What to Wear on a Cruise: A Man’s Guide to Cruising in Style

A cruise is basically three vacations rolled into one—you spend your afternoons soaking up the sun by the pool, your evenings dressed to the nines for elegant dinners, and have the chance to explore new places with unforgettable excursions. What more could you ask for from a getaway?

​Yet another one of the often-overlooked joys of cruising is that you only need to unpack once. However, deciding what to pack in the first place is a bit of a puzzle. While some might say men have it easier than women, finding the right Сruise attire for men can be just as challenging. Regardless of your destination, there are specific items that men should include for a cruise that might not be necessary for other types of vacations. This includes cruise outfits for guys for formal evenings and themed nights, as well as versatile clothing for activities at port.

If you're unsure how to dress for a cruise—or if you’re helping a husband, father, son, partner, or male friend—we're here to assist. Read on for a list of cruise essentials for men, and let’s make sure every guy packs stylish and comfy pieces for his next nautical adventure.

Cruise packing list for men

Most cruises offer a relaxed atmosphere during the day, so first you should pack and dress for the activities you enjoy on board. Lounging by the pool, hitting the gym, enjoying a book in a cozy lounge, your daytime cruise outfit ideas should reflect your plans. On European cruises, and particularly on ships catering to an older or wealthier clientele, daytime attire tends to be a bit more polished. It’s best described as resort casual; you’ll see a mix of polos and collared shirts mixed with chinos or Bermuda shorts throughout the day. And let’s not forget about suitable clothing for the time in port. Layering is key—pack a hat for sun protection, and have a light jacket or vest handy for cool mornings and windy afternoons. Sturdy shoes are a must for hikes, while loafers or sneaks are great for town explorations. If you plan on mixing beach time with walking excursions, make sure to toss some sandals in your bag for a quick change.

​But enough chit-chat, let’s discuss each particle of the men’s cruise apparel more precisely.

Linen shirt

There's a lot of overlap between summer essentials and what you'll want for a cruise, and linen acts as a secret weapon for achieving a polished look during the warmer months. Picture your usual tee and shorts outfit; now swap that tee for a linen shirt. That’s a typical daily uniform on a cruise. Linen shirts are lightweight, breathable, effectively wick away moisture, not to mention they're fairly resistant to stains. With just one or two in your suitcase, you're well-prepared for any occasion. Another bonus—their versatility means they team with just about anything.

The white Long sleeve linen patch-pocket shirt by 120% Lino is the most versatile option—it fits the swim shorts as much as men's cruise dinner wear. If you are up for something more unique, check out the Relaxed-fit linen shirt from Tiger of Sweden, as this button-down will introduce a lovely green hue to your attire.

Classic fit shorts

Shorts are a must in your suitcase; you’ll have to accept it. Opt for a classic fit—nothing too short and tight, overly long and baggy. Aim for a hem that falls just above the knee—it flatters all body types. Neutral colors like beige or tan are highly versatile. Jersey or linen shorts can transition from a dress shirt look to a relaxed vibe by the pool—though not directly in the pool, of course. You can even wear them ashore during port stops. For those who enjoy soaking up the sun or lounging by the pool, these Shorts for men are ideal for moving from daytime leisure to cocktail parties and dinner outings.

Here, linen is still the best option—the Linen Bermuda shorts from 120% Lino, for example, offer the relaxed fit with all the benefits of a knee length. The Tailored jersey shorts by Aeronautica Militare boast a more elevated appearance, which fits better for parties and slightly fancier events.

Full suit

What is formal wear on a cruise, and is it necessary to have a suit with you? Well, it never hurts to look into your cruise ship's dress code ahead of time and check. Some cruises have formal nights with special programming and dinners, others don’t. But even if most nights are casual—pack a suit. This serves two purposes: it's a backup plan since you never know what might come up, and suit separates can be dressed down. For instance, suit pants pair with a linen shirt, a suit jacket with linen shorts—both are great options for men on a cruise. Your cabin is never too far away, so it's better to be slightly overdressed at first than to scramble to change outfits later. And if you don’t want to pack a dress shirt, a short-sleeve button-up or a linen shirt is a good substitute.

Cruises are a great place to break some of your own rules, and summer suits are a great way to do that. Go for warm-weather colors like powder blue, mint, or cream—the linen suit by Tiger of Sweden in cream, featuring the Linen blazer and the Linen straight-fit trousers, is your best bet. 

