What to Wear on a Caribbean Cruise: 7 Day Packing List
Yay, you’re going on a Caribbean cruise! Or at least thinking about it. The next step in planning for your trip is deciding what to wear and what to pack. This guide to what to pack for a Caribbean cruise will break down what to wear to dinner, in port, to the pool, and for formal night. This guide will also share what essentials you cannot forget to pack and how to pack it all.
I love shopping for a Caribbean cruise because there’s something about flowy dresses, cute swimsuits, and resort wear that just makes me happy. On a cruise, you will wear up to three outfits per day from the port to the pool to dinner.
The key to packing for a Caribbean cruise is choosing pieces that can be worn between occasions. The below collages show how you can do this with some staple pieces. In addition, this guide will break down what the dress code is for these different occasions and what not to wear.
Keep reading for outfit ideas, a simple packing guide, and shoppable links. See my men’s packing guide here.
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Casual Cruise Port Outfit Ideas
For a port day, what you wear depends on what you plan to do. For a day of sightseeing or shopping in town, jeans or shorts and a shirt or a casual dress is a great way to be comfortable and fashionable.
For a beach or water excursion, I love wearing a one piece swimsuit with shorts. The one piece can act like a bodysuit, but is easy for water activities.
In addition to clothes, be sure to pack a simple crossbody bag and a beach bag for port days. Either of the above bags is great for storing your glasses, wallet, and phone for port days.
A big beach bag is great for sunscreen and towels for the beach or the pool on board.
Shop this casual Caribbean cruise clothing for port days
Cruise Pool Fashion for Women
For the pool, all you need is a few cute suits, sandals, and sunglasses. I recommend bring 2-3 suits so you can always have a dry option to wear.
I like wearing a one piece swimsuit with a pair of shorts so the swimsuit looks like a bodysuit to wear walking around the ship or into restaurants.
Shop this Caribbean cruise swimwear
What to Wear to Formal Night for Women
Finally, there is formal night! Many people avoid cruising because they’re intimidated by formal night. On Royal Caribbean, there are typically 2 formal nights during a 7 night cruise. If formal night isn’t your style, simply avoid the main dining room on those nights and disregard this section.
If you enjoy dressing up like me, keep reading for what to pack for a Caribbean cruise for formal night. As with casual dinner, you will see a wide range of outfits. Some people will be undressed in shorts and shirts, while others will be in black tie evening gowns.
I recommend wearing a midi or long dress with heels. Any of the above dresses are great options for a cruise formal night. Dress for formal night like you would dress for a summer wedding and you will surely fit in to the dress code.
Shop these Caribbean cruise dresses and formal night outfits ideas
Dinner Outfit Ideas for a Cruise
On a cruise, there will be formal nights and casual nights in the main dining room. On a casual night, you will see a wide variety of outfits. According to the dress code, swimwear and tank tops are not allowed. Some people will dress barely nice than this without any problem.
I recommend dressing up a bit more since the main dining room is a nice venue, plus it’s fun to look nice. One of my favorite things to wear to dinner on a cruise is a midi dress with sandals. This is an easy way to look dressy, but feel super comfortable. You can also wear nice jeans or a skirt with a blouse.
For shoes, I recommend a pair of cute sandals and a simple block heel that matches with all of your outfits.
Shop this cruise attire for ladies for dinner
Caribbean Cruise Outfit Ideas for Active Excursions
If you are planning any adventures in port such as horseback riding, an ATV tour, or ziplining, you will need some activewear. You may also want to bring athletic clothes if you plan to hit the ship’s gym.
For cruise activewear, I like packing matching sets or jumpsuits so I look put together while still functional. Be sure to check with your specific excursion if there are requirements such as long pants or close toed shoes.
Shop these cruise athetic outfits
Cruising T-Shirts
On boarding day of a cruise, you are guaranteed to see groups of friend and families wearing matching cruise shirts. If I’m being honest, these shirts tend to be a bit tacky, but are a great way to kick-off a group cruise.
In the above collage, I share some cruising shirts and sweatshirts that are actually cute. They are great to wear on the first day of a cruise, matching with your travel party, or as a gift for someone heading on a cruise.
