Pack easy-to-wear clothes that work for both warm days and cool nights on your winter Caribbean cruise.
You’ll need light sundresses, shorts, and cool tops for daytime, plus a few nice outfits for fancy evenings.
Remember to bring a light jacket or wrap for the chilly air conditioning and night walks on deck.
Mix everyday basics with fun accessories to create different looks without bringing too much. Nice jeans with pretty tops can work well from day to night.
Keep in mind the cruise ship’s rules about what to wear, thinking about both relaxed holiday clothes and posh dinner outfits.
Consider what activities you’ll do when choosing your holiday clothes.
Essential Daytime Resort Wear
While sorting out your Caribbean cruise clothes, daytime resort wear makes up the base of your holiday outfits. You’ll want casual bits and pieces that go well together for different activities, from sitting by the pool to wandering around ports.
Get some light tops to stay cool in the hot weather. Pop in several plain t-shirts in different colours, plus some vest tops and strappy tops for putting together outfits. Bring a few smarter ones like tunics or shoulder-free tops for laid-back dining spots.
For bottoms, you’ll look just right with different types of shorts. Pack some regular denim shorts, comfy ones with drawstrings, and a pair of knee-length shorts for more modest settings. Chuck in some flowing, lightweight trousers in airy fabrics for those windy afternoons on deck.
Round off your daytime clothes with easy-going dresses that work for both day and evening. T-shirt dresses and flowing maxi dresses are brilliant for port stops, while polo dresses suit activities on the ship. Add some trendy tie-dyed bits or classic eyelet dresses to finish your holiday look.
Formal Night Outfit Guidelines
While Caribbean cruises tend to be relaxed, dinner dress-up nights suggest smarter clothing. Pack a few nicer outfits that make you feel good whilst meeting the suggested guidelines. Smart dresses, long frocks and outfits with coordinating jackets work brilliantly for these occasions.
No need to fret about strict rules – the dinner dress-up code is quite flexible. A smart top with nice trousers or a skirt would be lovely, and even well-kept dark jeans can be suitable. For your feet, choose dressier shoes like heels, smart flats or wedges to finish your outfit.
Pool and Beach Attire
Planning what to wear by the pool and beach on your winter Caribbean cruise? You’ll want to pack bits and pieces that keep you comfy while looking smart near the water.
Pack 3-5 swimming costumes so you’ve always got a dry one ready. Bring 3-4 nice cover-ups, like caftans or sundresses, that work well from pool lounging to casual meals. A rashguard’s handy for extra sun protection during water sports. High-waisted beach shorts go brilliantly with t-shirts for a laid-back daytime look that fits in with other holidaymakers.
Guard against the Caribbean sun with wide-brimmed hats and proper sunglasses. Pack flip-flops and water shoes to handle different ground types. For cooler evenings, pack light trousers and flowing maxi dresses to keep you looking nice and feeling comfortable.
Jazz up your outfits with bright scarves and eye-catching jewellery for your beach looks. Don’t forget practical stuff like quick-drying beach towels, water bottles you can refill, and mozzie spray – you’ll need them for all your pool and beach time.
Smart Casual Evening Looks
Caribbean cruise evenings often need a nice but relaxed look, so pack outfits that work well between comfort and style. Choose clothes that suit both walking along the deck at sunset and eating at nicer restaurants.
Keep things simple with pieces you can wear different ways. A few smart tops with well-fitted trousers or skirts will give you several outfit choices. Bring a light jacket or cardigan for the cool indoor areas. Pack a couple of nice frocks that work for both casual nights and dressier Evening Chic events.
Your accessories can make quite a difference. Swap your daytime flip-flops for smart flat shoes or heels. A lovely wrap or scarf adds polish whilst keeping you warm in the air-conditioned spaces. Some eye-catching jewellery can change your look from day to evening nicely.
Think about what you’ll be doing when you plan your outfits. Theatre shows and fancy restaurants might need smarter clothes. You’ll blend in perfectly with other guests by following these relaxed but smart guidelines while keeping your own style.
