Cruise Outfits to Wear on Your Next Cruise Vacation 2024

Table Of Content

• Daytime Cruise Wear
• Carnival's Dress Code: It's All About the Fun
• Excursion sneakers
• Tips Cruise Lines DON’T Want You to Know (But They Aren’t Against the Rules)
• What To Wear on a Cruise: 5 Day-to-Night Outfit Ideas [INFOGRAPHIC]
• Are formal nights still a thing? Will I need to bring a tuxedo?
• Costa Cruises Dress Code: Laid-Back, but Prepare for Theme Nights

The best advice I can give is to pack for the vacation you want to have. When trying to figure out what to wear on a cruise, it's important to plan ahead and know what your must-dos are for your cruise vacation. For long days jam-packed with historical and natural sights to see, pack fabrics that are breathable and comfortable.

Daytime Cruise Wear

I am preparing for a British Isles cruise in the fall: here's what I think I should pack - Cruise Blog

I am preparing for a British Isles cruise in the fall: here's what I think I should pack.

Posted: Mon, 24 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

You’d be surprised at how many things you need to bring with you when you leave your cruise cabin. If you are going on a Mediterranean cruise, your ports of call and excursions tend to be a bit different than a Caribbean Cruise. Plus a comfortable pair of shoes you can easily walk around in for different terrain. You’ll want a carryall like this versatile Tote-Ally bag from Bagging Rights for bopping around both on and off the ship.

Carnival's Dress Code: It's All About the Fun

Cruise casual, resort wear or country club casual are all terms used by the cruise lines as a recommendation. You may imagine, or even remember, the days of dressing to the nines on a cruise. The reality is, as times have changed, so have the cruise line dress codes and expectations. Don’t forget to consider the specific activities you plan to engage in, such as exercise and water-based activities, and pack the appropriate activewear and accessories. And keep in mind the miscellaneous tips and suggestions, such as checking the weather forecast, bringing essential items, and staying organized throughout your journey.

Excursion sneakers

You can wear while reading your book by the pool, and for sightseeing. You may find that some excursions require more walking than others. Perhaps you are hiking to a waterfall, or walking up steps to get to a fabulous view.

Tips Cruise Lines DON’T Want You to Know (But They Aren’t Against the Rules)

Much of this depends on the cruise line and the type of cruise experience it offers its guests. Layering is essential to adjusting to changing temperatures throughout the day. Bring lightweight cardigans, wraps, or jackets that can easily be added or removed to accommodate different environments, both onboard and ashore. Protect your eyes and skin from the sun’s rays with sunglasses and sun hats. These accessories shield you from harmful UV rays and add a touch of style to your cruise outfits. On dressier nights, you can embrace a more glamorous and refined look.

What To Wear on a Cruise: 5 Day-to-Night Outfit Ideas [INFOGRAPHIC]

If you’re going for sunny locations, it’s highly recommended you bring shorts. On most cruises, you’ll be going ashore to explore ports of call. Pack a pair of stylish crop pants or shorts to wear for sightseeing. Many cruise lines allow jeans for casual nights in the main dining room, while shorts are more universally prohibited. It's not "anything goes," but you'll find more flexibility than ever when it comes to cruise line dress codes.

Add a couple formal night outfits and some dress shoes, and you’re all set. On a cruise ship, the fun doesn’t stop at formal nights and evening casual attire. Many cruises offer themed parties and events that add an extra element of excitement and entertainment to your vacation.

Sunglasses

They also offer great traction on slippery rocks, shell-ridden beaches and the ship's decks. Themed attire on theme nights is not required for dining and is opt-in fun. If you're traveling with a group, organizing matching costumes or outfits can enhance the fun and make for great vacation photos. Check with your cruise line about which theme nights you should expect. Many cruise lines will have themed evenings or parties where you might want to dress the part. If you're attending a themed cruise (such as a gay cruise or music cruise), be prepared for costume parties on multiple nights.

That said, casual evenings have become more casual, especially on the big-ship lines – which can be a relief to men who don't want to schlep their workweek suits on vacation with them. 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. In the evenings, some of our ships enforce a “cruise casual” dress code.

Tamera @tamerabeardsley above (read her style interview here) chooses an all-white outfit, and a wide-brimmed hat to shade her face from the sun. The straw hat (below) is ideal for packing for a trip, and it comes in a wide choice of colors, so you’re sure to find a shade that goes with your cruise trip capsule. Reviewers say it looks great on everyone, and it holds its shape well.

I always dress up on cruise ship formal nights — here's why - The Points Guy

I always dress up on cruise ship formal nights — here's why.

Posted: Mon, 27 Jun 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The benefit to this is keeping organized, which makes unpacking so much easier, on the first day of your cruise. It’s also advisable to avoid wearing clothing that displays offensive or inappropriate language or imagery. Be mindful of the message your attire may convey, both in terms of cultural respect and consideration for other passengers. Consider packing a lightweight towel, a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, and sweatbands or headbands to keep sweat out of your eyes. Don’t forget to pack any fitness tracking devices or heart rate monitors if you use them during your workouts.

Selecting the right cruise ship clothes transforms your daytime experiences into comfortable, memorable adventures. Whether lounging poolside or exploring exotic locales, understanding what to wear on a cruise during the day is essential to enjoy every moment. When going to dinner on a cruise, bringing dressier shoes to elevate your outfit is a good idea. Whether it’s a formal night or a casual evening, having the right shoes can add a touch of elegance to your dining experience.

Lean into tropical prints, red and coral hues that pop against aquamarine waters, woven hats and classic sunglasses. "Smart casual and above?" "Casual elegance?" Cruises tend to have more styles of dress than your average vacation. Voyages of six nights or longer will have two "cruise elegant" nights, while those five nights or shorter will see only one. Here’s a pretty strapless dress that will look great in the evening on a cruise, from Celebrity to Norwegian. 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.

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. 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. 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. Shade your eyes from those bright rays bouncing off the water with Costa Del Mar polarized sunglasses.