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What to wear on a cruise

By PackTheLook · Updated 28 October 2026

A cruise needs three wardrobes in one suitcase: resort-casual for pool days, comfortable outfits for port excursions, and something dressy for one or two "formal" or "elegant" nights. Most lines no longer require tuxedos — a dark suit or dress shirt for men and a cocktail dress or smart outfit for women is enough. Cabins are small, so pack mix-and-match pieces. This guide uses Caribbean weather; Alaska and Mediterranean routes are covered month by month.

Pick your month

Average daytime high shown. Tap a month for weather, events and a packing list.

Jan 28° Sunny, dry Feb 29° Sunny, dry Mar 29° Sunny, dry Apr 30° Sunny, dry May 31° Hot / mixed Jun 32° Hot / mixed Jul 32° Hot / mixed Aug 32° Hot / mixed Sep 32° Hot, storms Oct 31° Hot, storms Nov 30° Hot, storms Dec 29° Sunny, dry

Dress code

  • Formal/elegant nights (usually 1–2 per week): cocktail dress or smart outfit for women, suit or dress shirt and trousers for men.
  • Main dining rooms ask for no swimwear, tank tops for men or flip-flops at dinner.
  • Cover up when walking through the ship from the pool.
  • Respect local dress codes in ports — cover shoulders and knees for churches and some Caribbean and Mediterranean towns.
  • Bring a light jacket — decks are windy and indoor AC is cold.

Plugs: Usually Type A / B (US) on board; some ships also have Type C/F or G. No surge protectors.

What to wear for…

Formal and elegant nights

Usually one or two per week. A cocktail dress or a dressy jumpsuit, and a suit or a blazer and trousers. A tux is optional except on luxury lines.

Embarkation day

Checked bags can take hours to reach your cabin, so carry swimwear, medication and a change of clothes in your day bag.

Shore excursions

Closed shoes or sturdy sandals, quick-dry clothes and a small crossbody bag. Cover shoulders for churches in Mediterranean ports.

Decks, theatres and dining rooms

Windy decks and cold air-con mean a light layer every evening.

Caribbean high season (Dec–Apr) Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec

Sunny, 28°C and dry in the Caribbean — the classic cruise season. Pool wear, port outfits, and one or two dressy outfits for formal nights.

Also pack

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Summer routes (May–Aug) May, Jun, Jul, Aug

The Caribbean is hot (31°C); Alaska is 10–18°C and rainy; the Mediterranean is hot and sunny. Pack for your route — plus formal-night outfits whichever you choose.

Also pack

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Autumn (Sep–Nov) Sep, Oct, Nov

Caribbean hurricane season peaks — cheaper fares, possible itinerary changes and hot, humid weather. Mediterranean is warm and pleasant. Pool wear, a rain layer and formal outfits.

Also pack

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For men

Days on board are casual: shorts, polos and swim trunks. Most lines hold one or two "formal" or "elegant" nights a week, so bring a suit, or a blazer with trousers and a collared shirt. Ties are optional on most mainstream lines, and luxury lines may expect a tuxedo. Main dining rooms usually ban tank tops, swimwear and caps at dinner, and some ask for long trousers. Pack closed shoes for excursions and a light jacket for windy decks.

Common packing mistakes

  • Packing your swimsuit in checked luggage on embarkation day.
  • Forgetting an outfit for formal nights.
  • Bringing only flip-flops for excursions over cobbles, gangways and tender boats.
  • Over-packing. Cabins are small, so packing cubes and a hanging organiser help a lot.

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