On a cruise, light, combinable garments are practical for daytime. For dinner the dress code can be more formal, depending on the cruise line. Bring an extra layer for the wind on deck. Below you will find what to wear for each moment and how to keep your suitcase small.
Three moments per day
During a cruise day you often switch between being on board, going ashore and dinner. With a limited number of combinable pieces you get far. If you coordinate your colours, you can make several combinations from a small number of pieces. Choose a base in white, cream and navy, and add a single accent.
Daytime: light and airy
On board and on excursions you walk a lot and the temperature shifts between sun and wind. Choose fabrics that do not cling and barely crease. The Clarissa in cream is a linen jumpsuit of 40% linen, 40% viscose, 10% cotton and 10% polyester. Linen is suited to warm days and gives a relaxed look; a slight crease is part of it. If you want something a little more fitted, the Marianne in white suits, a polo dress of 95% polyester and 5% elastane. It combines easily with sneakers, sandals and an extra layer.
Men choose a light polo and trousers in a soft colour for daytime; you will find more options in the polos for Men collection. The Julian in ivory cream is a knitted polo with quarter zip of 84.3% cotton, 10.9% silk and 4.8% linen. Combine it with the Vincent in khaki, slim-fit trousers with mid-rise of 33.5% viscose, 31.6% polyamide, 29.1% polyester and 6.8% elastane. Together they make a calm, polished daytime outfit that you can also wear during a city visit ashore.
Ashore: practical and suited to the location
Dress codes can apply at religious buildings. Check them per location. So bring a thin scarf or a light overshirt. Wear shoes you can walk miles in and choose colours that can cope with dust and sun. A bag with a zip and a long strap is handier than a handbag, especially in busy port cities.
Dinner: a step more formal
Many cruises have a somewhat more formal atmosphere in the restaurant in the evening, although the dress code differs per cruise line and per evening. So check your booking information beforehand. For women a blouse with trousers or a skirt is a simple option. The Rosamund in light blue is a blouse with lavallière collar and satin look of 96% acetate and 4% elastane and gives an evening out a festive accent. Men wear a fine-knit or cotton polo, such as the Atticus in navy, a striped cotton polo with buttons of 70% cotton, 25% polyester and 5% elastane, and a shirt for a more formal dinner. You will find more inspiration for festive moments in the Signature Occasions for Women and the Signature Occasions for Men.
Packing list for a week
| Moment | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Day on board | Jumpsuit, polo dress, linen top | Two polos, light trousers |
| Excursion | Trousers, blouse, scarf | Chinos, shirt or polo |
| Dinner | Blouse with trousers or skirt | Shirt or fine polo with trousers |
| Extra layer | Cardigan or light jacket | Thin cardigan or blazer |
What you had better leave at home
- Too many shoes. Limit the number of shoes to what you really use; for example sneakers, sandals or loafers and one smarter pair.
- Stiff, heavy fabrics. They take up a lot of space and crease in a suitcase.
- Clothing that only goes with one outfit. Choose pieces you can combine at least three times.
- A completely new piece without a trial run. Wear it once beforehand to see how it feels after a long day.
Packing smartly
Choose a maximum of three colours that go together, so every top works with every bottom. Roll or fold light knitwear in a way that suits the material and your suitcase. Put the heaviest pieces at the bottom and bring a small handheld steamer for the evening. Only use a garment steamer if the care label allows it. Check beforehand whether you may use an iron on board. Keep your jewellery, medication and a spare set of clothes in your hand luggage in case your suitcase arrives on board later.
Sun and wind
On deck, sun and wind can both be strong at the same time. Bring a hat or cap and wear light colours during the day that reflect the sun. Sea wind can set hair and scarves in motion, so choose a scarf you can tie on, and leave loose accessories at home. Always let wet clothing dry on a hanger before you put it back in the suitcase. Do not wear jewellery you would not want to lose on an open deck.
Colours at sea
White, cream, navy and light blue suit the surroundings and stay fresh in strong sun. Black is lovely for the evening, but can absorb a lot of heat during the day. Add a single colour accent in your scarf or bag, for example terracotta or coral, so the colour scheme does not become dull. A limited colour palette makes combining easier.
Shop the look
Marianne: polo dress, white
Clarissa: linen jumpsuit, cream
Rosamund: lavallière blouse, light blue
Julian: knitted polo with quarter zip, ivory cream
Vincent: slim-fit trousers, khaki
Atticus: striped cotton polo, navy
Frequently asked questions
What is the dress code on a cruise?
That differs per cruise line and per evening. During the day casual and neat is usual, in the evening often a bit more formal. Read the information with your booking beforehand.
How many outfits do I need for a week?
How many you need depends on the length, the cruise line and the dress codes on board.
Which fabric is best for warm days on board?
Light, breathable fabrics such as linen and cotton. Choose pieces that do not cling and that can have a slight crease without looking untidy.
What do I bring for the evening on deck?
An extra layer such as a cardigan or a light jacket, because it can get really windy on deck. A scarf is handy and takes up little space.
