First-Time Cruising

What to Wear on a Cruise

Updated December 4, 20255 min readBy the Cruise Compass editors

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The short answer

Pack smart casual and formal attire for dinner, with typical prices ranging from £50 to £200 for a dress or suit.

When it comes to what to wear on a cruise, the key is to pack versatile and comfortable clothing that can be dressed up or down, with a typical cruise wardrobe consisting of around 5-7 outfits for a 7-night sailing, including a mix of smart casual and formal attire.

This article will cover the essentials of cruise dress code, from the must-haves for formal nights to the best gear for shore excursions, including the trade-off between packing light and being prepared for all occasions, such as a formal night on deck 5 or a casual dinner at the buffet on deck 12.

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Understanding Cruise Dress Code

Cruise lines typically have a dress code policy in place, which can vary depending on the ship and the time of day, with some ships having a more relaxed policy than others, such as a smart casual dress code for dinner in the main dining room on deck 6, while others may have a more formal policy, such as a black tie event on formal night.

It's essential to check with your cruise line before you set sail to get a sense of what's expected, with typical dress code policies including a mix of formal, smart casual, and casual nights, such as a 7-night sailing with 2 formal nights, 3 smart casual nights, and 2 casual nights.

Check the cruise line's website for dress code policy
Pack versatile and comfortable clothing
Consider the time of year and destination

Formal Night Attire

Formal nights on a cruise are a great opportunity to dress up and feel like a million bucks, with typical formal night attire for men including a suit and tie, and for women, a cocktail dress or evening gown, with prices ranging from £100 to £500 for a high-end dress or suit.

It's worth investing in a few quality pieces that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits, such as a classic black dress or a well-tailored suit, which can be worn on formal nights and other special occasions, such as a Captain's dinner on deck 7.

Invest in a quality suit or dress
Consider renting formal attire
Accessories can make or break an outfit

Smart Casual Essentials

Smart casual is a great way to dress for dinner on a cruise, as it's dressy enough to feel put together but still comfortable and relaxed, with typical smart casual outfits including a pair of nice pants or a skirt, a button-down shirt or a blouse, and a blazer or cardigan, with prices ranging from £20 to £100 for a smart casual top or bottom.

It's also a good idea to pack a few versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down, such as a classic white shirt or a pair of dark wash jeans, which can be worn on smart casual nights and other occasions, such as a dinner at the specialty restaurant on deck 11.

Pack versatile and comfortable clothing
Consider the dress code for dinner
Accessories can add a pop of color

Pricing up first-time cruising?

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Shore Excursion Gear

When it comes to shore excursions, it's essential to pack the right gear to ensure you're comfortable and prepared, with typical shore excursion outfits including a pair of comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunglasses, and a light jacket or sweater, depending on the weather and destination, such as a visit to the ancient ruins in Greece or a hike in the mountains of Norway.

It's also a good idea to pack a few essentials, such as sunscreen, insect repellent, and a water bottle, to ensure you stay safe and healthy during your excursion, with prices ranging from £10 to £50 for a good quality sunscreen or insect repellent.

Pack comfortable and practical clothing
Consider the weather and destination
Don't forget essentials like sunscreen and water

Packing Tips and Tricks

Packing for a cruise can be a daunting task, but with a few tips and tricks, you can ensure you have everything you need without overpacking, with typical packing strategies including rolling your clothes to save space, using packing cubes to stay organized, and wearing your heaviest or bulkiest items, such as your coat or boots, on the plane or to the ship, to save space in your luggage.

It's also a good idea to pack a few essentials, such as a change of clothes and any necessary medications, in your carry-on luggage in case your checked luggage is delayed or lost, with prices ranging from £20 to £100 for a good quality luggage set.

Roll your clothes to save space
Use packing cubes to stay organized
Wear bulky items to save space

Cruise Line Specifics

Different cruise lines have different dress code policies, so it's essential to check with your cruise line before you set sail to get a sense of what's expected, with some cruise lines, such as luxury lines, having a more formal policy than others, such as budget-friendly lines, which may have a more relaxed policy, such as a smart casual dress code for dinner in the main dining room on deck 6.

It's also worth considering the time of year and destination when packing for your cruise, as this can impact what you need to bring, with prices ranging from £50 to £200 for a typical cruise outfit, depending on the cruise line and destination, such as a Caribbean cruise or a European river cruise.

Check the cruise line's website for dress code policy
Consider the time of year and destination
Pack accordingly

Key takeaways

Pack versatile and comfortable clothing
Check the cruise line's dress code policy
Consider the time of year and destination
Invest in a few quality pieces

Where to book this cruise

When booking your cruise, be sure to consider the dress code policy and pack accordingly, and don't forget to compare current sailings and prices on CruiseDirect before booking, to ensure you get the best deal, with prices ranging from £500 to £2,000 for a typical 7-night cruise, depending on the cruise line and destination, and by comparing prices and itineraries, you can find the perfect cruise for your needs and budget.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the typical dress code for formal night on a cruise?

The typical dress code for formal night on a cruise is a suit and tie for men and a cocktail dress or evening gown for women, with prices ranging from £100 to £500 for a high-end dress or suit.

Can I wear jeans to dinner on a cruise?

It depends on the cruise line and the specific dinner, but generally, jeans are not allowed in the main dining room on formal nights, but may be acceptable on smart casual nights, with prices ranging from £20 to £100 for a pair of nice jeans.

What should I pack for a shore excursion on a cruise?

You should pack comfortable and practical clothing, such as a pair of walking shoes, a hat and sunglasses, and a light jacket or sweater, depending on the weather and destination, with prices ranging from £10 to £50 for a good quality sunscreen or insect repellent.

Can I rent formal attire on a cruise?

Yes, many cruise lines offer formal attire rental services, with prices ranging from £20 to £100 for a rental, depending on the cruise line and the quality of the attire.

How can I save space in my luggage when packing for a cruise?

You can save space in your luggage by rolling your clothes, using packing cubes, and wearing your heaviest or bulkiest items, such as your coat or boots, on the plane or to the ship, with prices ranging from £20 to £100 for a good quality luggage set.