I am often contacted by friends or readers, wondering what to wear on a South Pacific cruise.
After all, I am the cruising queen! (Self-proclaimed, of course 😉 ).
As a veteran of five cruises (in the South Pacific, and also the Mediterranean), I have learned exactly which clothes will be needed for the cruising lifestyle – and which items tend to languish in the suitcase.
I would suggest packing clothes that don’t need ironing (you’re on holiday, who wants to slave over a hot ironing board?!) – and choosing items that you can wear more than once – for example, to dinner one night, then touring when in port the next day.
Dressing for Dinner on a Cruise
A simple black skirt and cami is the ideal foundation for a number of dinner outfits – you can completely change the look by wearing a different blouse over the top. Â Here I’m wearing my black basics, with a floaty top*, necklace and wedge sandals.
A couple of nights later, and all I need to change is the top for a layered cobalt blue one*, for a completely different look. (I’m pretending I’m leaning against the cruise ship’s railing in the photo below!)
Oh, and here’s that first red and pink floaty top* again looking much more casual. I’ve teamed it with denim shorts, comfortable shoes and a sunhat – ready to disembark and explore a new destination!
Make your Clothes do Double Duty!
Another day, another port of call – and another wearing of my good ol’ denim shorts, this time with a black tank top* with open weave t-shirt*.
Strolling about doing the tourist thing is easy when you’re dressed for the occasion – this time a longer pair of denim shorts, comfy shoes, roomy bag, and a kaftan style top*.
The kaftan top* can also be used when you are relaxing by the pool on board, especially if you feel a little exposed in your swimsuit, or are wanting some extra sun protection.
*Sigh* … can you tell I’m dreaming of doing another South Pacific cruise sometime soon?! Oh well, at least we are off to Bali for a week in January!
So tell me – which one is your favourite from the possible cruise wear combos I’ve shown? And have you ever been on a South Pacific cruise?!
PS. If you enjoyed this post, check out my Summer Cruise Style!
NB. All of the items marked* were sent to me for editorial consideration by Australian design team Vivid International – you can find your local stockist on their website.
Deborah says
There’s no cruising in my forseeable future (I can’t think of anything worse… and I get seasick on large vessels!) but I need to start thinking about my packing for NZ. I’m only going for 4-5 days and am aiming to pack very light!
Janet Camilleri says
Have fun Deb – and remember, NZ can be chilly even in the middle of summer so do take jeans/pants and a cardigan/jacket!
Liz says
I like the kaftan top : )
Janet Camilleri says
I feel very lucky to be an ambassador for such a lovely clothing line!
Jo says
Love your ideas. I think the little black skirt is a great idea, and one I wouldn’t have thought of. You’re right about its versatility and being able to team it with lots of tops but possibly keep with the same shoes – I need all the shoe conservancy I can get!
Janet Camilleri says
Trying to economise on shoes would have to be one of the hardest things about packing – they just take up so much darn room!
Min@WriteoftheMiddle says
Great tips Janet! I don’t have nice floaty tops like you though – pooh! Not long till I go on my cruise – so looking forward to it. Love all your outfits here. I had no idea you had been on so many cruises!
Janet Camilleri says
Yup serial cruise junkie here!
Di from Max The Unicorn says
I love the first two floaty tops, they are my style, I’d wear them with black jeans or pants though, as I’m not really into skirts. I’ve been on one cruise, but five? You really are the queen of cruising!
Janet Camilleri says
Yes black pants are always a great option too!