
It’s so much fun packing up and preparing for a cruise. For me, this often starts with thinking about what cruise outfits to wear. While this post is about cruise wear over 50, these cruise fashions can work well for women of all ages!
Please keep in mind that you should always wear what makes you look and feel good. I turned 53 this summer, but I would wear these cruise outfits at 40 and at 60, and every age in between.
In this post, I share casual cruise wear ideas and formal wear options (all quite affordable). Whether you’re looking for a cute maxi dress or an elegant cocktail dress, I think you’ll like these styles. These outfits aren’t too tight, are versatile, and most importantly, look fabulous!
I’ve also included a few bathing suits and swimsuit cover ups, shawls, tote bags and evening bags – accessories often complete the look, but are also really useful on a cruise.
I’ve also included photos of some of my own cruise outfits from past cruises. Now, I am by no means a model, but I have a theory that everyone looks good on a cruise.
What to Wear on a Cruise (over 40, 50, 60)
Let’s start with what cruise wear you’ll need for your cruise vacation. On a 7 day Caribbean cruise, you’ll want to be prepared with casual resort style clothing for the day, and a mix of cruise casual and dressy outfits for evening.
Cruising to Alaska or the Mediterranean? Here are cruise outfit packing guides to help with planning:
**Cruisewear for Ladies: Life Well Cruised Amazon Store
Cruise Outfit Packing List for Ladies
Here’s a simple women’s clothing packing list for a 7 day cruise, to use as a guide. Some people like to bring more and some people less, so adjust quantities of your favorite items accordingly.
- 2-3 sundresses and maxi dresses
- 2-3 pair of shorts
- 3-4 tops (day & evening)
- 1-2 pairs of dark jeans, capri pants or a skirt
- 2-3 smart casual dresses or Little Black Dress
- 1-2 fancy dresses or outfits
- 2-3 Bathing suits
- 2 Cover ups
- 2 shawls or cardigans (or something with long sleeves)
- gym shoes or comfortable walking shoes
- flip flops or sandals for the pool
- Heels or dressy flats for evening wear
- Wedge shoes or espadrilles for day or evening
- Evening bag or clutch
- Tote bag for cruise ship and excursion days
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
**Looking for a printable cruise travel planner to keep organized? See what’s included in the 47 page Ultimate Cruise Planner
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Cruise Outfit Packing and Planning Tips
There’s no rule when it comes to cruise fashion. However, these are some ways to plan your cruise wardrobe so you stay organized and have what you need for your upcoming cruise.
Pack versatile pieces that can mix and match
Cruise veterans swear by this cruise wear planning method. Mix and match two-piece sets, a pair of pants or jeans and a stylish top, or a skirt with a blouse which can be worn most evenings on a cruise.
Capsule Wardrobe
In recent years I’ve been packing with a capsule and coordinating around a color scheme. My favorite color is blue. I’ve learned that using blue as my most dominant color, I can wear one pair of dress shoes and one evening bag that works for any night of the cruise.
Pack Dresses
In my opinion, this is an underated tip for ladies. I pack light sundresses that can be worn as a casual outfit during the day with a pair of sandals or tennis shoes. In the evening that same outfit can be dressed up with some statement jewelry and cute shoes.
Dresses are easy to pack, simple to style and tend to look elevated and put together.
Cruise Outfits for Ladies over 50
Cruise Daywear
On most cruises you can dress casually during the day, in shorts and a t-shirt, or a sundress. In fact, on sea days you might find that you spend a good amount of time in a bathing suit and cover up
For port days, consider your shore excursion plans and decide what to wear. If you’re heading to a beach, a bathing suit and cover up are perfect. If you’re sightseeing, a cute top and shorts or a sundress or maxi dress is the way to go.
Casual Dresses – Sundresses & Maxi Dresses
Summer Beach Dress
This summer dress is perfect for beach days or on the cruise ship, and it has pockets!
Recommended: Boho summer dress (check price & over 15000 4.5* amazon reviews here)
Casual spaghetti strap sundress
This casual spaghetti strap sundress is comfortable and cute, and would make a great embarkation day outfit. If you want to pack light for a cruise, you could even wear this dress in the evening with accessories.
Recommended: Casual sundress (see pricing and Amazon reviews here)
2 Piece Shorts Set
This 2 piece shorts and open top set is casual, but looks fun and stylish just the same. This is great to wear on the ship or on port days. It’s available in several different colors and the pieces can be worn separately.
Recommended: 2 piece short set (check price & amazing Amazon reviews here)
Maxi Dress Cover Up
This maxi dress makes a great sundress or bathing suit cover up. I love the beach vacation vibes! However, depending on the color or print, this maxi dress can look a bit more dressy and be worn in the evening as well.
