CRUISE CLOTHING: WHAT TO WEAR ON A CRUISE & GENERAL PACKING LIST

If you are asking yourself, What should I pack for a 10-day cruise? or a 6 day cruise, or even a 3 day cruise, you are not alone—many people love the idea of a cruise but when they receive their trip package, they quickly realize that the activities on a cruise are different from what happens during an ordinary vacation to one destination (whether it is a Caribbean cruise to countries like Jamaica or cruises to other destinations like Hawaii, Europe, and etcetera).

DAYTIME CRUISE CLOTHING TO WEAR AT SEA, WHEN VISITING PORT TOWNS, & AT THE BEACH

During the day when cruising, you are either at sea coming from one destination and going to the next, or the cruise ship has stopped at a port and you are allowed to disembark and visit a Seatown.  Activities ashore include shopping, eating local food in restaurants, seeing the town’s attractions, swimming or sunbathing on a beach, and going on excursions. Excursions are usually booked in advance when booking your cruise ticket or through the fliers/destination information handouts that are left in your stateroom the night before arriving at each port. Casual cruise clothing is advisable. We have included a bag on each outfit because if you decide to disembark the ship and visit the port town, you will need a bag to carry beach towels, a purse, your passport, and any other items you might need—usually, you are gone for the whole day. Having said that, normally the cruise ship will provide you with a basic looking tote bag (with their logo on it) and two beach towels. Don’t forget to bring with you sunscreen, a raincoat or umbrella—even though most of the cruise destinations are sunny sea towns, they are in tropical countries and the rains are usually unpredictable and random. Use a Trip Planner for well-organized packing. 

1 of 11 | Daytime Cruise Clothing

Floral Midi Dress; Black Sandals; Black Leather Tote Bag;

Black Sunglasses; Olive Green Flower Stud Earrings

2 of 11 | Daytime Cruise Clothing

Vintage Denim Shorts Frayed; Striped Wrap Top; Leather Ankle-Tie Espadrilles;

White Leather Backpack; Wooden Stud Earrings; Brown Sunglasses

3 of 11 | Daytime Cruise Clothing

Tie-dyed bodysuit; High Rise Bootcamp Jeans; Leather Ankle-Tie Espadrilles;

White Leather Backpack; Wooden Stud Earrings; Brown Sunglasses

4 of 11 | Daytime Cruise Clothing

Striped Bikini Top; Striped Bikini Briefs; Black Kaftan;

Black Sandals; Brown Leather Tote Bag; Black Sunglasses

5 of 11 | Daytime Cruise Clothing

Multi-Colored Mini Dress; Cream Bikini Bandeau Top; Cream Bikini Briefs;

Taupe Flat Sandals; Natural Tote Bag; Brown Sunglasses

6 of 11 | Daytime Cruise Clothing

Yellow Cotton Dress; Floral Print Yellow Bikini Briefs; Floral Print Bikini Bra;

Taupe Flat Sandals; Natural Tote Bag; Brown Sunglasses

 

WHAT DO YOU WEAR TO DINNER ON A CRUISE?

There are two types of dinners when cruising and you need two dinner cruising clothing outfits. You have a normal dinner, which is not fancy and you can wear what you wore during the day. If you spent your day at the pool, you can change to something simple but presentable and modest before dinner. Pool or beachwear, distressed jeans and tank tops for men are usually not allowed in fine restaurants. There is usually a casual restaurant, in a cruise ship, where guests are allowed casual clothing items such as tank tops, t-shirts, and flip flops. After dinner, usually, there are performances in different rooms—you can wear the same dinner clothes. 

The second dinner type is the gala night dinner, which is also known as the captain dinner. This is a big deal, people dress up and give a masterclass on how to travel in style—women are usually in their best cocktail or dinner dresses and high heels, while men wear jackets with collared shirts, ties, and slacks. Some men go all the way and wear tuxedos (the cruise ship can also rent out tuxedos for gala nights when you pre-order, be sure to enquire before leaving home, just to be sure). The gala dinners have a five-course gourmet dinner.

