by Brandon Perini
You've decided to cruise the world this fall, and you can't wait to experiencethe wonders of Alaska, Guatemala, or Panama with family and friends. You're in good company.
Research shows that more than31 million peopleare expected tocruise in 2023, surpassing 2019 (pre-COVID-19) numbers. Many cruise lines have removed their COVID-19 vaccine requirements and spaced out their dining rooms. This has made guests more comfortable returning to large and small cruise ships post-COVID-19.
Do you want to look your best on your next cruise? A versatile wardrobe will ensure you're dressed to impress on Alaska cruises, family cruises, and even adult-only travel cruises. Explore the top cruise fashion tips in this guide.
Cruise Fashion
The topcruise fashion tips in 2023 include packing clothes for casual days at sea and formal evenings. Shorts and T-shirts are appropriate for casual days. Here are some othereveryday items that will keep you looking stylish and comfortable:
- Tank tops
- Sundresses
- Loungewear (e.g., sporty pants and hoodie)
- Capris
- Khakis
- Jeans
- Sweater
- Sweatshirt
- Scarf
Suppose you plan to eat dinner at a specialty restaurant or watch a theatrical showon a cruise ship. Smart casual is the best dress code for these settings. This means the following:
- Button-down shirt
- Stylish top
- Dress pants
- Skirt or dress
You may also wear smart jeans to these venues. These include well-fitted jeans.Smart jeans meet several other criteria, including the following:
- Neatly pressed
- Non-ripped
- Non-faded
- Dark wash
Remember to add various shoes for all occasions to your cruise packing checklist. Waterproof slides, sandals, and flip-flops can take you from the pool to your stateroom. You'll also wear these shoes when visiting the cruise ship's spa.
Avoid wearing flip-flops to dinner. Sandals, flats, or high-heels are appropriate evening shoes for women. Men should bring dress or boat shoes (leather or canvas shoes with rubber soles).
Bring sneakers for the gym and walking around your cruise ship destination site. Boots are appropriate for an Alaskan cruise if you'll be hiking (more on Alaskan cruises next).
Alaska Cruises
Let's review a fewessentialcruise fashion tips for adventurers onAlaska cruises. Your cruise packing checklist should include cool-weather clothing forcasual explorations if you visit Alaska in the colder months.
Clothes and layers you can easily add or remove are smart investments for an Alaskan cruise. That's because Alaska's weather may be unpredictable. Here are some examples of these items:
- Wicking tops
- Pantsyou can convertto shorts
- Lightweight fleeces
Bring T-shirts, shorts, and jeans for casual days. Wear a dress or a blouse and slacksin the evening.
Family Cruises
Are you wonderingwhat to wear on acruise with your family? Family cruises are excellent opportunities for you and yourchildrento showcase your stylesthrough various outfits.
Your cruise attire should be comfortable whether you're spending the day on the cruise ship or at your destination. Wearing T-shirts and shorts is acceptable. Here area few other appropriate cruise fashion options:
- Sundresses
- Tank tops
- Skirts
- Jeans
Bring a sweater or lightweight jacket for air-conditioned spaces or a cooler day. Pack a swimsuit for the cruise ship pool or hot tub, and bring abeach cover-up when walking from the pool to your room.
Dress up in the evenings with an eye-catching party dress or pantsuit (for ladies) and a suit or jacket (for men). These items will work for any cruise ship's formal night.
What about the kids? They can generally wear swimsuits, sundresses, tees, and shorts during the day.
Pack your little girl some dresses, blouses, and skirts for formal nights or dinner. Boys can wear polo shirts and khaki pants.
Your cruise ship may have themed nights. These are excellent times to dress up and take photos with the kids. Examples of themed nights include:
- Pirate Night
- Caribbean Night
- Superhero Night
Outfit ideas for themed nights include pirate costumes for Pirate Night. Let your kids come dressed as Captain Hook or Jack Sparrow.
Caribbean Night is the perfect time to wear tropical and colorful prints. You and your children may also wear sandals, straw hats, and floral leis.
Superhero Night can be a wonderful time to dress like your favorite villains or superheroes. Remember to wear capes and masks, and feel free to bring props (e.g., a Batman utility belt or Green Lantern power ring).
Adult-Only Travel
Suppose you're embracingadult-only travel and wondering whatto wear on a cruise. The smart casual cruise attire mentioned above is appropriate forelegant dinners at specialty restaurants (e.g., skirt, dress, classy top, and button-down). Avoid wearing the following at restaurants:
- T-shirts
- Robes
- Tank tops
- Pool wear (e.g., swimsuits)
- Flip-flops
- Shorts
Smart casual attire worksin all cruise ship areas, including lounges, bars, and theaters. Dress up in fancier clothes for your cruise ship's formal nights. Fashion-forward clothes to sport on these nights include the following for women:
- co*cktail dress
- Designer jeans or pants with a sophisticated top
- Skirt
Men may wear button-down shirts or sweaters- blazers are generally optional. Ties are welcome although generally not required.
Cruise Outlets
Cruise outlets are convenient places to book competitively priced cruises and learn what clothing items and shoes to pack fora specificvoyage. These physical or online stores offercruise packages at discounted prices to different destinations.
A cruise outlet works with travel agencies and cruise lines togive travelers the best promotions and deals. They'll help you find the ideal cruise for your schedule, preferences, and budget. You'll learn how to maximize your cruise experience when working with a reputable cruise outlet.
An example of a cruisecompany that works withthese outlets is UnCruise Adventures. The outlets they work with include TripAdvisor, Alaska Cruises, and Cruise Travel Outlet.
Take Advantage of OurSmall Cruise Ships
The right cruise fashion tips can help you look and feel your best on large and small cruise ships.People on Alaska cruises in the cold months should wear layers, including lightweight fleece.
Wearing t-shirts and shorts is okay for casual days on family cruises and adult-only travel cruises. Items like dresses and button-down shirts are more appropriate for evening dinners and events.
We offer unforgettable vacation experiences on small cruise ships at UnCruise Adventures. Our destinations include Alaska, Belize, Costa Rica, and more.Take a ship touron our site, and book your next cruise today!