25+ Best Swimsuits for Cruises to Look Your Best

Ready to set sail on your next adventure at sea but not sure what bathing suits you need to pack?

I’ve got you covered in this guide about the best swimsuits for cruises.

As a former cruise ship crew member and now frequent cruiser, I know how time consuming it can be to find the right swimwear for cruises that you look and feel great in.

Whether you’re a new mom or woman over 50, cruiser looking to tan or to stun in your vacay pics, you’ll find something for you in this list of the top swimsuits of all styles.

🏆 Buy the best swimsuits for cruises here

Overall Best Swimsuits for Cruises

If you’re short on time, here’s my roundup of the best swimsuits for cruises by bathing suit style:

Best One Piece Swimsuit

Best Bikini Set

Best Tankini Set

Best Separate Bikini Top

Best Separate Bikini Bottoms

Best Women’s Swimsuits for Cruises

Whether you’re looking for a one-piece, bikini set, tankini, or separate swim tops and bottoms, this list has it all!

Here are the top rated bestsellers for all types of women’s swimsuits for cruises.

Best One-Piece Swimsuits

One-piece swimsuits are so versatile, especially on cruise vacations.

My favorite way to wear these bathings suits on cruises is to wear them on embarkation day with shorts or linen pants.

The one-piece wears as a bodysuit and you’re also pool-ready as soon as you step onboard!

It’s the perfect cruise swimsuit when you’re packing for a cruise in carry-on only.

1. Ruffled V-Neck with Lace Up Back

The ruffled v-neck neck one-piece has a flattering silhouette with feminine details.

The deep v-neck has ruffles along the trim that continue to the straps and down the shoulders, ending with a lace-up back.

This swimsuit comes with side ruching as well as a variety of fun print and solid color options.

I like how pretty the back design looks with the shoulder ruffles and lace-up closure style.

Reviews agree that this suit provides great tummy control and support.

👙 PURCHASE RUFFLED V-NECK ONE-PIECE HERE

2. High-Waisted Monokini with Cutout and Tie Back

This high-waisted monokini with cutout is one of the best sellers for women’s one piece swimsuits, and for good reason!

It has a wrap tie back and comes with color blocking styles to give the illusion of a two-piece set.

The sweetheart neckline and midsection cutout are perfectly positioned to highlight your assets while discreetly concealing areas you’d prefer to keep hidden.

This swimsuit is available in XS to 22 plus and looks great on all sizes– just look at the review photos!

👙 PURCHASE HIGH-WAISTED MONOKINI WITH CUTOUT HERE

3. Deep V-Neck with Mesh Tummy Control

This deep v-neck with mesh tummy control is another option that shows off your figure but conceals the midsection.

It comes with adjustable straps and removable padding as well as a double-lined high waist with ruched tummy control.

If you’re looking for a medium to full coverage one-piece cruise swimsuit that’s still sexy and flattering, this is it.

👙 PURCHASE DEEP V-NECK WITH MESH TUMMY CONTROL HERE

4. Swim Dress

This swim dress is the cutest full coverage swimsuit!

It has a side tie knot and short skirt that makes the dress less “old lady” (as one reviewer put it) and more bathing suit statement.

The swim dress also comes with adjustable straps, built in cups, and full coverage bottoms so you don’t have to worry about any wardrobe malfunctions while rocking this outfit.

👙 PURCHASE SWIM DRESS HERE

5. One Shoulder

This one-shoulder bathing suit is the most size-inclusive swimsuits on the list.

It has a gorgeous keyhole on the shoulder as well as ruching throughout the midsection and full coverage on the bottoms.

The chic one-shoulder design makes this piece is a must pack for women’s clothing for cruises as it can act as a stylish bodysuit paired with shorts or a beach cover-up.

👙 PURCHASE ONE SHOULDER SWIMSUIT HERE

6. Retro Halter

This retro halter swimsuit checks off all the boxes for a flattering one-piece bathing suit for women.

It has a twisted front design with a halter tie for the ultimate vintage pin up silhouette.