Dinner Dress Code Essentials
When choosing your dinner outfits, it’s helpful to know your cruise line’s specific clothing guidelines. For winter Caribbean cruises, select smart pieces that suit the dress standards whilst staying comfortable in the ship’s air-conditioned dining rooms. A practical black dress or a smart trouser suit works well as your main outfit, whilst knee-length dresses are ideal for dressier evenings.
Note that longer cruises often include more smart evenings, so pack based on your trip’s length. Your wardrobe should include suitable shoes like smart flats or low heels, plus well-chosen accessories that can change your outfits from one evening to another.
- Create a small collection of coordinating clothes in matching colours, helping you create multiple smart looks without bringing too much
- Choose dresses or skirts that reach the knee or lower to maintain a polished look whilst meeting clothing requirements
- Include multipurpose accessories like eye-catching jewellery and smart wraps to enhance your evening outfits and join other guests in the refined atmosphere
Poolside Cover-Up Suggestions
A comfy cover-up helps you move easily between pool time and everyday ship life. You’ll want to pack useful bits that work well for the pool and a casual lunch.
Keep things simple with light fabrics like a chiffon tassel cover-up or a bright striped tunic. These are brilliant for popping on over your swimsuit while still looking nice. If you fancy more coverage, try a long V-neck crochet cover-up dress or an embroidered kaftan – both lovely choices for wandering around the ship.
Remember to bring at least one UPF 50+ cover-up for sunny days in the Caribbean. Kimono-style ones are quite popular and suit most people, coming in loads of patterns that’ll help you fit in with other holidaymakers. For quick changes, go for a tunic-style cover-up with pockets – they’re dead useful and fine for casual restaurants.
Pack both short and long options to sort yourself out for any situation, and pick breathable materials like chiffon or crochet to keep cool in the warm weather.
Excursion Outfit Planning
Shore trips can be anything from lazing on beaches to walking through jungles, so you’ll need flexible clothes that work for different activities. Pack light, water-resistant gear like polyester sports tops and quick-dry shorts to keep comfy during active days out. For beach trips, pop your swimmers on under a loose sundress or romper – that way you can go from shops to sea without any fuss.
For hot weather outings, grab some moisture-wicking matching sets to look smart whilst staying cool. Don’t forget proper shoes – water shoes work brilliantly for rocky beaches, and grippy sandals are great for nature walks, so you’re sorted for any ground you cover. Wide-leg trousers and airy long-sleeves keep the sun off during outdoor activities without sacrificing style or comfort.
- Layer up wisely – start with swimmers, add shorts or a cover-up, and bring a light jacket for when you pop into air-conditioned places
- Pick clothes in matching colours to mix and match, making lots of different outfits from fewer bits
- Pack clothes that work for more than one thing, like rompers that are good for both wandering around and dinner when dressed up with nice bits and bobs
Layering for Indoor Spaces
Inside cruise ships, you need to know how to layer up since temperatures can change quite a bit between warm spaces and cool air-conditioned areas. Start with a breathable base layer, like a moisture-wicking top, which will keep you feeling right throughout the day.
Pack flexible mid-layers you can easily put on or take off as you move around different parts of the ship. A light cardigan or smart button-up shirt works well for dinner, while a warm fleece or wool jumper gives you extra warmth when you need it. A few scarves or wraps come in handy – they add style and warmth to what you’re wearing without filling up your suitcase.
For fancy evenings and restaurant meals, you’ll want layers that look good while keeping you comfortable. You might want to wear your nice dress with a smart wrap or light jacket that goes well with your clothes. If you’re wearing trousers, thermal leggings underneath can keep you warm without spoiling your look. Go for quick-dry materials for your bottoms, as they work best when moving between muggy outdoor decks and air-conditioned indoor areas.
