Cruise Wear for Men: Men’s Packing List for a Cruise
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There are so many cruise packing lists for women, but men need cruise packing advice as well. If you’re looking for suggestions for cruise wear for men, along with a men’s packing list for a cruise, I’ve got you covered.
In my household, my husband often struggles with what to pack when we cruise. We use a cruise packing list to keep organized and to make sure that nothing is forgotten at home. Yes, this has happened in the past (dress shoes!).
In this post I share what to wear for men on a Caribbean or warm weather cruise, along with some cruise items that will make both packing and cruising easier.
This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.
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What to Wear on a Cruise for Men
When planning what to wear on a cruise for men, consider the cruise line dress code as a starting point to help you plan what to wear in the evening. These days, most cruises are less formal than just a few years ago.
However many cruise lines will have one or two formal nights , or dress- up evenings, where suits or dress pants and a dress shirt are appropriate. Make sure to pack dress shoes, dress socks and a belt.
The other evenings will be a casual or smart casual dress code. Most men will be wearing beige chinos or dark pants or jeans, with a polo style shirt. What you’d wear to a nice restaurant is perfect for dining rooms and restaurants on board.
Caribbean and other warm weather cruises (Mexico, Bahamas, Bermuda ) call for casual cruise wear during the day. When planning what to wear on a cruise , pack bathing suits for sea days and beach shore excursions, and shorts and t-shirts.
Remember comfortable walking shoes and sandals or flip flops for the pool.
Related: What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise
Men’s Packing List for a Cruise
Here’s a men’s packing list for a 7 day cruise to use as a guide. Bring more or less, depending on if you plan to do laundry and how often you’ll change clothes.
- 3-4 pairs of shorts
- 2-3 bathing suits
- sport & dress socks
- work-out clothes
- 1-2 pairs jeans
- 3-4 polo style shirts
- 1-2 buttoned or Hawaiian shirts
- 2 dress shirts
- 1 sweatshirt or light jacket
- sandals or flip flops
- running or walking shoes
- dress shoes
- casual shoes
- baseball cap or hat
Related: What Not to Wear on a Cruise
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Cruise Wear for Men
Here are a few suggested men’s clothing items to pack for a cruise.
As we were getting ready for a recent cruise, my husband had a hard time finding resort wear and cruise attire for men in stores. We were pleasantly surprised at the stylish and affordable items we found on Amazon.
Classic Polo Shirt
Solid color classic polo shirts are perfect worn with shorts for sightseeing during the day in a cruise port. However, this is also great to wear for dinner in the evening with a pair of khakis or dark jeans.
Nautica is one of my husband and son’s favorite brands for casual men’s cruisewear for quality and comfort at a reasonable price.
Recommended: Nautica classic polo (dual tipped collar)
Classic Fit Shorts
Classic fit tan or beige shorts will go with t-shirts and polo shirts on a cruise, and always look nice.
Recommended: Dockers classic fit shorts (check price & style options on Amazon)
Comfortable Jersey Shorts
Lightweight casual jersey shorts with pockets are great to wear by the pool and around the cruise ship and ports. The material isn’t heavy and is great for warm weather cruises.
These men’s shorts are available in classic grey, navy blue, black and other colors.
Recommended: Champion jersey shorts (see price & over 40,000 Amazon reviews)
Sports t-shirts
Even if you aren’t working out, sports style short sleeve t-shirts will keep you cooler in the sun and heat on a Caribbean cruise . These shirts also look great when worn casually on a cruise.
Recommended: Underarmour sports t-shirt (see reviews & price on Amazon)
Men’s Hawaiian shirt
If you’re going on a Caribbean or any other tropical weather cruise, a Hawaiian shirt could come in handy for day and evening. Many cruise lines have a Caribbean deck party and Hawaiian shirts are perfect.
Men’s Hawaiian shirt (see other styles & reviews on Amazon here)
Men’s swimsuit.
Bring along at least 2 swim suits for a cruise. These men’s swim shorts are quick drying and comfortable, and great for beach and catamaran snorkeling excursions.
