Looking for some women’s clothing for cruises inspiration?
As a former cruise ship crew member, frequent cruise guest, and expert at living out of a suitcase– I’m here to break it all down for you so that you don’t have to stress out before your vacation.
I know how challenging packing for a cruise can be, but it doesn’t have to be!
In this post, I’ll go over different options when it comes to cruise wear for women, clothing ideas for different cruise itineraries, and tips on how to pack as minimally as possible.
For easy pre-cruise outfit shopping, you can find most of the items in this post on my Amazon Storefront.
Planning Women’s Clothing for Cruises Tips
In the last 10+ years, I’ve traveled to and worked in all seven continents (including working in Antarctica and living at the South Pole!) and over 60 countries by living out of my suitcase, including working on cruise ships.
When you get a job on cruise ships, you’re limited in how much you can bring.
In fact, I’ve seen cruise guests pack more for a weeklong vacation than what cruise ship crew members pack for a 5-9 month contract!
Now after working at sea for three years, I’m a chronic one-bagger, or carry-on only girl when it comes to cruise vacations.
I’ve got a full post on how to pack for a 7-day Caribbean cruise in carry-on only if you’re also interested in packing light for your trip.
Some things to keep in mind when packing for a cruise are:
🌤 Destination and climate: Hot/cold, humid/dry, rainy/windy, etc.
🛳 Length of cruise and number of ports: How many sea days and port days
👙 Activities: Beach lounging, city exploring, hiking excursions, etc.
👗 Color Palette: If looking put together or fashion is your thing, consider planning your cruise outfits around one color palette to minimize how much you pack. This way everything you bring will coordinate with each other.
By planning what clothes to bring on your cruise around these factors, you should be able to pack light and not have to worry about multiple pieces of luggage.
Travel Day Cruise Outfit
If you’re traveling from one extreme climate to another for your cruise, it can be difficult to figure out what to pack while keeping luggage light.
Ideally, your travel outfit will be something you can wear again on the cruise, like a t-shirt or tank top under a button-down linen shirt paired with linen pants or shorts.
Pictured: Lightweight button-down, cropped sleeveless top, linen pants, sneakers
💡 TIP: Worried about re-wearing clothes on a cruise or not having laundry access? Look into clothing made from merino wool, which keeps clothing fresher for multiple wears.
But if you’re escaping a freezing winter for a Caribbean getaway, my trick is to wear a packable parka along with warm leggings that can be worn under a lighter set of pants or maxi skirt.
Leggings pack down very small yet add a layer of warmth under bottoms you can still use during your cruise.
You can also use your leggings for working out on the ship.
Once you arrive at your embarkation port, the jacket can also be easily squished down to fit into your luggage.
Embarkation Day Cruise Outfit
For embarkation day, make sure to wear something comfortable as traveling to the port, going through security, and getting on the ship is quite the process.
Pictured: Lightweight button-down, one-piece swimsuit, linen shorts, sandals
A couple of things to keep in mind for embarkation day:
1. Staterooms often aren’t available until early afternoon.
This means that if you arrive prior to that (around 1-2 pm), you’ll have to wait in the public areas.
So plan on relaxing, getting a bite, and make sure you either bring or wear your bathing suit under your embarkation day outfit so that you can enjoy the pools!
2. If you have your bags brought onto the ship for you, you may not receive your luggage right away.
As a crew member, I’ve seen guests sometimes get their bags well past sailaway.
This is all to say– take a second look at your outfit for embarkation day!
You’ll want to make sure you’ll be ok wearing what you have until your luggage arrives at your stateroom.
💡 TIP: Wearing bottoms with pockets is a must for me so that I have quick and easy access to my phone (which holds the onboarding details/QR code) and passport.
Women’s Cruise Outfits for Casual Evenings
The first evening onboard is usually casual, as well as most port evenings and the final night of the cruise.
So if you’re not sure what to wear on cruise ships for women during low-key nights, the answer is whatever you want!
There’s no pressure to get dressed up for these evenings, so if a pair of jeans and a t-shirt are your thing, go for it.
