Cruises are a very popular holiday choice and with good reason. You get the benefits of an all-inclusive hotel while also enjoying the privilege of travelling to multiple destinations and seeing a variety of ports. There are so many incredible places to discover and a cruise is an excellent way to do it.

Wherever you go, each provider and vessel will have its own dress code, rules, and facilities aboard. What you take with you will be partly dictated by the specific holiday you book so be sure to check the guidelines for your trip. However, there are a few things that you’ll always want to take with you on a cruise.

During the day

While enjoying your day wandering around different ports and all areas of the ship, you can’t go wrong with smart-casual wear. This means you’ll be appropriate for all areas, and you won’t have to worry about the dress code. For an easy day-to-evening look, try combining classy women’s holiday skirts with a fun print and a breathable blouse or camisole. Men should opt for quality linen shorts with a short-sleeved button-up shirt.

Be sure to carry around a cardigan or jumper for when the temperature starts to cool off in the evenings.

Mealtimes

Most cruise ships have different kinds of food venues with dress codes to match. At self-service facilities or buffets, you may be able to wear casual clothing, depending on the specific provider.

In evening dining rooms, you’ll need to wear at least smart casual. More often than not, err on the side of formal. This means dresses, skirts or trousers with smart blouses or shirts. You must wear shoes with closed toes in formal areas on a cruise and may even be turned away from eateries if you don’t respect the rules.

By the pool

A swimming costume is clearly essential, but we’d also recommend a classy and comfortable cover-up while you’re lounging by the pool.

This is one of the only instances when you’ll get away with wearing flip-flops or casual sandals. It’s often frowned upon if you attempt to wear them in other communal areas on the ship such as dining venues and other recreational spaces.

Holiday essentials

A lot of these items will depend on where you’ve chosen to take your cruise, of course. If you’ve chosen a cruise in a warmer location, like the Mediterranean or the Caribbean, you’ll need to bring everything you need for sun protection. You’ll probably spend a lot of time wandering around the deck and the sea breeze can often seem like the sun isn’t as strong. Pack hats, sunglasses, and high-factor sun cream to make sure you enjoy your trip safely.

For cooler trips, such as around the Fjords, be sure to still pack sun protection but also include slightly warmer clothing for when you venture out of inside spaces. Bring a bag with you as you roam so that you can keep a light jacket to hand without it cluttering your hands.