There’s usually a little spring in your step as embarkation day approaches and the suitcases come out for your luxury cruise. The anticipation of the journey, the people you’ll meet or reconnect with, the incredible food that awaits – now, what are you going to wear?
In a nutshell, how to dress on a cruise boils down to just two phrases – “mix and match” and “relaxed elegance.” The trick is in how to interpret them. Packing a suitcase for luxury cruise vacations, from casual mornings to formal nights, requires an eye for simplicity. Here are the top tips for a stylish and comfortable cruise vacation.
During the Day
Because you are likely heading off-ship at some point during the day, most people wear classic, resort-style clothing in the daytime – the type of activewear you would see at the golf course. If the day is less sporty, women often wear casual sundresses, blouses, skirts and shorts. Sandals and stylish flat shoes are best. Scarves and hats add verve to daytime outfits.
Men typically wear polo shirts or short-sleeved collared shirts and smart-casual khakis or shorts. Sandals, loafers and boat shoes complete the look. T-shirts are relegated to the gym, and you can leave tank tops at home. Everyone should pack swimwear for the pool and beach, with cover-ups for entering and leaving these areas. Sunglasses (your best) are de rigeur.
In the Evening
Nighttime is usually split into two groups – formal and informal. What to wear on a cruise formal night is pretty straightforward – evening gowns, cocktail dresses or elegant separates for women, and dark suits or tuxedos for men. Bring it down a step or two for informal nights, your best interpretation of “casual elegance” – stylish dresses or a dressy blouse and skirt/pant combo for ladies, and a dress shirt and pants for gentlemen. Don’t be afraid to inject your own personal style into these guidelines.
Stylish Yet Comfortable
It’s a good rule of thumb to have everything in your luggage going together in some way, sticking to one color palette. Simply, include a white shirt, black shirt, blue shirt, tan pants, black skirt and jeans. If you’re not going to wear something at least twice, leave it at home. Neutrals can be dressed up with jewellery, colorful scarves and amazing shoes. Keep shoes simple – one dressy, one casual, one sandal, one runner. And if your cruise is short, pare things down even more to just one jacket, one suit, one skirt, one pair of blue jeans, one pair of khakis – yet several swimsuits!
For Specialty Cruises
Naturally, the list for what to wear on Alaskan cruises, for example, is a bit different. If you’re going whale-watching, you will need down jackets, warm gloves and hats and waterproof boots of some kind. The key here is to pack as you would if you were going skiing, so whatever the outdoor adventure – particularly on expedition cruises – you’re warm and dry the whole time, hiking boots at the ready. Most expedition cruises supply guests with parkas and boots, so you don’t have to worry about the outer layer.
For luxury world cruises or grand voyages that last 40 or 50 days or more, don’t feel you have to bring your entire wardrobe. Just be selective, packing things that match and that can all go in the wash. Try not to bring anything that requires dry cleaning if you can help it.
Dress for Success!
Keep in mind that different cruise lines may have different sartorial requirements, such as no shorts at the bar after 6 p.m., for example. As well, some dining venues on board may require formal attire only. So when packing for a cruise, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. And just like your best friend always says: When you dress like you own the place, you definitely will.