What Clothes Do I Need On A Caribbean Cruise?

Look at what you are bringing and don’t be afraid to take some things out of the suitcase.  Pack as little as possible to avoid extra luggage charges.  Always take cruise line standards into consideration.  Attire will be much more relaxed on a Carnival cruise than on a Regent Seven Seas cruise.

For the Ladies

Leave short shorts at home.  There are too many places, including destination ports, where you can’t or shouldn’t wear them.  They are a waste of space.  Don’t forget your bathing suit and a nice cover-up.

Before 6pm:  Good bets for indoor activities include walking shorts, slacks, jeans, casual skirts and sundresses.  T-shirts, nice tanks and short sleeve blouses work great.  Remember, the nicer items will always work and can double after 6pm when needed.

Shore side:  The before 6pm list works.  If you’re doing something adventurous, like zip lining or snorkeling, dress accordingly.  Remember to bring proper footwear for adventures.  You can’t zip line in flip flops. 

After 6pm:  Cruise ships assign daily dress codes -- casual, smart casual, formal -- that take effect in public rooms and restaurants from 6 p.m. onward.  Normally, on a seven-night trip, you can count on two formal nights, a couple of casual evenings and between one and four semiformal occasions.  To find out the dress code on your next cruise, check with your travel advisor. For all but the most formal of evenings smart casual is the common dress code.  That means elegant.  Think flowing cotton dresses or silky mix and match pants outfits that would be appropriate at a nice restaurant and for formal evenings, a gown or cocktail dress. 

You don’t need all of your shoes.  Bring shoes that serve multiple purposes like sneakers that go from gym to sightseeing or comfy sandals that work as well by the pool as they do at a casual dinner.  Think ahead with your formal wear so you only need one pair of dress shoes while on board.  Shoes can quickly put you overweight on your luggage and you need to leave room for the shopping you do while visiting ports!

For the Men

Bring khakis and a navy sport coat.  This will work with everything from a solid T-shirt to an Oxford.  You can wear this pretty much anywhere but dinner on formal nights.  And please remember, shirts are required except by the pool.

Before 6pm:  Just above the knee shorts are the most versatile.  Jeans, khakis or shorts with T-shirts or sports shirts work well all over the ship.

Shore side:  Again, going too casual is considered disrespectful in many ports. And let's face it: You'll generally be more warmly welcomed in restaurants and shops if you're dressed nicely.  On active shore excursions or beach days, be practical to the activity.

After 6pm:  A tuxedo is perfect for formal night, but a business suit and tie are fine on most ships.  On non-formal nights, your khakis are perfect. 

Deck shoes, tennis shoes and dress shoes will get you through just about anything.

For Both the Ladies and the Men

Don’t forget to layer.  Bring a sweater and rain jacket for off weather days.  Remember hats and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. 

Pack for each day individually.  Look at your itinerary, decide what will work that day, and bring those clothing items only.  If you pack by what you might want to wear, you will be bringing steamer trunks full of clothes.