Recommended: Men’s swimsuit (quick dry & comfortable)
Classic Fit Men’s Khakis
Classic khakis are perfect for smart casual evenings on a cruise, especially worn in main dining rooms and restaurants. Pack one or two pairs of these classic pants and pair them with a buttoned shirt or polo.
Recommended: Docker’s mens khakis (available in standard & big & tall sizes)
Men’s Dress Shirt
If you’ll be participating in formal or chic night, a white men’s dress shirt is great to have. This Calvin Klein dress shirt is non-iron, making it a good choice to pack for cruising.
Recommended: Calvin Klein non-iron dress shirt (see price & amazon reviews here)
Men’s Suit
A dark well fitting suit is great to have if you plan on dressing for chic evenings (on Celebrity Cruises) or formal nights on any cruise line (even Cunard). If you’re packing a suit, dress shirt and any other items that are best kept wrinkle free, consider using a garment bag.
Recommended: Black or dark suit (sold as separates on Amazon)
Garment bag for travel.
A rolling garment bag for travel is a good idea if you’re packing suits and other dressy clothes.
Recommended: Rolling garment bag (see Amazon reviews here)
Cruise Gear
Here are a few items that are useful to pack and bring on a cruise.
Lightweight travel backpack
Packing cubes
Men’s large hanging shaving/toiletry bag
RFID Travel Passport wallet
Neck passport wallet
Cruise power strip (Non-surge protected power bar with USBs)
Electronics and charger wire case
Portable power bank
Waterproof phone case on lanyard
Electronic portable travel luggage scale
Magnet hooks
Motion sensor night light
Travel binoculars
Snorkel gear
Waterproof dry bag
Water shoes
Reef safe sunscreen
Video: What to Pack for Men on a Cruise
Related & Popular Posts:
- 50 Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon
- What to Pack for Alaska Cruises
- 21 Essential Things to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On
- What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise
- Cruise Wear over 50: Flattering Cruise Outfits for Women
- Best Travel Gadgets to Bring on a Cruise (tech items & electronics)
- 75 Genius Cruise Hacks and Tips: Get Organized, Save Money, Cruise Better
Final Thoughts on Cruise Wear for Men
I hope this men’s cruise packing list was helpful as you plan and get ready for your cruise. While this men’s packing list was geared for a Caribbean cruise, it can be adapted for Alaska cruises by adding warm clothes to layer, along with an outdoor waterproof jacket and waterproof shoes.
What items do you pack for a cruise that we can add to his list? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ilana
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Effortless Gent
What Clothes To Pack For A Cruise: A Concise Packing List (For Men)
Heading out into the open seas soon, and want to make sure you’re dressed right? Look no further. We’re gonna cover exactly what clothes to pack for a cruise in this article.
And yes, you’re on a menswear website, so our focus is on tackling that cruise packing list for men. There seem to be more guides out there designed for ladies when it comes to packing for trips. This, unfortunately, doesn’t mean that men’s suitcases are a straight-forward endeavor.
This is true when it comes to packing for a cruise, and especially when figuring out what to include in your vacation wardrobe.
Not all boat holidays are the same. Different parts of the ship have different temperature situations to consider, not to mention the range of programming and points of disembarking—sometimes it feels like you’re packing for every season. Keep reading to get the details!
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A Quick Cruise Packing List (For Men)
If you just need a checklist to start packing, to check over what you’ve already packed, or to jog your memory for things you might’ve forgotten, I’ve listed everything right in this section (we’ll get into each item further down in this article):
What to Pack for Every Cruise
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Regardless of whether you’re on a cruise in the Caribbean or a multi-stop European voyage, you’re definitely going to need a few style basics that can be used to create several outfits.
In general, you’ll want to follow the basics and guidelines we outline in our men’s summer fashion article.
We’re assuming a 7-day cruise for this packing list, but if you’re taking a longer 10- or 14-day cruise, you may have to double up on some of these.
Men’s Swimsuit
When going on a cruise, you should bring at least two different swimsuits. You have the option of buying various quick-drying swim shorts that are comfortable and excellent for catamaran snorkeling trips and beach outings.
