What to Wear on a Cruise? Men's Easy Guide to Smart Casual Cruise Wear
Sea breeze blowing, sunshine sprinkled deck, in front of the endless blue - if you also plan to board a cruise ship during the holidays, enjoy the slow pace of vacation life, then in addition to booking a good ticket and arrange a good itinerary, there is another important thing don't ignore: what to wear on a cruise.
Especially for men, "cruise wear" is not as casual as beachwear nor as formal as business attire. Finding a balance between casual and smart is the key to find for a cruise wear. Smart Casual, a comfortable and stylish way of dressing, is your best choice.
What is Smart Casual Cruise Wear?
Smart Casual Cruise Wear refers to a style of dressing that combines formal and casual elements, emphasizing relaxed tailoring and quality without being too serious or formal. The most common way to dress for a place that is half holiday and half social, like a cruise ship, is smart casual. You can walk the decks during the day or go to dinner or a show at night.
Here's how to wear Smart Casual on various occasions and at different times of day to create the most suitable outfit for a cruise.
What to Wear on a Cruise? Smart Casual Cruise Wear
Doesn't traveling on a cruise ship sound dreamy? Sunshine, sea breeze, food, and slow-paced vacation life - think about it, and it makes people excited. But when it comes to dressing, many people start to have a hard time: what to wear in the sun during the day? Do you want to go to a formal restaurant in the evening in a formal cruise wear? Don't worry; as long as you have a few simple ideas on how to dress, you'll be able to handle all kinds of occasions on a cruise ship with ease and decency. The next step is to discuss how to dress when traveling on a cruise ship to ensure comfort and style.
Daytime Activities: Light and Comfortable Is the King
Daytime cruise life typically revolves around leisure activities, including sunbathing on deck, taking fitness classes, and short excursions ashore. What you need is an outfit that combines breathability and freedom of movement.
Suggested Cruise Wear:
- Top: Moisture-wicking polo shirt / Comfortable short-sleeved T-shirt
- Bottoms: Lightweight pants or shorts
- Shoes: Canvas shoes, boat shoes, or clean casual sneakers
Recommended Cruise Wear:
Evening Time: Easy Turnaround Without Losing Your Style
The evening time on a cruise ship is one of the most overlooked yet romantic parts of the cruise. It is the time when people usually change into something a little more formal and head to the bar, a show, or a dinner party. You don't need a suit, but you do need to look presentable and classy.
Suggested Cruise Wear:
- Top: textured shirt / short-sleeved blouse with details
- Bottoms: Slim pants / khaki pants
- Shoes: Leather loafers or simple sneakers
Recommended Cruise Wear:
Formal Dinners: Elegant but Not Formal
Most cruises feature one or two "formal dinners," and while formal wear is not mandatory, it is recommended that you select items with more texture, darker colors, and sharper cuts.
Suggested Cruise Wear:
- Top: dark shirt or textured polo
- Bottoms: Suit pants or long pants
- Shoes: Formal leather shoes or simple lace-ups
Recommended Cruise Wear:
Fitness & Sports Occasions: Comfort First
Most cruise ships have gyms, yoga classes, and running areas, so scheduling your exercise time will not only help you stay in shape but also make your vacation more energetic.
Suggested Cruise Wear:
- Top: Moisture-wicking, quick-drying T-shirt
- Bottoms: Athletic shorts or seven-quarter pants
- Shoes: Lightweight sneakers
Recommended Cruise Wear:
Are Formal Parties Still in Style? Do I Need to Bring a Tuxedo As Cruise Wear?
Yes, a lot of cruise lines, like Princess, Celebrity, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean, still have one or two "Formal Nights" where people are asked to dress more formally to make the environment more formal, festive, and special. The formal night is more of a formal night than a casual night, but it is still a formal night. However, this formality is more of an "encouragement than a mandate," and many companies are gradually replacing the traditional "Formal Night" with "Evening Chic" or "Dress to Impress. Or "Dress to Impress" instead of the traditional "Formal".
Tuxedos are not required. Unless you're on a particularly high-end, traditionally-styled cruise (like Cunard), no one will actually wear a tuxedo or evening gown. On most modern cruises, even for formal dinners, a dark shirt, suit pants, and shoes, or a blazer is decent enough for men.
If you really don't want to pack formal attire, you can absolutely choose to go to the cafeteria that day or another dining venue that doesn't have a formal dress code.
Cruise Wear for Women:
While this article is primarily for men, we'll briefly offer some suggested cruise wears for women as well:
- Daytime: light halter dresses, cotton and linen shirt dresses, beach dresses.
- For dinner: simple dresses, silk blouses + wide-legged pants.
- Accessories: Sunglasses, straw hats, and scarves can greatly enhance the look.
Recommended Cruise Wear:
Cruise Wear Luggage Packing Tips:
- Prepare 1-2 sets for each occasion, and choose styles that are color-coordinated to make it easier to mix and match.
- Choose wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying technical fabrics to save you the trouble of ironing.
- Avoid heavy clothing, as cruise ships are often air-conditioned.
What Kind of Shoes should I Wear on a Cruise?
Comfortable, non-slip, breathable shoes are recommended. Canvas shoes, sneakers, or boat shoes are good choices, not only for ease of walking but also for dealing with slippery conditions on deck. If you plan to get off the boat to explore during the trip, make sure your shoes are supportive and suitable for long walks. Avoid wearing high heels, leather-soled shoes, or flip-flops that may cause slipping or hinder movement.
Do I Have to Dress Up for a Cruise?
It is not necessary. Unless attending a designated formal dinner, Smart Casual is sufficient for most occasions.
What Are the Best Accessories and Cruise Wear for Men?
The best cruise attire for men includes a light, breathable polo shirt, linen shirt, casual pants or shorts, and a comfortable pair of loafers or espadrilles. For evenings, a simple blazer or knitted cardigan is recommended. For accessories, opt for sunglasses, a straw hat, a wristwatch, and a lightweight backpack for a combination of practicality and style. The overall look should be "smart casual," comfortable, and stylish at the same time.
Smart Casual Is the Key to Cruise Wear
Cruising is not only a trip but also an opportunity to show your personal taste. Smart Casual helps you find the right balance between vacation and etiquette. If you're looking for Cruise Wear that combines texture, comfort, and design, check out Fioboc. We offer quality options for travel, sports, everyday, and more.
