What To Wear on a Cruise: Dressing for the Vacation

Table Of Content

• Electronics Organizer Bag
• Read Next: Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America
• Must-Have Shoes and Accessories for a Cruise
• Refillable Water Bottles
• What is the dress code for formal nights on a cruise?

Also, while you're packing for hot days in the tropics, remember that onboard air-conditioning can be as intensely chilly as the midday Caribbean sun is hot. Get some Jimmy Buffett tunes going, pull out your suitcase and print out this Caribbean cruise packing list. I'll guide you through everything you need to pack before you set sail to the tropics. Similarly for men, consider packing dress pants with a long sleeve collared shirt for the Formal Nights on your Alaska cruise. Suits and tuxedos are also welcomed during these nights onboard. Men should also plan to pack versatile outfits that can work well as evening outfits for Casual Night.

Electronics Organizer Bag

Here's why cruise passengers should leave this item at home - USA TODAY

Here's why cruise passengers should leave this item at home.

Posted: Fri, 17 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

From breakfast on the balcony to exploring exotic destinations, choosing the right day wear is essential. This section will guide you through the essentials for comfort and style, ensuring your cruise wardrobe is on point from dawn to dusk. They provide coverage when you’re away from the water and can be a fashionable accessory for your poolside or beachside looks. The pure sailing days offer a unique experience to lay back, relax, and enjoy the ship and its excellent service—it’s truly luxury, especially if you’re used to a fast-paced lifestyle. If your cruise is during shoulder season when the Caribbean receives rain, bring gear such as a packable poncho, rain jacket, and waterproof shoes to stay dry during your shore excursions. Use this packing list to keep track of everything you need to bring on your Caribbean cruise.

Read Next: Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America

More active excursions, such as hiking or cliff jumping, require a little more planning. Pack activewear such as a sports bra, leggings, and gym shoes, in addition to bathing suits and a swimsuit coverup. Trying to figure out what to wear on a Caribbean cruise in the winter is much easier than in other seasons. Pack your trunk for a glamorous whirl around the Caribbean’s blue skies and clear seas. Visiting from December to May, you’ll be greeted with warm weather and mostly dry skies. If your port of embarkation is in tropical weather, such as in Florida or Puerto Rico, go for lightweight sundresses or shorts and a cute top paired with cushy sandals or leather sneakers.

Must-Have Shoes and Accessories for a Cruise

If your ship does not include free laundry, doing laundry can be pricey. To save space, consider packing clothing that can easily be hand-washed in your room’s shower or bathtub instead. Dress codes are not created equal in the Caribbean—they vary widely by ship both in standards and enforcement. As I learned the hard way, the rainforests in the Caribbean are havens for bugs. If you’re venturing into the rainforest on an active excursion, pack longer clothing, such as full-length leggings, rather than running shorts or bike shorts to minimize bug bites.

For example, this clothing organizer can be removed from your suitcase as-is and hung up in your cabin’s closet. When your cruise is over, it folds back down to be neatly tucked away back in your luggage. Suitcase accessories like packing cubes and compact jewelry organizers can make unpacking and repacking your luggage a breeze in a tight space. My shoes are Choos and I hardly leave home without fabulous footwear—a friend once asked if I was sick when I tried.

Refillable Water Bottles

We like to dress casual and comfortable as there is usually some walking to get to the terminal, through check-in, and to your room. Shorts and a t-shirt are ideal (unless it’s cold outside), along with some sensible shoes. We prefer to wear tennis shoes over sandals due to the walking on the first day. Along with a good suitcase and carry on bag, a garment bag is a must-have if you’re bringing dressy clothes or formal wear on your cruise. It’s important to be prepared with all your cruise essentials, including toiletries, medications, cruise accessories and shoes (yes, many people forget their formal night shoes!!).

What is the dress code for formal nights on a cruise?

During the day, wear athletic shorts, a neutral-colored tank top, and sneakers or sandals. Don't forget a hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeved sun shirt in your day bag. Pack extra clothes in a tote bag in case you don't have time to go back to your stateroom.

