As ever larger and more luxurious ships launch each year, cruising has become one of the most exciting and glamorous ways to travel. With the new ships sporting several fine-dining options, West End–style theatres and climbing walls (not to mention the traditional bars, clubs and swimming pools), deciding what to wear on a cruise has never been more exciting.
Remembering that some cruises take in locales and climates as diverse as Sydney and Vancouver (the cruise between those cities takes 79 days, in case you were wondering), when considering cruise outfit ideas it's also worth thinking about what to wear on shore. The best outfits for a cruise are those that manage to take in a diverse range of looks and utilities. Fortunately, the SS17 and resort collections were packed with transitional looks and trends perfect for cruising.
An outfit for all seasons
One of the most exciting aspects of cruise ship travel is the sheer variety of activities available. Mooring at each new destination, you’ll spend your days exploring quaint towns, harbours or incredible sites of natural beauty. You’ll want to think about compiling cruise outfit ideas that really cover all bases, allowing you to take full advantage of everything on offer. Consider a pair of Kenzo espadrilles , think of style and versatility ; a Tory Burch top, particularly the kaftans and tunics. A punchy, but nevertheless relaxed look in tie-dye is perfect for cruising, especially in places like the Greek Islands, where many of the religious sites require visitors to cover up.
For men, pair some denim or linen shorts with a white shirt for a classic cruise look, harking back to the golden age of travel when glamorous cruising was somewhat monopolistic and two-hour-long security lines could hardly be imagined. Evoke Cape Cod in the 1950s with a classic Americana shirt and shorts – no house knows what to wear on a cruise better than Polo Ralph Lauren.
Don’t forget your formalwear
It often surprises cruise ship guests that one of the first important outfits they will wear on a cruise is more likely to be a tuxedo than swim shorts. Modern cruise ships have a veritable smorgasbord of dining options to choose from; the world’s largest cruise ship, the Harmony of the Seas, has 20 restaurants! When thinking about crafting your cruise outfit ideas, check the ship’s dress code – this is especially true for men, whose dress code can be a little more rigid. Of course, you’re on holiday, so why wear exactly what you would back home? Channel the contemporary James Bond look and style your tuxedo with a white or jacquard Versace jacket.
For formal dinners, women have a host of looks from the 2017 resort collections to choose from. The best outfits for a cruise formal dinner blend classic evening wear tropes with the slightly more relaxed vibe of a cruise. Start with a Stella McCartney evening dress. Gowns from its 2017 resort collection take the pared-back silhouette of a classic evening ensemble and embellish it with layers of ruffles and subtle brocade stitching. Wear it with dressed up ballet flats (heels are not so good on the high seas, for obvious reasons) for the perfect ‘cruise-formal’ look.
Poolside pleasures
Of course, some of the great pleasures of cruising are to be by the poolside. The 2017 resort collections were overflowing with exciting swimwear looks to experiment with, and 2017’s statement is undoubtedly the polka dot, featuring strongly in collections by Calvin Klein, Gucci and Versace. An ideal poolside pattern, look to the polka dot bikinis from the Dolce & Gabbana beachwear range for classic cruise outfit ideas. The house intertwines nostalgia with the classic bikini, referencing the styles worn on European beaches in the 1950s.
For men, one of the best outfits for a cruise, or at least one of the most indispensable, is pair of board shorts. When styling your look, keep in mind that the longer your shorts, the more easily you will be able to transition them from the pool to the bar, avoiding the need to go back to the cabin. One of the strongest trends in men’s swimwear has been for printed swim shorts. Taking hold at Gucci in 2016, the look is a great way to turn up the volume when it comes to your poolside outfit.
With itineraries and activities so diverse that each ship could be its own floating travel company, deciding what to wear on a cruise offers a whole host of exciting opportunities. Delve deep into the resort collections and turn the promenade into your catwalk.