Cruise Style Revealed: The Definitive Guide to Packing for Your Next Voyage

One of the greatest perks of cruising is the ability to unpack just once while exploring multiple destinations over several days, a week, or even longer.

However, determining all the essentials to pack for a cruise itinerary that features themed evenings, sunny beach days, urban adventures, and excursions from vineyards to jungles can be overwhelming.

While we won't remind you to wear your straw hat (perhaps Vitamin A’s Cannes Straw Bucket Hat?) or fedora on the flight to keep its shape, it’s helpful to know a few essential items to include in your cruise wardrobe for everything from daytime poolside relaxation to evening shows and fine dining.

Top cruise dresses

The quintessential cruise aesthetic is characterized by playful, breezy styles that effortlessly shift from poolside or beach to lunch and later to the cocktail lounge.

One standout option is Reformation’s beloved midi-length Rou Knit Dress, which serves multiple purposes—it can be thrown on over a bikini after swimming, cinched with sandals for exploring a port town, or dressed up with heels and sparkling earrings for an elegant dinner back on board.

Leylo’s Color Block Cut Out Maxi Dress features sunlit hues that can be dressed down with flip-flops and a denim jacket (try Good American’s Fitted Light Compression Denim Jacket for a flattering fit) or elevated with strappy sandals for a more formal evening. The Crusher Maxi Dress from Toad & Co is virtually wrinkle-resistant, making it perfect for both poolside lounging and town excursions (the Crusher Sleeveless Romper is also a great option for less bulk).

Top cruise pants, shorts, tops, sweaters, and outerwear

Crafted from 100 percent linen, Athleta’s Retreat Wide Leg Linen Pant pairs beautifully with a simple tank or a lightweight button-up shirt, like the organic cotton option from Encircled.

For men, Marine Layer’s Saturday Stretch Beach Pant provides a polished look onboard with a comfortable drawstring waist. Be sure to check out the brand’s Garment Dye Crew Sweaters for versatile styling options.

You can’t go wrong with a nautical-inspired sweater, whether in port or at sea. Long Wharf Supply Co creates stunning options in its SeaWell collection, made from recycled materials like water bottles and oyster shells combined with cotton and natural lambswool. The Sconset and Edgarton SeaWell Quarter Zips are especially fitting against the backdrop of the open water.

It's wise to include a rain jacket or shell for unpredictable weather while cruising or exploring onshore. Fjällräven’s Bergtagen Lite Eco Shell Jacket, available in both men’s and women’s styles, is made from recycled polyester, lightweight, and a worthwhile investment for years of use across various destinations.

For basic T-shirts, it may seem surprising, but high-quality merino wool is moisture-wicking, lightweight, and odor-resistant. Ibex’s Paradox Tee, offered in styles for both men and women, is a solid option available in multiple colors and pairs well with flowy bottoms like Tentree’s lightweight Linen Offshore Shorts or their men’s stretch joggers crafted from recycled water bottles.

Top footwear options for cruises

For cruise footwear, opt for simplicity and comfort with leather flip-flops or loafers from OluKai, stylish sandals like Nisolo’s charming huaraches crafted from handwoven leather, or strappy Les Tropeziennes sandals that evoke the essence of French Riviera summers.

Water shoes that can also function as sneakers for adventures are a smart addition, such as the Aqua X Sport from Zero Shoes, which forgo foam in the midsole for a smaller environmental footprint and dry quickly.

Top swimwear options for cruises

Sustainable swimwear brands to consider include Summersalt, whose Sidestroke swimsuit was recently hailed by the Today Show as the “unicorn of swimsuits” for its compression qualities. Australian label Bondi Born offers stylish separates that provide a variety of coverage options. For men, Fair Harbor creates trunks that shout “I’m on a boat!” (check out the Ozone) while also exuding yacht club elegance with the nautical stripe Anchor.

Top picks for luggage, handbags, and accessories for cruises

A cruise often feels like a floating resort, complete with amenities such as swimming pools, water parks, spas, and gourmet dining, depending on the cruise line. When packing for a cruise, think like you would for a resort vacation on land: streamline your items while maximizing outfit choices.

Remember that cruise ship cabins are typically smaller than hotel rooms. A compact carry-on bag that easily fits under your bed or in your cabin’s snug closet, like July’s Carry On Light (celebrated as the world’s lightest double-wheeled suitcase at just 3.9 pounds), is an ideal companion for a short cruise to a warm locale, featuring mesh dividers that provide compression and allow you to pack efficiently.

For extended trips with changing weather where you may need more options, consider Paravel’s Aviator Set Plus, crafted from recycled materials and vegan leather, available in both carry-on and checked sizes. This set is fantastic for family travel—use the carry-on for essentials you need right away, like swimsuits for immediate pool access, and let the cruise line transport the larger bag to your room after check-in.

A day bag is essential on a cruise, whether you’re carrying books and baby snacks for a few hours by the pool or heading ashore for a day excursion. The spacious and sturdy canvas Tote-Ally bags from the women-founded Florida brand Bagging Rights offer ample room for souvenirs. The large interior easily accommodates rolled towels and a change of clothes, and there are plenty of pockets for essentials like reef-safe sunscreen (Surf Durt offers a great zinc option in a reusable bamboo container), polarized sunglasses (you can’t go wrong with Costa Del Mar’s Waterwomans), lip balm, and other must-haves for shore outings.