• Cruise dress codes vary. It is a mix of casual, evening wear, and potentially formal nights.

• Research the weather at your destinations, check the cruise line's dress code for different activities, and consider adding baggage delay coverage to your cruise insurance.

• Pack clothes suitable for your planned activities at the ports you'll be visiting.

Cruise vacations can range from weeks to months-long adventures, and packing the right cruise outfits requires good planning. With baggage limits, dress codes to consider, and exciting off-shore destinations and activities, picking the perfect cruise wardrobe can be a challenge.

This guide will help you pack for every aspect of your cruise, ensuring you're comfortable by the pool, prepared for shore excursions, and dressed to the nines for elegant evenings.

Pre-Cruise Planning for Your Outfits

Before diving into those suitcase decisions about what to pack for a cruise, check the average temperatures at your ports of call. Even tropical destinations can get surprisingly chilly at night or have unexpected rain showers. So, you must pack a few layers for weather surprises.

Next, check your cruise line's dress code. Cruise lines usually have clear guidelines for these events and general activities onboard. Some may have organized fancy formal nights, while others keep it totally casual. Also, check if they have themed events and figure out how many so you can plan the perfect outfits for every occasion.

Consider adding baggage delay or loss coverage to your cruise travel insurance. If your luggage takes a detour, this coverage will help reimburse you for essential clothing and toiletries. Thoroughly research coverage options and their limits.

Cruise Outfits for Different Cruise Activities (for both Men & Women)

Now, to list down the cruise outfits for women and men, let’s start with the type of activities you might have to engage in during your cruise vacation.

Casual Daywear

Go for airy fabrics like cotton and linen for warm days, exploring ports or relaxing on deck.

Men can wear polo shirts in classic or fun colors. Khaki pants or below-the-knee shorts are highly recommended for cruising. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring new destinations. Opt for breathable materials and good arch support.

Ladies may go for some cute cruise outfits like sundresses in vibrant prints or breezy solids. Skirts in comfortable lengths like capris or midis offer versatility for various activities. Sandals that are easy to slip on and off can be perfect for poolside lounging or exploring ashore. Plus, you might not want to forget a sunhat and shades.

Poolside and Swimwear

Pack a few swimsuits and cover-ups, so you can have a dry one ready. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics for cover-ups that slip on easily over wet swimwear. Also include a quick-drying or microfiber towel along with a beach bag or tote for carrying essentials like sunscreen, your favorite books, sunglasses, etc.

Formal Cruise Outfits

Women must pack a stunning cocktail dress, an elegant long gown, or a sophisticated pantsuit for formal evenings. Choose a style that flatters your figure and makes you feel confident.

Pair your dress with statement heels, but if possible, consider the venue's floor surface when choosing heel height. You may also complete your formal cruise night look with statement jewelry, a luxurious scarf, or a chic clutch.

Men can opt for a well-tailored tuxedo or dark suit for a formal night. Also, pack a crisp dress shirt, a perfectly tied tie (or a dapper bowtie), and polished dress shoes. Consider adding a pocket square and cufflinks to showcase your unique personality.

If you don't own a tuxedo or formal gown, no problem. Instead of worrying about what to wear on a cruise formal night, you can skip packing it altogether and rent a tuxedo or formal gown onboard the cruise line. This can also save valuable space in your luggage.

Off-Ship Exploration Attire

Before your cruise, take some time to learn about the ports you'll be visiting. If it includes hiking, get sturdy shoes and moisture-wicking clothes. For a cultural tour of the city, get some breathable pants or a skirt, a comfortable upper, and respectful attire if visiting religious sites. Some excursions may even require swimwear or specific clothing for activities.

What To Wear On A Cruise In The Evening

Fabrics that move beautifully can be a great choice for casual cruise evenings. You may opt for midi skirts in luxurious satins or elegant palazzos paired with a silk camisole. Or, for a tailored look, you may try dressy black trousers with a vibrant blouse or button-down top.

A navy satin midi skirt with a silk camisole and statement necklace can make for great cruise outfits for ladies over 50. Whereas maxi dresses in rich jewel tones will possibly be the most comfortable cruise attire for women of all age groups.

Mens cruise outfits for the evenings can include crisp cotton shirts in white or playful patterns. Pair them with well-fitted chinos or dress pants in navy or charcoal. Keep the rest of the outfit classic with solid-colored pants and a blazer. Finish with polished loafers or dressy sneakers.

Also Read:Do you need to bring your Passport on a Cruise?

Dealing with Laundry on a Cruise

While laundry services are available to keep your cruise outfits clean, knowing your options and their costs can help you plan your packing effectively.

Here are some common laundry options on cruise lines.

