Cruises feature a wide range of activities, from dancing lessons and games to the classic poolside lounging and even formal dinners. This is why it is important to know what and how to pack for each context.
Poolside
The poolside setting is rather obvious and clear: you'll need your swimming trunks and slip-resistant flip flops, but, what is extremely important is to think of whether you will need more than just one pair of each. Sometimes, you will want or need to change your trunks more times a day, in which case you should probably pack a few pairs. Having two pairs of flip flops with you can also turn out to be a good idea, even though you may not really need the second one (you can buy a second one onboard on in a port, but often it's better to be safe).
Casual
The casual wardrobe will very likely constitute the biggest part of your luggage. This entails everything you will be wearing on and off the ship and should include pretty much every type of clothing.
In this sense, you should firstly focus on things like shirts (with both short and long sleeve), pants (both long and short), jackets (maybe a linen blazer or two and a sports coat), a sweater or two (sometimes it can get chilly, especially if you make a stop in a cooler climate) and of course, underwear and socks. Don't forget to pack a pajama or two.
In terms of shoes, you can bring along any style you like, but slip-on shoes may be your best bet as they are very summery and can be put on and taken off with great ease.
You can find a lot of great inspiration in the cruise collections of most high-end fashion brands.
Formal
Sometimes, cruises organize special dinner events. For these, you should check the required dress code and what it implies and bring that along. When packing a formal or semi-formal outfit, don't forget to bring along the corresponding shoes. To make sure your jacket, shirt and pants won't wrinkle (too much), put your dinner outfit in a travel bag.
Sunglasses
When going on a cruise, it is very important to have one or more pairs of sunglasses with you. Your best option is polarized sunglasses, as these reduce the glare reflected off the water and do a great job at protecting your eyes.
Hats
Wearing a hat can be of great help, you would not be exposed to direct and bright sunlight for an extended period of time.
Bags
Obviously, you should have a bag with you in which you carry your everyday essentials. As an extra tip, you can also have a smaller, waterproof bag in which you carry just a few things when you go to the pool.
Everything else
If you don't pack many clothes, you can change up the vibe of your outfits with the help of accessories such as belts (for example you can have a textile and a leather one), bracelets, scarves, etc.
Additional information
If you have some extra room in your bags, you can bring along a few extra hangers, as these can be quite useful if you have a lot of clothes. Also, an outlet adapter can be quite useful.
It also needs to be said that you can usually get your laundry done on a ship for a small fee, which is something you can try to check in advance, should you be a light packer.
Moreover, don't forget to pack some sunscreen lotion and any other essential cosmetics you need (toothpaste, deodorant, shaving cream, etc.)
Having a good cruise wardrobe will tremendously help you have a great experience on the ship and during the day outings. Remember that in fashion, comfort is key and that you should not compromise it!
Fraquoh and Franchomme
Further reading:
How to be well-dressed on every occasion A quick guide to the main dress codesP.S. We want to hear from you! What do you pack on a cruise? What type of cruise do you prefer? Do you also shop for clothes on board? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!
