What NOT to Wear on a Cruise: Dos and Don’ts

What not to wear on a cruise? You can’t just wear anything on a cruise, whenever you want. There are dress codes. Every cruise line has a dress code.

Certain things are inappropriate, and sometimes you should dress up a bit. Here are some dos and don’ts for what to wear on a cruise.

We’ve all probably witnessed someone wearing something on a cruise that made us turn our heads and wonder, “What are they thinking?” or “Wow, that’s so inappropriate!”

Then some think they’re above the cruise line dress codes to enter the main dining room and other certain establishments on a cruise ship. Whatever the case, there are certain things you should and shouldn’t wear on a cruise.

For example, many cruises have “formal nights,” “evening chic,” “Captain’s night,” or “elegant night” with a formal dress code where you’re supposed to dress up more.

On formal nights, it usually means that the cruise expects passengers to dress up a little. You’ll probably see no shorts, flip flops or beach wear in the main dining room and specialty restaurants.

Many people will get all dressed up in their finest for dinner on these nights.

At least, that’s the expectation. Times are changing.

If you don’t want to participate, that’s fine, but don’t be surprised if you feel out of place or if they deny you entry into the main dining room. It all depends on the cruise line, cruise ship, cruise itinerary, and guidelines – some are stricter than others.

Throughout the cruise ship, certain restaurants may have a dress code, like men should wear a collared shirt, no ripped jeans…etc.

Before you leave on your cruise, check the cruise line’s dress code before embarkation day to know what to pack. We provided direct links to most mainstream cruise line dress codes below.

You can always ask other cruisers in your cruise roll-call what they’ll be wearing; some may even have cruised with the specific cruise line and ship.

And finally, just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you can’t dress respectfully. Please don’t walk outside the pool decks in your bathing suit all day or wear next to nothing. It’s tacky and disrespectful to the other passengers and crew– in fact, there are dress code guidelines to this fact.

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So, what should you wear on a cruise? Here are some general guidelines.

On most cruises, casual daytime attire is perfectly acceptable. For cruise clothes for women, this could mean a sundress, shorts, and a cute top. For men’s cruise attire, this could be shorts, long pants, nice jeans, and a polo shirt for men.

It all depends on the cruise line because if you’re sailing a cruise line like Norwegian, their freestyle concept – one of the many reasons to love NCL – means you can dress down and enjoy your cruise without worrying too much about what to wear.

If you’re unsure what to wear, we think it’s better to be slightly overdressed than under, but always prioritize comfort. Remember that all cruise lines have some basic rules of thumb for dress codes.

Cruises can be casual or formal, and the dress code varies depending on the ship and the type of cruise. Some people think they can wear anything they want on a cruise – and you can – as long as you follow the cruise’s dress code, which is usually pretty straightforward.

And there is always a fine line between what’s appropriate and what’s not.

This article will cover what not to wear on a cruise, and the dos and don’ts, so you can pack appropriately and avoid any fashion faux pas.

What NOT to Wear on a Cruise

Skimpy Bathing Suits

Don’ts

• Not here to judge anyone, but when you’re on a cruise, you may be surrounded by families with children running around. Know your audience!
• It may not be the time to wear a G-string bikini or something barely covering your body’s upper half, letting it all hang out.

• Tiny speedos for men may not be a good idea. Let’s leave some things to the imagination.

• You shouldn’t walk around the ship outside the pool decks in your bathing suit – there are actual cruise guidelines. You will be stopped from entering the buffet. They encourage you to throw on a cover. Similarly, you can’t walk inside barefoot or without a shirt on.

Dos

• Save the skimpy bathing suits for the private beaches if there is an adult-only section of the cruise ship or for adult-only cruises. On a cruise, you can still wear a bikini or swimsuit.
  
  We’re just saying… know your audience,

• It’s perfectly fine to wear a bathing suit by the pool but wear a cover-up when walking around the ship.

Revealing Clothing

Let’s leave some things to the imagination.

Don’ts

• Speaking of skimpy bathing suits, this also goes for any other clothing that might be considered too revealing and inappropriate. That almost transparent body con dress might be perfect for a night out clubbing, but it’s not appropriate for walking around the ship or to dinner.

• This includes short shorts that look more like underwear, crop tops that barely cover your bosoms, and extreme mini skirts.

