Cruising is one of our favorite ways to vacation and experience multiple destinations at once. The best part is you’ll enjoy all the comforts of a floating hotel! However, once you have your itinerary and flights, it’s time to pack your cruise outfits. So what exactly should be on your cruise packing list? Are there formal nights? Don’t worry, we have the answers to all your questions! Here’s cruise outfit ideas, outfits for women, and more tips for exactly what to pack.
Where is Your Cruise Going?
This is super important to start off with. Obviously, a cruise through the Caribbean is going to need a different wardrobe than if you’re packing for the Christmas markets.
Since each cruise is so different, it’s better to explain it in terms of events instead of individual items. Try and use this article as a loose guide and come up with your own cruise outfit ideas.
If you’re still dreaming of your next cruise, take a look at some of our favorites we’ve been on here! Also, you can explore routes all around the world on this site for inspiration.
Cruise Outfit Ideas & Inspiration
We’re about to break it all down based on our own experience! However, if you’re quickly looking for ideas, these are the general cruise outfits you should consider packing.
- Travel Day Comfy Outfit
- Casual On the Boat
- On Shore Exploring Outfits
- On Ship Pool/Spa
- Gym & Active Wear
- Bad Weather Back Up
- Casual Night Buffet Dining
- Formal Outfits (A-La Carte Menu)
What to Pack for a Cruise
Travel Day Outfit
1. Comfortable Travel Outfit
Personally, I like to be as comfortable as possible while traveling. This is especially true if it’s on an international flight.
It’s an easy decision to go in sweat pants and sweatshirt for longer routes. However, for more stylish cruise outfits for women, you can throw on loose black slacks and a cute sweater.
I recommend having one outfit that you wear for your travel day at the start and end of your trip! The clothing will be dirty from any flights, taxis, or buses, so best to keep it separate from cruise outfits.
2. Travel Day Kit
I have a small bag that easily packs into my carry-on. Also, my eye masks makes all the difference for flights.
Some things I always have in my small travel kit are an eye mask, ear plugs, compression socks, hard candies for air pressure, antiseptic wipes, and a travel toothbrush.
Smart Shoes With Your Cruise Outfits
3. Walking Shoes
Bring a pair of shoes that you know you can walk miles in. It’s not just for the boat, but also when you get off of the ship and strolling around the ports.
Depending on what type of cruise you’re booking, know that some of the ships can be absolutely massive. Once when we were in the Caribbean it was about a 20 minute walk just from our room to the dining area!
I love to wear white everyday street shoes from OluKai when traveling, which is a brand from Hawaii. They are comfortable and you can walk in them all day.
4. Flip Flops & Sandals
This is mainly for the pool and spa area of the ship. Also, if you are cruising to a tropical destination with beaches, you’ll definitely want to have your sandals!
5. Formal Shoes
This part of what to pack for a cruise can be different for everyone. It will range from a pair of nice sandals to heals, or even a more formal flats. This is something that you will wear to dinner or to the lounge to grab a cocktail.
6. Room Slippers
For comfort plan and simple! When walking around the room and bathroom, we always have a pair of slippers. We’ve been traveling with bombas for years and don’t leave home without them.
Pool, Spa & Beach
7. Bathing Suit
So what are you going to wear when it’s time to hit the water? Well, you’re obviously going to need a bathing suit!
Pack at least two with you, as sometimes the space in your room is limited. Your swimming suits will also take a bit of time to dry unless you have a balcony.
8. Swim Suit Cover or Dress
I love a super lightweight cotton dress that is loose fitting (like this style) that I can throw on and head out the door. It’s quick drying and still looks cute. This is my go-to for heading out of the room and into any water.
9. Thin Wrap or Towel
Having a wrap or towel is important for when you get off the ship. I tend to go for this style because it’s compact and lightweight at the beach.
10. Easy to Pack Tote Bag
Another thing you might want to add to your cruise packing list is a beach bag. When thinking about what to pack for a cruise, you should try and stay as light as possible.
That’s why I throw in a canvas tote bag. I have so many from over the years, which pack up super tight and I can quick grab it if I need it.
While we’re talking about small tote and cavas bags, you should know I always pack two. This includes one to use and one to hang in the room for dirty laundry. It takes no space up and keeps my clean clothing separated.
Active Cruise Outfits
11. Gym Clothing
If you don’t workout daily at home, then you probably aren’t going to start with the gym on the ship. This part of our cruise packing list is based on your lifestyle. You should also take into account that you won’t have easy access to laundry.
12. Off-Ship Adventure Clothing
With that said, if you plan to do a hike, waterfall walk, or take any kind of adventures, you will want to pack some active cruise outfits for this.