Valet Laundry Services

Cruise lines offer valet laundry services for a fee. You can leave your clothes in a bag for your room steward to pick up. The services might include washing, drying, and often ironing. This is the priciest option, with per-item or per-bag charges. You can check the price list with your cruise line. It is suitable for delicates, formal wear, or if you simply want a laundry-free vacation.
 

Self-Service Laundromats

Some ships have laundromats with washers, dryers, and irons. You'll likely pay with tokens or your cruise card. Detergent and fabric softener might be available, or you may need your own. This option is generally more economical than valet service but requires more time and effort. Check with your cruise line for the price list.

Tips for Hand-washing Clothes

• Opt for travel-sized, eco-friendly detergents designed for hand-washing.
• Select clothes made of quick-dry fabrics like nylon or polyester.
• You can also utilize the sink in your cabin to wash your garments. Fill it with cool water and add a bit of detergent to wash them.
• For quick drying, hang clothes on the shower rod or the balcony (if permitted). Squeeze excess water before hanging it.

Consider checking with your cruise line to see what laundry options they offer and what the costs might be. This will also help you decide if you pack fewer cruise outfits and maintain them onboard or pack more due to a lack of required laundry services.

What to Do If You Lose Your Luggage?

This is certainly the last thing anyone wants to experience on a cruise trip. But you can make the most of it with some planning and a positive attitude - if it indeed happens.

Prior to boarding your ship, you should select baggage loss and theft coverage in your cruise travel insurance plan, if this is important to you. Also, check for coverage limits and pick the right one for the value of your belongings.

If you lose your bags - take these steps:

• Report it: It doesn’t matter if you have lost your bag on the ship, during a port call, or at the airport; the first step is to notify local authorities or Guest Service ASAP. They will file a lost luggage report and start the search.
• Keep records: Hold onto your baggage tags and recent purchase receipts for replacing clothing (purchase or rentals) and toiletries. These are essential for your insurance claim.
• File a claim: If your luggage isn't recovered or there is a significant delay, file a claim with AXA . Follow the instructions for submitting proof of purchase to get reimbursed for your essential items.

For any queries regarding your baggage coverage or claims process, you may talk to AXA’s travel insurance specialists .

Also, there could be a situation when lost or delayed luggage from a connecting flight might force you to miss your cruise embarkation. In this situation, travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage can help recoup the non-refundable costs associated with your cruise fare. So, along with baggage loss and theft, this is another coverage option that you must consider when comparing travel insurance plans .

Additional Tips for Elevating Cruise Attires

Cruise destinations offer unique experiences that can influence your attire choices. This is why there will be a big difference when it comes to what to wear on a cruise to the Bahamas or when choosing Alaska cruise outfits. So research and finalize your outfits accordingly.

Try to get wrinkle-resistant fabrics or a travel-sized garment steamer to keep your outfits looking sharp. You can also maximize luggage space by rolling clothes. Plus, it is better to have mix-and-match pieces to create multiple outfits out of a few clothing items.

FAQs

1. What is the typical dress code on a cruise?

Dress codes can differ depending on the cruise line and itinerary. Generally, expect casual wear during the day, with some dressier options for evenings and formal nights. Check with your specific cruise line for their dress code guidelines.

2. How many formal nights are there on a cruise?

The number of formal nights typically depends on the length of your cruise. Shorter cruises might have one formal night, while longer cruises may have two or more.

3. Should I get travel insurance for my cruise, especially considering my outfits?

It’s highly recommended, and typically required by most cruise lines before setting sail. AXA travel protection plan can offer coverage for your cruise wardrobe. It can reimburse you for replacing lost or damaged formal wear, essential items due to delayed luggage, and even specialty clothing needed for themed nights if your trip gets canceled.

4. Can I wear jeans on a cruise?

Jeans are usually an acceptable cruise outfit on most cruise lines. However, there may be restrictions on ripped, distressed, or overly baggy jeans. Check the dress code for your specific cruise line for details.

5. What should I pack for shore excursions?

Research your destinations in advance and pack accordingly. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring. You may also need dressier clothes for cultural visits or restaurants ashore.

6. How much laundry service should I budget for?

Laundry service costs can vary depending on the cruise line and the items you need to be cleaned. Self-service laundry is generally cheaper than valet service. Pack a small amount of laundry detergent and hand-wash some clothes to save on costs.

7. What if I forget something important, like swimwear or sunscreen?

Most cruise ships have onboard shops that sell clothing and toiletries. However, selections and prices may be limited. Pack everything you think you'll need to avoid unnecessary onboard purchases.

Going on a Cruise?

Take a look at our other cruise-related articles.

• Cruise Travel Insurance 
• What to Bring on a Cruise
• Best Time to go on a Cruise