• Lingerie is not cruise wear, at least not outside your stateroom.

• Men walking around without a shirt outside the pool area is not okay – at least, the guidelines on the cruise ship don’t seem to think so.

Dos

• Again, it’s all about balance. You don’t have to wear a turtleneck and long pants, but make sure what you’re wearing is not offending or not leaving much to the imagination.

Au Natural is Not Okay

Don’ts

• What not to wear on a cruise ship: wearing nothing on a cruise ship is not an option.

• If revealing clothing is frowned upon, this also means that you can’t walk around with everything hanging out.

• Don’t wear light-colored, see-through clothing, like a white t-shirt without bras or anything underneath that leaves little to the imagination.

Dos

• Check to see if your cruise ship has a designated area that includes topless sunbathing on the ship. Virgin Voyages has topless sunbathing on the Scarlet Lady in a hidden area of the cruise ship; they are also an adult-only ship.

• Some European lines may also have areas that allow topless sunbathing.

Wear Your Pajamas or Robe Outside of Your Cabin

Don’ts

• Walking around in your PJs or robe is a major no-no unless you’re going to a themed pajama party like the one they have on Virgin Cruises. You may be on vacation, but it’s tacky and disrespectful to the other passengers and crew.

• This also means you shouldn’t eat at the breakfast buffet in your pajamas or robe. You’re not home, even if it may feel like it.

Dos

• Save your pajamas and robe for when you’re in your cabin. If you want to walk around the ship in comfortable clothing, many more appropriate options exist. There are nice leisure wear sets that you can pack.

• Order room service to stay in your pajamas and have breakfast. Enjoy breakfast on your balcony; it’s so lovely.

• If you visit the spa, a robe will be provided to wear in the common areas.

No Clothing with Offensive Language or Graphics

Don’ts

• This should be a no-brainer for what not to wear on a cruise, but don’t wear clothing with offensive language or graphics. This includes profanity, graphic images, and things considered racist, sexist, or homophobic.

Dos

• Be respectful and considerate of the other passengers on board.

Wear Clothing That is Appropriate for the Weather

Always check what the weather will be like before you board your cruise. You may be cruising on a Caribbean cruise vacation, but it may rain when you arrive. Hopefully not; crossing fingers.

Don’t

• You might be cruising to a tropical destination, but that doesn’t mean you should pack all your shorts and tank tops. Take the forecast into consideration.

• If you’re going on a winter cruise and going somewhere cold, summer clothes may not be ideal.

Dos

• Check the weather forecast before you pack and pack accordingly.

• For a tropical destination, sometimes rain showers are common; you may want to consider bringing an umbrella or rain jacket.

• Do pack a sweater or a light jacket. The evenings can get chilly, even in tropical weather.

• If you’re going on a winter cruise or Alaska cruise, pack appropriate clothing such as sweaters, rain jackets, and long pants. Layering pieces are usually ideal.

Read more: What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise

Formalwear

Don’ts

• Not every night is formal or chic on a cruise, but when it is, you should make sure you’ve dressed according to the guidelines. This means no shorts, t-shirts, or distressed jeans.

Dos

• For women, wear a cocktail dress, long dress, or even a chic jumper or pants suit if you go to the main dining room on a formal or chic night.

• This typically means a suit or blazer with slacks and a dress shirt or polo shirt for men.

Don’t Dress Uncomfortably

Don’ts

• You’ll be doing a lot of walking on a cruise and at the port, so make sure you’re not wearing shoes that will hurt your feet.

• Leave the fuzzy house slippers at home.

• This also goes for clothing that might be too tight, scratchy, hot, unbreathable, and uncomfortable.

Dos

• Pack comfortable but nice footwear and clothing! Comfort is key.

• Make sure you’ve broken in your shoes before the cruise.

• Bring clothing that you know fabrics won’t irritate your skin.

• Loose, breathable clothing is always a good choice.

• Pack layers so you can adjust to the temperature changes.

Cruise Fashion FAQs

Cruise Line Dress Codes

Are you wondering what the dress code guidelines are per cruise line? Click and check out what the cruise line has to say:

Norwegian Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean

Celebrity Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line

MSC Cruise Line

Holland America

Princess Cruises

Disney Cruise Line