the Pyrenees mountains.

Travel + Leisure

Cruises are a slow and timeless mode of travel that makes the process of getting from point A to point B a lot more fun. Instead of sitting in sweatpants and a hoodie on a 10-hour flight, you could be dancing in a gown to live music while you make your way across the Atlantic. 

The dress code for cruise travel is much different than for air travel. I should know; before I was a travel writer, I spent a career living aboard cruise ships as an onboard entertainer. As a crew member with the privilege of enjoying guest areas, I learned how to dress comfortably and with style for various cruise ship events and experiences, such as formal nights, specialty dinner reservations, sail-away parties, and more. 

Whether you're lounging on deck, exploring ports of call (i.e. stops along the way), or enjoying elegant dinners, choosing the right dress can make you feel more comfortable and create great memories (and incredible photos). Here’s a curated selection of 15 cruise dresses that blend fashion with functionality for your next cruise adventure.

Hount Casual Summer Sleeveless Dress

Lean into the joyfulness of tropical islands you’re cruising to by wearing playful prints you might not otherwise sport at home. A dress with a hibiscus or plumeria print will feel fun and thematic for a cruise to Hawaii. (In fact, one shopper going on a Hawaii cruise said it's "worth every penny.") Palm fronds or orchids will be fitting for itineraries to St. Lucia or the BVI’s. This maxi dress comes in all of these prints and more (plus pockets).

With 5,000+ five-star ratings, you can't go wrong. One cruise goer wrote , "Great for cruise vacation! Packs nice, wrinkle-free." Others raved that the dress has a comfortable amount of stretch, and the fabric is so soft you could sleep in it.

Nautica Striped Polo Dress

This nautical striped dress by Nautica is classic maritime fashion. Wear this to the breakfast buffet, which typically requests a casual resort wear dress code. Afterward, head to the library and curl up with a book, or kick back on the loungers around the promenade deck while you people watch.

One shopper said it is "perfect" for their Caribbean cruise, since it "fits well" and is "flattering, comfortable, and cool." Another called it the "perfect outfit" for embarkation day of cruise, so you have a no-fuss, polished look ready to go (one less thing to stress about before your trip).

Qinsen Square-Neck Tennis Dress

Some large cruise ships have onboard tennis courts, basketball courts, squash, or pickleball courts, which make staying fit more fun than trudging away on the treadmill in the gym. Even if you don’t play sports, you can still get a workout with a brisk walk around the promenade deck or in a Zumba class. Bring a cute dress to wear for exercise (you never know who you’ll meet on a cruise). Still, there’s no rule saying you couldn’t wear this out in port too. This one earns points for built-in pockets where you can keep your room card and other essentials. 

(Psst, if you're looking for something slightly sportier, check out Amazon's best-selling activewear dress while it's on sale. One reviewer shared that it was "perfect for going to and from the beach" during their cruise, and it's so popular, more than 4,000 were bought last month.

Amazhiyu 100% Linen High-Low Midi Dress

Linen is a fantastic fabric to wear if you’re cruising to hot climates. You’ll find the breathable material commonly worn throughout the Mediterranean, such as France, Italy, and Spain. This high-low style is a simple but strategic design that makes it so the back of your legs are covered when sitting down on hot benches; plus, it has pockets.

One buyer raved , “Of all my many dresses which are much more expensive, this $32 linen dress is my absolute favorite everyday dress. The linen is great quality and keeps me cool.” Another shopper , who was thrilled that this dress is actually 100 percent linen, pointed out that this dress would be "a hit on a cruise."

Prettygarden Summer Wrap Maxi Dress

This wrap dress can feel casual or elevated, depending on whether you wear sandals or heels. It’s also universally flattering for all body types as it cinches at the waist, hugs curves to your liking, and has a flirty, ruffle hem and split skirt to give movement. Reviewers mentioned how it's a great option for cruise dinners, while others who ordered this for a cruise vacation noted that it was perfect, comfortable, and very nice material.

The Drop Fiona Relaxed Linen Midi Shirt Dress

You won’t regret packing a dress with sleeves on a cruise. Some interior areas of the ship can be chilly (like the theatre), and even in warm destinations a windy sail away at night will feel cold. This linen shirt dress can be worn with or without a belt.

If you’re cruising in Europe, this dress will fit right in as one buyer said , “it definitely gives Italian style vibes and I get numerous compliments every time I wear it.” 

Zesica Summer Puff-Sleeve Maxi Dress

Almost all luxury cruise lines offer afternoon high tea in the dining room. This is a longstanding tradition where guests can enjoy light sandwiches and pastries at around 3 or 4 in the afternoon, to tide you over until dinner service. It’s also a lot of fun to sit and chat with fellow guests. Just like a royal tea service you’d find in London, expect to dress in attire that is considered upscale daytime resort wear.

Merokeety Wrap Velvet Maxi Dress

I often saw guests dressing too casually on formal nights wearing knee-length cocktail dresses. But going all out on an elegant floor-length gown is part of the fun of this sea-day sailing tradition. On ship formal nights you’ll see the bridge officers wearing their formal ship whites, and many crew members wear elevated staff attire as well. As a guest, lean into the tradition and don your glitziest gown.

This one is made of an elegant velvet material, covers your shoulders, and has a flattering wrap design. One cruise goer wrote : "I tried so many black dress for a formal dinner in our girl vacation cruise and nothing screams classy and elegant like this dress. I wanted to look sophisticated so this dress delivered it."

