Tips on What to Pack for a Cruise and Dress Code (2024)

FAQs

How strict are dress codes on cruise ships? ›

Life on board is dominated by a casual atmosphere. We recommend long skirts and trousers, dresses and tops for the ladies and shorts, polo shirts and t-shirts for the gentlemen. Furthermore we suggest wearing flat shoes with rubber soles and low heals.

Here's what to pack for a 7-day cruise to the Caribbean

You should average two outfits per day, as you'll wear one during the day and one at night for dinner.

There is no such thing as being overdressed on Evening Chic nights. All cruises that are seven nights or longer will feature two Evening Chic nights. Shorter cruises feature one Evening Chic night. On all other nights of the cruise, guests are asked to wear smart casual attire.

These days, most cruise lines don't have a formal dinner night, or at most they'll select one night during a longer cruise. Even then, the “formal” part has been watered-down from black-tie to ties required. Many cruise guests will choose to “skip” the formal night and go to other restaurants on that night.

All weapons and any item made, adapted or intended for use as an offensive weapon: firearms (including replicas, imitations and their components), spears or spear guns, crossbows, crossbow bolts and long bow arrows; blunt weapons, including knuckle dusters, brass knuckles, clubs, coshes, batons, flails or Nunchaku; ...

With few exceptions, you need to pack only 4-5 pairs of shoes for your cruise.

Most guests bring $50-$120 cash per day to spend during the cruise.

If you want to attend a “cruise elegant” evening, bring a fancier, more formal outfit. Men can wear suits or dress slacks with a sport coat and dress shirt. For women, co*cktail dresses, pantsuits or elegant skirts and blouses are appropriate. Some guests like to go all out with a tuxedo or ball gown.

So How Much Cash Should I Take on a Cruise? As a general rule, plan to have $50 to $100 each day in the local currency. Also, you may want to bring an extra $20 a day for tipping crew members. Make sure to include smaller bills for tips.

How much money should you carry-on a cruise? ›

And how much cash should you take on your next cruise? We're here to help you figure it out! Experts say the average cruise passenger spends anywhere from $52 to $89 per day, but the amount you'll spend will, of course, vary based on cruise line, ship, experience and your individual preferences.

You are allowed to bring a quart-size, zip-lock bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes though the checkpoint in carryon luggage. These combined items need to be less than 3 ounces. More information from the TSA. So the 3-1-1 rule is the TSA's quick reminder: 3 ounces, 1 quart bag and 1 bag per traveler.

At no point is swimwear allowed in any formal dining venue for any meal, including breakfast and lunch. Shorts, flip flops, and tank tops are not allowed for Evening Wear or Gala Night in the Main Dining Rooms, Specialty Restaurants, or MSC Yacht Club. T-shirts are not allowed to be worn for Gala Night.

Bring your pillow or pillowcase. The right support from a familiar pillow, and the right feel from your own pillowcase, can help you drop right off to sleep. Bring sound machines or fans from home. These not only drown out extraneous noise, but can also provide a familiar environment in which to rest.

However, on cruises in cooler regions or during winter months, it can get chilly at night, so it's advisable to pack some light layers or a jacket to stay comfortable during evening activities and stargazing on the deck.

Casual: You're on vacation – relax! Jeans, polos, sundresses and blouses are all the right amount of laid back. Please keep swimwear to the Pool Deck. Shorts are welcomed for breakfast and lunch.

Think of our formal dress code as a night out in your best black-tie look — suits and ties, tuxedos, co*cktail dresses or evening gowns are all acceptable options. There can be 1-3 formal nights during a sailing and is at the ship's discretion. Our Chef's Table dining experience also enforces a formal dress code policy.

If you'd like to show off your evening gowns that's great too! Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Elegant dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, gym shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball hats.