5 Best Cruise Dresses for Women: From Casual Days to Cocktail Nights
Packing for a cruise can feel like a puzzle—especially when it comes to dresses. You want to look cute and pulled together, but you also don’t want to haul a whole second suitcase just for dinner outfits.
The good news? You don’t need a ton of options—just a few versatile pieces that can handle everything from sightseeing to sipping cocktails at sunset. Here are 5 types of cruise dresses that strike the perfect balance between casual and chic—so you’ll be ready for whatever your itinerary has in store.
These 5 Types of Cruise Dresses for Women are Ship Shape!
dress | sandals | bracelet |earrings
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1. The Breezy Sundress for Daytime
Cruises are far more casual than they’ve ever been, which means it a good idea to bring a few cute, casual, cheery sundresses. If you’re headed to the tropics, opt for something summery in a light fabric and happy colors. Stripes, tropical prints, or playful patterns are ideal. This darling tiered sundress in two-tone blue is relaxed, comfy, and feminine. Pair it with flat slide sandals and some island-themed jewelry for a laid-back look.
Wear it: Cruise dresses like this are great for daytime wear when you’re walking around the ship or shopping in port. It’s also fine to wear to the buffet or even in the dining room when it’s a casual dinner night.
tropical maxi dress | straw bag | cork sandals | beaded hoops | gold bracelets
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3. The Casual Print Maxi Cruise Dress
You may not wear many maxis back home, but cruise maxi dresses are perfect for when you are at sea. This comfortable, breezy maxi dress is just what you want- loose and flowy, relaxed and summery. Pair it with straw accessories for a super cute cruisewear look.
Where to wear it? Perfect for strolling the decks, having a casual drink by the pool, or going ashore to have a bite at a local cafe. 
blue dress | also plus size | white sandals | bag | earrings
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3. The Cruise Dinner Dress
You’ll need a couple of dresses for dinner, and if you’re going on a tropical or Caribbean cruise, this would be perfect. Pair it with woven block-heel sandals, a straw bag, and some exotic floral earrings for a sophisticated but casual look.
When to Wear it? Smart Casual or Elegant Casual Nights, as they are often called, typically occur on 3- or 4 nights of a cruise. This cheery wrap-style cruise dinner dress is ideal.
4. A Classy Cocktail Dress for Cruise ships
There are times when you may feel like dressing up a bit more. In this case, pack a colorful cocktail dress that flatters your figure and has a touch of allure.
Where to wear it: On a date at one of the ship’s fancy restaurants, dancing at an onboard club, at the ship’s casino, or on a formal night that calls for cocktail attire.
5. The Formal Dinner Night Dress for Fancy Cruises
True formal dress nights where the men wear suits and the ladies wear fancy cocktail dresses or gowns are few and far between unless you happen to be sailing with a very high-end cruise line. If you are lucky enough to afford this, then go all out with the glitz and glamour. Sparkle and shine is also very appropriate. It’s your night to play movie star!
For those sailing on everyday, popular cruise lines, formal dress nights are usually once a night on a cruise – usually, the second-to-last night, when they have a big party. This typically ranges from dressy to semi-formal, including some cocktail attire. It really depends on the person. The key is to dress up and accessorize. Bring out your prettiest things and your most dazzling jewelry to celebrate.
More great Cruise Dresses
Do you have a better idea of what cruise dresses to pack now? Think casually elegant, and you can’t go wrong. I have linked a few more above; that would be perfect, too. Happy Cruising!
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