Hanpceirs Boat-Neck Sleeveless Swing Dress

As a cruise ship dancer, I was tasked with teaching daytime dance classes such as salsa, waltz, and swing. These classes were a lot of fun as the guests eagerly soaked up the instruction and really got moving. Later that evening, I’d often find my students hitting the floor in the piano lounge, confidently showing off their new moves to live music. If you have visions of dancing all night as you cruise the open sea, then you’ll want a good dancing dress like this one that allows for movement around your legs. 

Dokotoo Casual Short-Sleeve Cover-Up Dress

This button-down dress makes an excellent cover-up for hanging by the pool or wearing ashore to the beach. You could also style this fully buttoned up and belted for a simple day dress look. One reviewer said they bought this explicitly for a cruise and it performed well, “I bought this as a cover for a cruise in February. It was the perfect cover up but I could use it as just a cute outfit.”

Grace Karin Strapless Ruched Maxi Dress

Wear this strapless style for a day of spa appointments. No zippers, buttons, or closures make it easy to take off as you prep for a massage. The style also keeps your neck and chest exposed should you get a facial steam or shoulder massage. Unlike many slip-on maxi dresses, this one has pockets. Shoppers call it a " great cruising dress ," saying they " can't wait to wear it to dinner " aboard the ship.

Chouyatou Long-Sleeve Button-Down Maxi Shirt Dress

Another " perfect cruising dress ," according to reviewers, this lightweight and soft cotton dress is breathable and comfy thanks to its wide dolman sleeves and naturally slouchy fit. If you’re going out in port for a long day of exploring, be it walking or sitting on a tour bus, then you’ll want to prioritize comfort. This dress will protect you from sun on your chest, arms, and shoulders while still feeling lightweight and breezy. Unbutton it at the bottom to create more airflow and leg room. Four different stripe colorways work with any pair of shoes, but I recommend comfortable white walking sneakers or blister-free supportive sandals.

Bsubseach Printed Kaftan Dress

If you’re lounging at the pool and want to grab a quick bite at the buffet, there’s usually a dress code to go through the line, which requires shoes and a shirt. A kaftan is an easy fix that instantly feels like an outfit, even if you’ve slipped it on over a bathing suit.

This kaftan dress has racked up tons of reviews from cruise goers calling it " perfect cruise wear " and that they "plan to wear it for casual dining and on deck relaxing ." Plus, it " packs down small ," making it perfect for cruise carry-on bags.

Merokeety Short-Sleeve T-Shirt Dress

A shirt dress is a versatile item to through in your luggage that you could end up wearing more often than anything else. On sea days and afternoons on board, attire is typically resort casual, and this dress in any of its 23 different colors fits the bill. With over 20,000 five-star ratings, this crew neck shirt dress has a flattering belt tie that makes it tailored to any body type. Pockets make it convenient to travel light around the ship with just your room key and your phone. You could wear this dress to grab a coffee, read in the library, watch a lecture, or just head to the top deck for an afternoon drink. 

One customer wrote , "we cruise a lot and it is easy to pack and dress up or down," while another shared that they bought two of these dresses for their cruise, and when they returned home from their trip, they purchased another two — it's just that good.

Grace Karin Sequin Cocktail Dress

Some cruises have themed nights depending on when they sail and where they’re going. If you’re embarking on a New Year’s cruise or an exclusive itinerary (like a river cruise through Paris during the Olympics), you’ll want something flashy to celebrate the occasion.

Opt for sequins instead of fabric with sparkles unless you want glitter all over the contents of your suitcase. And trust us, you're bound to get all of the compliments — and shoppers agree. One customer said , "I bought this dress for elegant night on a recent cruise. I received so many compliments all over the ship!"

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Creating a Stunning Mediterranean Cruise Capsule Wardrobe (2024): What To Pack For A Mediterranean Cruise

DISCLOSURE: Stylish Cruising contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, as well as affiliate programs with other companies. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. To learn more, please see our  Privacy Policy .

NOTE: This post was originally published in 2023. It has been revised and refreshed with new wardrobe options for 2024.

If you are cruising to Europe this summer and don’t know what to pack for a Mediterranean cruise, you’ve come to the right place. Putting together a Mediterranean cruise capsule wardrobe is easy!

About The Cruise Capsule Wardrobe

If you are planning what to pack for a Mediterranean cruise, one of the most important things you need to do is pack appropriately. While it’s tempting to pack everything you own, it is best to create a capsule wardrobe that will see you through your voyage in style.

A capsule wardrobe is a collection of versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits.

This will not only save you time when getting ready each day but will also help you pack light, which is important when traveling on a cruise.

We have cruised to Europe a couple of times now and have visited the Greek Isles, Italy, and France, all in the heat of summer, so now I have a pretty good idea of what works and what doesn’t in that climate. You need to be ready for very hot weather with strong sunshine in the daytime, and cooler temperatures at night.

For this Mediterranean cruise capsule wardrobe, I chose 19 pieces of clothing in a color palette to make them more versatile and save room in your suitcase. Added to that are 5 pairs of shoes, swimwear, and a few accessories.

If you want, use these as a guide, adding to and removing items for your own needs and packing style.

Cruise Capsule Wardrobe Checklist

Would you like to have a FREE Cruise Capsule Wardrobe checklist to help you with packing for your next cruise?

