🧳 What to Wear on a Cruise: Packing Tips for Every Occasion

Planning your first cruise and not sure what to wear on a cruise? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Whether you’re packing for the Caribbean or Alaska, knowing what to wear on a cruise helps avoid overpacking and ensures you’re ready for every occasion—especially formal nights! Here’s a complete guide to help you pack smarter and enjoy your cruise in style.

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👗 1. Formal Nights: Don’t Skip the Dress Code

Most 7-day cruises have two formal nights, usually on sea days. For men, bring a button-down shirt and slacks or even a suit. Women can wear a cocktail dress or elegant outfit. Everyone dresses up, and you’ll feel out of place if you don’t.

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👙 2. Bring Multiple Swimsuits

Trust me—you’ll use them. I always bring at least 3–4 so I can switch them up. Whether it’s for swimming, hot tubs, or relaxing on the sun deck, having extra suits lets you enjoy without wearing a wet one again.

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👟 3. Comfortable Shoes Are Essential

You’ll walk a lot—on excursions, around the ship, and at ports. Bring comfortable sneakers and at least one pair of dress shoes for formal nights.

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👒 4. Check Theme Nights Ahead of Time

Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean often host theme nights—white night, tropical night, etc. You can check the schedule ahead of time or once onboard through the cruise app. Packing for those makes the experience more fun.

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💃 5. Cruise Line Dress Code May Vary

While most cruise lines follow a similar structure, always check your cruise line’s specific dress code online before packing. It avoids surprises and helps you plan accordingly.

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🎯 My Experience

On Royal Caribbean, they provided a soda tumbler with the drink package—you could only use that cup to refill. I didn’t get the full drink package because I don’t drink enough to make it worth it. I brought my own tumbler and used the soda package, which saved money. On Princess, however, I did buy the full drink package since drinks could be delivered anywhere, anytime—even 3AM. That convenience made it totally worth it.

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📌 Internal Tip Link

Also read: 10 First-Time Cruise Tips You Shouldn’t Miss

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📣 Final Tip

Still unsure what to wear on a cruise? Start with what makes you feel comfortable and confident—and don’t forget to check for formal nights.

Let me know in the comments what your favorite cruise outfit is, and don’t forget to share this with a friend planning their first trip!