If you’re going on a cruise, there are a few wardrobe essentials you’ll want to make sure you pack. These wardrobe basics for women may not be obvious, especially if you’re cruising for the first time!
In this post I share some cruise outfit choices and accessories that ladies will likely want to pack for a cruise vacation. From wardrobe basics to handbags & undergarments, these are items that you may want to include your cruise packing list.
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Cruise Clothing Basics to Pack for a Cruise
1. Crossbody or Belt Bag
During the day, you don’t need a traditional purse on a cruise. Instead, opt for a crossbody or belt bag that allows you to be hands-free while keeping essentials like your key card, lip balm, and other items within reach.
Recommended: Belt bag/cross body bag (check price & over 16,000 Amazon reviews here)
2. Smaller Evening Bag
While a large purse might not be necessary, having a smaller evening bag is essential for casual and formal nights.
Recommended: Evening bag
3. Light Cardigan or Shawl
Evenings on a cruise can get cool, especially in the dining room or theater. Bring a light cardigan or shawl that you can easily drape over your shoulders for added comfort.
Recommended: Lightweight cardigan
4. Comfortable Sneakers or Walking Shoes
Even if you’re not a gym-goer, comfortable sneakers or walking shoes are a must. These are ideal for walks around the ship, activities and exploring in ports of call.
Recommended: Sneakers (popular well & well reviewed)
5. Flip Flops or Slip-On Sandals
Slip-on sandals or flip flops can be worn beyond the lido deck! You may want flip flops for to wear on your balcony or to the spa.
6. Little Black Dress
A timeless piece, a little black dress is versatile and perfect for cruise formal nights. Invest in one that can be worn across multiple cruises.
Recommended: Black one shoulder dress (see 1900+ Amazon reviews)
7. Comfy Clothes
Include comfortable clothing like leggings, crew neck sweaters, and zip-up sweaters for those laid-back moments on the cruise.
8. Strapless Bra
For sleeveless dresses, a good strapless bra is a must. Depending on the style of your top (ie. backless), you may want to consider an adhesive silicone bra.
Recommended: Strapless bra and silicone sticky bra
9. Skin Colored Undergarments
Ensure you have a neutral-colored pair of underwear, especially if you plan to wear white outfits. This will make your undergarments as invisible as possible.
10. Shapewear (Optional)
If you’re wearing form-fitting outfits, adding shapewear to your packing list is optional. Wearing tighter clothing earlier in the cruise, while saving the looser cruise wear for later is a practical tip from me to you ;-).
Recommended: Shapewear
11. Neutral or Tan Sandals
Versatile tan sandals that can complement various outfits, both day and night. You can’t go wrong with a comfortable low or medium sized heel.
Recommended: Tan sandals
12. Sun Hat
Remember to pack a baseball cap or stylish sun hat for hot weather destinations and cruises. My wide brim sun hat is an essential part of my Caribbean cruise packing list!
Recommended: Sun hat (check price & 4.5* reviews here)
13. Hat Clip
This little gadget is genius! You can use this hat clip to transport your sunhat from the airport, to the cruise ship and to the beach in a port of call!
Recommended: Hat clip (check price & color options on Amazon here)
Related: 50+ Amazon Travel Accessories Cruise Passengers Pack for their Cruise
14. Jumpsuit or Romper
A comfortable jumpsuit or romper in a wrinkle-free fabric is an excellent addition to your cruise wardrobe.
Recommended: Sleeveless jumpsuit romper
15. White Dress
While not mandatory, many cruise lines will have an optional white themed evening or white party. Research your cruise to see if there are special theme nights that require specific attire, including a white dress.
Recommended: White dress (see different colors & 4.5* Amazon reviews)
16. Tank Tops, T-Shirts, Casual Shorts
If you’re on a warm weather cruise, mix and match tank tops or t-shirts with casual shorts for easygoing daytime outfits.
17. Maxi Dresses
Versatile maxi dresses can be dressed up for the evening or worn casually during the day, offering flexibility for your cruise wardrobe.
Recommended: Maxi dress
18. Tote Bag or Beach Bag
Essential for pool days, a mesh tote bag takes up minimal space and is perfect for carrying your essentials including sunscreen and a book or kindle.
Recommended: Mesh tote bag (a best seller)
Related: 20 Best Beach and Tote Bags for a Cruise
19. Workout Wear
Even if you’re not a fitness enthusiast, consider bringing workout wear for onboard fitness classes or activities like jogging on the ship’s track.
20. Rain Jacket, Poncho, or Umbrella
Check the weather forecast and pack a rain jacket, poncho, or umbrella if rain is a possibility during your cruise.
Related: What to Wear on an Alaska Cruise (outfit ideas with photos)
21. Socks and Closed-Toe Shoes
One item many cruisers forget to pack is socks. You’ll need socks and closed-toe shoes or sneakers for some of the cruise ship activities.
22. Sleepwear and Sleep Mask (Optional)
Comfortable sleepwear is a cruise essential. Consider a sleep mask if you’re sailing on itineraries with extended daylight hours.
Recommended: Sleep mask
23. Inexpensive Cruise Jewelry
Consider leaving your expensive jewelry at home to avoid the risk or loss or theft. Instead, opt for affordable and trendy jewelry (like this tennis bracelet) for your cruise.
Recommended: Tennis bracelet (available in yellow & white)
24. Swimsuit
Always pack at least one swimsuit for your cruise, even if you aren’t on a hot weather cruise. There are several hot tubs on most cruise ships, and occasionally covered pools.
In addition, a swimsuit is handy if you plan to go to the thermal spa.
Recommended: Swimsuit with tummy control (check other colors – over 25,000 4.5* reviews)
25. Swimsuit Cover Up
Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit cover up or two for your cruise vacation. You’ll want a cover up for when you go from the pool to indoor spaces in the cruise ship.
Recommended: Swimsuit cover up (gorgeous style with good coverage)
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Final Thoughts
This list of cruise wardrobe basics for women includes many essential items you’ll want to pack for a cruise. Keep in mind that we’re all different, so use this list as a guide or as a reminder to pack your own favorite items for vacation.
Are these basics that you always pack for a cruise or think should be added to this list? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ilana
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