What to wear on a cruise as a man: Pack one smart outfit for dressy nights (blazer, chinos and dress shoes covers most cruise lines), two or three smart casual evening options, and comfortable daywear for sea days and port stops. Linen shirts, chino shorts and clean white trainers handle most daytime situations. Leave the dinner jacket at home unless you’re on Cunard or P&O.
Outfit Ideas For Men On A Cruise
Most men overpack for a cruise and still end up wearing the same two shirts. The trick is knowing what each part of the day asks of you: comfortable layers for sea days, something breathable for port, and one smart outfit for the evenings when the dining room dresses up.
Below are 36 outfit ideas sorted by trip and style, from Caribbean heat and the beaches of the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos cruise ports to a chilly week on one of our Alaska cruises. Each look lists the pieces so you can build it from what you already own. Packing for two? We also have cruise outfit ideas for women.
Men Cruise Outfits Summer
Perfect for hanging out on deck, grabbing a casual bite, or strolling the port.
Look 1: Clean & Minimalist
- White oversized t-shirt; Black drawstring shorts; White trainers; Black sunglasses; Simple chain necklace
Look 2: Effortless Street Style
- Graphic tee; Light-wash ripped jeans; High-top Converse; Snapback hat; Black crossbody bag
Look 3: Laid-Back Luxury
- Fitted beige linen button-down; Navy tailored shorts; Brown leather sandals; Gold watch; Woven belt
Caribbean Cruise Outfits for Men
Hot weather means lightweight, breathable fabrics and tropical vibes.
Look 1: Island Explorer
Sage green linen shirt (unbuttoned); white vest top; tan cargo shorts; espadrilles; canvas tote bag
Look 2: Beach-to-Bar
Floral short-sleeve shirt; beige linen trousers; slip-on loafers; beaded bracelets; retro sunglasses
Look 3: Linen and Loafers
Light blue linen shirt worn open; cream linen trousers; tan loafers
Bahamas Outfit Ideas for Men
Think bright colours, tropical prints, and casual-cool energy.
Look 1: Vibrant Beach Day Fit
- Blue printed short-sleeve shirt; White chino shorts; Slide sandals; Sunglasses; Leather bracelet
Look 2: Sunset Drinks
- Linen v-neck t-shirt; Slim-fit khaki trousers; Loafers; Woven belt; Minimalist watch
Look 3: Late-Night Deck Party
- Black Cuban-collar shirt; Dark-wash skinny jeans; Chelsea boots; Silver chain; Black leather bracelet
Cruise Line Dress Codes for Men
Every cruise line has its own name for the dressy night and its own idea of how dressy it should be. Here is what each of the big lines expects, so you pack for the ship you are on rather than the one in the brochure.
| Cruise line | Dressy night called | How many | What men wear | Not allowed at dinner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P&O Cruises | Black Tie | Selected evenings, more on longer sailings | Dark suit and tie, or a dinner jacket. A blazer and smart trousers also works | Swimwear, sportswear, sleeveless vests, ripped denim |
| Cunard | Gala Evening | Two or three on a 14-night voyage | Dinner jacket and black tie, or a dark lounge suit. Other nights: trousers and a collared shirt, jacket encouraged | Shorts, sportswear, beachwear and jeans in the main restaurants |
| Royal Caribbean | Dress Your Best | Two on a 7-night sailing | Suit, or smart trousers and a shirt. Most other nights: long trousers and a polo | Shorts, vest tops and pool wear in speciality restaurants |
| MSC Cruises | Gala Night | One or two on a 7-night cruise | Suit or dinner jacket encouraged, though a collared shirt and chinos is fine | Shorts, flip-flops, vest tops, and T-shirts on Gala Night |
| Celebrity Cruises | Evening Chic | One or two per cruise | Blazer with smart trousers or designer jeans | Shorts, flip-flops, vest tops, T-shirts, baseball caps |
| Princess Cruises | Formal Night | Two on a 7 to 13-night cruise | Suit or dinner jacket, tie optional. Other nights: trousers and an open-neck shirt | Swimwear and bare feet |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Dress Up or Not | Optional, on selected nights | Collared shirt, chinos or trousers, closed shoes | Vest tops, flip-flops, baseball caps, ripped or faded jeans |
Rules vary between ships and itineraries, so check the daily planner on board for each evening's dress code. Smart casual is accepted in the main restaurant on dressy nights on most lines, so a dinner jacket is optional.
What to Pack for a 7-Night Cruise: Men's Checklist
Daytime
- 5 T-shirts or polo shirts
- 2 linen or short-sleeve shirts
- 3 pairs of shorts
- 1 pair of lightweight chinos
- 2 pairs of swim shorts, so one can dry
Evenings
- 3 collared shirts
- 2 pairs of smart trousers
- 1 blazer or suit for the dressy night
- 1 tie, if your cruise line has a Black Tie or Gala night
Shoes
- Clean white trainers for days ashore
- Loafers or dress shoes for dinner
- Sandals or flip-flops for the pool deck
Extras
- A light jumper or jacket for windy decks and cold dining rooms
- Sunglasses, a hat and a belt
- Compression packing cubes, which fit a week of shirts and trousers into a carry-on and keep evening clothes from creasing
The blazer earns its suitcase space three times over: over a shirt on dressy night, over a polo on smart casual nights, and on the plane so it never gets packed at all.