Recommended: Maxi dress (see colors and pricing on Amazon)
Halter Top Maxi Dress
This halter top style maxi dress is comfortable and casual for strolling on a port day, but will also look great in the evening on your cruise. Take a look at the different colors and patterns. My favorites are the black, coral, and deep blue (my favorite color).
Recommended: Cute maxi with pockets (see color options & pricing here)
Spaghetti Strap High Waist Beach Dress
This high waisted sundress one of my favorite cruise dresses! It’s lightweight and can be worn during the day. It’s also flattering and can be dressed up to wear in the dining room or restaurant in the evening.
Recommended: Spaghetti strap maxi dress (I have it in black, but there are so many gorgeous colors)
Romper Shorts Outfit
This romper shorts outfit is perfect for tropical holidays. The mid length sleeves and wide leg shorts are flattering for women of every age.
Recommended: Romper shorts outfit (see different prints & colors on Amazon here)
Short Sleeve Summer Dress
This a-line short sleeve dress is perfect for warmer weather cruises. The hollowed out lace style is both feminine and on trend this year.
Recommended: Short sleeve hollowed out lace dress
Palazzo Summer Pants
This palazzo summer pants feel like loungewear, but look amazing when worn over a swimsuit or with some cute sandals.
Recommended: Summer pants (verify price & color options)
Evening Wear on a Cruise
On a 7 day cruise, you’ll usually have 4-5 casual or smart casual evenings, sometimes called cruise casual. 2 evenings are usually formal or elegant, and people will wear dressy or “chic” wear.
Casual & smart casual dress code: Wear a stylish top and jeans, or Capri pants or a comfortable maxi dress. A little black dress or floral dress are great too.
Casual & Smart Casual Outfits on a Cruise
This beautiful floral dress is perfect cruise wear for the dining room or specialty restaurants. Loose fitting and stylish, (the v neck and 3/4 bell sleeves) it’s very flattering for women who are fabulous at 40 or 50!
This dress is available in very small to plus size, and in more than 20 solid colors and prints. It might be worth getting 2!
Recommended: Ladies V neck shift dress (see colors & pricing here)
Off the Shoulder Beach Dress
This beautiful off the shoulder dress is so flattering for ladies over 40 or 50. This dress style is gorgeous, with a loose waistline to camouflage any figure insecurities.
Recommended: Off the shoulder dress (check lots of floral patterns)
Long Sleeve Ruffle Style Short Dress
This long sleeve dress is lightweight and perfect for smart casual evenings. Size up as the waist runs a little small. You’ll also get a bit more length in this shorter style outfit.
Recommended: Long sleeve flowy dress (check reviews & color options here)
Elegant long maxi dress
This halter neck maxi dress is so pretty. Don’t forget to add a shawl for cool evenings on the cruise ship.
Recommended: Cruise casual halter style maxi dress (see price & details on Amazon)
Ruffle Sleeve Midi Dress
This flowy beach dress can be worn in the day or evening. I have this one in black, and love that it’s so comfortable, yet can be dressed up with shoes, jewelty and a cute handbag.
Recommended: Ruffle sleeve knee length dress
Kimono Style Floral Cover Up
Dress up any outfit with a kimono style open cover up. This cardigan like style is perfect when worn over a sleeveless top.
Recommended: Kimono style open cover up
Short Sleeve Hollowed Out Lace Top
Pair this short sleeve dressy casual top with nice jeans or pants for a fun evening on your cruise. This top can also be worn during the day with stylish shorts or a casual skirt.
Recommended: Short sleeve dressy casual top (see several colors & check price on Amazon here)
Capris, jeans or trousers
These days cruises are much more casual than in the past. Wearing nice white jeans or pants will look great paired with a pretty top.
Recommended: White jeans (see over 65000 5.5* amazon reviews)
V Neck Smock Short Dress
This v neck smock short dress is one of my favorite dresses. The best part is the loose and forgiving waist area.
Recommended: v neck smock short dress
Plus Size Pretty Dress
I love this gorgeous short sleeve dress that can be dressed up or down on a cruise. It’s available in several colors and patterns and is so flattering.
Recommended: Women Plus Size Dress Short Sleeve (check price & reviews here)
Related: Plus Size Cruise Wear: 35+ Beautiful Cruise Outfits (with packing list)
Cruise wear doesn’t have to be a dress, even in the main dining room. Unless it’s a formal night, dark jeans and a top, capri pants or a jumpsuit are great outfits that feel chic and modern.
Romper Jumpsuit
Isn’t this outfit cute? Women of every age will look elegantly casual in a romper jumpsuit. Dress it up or down with your favorite shoes.