Shop these cruise themed shirts and sweatshirts
What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise – Other Essentials
In addition to all the outfit ideas shared above, don’t forget to pack these cruise essentials:
Sunscreen– The sun is intense, so protect yourself. Supergoop is my favorite for a lightweight formula and high SPF.
Portable charger– There’s nothing worse than running out of battery when you are relying on your phone for navigation and photos. This portable charger with built in cords will help with that!
Hat– A hat is another great way to protect yourself from the sun or hide crazy beach hair.
Bug spray– Bug spray is a great item to have on hand for any jungle excursions.
Good book– Don’t forget a book for the plane and poolside. People You Meet on Vacation is one of my favorite travel-inspired books that is an easy-read.
Imodium– In case you have any stomach issues, you will thank yourself for having this on hand.
Reusable water bottle– Bring a reusable water bottle to fill up on board to take with you on port days. Its great to have a reliable source of water throughout the day.
Waterproof phone case– Pack a waterproof phone case so you can safely take photos on or in the water.
Towel Clips– The pool deck gets very windy on sea days. These towel clips will keep your towel from blowing away.
Shop these essentials to pack for a cruise
7 Day Cruise Packing List
- Daytime outfits: 2-3 pairs of shorts, 4-5 tops, 1-2 casual dresses or rompers, 1-2 athletic matching sets
- Casual dinner: 5 casual dresses or jumpsuits
- Formal night: 2 formal dresses
- Swimwear: 3-4 swimsuits, 1-2 cover ups
- Pajamas, socks, underwear
- Flip Flops
- Heeled sandals
- Sneakers
- Toiletries
- All the above cruise essentials
Cruise Packing Tips
Now that you know what to pack for a 7 day Caribbean cruise, let’s talk about how to pack it. I recommend bringing one checked luggage per person and one backpack carry on.
When you arrive at the embarkation terminal, you will pass off your checked luggage to be delivered directly to your stateroom. From when you board the ship until staterooms are open (usually a few hours), you will only have access to what’s in your carry on.
I recommend keeping the following items in your carry on, then packing the rest in your suitcase.
- Wallet/Passport/Documents
- Swimsuit
- Flip Flops
- Sunscreen
- Hairbrush & Basic Makeup
- Simple Outfit for Dinner (in case your luggage isn’t delivered in time)
Typical Caribbean Cruise Weather
The average weather in the Caribbean during the winter months (December through February) is usually warm and dry, with temperatures around 80-85°F. The weather during this time of year does not vary much from one island to another.
If you are visiting during the winter, consider packing a light jacket or sweater to layer for night time.
During the summer months (June through August), temperatures tend to be a bit hotter and more humid, hovering around 90-95°F.
Caribbean storms are most likely to occur between June and November, so it is best to keep an eye on the forecast before planning any trips. Tropical cyclones also have a tendency to hit islands in this region during these months as well, so a rain coat is a good item to throw in your suitcase.
FAQ – Cruise Outfits and Packing Tips
Most Caribbean cruises are quite warm during the day and at night. However, if you’re traveling in the colder months of the year between December and March, it can become chilly at night. It’s a good idea to bring along a light jacket or sweater just in case you get cold. Other than that, expect temperatures in the high 70s (Fahrenheit) and sunny days all year round.
Yes, jeans are permitted in the main dining room on a cruise. I’d wear something a bit nicer for formal night though.
Some people love to get dressed up on a cruise. For women, this means a dress most night for dinner and a gown for formal night. However, some people prefer to stay casual for the trip.
Summary of What to Wear on Caribbean Cruise
Overall, you will likely wear 2-3 outfits per day depending on your schedule. Every day, you will need at least one outfit for the daytime and an outfit for dinner.
For your daytime outfit, you’ll likely need swimwear or activewear depending on what you have planned. If you are simply exploring port, a casual dress or shorts is a great outfit idea.
Dinnertime outfits will vary depending on if it’s formal night or casual. For formal night, break out your nicer dresses and heels. For a casual dinner, you can wear what you want, but I love a casual dress.
For more great cruise tips check out my guides to a Western Caribbean cruise and Southern Caribbean cruise.
Related Posts:
- Cruise Outfits For Men | What Should Men Wear On A Caribbean Cruise?
- Ultimate Royal Caribbean Southern Caribbean Cruise Guide And Itinerary
- Royal Caribbean Western Caribbean Cruise Tips And Itinerary
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