As someone who loves to travel, I’ve taken some incredible trips, and some of my favorites have been cruises. There’s nothing quite like the chance to witness an expedition across the ocean. From the Caribbean to the Mediterranean to Mexico, there are countless amazing sea travel opportunities – as well as ideas for stylish cruise wear! I love to watch the landscape change around me while draped in some of my favorite seaside styles.
Cruise-friendly fashion options can be both beautiful and practical. The best cruise outfits are comfortable, summery, and light, ideal for absorbing the sunshine and drinking in that salty ocean air. There are a wide variety of fun styles and selections to choose from for any travel itinerary or time of year, and I love adapting to suit each specific cruise. Cruise style is as limitless as the open water – but read on for some of my top outfit ideas to pack for your next voyage across the sea!
MY FAVORITE STYLISH IDEAS FOR CRUISE WEAR
Every cruise is meant to be an adventure – so it’s important to make sure you’ve packed everything you need to have an incredible time soaking in the magic of the ocean.
It’s always exciting to drift towards new destinations, and between port days and making connections with your fellow travelers at dinner or by the pool, you want to feel like your best self! So here are my favorite ideas for stylish cruise wear that will help you embrace every moment.
ESSENTIAL CRUISE WARDROBE ITEMS
Whenever I book a cruise, I take an inventory of my closet, looking for certain staples. Each of these items are key additions to your cruise packing list!
- Swimsuit – Most cruise ships have pools on board, so make sure to pack two or three for a week-long trip, and possibly more if you are going to temporarily dock on any islands with beaches.
- Cover-up – Ideal for staying cool and fashionable while also drying off, cute cover-ups are essential for any poolside or beach activity! Plus, they don’t take up much room in your suitcase.
- Jean shorts – Don’t forget your favorite shorts for comfortable lounging and island exploring.
- Tanks – I always like something light but bright on these sunny vacations, so absolutely bring some tanks in fun colors or patterns.
- Tees – Modern cruise ships are pretty casual places. Definitely bring some tees for cruise activities as well as venturing ashore once you’ve docked at one of your destinations!
- Versatile sundress – Bring one or two of these for any moment that’s a little more sophisticated!
- Walking shoes – You’ll need some supportive shoes for onshore exploration and cruise activities, too.
- Dark pants or nice jeans – Even if it’s supposed to be sunny, it’s always best to have a pair in case you want them for activities or dining!
- Light wrap or jacket – Make sure to have one of these for whenever the atmosphere is a little cooler.
- A spacious purse or tote – I guarantee you’ll need something roomy to carry all your things around in on the ship and onshore!
- A stylish pair of leather sandals – These are perfect for transitioning into your nicer evening wear.
- Your favorite hat and sunglasses – You’ll want these for protection for sure. Getting fried in the sun right away is no fun at all!
DAYTIME CRUISE OUTFIT IDEAS
Cruise days are fantastic – from activities and buffets and socializing on board to docking and exploring different cities and cultures, you will want your wardrobe to match each activity in style. I’m happiest when I’m adventuring in pieces that I love, so here are some of the styles that I would whole-heartedly endorse to buoy your attitude at port as well as at sea.
EMBARKATION DAY
Start off your cruise right with a cute top and trendy shorts and sneakers, or a comfortable dress with a swimsuit underneath for immediate poolside ease.
HUHOT Sleeveless Halter Neck Sundress
This sundress is both fun and flirty – and it comes in some amazing colors and floral patterns! I love how flattering it looks and how well it suits most cruise activities. It’s also easily paired with my favorite sandals and a sun hat for outdoor excursions in new places!
On the first day, you’ll still be getting accustomed to the ship and the locations of all the different areas onboard, so it’s important to prioritize comfort and pick an outfit and shoes that will be easy to move around in.
SEA DAY LOUNGING
While you’re on the ship as it’s traveling between ports, you’ll probably be spending some days by the pool, lounging and enjoying the fresh air. On these occasions, shoot for a colorful swimsuit with a pretty cover-up along with flip-flops or sandals and sunglasses – and if you have a cute sun hat, that could be a fabulous addition, too.
This is what I wore on deck for a cruise to the Bahamas – this checkered print suit made me feel so cute! I adore the little cap sleeves, and it can be fun to pick a matching headband to keep your hair from blowing around and getting messy.
Blooming Jelly Flowy Swimsuit Cover Up
This flowy cover-up by Blooming Jelly is ideal for sitting by the pool! It’s true to size and super flattering as well as made from high-quality material to keep you cool and dry. I love how stylish it makes me feel, especially with a cute tote and sunglasses!