Most cruises offer fun excursions such as whitewater rafting, zip lining, and scenic hikes. Loose fitting athletic clothing is important in this case!
Relaxing Cruise Outfits
13. Sundresses & Casual Clothing
The clothing you pick for when your relaxing on the ship or out exploring is totally based on your personal style. I go for more maxi style dresses or simple shorts and shirts. This style and what you pack will be mostly based around your route.
14. Cozy Warm Clothing
Even if you are traveling somewhere warm, we recommend brining at least one lightweight sweater or shall. It can be hot outside the common areas, but the dining room of the ship may feel cold in comparison when the AC is on.
Cruise Outfits That Follow a Dress Code
Always look at the ships dress code, especially when it comes to formal nights. On our last trip with VIVA Cruises this was what was said about the dress code.
“The dress code is casual – comfortable during the day and on excursions and sporty-elegant in the evening.”
It’s up to each ship how much they enforce this. We have only seen it be an issue a couple times during specific formal nights when travelers were asked to change.
15. Formal Nights
If this is your first time on a cruise ship, then you might be nervous about the “formal” title. Anything that you would wear to a cocktail party is typically okay.
However, expect some people to be in more ceremonial gowns and others in basic cotton dresses. There are some high-end cruise lines that are much more strict with this policy, and will have official guidelines.
For example, we sailed with Riverside Luxury Cruises and it was a bit more upscale than others we’ve been on. Yet, you’ll have to trust us when we say it’s worth the trade off for the amazing amenities to get dressed up at night!
Cruise Packing List Items You Might Not Expect
16. Water Bottle
This might sound a little strange, but pack two water bottles. This is so you can have a normal small one to keep in your bag and use while you’re off the ship. We really like this one, but know that it is large to travel with.
Also, you might want to have a large easy to pack one that you can fill up and keep in your room. Remember that you can’t drink the water from the sink on the ship, and no one wants to go out in the middle of the night to get more!
17. Socks & Intimates
It may seem obvious to bring underwear, bras, and socks, but make sure to pack enough! Laundry can be very expensive on the ship. Plan to pack whatever you need if you don’t want to pay to have it washed.
18. Wet Bag
This is a waterproof bag that’s great for the beach to keep your important items. We have also been happy to have this in when kayaking or in case it started to rain.
19. Sun Block & Toiletries
Sun block is one item on your cruise packing list that can be crazy expensive on vacation. Bringing things like lotions or creams will save you time and money.
I’ve started using travel size reusable bottles like this. They are great for 1-2 week trips and save a ton of room.
20. International Adapter
You can look up the specifics of each ship, but we always travel with an adapter to be safe. They can also come in handy if you’re staying overnight in a new country before or after you board. We use this adapter,which is cheap and has held up great over the years.
What to Skip On Your Cruise Packing List
Tight Clothing: If you want to look good and have outfits you love that’s great. Nevertheless, if it’s feeling too tight going into the cruise, then best to skip it for something more comfortable.
In all honesty, the endless food at the buffets is one of the reasons to choose this style of vacation to begin with. Don’t be surprised if you gain a few pounds on your cruise.
Robe: We have seen many people with their own robes. While this looks comfortable, it can take up so much room in your bag.
If there isn’t a ship robe in your room, then call down to reception to see if they have an extra. Depending on the ship, they may also have room slippers if you don’t bring your own.
Too Much Clothing: While you want to have options, so often the cabin space and storage is limited on cruise ships. We have found there to be slightly more room on river cruises. Either way, it’s best not overdo it!
Tips for Planning Your Cruise
Get There Early: Plan to arrive one day in advance. This is essential if the cruise port is located far from the main city or airport. For instance, with Celestyal Cruises, the ports are located far from Athens. We decided to stay in a nearby town instead to be closer to where our ship took off from.
You can find great hotel deals on this site. However, if your flight is delayed for any reason, you wouldn’t want to risk arriving the same day and missing the departure.
Rolling Suitcase vs Carry-on: This is another personal choice for a cruise. You’ll be on the same room for your trip, which will allow you to fully unpack. Really, it’s about if you want to save money on your flight with bags.
AirTags: Whether you’re checking your bags or not, we always use an AirTag. It will make it easier for the airline to find your luggage if your stuff happens to get lost in transit.
In all our travels this has only happened once. Still, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Packing Cubes: These are super popular for a reason. If you’ve never used them before get a starter pack (like this) to see if you like them.
E-Sim: It’s a good idea to set up your e-sim the day before leaving so you’ll have internet access when you arrive. Check out this company where you can buy different sim cards based on the country or region you’re going to in advance.
Have any questions about cruise outfits for women or what to skip on your cruise packing list? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
