Cruise Fashion: Dressing Up and Down for Different Occasions (2024)

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!

Cruise Fashion: Dressing Up and Down for Different Occasions (2024)

FAQs

Why do you wear different clothes for different occasions? ›

During baptism or any religious ceremony, you should choose an outfit that is appropriate in a religious environment. During funeral or wake occasion, the proper etiquette is to wear black if you are mourning but in todays tradition you do not have to wear black but to wear a respectful outfit.

How strict are cruise dress codes? ›

Life on board is dominated by a casual atmosphere. We recommend long skirts and trousers, dresses and tops for the ladies and shorts, polo shirts and t-shirts for the gentlemen. Furthermore we suggest wearing flat shoes with rubber soles and low heals.

Do you have to dress up every night for dinner on a cruise? ›

Dinner or “smart casual” attire

If you're having dinner in the main restaurant or any meal at one of the specialty restaurants, you'll follow a “smart casual” dress code on most nights. This means long pants, jeans, a dress or skirt, a stylish top, or a button-down.

What does it mean to dress up for a special occasion? ›

· 8mo. To “dress up” means to wear smart or formal clothes. this usually for some special occasion such as a wedding or job interview. It can be used as a verb.

What is the importance of dress code at different occasions? ›

A well-chosen ensemble enhances confidence and allows you to enjoy the event to its fullest, making a positive and lasting impression. Every event demands a specific dress code. You want to fit in and leave a good mark. The right clothes help you feel confident and show respect for the occasion.

Do you wear different clothes on special occasions? ›

Types of clothes for different occasions,

You must dress elegantly for formal events such as weddings, gala dinners, or award ceremonies. Women can choose from options like floor-length gowns and co*cktail dresses with heels, while men should wear suits with ties or bow ties.

How not to dress on a cruise? ›

At no point is swimwear allowed in any formal dining venue for any meal, including breakfast and lunch. Shorts, flip flops, and tank tops are not allowed for Evening Wear or Gala Night in the Main Dining Rooms, Specialty Restaurants, or MSC Yacht Club. T-shirts are not allowed to be worn for Gala Night.

Which cruise line has the most casual dress code? ›

For an informal and relaxed cruise holiday our Cruise Experts top recommendation would be Norwegian Cruise Line. Norwegian Cruise Line were the first and are the only mainstream cruise line to truly specialise in Freestyle Cruising and are a top pick for families with young children and teenagers.

How do I know which nights are formal on my cruise? ›

Formal nights:
  • 3/4/5 Night Cruises - Usually on Day 2.
  • 6 Night Cruises - Usually on Day 2 and 5.
  • 7 Night Cruises - Usually on Day 2 and 6.
  • 8 - 10 Night Cruises - 2 Formal Nights, Days vary by ship and sailing.
  • 11 - 14 Night Cruises - 3 Formal Nights, Days vary by ship and sailing.

Can I take food to my room on a cruise? ›

Food and drinking are usually complimentary on the cruises. You are also allowed to bring your own snack on the cruise so that you can have what you love. A certain time is fixed for every meal - breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can either have it with everybody in the dining room or bring it to your room.

Can you eat anytime on a cruise? ›

Sure, you can eat at the buffet at almost any time of the day or make a reservation at a specialty restaurant, but to dine in the main dining room, most cruise lines require you to show up at either a set time or during a limited timeframe.

Do you tip every dinner on a cruise? ›

While not technically required, tips are generally expected when noted by the cruise line. No matter the suggested amount, you are free to visit the purser's desk on your ship to adjust based on the service you received. Passengers who are impressed by the service might add more, if they make any adjustment at all.

What's the difference between dressing up and dressing down? ›

Dressing up can be seen as a way to show respect for others, to make a good impression, or to simply feel good about oneself. Dressing down, on the other hand, can be seen as a way to be comfortable, to express oneself individually, or to make a statement.

What is after 5 attire? ›

Men's semi-formal and co*cktail dress codes, also known as party and after-five attire, are for special events. Both call for a dressier, sophisticated look, but there are some differences. Semi-formal dressing is typically more reserved, focusing on darker colours such as grey, black and blue.

How do you dress up according to the occasion? ›

If it's a formal event, opt for elegant attire. If it's a casual event, opt for playful and stylish attire. Complement the venue: Take cues from the venue and choose an outfit that complements the setting. For example, if it's an outdoor event, opt for lightweight fabrics and breathable outfits.

Why do people wear different clothes in different places? ›

In India, climatic variations are wide between different parts of the country and, thus, the patterns of clothing or garments are also different. For example, the eastern, southern and western zone climates are similar and can be recognized as hot-humid tropics.

Why do we need different clothes for different purposes? ›

People wear clothes in order to protect themselves from harsh environments and adverse weather. Clothes are made of different materials and are of different quality. There are different clothes for different seasons. People wear clothes according to their choices, size, religion and tradition.

Why do people wear different styles of clothing? ›

(i) to protect our skin and body from environment factors and biotic factors like insects, germs, (ii) to adorn or decorate ourself, (iii) to classify ourselves based on race, religion, culture, modesty, and status.

Why is it important to wear proper attire in a specific occasion? ›

Dressing appropriately can make you feel comfortable, confident and professional. It can also help you fit in with the social norms and expectations of different events. The color, fabric, style and accessories of your outfit can also affect how you look and feel.

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