What to wear on a warm cruise holiday

Picture yourself on a sunlit deck looking over bright, azure water as the warm sea breeze softly sweeps past you, ready for the next destination. There is a reason warm weather cruises are a dream come true – you can enjoy a series of tropical destinations whilst only unpacking once.

Whether you’re cruising to the Canary Islands, planning a Mediterranean cruise or travelling further afield to the Caribbean, you might be wondering how best to pack for your upcoming getaway. With day trips off the cruise ship, formal evenings, relaxing on deck, and more to consider, it can be easy to be overwhelmed by what to pack – especially when you have to consider the warmer temperatures too!

This article offers a warm cruise packing list to help ensure you’ve always got the right thing to wear on a cruise.

What to pack on a warm cruise holiday

·       Essentials for daytime wear

·       Swimwear and beach cover-ups

·       Evening attire and formal nights

·       Footwear tips for comfort and style

·       Clothing for excursions and sightseeing

·       Layering for cooler evenings

·       Accessories to complete your cruise look

Essentials for daytime wear

The first place to focus when packing for a warm cruise is on your day wear. Whether you’re enjoying your time on deck during a sea day or exploring a new destination at shore, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve packed breathable, lightweight fabrics that’ll keep you cool. Cotton and linen are perfect for ensuring you don’t overheat in the sun.

Finding Jillian speaks about her recommendations for daywear on her blog, recommending keeping it simple: “Being able to mix and match is key for me. I pack neutral and comfortable shorts/skorts – khaki, black, and denim and then 7-10 comfortable and varying tops that will go with all of the bottoms. This gives me the option to change mid-day if the weather warrants it and not run out of clothes. I only pack about five pairs of shorts because I can wear them again, and I also have all of the casual dress options from my dinner category. For shoes, I keep it simple. I’m in my flip-flops or sneakers depending on our activity.”

As you’ll be in the sun, it’s also essential to consider sun protection and take care of your skin. As well as applying sun cream throughout the day, you should pack sunglasses, hats (especially those with wide brims) and light cover-ups to protect your skin.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Top tips for looking after your skin whilst travelling

Swimwear and beach cover-ups

It’s also a good idea to take some options when it comes to swimwear. After all, you’re likely to want something different for lounging by the pool than you do for swimming on tropical beaches!

As well as your go-to swimwear, it can be worth considering a coverup, including a kaftan, sarong or light t-shirt and shorts to throw on and help you transition from pool to dining room. Additionally, you’ll find a dedicated dry bag invaluable for keeping your things together – and keeping the sand contained – after a beach day on shore!

Evening attire and formal nights

Preparing for formal nights, or even just dressing up for a special dinner at one of our specialty restaurants whilst on board, is essential if you want to look and feel your best. Our small ships allow for a relaxed and elegant evening, and you and your fellow guests can enjoy dressing up on a formal night.

It’s a great time to bring out that cocktail dress you never have an excuse to show off, the suit you only ever get to wear at weddings or a new pair of shoes you just couldn’t resist.

Be aware that should you prefer not to dress up, some of our dining venues have more smart casual dress code expectations, even on formal nights, so you don’t need to worry about wearing something you aren’t comfortable in.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: The ultimate guide to cruising dress code with Ambassador

Footwear tips for comfort and style

Footwear can be one of the most complex parts of packing for a cruise. After all, you’ll likely want walking shoes to wear whilst in port, slip-ons or flip-flops for hanging out on the ship, and dress shoes for the evenings. However, we recommend you prioritise one thing for all your shoes: comfort! Whether it’s spending a night on the dance floor or walking between attractions in port, you never know where your feet might need to take you, so protecting them with comfortable shoes is key.

Clothing for excursions and sightseeing

Sightseeing is a fundamental part of a cruise and one of the elements that people are often most excited about. Whether the excursions you plan to go on are activities, crafts or wildlife watching, it is always important to make sure what you wear is comfortable and breathable.

Clothing designed for activities is often made from breathable and moisture-wicking material, so it is excellent for keeping you comfortable and moisture-free when necessary. Wearing comfortable clothing doesn’t mean you can’t follow local fashion norms; wearing layers means you can take items off and still wear the clothes you love underneath.

When heading out on excursions, you may also want to consider packing a few items that you might need throughout the day into a small daypack, items like water, sunscreen and lightweight waterproofs if you’re heading to a location like a waterfall or on a boat.

Layering for cooler evenings

Whether you are travelling somewhere warm or in a country where temperatures can drop, you will want to ensure you have layers for the evenings. Even in warmer countries, temperatures in the evening can become chilly as the sun drops, especially evenings on the ship that may be a little breezy as you travel.

Pack items that are great for layering; lightweight cardigans and scarves, long-sleeved tops, pashminas, and thin jackets are all good staples to have. For the colder weather, you’ll also want to ensure you have versatile outerwear options like coats and jackets that complement casual and smarter looks.

Accessories to complete your cruise look

Accessories can be a great way to transform a simple outfit. A crossbody bag or small backpack can make it easy to carry some spare sun cream, a bottle of water, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun and heat.

On board, items like scarves can be a great way to keep the wind chill at bay if you enjoy watching the sunset on deck.

Fabrics to prioritise for warm weather

Warmer weather can be tricky to plan for when on a cruise, but there are some fabrics you can prioritise to make the hot days comfortable, especially if you’re out exploring a port.

Wrinkle-resistant fabrics like linen, bamboo and technical blends are brilliant for warmer days. They can be pulled out of the suitcase and worn immediately without having to iron or steam them. The light and breathable blends allow your body to breathe in warmer temperatures whilst keeping the sun off your skin and keeping you looking stylish and polished.

Preparing for unexpected weather

Regardless of how warm a destination is when you visit, you should always make sure you are prepared for the unexpected. Pack a compact, waterproof coat that you can take with you at shore and a lightweight jumper for longer days in port in case the evenings get cooler.

Especially in the shoulder seasons, destinations such as the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands can be unpredictable, and although warm sunshine is the aim, making sure a change in forecast won’t put a damper on your days is wise.

FAQs about packing for a warm-weather cruise

Do I need to wear formal wear on a warm-weather cruise?

No, you never need to wear formal wear on an Ambassador cruise. However, there will still be formal nights on a warm-weather cruise – dressing well and feeling good is appropriate in any weather! We want to ensure all of our guests feel comfortable and relaxed, and even on formal nights, there will be areas where casual wear is fine, such as Borough Market.

How can I stay cool while sightseeing on a shore excursion?

The best way to stay cool whilst sightseeing is to wear layers of breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen. This way, you can easily remove a layer if needed and quickly cover up if the weather changes.

What footwear is best when walking in warm destinations?

Opting for breathable and comfortable footwear is the best option for walking in warm destinations. Whether that’s specially designed walking sandals or a lightweight pair of trainers, ensure you’ve properly broken them in before the cruise.

Can I wear shorts in dining areas on a cruise holiday?

Yes, you can wear shorts in the dining areas on a cruise with Ambassador Cruise Line.

Now, you're sure to be prepared when packing for a warm-weather cruise, provided you follow the tips above, including packing versatile, breathable clothing.

Ready to plan your cruise wardrobe? Check out our last-minute cruise deals for exciting offers on upcoming sailings, and put your new knowledge to the test.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: What to pack for a Caribbean cruise

For more articles like this, be sure to check out our blog.