Footwear Must-Haves
Picking the right shoes for your Caribbean cruise needs a bit of planning to keep your feet happy and looking good during your trip. While you’ll want to travel light, you’ll need shoes that work well for both onboard activities and trips ashore. Think about taking 3-4 pairs that can do different jobs during your 7-14 day holiday.
You’ll swap between different shoes as the day goes on. For daytime, bring comfy trainers or walking shoes for shore visits and sporty activities. Evening events need smart sandals or dress shoes, and pool time means waterproof slides or flip-flops. Go for breathable shoes that’ll keep your feet cool in the Caribbean heat.
- A pair of good trainers will help you through walking tours and work brilliantly in the gym
- Smart wedges or sandals suit formal nights and won’t slip on deck
- Water-resistant slides are great for pool days and casual onboard activities
It’s worth wearing in any new shoes before your cruise to avoid sore feet, and pick lighter shoes that won’t make your suitcase too heavy. Your feet will be grateful you thought ahead!
Onboard Day-to-Night Style Tips
While on a Caribbean cruise, knowing how to switch from day to night looks will help you pack less but still look good. In the daytime, go for comfy and casual clothes like cotton sundresses or breezy linen shorts with light tops. Pack your sun gear too – a nice hat and sunglasses will keep you looking smart while protecting you from the rays.
For evening activities, you can smarten up without changing everything. Pop on a cardigan or light blazer over your daytime clothes, and switch your flat sandals for dressier shoes. Adding a few nice bits and bobs, like seashell necklaces or a smart watch, can make your outfit ready for dinner or shows.
To save space in your suitcase, bring clothes that work for different times of day. A flowing maxi dress works by the pool and at dinner – just change your shoes and add some sparkly bits. Cotton trousers with nice tops suit lots of activities, and sundresses are brilliant for both ship and shore. Dark jeans and a fancy top are perfect for casual dinner nights, or pack a cocktail dress when you want to get properly dressed up for special evening do’s.
Weather-Appropriate Accessories
To feel comfy on your winter Caribbean cruise, you’ll need proper sun gear and handy bits and bobs. In the warm Caribbean sunshine, get yourself sorted with a nice wide-brimmed hat, UV-protected sunnies, and strong sunscreen. Pop a light scarf in your bag – it’s brilliant for keeping the sun off and looks smart at dinner too.
For your feet, you’ll want different shoes for different bits. Take water shoes for swimming and splashing about, comfy trainers for walking around ports, and fancy sandals for evening meals. It’s worth getting some waterproof bags to keep your important stuff dry during beach visits and water fun.
- Keep a small brolly or fold-up raincoat nearby for those quick tropical showers
- Use reef-friendly sunscreen when you’re snorkelling to look after your skin and the sea life
- Pack travel-sized mozzie spray and after-sun cream to keep yourself sorted outdoors
Don’t forget practical stuff like pegs for your towel and a refillable water bottle – you’ll need plenty of water while you’re out and about or lazing on deck.
Mixing and Matching Wardrobe
Building a simple mix-and-match wardrobe begins with three basic neutral colours like navy, black, or beige. These neutrals make it straightforward to create many outfits from just a few pieces when packing for your cruise. You’ll look well-coordinated throughout your holiday without much fuss.
Save space in your luggage by choosing clothes that work for both daytime and evening wear. A basic sundress can shift from poolside to casual dinners with different accessories. Like other practical travellers, you might want to bring light jumpers or wraps for the air-conditioned indoor areas.
For dress-up nights, pack items you can style different ways. A simple party dress with bold jewellery does the job brilliantly, while smart tops can go with various bottoms to create different evening looks. Pack comfortable, stylish shoes that suit multiple occasions – metallic sandals can work nicely with both casual and formal outfits.
It’s wise to bring several swimming costumes so they have time to dry properly, and pick coverups that match your main colour scheme.
Packing Light Yet Stylish
Smart packing for a Caribbean cruise means picking versatile clothes that give you lots of style choices without taking up too much space in your bag. Go for light, airy fabrics that work well from daytime to evening with just a few added bits and bobs. Pack things like flowing sundresses that you can fancy up with bold jewellery for dinner or wear simply with sandals while you’re out and about.