Reviewers say this piece is great for longer torsos, offers good bottom coverage, and uniquely perfect for all ages.

In fact, the top two reviews say it’s both “THE most flattering one-piece for the older demographic” and the “best all around swim suit for teens!”

👙 PURCHASE RETRO HALTER SWIMSUIT HERE

7. Athletic Boyleg

This athletic boyleg swimsuit offers excellent coverage for water or beach activities.

It comes with a racerback and keyhole, shorts, removable pads, and wide straps.

If you’re looking for a sleek, modest swim outfit that doesn’t constrict any range of motion, this athletic bathing suit is it.

👙 PURCHASE ATHLETIC BOYLEG SWIMSUIT HERE

8. Strapless Monokini with Stitch Detail

Warning: this strapless monokini is 100% for style, not function!

If you’re planning on laying out and looking good– this one-piece is for you.

Get this stunning swimsuit and you’ll definitely have the best vacation photos to accompany those cruise quotes for your Instagram grid!

The monokini features a strapless bandeau, stitch details, and striking cut-outs, making it the ultimate showstopper.

👙 PURCHASE STRAPLESS MONOKINI HERE

9. Plunge Criss Cross Neckline with Cutout

In contrast, this plunge criss cross neckline one piece offers both style and function.

The flattering neckline shows off what you’ve got while the high waist provides midsection coverage.

With adjustable straps and color block options, this swimsuit is a winner for everything from snorkeling in Curacao or taking a stroll along the best walking beaches in the Caribbean.

👙 PURCHASE PLUNGE CRISS CROSS ONE PIECE HERE

Best Two-Piece Bathing Suits

There are so many two-piece bathing suit options these days, it’s hard to pick just one cruise swimsuit!

I always travel with a two piece as they’re easier for me to pull on and off when wet.

They can also double as a bra or undies for a few hours in a pinch, like when I got a job on cruise ships and all the laundry machines were in use.

Check out this list of the top two-piece bathing suits and bikinis for your next cruise outfits:

10. Scalloped V-Neck + High Waisted Bottoms

This scalloped v-neck and high waisted bikini set is everything you need in a two-piece.

It has a flattering neckline with adjustable back wrap straps and cheeky bottom coverage.

I’m a fan of the self-tie wrap design of the bikini top because it ensures you can adjust the top as tight as needed.

The cheeky bottoms are also tailored in a flattering manner, offering tummy concealment while accentuating the right areas.

👙 PURCHASE SCALLOPED V-NECK + HIGH WAISTED BIKINI HERE

11. Classic Triangle String Bikini

You can’t go wrong with a classic triangle string bikini.

Both the top and bottoms of this set are fully adjustable with self ties.

This bikini is perfect for tanning on the deck or if you prefer less fabric when taking a dip in the pool.

And the best part– these pack super small, so you don’t have to feel bad about taking an extra bikini with you!

👙 PURCHASE CLASSIC TRIANGLE STRING BIKINI HERE

12. Sporty + Cheeky High Cut Two Piece

This sporty high cut bikini is a great medium between looking stylish while still being functional for beach activities.

The top is a sports bra style with adjustable straps, a scoop neck line, and removable padding.

The bottoms are high cut and offer cheeky coverage.

If you’re looking for a bikini that elongates your legs and provides a modest neckline that keeps up with your beach sports, this is your winner!

👙 PURCHASE SPORTY HIGH CUT BIKINI HERE

13. High Neck Crop Top Two Piece

This high neck crop top set is perfect for those looking for full cleavage coverage.

The top comes with adjustable spaghetti straps and removable cups.

The high waisted bottoms are all full coverage and come in a variety of fun patterns for a contrast look that compliments the top.

👙 PURCHASE HIGH NECK CROP TOP SET HERE

14. Underwire Bikini Top + Lettuce Trim Bottom

If you’re looking for a bikini top similar to a bra, this set is it.

This underwire bikini set gives good top support with cute detailing on the high waisted bottoms.

The waistband also has a subtle lettuce trim which adds a cute feminine touch.