Recommended: Off the shoulder romper jumpsuit (check sizing, color options here)
Read: What to Wear on a Norwegian Cruise
Related: 30 Current Life Well Cruised Favorite Cruise Dresses
Cruise Formal Night Outfits
Formal dress code: On most cruises you’ll have 1-2 formal nights, chic nights or “dress your best” nights. These cocktail dresses are beautiful and flattering for ladies over 40 or 50, but really for any age. Always check your cruise line dress code as a guide.
Cocktail Dresses
Long cocktail dress
I love this long black evening dress, that is both simple and elegant (look at the side detail). It’s available in other colors as well, even red, if you want to stand out.
Recommended: Long elegant cocktail dress (see details and reviews on Amazon)
Mid length pencil dress
This pencil dress is perfect for formal night or smart casual evenings on a cruise, but isn’t too fancy that it can’t be worn at home.
Personally, I love the wine color, however the black, blue and red are gorgeous too!
Recommended: Elegant evening short dress (see details & excellent reviews here)
Read: What to Wear on a Celebrity Cruise
Lace detail shift dress – Plus size cruise cruise wear
This lace detail short cocktail dress is a great dress for evenings on a cruise. It’s available in different colors and sizes, and a good option if you’re looking for plus size cruise wear.
Recommended: Plus size cruise cocktail dress (see price and Amazon reviews here)
Ladies Bathing Suits & Cover Ups
Bathing suit cover ups
You’ll want to put on a bathing suit cover up when heading indoors on your cruise or to eat at one of the restaurants. Make sure to pack 2 cover ups, so you can change your look and always have a clean, dry one available.
Lace Swimsuit Cover Up
This lace style swimsuit cover up is so pretty and flattering. I love it in white, black and the other unique colors.
Recommended: Lace style swimsuit cover up
Swimsuit cover up dress
This stylish 3/4 length sleeve bathing suit cover up dress comes in black, white and beautiful tropical patterns. If you’re going on a Caribbean cruise, it’s perfect for beach excursions.
Recommended: Loose fitting bathing suit cover up
Bikini wrap cover up
A short chiffon sarong wrap is a perfect cover up for bikinis or or one piece bathing suits.
Recommended: Sheer wrap cover up (check colors & price on Amazon)
Versatile cover up
This v neck swimsuit cover up is very flattering over a one piece or bikini. I love the white cover up, however there are several different colors to choose from.
Recommended: Women’s swimwear cover up (popular amazon choice)
Bathing suits
Make sure to pack at least 2 bathing suits for your cruise, so when one is wet the other is dry.
Cupshe tummy control one piece swim suit
This one piece Cupshe brand bathing suit has tummy control and is very flattering on real women’s bodies. It’s also available in a few slightly different styles and colors.
Recommended: One piece tummy control swim suit (see styles & read over 3000 reviews)
One piece off the shoulder bathing suit
This attractive one piece off the shoulder bathing suit fits women of every age, shape and size. See the color and pattern options available.
Tip – make sure to choose one size up for best fit (snug but comfortable)
Recommended: Off the shoulder one piece bathing suit (see 7000+ 4.5 star Amazon reviews)
Halter bathing suit swimdress
If you prefer a little more coverage, this halter top swimdress bathing suit is very flattering. It’s available in very small to plus size cruise wear.
Recommended: Halter top swimdress bathing suit (see amazing Amazon reviews here)
Related: 25 Best Selling Amazon Cruise Essentials
The Ultimate Cruise Planner
Do you need cruise packing lists, to-do checklists, shore excursion forms and more? Over the last year, I put together a 47 page cruise travel planner that has everything you need as you plan and get ready for your cruise.
Check out the Life Well Cruised Ultimate Cruise Planner. Plus, for a limited time, it’s $10 off. Hope you enjoy!
See details here: Ultimate Cruise Planner -What’s Included
Shawls, Sunhats and Accessories
It gets a bit cool on a cruise ship in the evening, between the air conditioning and the evening sea breeze. Make sure to bring along a shawl, scarf or cardigan or two – it’s really a must.
Pashmina shawl wrap
A pashmina shawl wrap will looks great over an evening dress. I like to have one in black and ivory, however it’s available in several colors.
Recommended: Pashmina wrap shawl (check price here)
Sunhat
Make sure to bring a foldable sunhat on your cruise. Along with sunscreen and lip balm, a good sunhat is definitely a cruise essential.
Recommended: Ladies wide brim sunhat (see color options here)
Flip flops
Make sure to bring comfortable flip flops that you could actually walk in, whether on the cruise ship on sea days, or in a port of call. These Reef’s Cushion Sands Flip flops offer support, a cushioned sole and traction.