Trip Parameters

For this Mediterranean cruise capsule wardrobe, as with any trip, you’ll want to think about these factors when choosing your clothes:

Number of days : Ten days for this trip

Season : Summer in southern Europe, with hot weather at least in the upper eighties during the day

Dress-up nights : Two or three

Also, keep in mind that if you will be touring religious sites on excursions, you’ll probably need to cover your shoulders and knees, and men will need to wear long pants.

Ultimate Cruise Planner

Need a little assistance organizing and planning your cruise? Our Ultimate Cruise Planner can help!

Color Palette

To create a cohesive capsule wardrobe, it’s best to stick to a color scheme. Neutral colors such as black, white, beige, and navy are a great base, and you can add pops of color with accessories such as scarves or statement jewelry. This will allow you to mix and match your pieces easily and create a variety of outfits with a limited number of items.

For this summer trip, I chose a simple palette with a dark neutral of black, a light neutral of white, with magenta for color.

Choosing Your Clothing

When creating your capsule wardrobe, focus on packing versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down. A few key items to consider include:

• A lightweight dress or two that can be worn during the day with sandals or dressed up for dinner with heels and statement jewelry.
• Comfortable pants or jeans that can be worn during the day with a casual top or dressed up for dinner with a blouse and heels.
• Tops that can be mixed and matched, such as a white tee, a blouse, and perhaps a sweater or wrap for cooler evenings.
• A swimsuit or two and a coverup for days spent by the pool or on the beach.
• Comfortable shoes such as sandals or sneakers for walking around ports and exploring new destinations.

Don’t Forget The Accessories

Accessories can completely transform an outfit and are an easy way to add a pop of color or texture to your capsule wardrobe. Consider packing a few key items such as:

• A statement necklace or earrings that can be worn with a simple dress or top to add some sparkle.
• A scarf that can be worn as a headwrap, a belt, or tied around your neck to add some color or pattern to your outfit.
• A crossbody bag that can be worn during the day for exploring ports and a clutch for more formal dinners.
• A hat to protect your face from the sun and add some style to your beach outfit.

Store inventories are fluid, so you may click on an item to shop it and find it’s no longer available. In any case, you can see the look I was going for.

Where These Clothes Are From

I chose to window shop for you at Chico’s, which has elegant upscale clothes for mature women and caters to those who travel.

Let’s start with tops. We’ll want to choose some casual as well as dressier tops, plus short-sleeve and with longer sleeves because of the air-conditioning on the ship.

For a summer cruise to southern Europe, we’ll want shorts or capris, a long pair of pants or two, and shorts or skorts. Selecting neutrals for your bottoms helps with mixing and matching.

For this cruise, I chose two elegant dresses and a jumpsuit that can be dressed up or down.

For shoes, you’ll need three kinds: ultra-comfortable for walking long distances (I chose sneakers), casual sandals or loafers or slip-ons, and dressier heels or flats. Don’t go overboard with the shoes because they take up a lot of room. My rule of thumb is to take the number of days on the cruise and divide it by two…that’s about all the shoes that you’ll need and wear. So, for this cruise, I chose five pairs of shoes.

Again, select neutrals for your shoes for maximum versatility.

For a hot-weather cruise, you’ll want to have at least two swimsuits. That way you can wear one while the other one dries. You will also need a coverup to wear when walking from your cabin to the pool deck. Choose one that you will feel comfortable wearing in an elevator, for instance, as you walk from your cabin to the pool deck.

Accessories

You’ll need jewelry, of course, a few statement pieces will work, but you’ll also need hats, purses, and sunglasses. I chose a couple of hats and a pair of sunglasses for this wardrobe.

This is the fun part! Now we put together combinations of what we’ve chosen, mixing and matching to create different options.

On port days, you will probably be on excursions, so you will need to dress comfortably, especially when it comes to your shoes. You will also need to protect yourself from the sun, so a hat and sunglasses are a must.

For tours that include churches or cathedrals, you will want to wear something that covers your shoulders and knees. Outfit #2 or #4 below will be acceptable for that type of excursion.

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Best Tips For What To Wear On A Mediterranean Cruise (2024)

Creating the Perfect Baltic Cruise Capsule Wardrobe (2024)

Creating a Great Cruise Capsule Wardrobe For Mexico (2024)

What To Pack For a Caribbean Cruise: 10 Glorious Days

Creating the Perfect Caribbean Cruise Capsule Wardrobe

On sea days, you will want to be comfortable and casual. Think shorts or capris and tees, that sort of thing. If you are spending most of your time indoors, you might want to have some 3/4-sleeve shirts because of the air-conditioning.

Poolside Or The Beach

For the pool or the beach, you will need at least two bathing suits, so when one is drying you can wear the other. You will also need a coverup to wear when traveling from your cabin to the pool deck, one that you are covered enough to feel comfortable in. A sun hat and sunglasses are again a must, along with sunscreen. Protect your skin!

Casual Evenings

For casual evenings where you are dining at the buffet or main dining room, you will have to use your judgment as to how casual you want to be. Most cruise lines expect dressier wear in main dining rooms. In the evening, casual wear is fine in the buffet, so you can simply continue wearing what you wore during the day, if you want.

Dressier Evenings

On formal or dress-up nights, you will want to look your best (think what you would wear to church or a country club dinner). The same goes for if you are dining at a specialty restaurant. Dresses or nice slacks are fine. For men, long pants are a must.

Check your cruise line’s website for their dress code if you aren’t sure what they expect on dress-up nights and in the main dining rooms. Here you can find the dress codes explained for Celebrity and Norwegian , as examples.