👙 PURCHASE UNDERWIRE BIKINI SET HERE

15. Ribbed One Shoulder Top Set

This ribbed one shoulder bikini set photographs well for those vacay pics while still being comfortable enough to lounge outside in your oceanview balcony stateroom.

Featuring a low waist but high cut bottoms, this set puts all of your best curves forward.

The ribbed texture also adds some visual interest to take a solid colored bathing suit to the next level.

👙 PURCHASE RIBBED ONE SHOULDER BIKINI HERE

16. Ruffle Sleeves + High Waist Bottoms

This ruffled sleeve two-piece might be the cutest one on this list!

It has a deep v neckline and scoop back top to compliment the flutter sleeves.

The bottoms are high waisted with ruching and cheeky coverage, giving retro pin-up girl vibes.

This set also comes with bright color blocking options including tropical print bottoms.

👙 PURCHASE RUFFLED SLEEVE TWO-PIECE HERE

17. Thong Bikini Set

This thong bikini set is for cruisers on a mission to get a killer tan on their vacation.

It has double shoulder straps with adjusters on the straps along with an additional self tie back.

The extra straps and support provide a stylish distinction from the standard halter tie around the neck seen on typical triangle bikinis.

Those looking for itsy bitsy teeny tiny bottoms will be happy with the minimal coverage and high cut design that shows off the figure.

While this bikini set might not be ideal for swimming or other sporty activities, you’ll sure look good tanning, drinking, and taking photos in these!

👙 PURCHASE THONG BIKINI SET HERE

18. Bandeau Bikini Set

This bandeau bikini is also a great swimsuit for suntanning and lounging.

The strapless tube top comes with removable padding and cheeky high cut bottoms, which offer light to medium bum coverage as well as concealment of the midsection.

Available in solid colors, floral prints, animal patterns, and more, this is a perfect bikini for a cruise.

👙 PURCHASE BANDEAU BIKINI SET HERE

Best Tankini Sets

If you want a little more coverage than a two-piece but still want the accessibility of one, check out these flattering tankinis.

19. Ruffled Tankini + High Waist Bottoms

This ruffled tankini is my favorite modest swimsuit for cruises.

The top features a tiered ruffled layer over an inner layer with removable cups.

The bottoms are ruched and high waisted giving both full midsection and backside coverage.

The vintage styled bottoms also come in fun color and print combinations, including dinosaurs! 🦕

👙 PURCHASE RUFFLED TANKINI HERE

20. Tankini with Boyshorts

This tankini with boyshorts hides the stomach and also provides full bottom coverage.

It’s styled like an empire waist dress with a flattering v-neck and a criss cross wrap front.

The boyshorts sit just slightly lower than the bottom of the flowy top giving off a chic babydoll appearance.

This tankini set is perfect for those who want as much coverage as possible while hiding the tummy area.

👙 PURCHASE TANKINI WITH BOYSHORTS HERE

Best Separate Bikini Top

Standard bikini sets can be tricky if you need two different sizes between tops and bottoms.

Fortunately, you can purchase separates for the best fit and comfort.

While it may be more challenging to find separate tops and bottoms in the same pattern, you can still create a look that looks like you bought them together.

This includes getting a top and bottom in different shades of the same color family, color blocking with complimentary hues, or mixing and matching with solids and patterns.

21. Criss Cross Self-Tie Bikini Top

There’s a reason this criss cross self-tie bikini top is a bestseller!

It has a scoop neck with long straps that cross in the back for a stylish look that also holds everything in super secure.

With such good coverage, this sporty bikini top is great for all the waterpark activities you want to dive into on the ship.

I actually have an older version of this top and it was a staple in my cruise crew packing list every contract because of how durable yet comfortable it was.

Nearly 10 years later it’s still holding up as good as new.

My favorite detail is the subtle texture of the fabric which adds interest to the plain colored top.

This also makes it great for pairing together with a separate bikini bottom of the same color to keep it from looking too boring.

👙 PURCHASE CRISS CROSS SELF-TIE TOP HERE

22. Front Knot Swim Top

This front knot swim top is the most size inclusive separate top on this list.

