What to Wear on a Cruise: Day and Night Outfits

Cruises are all about variety — from lounging by the pool to dining in elegant restaurants and enjoying evening shows. Packing the right outfits ensures you’re comfortable during the day and appropriately dressed at night. Whether your cruise is casual, luxury, or somewhere in between, this guide will help you plan outfits that fit every moment.

Daytime Outfits: Comfort & Casual Style

During the day, most cruise activities are casual. Think poolside relaxation, shore excursions, and onboard fun.

Swimwear: Bring at least two swimsuits so one can dry while you wear the other.
Cover-ups: Flowy dresses, sarongs, or light shirts are perfect for walking around the ship.
Casual wear: Shorts, sundresses, tank tops, t-shirts, and breathable fabrics.
Activewear: If you plan to hit the gym, pack workout gear.
Footwear: Sandals, flip-flops, and comfortable walking shoes for excursions.
Accessories: Sunglasses, hats, and a light sweater for cooler mornings.

💡 Pro Tip: Pack a small day bag to carry sunscreen, water, and essentials on shore excursions.

Evening Outfits: Elegant & Cruise-Ready

Cruise evenings often come with more formal dress codes, depending on the cruise line.

Smart casual: Sundresses, skirts with blouses, or dress pants with a nice top. For men, polos or button-downs with slacks.
Formal nights: Some cruises have “elegant nights.” Pack cocktail dresses, long gowns, or dressy jumpsuits. Men can wear a suit or sport coat with dress shoes.
Theme nights: Check if your cruise includes special nights (like tropical or white parties) and pack accordingly.
Shoes: Dress shoes, wedges, or stylish sandals for women; loafers or formal shoes for men.
Accessories: Statement jewelry, clutch purses, or ties can elevate evening looks.

💡 Pro Tip: Mix and match — bring versatile pieces you can wear multiple ways to save suitcase space.

Packing Essentials for Cruise Fashion

Light jacket or wrap (ships can get chilly at night).
Comfortable walking shoes for port days.
Waterproof sandals for beach stops.
Laundry bag to keep outfits organized.
Wrinkle-release spray or portable steamer.

20 Inspirational Quotes About Style & Travel

“Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.” – Bill Cunningham
“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” – Rachel Zoe
“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
“Life is a journey, make sure you dress for it.” – Unknown
“Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.” – Coco Chanel
“Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.” – Coco Chanel
“Clothes mean nothing until someone lives in them.” – Marc Jacobs
“The joy of dressing is an art.” – John Galliano
“Travel in style, live in comfort.” – Unknown
“When in doubt, overdress.” – Vivienne Westwood
“A journey is best measured in friends, not in miles.” – Tim Cahill
“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.” – Orson Welles
“Dress for the life you want.” – Unknown
“Fashion is about dreaming and making other people dream.” – Donatella Versace
“Clothes aren’t going to change the world, the women who wear them will.” – Anne Klein
“The best things in life are free. The second-best are very expensive.” – Coco Chanel
“To travel is to evolve.” – Pierre Bernardo
“Good clothes open all doors.” – Thomas Fuller
“Dress how you want to be addressed.” – Unknown
“Style is eternal.” – Yves Saint Laurent

Picture This

You’re sipping a fruity cocktail on the deck in a breezy sundress, sunhat shading your eyes. Later, you step into a grand dining room, dressed in elegant evening wear, the room glowing with chandeliers and laughter. On a cruise, your outfits set the tone for unforgettable days and glamorous nights.

What outfit will make your first cruise memory unforgettable?

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Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only. Dress codes vary by cruise line and itinerary. Always check your specific cruise guidelines before packing. We disclaim responsibility for any outcomes based on this information.