What to wear on a cruise – cruise dresses for every occasion!

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One of the first questions most “cruise first-timers” ask is “what to wear on a cruise”. And don’t worry, it’s not that complicated! I’ll help you navigate through the cruise dress code jungle and find cute and affordable cruise dresses for every occasion!

I still remember that I seriously overpacked on my first cruise with cute 19 years of age. 🙂 When I went on my second cruise with Markus, I already knew much more about the dress code on cruise ships and packed accordingly.

And when we went to the Bahamas with Norwegian Cruise Lines, I had to quickly improvise and get some cruise dresses in Miami! It was part of our round-the-world trip in 2017/2018 and the cruise was a spontaneous decision while en route in Panama.

But here’s the good news: most things you may have heard about how to dress on a cruise ship are probably outdated. There are only a few rules to follow when choosing your cruise wear for the day and the evening!

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The cruise dress code in general

First of all, the cruise dress code has become much more relaxed over the years. If your image of cruises is wearing a tuxedo and ball gowns every night – well, times of the Titanic have passed. 😉

Only very few cruise lines are still known to be pretty formal – and those include Cunard, Silver Sea, Seabourn, and Holland America Lines. Typically, these cruise lines carter to an older and very affluent clientele.

Cruise Lines with a younger audience such as Carnival Cruises, Disney Cruises, Royal Carribean and Norwegian Cruise Lines are very relaxed with what you can wear on their cruise ships.

The only thing that makes it a bit difficult to understand, are the various and creative terms that cruise lines use to describe their dress code. Thus, I first want to give you a short overview of the typical categories that you will find.

Casual and “Cruise Casual”

“Casual” is the most relaxed dress code you will find on most cruise ships. Some cruise lines may refer to this as “cruise casual” or “resort casual” – but it’s essentially the same. This dress code usually applies to buffet restaurants for breakfast and lunch and other ship areas such as the casino.

Casual dress code items for women:

• Casual summer dresses and skirts
• Long trousers or Capri trousers
• Shirts and Blouses
• Sandals or closed shoes

The only things that are NOT OKAY to wear when “Cruise casual” is asked are stuff like swimwear, gym shorts, tank tops, flip flops, and base caps. Just keep it a little above beach club vibe and you are good to go!

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Smart Casual and “Cruise Elegant”

“Smart Casual” or “Cruise Elegant” (that’s what Carnival Cruise Line calls it) is one step above “Cruise casual”. It is only required for dinner in some restaurants normally. If you are going for a seated dinner with a menu (e.g. at a specialty restaurant) this is normally the way to go.

Most cruise lines also have a buffet restaurant for dinner – which will only require “cruise casual” as a dress code.

Here are a few items that would be considered “Smart casual”:

• Mid-length skirts
• Cocktail dresses
• Pumps and elegant sandals
• Long pants
• Blouses

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Formal cruise wear

If the dress code calls “formal wear” you can BRING IT ON! Formal cruise wear means it is time to shine and bring that evening gown and this jewelry out!

Don’t worry, most cruise lines only have one or two formal evenings usually. And even then, most of them are “formal wear optional” – meaning you do not absolutely HAVE to wear a gown.

But hey, don’t we look for these opportunities anyway…?! I’ll show you some surprisingly cheap options later in this post!

Formal cruise wear for women:

• Evening gowns
• Elegant Pantsuits
• Jewelry (bring that shine!)
• Stolas and elegant scarfs
• Elegant pumps and high heels

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What do different cruise lines say about their dress code?

As mentioned, most cruise lines are not very formal these days in regards to what to wear on a cruise. There are small differences between the cruise lines as confirmed by Cruise Critics though.

I also had a look at various “younger” cruise line websites to check what they state about their dress code on board:

• Carnival recommends casual wear onboard their cruise ships and say that some ships require “cruise casual in the evening” while others have a few “cruise elegant” evenings too
• Royal Carribean also describes their dress code as “casual” for breakfast + lunch + some dinner. It states “smart casual” though for most dinner and mentions that formal nights are optional
• Norwegian (NCL) calls their dress code “cruise casual” with a “smarter note” for the evenings. There are no formal nights – but they have a signature “White Night Party” you shouldn’t forget about!
• Disney Cruises are “cruise casual” as well with “optional dress-up” nights. On longer cruises, they also have “formal” and “semiformal” dinners – again, optional. They have a pirate-inspired or theme deck party though!

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What to wear on a cruise during the day

Obviously, what you can wear during the day on the cruise ship does not only depend on the dress code. It’s a bit of a no-brainer, that the season, your destination, and the weather play a big role too.

But let’s assume you are going on a “typical cruise” – meaning you are traveling somewhere warm / in summertime!

What to wear on a cruise ship (breakfast and lunch)

As mentioned, you can wear casual dresses on most cruise ships for pretty much all areas and to the restaurants for breakfast and lunch.

Here are some smart inspirations on what to wear on a cruise ship during the day – you can check the prices on Amazon!

Don’t forget to bring some athletic wear for workouts – some ships do have a jogging track as well as a fitness studio.

There might even be something like a climbing garden! Or even an ice-skating rink – you’ll be happy if you brought thick socks and long trousers then!

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What to wear to the pool deck

If you are going for the pool deck, you are free to wear swimsuits and bikinis. You can wear a cover-up, but the pool bar usually does not require this either. If your ship has multiple water slides (or a Flow Rider), you might be happy if you brought a well-fitting bathing suit that stays in place though!

Don’t forget to bring a sun hat and sunglasses on a clear day though!

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Cute cruise dresses for port days in warm destinations

Basically, you can wear anything to port days – there’s no general dress code here. (Or at least not for Mediterranean or Carribean destinations – the Middle East is obviously different!)

Here are some of my favorite summer outfits that make great cruise dresses for port days! Click on the images to check the prices on Amazon.com!

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What to wear on a cruise during the evening or late afternoon

One thing a lot of people forget when planning what to wear on a cruise is the time the boat leaves the harbor. You probably want to be outside and watch the ship leave! However, the sun is not that strong anymore at these times of the day and there will be a lot of wind.

Thus, it’s best to pack a light cardigan or a chic blazer and throw it over your cruise dress!

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What to wear on a cruise at night

As mentioned earlier, most cruise lines recommend a “smart casual” or “cruise elegant” dress code for dinner time. Also, you can later stop by at one of the many bars onboard and party – cruise lines can throw some really good parties!

Sophisticated cruise wear for dinner

Below, you will find some inspiration for sophisticated cruise dresses that are just perfect for a “cruise elegant” dinner style!

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What to wear on a cruise during formal night

If you are wondering what to wear on a cruise during formal night, it is time to bring out the glitz! Luckily, evening gowns don’t have to be super expensive anymore!

Below, you will find some of my absolute favorites on Amazon – and they are all very affordable!

Top tip: Bring a multiway dress (like the one in the upper right corner) – this way, you can have various elegant outfits throughout your cruise – and these are soooo cheap!

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Cruise dresses for white night

Some cruise lines have theme parties – with Norwegian (NCL)’s “White Party” being one of the most famous ones. Other cruise lines have started to adopt the idea too – thus, it’s a great idea to pack one sophisticated cruise dress in white!

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How did you like this cruise dress outfit guide?

I hope this guide on what to wear on a cruise will help you decide what you want to pack for your next cruise! How did you like it? Was there something missing for you or do you still have unanswered questions?

Let me know in the comments below – I am always happy to help you with cruise dress tips!

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