Formal Night on a Cruise – Classy Outfits for Men
You need at least one dressy outfit for dinner or an onboard event.
- Look 1: Classic Suit & Tie – Slim-fit navy suit; Crisp white dress shirt; Brown dress shoes; Pocket square; Leather belt
- Look 2: Relaxed Yacht Party – Light grey blazer; White dress shirt (top button open); Beige dress trousers; White sneakers; Gold watch
- Look 3: Modern European Style – Black turtleneck; Charcoal grey trousers; Suede loafers; Leather crossbody bag; Bracelet stack
Men’s Cruise Dinner Outfits
For sit-down dinners and evening events onboard.
- Look 1: Smart Casual – Light blue linen shirt; White trousers; Brown moccasins; Leather bracelet; Minimalist watch
- Look 2: Resort Elegant – Pastel yellow polo shirt; Grey dress shorts; White sneakers; Thin leather belt; Casual blazer (optional)
- Look 3: Tropical Dinner Vibes – Floral print short-sleeve shirt; Tan chinos; Boat shoes; Woven belt; Simple pendant necklace
Cruise Outfits for Men Over 50
Stylish, comfortable, and timeless.
- Look 1: Classic Traveller – Plaid button-down shirt; chinos; comfortable trainers; sun hat
Look 2: Evening Elegance – Navy blazer; white dress shirt; grey trousers; Oxford shoes; pocket square
Look 3: Breezy Resort Style – Linen short-sleeve shirt worn open over a T-shirt; drawstring linen trousers; leather sandals; woven bracelet
Cruise Outfits Men Plus Size
Flattering, comfortable, and stylish.
- Look 1: Relaxed Fit – Light blue chambray shirt; Dark grey shorts; Comfortable sneakers; Adjustable belt; Baseball cap
- Look 2: Poolside Comfort – Navy swim shorts; White vest top; Slide sandals; Sunglasses; Beach towel
- Look 3: Dinner Ready – Black polo shirt; Beige chinos; Loafers; Leather watch; Braces (optional)
Cruise Outfits Men Streetwear
Trendy and bold options perfect for a modern aesthetic.
- Look 1: Urban Explorer – Graphic t-shirt; Distressed denim shorts; High-top sneakers; Snapback hat; Chain necklace
- Look 2: Athleisure Vibe – Black hoodie; joggers; Running shoes; Beanie; Sports watch
- Look 3: Retro Revival – Vintage band tee; Slim-fit jeans; Skate shoes; Bucket hat; Wristbands
Cruise Outfits Men Korean
Trendy, minimal, and oversized looks inspired by K-fashion.
- Look 1: Minimalist Monochrome – Black oversized tee; Slim-fit white trousers; Black sneakers; Black bucket hat; Silver bracelet
- Look 2: Casual Street Style – Boxy white t-shirt; Loose denim jeans; Chunky sneakers; Crossbody bag; Sunglasses
- Look 3: Smart Casual Korean Look – Beige linen blazer; White turtleneck; Black dress pants; Loafers; Leather strap watch
Alaska Cruise Outfits Men
Layered looks to keep warm in cooler climates.
- Look 1: Cold-Weather Casual – Black thermal long-sleeve; Slim-fit cargo trousers; Waterproof boots; Beanie; Wool socks
- Look 2: Outdoor Explorer – Flannel button-up; Puffer vest; Dark-wash jeans; Hiking boots; Leather gloves
- Look 3: Evening Deck Wear – Navy fisherman sweater; Corduroy trousers; Suede chukka boots; Minimalist watch; Scarf
Greece Cruise Outfits Men
Mediterranean-inspired outfits for a European cruise to the Greek Islands.
- Look 1: Santorini Explorer – White linen button-down; Navy blue shorts; Brown leather sandals
- Look 2: Aegean Evening – Light grey polo shirt; Beige chinos; Navy loafers
- Look 3: Island Casual – Striped Breton tee; Khaki shorts; White canvas sneakers
Cruise Outfits Men Old Money
Timeless, effortless luxury for young men who want to channel the old-money aesthetic. Think classic, well-tailored pieces, neutral tones, and understated accessories.
- Look 1: Yacht Club Classic – Navy double-breasted blazer; Crisp white linen trousers; Brown leather loafers; Silk pocket square; Minimalist gold watch
- Look 2: European Riviera Vibes – Striped Breton shirt; Tailored white chino shorts; Brown woven belt; Tan espadrilles; Sunglasses with tortoiseshell frames
- Look 3: Effortless Evening Elegance – Beige cashmere sweater draped over shoulders; Fitted polo shirt; Slim-fit khaki dress pants; Suede loafers; Leather bracelet