Final Thoughts On Your Mediterranean Cruise Capsule Wardrobe

Even more outfits can be made with the 19 pieces of clothing that I chose for this wardrobe, so be creative. Have fun coming up with new combinations.

Choosing what to pack for a Mediterranean cruise can seem daunting at first, but with a little planning and some careful consideration, you can create a stylish and practical wardrobe that will see you through your 10-day voyage in comfort and style.

Remember to pack versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched, focus on a color scheme, and don’t forget the accessories. The cruise lines usually offer discounts on laundry service halfway through the cruise, which helps if you want to pack even lighter.

If you found this post helpful, you might want to check out my other posts on creating a capsule wardrobe for other cruise itineraries .

Happy cruising!

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Pam and her husband, Myron, travel almost three months of the year, enjoying all the benefits of premium cruising. She's learned a thing or two and has a checklist for nearly everything related to cruising, and enjoys sharing those tips and lists with you.

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What to Wear on a Virgin Voyages Cruise

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You’ve finally booked the kid-free vacation of your dreams and you can’t wait to sail away into the sunset, but first you need to pack! You may be wondering what to wear on a Virgin Voyages cruise. Aside from typical warm weather-appropriate attire, there are a few specific items you should pack for your trip.

Virgin Voyages has theme nights that will help inspire your vacation wardrobe. For example, Scarlet Night is a celebration that takes over the entire ship and everyone wears their most fabulous red outfit.

My husband and I sailed on the Valiant Lady in spring 2023 and we had a blast. We’ve experienced several cruise lines in the past and Virgin Voyages had the best food, decor and entertainment, by far. And as I mentioned, this is an adults-only cruise, so it’s perfect for a romantic getaway with your spouse or a fun birthday trip with your friends.

(Since it has been over a year since we sailed, keep in mind some details may have changed since then.)

From the best travel shorts to pajamas you don’t mind showing off in public, here’s what to wear on a Virgin Voyages cruise.

Comfortable day clothing

There are tons of activities happening throughout the ship at nearly all hours. Some require you to reserve a spot—do this the minute you board because certain activities fill up immediately!—while others are more open. 

You might be interested in trivia, a food styling class or a cocktail tour. Or maybe you want to grab an ice cream cone and pick out a board game to play. Whatever you’re into, you’ll need comfortable outfits to wear. (Pictured: thrifted blouse with Loco Lindo pants; Paravel Aviator Carry-On Luggage .)

Comfortable shoes

The first day onboard will probably be spent exploring the ship. You’ll likely find yourself walking from one end to the other at least once a day, so bring comfortable flat sandals or low wedges to wear during the day. I also suggest shoes that have some grip on the bottom as the deck gets wet and can be a little slippery.  (Pictured: Remix Vintage ‘Holiday’ shoes)

Shorts or cropped pants

While I do love long, flowy, wide-leg pants, keep these for dinner at night rather than exploring the ship during the day. The deck can get wet and if your pants are long, there’s a chance they’ll get wet too!

My favorite shorts to travel with, or wear any time, really, are the Wayre Bermuda Flow Shorts . These dry quickly so they double as a swimsuit coverup, and they have pockets with zippers to hold valuables. Use code DAPPERDAHLIA for 20% off Wayre Bermuda Flow Shorts .

Dinner attire

You can be as dressy or relaxed as you’d like for dinner. There are casual restaurants and more fine dining experiences. And of course, most of it, with the exception of alcohol and some specialty items, is included with your voyage! I like to wear comfortable, long dresses for dinner that provide plenty of room around the waistline for indulging during the cruise.  (Pictured: thrifted bag and dress with Lulu Hun sandals.)

One of the main perks of going on a cruise is enjoying the pools and hot tubs on the ship, plus the beautiful beaches at each stop! I suggest a one-piece swimsuit that offers more sun protection than a bikini. You’ll also need a few coverups to toss on when you’re ready for lunch or to wear for offshore excursions. (Pictured: Seafolly one-piece swimsuit; shop similar here .)

A large, floppy hat provides excellent protection from the sun while you’re hanging out poolside. It can get windy on the upper decks so I suggest a sun hat with an attached strap to keep it secure. A wide-brim roll up visor is another great option. (Pictured: vintage hat, dress and handbag.)

Fabulous red outfit 

Scarlet Night is a party that takes over the entire ship. It’s SO much fun and one of the most memorable nights of the trip. This is the time to wear your most fabulous outfit. Pack a red dress or shirt to go with the theme. Insider tip: make sure you don’t mind if it gets a little wet! (Pictured: red gown by Miss Candyfloss at the entrance to The Manor.)

Cute pajamas

The Manor, which is their nightclub, hosts a pajama party so bring a cute set or nightgown and robe if you plan on attending. Even if you don’t make it, you’ll have something classy to lounge in while in your room or even stepping out for a late night snack. You’re on vacation, why not?

The Lunya Washable Silk High Rise Pant Set is incredibly comfortable and is safe to put in the washing machine on the gentle cycle.

Athletic apparel

There’s a great gym on the ship and you can sign up for fitness classes like Zumba or yoga. There’s also a track, basketball court and additional exercise equipment on the top deck. If you plan to work out, bring activewear and sneakers.

Wayre, a brand that makes comfy clothing for traveling, just released an activewear collection. I love the Wayre Longline Bra and matching Pocket Leggings . Use code DAPPERDAHLIA for 20% off Wayre.