Obviously, you’ll go for your favorite colors to wear, though if you’re on a tropical cruise, it’s a good time to experiment with brighter hues and lively patterns if it’s something you’ve always wanted to do but never had the opportunity.
If you know the programming will have a white party or a deck cocktail, and if you’re more of a sunbather and feet-dipper, rather than a full-on swimmer, here’s a trick to help you pack more efficiently.
Go for fitted, above-the-knee shorts, in white or cream. If you aren’t planning on getting wet, it’ll serve all of the above purposes.
Last but not least Like its socks or boxer briefs, Mack Weldon has turned its penchant for design and performance into some must-buy swim trunks. These feature four-way stretch fabric and zip front and back pockets to protect your EDC from wind and waves.
Which leads us to our next cruise essential…
Classic Fit Shorts
When choosing what clothes to pack for a cruise, remember that you’ll always look great in beige or tan shorts with a classic fit .
Again, depending on your poolside preferences, jersey or linen shorts will get a ton of mileage on a cruise.
Wearing shorts made of jersey material with pockets is ideal when you’re lounging by the pool, walking around the cruise ship, or visiting the ports, since it’s lightweight and made for comfort and warm weather.
Unless there’s a non-neutral color that you really love and want to wear a lot, shades like gray, navy blue, black, and olive will be the easiest to partner shirts with (in addition to the prior mentioned white or cream ).
Classic Fit Men’s Chinos
Khaki pants should always be on your list of what to pack for a cruise. In general, cruises are mostly resort-casual during the day, and chinos are a perfect, elegant approach to a relaxed on-vacation look. Plus, they’re super versatile.
Chinos are ideal for a variety of occasions, including smart casual evenings and events that take place in the ship’s main dining rooms and restaurants .
BR has a variety of chinos in different fits and fabric styles, some 100% cotton, others with a bit of stretch for comfort.
Bring along at least one or two pairs of classic pants that you can wear with a button-down shirt or a polo top—a pair of maroon pants might be a fun option .
Long-sleeve Linen Shirt
Long-sleeve linen shirts are worth mentioning. They’re lightweight and look cruise-appropriate, with or without a collar.
Again, because of the casual-leaning nature of cruises, they may not be as versatile as their short-sleeve, collared counterparts (which are perfectly appropriate by the pool and walking around during the day).
But to be honest, I’d recommend a linen shirt for your everyday, walk-around outfit because they look so great in tropical locales (and on ships). They’re flowy and cool, as well, and are easily dressed up or down.
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If you opt to bring a long-sleeve linen shirt , you can pair it with chinos and leather loafers for an elegantly casual dinner look . If you don’t bring one, just replace with a short-sleeve collared shirt and a blazer.
Short-Sleeve Collared Shirts
Polo shirts and short-sleeve button-ups, like khaki or linen shorts, can do double and triple duty on basically any kind of cruise.
How Should Polos and Short Sleeve Button Up Shirts Fit?
In fact, unless there is formal programming on the boat, you can likely get away with just packing a polo a day in different colors, since you can wear them with shorts or pants, and with or without a blazer or jacket.
Short-sleeve button-ups are even more versatile since they can sometimes pass as more formal shirts when paired with a sport jacket .
Speaking of jackets, you should probably bring a sport coat. They’re the cherry on top for the resort casual or smart casual outfits you’ll be wearing on the ship.
The one exception is if you’re packing a full suit. If you are strategic with your suit selection, you can skip bringing a sport coat and just wear the suit trousers and jacket separately as needed. (See below for our thoughts on bringing a suit.)
A luxurious, open weave wool silk blend fabric from Italian mill Lanificio di Pray. This perfect relaxed, versatile, warm weather jacket features an unstructured cut with no padding or canvassing.
So what kind of sport coat? I’d recommend a lightweight, unstructured navy jacket made from cotton, linen, silk, wool, or some combination of those. That’s gonna be your most versatile and comfortable jacket. It’ll go with stone chinos, white denim, light grey linen trousers, light khaki chino shorts, everything.
