What Should I Wear on a Cruise Over 50?

By Anna Duncan

Cruising is an excellent way to spend a vacation, and it’s becoming increasingly popular among people over the age of 50. If you’re planning to go on a cruise, one of the things that you might be wondering about is what to wear. Dress codes vary from cruise line to cruise line, but generally speaking, there are some guidelines that you can follow.

What to Wear During the Day

During the day, you’ll want to dress comfortably. You can wear shorts, t-shirts, and other casual clothes. If you’re going to be spending time outside, make sure that you bring a hat and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.

  • Swimsuits: Pack at least two swimsuits for your cruise. Make sure they fit well and are comfortable.
  • Casual Clothing: Pack shorts or capris with comfortable t-shirts or sleeveless tops for casual daytime activities.
  • Hat: Bring a hat that offers sun protection for your face and head.
  • Sunglasses: Bring sunglasses for eye protection from the sun.

What to Wear in the Evening

In the evening, most cruise lines have dress codes that require passengers to dress up a bit more than during the day. Check with your specific cruise line for their dress code requirements before packing.

Casual Evenings

On casual evenings, men can wear slacks or khakis with a button-up shirt or polo shirt. Women can wear sundresses or skirts with blouses or nice tops.

  • Dress Pants: Pack dress pants that are comfortable and can be paired with a button-up shirt or a nice blouse.
  • Dress: Bring a simple dress that can be dressed up or down on casual evenings.
  • Nice Top: Pack a blouse or nice top that can be paired with dress pants or a skirt for an easy, put-together look.

Formal Evenings

On formal evenings, men should wear a suit and tie or tuxedo. Women should wear formal dresses or evening gowns.

  • Suit: Men should bring a well-tailored suit in black, navy, or gray for formal evenings.
  • Tuxedo: Men can also choose to wear a tuxedo on formal evenings.
  • Gown: Women should bring an elegant gown in black, navy, red, or another dark color for formal evenings.

Final Thoughts

Packing for a cruise can be daunting, but if you follow these guidelines and check with your specific cruise line’s dress code requirements before packing, you’ll be sure to have everything you need to enjoy your vacation. Remember to pack comfortable clothes for daytime activities and dress up a bit more in the evening. Have fun and enjoy your cruise!