Try making a small collection where all your clothes go together nicely. You’ll be able to create more outfits from fewer pieces, making it dead easy to pack light while looking fresh throughout your trip. Take a basic vest top – wear it with shorts in the day, then pop it on with flowing palazzo trousers and a scarf for evening shows.
- Pick 2-3 main colours for your clothes, then brighten things up with accessories and eye-catching pieces
- Pack items that do double duty, like sarongs you can use as beach cover-ups, casual wraps, or evening scarves
- Bring light layers like a cardigan or wrap to pop on when you’re moving between sunny outdoor decks and chilly indoor spaces
Cruise Ship Evening Fashion
The dress code for evening events on Caribbean cruises ranges from laid-back resort clothes to formal wear, depending on your ship and the events planned. It’s worth packing different outfits so you feel at ease throughout your holiday.
For formal nights, a nice cocktail dress or long gown works well. While luxury ships like Seabourn tend to be quite strict about dress codes, Royal Caribbean is more relaxed. If you’re not keen on full formal attire, a smart cocktail dress will look lovely and suit the occasion.
For less formal evenings, you have many nice choices. Pack some versatile items like sundresses, smart trouser suits, or nice trousers with pretty tops. You can make these outfits look fancier with accessories – perhaps some simple jewellery or swapping sandals for dressier shoes.
It’s useful to bring some extra layers to change up your outfits and stay comfortable. A smart cardigan or light shawl will keep you warm in the air-conditioned dining rooms and make your evening outfit look more put-together. For the special restaurants, pack at least one smart-but-casual outfit that you can dress up or down with different accessories.
Versatile Outfit Combinations
When sorting out your winter Caribbean cruise clothes, go for simple items you can wear different ways. Pick light tops you can team with shorts, cropped trousers, or pop under summer dresses when you want more coverage. You can switch easily from pool to shore visits by wearing your swimming stuff under playsuits or throwing on a nice cover-up.
To move from day to night without fuss, take items that work for both. A summer dress with flat sandals and a sun hat is great for daytime, then dress it up with different bits and bobs and smarter sandals for the evening. Remember to pack a light jumper or jacket for the chilly air conditioning and evening meals.
- Pop a light scarf on with a basic top and shorts at breakfast, take it off for poolside lounging
- Wear a playsuit over your swimwear during shore trips, then add some jewellery and nice sandals for a casual tea
- Change your summer dress from day to night by swapping your sun hat and bag for nice jewellery and a small evening bag
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Rent Formal Wear on the Cruise Ship?
You can borrow fancy evening clothes while you’re on your cruise. It’s quite handy, just like having someone help you pick clothes at home, but keep in mind there aren’t loads of choices. You might also need to set aside a bit of your holiday time for getting things fitted properly.
How Do I Protect Light-Colored Clothing From Makeup Stains?
Pop on a makeup cape whilst doing your face, go for smudge-proof makeup, and finish with a good setting spray. Best to put your makeup on before you get dressed, and keep a stain stick nearby.
Are Steam Irons Allowed in Cruise Ship Cabins?
Nope, steam irons aren’t allowed in your cabin – they’re considered dangerous and could start a fire, so they’re completely banned. But don’t fret! Most ships have laundry rooms you can use, or you can send your wrinkled clothes to the ship’s pressing service.
Which Fabrics Best Resist Wrinkling During Travel and Storage?
Pop your polyester, bamboo and micro modal clothes in the suitcase – they’re brilliant at staying smooth and wrinkle-free. These fabrics look smart straight from your bag, dry quickly and let your skin breathe. Dead simple for travelling without the faff.
How Many Outfit Changes per Day Should I Plan For?
Pack about 3-4 different outfits for each day: something comfy for the morning, swimmers and daytime clothes, plus something nice for dinner. It’s worth bringing an extra set if you’re planning any special activities in the afternoon.