Water shoes

Some offshore excursions may suggest specific footwear depending on the activity. If you know you want to snorkel or participate in a more active excursion, you may want to pack water shoes or sandals that can get wet and have straps so they won’t fall off, like Keen Hiking Sandals .

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What is a Disney cruise Pirate Night? All you need to know to enjoy swashbuckling at sea

W hat do you do with a drunken sailor? If you're Disney, you call him Jack Sparrow and send him rappelling down a ship funnel, of course.

Pirate Night, Disney Cruise Line 's ode to all things pirate, is a wonderful way to enjoy some outdoor fun during your next DCL sailing. In true Disney fashion, this event features costumes, themed games and parties, character appearances that can vary by ship, and a few other surprises along the way.

If this sounds like fun, that's because it is. Whether you're planning for all-in participation or you're just curious about what Disney Pirate Night entails, here's the rundown.

What is Disney Cruise Line Pirate Night?

Pirate Night on Disney cruises is just that — a night dedicated to marauder mischief, capitalizing on the fact that you're on a ship at sea. What better place to celebrate all things pirate-related?

Events kick off in the afternoon when kid-friendly game shows start up in the onboard lounges. Shenanigans carry through to the evening when passengers might choose to don pirate garb at dinner in one of their ship's three main dining rooms . After that, they can head out to the pool deck for fun under the stars.

Festivities are offered on most voyages, once per sailing; check your ship's Personal Navigator daily schedule for details.

Disney cruise Pirate Night activities and events

So, what can Pirate Night participants expect?

After a round of family-friendly fun and games, the bash continues with themed menu items at the onboard restaurants during dinner. Cruisers can choose from dishes like Jolly Rogers Barbecue Rib Salad, Pirates Gold-en Pot Stickers or even Chilled-to-the-Bone Honeydew Melon and Watermelon Soup from menus fashioned to resemble treasure maps.

When passengers make their way out onto the pool deck, they'll find a host of family-friendly games led by Disney cast members dressed in themed gear. They aim to hype up the audience, which is usually shoulder-to-shoulder, before characters appear as part of a giant pool deck party.

The general premise is that some sort of villain emerges to wreak havoc and ruin the good time everyone is having on board, only to be thwarted by the hero of the show. The latter is either Pirate Mickey, who zip lines between the top deck and the funnel in his buccaneer best to stop Captain Hook, or Jack Sparrow, who rappels down the funnel to take on a gang of sinister plundering picaroons.

A fireworks show often immediately follows most performances, weather permitting. (Disney Cruise Line is the only one that offers fireworks on nearly every voyage. Note that some sailings — including Alaska and Northern Europe itineraries — do not have fireworks.)

Oh, and remember: Costumes are encouraged. Whether you choose simply to wear the free bandana the line doles out to each passenger or you bring your very own custom-made ensemble that makes you look like a dead ringer for Blackbeard himself, you certainly won't feel out of place.

If you feel like splurging on the smallest pirates in your group, make an appointment at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, found on all Disney Cruise Line ships . For a handsome fee — one you thankfully won't have to pay in gold doubloons — stylists will dote on your kiddo, offering up costumes, swords, scars, eye patches, earrings and other accessories for a look that's fit for a plunderer.

Which Disney Cruise Line ships have Pirate Night?

Pirate Night occurs once on nearly every cruise on Disney ships. Here are more specifics about what to expect from each vessel's event.

Disney Wish Pirate Night

On Pirate Night, Disney Wish offers family-friendly games, a pirate-themed dinner and a nighttime pool deck show called the Pirate's Rockin' Parlay Party. There, passengers can gather in their pirate costumes to watch as Captain Redd — billed by the line as "a descendant of the famous red-headed rogue from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction" — and several of her pirate friends put on one heck of a performance set to well-known rock 'n' roll hits.

Keep an eye out for Jack Sparrow, who might just make an appearance. Additionally, the show is followed by fireworks.

Disney Fantasy Pirate Night

During Pirate Night, Disney Fantasy offers a packed schedule of activities, ranging from a pirate-themed dinner and family-friendly games to costumed pool-deck fun. Expect visits from some of your favorite Disney characters, including Captain Jack Sparrow, who rappels down the ship's funnel before the ship lights up the sky with fireworks.

Disney Dream Pirate Night

Disney Dream 's Pirate Night is similar to the show on Disney Fantasy. Captain Jack Sparrow appears to save the ship from a band of rogue pirates, leading up to a brilliant fireworks display.

Preceding these outdoor festivities are afternoon game show activities, a pirate-themed dinner and games for the whole family.

Disney Magic Pirate Night

Brace yourself for some nostalgia because, on Disney Magic , Pirate Night consists of appearances by cast members dressed as pirates who dance alongside the infamous Captain Hook. As he tries to make the night all about him, Mickey Mouse swoops in on a zip line to save the party and kick off the fireworks show.

Earlier in the day, cruisers can enjoy family-friendly games and a pirate-themed dinner.

Disney Wonder Pirate Night

Pirate Night, Disney Wonder 's pirate-themed bash, consists of afternoon family games and activities that carry through the night after the ship's pirate-themed dinner.

Out on the pool deck after dark, pirate lovers can expect the same show they'd see on Disney Magic — one where Captain Hook is bested by Pirate Mickey. Just before Mickey introduces the fireworks, he glides across the top decks on a zip line.

Disney cruise Pirate Night FAQ

Does disney cruise line still have pirate night.

