Heading off on your first cruise? You might be wondering what to wear and pack. Don’t worry – we've got you covered with this handy guide!
What’s a cruise dress code?
Some cruises have dress codes for some events or restaurants. For example, black tie evenings mean you’ll be expected to wear a tuxedo or a formal dress.
But don’t stress, dress codes aren't in force all the time! Generally, it’s up to you to decide what you feel best in.
What to wear on embarkation day
When it’s time to board, think comfort.
You might have to travel earlier in the day to get to the port, and you’re going to be doing a lot of walking and settling in. So, it’s best to go for comfy clothes and practical shoes.
And remember, you’ll usually drop your luggage off with porters and won’t be able to access your room until later in the day.
So, if you want to hit the pool straight away, bring a smaller bag with your swimwear and some flip-flops.
What clothes to pack for your cruise
The kind of clothes you pack for a cruise depends on when and where you’re going.
For example, packing for a summer Caribbean cruise will be very different to packing for a European tour in winter!
But no matter where you’re going, make sure you pack:
- comfortable shoes for walking
- a waterproof coat in case it rains
- enough socks and underwear for your whole trip
Packing for a summer cruise
For a summer cruise, you should bring:
- t-shirts
- shorts or skirts
- sandals or flip flops
- swimwear
- sunglasses
Packing for an autumn or winter cruise
If you’re taking a cruise in cooler climates, you should pack:
- warm underlayers
- a hat and scarf
- waterproof shoes
- a warm, waterproof coat
- an umbrella for when you’re on land
What should I wear on a cruise during the day?
In the day, you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in!
Outside the ship and poolside
If you’re poolside, remember:
- swimwear
- a cover-up, shorts or something else to easily pop on if you want to grab a drink
- flip-flops or sandals
Inside the ship
It depends on what you’re getting up to.
Cruises usually offer a lot of different activities. If you’re doing something physical, like yoga or the gym, remember your exercise clothes and trainers.
If you’re just having a chill day, you can go as casual as you like.
What should I wear on a cruise during the evening?
Cruises have a lot of different restaurant and food options you can try in the evenings. Some spots might be nice and casual, like a buffet or a pizza place.
But there’ll also be some fancier restaurants or even fine dining options. If you fancy one of those, smart casual or evening chic is the way to go.
But it’s not just about the restaurants! Cruises will often run evening events too – think black-tie galas, themed nights or dance classes.
You should get a full itinerary of options ahead of time, so you can plan and decide what to pack.
What should I pack for shore excursions?
One of the best things about cruises is all the day trips you get to do! Here’s what to remember before you head off.
What to wear
It depends where you’re heading. If you’re in warmer countries and plan to do a bit of exploring, think shorts, summer dresses and comfy shoes.
If you’re doing a cruise of the Norwegian fjords or something similar, it’s all about the layers. Depending on how cold it is, you might want to remember a coat, hat, gloves and scarf.
What to take
It can be a bit of a faff getting off and back on the ship when you’re going on a day trip.
Make sure you have a bag packed with everything you need for the day to avoid any hassle.
That might include:
- book or Kindle
- any medications you may need
- portable charger
- camera
- suncream and insect repellent, depending on where you are
- water bottle
Cruise insurance
If you’re looking to insure your next cruise, we offer cruise cover as an add-on to our travel insurance.
Just a heads up – if you don’t get the add-on but go on a cruise trip anyway, you won’t be covered if you need to make a claim. That’s even if it has nothing to do with the cruise!
Find out more about our cruise cover and what it can protect you for.
