What to wear on a cruise: Cruise attire and dress codes

Table Of Content

• What Men Should Pack for Evenings on a Cruise:
• More TFG Editor’s Summer Outfits
• What kind of shoes should you wear on a cruise?
• Recap: What to Wear on a Cruise (Day, Evening and Formal Nights)
• Are there specific dress codes for activities during the day on a cruise?
• Formalwear on a Cruise: No Evening Gown Needed

Most onshore excursions require reservations, so discuss with your family or travel buddies what kind of activities you cannot miss on your trip ahead of time. 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. We’ve gone over what to wear on a cruise during the day, evening and on formal nights. I hope this post has given you some ideas of what to wear on the first day of your cruise and shore excursions as well.

What Men Should Pack for Evenings on a Cruise:

Carnival's dress code for evening is typically cruise casual, but on one or two nights during the voyage cruise elegant eveningwear is suggested. You can also dine in casual pool clothes at the snack bar located next to the pool deck. The best outfits for a cruise are the ones you can wear all day long.

More TFG Editor’s Summer Outfits

With that in mind, we've put together a basic (but comprehensive) cruise packing list, including the clothes you'll need as well as the odds and ends you'll want with you as well. Before going on a cruise, you can look at the size of your room and the storage available. You could take quite a lot of clothes with you, but you definitely don’t want to bring too much and then have to return it home. Another factor to consider when deciding what to wear on a cruise is how much you need to pack. You’ll need to consider your luggage allowance and whether you will use the onboard laundry service. To carry all of your items, take a comfortable backpack or crossover bag.

What kind of shoes should you wear on a cruise?

And what exactly does your cruise line consider formal enough for your formal night dress code? Few issues create as much confusion among cruisers as what they are allowed to wear onboard, especially the when and where of it all. If you’re having dinner in the main restaurant or any meal at one of the specialty restaurants, you’ll follow a “smart casual” dress code on most nights. This means long pants, jeans, a dress or skirt, a stylish top, or a button-down. While onboard, you’ll be spending a lot of your time in the pool or lounging nearby on the sun deck. You’ll also be sporting swimwear at many of the ports you visit  during your trip.

Recap: What to Wear on a Cruise (Day, Evening and Formal Nights)

If you’re cruising with kids, you can have them put a bathing suit on under their clothing. This way they can hit the pool and water slides as soon as you finish lunch on embarkation day. For a traditional ‘Captain’s Gala,’ think timeless elegance with a modern twist – a tailored suit for men and an evening gown or a chic cocktail dress for women. But don’t fret if your closet isn’t brimming with tuxedos and ball gowns – a dark suit and a sophisticated little black dress can go a long way.

Carnival Cruise Line Addresses "Pajamagate" Controversy - Cruise Hive

Carnival Cruise Line Addresses "Pajamagate" Controversy.

Posted: Tue, 28 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

You'll also want to consider the destination of your itinerary and how connected you'll need to be on your cruise to gauge your non-clothing packing needs. This stylish 3/4 length sleeve bathing suit cover up dress comes in black, white and beautiful tropical patterns. If you’re going on a Caribbean cruise, it’s perfect for beach excursions.

Keep in mind, that if you’re not feeling like dressing up, you can always eat in more casual clothes in the buffet and most casual restaurants on the ship. Sneakers or sandals with cushioned soles are ideal for long walks or excursions, while flip-flops or water-resistant slides are perfect for poolside relaxation. Remember to pack a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and a hat for added sun protection. At night, nice jeans and nice tops are perfect for eating in the main dining rooms. For shore excursions — particularly those in more rugged or active destinations that require a lot of walking — comfortable, casual clothing and sturdy footwear are a must. Bring layers for cold climates and moisture-wicking fabrics for places where it's warm or where you expect to work up a sweat.

If you’re having trouble figuring out what to wear on a cruise, don’t worry, we’re here to help. Packing a suitcase for your upcoming vacation onboard shouldn’t be difficult—in fact, it’s all part of the fun. These days it’s not unusual to see some skimpier swimsuits on some people.

A long sleeve dress in the evenings is also acceptable for casual night. Also, shorter Caribbean sailings, or those with less than 5 nights, will have the most casual atmosphere on a Royal Caribbean cruise - so keep this in mind while packing. Generally speaking, Caribbean cruises are all about relaxing, letting loose, and having fun.

Men can wear suits or dress slacks with a sport coat and dress shirt. For women, cocktail dresses, pantsuits or elegant skirts and blouses are appropriate. Regarding evening dining or “smart casual” dress codes, bring a selection of pants, jeans, a dress or skirt, blouses, a nice top, or a button-down shirt.

Formal eveningwear can range from cocktail dresses and dark suits to show-stopping gowns and tuxedos. Packing outfits for vacation can be overwhelming, especially if you're one to overpack for a trip. If that's you, a weekend getaway can be the perfect challenge for you to curb your bad habits and stick to packing for versatility. The best advice I can give is to pack for the vacation you want to have. If you’re going on a family cruise, you might be wondering how dress codes apply to children. Most cruise lines are fine with children wearing nice shorts in the dining room and restaurants for evening dinners.

Add a couple formal night outfits and some dress shoes, and you’re all set. For those evenings when the dress code is relaxed yet chic, passengers seek attire that balances comfort and fashion. These versatile outfits resonate with the laid-back luxury of a cruise and ensure a memorable dinner under the stars or a serene walk along the promenade deck. Day wear on a cruise encapsulates casual and functional elegance.

Of course, you can add more clothing items or bring less, depending on the length of your cruise. If cooler climes and rugged mountains call to you, consider a cruise to Canada. Of course, British Columbia requires a different packing strategy than a trip to The Bahamas or the Mediterranean.