Popsugar Fashion Summer Fashion What to Wear on a Cruise We've Compiled the Ultimate Packing List For Your Summer Cruise 15 June 2022 by Rebecca Carhart Image Source: Courtesy of Golden Edit As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work. Packing for a cruise can be tough. You need dressy items for the ship's formal nights, casual looks for island-hopping excursions, and plenty of Instagrammable swimsuits for lounging by the pool. Unfortunately, cruise ships have notoriously small rooms, so there isn't space to store your entire wardrobe. Clearly, packing smart is so key, and that's where we come in. These 14 pieces are versatile, adorable, and perfect for all kinds of cruise activities. Whether it's a cosy cardigan that will go with everything or a bathing suit that can double as a bodysuit, make sure your suitcase is filled with items that can be easily mixed and matched to be reworn in different ways. Packing versatile pieces will not only keep your tiny space less cluttered, it will also save space in your suitcase for plenty of souvenir shopping. From comfy matching sets to sleek swimwear and stylish accessories, we've rounded up the items you need to grab to ensure smooth sailing on your next cruise. We're particularly eyeing a matching knit set that can double as a coverup or loungewear, and a comfortable pair of slides you'll want to wear everywhere. Keep on reading to shop our picks! — Additional reporting by India Yaffe Related: 17 Full-Coverage Swimsuits That Will Help You Feel Your Best at the Beach A Wrap One-Piece Swimsuit: Summersalt The Perfect Wrap Image Source: summersalt.com If you're on a cruise, you want something flattering and flirty, but still provides some coverage. We're all tied up with this flattering Summersalt The Perfect Wrap One-Piece ($95). The defined waist and colorblocking add the best touches. We can see why this is a bestselling style. Summersalt The Perfect Wrap One-Piece $95 from summersalt.com Buy Now Denim Shorts: Levi's 501 Original High Rise Shorts Image Source: levi.com Denim shorts are a cruise essential; you can wear them as a cover-up, or with a t-shirt and sweater for a more casual look. You can't go wrong with these Levi's 501 Original High Rise Shorts ($80). We love summer white denim, but they also come in lots of blue washes. Levi's 501 Original High Rise Shorts $80 from levi.com Buy Now A Sunhat: Rahi Lake Washed Bucket Hat Image Source: freepeople.com When you're out at sea, it seems as if the sun is stronger than ever. We like this Rahi Lake Washed Bucket Hat ($38) because it'll keep the rays off our face. It's also easy to pack, and has a tie under the chin, so it won't get blown away by a sudden gust of wind. Rahi Lake Washed Bucket Hat $38 from freepeople.com Buy Now A Button Down Shirt: Zara Oversized Linen Shirt Image Source: zara.com Everyone needs a great button down shirt in their arsenal. Pair this lightweight Zara Oversized Linen Shirt ($50) with cutoff denim shorts or just a swimsuit. It'll help protect you from the sun without getting too overheated. Zara Oversized Linen Shirt $50 from zara.com Buy Now A Lightweight Dress: Endless Summer Cross Of Sunlight Mini Image Source: freepeople.com This Endless Summer Cross Of Sunlight Mini ($78) is an ideal summer dress. It's lightweight, on trend, and affordable. We love the side cutouts, and the yellow hue, though it comes in lots of different colours. Endless Summer Cross Of Sunlight Mini $78 from freepeople.com Buy Now Rubber Slides: Birkenstock Eva Arizona Sandals Image Source: freepeople.com Since you're going to be by the water, having a great pair of rubber sandals is essential. You can spend the whole day in these Birkenstock Eva Arizona Sandals ($50). They're durable, comfortable, and cute. As an editor favourite, they've got our stamp of approval, and come in lots of colours, though we're partial to the white. Birkenstock Eva Arizona Sandals $50 from freepeople.com Buy Now A Cocktail Dress: Norma Kamali Strapless Fishtail Dress To Midcalf Image Source: shopbop.com If you're going to dinner, or the ship has a dress code for certain occasions, it's sometimes important to have a nicer outfit on hand. This Norma Kamali Strapless Fishtail Dress To Midcalf ($225) is tropical, fun, and flirty. We love the midi hemline, and think it looks great with neutral sandals. Norma Kamali Strapless Fishtail Dress To Midcalf $225 from shopbop.com Buy Now A Cosy Sweater: Naadam Fancy Cashmere Cardigan Image Source: naadam.co No matter if you're going to the hottest place on earth, it can still get cold at night on a ship. This Naadam Fancy Cashmere Cardigan ($175) is so cosy and comfortable. Plus, it's the perfect layering piece over everything from a t-shirt to a cocktail dress. Naadam Fancy Cashmere Cardigan $175 from naadam.co Buy Now A Maxi Dress: Lost + Wander Tangerine Dream Maxi Dress Image Source: shopbop.com Summer calls for maxi dresses. This Lost + Wander Tangerine Dream Maxi Dress ($118) is great for a day on the boat or a day spent exploring a new city. If needed, it can be dressed up for dinner too. Lost + Wander Tangerine Dream Maxi Dress $118 from shopbop.com Buy Now A Long Sleeved Dress: Zara Geometric Print Dress Image Source: zara.com When the sun gets strong, having a lightweight long sleeved dress is essential. You'll stay cool and comfortable, without risking the dreaded shoulder and chest burn. We like this pretty, affordable Zara Geometric Print Dress ($70). Zara Geometric Print Dress $70 from zara.com Buy Now A Comfortable Mini Dress: LoveShackFancy Natasha Dress Image Source: shopbop.com On a cruise, versatility is the name of the game. You want something comfortable, that can work for a number of occasions. That's why we like this LoveShackFancy Natasha Dress ($295). It can be worn casual or more dressed up with the right shoes and accessories. LoveShackFancy Natasha Dress $295 from shopbop.com Buy Now Polarized Sunglasses: Free People Sea Siren Polarized Sunglasses Image Source: freepeople.com On a boat, the sun can be strong, so you want to make sure you have quality sunglasses that actually protect you from harmful rays. These Free People Sea Siren Polarized Sunglasses ($40) are cute and functional. They also come in four other frame colours, but we're partial to the tortoise. Free People Sea Siren Polarized Sunglasses $40 from freepeople.com Buy Now A Classic One-Piece: Andie The Amalfi Image Source: andieswim.com When in doubt, reach for a black one-piece swimsuit. This Andie The Amalfi ($95) is as classic as it gets, and we love everything about it. It can also be worn as a bodysuit and will help you feel your best at the beach. Andie The Amalfi $95 from andieswim.com Buy Now A Lounge Set: Free People Montauk Dunes Set Image Source: freepeople.com It's important to have some comfy clothes on the boat. This Free People Montauk Dunes Set ($108) is an adorable lounge set, and it can also double as a coverup. It also comes in black, but we love the natural for summer. Free People Montauk Dunes Set $108 from freepeople.com Buy Now Summer FashionShoppingTravel TipsTravel StyleCruiseStyle How-ToVacationSummerSpringSpring Fashion