What To Wear on a Cruise

A cruise is really three trips in one. You spend your afternoons lounging by the pool, your evenings dressed up for elegant meals, and you get to explore new places and enjoy once-in-a-lifetime excursions. What more could you ask for from a vacation?

With all these experiences come multiple ways to showcase your travel wardrobe. So what clothes should you pack for a cruise to make sure you’re never under (or over) dressed? Learn what to wear on a cruise with our favorite cruise outfit ideas for days at sea, visiting ports and finishing the day with a sophisticated dinner look.

Cruise Outfit Ideas for Every Occasion

Need some ideas for cruise outfits that feel comfortable on the open seas while looking effortlessly chic? Incorporate these outfit ideas into your vacation packing list before you close your suitcase for good.

Sea Days

Depending on your cruise, your days at sea may involve lounging by the pool, playing deck games or sipping margaritas at a daytime concert. Find inspiration in our ideas for casual cruise outfits, many from our sea-ready Coastal Breeze collection.

• Women: Our women’s resort wear collection makes a great starting place for cruise outfit ideas. Generally, a few tanks and T-shirts, paired with shorts in multiple colors, make a great standard cruise outfit for long days at sea. Add a pair of comfortable women’s sandals and wear your swimsuit underneath so you’re always ready for a quick dip. (We recommend multiple swimsuits to give them a chance to dry between wears.)
  
  

• Men: Men’s vacation shirts can range from brightly colored T-shirts to short-sleeve button-downs, made with breathable fabrics and formal enough to wear in ship restaurants. Wear shirts with swim trunks or performance shorts, and don’t forget to slip on a pair of men’s sandals and flip-flops made for boating adventures.  For more cruise outfit ideas, stop by our resort collection for men.

Visiting Ports

When you get off the ship at ports of call, you have the opportunity to explore new places, visit historical sites, go bar hopping and see life through the eyes of a local. Plan on dressing a little less casually than on your days at sea, but make sure you still feel comfortable in a day-long outfit.

• Women: Opt for your favorite shorts or trade them in for a skirt to wear with a dressy blouse. Active dresses are also an excellent option for outfits you’ll wear on longer walks or during excursions. Top it off with hats and bags for sun protection and your new souvenir collection, sneakers for longer walks and a pullover or jacket in case the weather cools down during the day.
  
  

• Men: Men’s polo shirts are a stylish and classic choice for on-shore excursions. Pair your favorite polo or short-sleeve button-down with trucker hats and visors, shorts in coordinating colors and lightweight outerwear that’s easy to pull on in the evening. Don’t forget your favorite sneakers for strolls through the market or an impromptu hike!

Evening Attire

While some cruise ships have no formal dress code for dinner, others have a “resort casual” dress code — basically, business casual attire with a tropical twist. Other cruise lines still have formal dress codes specifically for dinners at high-end restaurants and evening entertainment. 

It never hurts to research your cruise ship’s dress code in advance. But to play it safe, here are a couple of evening-wear options that will work on most major cruise lines.

• Women: Now’s the time to break out the heels and dresses for dinner in ship restaurants. Alternatively, a patterned blouse paired with women’s pants creates an upscale look for many dinner settings. Bring a sweater along in case you go for a night stroll around the deck.
  
  

• Men: Choose pants in performance fabrics that look formal but feel comfortable. Long-sleeve sport shirts come in a variety of fabrics so you can create a fresh look every night, and when you add a blazer or sportcoat, you take your outfit to a whole new level. Accessorize with a belt in the same color as your dress shoes.

Set Sail Toward Unforgettable Style

Whether you’re taking a Caribbean vacation or sailing along your local coastline, these cruise outfit ideas will serve you well. Don’t hesitate to dress them up for more formal occasions, such as a New Year’s Eve party on the ship, or go more casual for everyday wear. If your next nautical experience is on a smaller vessel, check out our guide to boating for style suggestions and safety tips for the open seas.