Short-sleeve collared shirt

In a more relaxed dress code, t-shirts certainly have their place. Yet, we believe that collared shirts are far more versatile—knit polos, pique polos, short-sleeve button-ups, camp collar shirts all fall into this category. A well-fitted collared shirt can be just as comfortable as a tee, but the added structure makes it suitable for both shorts and trousers, whether you choose to wear it with or without a blazer or suit jacket. You can even fake a dress shirt with a collared button-up—something you can never do with a t-shirt. If you want to keep your wardrobe minimal for a week-long cruise, four to five tops easily suffice.

​Hawaiian shirts are great for tropical cruises, hot-weather trips, and holiday vibes in general; the Printed short sleeve linen shirt from 120% Lino will tell you that much. If you lean towards a polo aesthetic, though, the Contrast-collar polo shirt from Aeronautica Militare is a good option.

Light jacket

No matter where you are headed around the globe (even the Caribbean), the temperature can quickly drop in the evening, with gusts of wind bringing an extra chill. As such, remember to pack a hoodie or lightweight jacket for extra comfort along your trip—so you are fully prepared for any unforeseen showers.

​Depending on your style, it can be a bomber, a leather jacket, a windbreaker, or a sports jacket. As for the bomber, the Logo-pattern bomber jacket from Moose Knuckles is a lovely choice—made of water-repellent fabric, it will serve its main purpose—protect from the elements—and keep the outfit minimal. For those who lean towards more fashion-forward looks, we suggest the Patched varsity wool jacket from Les Deux.

Classic fit chinos

Notice a pattern here? Basically, anything that can be worn casually as well as dressed up is a good staple to pack. You can wear chinos at restaurants on and off the boat. You can wear them in the main dining room. Perhaps while you’re taking a stroll ashore. Really, anything that isn’t black-tie.

Chinos are probably the second-most-important bottom for summer boat cruise outfits, after shorts, all right. The Casual chino-fit trousers from Tiger of Sweden are classic, the Velvet chino trousers from Aeronautica Militare are fancier, but both these pairs fit the cruise dress code just about right.

Light knit

Packing knitwear for a cruise? Focus on light knits that can handle intense ship air conditioning and different outdoor climates—both hot and cold. We already know that for most cruise looks, it’s better to prioritize smart casual pieces that transition from daytime lounging to evening dining. 

​A long-sleeved knitted polo, a "season-spanning staple" such as the Poloneck pullover by Tiger of Sweden, offers a modern alternative to a traditional button-down. It pairs well with tailored trousers for dinner or chinos for daytime. The Short-sleeve pullover from FTC Cashmere, a minimal fine-textured knit in a neutral color, is another highly versatile piece you can wear instead of a tee or layer under your suit jacket.

Swim shorts

Port days call for beachwear to enjoy outdoor activities, yes, but your time onboard will likely revolve around the pool and the lido deck, too. Even if you're heading to cooler destinations like Alaska, try to fit your swimwear in the suitcase. You'll be prepared for those unexpected sunny days when the weather surprises with warmth—and it happens more often than it seems.

Bring along at least two swimsuits for a cruise. The Stripe swim shorts by Les Deux are quick-drying, comfortable, great for beach and catamaran snorkeling excursions, as well as lounging by the pool.

Loafers

You have to have at least one casual shoe and one kinda formal shoe. For the latter, we recommend boat shoes or loafers. Both can be worn by the pool, on the beach, and with casual outfits. In fact, on a boat, you can even take them into the men's cruise formal wear and smart casual realms. 

Hereu offers stylish options that fit everyday and cruise wardrobes alike. The Suede lace-up loafers, for example, are a mix of boat shoe and loafer, showcasing the best features of both. The Slip-on loafers, on the other hand, give off a more classy loafer look, which works great for casual and semiformal events.

Sandals

Men should pack a combination of water-friendly flip-flops for the pool, rugged adventure sandals for excursions, and elevated leather sandals for evening activities. You should stay comfortable on slippery decks and have support for long walking days in port, right? But three pairs sounds a bit too much, and to save space, we recommend one well-fitting pair that serves as a walking shoe and a dinner sandal.

If you have space for only one pair of cruise shoes, go for the Fisherman sandals by Hereu—they are elevated enough for the evenings and comfortable enough for long city strolls. Yet if you have enough room and are eager to have a stylish slipper-style sandal, the Interwoven mule is a beautiful add-on.