For shoes, you’ll need: One sharp pair of loafers , one pair of white / neutral low-profile leather or canvas sneakers , and a pair of flip-flops or slides for the pool or beach.
A leather boat shoe ( worn with or without socks ) could replace both flip flops and sneakers, though if they get scuffed up on the beach or wash away with the waves, you won’t have a backup casual shoe option.
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These Grant Stone Suede Loafers Are It. Read Our Review →
Most likely, your loafers will see the most use. That’s because they’re a great option for your resort casual outfits. Minimal canvas or white leather sneakers (or boat shoes) are fine too, but how often do we get to step up our style in a fun, OK-to-show-out situation such as a fancy cruise?
Loafers are the most balanced way to approach effortless formality, perfect for a cruise. They can be worn with shorts and they’re great traveling shoes too, since they’re easy to slip on and off.
Accessories
When it comes to accessories, consider bringing a leather belt , one or two watches , a pair of sunglasses , and one to two hats . You may need one or two ties , too, if you have any formal dinners to attend.
You’ll like this one, too
5 Cool Men’s Accessories Essential To Making This Spring Your Most Stylish Season Yet
For ties , you’re certainly welcome to pack just one, if you’re okay with not mixing it up. And, you can also pack several if you know you’ll be wearing a tie often, and it doesn’t take up packing space from the essentials. Some cruises do have more than one semi-formal in its duration.
For watches , you can bring one, as long as it’s a versatile, luxury sport watch . Most luxury sport watches can be paired with a suit. And if there’s a truly formal, tuxedo-appropriate event, you can just go watchless, per old traditions. Otherwise, bring one dress watch and one casual watch .
To protect yourself from the sun, bring hats and sunglasses —two of each in case you lose one.
Specific Clothes for Specific Cruises
Now that we’ve covered the essentials you’ll need on every cruise, here are some pieces you may need to consider for more specialized situations.
A lot of these can actually take the place of some of the above essentials, if you like, though they aren’t as easily multi-use. Read on to see what I mean!
A Summer-Weight Suit
While you won’t always need a fully formal/black-tie optional situation, you may need at least one proper suit.
If a particular program or time of evening at a ship’s dining hall is truly black tie, you’ll know because the cruise line will fully communicate that to you. However, in the semi-formal or cocktail realm, it’s best to avoid landmines and just bring a suit.
The perfect suit to have, if you only have one suit. Available in classic colors and a variety of cuts.
When you’re on the boat, you’ll never be that far away from your room, and if you don’t end up wearing the jacket and the pants together, they’ll be effective separates for dinner or drinks .
Even if you don’t wear a dress shirt , you can wear a short-sleeve button-up, camp collar shirt , or ribbed hem polo shirt in its place. Plus, the jacket can serve as a piece of outerwear for places on the boat that are air-conditioned.
If, and only if, there’s formal programming at any point in the cruise, will you need a tuxedo plus all its accoutrement. And typically, the cruise line will be pretty blatant about it in their messaging.
In fact, most cruise lines won’t have anything that formal , and you’ll more likely run into this situation if you’re on a private cruise. Meaning, perhaps the social club you’re in or the company you work for is throwing a special event.
That being the case, there might be a formal dinner with a presentation, maybe there’s a Bond-like casino theme going on, or sometimes one of your stops includes a banquet hall situation.
These days, you can often wear a crisp black suit to formal events. You’ll just need a different suit, maybe in gray or navy, if there’s a cocktail on another day, so that you can differentiate your formal and cocktail attire.
Dress Shirt
Similar to a tuxedo, you won’t often need a dress shirt at most resort-style cruises. Naturally, you’ll need at least one or two , if any of the above formal situations are expected.
Otherwise, it’s a matter of how much you want to spruce it up at semi-formals, at dinner, and at cocktail events.
Dress shirts aren’t as versatile as short-sleeve button-ups, when it comes to what goes on during a cruise, but they also don’t take up that much room.
As always, feel free to pack one or two, if you like, as long as it doesn’t take up the space of an essential.
