what to wear on a cruise outfits

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Planning what to wear on a cruise can feel like navigating uncharted waters—exciting, adventurous, but let’s be honest—a bit overwhelming too!

If you’re prone to packing everything but the kitchen sink, you’re not alone. I mean, bikinis and flowy dresses are no-brainers. But what else should make the cut? And how do we inject some creativity into our cruise wardrobe?

Fear not, girlfriend! Whether you’re lounging by the pool or dining under the stars, I’ve got the style tips and cruise outfits that’ll have you sailing through your vacay looking effortlessly chic.

Harman’s Special Tips

  • Pack layers: Weather on a cruise can change quickly, so bring light layers. A cardigan or light jacket is perfect for those breezy evenings on deck!
  • Comfortable shoes are key: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so pack comfy sneakers or sandals. Leave the stilettos at home.
  • Choose breathable fabrics: Opt for cotton or linen to keep cool and comfortable during the day. No one likes feeling sticky while enjoying a buffet or exploring the port!
  • Formal night attire: Many cruises have formal nights. A simple cocktail dress or a smart shirt and trousers will do the trick. No need to bust out the tux unless you want to!
  • Sun protection: Hats, sunglasses, and a good sunscreen are musts.
  • Evening casual: After a day of fun, you’ll want something comfy yet chic for dinner. Think smart-casual dresses or nice slacks and shirts.

Now Let’s set sail on this Cruise outfit-planning voyage together!

1. cute tube top + pleated shorts

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

Channel those vacay vibes with a cute tube top paired with pleated shorts, topped off with a chic head-scarf. Perfect for soaking up the sun during the day!

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Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

2. floral off-shoulder top + pants

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

Feel like a blooming goddess in a floral off-shoulder top and comfy linen pants. Ideal for a casual stroll or a relaxed lunch on board.

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Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

3. sexy satin top + linen pants

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)
Courtesy: @emily_stonee

Steal the spotlight with a sexy satin crop top matched with linen pants. A great choice for those balmy evenings on a cruise.

4. bikini top + pleated shorts

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

Ready to make waves? Rock a bikini top with pleated shorts and a beachy hat. This combo is everything you need for a perfect day by the pool!

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Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

5. backless satin maxi dress

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

For those elegant nights on the cruise where you ask yourself, “What to wear on a cruise formal night?”—a backless satin maxi dress is your answer! Glamorous and sophisticated.

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Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

6. pretty co-ord set

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)
Courtesy: @nikimehra

Mix and match with a pretty co-ord set featuring a printed bikini top, shorts, and a matching jacket. Looks polished yet playful—just the right vibe for a cruise!

7. cut-out maxi dress

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

Turn heads with a stunning cut-out maxi dress for an unforgettable evening out on the cruise. It’s all about making a statement!

8. cute co-ord set

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

Perfect for day or night, this co-ord combines effortless style with comfort. Whether you’re dining or dancing, you’ll look fab while cruising the ship!

9. cardigan + sexy top + maxi skirt

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

Beat the evening chill with a cozy cardigan over a sexy top and maxi skirt. The perfect outfit for when you’re lounging on deck or enjoying a sunset dinner.

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Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

10. elegant co-ord set

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)
Courtesy: @eshitastic

Turn heads with this elegant combo that’s both chic and classy. Ideal for formal nights onboard when you want to make a lasting impression.

11. crop shirt + shorts

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

Stay cool and casual during the day with a crop collared shirt and shorts. Perfect for strolling around the cruise ship or exploring an island stopover.

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Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

12. crop top + trousers

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)
Courtesy: @dalisharepal

Bring the sass with a crop top paired with trousers. This combo screams relaxed yet stylish, ideal for various ship activities.

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Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

13. strappy top + satin skirt

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)
Courtesy: @eshitastic

Unleash your wild side with a strappy zebra top and lush satin skirt. Great for those cruise evenings when you’re feeling daring and want to stand out.

14. linen co-ord set

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)
Courtesy: @luludumas

Go for a laid-back vibe with a linen tie-dye co-ord set. It’s breathable and fun, keeping you comfortable whether you’re catching a show or soaking up the sun.

15. bodysuit + pleated shorts

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

Rock a bodysuit paired with pleated shorts for a chic look that’s both comfy and stylish—perfect for daytime explorations on the cruise ship.

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Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

16. bikini top + leopard maxi skirt

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)
Courtesy: @monickaaaa_b

Why settle for basic when you can go bold? Pair a bikini top with a leopard maxi skirt featuring a sexy slit to turn heads at the poolside or on a boat cruise!

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Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

17. pretty top + denim + head-scarf

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

Keep it casual and cool with a pretty top, your favourite denim, and a chic head-scarf for a laid-back vibe that’s ideal for a daytime stroll gatherings on the cruise ship.

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Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

18. tube top + mini skirt

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)
Courtesy: @meghanbarnes

Hit the dance floor in a tube top and mini skirt combo that screams fun! Whether you’re on a cruise or a boat party, you’ll be the life of it!

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Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

19. summery cut-out dress

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

Get ready to dazzle in a summery cut-out dress that’s both flirty and fresh—just the thing for those balmy evenings on deck.

20. flowy maxi dress

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)
Courtesy: @hanginwithholly

Channel effortless elegance with a flowy maxi dress that moves with the ocean breeze, making it the quintessential piece for a dinner cruise.

21. sexy slit maxi dress

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)
Courtesy: @cristina_styled

Opt for a sexy slit maxi dress to add a touch of drama and allure to your evening cruise attire. It’s all about being glam and fabulous!

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Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

22. crochet co-ord set

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)
Courtesy: @stephmnavarro

Set sail in a crochet co-ord that screams beachy vibes! This sexy bikini top and flowy maxi skirt combo is perfect for lounging on deck or hitting the onboard party scene.

23. halter neck maxi dress

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

Breeze through your cruise with a halter neck flowy maxi dress. It’s lightweight, elegant, and moves beautifully with the ocean breeze—ideal for dining al fresco.

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Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

24. floral co-ord set

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

Feel like a tropical queen in a floral co-ord set. This crop top and midi skirt duo is just what you need for a chic day exploring the islands.

25. sassy maxi dress

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

Make a splash with a sassy maxi dress that turns heads effortlessly. Perfect for those sunset cocktails and romantic dinners on the ship.

26. flared maxi dress

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)
Courtesy: @nikimehra

Channel your inner goddess with a flared maxi dress that’s all about drama and elegance. It’s the epitome of cruise glam!

27. bikini top + bodycon maxi dress

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

Hit the pool deck in style! A bikini top paired with a bodycon maxi dress is the ultimate cruise combo for a seamless transition from swim to stroll.

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Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

28. halter neck crop top + mini skirt

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

Dance the night away in a halter neck crop top and mini skirt. This flirty ensemble is so perfect and instagrammable.

29. crochet maxi dress

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

Unleash your inner siren in a crochet maxi dress with a daring side slit. It’s the perfect blend of boho and bold for those seaside adventures.

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Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

30. tube top + pants

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

Keep it cool and casual with a tube top and wide-leg pants. This combo is the definition of laid-back luxury for your cruise escape.

31. oversized shirt + linen pants + head-scarf

Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

Go for the effortlessly chic look with an oversized shirt, linen pants, and a head scarf. Perfect for exploring new ports or a leisurely brunch on deck.

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Ready to Set Sail? What to Wear on a Cruise for Major Vacation Vibes (32 Outfits Inside!)

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