You may decide not to go to skip the gala dinner in the fine dining restaurants and instead eat at casual dining restaurants, where you are allowed to wear jeans, shorts, and T-shirts.

If you go on a 7-day cruise, usually there are two gala dinner nights, therefore you might need two gala dinner cruise clothing outfits—to save luggage space, pack two different dresses that can be worn with the same shoe and accessories. See our travel capsule wardrobe suggestions below on what to wear to dinner on a cruise.

GALA DINNER CRUISE CLOTHING

7 of 11 | Cruise Wear for Gala Dinner

Off Shoulder Bandage Dress; Sparkly Earrings;

Strap Open Toe Heels; Black Zipper Clutch

8 of 11 | Cruise Wear for Gala Dinner

Red Pleated Dress; Sparkly Earrings;

Strap Open Toe Heels; Black Zipper Clutch

 

NORMAL DINNER CRUISE CLOTHING 

9 of 11 | Cruise Wear for Normal Dinner

White Dress; Faux-Suede Ballet Shoes;

White Cardigan; Gold Hoop Earrings

10 of 11 | Cruise Wear for Normal Dinner

Pink Floral Dress; Faux-Suede Ballet Shoes;

Knit Long Cardigan; Gold Hoop Earrings

 

EXERCISING ATTIRE FOR A CRUISE

The cruise ship has everything you might need, including a fully functional gym and personal trainers. You can go to work out at any time but they close later at night (in most ships). The peak time is early in the morning before breakfast. Towels are provided at the gym and there are water fountains available. Here are our outfit suggestions for gym cruise clothing. 

11 of 11 | Cruise Wear for Gym & Exercising

Black Training Tights; Green Exercising Tank Top; White Gym Top;

White Bottom Joggers; Sneakers; Training Gloves

 

GENERAL PACKING LIST

What else should you bring on a cruise? See below for things that you should not forget on a cruise.

Passport & Visas 

Pack your passport (valid for six months after the return date). For American citizens, as long as the departure and termination locations are in the United States, any proof of citizenship is accepted—such as a passport card and an enhanced driver’s license. Also accepted are, an original or copy of a birth certificate or certificate of naturalization presented together with a government-issued photo ID. However, a passport is preferred and would be needed if you had to fly back to the states from one of the destination countries because you missed embarkation or had an emergency. You will show these when boarding the ship and you may be required to show your passport or other forms of ID when entering the destination countries. Most Caribbean and Mexico cruises depart from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but there are other ports as well in Florida. The west coast also has reputable cruises to different destinations. Galveston in Texas is also a popular departure point for people surrounding that area. 

For non-American citizens, be sure to check with embassies in America for all the countries the ship is visiting if you are required to obtain a visa—some countries will ask for you to obtain a visa whether you are planning to disembark the ship at their country’s port or not. You are fully responsible for any visa requirements—the cruise ship staff will not assist you in any way. If you have a green card (permanent residence) in the United States you may be allowed entrance to many Caribbean countries depending on the country’s immigration requirements, but DO NOT assume that having a green card guarantees automatic entrance—you must call or visit relevant embassies before purchasing a non-refundable cruise ship ticket. Please be advised that ignoring visa requirements might result in being denied to board the ship. 

Raincoat or Umbrella

Since destination countries are mostly tropical countries that are sunny and warm but have unpredictable rains that fall in short periods but may be heavy, a raincoat or umbrella is advisable (especially for Caribbean cruises). 

What kind of shoes should you wear on a cruise?

For daytime activities, it is advisable to wear flats, especially when disembarking at destination ports—there is a lot of walking, you want to be comfortable. Flip flops are accepted during the day at the pool, when exploring the ship, or in casual restaurants at any time. For gala dinners, since people dress up, high heels are the norm, but you are free to wear formal flat shoes if you prefer comfort over style. Please know that when inside the ship corridors or public places, you are required to wear shoes at all times. 

Cardigan or Sweater

Pack a cardigan or sweater for chilly evenings. Nights are usually cold at sea.

