Planning for your first cruise can be an arduous task. Cruise cabins are not known to be very spacious, and the dress codes on the different cruise lines can be very confusing. You will have to consider if you will be going by air to the port or driving to factor in the luggage fees.

Major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean and NCL have become casual. This has made packing simple since you will not need to pack for the evening, where you’d need elegant dresses and bulky suits. However, you will want to factor in your destination itinerary before you go back and how you will always need to be connected to the cruise to gauge your non-packing needs.

Here is a look at what you need to pack for your cruise vacation:

What Should Women Pack For Their Cruise Vacation?

what to wear on a cruise during the dayKnowing what to pack sometimes for your cruise can be tricky since the cruise line may not always be acceptable while onboard. The best way is to pack a few core pieces and mix then up over your itinerary. This is very important for evening wear which tends to be bulkier and takes up more space.

Daytime

You do not need to stress much about the outfits. The dress code is primarily casual, which makes it easy to pack. If you are packing to warmer regions, you can consider packing one pair of shorts every two days, and you will be on the cruise. For the colder regions, switch the shorts for pants; if you want to switch up your look, you can pack breezy skirts and different shorts colors.

You will also need to pack some lightweight tops, such as t-shirts and tank tops which will work great indoors and outdoors. You will need one top every day for your cruise, and ensure you roll them up your suitcase to save space. Do not forget to pack one or two swimming suits but do not wear them to the dining area.

Evening

Some cruise lines have a specific dress code for the evening which is much easier for women to adhere to. A beautiful sundress, a romper or a shirt with pants is perfect for the occasion. When packing, follow the same rules you would follow when packing your shorts, one skirt or dress for every two days you are on a cruise.

Please pay attention to the colors you pack to ensure you can mix and match them from one day to the others. Steer clear of bold patterns if you want to wear something several times.

What Should Men Pack For A Cruise Vacation?

what to wear on a cruise in the eveningThe same rules apply to men when packing for a cruise vacation. Pack fewer jeans, shorts and pants and save the packing space for tank tops, fresh shirts and polo shirts. Nowadays, you can forgo a suit or tuxedo on almost all cruise lines for a pair of jeans or khaki pants and a sport coat.

Daytime

When packing, follow the one bottom for two days rule. It is also essential to consider the itinerary of the cruise. Do not forget to match the colors correctly. Tank tops are great for the pool area, while the T-shirts are great for daytime indoor dining.

Two bath suits will be more than enough for vacation; do not forget to pack for your fitness routine. The amount of activewear you need to pack will be determined by the workouts you will take part in while on board.

Evening

For most cruise lines, you can pack casual collared shirts, which are best paired with wear-free jeans or chinos. You will see more of the semi-casual look today than the formal suits and tuxedos. However, hoodies, shorts, t-shirts, and long-sleeved t-shirts are a no for evening wear for men.

If you want to save on space, you can pack one pair of shoes, one pair of sandals and one pair of sneakers. Men must wear closed shoes in the evening, but women have dressy open-toe options. To maximize your matching, ensure you stick to darker neutrals such as black and brown.

References and Resources