Cruise Outfits: What to Pack for a Cruise, From Deck Days to Formal Night

A cruise asks for a wider wardrobe than most holidays: swimwear by day, something covered for shore trips, a relaxed dinner look and, on most lines, at least one formal night. Cabin wardrobes are small, so every piece has to do two jobs. Here is what to pack, built around pieces from Shona Joy at Coveti. Always check your cruise line’s dress code before you pack, because formal nights vary by line and by route.

Deck days

Swimwear, a cover up and a hat. The Celina Cotton Voile Sarong is 100% organic cotton voile in a palm leaf print and ties at the hip as a skirt; the Celina Cotton Voile Shirt, in the same print, goes on open over a swimsuit and buttons up for lunch. For more ways to cover up, read beach cover ups and how to tie a sarong.

Shore excursions

Breathable fabrics, covered shoulders for churches and temples, and flat shoes you can walk in. The Aura Semi Sheer Pant in Ivory with the Aura Sheer Blouson Top in Ivory is a light, lined set that covers you from wrist to ankle. The Celina Cotton Voile Maxi Dress, a lined cotton voile maxi with a dropped gathered waist and no zip, rolls into a day bag.

Dinner

Most nights at sea call for smart casual. The Eclipse Silk Viscose Mini Dress with Belt is a silk twill mini with long flared sleeves and an adjustable belt; the Eclipse Silk Viscose Slip Maxi Dress, in the same print, has a square neckline, adjustable straps and a centre back split. The Aura Blouson Maxi Dress in Rosewater in Rosewater, with its halter neck and tiered high low skirt, works for a sunset dinner on deck.

Formal night

1. Savanna Racer Back Maxi Dress in Cobalt

Cut from satin acetate (74% acetate, 26% polyester). A low scoop neckline, a low T bar racer back and a loose fitting maxi skirt with no zip; it pulls on. Cobalt is a saturated royal blue that looks right against the sea at night.

2. Mirelle Sheer Sequin Racer Back Maxi Dress

A sheer open knit with sequin embellishment in Opal, an ivory with a pearly sheen, with a scoop neckline, a racer back and a centre back split. It is unlined and sheer, so wear a slip underneath.

3. Campbell Bow Backless Maxi Dress in Goji

Cut from stretch cotton (56% cotton, 40% nylon, 4% elastane), lined. A round sleeveless neckline, a fitted bodice gathered at the waist, an open back with an adjustable bow and a centre back split, in Goji, a bright true red.

4. Stellar Lurex Plunged Neck Maxi Dress in Midnight

Metallic jersey in navy Midnight with a plunged gathered neckline. Jersey packs without creasing, which matters in a cabin.

The cruise packing list

For a seven night cruise: three swimsuits, two cover ups, one set of separates that mix, two day dresses, two dinner dresses, one formal dress, a wrap for the evening breeze, flat sandals, walking shoes and one heeled sandal. Pack satin and silk rolled in tissue, and take a travel steamer if your line allows it.

Packing tips for delicate fabrics

Satin acetate creases less than silk; jersey barely creases at all. Hang everything the moment you board. Sequins should travel folded inside out in their own bag so they do not catch on other pieces.

How Shona Joy sizing works

Shona Joy cuts its dresses in Australian sizes, and an AU size carries the same number as a UK size, so an AU8 is a UK 8. The Aura separates, the Celina shirt and the Mirelle dress come in letter sizes, XS to XL. Coveti lists every style in UK sizes, and the size guide on each product page converts UK sizing to US, Italian, French and German sizes. Read the brand’s fit note before you choose: “designed to sit away from the body” leaves room, “slim fit through the waist and body” follows your shape without clinging, and “fitted through bust and waist” sits close where the shirring is. For more, read is Shona Joy true to size.

Caring for silk twill and cotton voile

The Eclipse silk twill is hand wash only: cold water, a mild silk friendly detergent, no wringing, no rubbing, dry flat in the shade and a cool iron on the reverse. The label says do not dry clean, and the belt on the mini should not be washed. The Celina cotton voile is easier: cold hand wash separately, dry in the shade and a warm iron on the reverse, and it can be dry cleaned. Cotton voile softens with every wash.

Frequently asked questions

What do you wear on a cruise formal night?

A long dress at most lines, and some accept a smart cocktail dress. Satin, sequin and metallic jersey maxi dresses suit formal night; always check the dress code.

What should I wear on a cruise during the day?

Swimwear with a cover up on deck, and breathable, covered pieces for shore trips: a cotton maxi, a linen set and a light wide leg pant with flat shoes.

How many outfits do I need for a 7 day cruise?

About two day looks and one evening look per day, built from mix and match separates so the total is smaller: roughly 15 pieces plus swimwear.

Which fabrics are best for a cruise?

Cotton voile and lyocell for daytime heat, jersey and satin acetate for evening because they crease less, and silk twill for dinners.

Can you wear sequins on a cruise?

Yes, on formal and party nights. Pack sequins folded inside out in their own bag so they do not snag.

Related guides: Shona Joy resort wear, beach cover ups, vacation dresses, resort and vacation dresses, designer beachwear, Shona Joy sequin dresses, Shona Joy blue dresses, Shona Joy red dresses.