Dress Shoes
If you have a nice pair of leather or suede loafers such as what I’ve mentioned above, you can probably get away with that for most resort casual and formal dress codes.
Again, pay attention to the cruise’s schedule of events. If you’re attending a particularly high-end cruise trip, then you may need specific dress shoes like oxfords or bluchers, which are a step above loafers in terms of formality .
Sports- & Activity-Specific Gear
If you’re going on a cruise built around a specific hobby or activity, like golfing or hiking, you’ll obviously need to pack accordingly.
You might do some hiking during general travel cruises, in which case your sneakers will do just fine. However, if it’s an actual hiking tour, you’ll need your trail shoes or hiking boots .
Make sure your boots are fully broken in, or you’ll be in a lot of pain during the activities !
Other possible sports clothes and gear you might need include golf cleats, since golf tour cruises are common among hobbyists, and possibly even wetsuits, if you go on a diving cruise.
Diving cruises typically provide all of the gear though, so it really depends on the cruise line. It’s the same situation with golf gear.
Which leads us to our next topic…
Non-Clothing Items to Pack for a Cruise
Toiletries and medicine.
You’ll probably find soap and shampoo in your stateroom on cruise ships just as you would in a hotel. But, the onboard items might not work well for your hair and skin , or you might not like the scent .
If that sounds like you, then it’s best to bring your own toiletries whenever possible—especially if you have allergies.
Since you’ll be under the sun a lot, sunscreen is also very important!
Pack more than you believe you’ll require because it might be challenging to get your preferred brands in ports outside of the country and cruise liners often charge exorbitant fees for the sale of necessities.
Travel Gear
Not all of us have the good fortune to live within a couple of hours drive of a major seaport. The majority of cruise passengers must either fly or drive to their embarkation port, which means they must pack for both modes of transportation.
Accessories for the airplane, such as a neck cushion, eye mask, or noise-canceling headphones, should be included for lengthy flights and overnight flights leading up to a cruise vacation.
If you have a pre-cruise hotel stay planned, you might want to think about packing the essentials for that extended stay in a separate bag so that you won’t have to unpack as well as repack your primary suitcase .
This will save you time and energy.
You’re going to want to bring your tablet computer or an electronic book reader with you for both the pre-cruise travel and if you want to relax with a good book , or audio book , under the sun while you’re on the boat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a man wear on a cruise .
- a) a classic linen shirt or b) a camp collar shirt , with
- a) chino shorts or b) chino pants, and
- a) white minimalist sneakers or b) brown loafers.
Choosing one option from each line is a simple outfit option that would cover a wide range of cruise dress codes (or lack of dress codes).
Of course, if you’re attending a formal event or lounging by the pool, you’ll need something a bit different. See the above article for all our suggestions.
How many outfits do I need for a 7-day cruise?
If you follow the Lean Wardrobe philosophy , most / all of your individual items can be mixed and matched into a number of wardrobes, so you don’t have to bring tons of stuff.
In general, you should carry enough clothing to make at least 6-7 outfits (individual items can be repeated in several of these outfits, of course). Depending on the cruise program, you will need a mix of formal / semi-formal outfits and resort casual outfits .
You’ll also need pool and loungewear, and practical attire for adventures on dry land.
What should I wear during the day on a cruise ship?
The goal here is to be casual, yet put together and stylish. Try tailored shorts, linen shirts , and minimal canvas or leather sneakers, for starters. This will take you from the deck to the dock, throughout the towns you’re exploring, and back again.
Don’t forget your accessories, like a straw panama hat, a handkerchief or bandana (to wipe your hands or sweaty brow) and classically shaped sunglasses for a bit of sun protection.
Are jeans OK on a cruise?
Yes, jeans are generally OK on a cruise, particularly during the day or in casual settings. For max versatility, bring a pair of clean, dark wash, straight leg jeans with minimal distressing and fading. These can easily be dressed up or down.
It’s best to avoid distressed or overly casual jeans. They’re not as versatile and may not be suitable for some dining venues or formal events on board.
