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What to Wear on a Cruise: A Complete Guide

Writer's picture: Matt ReedMatt Reed

Packing for a cruise can be a bit daunting, especially if it’s your first time. Cruises offer a variety of activities and environments, from casual daytime fun to formal evening events. Here's a comprehensive guide on what to wear on a cruise to help you pack smartly and ensure you’re prepared for all the different occasions.


1. Daytime Casual Wear


During the day, you’ll likely spend your time exploring the ship, lounging out on deck or around the ship's lounges, or participating in excursions. Comfort and practicality are key for daytime attire.


For Women:

  • Lightweight Dresses: Perfect for warm weather and easy to throw on.

  • Shorts and Tops: Comfortable for walking around the ship or on shore excursions.

  • Swimwear: Bring a couple of swimsuits for pool and beach days. A cover-up is also useful for moving around the ship.

  • Comfortable Footwear: Sandals, flip-flops, or walking shoes for exploring ports.


For Men:


  • Shorts and T-Shirts: Ideal for warm days and casual ship activities.

  • Swimwear: Pack a few pairs of swim trunks.

  • Comfortable Footwear: Flip-flops for the pool and sturdy shoes for excursions.



Obviously this list is aimed at a warm destination. Not all locations that cruises go to are, so you would change it up to pack accordingly for the colder climate. Remember, if, for example, you are doing a Northern Lights cruise to Norway in March, the temperature outside could be between -5 to -35 Celsius. So, when you are outside, you’ll need those warm, comfortable clothes and outerwear, but most modern ships have excellent heating and air conditioning, so you’ll still probably want those T-shirts for lounging around indoors on a day at sea. Also, many ships have indoor pools, so still pack your swimming gear if you, like me, want to take a dip.


2. Evening Wear

Evenings on a cruise can range from casual to formal. Many cruises have specific dress codes for certain nights, such as formal nights, smart casual nights, and casual nights.


Casual Nights:

  • Women: Sundresses, skirts with tops, or nice pants with a blouse.

  • Men: Khakis or nice jeans with polo shirts or button-down shirts.


Smart Casual Nights:

  • Women: Cocktail dresses or elegant tops with skirts or dress pants.

  • Men: Dress pants with collared shirts. A blazer can add a touch of sophistication.


Formal Nights:

  • Women: Evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or dressy separates.

  • Men: Suits or tuxedos. A tie or bow tie is often required.



Now, formal nights are always a well-discussed topic. The question ‘Do I need to wear a tuxedo has been asked many times. If you are a gentleman or lady who does not like to dress up, then there are still ways to enjoy your evening. Over the years, as the ships have got bigger, there has obviously been more choice in dining, but for this example, let's focus on an older, more traditional style ship with only a main dining room, a couple of speciality restaurants and a buffet. Now, on a formal evening, if you do not want to dress up, then unfortunately, you can pretty much guarantee that the main dining room and speciality restaurants will not be an option for you, but this is not the end of the world. Most people will want to check out the buffet for dinner during their cruise. So, on this night or nights, as there may be more than one formal night, use this as your opportunity to try it. Also, do not feel that you will be the only one. On a formal night, many people wear different attire, from shorts and t-shirts to military uniforms. Whatever you feel comfortable in, just be aware that some restaurants will not be available to you. On a more modern ship with many options, you’ll have more choices of restaurants that allow people in on a formal night without formal attire. Maybe think about going with one of those ships. Note, though, and this isn’t a bad thing; it is just a personal choice; the newer the ship, usually, the bigger they are, in general.


I’ll do a separate blog post about the different companies and sizes of ships another time. Not all modern cruise ships are huge, but you tend to pay a premium to go away on a smaller modern ship.


3. Special Activities and Excursions


You'll need appropriate attire if you plan to participate in specific activities or excursions.


For Active Excursions:

  • Athletic Wear: Comfortable and breathable clothing for activities like hiking or zip-lining.

  • Sneakers or Hiking Boots: Essential for active excursions that involve a lot of walking or rugged terrain.


For Beach or Water Excursions:

  • Swimwear and Cover-Ups: Easy to wear and practical for beach days.

  • Water Shoes: Helpful for rocky beaches or water sports.


For Cold Weather Cruises:


  • Layered Clothing: Pack layers to stay warm and adapt to changing temperatures.

  • Jackets and Coats: A waterproof jacket is useful for rainy or windy days.

  • Warm Accessories: Hats, gloves, and scarves to keep warm on chilly days.


4. Accessories and Essentials


Don’t forget to pack these essential items to complement your outfits and ensure a comfortable cruise.


  • Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays.

  • Sunglasses: A must for sunny days on deck and onshore.

  • Hat: A wide-brimmed hat can provide additional sun protection.

  • Evening Bag: A small clutch or evening bag for formal nights.

  • Jewellery and Watches: Simple accessories can enhance your outfits without taking up much space.


5. Cruise-Specific Items


A few additional items can make your cruise experience more enjoyable.

  • Lanyard or Wristband: Handy for keeping your key card accessible.

  • Laundry Bag: Useful for keeping dirty clothes separate from clean ones.

  • Wrinkle Release Spray: Convenient for freshening up clothes without an iron.

  • Packable Tote Bag: Great for carrying essentials during shore excursions.



Final Tips


  1. Check Your Cruise Line’s Dress Code: Each cruise line has its own dress code policies, so make sure to review them before packing.

  2. Plan for Theme Nights: Some cruises have themed parties or events, so you may want to bring specific outfits for those occasions.

  3. Mix and Match: Choose versatile pieces that you can mix and match to create different outfits, saving space in your luggage.



Packing the right clothing for your cruise ensures you’ll be comfortable and stylish for every occasion. With this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy your cruise, whether you’re lounging by the pool, exploring new destinations, or attending a glamorous formal dinner. Happy cruising!

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