Pictured: T-shirt, sundress, sleeveless bra top, maxi skirt, sandals, linen pants
Cruisers who like a slightly more elevated look for casual nights don’t have to worry too much either as a few simple pieces can complete the look:
▶️ White Tee: A must-have when packing minimally as it goes with ✨everything✨
▶️ Tank Top: Bonus if it has a bra built in like this one from Uniqlo.
▶️ Maxi Skirt: Pairs great with a staple white tee or tank.
▶️ Linen Pants: Looks elevated yet beachy and slight wrinkles look the part.
▶️ Sundress: Find one with a bright floral pattern and this can be also be worn in ports or for the ship’s Caribbean-themed evening.
Sea Day Cruise Wear for Women
Sea day mornings and afternoons are casual, usually with a lot of time spent lazing on the open decks, partaking in ship activities, and even working out for some.
You’ll want to make sure you have a variety of clothing ready for all of these occasions.
Pictured: Linen button-down, two-piece bikini, kimono cardigan, tank top, romper, shorts
My top faves include:
▶️ Bathing Suit and Cover-Up: Great for hanging around the open deck and pools
▶️ Linen jumpsuit or romper: fast-drying and breathable
▶️ Linen button down: Good for the strong air conditioning inside the ship (can also double as a cover-up)
▶️ Lightweight shorts: Bonus if they can be dressed up or down
▶️ Quick dry top and leggings: For working out or doubling as your travel day outfit
💡 TIP: If you’re cruising with Royal Caribbean and planning on trying out the Flowrider (surf simulator), make sure you have a t-shirt or rash guard to wear over a two-piece bathing suit to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions!
Formal Wear Ideas for Cruises
Formal/Elegant nights are my favorite as they offer the rare opportunity to break out that floor-length gown you’ve always wanted to wear.
But if you’re not into dressing up, don’t worry.
Many cruise lines are moving toward more casual evenings, and even when there are formal evenings, you’ll see plenty of people in shorts and tees at the buffet.
Pictured: [Top row L-R] one-shoulder cocktail dress, little black dress, dressy jumpsuit; [bottom row L-R] two-piece set, infinity bridesmaid dress, full-length gown
Here are my top formal night clothing ideas for women:
▶️ Infinity/Multi-Way Jersey Dress: Two reasons I love this dress. 1) It can be worn multiple ways and 2) it’s made from jersey material which packs well and doesn’t wrinkle much.
💡 TIP: These are popular bridesmaid dresses, so you might have one already in your closet!
▶️ Little Black Dress: You can never go wrong with an LBD, and if you need to purchase one for your cruise, there’s a 100% chance you’ll be able to wear it again for a future event.
▶️ Formal gown: Perfect for more formal or luxury cruise line evenings.
▶️ Cocktail dress: If full-on floor-length formal gowns aren’t your thing but you still want to look the part, cocktail-length dresses are the way to go.
▶️ Two-Piece Mother of the Bride Pants Set: Another great way to reuse an outfit if you already have one from a former wedding, or just a good option if you prefer pants over dresses.
▶️ Dressy Jumpsuit: I love a good jumpsuit that can be dressed up or down. Any one piece automatically looks put together, so pair these with a set of heels and you’re set.
▶️ Statement Suit or Blazer: Another non-dress option that will keep you looking polished yet comfortable.
▶️ Shawl: We all know how cold the interior of ships can be, so a nice pashmina or shawl keeps you warm and elegant.
💡 TIP: If you bring clothing that requires ironing, make sure to send them in as early as possible on the cruise. This will ensure that there’s enough time for the items to be turned around and ready for you to wear on formal nights.
Cruise Theme Nights Outfits
No matter which cruise line or itinerary you choose, you’re sure to come across a fun theme night or two.
While it’s not mandatory to partake and dress for the events, here are some theme night outfit ideas if you do!
▶️ 70s/Disco/Flower Glory Party: Time to bust out your favorite tye dye tees, flared pants, or 70s hippie mini dress.
▶️ Caribbean: The easiest themed event to dress for using clothing you’d probably already be bringing for the cruise, like a floral maxi dress.
▶️ White Night: Most major cruise lines have some form of White Night or Party. This works great if white is already part of your cruise wardrobe, like a white tee or linen button-down. Pair them together with white shorts or trousers and you’re set!
▶️ Gatsby Night/ Roaring Twenties: These theme nights are all about flapper dresses, feathers, and sequins.