Can I wear shorts to dinner on a cruise?
Shorts are perfectly fine for daytime activities, though they are most likely not appropriate for the cruise ship’s formal dining settings and events. To be safe, wear trousers or chinos paired with a collared shirt for a more polished, dinner-appropriate look .
The more casual dining venues or buffet-style restaurants may be more lenient with their dress code, allowing shorts during meal times.
What is smart casual attire for a cruise ship?
Smart casual attire for men on a cruise ship might include dress chinos or tailored trousers, a crisp button-down shirt or ribbed hem polo shirt , and a lightweight sport coat. Finish the look with loafers or dress shoes, a clean dress belt, and a refined watch .
The smart casual dress code allows for a more relaxed vibe while still maintaining a refined appearance, perfect for most cruise ship events and dining venues.
Are there any items I should avoid packing for a cruise?
You can probably leave these things at home:
- Overly casual items like distressed jeans or offensive / corny graphic tees (not appropriate for a classy cruise ship)
- Heavy coats or bulky sweaters (not needed in a tropical cruise climate)
- Basic toiletries (unless you need them for a specific reason) such as soap and shampoo, towels, a hair dryer, etc. The cruise ship will provide these for you
Bon Voyage!
When traveling on a cruise, it’s common to bring too many clothes and forget everything else.
When you take your luggage out of the closet and start packing for your next trip, refer to this list so that you can make sure you have everything you need, not only in terms of clothing but also the accessories and toiletries you’ll need.
Most importantly, loosen up and enjoy yourself. You’re going on a cruise! If you have any more questions on what to pack for a one or two week cruise, you can DM us on Instagram anytime.
Published on March 28, 2023 , Updated on August 17, 2023
Category: Smart Casual
Tags: Outfit Ideas , Travel
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Great Cruise Fashion for Men: Know What to Pack
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Hey, guys! Are you planning to go on a cruise and wondering what to wear? Let’s talk cruise fashion for men so you can look your best on your trip.
First and foremost, make sure to pack clothes that are appropriate for the weather and activities, both onboard and on excursions. Check your cruise line’s dress code well before your cruise so you can be sure you have everything you need. You don’t want to be caught wearing shorts at a specialty restaurant, or long pants on a beach day.
What Men Wear on Cruises
For daytime activities, go for casual wear like shorts, T-shirts, and polo shirts. Don’t forget to bring comfortable footwear like sneakers or sandals. If you plan to go to the fitness center or participate in sports, pack workout clothes as well.
On dressier nights, a blazer or sports coat paired with dress pants and a collared shirt is a great option. You can also add a tie to dress it up even more, and be sure to bring dress shoes that match.
The luxury cruise lines have formal nights and require men to wear a suit and tie, or at least a dress shirt and dress pants. If you choose to bring a suit, make sure it fits properly and is well-pressed. Although the mainstream and premier cruise lines have relaxed their dress codes, some people still dress in formal wear; it’s just not required on those lines.
Also, don’t forget to pack swimwear and beachwear for days spent lounging by the pool or on the beach. Board shorts, swim trunks, and T-shirts are all great options.
Ultimate Cruise Planner
Need a little assistance organizing and planning your cruise? Our Ultimate Cruise Planner can help!
Choosing What to Pack
We’re assuming this is a seven-night cruise to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Mexican Riviera, Bermuda, or the Mediterranean and are planning accordingly. There are usually five or six port days where you’ll be going on excursions, and a sea day or two where you’ll stay onboard. In the evenings, dinners will usually be casual unless you go to a specialty restaurant or it’s a dressy night.
I’ve chosen items in mostly blues and tans that mix and match well. A link to the retailer is listed below each item in case you want to check it out.
Store inventories are fluid, so you may click on an item to shop it and find it’s no longer available. In any case, you can see the look I was going for.
Let’s start with some bottoms: three pairs of shorts, a pair of khakis, and jeans.
Now, let’s find some shirts. Three T-shirts, one long-sleeved shirt, two camp shirts, a polo, and a graphic tee.
