Cruise Outfits: 12 Real Looks for Days at Sea and Formal Nights
12 real cruise outfits for sea days, port days, dinner and formal nights, from maxi dresses and sun hats to elegant gowns.
Packing for a cruise is easier when you think in three parts: relaxed outfits for sea days, comfy but cute looks for port stops and something special for dinner and formal night.
Here are 12 real cruise outfits from women on Instagram. For each one I share what it is, when to wear it, how to style it and who it suits.
🎨 Cruise colors that look great by the ocean
1. Bold Print Maxi Dress
View this post on InstagramA post shared by @jaxcharliee (@jaxcharliee)
📸 Look by @jaxcharliee
A red and green patchwork print maxi dress worn in the ship atrium. Colorful and perfect for vacation photos.
Wear it for dinner on a casual night or a sunset walk on deck. It suits anyone who loves bold prints.
🧳 How to style it
- Pick a long printed maxi
- Choose rich, bold colors
- Add simple gold jewelry
2. Green Long Dress for Dinner
View this post on InstagramA post shared by @emmacruises (@emmacruises)
📸 Look by @emmacruises
A long emerald green dress posed on the ship staircase. Rich color that looks elegant without being too formal.
Wear it for a dressy dinner or a not quite formal night. It suits women who want color but still want to look classy.
🧳 How to style it
- Pick a long dress in a jewel tone
- Keep the shape simple
- Add strappy heels and small earrings
3. White Printed Kimono on the Balcony
View this post on InstagramA post shared by @fashionfeedweb (@fashionfeedweb)
📸 Look by @fashionfeedweb
A light white printed kimono over a simple outfit on a cabin balcony. Breezy and so easy.
Wear it on sea days, by the pool or for breakfast on the balcony. It suits anyone who likes relaxed, flowy pieces.
🧳 How to style it
- Pick a light kimono or cover up
- Wear it over swim or a cami set
- Add sunglasses
4. Floral Two Piece Set
View this post on InstagramA post shared by @kim_mycloset (@kim_mycloset)
📸 Look by @kim_mycloset
A matching floral top and wide pants set. Looks put together with zero effort.
Wear it for port days, lunch or a casual dinner. It suits women who prefer pants over dresses.
🧳 How to style it
- Pick a matching printed set
- Choose light, breathable fabric
- Add a small crossbody bag
5. Black Tank and a Straw Sun Hat
View this post on InstagramA post shared by @imhrisa (@imhrisa)
📸 Look by @imhrisa
A black tank with a wide straw sun hat by the ocean. Simple, classic and sun safe.
Wear it on deck, at the pool or for beach excursions. It suits anyone who likes minimal outfits.
🧳 How to style it
- Pick a fitted black tank
- Add a wide brim sun hat
- Wear simple sunglasses
6. Floral Sundress on the Balcony
View this post on InstagramA post shared by @anntranfashion (@anntranfashion)
📸 Look by @anntranfashion
A pretty floral sundress on the cabin balcony. Light and very vacation.
Wear it for breakfast, port days or a casual dinner. It suits anyone who loves feminine dresses.
🧳 How to style it
- Pick a light floral sundress
- Choose a length you can walk in
- Add flat sandals
7. Sunset Ombre Slip Dress
View this post on InstagramA post shared by @aubruhhhh (@aubruhhhh)
📸 Look by @aubruhhhh
A yellow and pink ombre slip dress on deck at sunset. Dreamy and made for photos.
Wear it for sunset drinks or dinner. It suits women who want a romantic evening look.
🧳 How to style it
- Pick a slip dress in warm colors
- Plan photos at golden hour
- Keep hair and jewelry simple
8. Navy Formal Night Gown
View this post on InstagramA post shared by @tshyro (@tshyro)
📸 Look by @tshyro
A navy floor length gown for formal night on board. Elegant and timeless.
Wear it to formal night or the captain’s dinner. It suits anyone who wants a classic, dressy look.
🧳 How to style it
- Pick a long navy or dark gown
- Choose a fabric that does not wrinkle
- Add sparkly earrings
9. Yellow Formal Dress
View this post on InstagramA post shared by @daniellewebsdale (@daniellewebsdale)
📸 Look by @daniellewebsdale
A bright yellow formal dress for night two on board. Sunny and bold.
Wear it to formal night or a fancy dinner. It suits women who love color.
🧳 How to style it
- Pick a long dress in a bright color
- Keep accessories gold
- Wear comfy block heels for the ship
10. Navy Dress on the Grand Staircase
View this post on InstagramA post shared by @emmacruises (@emmacruises)
📸 Look by @emmacruises
A navy long dress posed on the ship’s grand staircase. Simple and very classy.
Wear it for formal night photos or the main dining room. It suits anyone who likes understated elegance.
🧳 How to style it
- Pick a fitted long navy dress
- Add a small clutch
- Take photos on the staircase
11. White Polka Dot Dress
View this post on InstagramA post shared by @360cruising_ (@360cruising_)
📸 Look by @360cruising_
A white dress with black polka dots on the ship staircase. Fresh, fun and a little retro.
Wear it for a dressy dinner or a themed night. It suits women who love classic prints.
🧳 How to style it
- Pick a polka dot midi or maxi
- Keep shoes black or nude
- Add red lipstick
12. Black Gown on Deck
View this post on InstagramA post shared by @majawaring (@majawaring)
📸 Look by @majawaring
A long black gown on deck with the ocean behind. Chic and works for any formal night.
Wear it for formal night or a special dinner. It suits anyone who wants one dress that always works.
🧳 How to style it
- Pack one long black dress
- Change the look with jewelry
- Bring a light wrap for windy decks
Sea Day Outfits vs Formal Night Outfits
Most cruises need both. Here is what to pack for each.
Sea and port days
- Maxi dresses, sets and kimonos
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sandals
- Light, breathable fabric
Formal nights
- Long gown or dressy midi
- Heels or dressy flats
- Sparkly earrings and a clutch
What to Pack for a Cruise
A simple packing list keeps your suitcase light.
- Two or three maxi or sundresses
- One matching set or cover up
- One or two formal outfits
- A light cardigan or wrap for cold dining rooms
- Comfy walking sandals and one pair of heels
💡 Quick tip
Ships get windy and dining rooms get cold. Pack a light wrap or cardigan for every evening outfit.
Quick Guide: What to Wear on a Cruise
- Sea day: tank, sun hat and a cover up
- Port day: maxi dress or a set with walking shoes
- Dinner: printed maxi or slip dress
- Formal night: long gown in navy, black or a bright color
Cruise Outfits FAQs
What should I wear on a cruise?
Pack light dresses and sets for the day, comfy shoes for port stops and one or two dressy outfits for formal nights.
What do you wear to formal night on a cruise?
A long gown, a dressy midi or a cocktail dress with heels works on most cruise lines.
How many outfits do I need for a 7 day cruise?
Plan one day outfit and one evening outfit per day, but repeat pieces and mix and match to save space.
What shoes should I pack for a cruise?
Walking sandals, sneakers for excursions, flip flops for the pool and one pair of heels or dressy flats.
Pack Light and Look Cute
A cruise wardrobe is all about easy dresses, comfy shoes and one or two special looks for formal night. Pick your favorites from this list and enjoy your trip.
Want more ideas? See my winter vacation outfits, these airport outfits and my Vegas outfits for women.