SHORE EXCURSIONS
When you get to port and go onshore to explore, there are so many different options you could choose. Personally, I love a midi dress or a skirt or skort with a stretchy top in a flattering cut with any shoes that are supportive enough for my adventures. Make sure to be aware of your weather and layer appropriately!
This was a great day – I wore this sunset-colored dress with its fun pleated skirt for a cruise back in ’23, and I remember in this moment feeling so energized and ready to jump into an afternoon finding adventure offshore!
LEANI Summer Bodycon Midi Dress
This bodycon midi dress from LEANI is also perfect for a day on the waves or in port. These knitted dresses are super trendy right now, and I love how this one is soft with muted colors and a great slit up the side.
PRETTYGARDEN Crochet Sleeveless Tank
I For a taste of understated style, try this crocheted tank. I love the colors it comes in, and the eyelet pattern paired with the halter neck is really attractive, especially with statement jewelry and your favorite jeans. It can be dressed up with heels or dressed down with comfortable shoes like sneakers for a fabulous look!
With each option, the goal is casual, comfortable, yet sophisticated! Check your cruise’s dress code and be mindful of the cultures you’re stepping into, dressing in a way that respects both – but it’s of the utmost importance to wear pieces that make you feel confident and ready to dive into brand new experiences.
EVENING CRUISE ATTIRE GUIDELINES
Night attire on a cruise varies depending on venue and occasion, but most people try to elevate their outfits slightly for a touch of elegance. By no means should you shoot for something super formal, but some dinners onboard or at onshore restaurants might be a little dressier, and it’s fun to feel a bit fancy!
There are three tiers of evening attire – casual evening wear, smart casual wear, and formal wear. Here are some fun examples of each!
CASUAL EVENING WEAR
On some nights, the atmosphere will be very casual; maybe you’re grabbing a quick dinner on the ship, or stopping in at a little café onshore. For these evenings, a simple maxi or a cute skirt and elegant top and some strappy sandals will be perfect.
Newchoice Boho Leopard Wrap Skirt
This leopard-print wrap skirt by Newchoice is an excellent option for nightwear on a cruise! It’s fun and feisty, and it can easily be paired with an elegant white top and brown or black leather sandals.
A flowy skirt like this one is super chic – but dark jeans or nice pants would look lovely with your sandals and purse as well. Some simple wedges are nice as well, but if the mood is casual, save your heels for later!
SMART CASUAL WEAR
For smart casual wear, you’ll want something between casual and formal; for these dinners, go for slightly dressier than your casual wear, but not quite cocktails and lobster.
A dressy blouse and fancy skirt and wedges or a stylish pantsuit with heels is my blueprint for nights like these, and of course don’t forget your statement jewelry!
This outfit photo is from a cruise I took back in ’23 with Virgin Voyages, an amazing luxury cruise line, and I loved this look because it felt like a fabulous mix of casual and formal. This dinner on deck was super elegant, but not truly formal, and my husband and I had the best time!
Dokotoo Drawstring Wide Leg Jumpsuit
This wide leg jumpsuit is another amazing pick for night attire on a cruise or onshore at a fancy restaurant because it’s so light and airy as well as incredibly pretty. I personally adore a wide leg and a close-fitted top in a jumpsuit, and I really like the drawstring bow. It’s easily paired with wedges and a dangly pair of earrings and a necklace for maximum style!I
FORMAL WEAR
Formal, special-occasion dinners on board or at a fancy restaurant onshore require a very elegant look. A cocktail dress or similarly sophisticated tea-length gown is ideal for any formal evening.
Arach&Cloz Two-Piece Bodycon Dress
I think this two-piece bodycon dress is gorgeous in the pink – and with a necklace and some bracelets and my purse plus a pair of heels, it’s a striking outfit that is sophisticated enough for any dinner but still keeps me feeling comfortable.
For formal wear, I always pick an elegant necklace or thick gold earrings to go with my outfit and some super classy heels.
All of these looks are sure to have you feeling stylish and serene as you’re dining with family or friends (old or new!) or enjoying watching the sun set over the waves with a glass of wine!
CRUISE OUTFIT PLANNING FOR DIFFERENT CLIMATES
Cruises to Mexico or the Caribbean typically offer warm weather year-round, but weather variations are definitely something to think about if you’re traveling to cooler locations in the spring, fall, or winter months. It’s very important to plan for cooler climates if you are visiting somewhere like the Mediterranean or Alaska (brrrr!) so that your trip goes as smoothly and as comfortably as possible.