Available in 2XS through 22 plus, this top has thick adjustable straps which offers better support than spaghetti straps.

The pull-over top comes with a stylish front tie knot as well as a peekaboo keyhole.

Reviews say they like this swim bra because of how great it is for those with larger busts in both support and comfort.

👙 PURCHASE FRONT KNOT SWIM TOP HERE

23. Ruffled Flounce Swim Top

This ruffled flounce swim top is perfect for people who want a flowy, loose bikini top.

It has two tiers of ruffled along with another layer for the bra under.

The ruffles give an illusion of a fuller bust, so if you’re part of the itty bittee committee, this will help fill out your figure while still providing stylish coverage.

This top can also be worn as a top paired together with some high waisted shorts or midi skirt while on a walking tour of San Juan or elsewhere exploring the Caribbean.

👙 PURCHASE RUFFLED FLOUNCE TOP HERE

Best Separate Swim Bottoms

Sometimes you just can’t decide which swimsuits to bring on your cruise because you want a different look for each day.

An easy way to achieve this is to bring separates that you can mix and match.

The good news is that bikini bottoms pack down to almost nothing, so you can take a few along with you without sacrificing much luggage space.

24. Cheeky Bikini Bottoms

This cheeky bikini bottoms are perfect for those cruise ship bikini photos.

It comes with a Brazilian cut low rise that shows off your figure and works well with any separate bikini top style.

With the cheeky coverage, it’s perfect for tanning and pictures while still providing slightly more coverage than a thong.

You can feel comfortable wearing this around the top deck without worrying if you’re showing too much skin.

👙 PURCHASE CHEEKY BIKINI BOTTOMS HERE

25. Retro High Waisted Ruched Bottoms

This retro high waisted bottoms is the ultimate full coverage bottom for maximum comfort and style.

The high waist, ruched sides, and double lining provides great support around the midsection.

There’s even a black and white polka dot color option that you can pair with a cherry red halter top to create an iconic vintage 50s bathing suit two-piece look!

👙 PURCHASE RETRO HIGH WAISTED BOTTOMS HERE

26. High Waisted Boy Shorts with Side Ties

These sporty boyshorts are the perfect bottoms for those planning on lots of water and beach activities while cruising.

It has a wide stretch waistband with adjustable lace up sides to customize the look.

The shorts coverage is ideal for everything from beach volleyball to the Flowrider surf simulator on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas.

👙 PURCHASE SPORTY BOYSHORTS WITH SIDE TIES HERE

27. Layered Swim Skirt

This layered swim skirt provides coverage of the lower tummy areas as well as the upper thighs.

If you’re self-conscious about those areas, this skirt is a flattering option to keep you comfortable on the beach.

It has an elastic waist with built in briefs and layered tiers.

Reviewers say it offers moderate support and shows off the legs while hiding the hips and upper thighs.

👙 PURCHASE LAYERED SWIM SKIRT HERE

Essential Things to Pack for Cruises

Beyond swimsuits, you’re going to need a few essentials when cruising to any tropical destination.

Don’t forget to pack the following items:

Sunhat

A sunhat isn’t just an accessory when cruising; it’s important for your health and safety.

Because the sun can be stronger in popular cruise destinations like the Caribbean, a sunhat protects against harmful UV rays and sunburns.

Here are some of my favorite sunhat options:

• Columbia Unisex Fishing Hat
• Foldable Straw Sun Visor with Ponytail Opening
• Roll Up Wide Brim Sun Hat

Coverup

A swimsuit coverup a cruise makes going from the pool to your stateroom a breeze with just the right coverage.

The most popular coverups are either an a crochet dress, oversized white linen button up, or sarong.

They’re incredibly convenient to use whether you’re on the deck or at the beach, and dry quickly.

Sandals

Don’t forget your beach sandals!

If you want something more versatile than flip flops, look for a pair in a brown or nude color that can be dressed up for dinners on the ship.

This is the pair I brought on my South Pacific cruise last year which worked well on the beach and with my nicer evening outfits.

I also had this pair of gladiator sandals that I wore on a Caribbean cruise previously.