Yes, Disney Cruise Line ships offer Pirate Night once on nearly every voyage, weather and itinerary permitting.

How do I know if my Disney cruise has Pirate Night?

Since almost all Disney Cruise Line voyages have Pirate Night, your ship will likely host one on your sailing.

Do adults dress up for Pirate Night on Disney cruises?

Yes, adults are just as into dressing up as their children are. And if you're a Disney adult who doesn't have kids, you're encouraged to dress up, too.

Does Disney Cruise Line give you bandanas for Pirate Night?

Yes, all passengers on Disney Cruise Line ships will receive a free bandana as a souvenir. So, even if you forget to pack your pirate costume, you can still join in the fun.

Planning a Disney cruise? We've got you covered with these "ARRR"-ticles:

• The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line
• The best Disney Cruise Line sailings for every traveler
• Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Club loyalty program
• Types of Disney Cruise Line ships explained
• Disney Cruise Line's Oceaneer kids club
• Ways to save money on a Disney cruise
• The best destinations to visit on a Disney cruise
• Disney Cruise Line tips and tricks
• Disney Cruise Line ships, newest to oldest
• Disney Cruise Line ships, biggest to smallest
• Disney Cruise Line drink packages

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Ukraine war latest: Russian nuclear reactor 'extremely exposed' - as Ukraine 'launches raid on second Russian region'

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has said Kursk's nuclear plant reactor is "extremely exposed" to attack. It comes as Ukraine attempts to push into Russia's Belgorod region, according to reports. Watch a Sky News exclusive on the Ukrainian resistance operating behind Russian lines.

Tuesday 27 August 2024 22:59, UK

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• Ukraine trying to break into new Russian region - reports
• Kyiv tests its first ballistic missile
• Border 'under control', Russian officials say
• Russian nuclear reactor 'extremely exposed' under 'normal roof'
• Number killed by Russian overnight attack rises to six
• Watch: Who are Ukraine's secret resistance?
• Your questions answered: Can Ukraine advance further inside Russia?

We're pausing our live coverage of the war in Ukraine.

We'll be back with more updates and analysis tomorrow, but before we go, here's a recap of the key developments that took place today.

Russia launched another wave of missiles and drones overnight that killed at least six people. 

It followed a massive aerial attack on Sunday night that saw seven people killed and 15 regions struck.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine had  used Western-supplied F-16 fighter jets to help defend itself. 

He also promised Ukraine would respond to the attacks.

Elsewhere, Russian Telegram channels reported that Ukrainian forces were attempting to push into Russia's southern Belgorod region.

Reports said 500 troops attacked two checkpoints at Nekhoteyevka and Shebekino, which borders both Ukraine and the Russian region of Kursk, which Kyiv invaded on 6 August.

In other news from the conflict:

• Mr Zelenskyy said Ukraine successfully ran a test of its first domestic-made ballistic missiles;
• He also said he's going to present a plan to the US on how he intends to end the war with Russia;
• Sir Keir Starmer said there has been "no new decisions" on letting Ukraine use UK-provided Storm Shadow missiles inside Russia;
• The head of the international nuclear watchdog said was a danger of a "nuclear accident" at the "extremely exposed" Kursks nuclear power plant;
• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he "exchanged perspectives" on the war in Ukraine with Vladimir Putin;

Pictures show an inspection of Kursk nuclear power plant led by Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

He warned the plant's nuclear reactor was "extremely exposed and fragile" to attack, protected only by a "normal roof" from impact.

The plant is based in the Kursk region of Russian, which Ukraine invaded earlier this month.

By Deborah Haynes , security and defence editor

One of the most secret weapons to combat Russia's invasion of Ukraine has started to raise its profile.

A new video posted on social media seeks to promote the covert activities of a network of Ukrainian civilians, living - and fighting - behind Russian lines.

Run by the Ukrainian special forces, this resistance movement is growing, according to its commander, who said any adult - old, young, male, female - can join.

They just need to be loyal to Ukraine - and brave.

In an echo of Britain's Special Operations Executive that ran missions behind enemy lines during the Second World War, the tasks of the Ukrainian resistance inside territory captured by Moscow include espionage, sabotage and "eliminating" Russian forces, the commander told Sky News.

He said the men and women of the resistance are active in Crimea as well as parts of southern and eastern Ukraine and have carried out jobs within Russia.

Groups are also being created - as a precaution - in parts of Ukraine that may yet fall under Russian control.

Read on here...

Kyiv will present US officials with a tailored list of long-range targets they wish to strike inside Russia, according to reports.

It forms part of Ukraine's efforts to convince Washington to lift restrictions on the use of long-range weapons.

Ukrainian officials hope that by identifying high-value targets, they can change Joe Biden's mind, reported Politico, citing three sources familiar with the matter.

National security council spokesperson John Kirby said there were "no changes" to US policy at a briefing yesterday, but Ukraine’s defence minister, Rustem Umerov, and senior presidential adviser, Andriy Yermak, will be in Washington this week to present the plan.

Kyiv has long argued that without the use of long-range weapons, it cannot eliminate the systems Russia uses to fire missiles and rockets at civilian targets in Ukraine.

Russia has continued its assault on Pokrovsk, mounting some 60 assaults in the Pokrovsky district today, according to the Ukrainian army's general staff.

"Ukrainian defenders are doing everything possible to maintain defensive lines and positions," it said.

Here we take a look at why Russia sees the city of Pokrovsk as a high-priority target.

