Got a cruise coming up and not sure what to pack? The key is choosing versatile pieces that can take you from poolside lounging and long lunches into elegant dinners with ease. In this guide, we'll show you how to build a streamlined cruise wardrobe with a curated mix of swimwear and ready-to-wear essentials. With just a few key pieces, you can create multiple cruise outfits that transition effortlessly from day to night - so you can stay comfortable and fashionable as you move through the seas.
What swimwear should you pack for a cruise (and how much do you need).
With pools, hot tubs, and beach stops on the itinerary, you’ll need swimwear that can keep up with everything your cruise has to offer. We recommend packing at least four different swimsuits to rotate between, giving you options for different activities and different cruise outfits, while allowing time for each piece to dry. Our hot tip: pack a neutral, clean-cut one-piece that you can swim in but also wear as a top with pants as part of your cruise ship outfits.
For pool lounging and time in the hot tub, opt for a chlorine-resistant swimsuit. Regular swimwear can fade and lose elasticity when exposed to these environments, compromising both fit and longevity. For beach days, choose styles with supportive fits and adjustable straps, so you feel secure and comfortable whether you’re swimming, exploring, or relaxing by the shore.
Which swimsuit styles are most practical for cruise ship outfits?
Choosing the right swimwear all depends on how you’ll be planning your time onboard and onshore. We recommend brining a mix of different styles, offering flexibility to move from relaxing to more active moments with ease.
- One piece: Best for water slides, pool days, and active swims, offering more coverage and a secure fit.
- Bikini: Best for lounging, sunbathing, and relaxed beach days, we recommend bringing a reversible bikini style so you can get two looks out of the one set!
- Tankini: Best if you want the convenience of a two-piece with the coverage of a one-piece, a tankini is also great to transition from swimming to casual lunches - simply wear it as a top!
- Rash vest, sunsuits & boardshorts: Best for active adventures and sun protection, ideal for snorkeling, water sports and long days in the sun!
What are cruise-appropriate cover-ups (and what's too bare for public areas).
Cover-ups for your cruise should be easy, breathable, and polished enough to take you from the pool to lunch or a quick stop in public areas. Make sure you’re dry, covered up and wearing footwear before leaving the pool area. Our top picks for cruise-appropriate cover-ups that you can throw on over your swimwear while still feeling put together include:
- Shirts and shirt dresses: Effortless and versatile, perfect for quick transitions from pool to cafe.
- Kaftans: Lightweight and relaxed, ideal for lounging while still offering coverage.
- Linen sets: A chic option that works for both daytime exploring and casual dining.
- Wrap skirts and sarongs: Easy to layer over swimwear for extra coverage and a pop of colour!
- Shorts + tee combos: A casual, practical choice for active days on board.
What are the typical swimwear and cruise attire rules onboard?
Swimwear and cruise attire can differ by each cruise line. But as a general rule, swimwear should always be paired with a cover-up and footwear in indoor public areas. Swimwear is only appropriate to be worn on its own in pools, spas, and designated sun deck areas.
Where you can wear what:
- Pool deck: Swimwear, cover-ups and slides or thongs.
- Promenade & atrium: Cover up and put on footwear before leaving the pool area.
- Buffet: Most ships require you to be dry, covered up and wearing footwear.
- Main dining: Swimwear is generally not permitted, so change into a nice casual dress or a shirt and pant look.
- Speciality dining: Dress codes can be more formal, so check your cruise line’s requirements and plan your outfit accordingly.
What should you wear on shore days if you'll be swimming at ports?
If swimming at ports will be part of your ship itinerary, use your swimsuit as your base, with a cover-up, comfy shoes, and a wet bag for storing your swimwear afterwards. If you’re heading out and about after your swim, change out of your wet bathers, pop it in your wet bag, and add a fresh pair of underwear underneath your cover-up for an easy transition from the water to sightseeing.
What should you wear to dinner on a cruise after a day at the pool?
In the evenings, you’ll want to shift your style to something a little more polished and put-together. The good news is that turning your resortwear into dinner-ready outfits is easier than you might think!
To get even more wear out of your overswim pieces, style a buttoned-up linen shirt with a sarong and wear it as a dress. Add a statement bag, like the Savona Pouch Bag, to complete the look and take your poolside pieces effortlessly into the evening.
A statement piece is a must on any holiday, and a gorgeous patterned dress on a cruise is just that! For an elegant statement piece, the Anara Maxi Slip Dress is a must-have. Simply add your favourite jewellery and a small heel to complete the look. Some of our other top picks that work as stylish cover-ups by day and dinner outfits by night are the
Sea Blossom Dress, Rodeo Pintuck Slip Dress, Mirage Maxi and Sunset Maxi Daydress.
Another great option for effortless evening dressing is a classic top and pant combo with a statement detail! Pair the Shore Linen Beach Pant with the matching Cami Top, the beautiful panel lace-trim side inserts give a stylish look that feels just as comfortable as it is chic.
How do you pack swimwear and resort outfits without overpacking?
The trick is to choose versatile pieces that pair back with your swimwear and other overswim styles. When packing think in “outfit formulas” rather than individual pieces. For example: one swimsuit + two overswim layers + one pair of shorts = multiple day-to-night combinations without the bulk. A plain white beach shirt for example, is a must-have, versatile piece. Wear it as a cover-up at the pool, and then style it with linen shorts or pants for a relaxed coastal evening look. A lightweight linen set is another great option. Wear each piece separately with other overswim styles, layer them over your swimwear at the pool, then wear the set together for a more polished dinner look in the evening.
Stick to breathable, quick-dry fabrics so you can rotate pieces easily without worrying about long drying times. This is especially helpful on cruises or resort stays where you might be in and out of the pool multiple times a day. Having a few swimsuits to rotate through also means you can let wet bathers dry between wears rather than packing a different pair for every day.
A tight colour palette is another easy way to maximise your wardrobe. Choose complementary shades so every item works together, allowing you to rewear pieces in different combinations while still creating a fresh look each time.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of accessories. A change of bag, jewellery, sunglasses or sandals can instantly refresh an outfit without taking up much room in your luggage.
FAQS: Swimwear-led cruise outfits
How many swimsuits should I take on a 7-night cruise?
We recommend packing a total of 4 pieces – 2 one-piece swimsuits and 2 sets of bikinis. This way, you can rotate your swimwear and have enough drying time between each day. We recommend two bikinis so you can wear each as a matching set, plus create a third look by mixing and matching the tops and bottoms from each set.
Don’t forget to pack a chlorine-resistant one-piece for the pool! We also recommend a simple, staple one-piece that can be worn like your favourite singlet or bodysuit with some pants. This will help save on packing room and make the most out of your swimwear while on your cruise!
Do I need a cover-up on a cruise ship?
Yes, a cover-up is a must! A cover-up is a great idea to bring on a cruise ship, helping you move comfortably from the pool to the bar or back to your room, without needing to change out of your bathers. They’re also great for offering a little extra sun protection while you relax by the pool, or enjoy a snack and a drink on deck between swims.
What shoes should I bring for pool decks, beaches, and dinner?
For pool decks and the beach, a comfortable shoe like Archies support slides or thongs are a great choice. The built-in arch support provides extra comfort, while the range of colours makes it easy to find a pair that matches back with your swimwear and resortwear.
For a thong that’s a little more stylish for the evening, look no further than the Cushion Lune Thong and Malibu Thong. For dinner, a classic sandal like the Maya Sandal is another great option to dress up your look.