What NOT to Wear on a Cruise: Dos and Don’ts

When planning for a cruise vacation, it’s easy to get carried away with packing all your favorite outfits. But some clothing choices may lead to discomfort or even be inappropriate for the cruise environment. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the dos and don’ts of cruise attire so you can pack smart, stay stylish, and avoid any fashion faux pas.

Why Your Cruise Attire Matters

Cruises offer a mix of activities—some casual, some formal, and others adventurous—so your wardrobe needs to cater to these varying settings. Wearing the wrong clothing can make you uncomfortable, stand out for the wrong reasons, or prevent you from participating in certain activities. Let’s dive into what you should avoid wearing on a cruise.

Don’t: Pack Too Many Heels

Why It’s a Bad Idea:
Cruise ships have a lot of walking involved, from getting around the ship to shore excursions. Wearing heels may sound glamorous, but they can quickly become uncomfortable.

Pro Tip:
Instead, opt for comfortable flats or stylish wedges. If you must pack heels, limit them to one pair for formal evenings.

Don’t: Wear Clothing That’s Too Revealing

Why It’s a Bad Idea:
While it’s natural to want to feel relaxed in warm climates, overly revealing outfits can be considered inappropriate, especially in formal dining rooms or public areas.

Pro Tip:
Pack modest, yet stylish options like maxi dresses, light blouses, and flowy pants. For swimwear, consider wearing a cover-up when leaving the pool area.

Don’t: Forget to Pack Layers

Why It’s a Bad Idea:
Even if you’re heading to a tropical destination, cruise ships can be chilly due to the air conditioning, and evening temperatures may drop. Not having layers can leave you feeling cold and uncomfortable.

Pro Tip:
Pack a light cardigan or jacket that can easily be thrown on when it gets cooler, especially in indoor areas or at night.

Don’t: Bring Excessive Jewelry

Why It’s a Bad Idea:
Expensive or excessive jewelry can be easily lost or damaged during activities like swimming, hiking, or exploring ports. Plus, flashy jewelry might attract unwanted attention.

Pro Tip:
Stick to simple, elegant accessories and leave your most valuable pieces at home. A few versatile items can complement different outfits without the risk of losing them.

Don’t: Overpack Formal Attire

Why It’s a Bad Idea:
Cruise lines often have only one or two formal nights. Overpacking formal clothes will take up valuable luggage space that could be used for more versatile clothing.

Pro Tip:
Pack one or two elegant outfits that can work for formal nights and mix and match accessories to make them feel different.

Don’t: Wear New or Uncomfortable Shoes

Why It’s a Bad Idea:
Cruise vacations involve a lot of walking, both onboard and during excursions. Breaking in new shoes on a cruise is a recipe for blisters and discomfort.

Pro Tip:
Bring shoes you’ve already worn and broken in, like comfortable sneakers or sandals. You’ll be doing plenty of walking, and your feet will thank you.

Don’t: Assume “Casual” Means “Sloppy”

Why It’s a Bad Idea:
While many parts of the cruise are casual, showing up in overly casual or sloppy clothing, like ripped jeans, gym shorts, or baggy t-shirts, can feel out of place in dining areas or lounges.

Pro Tip:
Even casual settings call for neat attire. Think smart casual—chinos, polos, casual dresses, and well-fitted shorts are always a better choice than ultra-casual wear.

Don’t: Ignore Cultural Considerations

Why It’s a Bad Idea:
When cruising to international destinations, wearing clothing that’s too revealing or inappropriate in certain cultures can be seen as disrespectful, especially during shore excursions.

Pro Tip:
Research the local customs of your ports of call and pack modest clothing like longer skirts, trousers, and tops that cover your shoulders for places where more conservative dress is required.

Don’t: Forget Sun Protection

Why It’s a Bad Idea:
Spending long hours under the sun without proper protection can result in painful sunburns, which can ruin your trip. Skipping sun hats, sunglasses, or light cover-ups is a mistake.

Pro Tip:
Pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses with UV protection, and light layers like a linen shirt or kimono to shield yourself from harmful rays while looking chic.

Do: Plan for Activity-Specific Clothing

Certain cruise activities, such as water sports, hiking, or formal dinners, require specific attire. Make sure you pack for these occasions without going overboard.

Pro Tip: Create a Packing Checklist

Before you start packing, create a list of the activities you’ll be doing onboard and during excursions. This will help you avoid bringing unnecessary items and focus on what you really need.

Conclusion

Packing the right clothing for a cruise can enhance your overall experience, keeping you comfortable and stylish throughout your trip. By avoiding the mistakes listed here, you’ll ensure you’re well-prepared for everything your cruise has to offer.

Happy sailing, and remember to pack smart!