15 Cruise Outfits for Dinner on the Ship and More

When you think of a cruise, you might imagine walking around in flip-flops and a bathing suit all day. But for me, one of my favorite things about setting sail is the excuse to dress up. Many cruise lines have dress codes at night in their ship’s formal dining rooms, and if you choose to eat at a specialty restaurant, you’ll want to show up looking your best. I’ve been cruising for over 20 years, which adds up to about 15 cruises, and have sailed everywhere from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean. Needless to say, I’ve learned a thing or two about what you’ll need once aboard.

Cruise dress codes have become more relaxed in recent years. However, I just got back from a five-night cruise to Bermuda on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas, and the itinerary included multiple theme nights. When there was no theme, guests were asked to wear smart casual outfits in dining rooms and on-board restaurants. I took this as an opportunity to turn the ship deck into my own personal runway with flowy maxi dresses, lightweight linen, and colorful floral prints. Here are 15 cruise outfits that will make you the best-dressed guest aboard your next cruise.

Anrabess One-shoulder Wide-leg Linen Jumpsuit 

A night on a cruise ship isn’t just about good dining — you’ll often have the chance to see a show before or after your meal. This breezy wide-legged jumpsuit would be a comfortable option to wear all night long, especially while sitting for long periods. It’s made with lightweight linen for breathability and features a fashionable silhouette with a one-shoulder strap. The cinched waist and smocked back are ultra-flattering on different body types while the side zipper makes it easy to put on after a long day at the beach.  

Grace Karin Criss-cross Halterneck Floral Maxi Dress 

Every night might feel like a tropical night when you’re out at sea, but there was actually a dedicated theme night on my most recent cruise that required a specific look. I packed a flowy blue maxi dress with a halterneck and Hawaiian-inspired flower print and ended up wearing it to Chops Grille, which is arguably Royal Carribean’s nicest specialty restaurant. While my dress is an older style from For Love & Lemons, I found a dress with a similar one on Amazon for a much more affordable price. 

Abercrombie Linen-blend Shell Mini Dress 

Linen clothes and beach vacations may go hand-in-hand, but this mini Abercrombie dress is versatile enough to become a most worn item in your wardrobe — which is always helpful to take into consideration if you’re using girl math to justify your trip’s clothing purchases. On a cruise ship, I’d wear this dress with sandals, but it instantly becomes city-ready when paired with cowboy boots. The high neckline balances its mini length and it features vertical stitching to accentuate your curves.

If you’ve ever sailed with Virgin Voyages, you know the cruise line features Scarlet Night, a full-ship activation where guests are invited to dress in red. This dress would be perfect to pack, and it also comes in black, gray, and white for those who prefer neutrals.

Reformation Annabella Lace Trim Linen Minidress 

Another common cruise theme night is for guests to be asked to wear all-white outfits. A white dress is a timeless closet staple that you’ll wear again and again. If you don’t already have one, why not invest before your trip? In my opinion, no one does white dresses better than Reformation, and this button-down dress is the perfect combination of classic and trendy. The lace trim gives an otherwise simple shirt dress a more feminine touch.

The high-quality materials make it worth the splurge — it’s made from 100 percent linen, which is lightweight, breathable, and durable. One Nordstrom shopper said they kept receiving compliments on this dress, while another called it “my favorite summer dress.” Hurry, it’s selling out fast.

PrettyGarden Floral Maxi Dress 

I wore a red maxi dress with pink flowers on my cruise, and you should too. Or, you could go with one of the 29 other colorways of this flowy maxi dress, ranging from solid light blue to pink and blue stripes. My dress is from Faithfull the Brand, and while its 100 percent linen fabric made it worth the splurge to me, I can’t deny that this more affordable version from Amazon is just as eye-catching.

A long, tiered maxi skirt makes this a comfortable option for walking through windy decks. The one-shoulder tie is stylish but also practical, making the dress more adjustable. It’s no wonder the dress has more than 3,700 five-star ratings. One reviewer, who called it “very comfortable” and “flattering,” said, “If you are on the fence, go ahead and buy it — you won’t regret it!”

Nashalyly Tiered Maxi Skirt

Tiered white maxi skirts have become a popular trend recently, but they’re also a match-anything closet staple. My mom wore this boho-inspired style multiple times on our recent trip, inspiring me to add a similar Aerie skirt to my own wardrobe. However, you can achieve the same look with this top-rated style from Amazon, which is available in a slew of colors and made with a lightweight gauze material that can be dressed up for a smart casual outfit, or worn casually during the day.

Meshki Suki Knit Maxi Dress With Flowers 

Crochet is another fabric that goes hand-in-hand with a tropical vacation. This maxi dress was a bit out of my comfort zone but ended up being one of my favorite outfits of the trip. I felt so good in it all night long. My dress is Caroline Constas from Marshall’s, and while it isn’t available online, this Meshki version is basically identical. It features the same 3D crochet florals but has the bonus of coming in five different colors. The black with white flowers might have to go into my cart for my next vacation.

