Packing for a cruise is different from packing for a regular holiday. You have one suitcase, one small cabin and a trip that moves between very different settings: lazy sea days by the pool, busy shore excursions, and evenings in the dining room where most guests make an effort. The secret is a small, well-chosen wardrobe where almost everything mixes together.
Start with a colour plan
Choose two base colours, such as white and navy or sand and black, and one or two accent colours or prints. When every top works with every bottom, ten pieces can give you more than twenty outfits, and your suitcase stays light.
What to wear on sea days
Sea days are about comfort around the pool deck, the library and the cafés.
- Swimwear plus a cover-up: a kaftan or kimono lets you walk from the pool to lunch without changing. Try the Peschiera Printed Beach Kaftan Cover-Up or the Capri Sheer Lace Kimono Cover-Up. See all cover-ups.
- An easy set: a shorts set or wide-leg set looks neat around the ship. The Mijas Striped Shirt and Shorts Set has a nautical feel that suits life on board.
- A light layer: decks can be windy and indoor areas are air-conditioned, so pack a light cardigan such as the Kalamata Lace Panel Knit Cardigan.
What to wear on shore excursions
Shore days usually mean heat, walking and sometimes uneven streets, boats or tender transfers.
- Breathable, practical outfits: a loose blouse with wide-leg pants or longer shorts, or a relaxed shirt dress.
- Coverage for sun and culture: some churches and temples ask visitors to cover shoulders and knees. A midi dress with sleeves or a scarf in your bag solves this.
- Walking shoes: secure sandals with adjustable straps or closed slip-on shoes. Avoid slides for long walks. Read our guide to comfortable shoes for travel.
- A crossbody bag and a hat: hands free, face shaded.
What to wear to dinner on board
Smart casual evenings
Most nights are smart casual. A midi or maxi dress, or a two-piece set with wide-leg pants, is ideal. The Alcudia Wide Sleeve Resort Maxi Dress and the Cadaques Wide Leg Two Piece Set both look polished without feeling stiff.
Formal or dress-up nights
Many cruise lines hold one or two dressier evenings. A satin or draped midi dress with block heel sandals is elegant and packs small. Try the Naxos Draped Neck Satin Midi Dress. Check your cruise line's dress code before you pack, as expectations vary.
For more occasion options, browse races and occasion.
Shoes for a cruise
Ship decks can be wet, and gangways and tender boats move. Choose shoes with grip and straps that hold your foot securely. A practical cruise shoe wardrobe is:
- One pair of comfortable walking shoes or secure sandals for shore days.
- One pair of slides or flat sandals for the pool deck.
- One pair of low block heel or wedge sandals for dinners.
Cruise packing checklist (7 nights)
- 2 swimsuits and 2 cover-ups
- 2 midi or maxi dresses
- 1 dressier dress for formal night
- 1 two-piece set
- 3 tops or blouses
- 1 pair of wide-leg pants and 1 pair of shorts
- 1 light cardigan or wrap
- 3 pairs of shoes
- Hat, sunglasses, scarf and a crossbody bag
Frequently asked questions
What should a woman over 50 wear on a cruise?
Pack loose, breathable dresses and sets, a cover-up for the pool, practical outfits for shore days, one or two dressier dresses for evenings, a light layer for air conditioning, and three pairs of comfortable shoes.
Do I need formal wear on a cruise?
It depends on the cruise line. Many hold one or two dress-up nights where a nice midi dress is enough. Always check the dress code before you travel.
What shoes are best for a cruise?
Shoes with grip and secure straps for decks and shore days, slides for the pool, and low block heels or wedges for dinner.
Is it cold on a cruise ship?
Indoor areas are often strongly air-conditioned and decks can be windy, so a light cardigan or wrap is essential even in summer.
Planning a land-based trip instead? Read what to pack for a beach holiday or our main guide to summer outfits for women over 50.