Ladies Cruise Wear for Daytime

Self-declaring as “not a cruise person,” the opportunity to dig out my chicest resort wear became the saving grace for a 14-day Caribbean cruise I accidentally ended up on. Knowing how to pack for a Caribbean cruise is important; after all, you'll want to be prepared for all the adventures you'll have. The Caribbean is one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world, and on a cruise vacation, it can soon be yours to conquer. You may also want to consider using a beach locker (a waterproof container you wear around your neck to keep your money and credit cards). Additionally, get waterproof cases for your phone and camera to keep them safe while you swim, sail or kayak.

Read next: More Cruise Packing Lists

A good beach bag is a must for beach-heavy vacations, especially if you're schlepping towels for the whole family. The best kinds have some mesh sections so the sand falls out as you walk back to the ship rather than landing on the floor of your cabin. Many travelers love active sandals, like Keens, which are comfortable for walking but can also be worn in the water or on rugged terrain. Casual is the name of the game when it comes to clothes for a Caribbean cruise. The weather will be warm year-round, but you'll want some rain gear on hand, especially during hurricane season.

It’s not too casual and looks dressy, while still keeping you warm. No matter when or where your cruise is, a lightweight jacket is a good idea for added warmth on cooler nights or heavy inside air conditioning. I wore a casual top and shorts and everyone else wore something similar. Now in the early evening after lounging on the resort deck, I like to wear a nice sundress or something a little dressy to have a sunset cocktail in. Thankfully for us ladies, I can usually wear the same dress to dinner without a problem.

They enable you to keep a few items handy while you're waiting for your luggage to arrive at your stateroom. Pack a swimsuit, identification, travel documents, medications, and a change of clothes — so you can get started on your vacation right away. Packing doesn't have to be a stressful experience — it can actually be fun if you know what to do before you get started. If you have a plan, packing will only take a short amount of time.

Shimmering ball gowns, crisp tuxedos, and the like are in order for this black-tie dress code. Your ship’s formal night may also allow for elegant cocktail dresses or a simple suit if more relaxed. I can never manage to cruise with fewer than four pairs of shoes. On a Caribbean cruise, you'll need at least some kind of waterproof sandals or flip-flops for beach days as well as nicer shoes for the evening.

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

Table Of Content

• To Bring On Your Cruise
• Day-To-Night Outfits
• Shoes
• Shoes or sandals for dinner
• Read next: More Cruise Packing Lists

For shoes, I recommend a pair of cute sandals and a simple block heel that matches with all of your outfits. For the pool, all you need is a few cute suits, sandals, and sunglasses. I recommend bring 2-3 suits so you can always have a dry option to wear. A big beach bag is great for sunscreen and towels for the beach or the pool on board. You’ll be taking a lot of photos and videos during your trip, both of which can drain your phone’s battery quickly. Avoid having to run back to your room or hunt for an outlet in order to charge your phone’s dying battery by packing a portable travel charger instead.

To Bring On Your Cruise

Yes, you could dress casual to dinner and no one would really pay much mind. One of the biggest questions people have is what to wear to formal night. Some people think that anything short of a tuxedo or a formal evening gown is too casual. In general terms, however, the dress on a Caribbean cruise at sea is decidedly casual. Swimsuits are appropriate on the top decks around the pool, and it’s not unusual to see people wearing them around the ship while covered up. You will want to have a shirt/cover up if heading in somewhere to eat for lunch.

Day-To-Night Outfits

Cruise cabins won’t have irons, as they’re a fire hazard – and you can’t bring steamers either. Many cruise lines allow you to bring 1 bottle of wine per adult, without charge. This portable motion sensor nightlight is so practical and makes a great gift for cruisers.

Shoes

Biggest Packing Regret on My First Cruise: Formal Dress - Business Insider

Biggest Packing Regret on My First Cruise: Formal Dress.

Posted: Tue, 18 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

For the women, think of the breezy women’s cruise wear, such as flowy dresses and lightweight tops perfect for strolling the ship or a local market. Men can opt for casual cruise wear for men, including relaxed button-up shirts and breathable shorts, making transitions from onboard leisure to shore excursions seamless. Remember comfortable footwear; supportive sneakers are ideal for daytime exploration, while sandals work well for casual hangouts. 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. Dressing up on a cruise is not mandatory, but it can enhance the overall experience and add to the festive atmosphere onboard.