Medication and Repellent

Mosquito repellent with DEET or picaridin is advisable. Also, pack medication for headaches and other pain relief tablets.

Alcoholic Beverages

Guests over 21 years old are usually allowed only one bottle of wine or champagne, usually not more than 750 ml (check your boarding papers sent to you for specific limitations). Additional wine and champagne may be brought on board but there is a corkage fee for each bottle.

Cash

Many people ask how much money should they bring on a cruise? This depends on how much spending you plan to do when the ship has stopped at the ports of your destination countries. For Carribean destinations, the US dollar is widely accepted in shops and restaurants. The downside of using US dollars everywhere is that you end up paying more for the purchased items than its actual price in local currency. Some stores accept credit and debit cards—but American Express is not widely accepted. There are also cashpoints / ATM machines outside banks or inside big shopping malls. If you take out or bring in the United States more than $10,000 (USD) the law requires you to notify the US Customs Service.  

If you have not paid the cruise deposit with your card when booking, you may be required to pay the deposit at the boarding gate in cash. This is refundable when you return. Major cards are accepted inside the ship for any purchases. 

Infants & Pregnant Women

Usually, babies less than 6 months and women who are over 24 weeks pregnant are not allowed to cruise. Contact your cruise line to confirm. 

Can I bring my own soda on a Carnival Cruise?

Cruise lines such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean allow a limited number of soda in cans, cartons, or bottles. Bottled water is usually allowed as well. Please check with your cruise line for specific limits as these numbers may change. Some lines allow 12 bottles, others 24—the quantity varies. Norwegian and Celebrity cruises are strict and normally prohibit soda. Make sure you find out with your cruise line what their specific soda and beverage requirements are. Usually, soft drinks like juices and water are free in restaurants and beverage stations inside many cruise ships. 

Can you bring snacks on a cruise?

As per popular cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian, you are not allowed to bring cooked food, fruits, or vegetables on board because of contamination reasons. Most cruise lines allow non-perishable and pre-packaged food that has not been opened and in limited quantity. So yes, you can bring your favorite snacks and candy on board. 

 

CRUISE PACKING TIPS

• Do not use suit bags with hooks of hangers protruding.
• For easy security screening, any items placed in a bag inside your luggage should be in a clear plastic bag and shoes should be at the top.
• Label the inside of the carry-on and checked bag with your name and contact information.
• The screening process is just like that at the airport, therefore, do not pack items that are dangerous or usually prohibited.
• Don’t be quick to buy trip insurance with the cruise ship. Third-party insurers might have better protection and coverage. We insured with Axa Assistance USA and these were our specific benefits for the Silver Plan.
• If you have valuables such as a DSLR camera, lens or other expensive gadgets and personal items, you will need to carry with you proof of purchase to avoid paying customs when coming back. If you don’t have proof of purchase, make sure you visit the customs office near you or at the departing location, before cruising, to show them the specific items you are traveling with and obtain a stamped or signed document showing you visited the office.
• Luggage tags will come together with your boarding packet but you can also find them at the departure point. 
• Don’t get carried away buying a lot of things when cruising, because even though the cruise ship is generous with luggage you may bring, the airlines will charge you for extra luggage. If you shop a lot, be ready to pay at the airport for any bags outside the baggage allowance. 
• Pack your medication and travel documents in your carry-on bag or handbag and have it with you all the time.
• Check carefully to see if there are any vaccination requirements. The cruise line will list (on the website) countries requiring proof of vaccinations. You may also confirm with immigration services of those countries. Most vaccinations are given six to eight weeks before departure. Many tropical countries have traces of Malaria, Yellow Fever, Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, and Typhoid. If there is a concern for any of the mentioned illnesses at any time, passengers may be required to get vaccinated. 
• To ensure that you do not overpack on a cruise, use shoes, bottoms, cardigans, and accessories more than once. Don’t pack beach towels as these are provided when you board the ship. 
• Pets are not allowed except for service animals boarding with guests with disabilities.