Pokrovsk is a road and rail hub with a pre-war population of 60,000 people.

It lies on a key road used by the Ukrainian military to supply other embattled Ukrainian-held outposts, such as the towns of Chasiv Yar and Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region.

To its west is Ukraine's largest coking coal mine, vital for its pre-war economy.

Why does Russia want it?

Moscow sees taking control of Pokrovsk as an important stepping stone to annexing the entire Donetsk region.

Russian media call it "the gateway to Donetsk", allowing Moscow to severely disrupt Ukrainian supply lines along the eastern front and boost its campaign to capture the city of Chasiv Yar.

Chasiv Yar itself sits on higher ground and offers potential control of a wider area.

Squeezing the Ukrainian military's access to the road network in the vicinity would also make it harder for the troops to hold pockets of territory either side of Pokrovsk.

The impact of the war 

Residents continue to evacuate westwards by rail and road, while others are reluctant to leave.

Windows are boarded up or blown out, with roofs, balconies and facades badly damaged.

Residents say power and water have long been cut.

Vadym Filashkin, the Donetsk regional governor, said 53,000 people were still living in the Pokrovsk area on 19 August, including some 4,000 children.

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov says the West "is asking for it" and is "playing with fire" if the US is considering lifting restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western long-range weapons.

"We have our own doctrine, including the doctrine of using nuclear weapons, which, by the way, is now being clarified, and which American officials know very well. 

"But this is simply Freudian, you know, the third world war is bad because we do not want Europe to suffer. 

"Here is the entire American mentality of the master, who sits on the other side, convinced of his safety, and convinced that for him the dirty work will be done and die, not only Ukrainians, but now also Europeans, as it turns out."

Mr Lavrov said it was very dangerous for leaders entrusted with nuclear weapons to "play with matches like little children".

"The West does not want to avoid escalation. The West, as they say, is asking for it." 

The number of people killed by Russian missiles and drones today has risen to six, according to Ukrainian officials.

This brings the total to 13 dead in 48 hours, after Moscow's biggest air attack of the war yesterday.

Three people were killed and five injured today when a hotel was "wiped out" by a missile in the central city of Kryvyi Rih, regional officials said.

Separately, three people were killed and three injured in drone attacks on the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia.

Another four were hurt in a missile strike on the northeastern region of Kharkiv overnight, local authorities said. 

Ukraine downed five out of 10 incoming missiles and 60 out of 81 drones, the air force said.

Earlier today we featured warnings from nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi against the danger of a nuclear accident at Kursk's nuclear power plant.

We now have fuller comments from Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, who was leading an inspection today.

The plant's nuclear reactor is "extremely exposed" to attack, he said.

"The core of the reactor containing nuclear material is protected just by a normal roof. This makes it extremely exposed and fragile, for example, to an artillery impact or a drone or a missile," he said.

"This is like the building across the street, all right? With all this nuclear material."

The facility lacks the containment dome and protective structure that is typical of modern nuclear power stations.

"This is why we believe that a nuclear power plant of this type, so close to a point of contact or a military front, is an extremely serious fact that we take very seriously."

Mr Grossi continued: "There is no specific protection. And this is very, very important. If there is an impact on the core, the material is there and the consequences could be extremely serious."

The plant has the same same type of reactor as Chernobyl, but it would be an exaggeration to equate the two, he added.

 Ukraine used Western-supplied F-16 fighter jets to down Russian drones and missiles during recent attacks, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

The Ukrainian president announced earlier this month that Kyiv had received the first batch of jets promised by Western countries.

Speaking at a news conference today, Mr Zelenskyy confirmed the use of F-16s and urged Ukraine's allies to send more.

"Nobody talked about it, but we destroyed already, in this huge attack of Russians, we destroyed already some missiles and drones using F-16," he said.

"I will not share how many, but we did it thanks to partners who gave us F-16, provided to us. But again it's not enough, we have a small number of F-16."

NATO's secretary general Jens Stoltenberg will convene a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council tomorrow .

A NATO spokesperson said the meeting will be held "at an ambassadorial level" at Kyiv's request and that Ukraine's defence minister Rustem Umerov is expected to appear via video-link.

He will brief the council "on the battlefield situation and priority capability needs", according to the spokesperson.

The meeting comes after two consecutive nights of heavy Russian strikes on Ukraine, which across both evenings killed 13 people.

For context: The NATO-Ukraine Council was launched in 2023 as part of a three-part package of support bringing Kyiv closer to NATO.

It replaced the NATO-Ukraine Commission, which was the decision-making body responsible for developing the NATO-Ukraine relationship and for directing cooperative activities from 1997-2023.

NATO members and Ukraine meet as equal participants in the council.

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What to Wear on a Cool Weather Cruise (with photos & links)

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If you’re used to Caribbean and other tropical weather cruises, packing and choosing what to wear on a cool weather cruise can be a challenge!

Whether you’re doing an Alaska, Canada & New England , or Norwegian Fjords cruise, you’ll need cruise outfits that are practical and warm enough for your cool weather cruise.

I recently did a Fall cruise in the Canada New England region, where weather can be cool and rainy one day, and sunny and warm the next. I definitely have some cruise packing tips to share!

In this post I share some ideas of what to wear on a cooler weather cruise (September, October, November…). I also share several cruise outfit photos and links to the cruise wear when possible.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Cruise Wear for a Cool Weather Cruise

Before I share the cruise outfits I wore during the day and evening for a cool weather cruise, here’s a list of basic clothing to pack.