FQA Long Evening Gown

If you’re the type of person who enjoys dressing up, a cruise is your time to shine. Most cruises I’ve been on have included one or two formal nights, but on my most recent trip, this was replaced with a “wear your best” night. While some people dressed down, others wore gowns. Personally, I never mind being the most dressed-up person in the room. After all, a cruise does offer great family photo opportunities. 

This dress features a thick material with spandex for some stretch, which makes it comfortable and flattering, while the leg slit will keep you cool. “The V-neck and sleeveless design gave it an elegant yet comfortable feel, and the split wrap style added a touch of flair. I received so many compliments throughout the evening,” said one reviewer, who wore this dress on a cruise. A versatile piece you can re-wear is always a win, and this dress would also be appropriate for a black tie wedding.

Grace Karin Sequin Wrap Mini Dress

One of my all-time favorite cruises took place during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, ending with a balloon drop on the ship’s promenade. If I were to ring in the new year in a tropical destination again, this Amazon-loved number is the dress I’d want to be wearing. 

Similar to a sparkly option I’ve been eyeing from Pacsun, this pick is sure to help you stand out with its shimmery navy sequins and sexy wrap front. The dress has some stretch to it to keep you comfortable throughout dinner in the dining room. Throw a pair of silver kitten heels in your suitcase and you’ll be ready for a long night of celebrations.

Anrabess One-shoulder Smocked Two-piece Set

A matching set is a one-and-done travel outfit that you can rely on to look and feel good on board. I wore a floral two-piece from Marshall’s to dine at Sabor, Royal Carribean’s Mexican specialty restaurant, but I’m eyeing this Amazon set for my next cruise. The one-shoulder top is smocked all over, which I find hugs your body in a way that’s both comfortable and flattering. It’s paired with a maxi skirt in a simple but pretty silhouette. Plus, it has pockets — perfect for stashing your state card, which is pretty much the only thing you need on a cruise ship. 

This set comes in 18 colors, including both prints and solids. While it would be perfect for a smart casual night, it also comes in white and floral prints, depending on what themes you’re packing for. Reviewers who have worn this set everywhere from Hawaii to Mexico praise its lightweight material as being perfect for summer. “The material is very soft and flattering,” said one shopper. And, if you’re going on a longer trip, you can mix and match this set with other tops and bottoms to make the most of your vacation wardrobe.

Resistor Midi Slip Dress

There are other patterns besides florals to make a statement. To add charm and fun to your cruise outfits, I recommend opting for something like the Resistor Midi Slip Dress that’s decorated in unique, geometric squiggles for intrigue. the simple yet elegant nature of the slip dress will match any cruise itinerary. Plus, Personally, I was eyeing this Madewell x Lisa Says Gah! illustrated dress inspired by the Greek Isles and deep blue seas; I can’t think of a better way to spend a night than watching the sunset over the ocean while wearing lemon wedges and wine bottles on my dress.

Wayf Two-piece Poplin Pleated Skirt Set

I’m the type of person who likes to dress on theme for where I’m headed, and this set says, “New England cruise.” I’d imagine sailing from Maine to Canada in the matching poplin shirt and pleated skirt. Plus, it fits the smart casual dress code of most cruise lines. The long-sleeved top would keep you comfortable in a cold dining room, but the sleeves can also easily be rolled up. I’d likely wear this outfit with loafers or ballet flats, but it could also be made more warm-weather appropriate with slip-on sandals. 

Cider Tube Ruched Ruffle Mini Dress

This might look like just another white dress at first glance, but stick with me here to see the vision. Disney Cruise Line is known for having a pirate theme night during some itineraries, and this dress would be the perfect base for your outfit. Just add accessories and, shiver me timbers, you’ll look like an extra straight out of Pirates of the Caribbean.  

On other ships, the dress would be a great pick for an all-white night or a more casual night where you skip the formal dining room and head straight for the buffet. “This is the perfect summer dress that you can dress up or down,” said one reviewer. “The quality was good and it fit very well.”

Peppermayo Ayla Satin Mini Dress

This yellow slip dress was one of the first things I packed for my trip, and I felt so good in it that I brought it to the beach in Bermuda for a fun photo shoot. Not only was butter yellow one of the biggest color trends of this past summer, but it also looks great against a fresh sun tan. However, this dress is also available in blue if you prefer.

As someone with a smaller chest, I was worried about how the bust would fall on me, but it ended up being ultra-flattering due to the ruching. It’s also a higher cut and provides more chest coverage in comparison to other similar dresses I’ve tried. The delicate lace and satin material feel elegant while the open back makes it perfect for warmer nights at sea. If you do choose to order this dress, keep in mind that there’s no stretch (though the tie back is adjustable) and Peppermayo tends to run small. I went up one size, following the size chart for just the right fit. 

Newshows Lightweight Button-down Cardigan

You may have dinner dresses, matching sets, and jumpsuits on your packing list, but trust me, this cardigan is the one piece of clothing you won’t want to set sail without. Cruise ships are notorious for blasting the air conditioner inside and you won’t want to be forced to cover your chic dinner outfit up with a sweatshirt. Toss this cardigan into your suitcase to stay warm without sacrificing your outfit. It comes in 35 different colors to match any look, but I prefer to go with white so I only have to pack one. 

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