The zip up style is something I’m always reaching for because it makes putting the sandals on and taking them off so easy.

Sunblock

Trust me, after working on cruise ships for three years, I’ve seen what happens to people who think they can go without sunblock.

Let’s just say there’s a reason us crew members would refer to these guests as “lobsters.”

We all love a good tan, but going full zero SPF is NOT the way to do it.

Not only does the sunburn hurt at the site, but it can cause your body to feel warmer than usual and cause fatigue and headaches from sensory overload on your skin.

So whether you bring sunblock with you or you purchase it before you embark, just make sure you bring some that’s at least SPF 50.

Sunglasses

Look great in photos and protect your eyes all at the same time with a pair of stunning sunnies.

Here are some of the top bestselling sunglasses for your cruise:

• Retro Rectangle Sunglasses
• Aviator Sunglasses
• Reflective Round Sunglasses

Beach Tote

A beach tote is definitely something you need on a cruise.

Whether you’re heading to the top deck or off the ship to explore the port, a beach tote that can fit towels and other essentials will make your life easier.

Also, bonus points if the tote is foldable or packs down small so that it doesn’t take up too much luggage space.

Here are my favorite beach tote options:

• Crochet Tote
• Mesh Tote
• Canvas Tote

Optional Additions for Cruise Swimsuits

While these aren’t crucial for your cruise swimsuits, these additional items may be helpful in keeping you looking and feeling your best.

Rash Guard

If you find applying sunscreen all over your body to be a pain, a rash guard is a great solution especially if you plan on being out in the water for extended periods of time.

These are popular among cruisers when snorkeling and also as a coverup on the Flowrider surf simulator a shirt is recommended over bikini tops to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions.

Board Shorts

Board shorts are ideal for beach destinations due to their quick-drying nature. 

They offer suitable coverage over wet swimwear, preventing your regular clothes from getting damp. 

Plus, they’re perfect for wearing over bikini bottoms while swimming.

Padding Inserts

Swim top inserts provide two benefits: improvement of shape for smaller chests and nipple coverage for all sizes.

If you’re just looking for coverage and hate additional padding in bikini tops, try out these waterproof nipple pasties.

Those looking for a fuller shape can utilize these sticky inserts which also offers coverage while also filling out tops.

FAQ: Cruise Bathing Suits for Women

How many bathing suits for a 7-day cruise?

If you’re a minimalist traveler like me, one to two bathing suits is plenty for a 7-day cruise.

However, if you want a variety of photos and looks for each day, you’ll probably want more.

Between one to three bathing suits would work, but then again swimsuits typically pack small anyway– so bring as many as you want!

Can you walk around in a bathing suit on a cruise?

Yes, you can walk around in a bathing suit on a cruise.

It’s like walking around a resort in a swimsuit.

However, you won’t be able to enter most dining facilities while still in swimwear for health and safety reasons.

Is there a swimsuit dress code on ships?

Not really. 

For the most part, you can wear any type of swimsuit on ships.

While you might feel more inclined to cover up on family oriented cruises, there aren’t any official restrictions as to what you can and cannot wear.

If you enjoy wearing as little as possible and want to cruise with like-minded guests there are a few options to help you find your ideal demographic:

• Adult-only cruise lines like Virgin Voyages
• Cruises in Latin America, Australia/South Pacific, and the Mediterranean
• Adult-only charter cruises

How do you fold a bathing suit for travel?

The easiest way to fold a bathing suit for travel (for me) is to either fold it into quarters (hot dog then hamburger) or fold it in half hot dog style and then roll.

I always pack all of my clothing in a compression packing cube so that no luggage space is wasted.

Final Thoughts: Swimsuits for Cruises

There are so many swimsuits for cruises available but it doesn’t have to be difficult to pick some new ones.

Think about what purpose you need the swimwear to do for you (support, coverage, fashionable, etc.) and use this list to help you find the right one.

Wishing you fair winds and following seas for your next adventure ⚓️

🏆 Buy the best swimsuits for cruises here

Read More of My Best Cruise Tips

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