▶️ Scarlet Night: Wear something as simple as a red top or go all out in a red sundress.
What to Wear for Port Days on Cruises
What to wear for port days will depend on your cruise itinerary.
Some things to keep in mind when planning your port day outfits include:
- Activities: What you’ll be doing there (hiking, city exploring, snorkeling, etc.)
- Weather/Season: What the climate will be during your trip (windy, cold, sunny, humid, etc.)
Plan your outfits according to what will make the most sense for what you’ll be doing in port and what will be the most comfortable for the expected weather.
Caribbean Cruise
There’s a reason Caribbean cruises are so popular!
Most of the time, you get the best vacation climate and endless beaches to explore.
There are so many activities and excursions available on Caribbean cruises so how you choose what to pack for your cruise will largely depend on your plan in port.
Clothing suggestions:
- Two-piece summer linen set
- Linen pants
- Sleeveless shirt
- T-shirt
- Lightweight shorts
- Maxi skirt
- Shorts romper
- Summer boho jumpsuit
- Sundress
Mediterranean Cruise
The Mediterranean cruise itineraries were some of my favorites during my time as a crew member.
You’ll want to be prepared for hot temperatures in the height of summer, but also ensure that you have some modest clothing that covers your shoulders if you plan on visiting any religious buildings.
Clothing suggestions:
- Linen pants
- Sleeveless bra top
- T-shirt
- Lightweight or linen long-sleeve shirt
- Lightweight shorts
- Maxi skirt
- Sundress
Baltic/ Scandinavia/ Northern Europe Cruise
Summer temperatures in this area can vary, but they typically aren’t as warm as Mediterranean cruises.
You’ll probably be doing a fair amount of city exploring so plan on having some layers as you walk around in port.
Clothing suggestions:
- Jeans
- Quick dry travel pants
- Short-sleeved tee
- Odor-free Merino long-sleeved tee
- Denim jacket
- Wind/waterproof jacket
Asia Cruise
I lived in Japan for a few years and enjoyed cruising around Asia.
The most important thing to remember when packing for these cruises is to double-check what the local customs are when it comes to clothing as some countries such as Japan are more modest than others.
If you’re cruising in the summer, it will be quite hot and humid outdoors, but indoor air conditioning tends to be quite strong.
Clothing suggestions:
- Dry-fit tees
- Odor-free Merino wool tops
- Quick dry travel pants or “elephant” pants
- Linen pants
- Linen shorts
- Linen button-down shirt
- Breathable sleeveless dress
Arctic Circle/Greenland Cruise
My time on an Arctic Circle cruise and a Transatlantic cruise via Greenland was cold but not unbearable.
Surprisingly, it wasn’t as cold as I’d imagined it would be, but you still definitely want some warm clothing for days out in ports.
The coldest ports for me were: Honningsvag, Norway; Reykjavik, Iceland (due to wind), and Qaqatorq, Greenland.
Plan on doubling up your layers and you’ll be solid.
Clothing suggestions:
Alaska Cruise
Layers are key for Alaskan cruises.
While my time in Alaska was spent in t-shirts, temperatures can also dip.
Clothing suggestions:
Beach Women’s Clothing for Cruises:
One of the best parts of cruises is the warm days spent at idyllic beaches.
Make sure you’re prepared with the right outfits.
Pictured: Two-piece bikini, one-piece bathing suit, button down, beach cover-up, shorts, sandals
▶️ Bikini: No better way to work on your tan than in a two-piece!
▶️ One-Piece Bathing Suit: Stylish one-pieces offer the right amount of coverage on the beach and can also double as a bodysuit/top for another cruise outfit.
▶️ Rash Guard/Swim Shirt: These are great if you plan on being in the water for an extended period of time. Not only do they protect you from the sun, but you don’t have to worry about reapplying sunscreen every few hours.
▶️ Board Shorts: Perfect if you want a little more coverage.
▶️ Crochet Beach Cover-Up or Kimono: Everyone’s go-to uniform returning back to the ship after a sandy day in port.
💡 Tip: If you plan on doing any snorkeling on your trip, bringing your own snorkeling gear will be cheaper than renting.