CARIBBEAN CRUISES
Caribbean cruises bring the heat with them. I love booking one of these for the in-between months of spring or fall, when the US isn’t as warm and I miss basking in the sun.
Packing for a Caribbean cruise should mean breathable fabrics and tropical prints, bright florals and other island aesthetics. Cotton and linen are great choices, and sometimes I like something a little silky as well to add a taste of luxury.
These warm locales do sometimes experience unpredictable weather, so try to bring a poncho or rain jacket in case you face a sudden storm. Sometimes, that’s just how it goes on these gorgeous islands!
MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES
Mediterranean cruises are often temperate, but some of them get chilly, especially at night; from Greece to Italy to Egypt, the spring and fall months can be breezy and a little bit cold.
Planning for cooler or more uncertain climates means packing with a focus on adaptability and layering. You will probably want to bring some of the same items you would pack for a warmer destination but add in a few longer sleeves and thicker materials so that you aren’t caught off guard by a sudden chill.
For exploring all of those beautiful historic sites, make sure you have comfy footwear! And sometimes, you’ll be visiting religious buildings which prefer modest clothing, so keep that in mind as well.
This is an outfit I wore on one of my favorite Mediterranean cruises! I loved that it felt minimal yet stylish, the cream sweater keeping me cozy and the hat acting as a nice buffer against frosty winds while still letting my hair breathe.
Women’s Cardigan Sweater
For another idea, I will add that I am in love with this oversize cotton sweater in this green color – it’s baggy in just the right way, hugging my arms without making me feel constricted or interfering with my motions. It’s just right for wandering a new city, standing on deck, or even just lounging around chatting with friends. And it’s super versatile – I can wear it with a dress, skirt, or jeans and love the look, particularly with a stylish tote and boots!
ALASKAN CRUISES
Some of the best cruise destinations are places with naturally chilly climates. Cruises to Alaska are hugely popular for a reason – between the Northern Lights and the sweeping majesty of the mountain ranges, Alaskan views are to die for, but the breezes can cut right through you, so sweaters and fleecy jackets and thermal leggings will be excellent additions to your suitcase, as well as waterproof shoes. Be sure to check the weather in the week before your trip to gauge your needs and pack accordingly!
Women’s Oversized Cable Knit Crewneck Sweater
This cable-knit sweater is so cozy – it’s such an amazing fall and spring staple for my closet. I love its warmth in particularly chilly winds, and I can even layer it with a tank. It’s well-paired with thicker leggings or my go-to pair of jeans and a leather purse. This one’s great for wandering new cities or watching the waves!
Yanekop Womens Fleece Jacket
For a bit of fashionable fleece, I really recommend this Yanekop sherpa coat. It’s so cute and easy to style with just about any minimal combination of jeans and a top. I think this dusty rose color is stunning and certainly will ward off the chill, but there are several other great color options as well – and a great necklace and dark boots will really set it off beautifully.
There are so many lovely cool-weather options to stay cozy – be sure to pack scarves, gloves, and anything else you can anticipate needing to brave the cold and embrace every opportunity for adventure!
ACCESSORIES AND EXTRAS FOR CRUISE COMFORT
For Sun Protection
The staples are important – don’t forget key items like jaw clips and scrunchies, so you aren’t stuck keeping your hair back with just your sunglasses. You’ll need those for sun protection! Obviously, sunscreen is a must, as well, and a tote bag or beach bag will hold your things when going ashore or lying by the pool. Without one, your phone and other items might overheat. I especially like this corduroy tote – the material is so cute, and it’s great to have a little pocket space.
For Convenience
If you’re going somewhere cooler, you may want some thicker socks or a fashionable fleecy scarf like this one to protect you from icy blasts, but in hotter climates, a miniature fan might be just the thing to cool you down in the heat. You could also pack a power strip with extra outlets or a portable battery if you’re worried about keeping everything charged up. When I’m on the go, the last thing I want to do is pause to look for the nearest charging location. A waterproof phone case or compact backpack are other great additions.
For Comfort
Some people like to travel with anti-nausea bands, in case they’re affected by motion sickness. It might also be nice to bring makeup wipes or band-aids or a travel bag for your makeup, jewelry, sunglasses, and toiletry items. This one keeps everything so organized that it’s hard to lose track of things, which is exactly the kind of energy I need when traveling! If you’re worried about getting cold, a light blanket is another good addition – and I never go anywhere without my noise-cancelling headphones for a little peace and quiet!
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