What to wear when boarding a cruise ship is a common question of first-time cruisers. You have probably spent months waiting for and planning for embarkation day, now you want to make sure you have the perfect embarkation day outfit to start your cruise off right.
We will look at all the key considerations when determining what to wear on embarkation day as well as some embarkation day outfit ideas.
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What to wear when boarding a cruise ship?
The short answer is, the outfit you wear on the first day of your cruise should be:
- Comfortable
- Resort casual – I’ll explain below
- Inline with the weather forecast
- Something you want to wear for your embarkation photo
- Adhere to the cruise line’s dress code
- Restaurant approved
You will also want to either wear your bathing suit under your clothes (and pack a change of undies in your cruise carry on bag), or pack your swimsuit in your cruise embarkation day bag. This is if you plan on checking out the waterslides, cooling off in the pool, soaking in the hot tub or sun tanning on the pool deck.
It is important to remember that you won’t have access to your stateroom until the early afternoon (often around 2pm). Your checked luggage won’t arrive to your cabin until the afternoon or early evening.
Choose an embarkation day outfit that you can wear at least until evening or pack a change of clothes in your cruise carry-on bag.
Let’s look at the answer to what to wear when boarding a cruise ship in more detail.
Resort casual attire – What is this?
Resort casual attire is clothing that is a little step up from casual wear and is what is often accepted at vacation resorts and on cruise ships.
Examples of resort casual attire for women are:
- Sundresses
- Shorts (appropriate length)
- T-shirts
- Rompers
- Nice tops
- Tank tops
- Summer skirts
- Capris
Examples of resort casual attire for men are:
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Polo or golf shirts
- Short-sleeved button up shirt
- Khakis
Resort casual is sometimes referred to as smart casual, but it pretty much the same thing.
If you are looking for all white cruise outfits, this article has 21 of the best.
My daughter’s cute skirt, tank top and sunhat make a great embarkation day cruise outfit.
Things to consider when choosing what to wear when boarding a cruise ship.
1. Weather conditions
It is always a good idea to check the temperature and forecast of your cruise departure port. This will help you determine how warm you need to dress.
Layers can be a good idea, especially for Alaska cruises. A light jacket or cardigan is a good choice.
2. Embarkation day plans
If your plans include any of water activities or sunbathing on the first day of your cruise you will want to wear a bathing suit under your clothes or pack one in your cruise carry on bag.
If you are wearing your swimsuit, don’t forget to pack a pair of undies in your cruise carry-on bag.
Keep in mind that if you pack your swimsuit in your bag, you, in most cases won’t have access to your stateroom until the afternoon. You will have to change in a washroom.
When boarding a cruise ship, kids should definitely wear their bathing suit.
3. Embarkation photo
Most cruise lines have a photo station set up as you board the ship along with professional photographers to capture your first day cruise memories.
There is no obligation to purchase the photo, but it does make a great keepsake and something many cruisers like to collect.
Consider your embarkation photo, is your embarkation outfit one you would want in your photo if you do decide to purchase it?
3. Adhere to the cruise line dress code
Cruise lines can have slightly different rules as far as dress codes. But, for the daytime they are similar.
It is basically something that is respectful, especially in the common areas. No offensive t-shirts, things like that.
The buffet restaurant and other casual dining venues don’t allow swimsuits. You must be covered up. This is often enforced. So basically don’t board the cruise ship wearing nothing but a bikini. Add some cute swim coverups to your cruise packing list.
The main dining room and other specialty restaurants usually have stricter dress code policies. If you aren’t planning on changing your clothes before dinner, be sure your cruise outfit is suitable for your restaurant of choice.
The main restaurant often has a casual dress code for the first night (often still no short shorts, flip flops, baseball caps, etc.) This is because not everyone may have had their luggage delivered to their cabin yet, especially if you have an early dining time.
Each cruise line lists their dress code on their website. You can read what to wear on a Carnival cruise here.
4. Cruise shirts
Cruise shirts with funny sayings are all the rage right now. If you are traveling with a group, consider matching cruise shirts. These make for great photos and are great conversation starters.
Cruise embarkation outfit ideas
For warm-weather cruises, my go to outfit for wearing on the first day of a cruise is a sundress. They are comfortable, can be worn easily over a bathing suit, and are suitable for the restaurants.
This is one of the ones I have. I love that it has pockets. All the summer dresses I buy now have pockets. This one comes in several different colors and patterns.
This is another sundress I have. It too has pockets. This is actually what I wore on embarkation day on our recent Carnival Radiance cruise.
A romper is a cute cruise embarkation outfit idea. Don’t forget your sun hat and sunglasses.
Or go with the cruise casual look of a cute t-shirt and shorts.
You can lots of other great cruise shirt ideas here.
While these embarkation day outfit ideas are a great choice for a Caribbean cruise or a Mediterranean cruise, you will want warmer clothes for Alaskan cruises. In that case choose nice jeans or pants and a top. This will depend on the temperature of your departing cruise port.
This classy top with a black cardigan would be a nice cruise outfit for cooler temperatures.
Any of these cruise outfits can be worn on sea days or on shore excursions as well.
Dresslily has some cute sundresses as well.
Embarkation day outfit ideas for men
Here are a few examples of what men might want to wear on the first day of a cruise.
For men who like to wear golf shirts (polo shirts) there is a nice vacation themed one.
Comfortable travel pants like these is a good choice for Alaska or cooler temperature cruises.
The first day of your cruise you don’t have to worry about any of the formal wear you may have brought. Those cocktail dresses or little black dress and dark suit you packed will look amazing on the formal nights. But, cruise line dress codes the first night will likely be a casual night.
What to wear when boarding a cruise ship summary
In summary, preparing for embarkation day on a cruise ship is all about finding the balance between comfort and style. Whether you are planning to lounge by the pool, explore the ship’s amenities, or just soak in the excitement, choosing the right embarkation outfit sets the tone for your cruise adventure.
Remember to check your cruise line’s specific dress code guidelines, pack smartly in your cruise carry-on, and don’t forget those essential items like sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
Embarkation day is exciting, enjoy every minute of it. These embarkation day tips can help you make the most out of your first day on the ship.