Must-Have Women’s Cruise Accessories
▶️ Hat: Whether you prefer a baseball cap with a ponytail hole or a foldable wide-brim sun hat, make sure you have some extra protection from the sun.
▶️ Sunglasses: Keep your eyes safe and stylish at sea.
▶️ Beach Tote: A good packable beach tote is necessary for lazy afternoons on the sun deck or port days at the beach. Bonus points if it’s machine washable too.
▶️ All-In-One Makeup Palette: This is my go-to for travel makeup along with a 4-in-1 brush. It’s slim, easy to pack, and doesn’t require you to bring a whole cosmetic kit with you to the cruise.
▶️ Scrubba Wash Bag: Perfect for doing laundry in your stateroom along with these detergent sheets.
▶️ Compression Packing Cubes: A must-have for packing light and ensuring everything stays organized in your luggage. These cubes also compress your clothing so that you save room.
Women’s Shoes for Cruises
Packing shoes for cruises can be tricky.
On the one hand you want options for all your outfits, but on the other you have to think about luggage space.
As a minimalist carry-on only cruiser, I always aim for no more than two pairs of shoes:
- A versatile sandal that can be dressed down for beach/port days and dressed up for casual evenings on the ship
- A pair of heels that can go with all of my nicer outfits and formal wear
Here are some great shoe options for any type of cruiser:
▶️ Sandals: A light-colored pair of sandals will look good with lots of different outfits and can also be dressed up or down.
▶️ Sneakers: If you plan on doing a lot of walking in ports or working out on the ship, definitely plan on packing a solid pair of sneakers.
▶️ Flip-Flops: Lightweight and easy to pack– what’s not to like? If you tend to dress more casually, flip-flops are good to have on your trip.
▶️ Heels: Complete your formal evening look with heels. Whether you go for basic nude pumps or block-heel sandals, you can’t go wrong.
▶️ Flats: If heels aren’t your thing, flats are perfect for the ship and super versatile.
💡 TIP: Want more versatility in your shoes but also want to save luggage space? Check out these convertible heels that interchange with a range of heel heights and can also be worn as flats!
FAQ: Women’s Clothing for Cruises
Is it OK to wear jeans on a cruise?
Yes, it is ok to wear jeans on a cruise– around the ship, to the buffet, and main dining room.
Most cruisers dress casually, even on themed formal nights.
The only time jeans might not be appropriate are in specialty dining venues with a more upscale dress code.
If you’re unsure about wearing jeans on your next cruise, a dark washed pair without holes will keep your jeans from looking too casual.
Do you dress up every night on a cruise?
Not necessarily– for most cruise lines, you can dress as formally or casually as you’d like in the evenings.
While evenings might have a suggested dress code, you’re not required to take part.
There are plenty of cruisers who are dressed casually in the main dining room on formal night.
However, if you’re worried about not looking the part, you can always double check the dress code for the dining venues on your cruise (ex: buffet= casual, main dining room= semi formal, etc.)
Do people still dress up on cruise ships?
Yes, people still dress up on cruises.
While it’s not a requirement, it offers a fun opportunity to dress up and wear the clothes you don’t have the chance to in every day life.
How many evening outfits do I need for a cruise?
The number of evening outfits you need for a cruise will depend on the cruise length and if you plan on participating in formal/elegant evenings.
For most 7-day cruises, there are typically two formal nights.
If you want to wear a different outfit for each formal night, think about packing 2-3 outfits for the other evenings.
Will packing primarily dresses be ok?
If you’re most comfortable in dresses, then that’s what you should pack.
A cruise is your vacation; your time to relax and unwind, not stressing about packing.
You’ll be best off wearing what you normally wear in day to day life and what’s comfortable for you.
Final Thoughts: Cruise Wear for Women
Cruise wear for women doesn’t have to be complicated, you just need to plan it right!
Remember to keep in mind what activities you plan on taking part in– both onboard and in ports– so that you can plan your outfits accordingly with your destination’s climate.
Bon voyage!
Check out my other cruise posts for help planning your next adventure at sea:
- How to Pack for a 7-Day Caribbean Cruise in a Carry On
- The Ultimate Symphony of the Seas Review
- How to Get a Job on a Cruise Ship: Step by Step Tips from a Crew Member
- What Working on Cruise Ships is Really Like: Pros & Cons
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