Your Ultimate Cruise Clothes Guide: Packing for Style and Comfort Aboard
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When selecting dresses and jumpsuits, consider the activities you have planned, the destinations you’ll visit, and of course, your personal style. 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.
The Beach to Brunch Wrap Skirt
Wear loose-fitting clothes such as a long skirt or breathable trousers. Outfits can be paired with comfortable walking shoes and a sun hat for protection. A button-up blouse paired with shorts delivers a refined yet comfortable style. The blouse adds a touch of elegance, while the shorts remain casual and cool for daytime activities. A simple pair of shorts paired with a top is an easy go-to outfit for daytime.
Cute Tops (daytime to evening)
I love the white cover up, however there are several different colors to choose from. I love this long black evening dress, that is both simple and elegant (look at the side detail). It’s available in other colors as well, even red, if you want to stand out.
What to Wear on a Cruise: Daytime
This means long pants, jeans, a dress or skirt, a stylish top, or a button-down. If you’re going on a family cruise, you might be wondering how dress codes apply to children. Most cruise lines are fine with children wearing nice shorts in the dining room and restaurants for evening dinners. Yet, we weren’t out of place and certainly at that time, most men were either in a dark suit or tuxedo. Most women wore long gowns or cocktail dresses on formal nights on a cruise. Some cruise lines have “formal” nights, but even in recent years the strictness of the dress code has become more lax.
Consider packing a couple; they’re compact and versatile, perfect for multiple cruise occasions. Between sundresses and maxi dresses, you’re well-prepared for cruise dinners. This casual spaghetti strap sundress is comfortable and cute, and would make a great embarkation day outfit. If you want to pack light for a cruise, you could even wear this dress in the evening with accessories. For port days, consider your shore excursion plans and decide what to wear.
More Cruise Outfit and Packing Ideas
As we mentioned, tuxedos are out of place on almost every mainstream cruise ship these days and you likely won't even see a full suit. If you’re cruising somewhere warm, you may want to opt for some sleeveless tops. Tank tops can be worn with your shorts, pants or skirts, or are useful for layering under your shirts, or you can always wear as pajama tops. The J.Crew tank top (below) features a bra shelf for extra support. Opt for tops you can either dress down for day, or dress up with jewelry and heels for evening.
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. 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.
Cruise excursion outfit ideas
It’s also available in a few slightly different styles and colors. Make sure to pack at least 2 bathing suits for your cruise, so when one is wet the other is dry. A short chiffon sarong wrap is a perfect cover up for bikinis or or one piece bathing suits.
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It pairs effortlessly with heels or elegant flats, making it a practical choice for a night of dining or dancing on deck. Jumpsuits can be easily dressed up with statement jewelry and a pair of heels, making women feel sophisticated and fashion-forward. A caftan dress is an excellent choice for semi-formal events on a cruise due to its ease of wear and elegant drape. A maxi skirt paired with a blouse is a beautiful option for those who prefer a more feminine look. The long skirt offers grace and an airy feel, ideal for a stroll around the ship or a relaxed lunch by the pool.
During a 7-night cruise, there are usually two formal nights, which means that the majority of your nights are considered casual when it comes to what you wear to dinner. That said, there are some guidelines we suggest you adhere to. During the evenings you are going to want to wear a bit more simply to stay comfortable, but can still dress casual. Temperatures drop as the sun goes down, and with the ship underway, there is always a constant breeze. If you're cruising in Alaska or run into a rainstorm in the Caribbean or Europe, you'll probably spend most of your day inside.
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. In this post, we’ll go over the basics of cruise line dress codes, as well as ideas for cruise wear for sea days, shore excursions and dinners on a cruise ship.
Biggest Packing Regret on My First Cruise: Formal Dress - Business Insider
Biggest Packing Regret on My First Cruise: Formal Dress.
Posted: Tue, 18 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
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.
Choose room service or the buffet for dinner, where the evening's dress code isn't in effect. If you’re going on a Caribbean, Bermuda or Bahamas cruise, plan on packing light sundresses, shorts and tops, bathing suits and cover ups. Add a couple formal night outfits and some dress shoes, and you’re all set.
Navigating the vast array of day activities on a cruise can be both exhilarating and, admittedly, a bit overwhelming. Setting sail on a luxurious cruise is an experience unlike any other. From the gentle sway of the ship to the endless horizons, there’s magic in every moment. 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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