Recommended: Reef’s Cushion Sands flip flops (check price & Amazon reviews here)
Should you carry a purse on a cruise?
You won’t need to carry a purse or wallet on a cruise. However, you may want to carry a casual tote bag to the pool, with your lip balm, sunscreen, reading glasses, a book, phone etc. It’s also great to have for when you get off the ship on a port day. In the evening, a small clutch or evening bag can hold your cruise card, cell phone and lipstick.
Read: Best Cruise Luggage and Packing Accessories
Tote bag and Evening Bags for a Cruise
It’s a good idea to pack a clutch or small evening bag to wear to the dining room at night. Pack your cruise card, lipstick, pills and anything else you might need when out of your cabin.
Recommended: Evening bag clutch (see reviews & different colors here)
Tote bags
A good tote bag is a must for a cruise! This large nautical beach bag will fit everything you need for a beach or pool day. I put together this post full of great tips for packing your shore excursion day bag.
Recommended: Nautical tote bag (check pricing & awesome Amazon reviews here)
Amazon Prime Wardrobe
I recently found out about Amazon Prime Wardrobe and it’s perfect for “trying on” cruise outfits. Here’s the information about this service if you’d like to find out more. Sign up is free if you’re a member of Amazon Prime.
Free 30 day Amazon Prime trial (benefits include faster shipping, Prime TV, borrow Kindle books and more).
Related posts:
Best Shoes to Pack for a Cruise
What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise
15 Best Beauty Essentials to Pack for a Cruise
50 Most Recommended Items to Bring on a Cruise
27 Cruise Travel Hacks Repeat Cruisers Swear By
What Not to Wear on a Cruise; Rules and Guidelines
Final thoughts: Cruise Wear over 50
In this post we shared what to wear on a cruise when you’re over 50. However, always remember that how you dress isn’t determined by age. Wear what looks good on you, what you like, and most importantly, what makes you feel good!
When is your next cruise and do you enjoy shopping and planning your outfits to wear? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy cruising!
Ilana
P.S. If you enjoyed this post and found this helpful, please pass it along to others who love cruising too! You can share on Facebook, Twitter or even save to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!
What? Are you planning a cruise around the world? The list you posted is way too much. No one needs all those clothes for a 7 day cruise. I have been on at least 50 cruises and less is more.
Author
Hi Jane,
Everyone is different, so if you bring less than that’s great. Some people enjoy changing a couple of times a day while others are more minimalist. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Ilana
Wow! You are over packing. With 50 plus cruises under my belt I’ve found 3 day outfits and three evening outfits, 1 or 2 bathing suits snd coverup, gym clothes if so inclined., flip flops for the pool, good walking shoes and some pretty Sandals. Underwater and that’s it!
Author
Hi Susan,
We’re all different, but thanks for sharing your packing list and style.
Have a wonderful cruise!
Ilana
Your choices are super cute, but this is definitely a heavy packing list — I say this so newbie cruisers won’t think this is all necessary. I made a list years ago of what I actually wore on a cruise, and now I keep it (laminated) to use for future trips:
– 2 casual dresses
– White jeans and two blouses for dinner
– 3 pairs shorts/skirts and 5 day blouses
– Light denim shirt as a jacket for evening walks on deck
– 2 swimsuits and a cover-up for each one
– Nightgown
– Ball cap and straw hat
– Tennis shoes, walking sandals, wedges for dinner
Author
Perfect! Thanks for sharing
Personally I pack way more than this! Especially if we are driving to the port. I pack less if we are flying and I have to drag my suitcase around. I’ve been on 14 cruises and I’m 53. For me, cruises are a chance to dress up! I love Lilly Pulitzer dresses and shorts because they are bright and cheerful. I love my packing cubes – they are life changing!
Author
Sounds great!
I tend to take longer cruises. My next cruise in 2024 is 35 days. But even on a 14 day cruise my first purchase would be their laundry package. I find it a great value! I can leave my clothes to be cleaned and have them back the next day clean and pressed. Allows you to have only 3 days of casual clothes if you want. Really space saving if you are flying to the cruise port.
Author
Great idea!
I recognize your quantities as similar to what is often given, with a few obvious variations, for week long youth camps. I travelled as a child in Australia for 3 months with my family. Six of us in a mini van. Came back and my mum got her pilots license and a small airplane we used for summer vacations. I got really good at paring down. On the other hand, going on an Alaska cruise from Vancouver when one starts out on the ferry, lugging public transit was the only restriction and took a lot less care.
Other than a re positioning, doing my first southern cruise since the 90s in just over a month. This is really pushing my packing thoughts. Used your list as a guide for other one, will do again but still struggling.