Although I absolutely love cruises, the part I don’t love is the packing and unpacking. If only my closet could magically roll onto the ship with me! But since teleporting wardrobes isn’t a thing (yet), we’ve got to make the suitcase work for us.

Packing for a cruise can feel overwhelming—especially for longer sailings—but with a few smart tips, you’ll be ready to slay every poolside selfie, excursion adventure, and elegant evening dinner. Let’s break it down:

Daytime & Excursions

During the day, cruise ships are casual, breezy, and all about fun. Think pool lounging, sunbathing, trivia games, and maybe a cheeky cocktail before noon.

• Casual staples: Pack breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or rayon. T-shirts, tanks, shorts, and sundresses are your best friends.
• Swimwear: Bring at least 2–3 swimsuits. A one-piece can double as a chic top with shorts or a sarong.
• Cover-ups: Cruise dining venues require you to be covered, so toss in lightweight wraps, kaftans, or button-downs.
• Shoes: Flip-flops or slides for the pool deck, sneakers for walking the ship.

Excursions

Caribbean itineraries usually mean two flavors of excursions: beach bliss or adventure mode.

• Beach days: Swimsuit, cover-up, sandals, sun hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle.
• Adventure tours: Athletic wear, sneakers, and a light backpack.
• Cultural visits: A scarf or shawl to cover shoulders when needed.

Pride & Passport Pro Tip: Excursion guidelines often list recommended clothing—check before you pack so you’re not caught in flip-flops on a rainforest hike.

Evenings on the Ship

Evenings are where cruise fashion shines. While many guests keep it casual, we say: why not lean into the glamour?

• Smart casual: Sundresses, jumpsuits, or tailored separates. For men or masc-presenting travelers, collared shirts with chinos or a sport coat.
• Formal nights: Cocktail dresses, elegant maxis, or sleek blazers with dress pants. It’s less about black tie, more about looking polished.
• Theme nights: From tropical luaus to all-white parties, cruise lines love a theme. Pack one or two playful outfits to join the fun.

Outfit Inspiration

• Classic beach set: A floral bikini with a matching sarong—simple, chic, and photo-ready.
• Bold & bright: A fuchsia wrap set or one-shoulder crop top that works for both day and night.
• Ageless style: Caribbean cruises are for everyone—lean into color and fun prints no matter your age.
• Chic cover-up: A sheer white two-piece set that’s breezy but sophisticated for poolside cocktails.
• Evening elegance: White, coral, or green maxi dresses that highlight your tan, or a sharp blazer with statement accessories.

Final Packing Tips

• Layers: Cruise ships crank the A/C—bring a light jacket or cardigan.
• Weather prep: Caribbean weather is warm year-round, but rain showers happen. Quick-dry clothing and water-resistant shoes are lifesavers.
• Accessories: Hats, bug spray, waterproof phone case, and sunglasses are essentials.
• Color over black: The Caribbean is vibrant—your wardrobe should be too.

At Pride & Passport, we believe your cruise wardrobe should celebrate who you are: bold, joyful, and unapologetically you. Pack smart, dress with flair, and let your outfits be part of the adventure.