A cruise vacation isn’t just an exciting adventure and a great way to see the world.
It is also a sartorial challenge and an opportunity to show off your style, with a multitude of different scenarios and activities that require different outfits and kit.
Packing for a cruise can seem like a challenge, particularly when you have limited luggage space. But with a little careful planning and a few key hacks, you can easily assemble to perfect cruise wardrobe and ensure you look sharp on every occasion. Here’s a comprehensive guide to looking great on your next cruise adventure.
Daytime Casual
There are plenty of activities to do during the daytime on a cruise, both on board ship and when on dry land on shore excursions. The key to daytime cruise attire is to keep it casual and comfortable, with light, breathable fabrics that keep you cool and let you move.
- T-shirts and Tank Tops: A variety of t-shirts and vests in neutral or pastel colors that can be mixed and matched to create a wide selection of outfits. Cotton blends or linen are great choices as they are lightweight and breathable.
- Shorts: Shorts in plain colors combine well with your t-shirts and give you plenty of options for exploring exotic destinations or casual dining during the day.
- Swimwear: Whether lounging by the pool or soaking up the sun on a beach, you’ll need a few bathing suit options so that you always have an alternate while one is drying. Don’t forget a casual Hawaiian-style shirt so you can effortlessly switch from swimming to exploring if necessary.
- Footwear: You’ll need flip-flops or sandals for days at the beach and comfortable sneakers or walking shoes for more adventurous excursions.
Evening Elegance
Cruise ships are sophisticated, elegant places, particularly when night falls and the evening’s entertainment begins, so it is important to know how to elevate your daytime wear into evening chic to enjoy the onboard cruise nightlife.
- Casual Evenings: Not every evening will be a black-tie event, so bring a few outfits for casual nights. Polo shirts or button-downs with smart jeans are a great look and can easily be smartened up with dress shoes if needs be.
- Formal Nights: Nost cruise ships will offer a few formal evenings during the itinerary, so don’t forget to pack a smart outfit (or two!). A suit is an essential part of any man’s cruise wardrobe, and you might even want to consider a tuxedo if your itinerary is especially luxurious! Don’t overlook elegant accessories like watches, belts, or pocket squares, as these can help elevate more casual outfits if necessary.
Packing Tips
- Create a Capsule Wardrobe: Packing pieces that can be mixed and matched to create many different outfits is a must, so choose colors that allow your clothes to be coordinated with each other.
- Roll Your Clothes: Rolling rather than folding is a great way to fit more into your bags without wrinkling your clothes.
- Use Packing Cubes: Packing cubes are a godsend, helping to organize your luggage and making it easy to access exactly what you need without having to unpack completely.
Preparing the perfect wardrobe for a cruise and packing it effectively might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be a challenge. By thinking carefully about the situations you’ll be in on board, as well as your planned excursions and activities, you can choose exactly what you need, and with a few smart packing tips, you won’t max out your luggage space. Don’t forget to keep the weather at your chosen destinations in mind, as well as any dress codes your chosen cruise might have. With the advice above you’ll be able to ensure you are comfortable and stylish for every occasion and enjoy your adventure to the utmost. Bon voyage!