Shoes or sandals for dinner

Swap your athletic shorts for a flowy skirt or trousers, and trade your sneakers for a more formal pair of shoes, like chunky heels or loafers for a put-together look. If you’re taking a 7 day Caribbean Cruise, you’ll need outfits for your sea days on the cruise ship, and other days in port. Are you going on a cruise and looking for cruise outfits that are fashionable and affordable? In this post you’ll find casual cruise dresses and daywear, formal night dresses, plus a few must-have accessories. Deciding what clothes to pack can be a challenge if you've never been on a cruise vacation before.

Clothing you can NOT wear when vacationing in the Caribbean - WYTV

Clothing you can NOT wear when vacationing in the Caribbean.

Posted: Tue, 02 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Maxi Dresses & 2 Piece Outfits

I’ve chosen a variety of dresses in the image below with differing necklines, material, sleeve length and style. Keep in mind, a more casual dress can be dressed-up with heels, accessories and some bolder makeup. For women, mid-length dresses are perfect for Smart Casual evenings onboard, along with summery skirts or capris. The whites and blues are perfect for Mediterranean cruises while cooler climates can consider adding a blazer or stylish jacket for Northern Europe. Remember to pack 2-3 bathing suits, to have a rotation if one is wet. Packing 1-2 swimsuit cover ups for sea days and beach days will come in handy.

Casual T-shirt Dress Tank Style

If you have whale-watching on your agenda, pack a jacket in case it's cold or misty, a hat so you don't get sunburnt, and binoculars. 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. If you're packing outfits for a cruise destination in a warm climate, bring something that can be worn over a swimsuit, so you're always ready to take a dip in hidden cenotes. That means one pair of shorts, chinos or jeans for daytime (depending on your cruise's itinerary).

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. Just remember that while walking from your stateroom to the pool and vice versa, you’ll need to wear a swim cover up. If you’re headed somewhere like Norway or Alaska where hiking is one of the most popular activities, it’s worth packing a good pair of walking boots.

A trip to the buffet, however, is much more casual and there are a number of other restaurants on a ship that range from casual to fancy. Head to the main dining room with the white tablecloths and well-dressed waitstaff and you might think you need to wear a tux to be served. In other words, you need to dress for the weather in the home port. The excitement really starts the instant you see the ship in the distance. Then you realize that the day you’ve been looking forward to for months is finally at hand.

It’s surprising, but most cruise ship cabins have only 2 electric plugs. If you’re bringing electronic items like phones, pads, speakers, go-pros and anything else, you’ll really want more plugs. Do you need cruise packing lists, to-do checklists, shore excursion forms and more? Over the last year, I put together a 47 page cruise travel planner that has everything you need as you plan and get ready for your cruise.

Keep in mind that many countries in the Caribbean can be conservative, so it’s best to be respectful and not wear anything too revealing unless you’re at the beach. As well, some countries have laws against civilians wearing camouflage patterns, so leave that at home as well. Finally, rude or offensive clothing (such as shirts with foul language) should be avoided. If you head to the main dining room or a higher-end restaurant like the steakhouse, then we suggest dressing up a little bit — even if it’s not formal night.

As the choices in cruise dress-up evolve, gone are the days of mandatory tuxedos and evening gowns. Today’s cruise ship clothes offer a delicate balance between elegance and ease. For long cruises over 10 days in length, packing enough daytime Caribbean cruise outfits while working with limited cabin space is a delicate art. To pack for casual nights onboard your Caribbean cruise, women can look to bring bright sundresses, tropical patterns and colorful outfits. I love to pack my dresses that are bright colors, like pink and yellow - these are just quintessential Caribbean cruise outfits for me.

If you plan to eat in the Windjammer buffet for most of your meals, you don’t need to follow these guidelines. These tan braided sandals are quite comfortable and can be worn during the day and evening. The heel isn’t too high, and the neutral color makes this a great versatile shoe to bring on a cruise. The weather was beautiful as we boarded the Nieuw Statendam in Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale. I also rewore this dress later on during the week on a casual night in the main dining room.

During the evenings you are going to want to wear a bit more simply to stay comfortable, but can still dress casual. Temperatures drop as the sun goes down, and with the ship underway, there is always a constant breeze. A pretty bathing suit cover up is a must-have cruise wear for a Caribbean cruise.