Basic Cruise Packing List – Cool Weather Cruise

Remember, that dressing in layers works best for days in ports and on shore excursions. It’s likely that the morning may be cooler, and you’ll need a sweater or light jacket. However, by afternoon a t-shirt may be perfect!

• Sweatshirts or sweaters
• Pants or Jeans
• Pair of shorts (optional)
• Socks (bring extra in case it rains)
• Casual evening wear
• Dressy clothing (formal nights or chic evenings )
• Rain jacket
• Warm jacket (check weather)

Tip: Check the weather forecasts a few days before your cruise, and adjust your clothing list as needed. You can pack light on a cruise by wearing pants and tops a second time.

• What to Pack for a Canada New England Cruise
• What to Wear on an Alaska Cruise
• What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise (clothing, gear & essentials)

Cool Weather Cruise Outfits

These are the outfits that I wore on my cruise. While we didn’t have a “ formal night ” on Norwegian, we did dress up a bit for dinner most nights. Daytime we had some warmer weather, but were prepared for cold and rainy too!

Long Sleeve Dress

If you’re looking for a longer sleeve dress to wear in the evening, this knee length dress is perfect. The faux wrap dress style with a 3/4 length sleeve is flattering (and hides a tummy).

The best part is that it’s both comfortable and doesn’t need ironing! Truthfully, it’s a keeper that I’ll likely wear on many cruises to come.

Recommended: Faux wrap dress (check price & color options on Amazon here)

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Short Sleeve Tie Waist Dress

This short sleeve dress was really comfortable and easy to wear. In fact, I think it could be worn on a Bahamas cruise or Bermuda cruise in the evening as well.

I chose the blue color, but it’s available in many other colors too.

Recommended: Tie waist t-shirt dress (check price & Amazon reviews here)

Little Black Dress (with sleeves)

I like to wear dresses, and this one packed easily without wrinkling ! The medium length sleeve was perfect for the chillier evenings on our cruise.

Long Sleeve Top

It’s a good idea to pack a pair of dark jeans and/or a pair of nice black pants that can go with a couple of different 3/4 length blouses. I brought a leopard print top and wore it with jeans on casual nights on my cruise.

A solid color loose top is perfect to wear with a nice pair or pants or skirt.

Recommended: Ladies 3/4 length sleeve top (very flattering)

Short Sleeve Dress

While most of my dresses and tops had longer sleeves, I did still wear some shorter and even sleeveless cruise outfits. If you ever see me on a cruise, you’ll see I’m almost never without a light sweater or shawl.

Zip Up Hoodie Sweatshirt

Make sure to bring comfortable clothing that you can layer, especially on active shore excursions . A fleece zip up sweatshirt is perfect (make sure it has a hood for rain and wind).

Recommended: Fleece zip up hoodie (check price & colors on Amazon here)

Related: 27 Cruise Packing Tips All Cruisers Need to Know

You’ll likely want to wear yoga pants , leggings, joggers or comfortable pants when sightseeing or doing active excursions.

Recommended: High waisted yoga pants (pockets for cell phone)

Jean Jacket

A jean jacket is a great layer to wear over a simple white t-shirt, cute top, or dress.

Recommended: Jean jacket (check price & 2000+ Amazon reviews here)

Shawl or Poncho

A wrap shawl is the ultimate ladies travel accessory ! You can wear in on the plane, on excursions on cooler days, as well as over a dress or blouse in the evening on a cruise.

Recommended: Warm pashmina wrap (check price & colors on Amazon here)

Rain Jacket with Hood

A rain jacket is great to bring on a cruise, for any itinerary. However if you’re doing a British Isles cruise, Canada or Alaska cruise , it’s a must!

This Columbia rain jacket is light, water-proof and comfortable to wear over a t-shirt or sweatshirt.

Recommended: Ladies rain jacket (check price & over 12,000 4.5* Amazon reviews here)

Looking a a men’s cruise packing list? Cruise Wear for Men: Men’s Packing List for a Cruise

Related & Popular Posts :

• Cruise Wear over 50: Flattering Cruise Outfits for Women
• Cruise Wear for Men: Men’s Packing List for a Cruise
• 50 Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon
• What to Wear on an Alaska Cruise (outfit ideas with photos)
• What to Wear on a Cruise for Ladies Over 60
• 27 Cruise Packing Mistakes You Might be Making
• What To Wear on a Cruise Vacation (day, evening & formal night)
• Tipping on a Cruise Ship – The Ultimate Guide to Cruise Gratuities

Final Thoughts on What to Wear on a Cool Weather Cruise

Cooler weather cruises call for comfortable and versatile cruise outfits. If you pack with layers in mind, you’ll be fine both on the cruise ship and the days visiting on land.

Where’s your next cruise? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

I f you enjoyed this post, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-)! Please feel free to share on Facebook or Pinterest using the share buttons at the top of the page. Thanks so much!

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We are going on our first cruise next Thursday, to Norway. Thank you for your Facebook information, such as what to wear on a cool weather cruise, your ultimate cruise planner and some if the youtube video clips. I have learned do much. My to-do lists are ticked. My magnetic hooks and highlighter are ready. My packing is done My ‘layers of clothes’ are ready. Our trips and our spa sessions are booked. Roll on Thursday 6th!!!! Thank you

Have an amazing cruise Lorraine! You sound super ready & I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful trip!

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