And some shoes and accessories: sunglasses, watch, belt, loafers, boat shoes, sneakers, and a couple of ball caps.
Plus, an optional blazer, a hoodie, and a swimsuit.
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Outfits we can make.
Now, let’s have some fun and put together some outfits.
On port days you will likely be taking excursions, so you will want to be comfortable in the heat, wear good walking shoes, and protect yourself from the sun.
On days at sea, you will want to be comfortable, whether the weather is hot or cooler. Plus, if you’re staying inside, the ship will be chilly.
Poolside or a Beach Day
For the pool or beach, a swimsuit, tee, hat, and sunglasses are the best.
Working Out
If you work out, you will want clothing especially for that.
Casual Evenings
For casual evenings, you may be able to wear shorts if you are eating in a casual restaurant, but for a main dining room, you will want to wear long pants.
Dressier Evenings
If you are dining at a specialty restaurant or going to the theater, you will want to dress up a little. Up your game with a button-up shirt, khakis, and blazer.
Travel Outfit
For travel, you want to be comfortable but also look nice. This outfit will accomplish both.
Final Thoughts on Cruise Fashion For Men
Things you can add if you’re not packing light: another pair of shorts, a couple more T-shirts, another pair of swim trunks, and a pair of flip-flops or sandals. Don’t forget something to sleep in, underwear, and socks…especially dress socks.
In summary, cruise fashion for men isn’t that difficult. Simply pack a variety of items you can mix and match for different occasions, and make sure they fit well and are appropriate for the activity or dress code. Add some personal flair with accessories like a statement watch, but don’t overdo it.
And most importantly, have fun and enjoy your cruise.
If you’d like to see other cruise capsule wardrobes, pop over here .
Happy cruising!
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Pam and her husband, Myron, travel almost three months of the year, enjoying all the benefits of premium cruising. She's learned a thing or two and has a checklist for nearly everything related to cruising, and enjoys sharing those tips and lists with you.
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Men’s Capsule Wardrobe for a Cruise Vacation
Things to Consider
- Your clothing choices will depend on your ports of call and the likely weather conditions.
- For cruising in hotter climes opt for shorts and short-sleeved shirts in light natural fabrics.
- In cooler destinations you'll prefer trousers, long-sleeved shirts and jackets in thicker weights.
- Clever layering is the best way to cope with changeable weather conditions – e.g. wear a jacket over a fleece, over a t-shirt.
- Consider the activities you plan to do off ship – will you need particular clothing or footwear?
- Check the evening dress codes – these vary between cruise line and ship and may be strictly enforced. Sports and beach wear is generally not allowed in the evenings, and jackets and ties may be required on formal nights.
- The amount of food you can eat on a cruise is all part of the appeal; we recommend you pack clothes with comfortable waistbands!
- Pick a simple colour scheme of neutrals plus one or two statement shades if you like. Make sure all your clothes co-ordinate so they can be mixed and matched.
- Remember you will need an outfit to travel in! Wear your bulkiest clothes and shoes where possible.
- Download our complete packing list below for all quantities and a checklist of items.
- Also see our Cruise Capsule Wardrobe for Women
What We Would Pack For A Cruise
Casual Tops
Pack simple tops in your favourite colours that will match your trousers and shorts. Collared t-shirts or shirts can be worn for casual evenings, then wear by day for sightseeing. Depending on the climate choose from long or short-sleeved, or a mixture.
Suggested buy : Calvin Klein Men's Polo with Uv Protection on Amazon
Smart Shirts
Choose smart shirts that can be dressed down with jeans or up with trousers. Short sleeved are fine in warmer weather, but don't forget a dress shirt or similar if you're taking a dinner jacket or suit (see below).
Suggested buy : Russell Long Sleeve Fitted Shirt by Amazon
Packaway Jacket
A light packaway raincoat is a good idea to carry with you on day trips – it's ideal in case the weather changes quickly or you experience a sudden downpour. You can layer up underneath for warmth if necessary, or opt for a more substantial jacket in cooler climes.
Check out : Result Waterproof Jacket by Amazon
Essential for sun protection in hot weather or to keep out the cold and wet in cooler regions. It's usually windy at sea, so choose a style that stays on securely – our Breezy Sun Hat features a chin strap, so it's great for outdoor pursuits.
Suggested Buy : Dorfman Pacific Men's Safari Hat on Amazon
Smart Shoes
Pack one formal pair to go with your suit. We love Hotter shoes which are really lightweight and comfy, even on warm evenings.
Suggested buy : Lance Shoes by Hotter
Take some non-slip comfy flats for daytime on deck, easy exploring off ship, and casual evenings.
Suggested buy : Marine Deck Shoes by Hotter
Walking Shoes or Trainers
If you plan to do lots of walking on shore you'll need some active shoes. Closed-toe are best on dusty roads, and if you're heading off the beaten track do make sure you have something sturdy and supportive that are suited to the terrain.
These are comfy : Logan Sneakers by Hotter
Tailored Shorts
For warmer weather add in another pair of shorts. Make them tailored as an option for casual evening wear where permitted.
Suggested buy : RVCA Flat Front Twill Shorts by Nordstrom
It's extremely bright at sea when the sun's out as the rays reflect off the water. If you want to admire the views then sunglasses are essential.
We love : Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer by Amazon
Good sunscreen is essential in hotter climes, and don't get caught out on cloudy days either – you can still get burnt. Remember that water will reflect the sun's rays too. Choose a product with a high SPF (protects from UVB rays) and also look for the star or PA rating which indicates protection from UVA.
Suggested buy : SPF 30 PA+++ Water Resistant Sunscreen by Murad
Essential for lazy days of sun-bathing, by the ship's pool or in beach destinations.
Suggested buy : Sandbar Swim Trunks by MaddaFella
Casual Trousers or Shorts
These should be practical for days out. Consider the type of activities you will do – are they city-based or more rural/active? Choose fabrics that dry quickly in case of rain. Styles with detachable legs are a good option for varied temperatures. You might opt for shorts in hotter climes, but trousers are good protection against sun and insects.
Suggested buy : Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pant by Amazon
Some cruise lines have a ‘smart' dress code between casual and formal. On these nights a jacket may be required (with or without a tie). Team it with your smart-casual trousers and deck shoes. You may opt for this look on ‘casual' nights too.
Try these : Trim Fit Graph Print Blazer by Nordstrom
Smart-Casual Trousers
Choose a pair that are comfy for day wear (team with a t-shirt and walking shoes) but can also be worn to dinner with smart shoes and a shirt. Smart dark jeans would work well, or try a lighter Chino style in warmer weather. On some ships men are required to wear long trousers (not shorts) in the evenings.
This bag is handy : AG 'Protégé' Straight Leg Twill Pants by Nordstrom
You'll need a lightweight bag for all your sightseeing essentials. Our packaway day sack folds up into itself and fits easily in your suitcase when not in use. It's surprisingly roomy, showerproof and light to carry – even in hot weather.
Suggested Buy! : Fold Away Day Sack on Amazon
Dinner Jacket or Suit
For formal nights a dinner jacket is the norm – these can usually be hired on board if you don't want to pack one. Any dark suit would also be acceptable. You can eat in the buffet restaurants if you prefer not to get dressed up, but be aware you may turned away from other parts of the ship. It varies by cruise line, so do check before you go if you don't want to miss out on anything.
We love : 2 Button Eveningwear Jacket by Marks & Spencer
Fleece or Light Sweater
Even in hot weather the breezes can make it feel cool when sailing, whilst inside the air-con can also be chilly. A fleece is light, cosy and packs well – or opt for a smart sweater if that's more your style.
Suggested buy: : The North Face Glacier 1/4 Zip Fleece by Amazon
Tie & Cufflinks
If you're packing your suit and formal shirt, don't forget a tie or bow tie, cufflinks and any other accessories you wish to go with it. A regular tie is always handy to pack for other evenings too – just in case.
Suggested buy: : Chuvora 925 Sterling Silver Cuff Links on Amazon
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