A cruise holiday is one of the most varied dressing challenges going. You need something for deck days in the sun, smart evenings in the dining room, shore excursions in the heat, and everything in between. And when you’re plus size, finding pieces that actually work across all of those occasions, in your size, is where most packing guides fall apart.
We’ve pulled together twelve pieces that cover every part of a cruise holiday. From the pool deck to the captain’s dinner, with everything you need to know about styling them on board.
Commonly Asked Questions:
Are there any dress codes or restrictions for cruise clothing?
Most cruise ships operate a tiered dress code – smart casual for main dining rooms and one or two formal nights where a maxi dress, cocktail dress or smart trouser outfit is expected. Outside of dining areas, dress codes are generally relaxed.
How do I choose comfortable yet stylish cruise outfits?
Prioritise stretch or natural woven fabrics that breathe well in heat and move easily across a full day – avoid synthetics that cling in humidity. For plus size women, pieces with elasticated waists, smocked bodices and relaxed silhouettes are the most comfortable for long days and longer dinners.
What are the best clothing options for women on a cruise?
The most versatile cruise wardrobe combines lightweight daywear separates that mix and match, a swimsuit or swimdress, two or three evening outfits in varying levels of formality and one formal piece for gala nights.
On The Sun Deck: Your Days At Sea
When you’re spending the day on deck, you need pieces that are comfortable enough to lounge in, practical enough to move around the ship in, and easy to layer when the sea breeze picks up.
This textured waistcoat is one of the most versatile pieces you can pack for a cruise. Wear it open over a swimsuit on deck, buttoned over shorts for a port stop, or layered under a cardigan for an evening on the ship. The stretch fabric also means it works with your body rather than against it.
Why it works for a cruise:
- Versatile enough to wear across multiple occasions
- Stretch fabric moves comfortably all day without pulling or restricting
- Lightweight enough to pack flat without creasing
Why it works for plus size:
- Stretch fabric works with your body rather than against it across a full day of activity
- The open front style flatters a fuller bust without gaping
Style it with: Some embroidered shorts and a strappy sandal for an easy deck-to-port look, or pair with cropped linen trousers for a smarter daytime outfit on board.
What should plus size women wear on a cruise deck during the day?
For daytime on a cruise deck, plus size women should look for lightweight, breathable pieces that work as layers – a textured waistcoat, linen trousers or a swing vest that can be worn alone in the heat and built upon when the sea breeze picks up.
Available in five colours including black, teal, hot pink and cobalt blue as well as ivory, this swing vest is the hardest working piece you can pack for a cruise. It sits beautifully over swimwear, works as a base layer under the waistcoat, and pairs with every bottom in this edit.
Why it works for a cruise:
- Works across every occasion on a cruise from poolside to dinner when styled differently
- Available in five colours so you can pack two and double your outfit options
- Swing cut skims rather than clings, keeping you cool and comfortable all day
Why it works for plus size:
- Swing silhouette skims the body rather than clinging, working well across all proportions
- Stretch jersey fabric is forgiving and comfortable throughout a full day
- The V-neckline is a flattering and universally wearable detail
Style it with: Keep it simple – the swing vest does the work. Pair with linen cropped trousers and flat sandals for daytime, or tuck loosely into a black maxi skirt with wedge sandals for dinner.
What tops work best for plus size women on holiday?
For plus size women on holiday, the most practical tops are swing vests and relaxed sleeveless styles in stretch or jersey fabric – they move comfortably, layer easily and work across a wide range of occasions depending on what they’re paired with.
Linen cropped trousers are the definitive cruise daywear piece and these blue stripe ones earn their place at the top of the packing list. The linen look fabric is breathable and practical in the heat, the drawstring waist sits comfortably without digging, and the cropped length keeps you cool on deck and in port.
Why it works for a cruise:
- Linen look fabric is breathable and comfortable in hot temperatures on deck and in port
- Cropped length keeps you cool without the hem dragging on wet pool decks
- Smart enough for ship dining rooms, relaxed enough for shore excursions
Why it works for plus size:
- Elasticated drawstring waist sits comfortably without digging during long days out
- Wide leg cut is comfortable and flattering across a range of proportions
- Linen look fabric doesn’t cling in heat
Style it with: A swing vest and flat sandals for the easiest possible daytime outfit, or the black textured waistcoat and wedge sandals for something slightly smarter.
Are linen trousers good for a cruise holiday?
Yes! Linen and linen look trousers are one of the best pieces to pack for a cruise holiday. The fabric is breathable and comfortable in hot temperatures, it doesn’t cling, and it looks smart enough for ship dining rooms while being relaxed enough for shore excursions.
For the hottest port days, these embroidered shorts are the answer. The drawstring waist and relaxed fit keep them comfortable in high temperatures, the embroidered detail elevates them beyond a basic short, and the brown colourway is warm and versatile enough to work with everything from a basic vest top to an elevated evening top.
Why it works for a cruise:
- Practical and comfortable for walking in port without sacrificing style
- Embroidered detail elevates the shorts beyond basic casualwear
- Drawstring waist keeps them secure and comfortable across a full active day
Why it works for plus size:
- Drawstring waist adjusts comfortably to your shape without cutting in
- Relaxed fit through the leg is comfortable in heat without clinging
- Mid-thigh length is practical for walking and activity
Style it with: A simple vest top and flat sandals for a daytime port look, or a bolder printed top for a more dressed-up version of the same outfit.
What shorts should plus size women pack for a cruise?
For a cruise holiday, plus size women should look for shorts with a drawstring or elasticated waist for all-day comfort, in a fabric that breathes well in the heat. A mid-thigh to knee length tends to be the most practical for moving around in ports and on shore excursions.
Shore Excursions: Dressed For The Port
Shore days call for something that’s comfortable to walk and explore in, practical enough for cobbled streets and humid heat, but considered enough that you feel good in it.
The sarong is one of the most underused pieces in a cruise wardrobe and this pink floral one is the reason to bring it back. Wear it as a wrap skirt over swimwear for a beach stop, as a cover-up off the pool, or tied at the waist over shorts for a port afternoon.
Why it works for a cruise:
- Takes up almost no space in the suitcase but works across multiple occasions
- Can be worn as a wrap skirt, a cover-up or tied at the waist over shorts
- Bold print means it works as a standalone piece without needing much else
Why it works for plus size:
- Wrap style is adjustable and ties to your own comfort level
- Full coverage wrap skirt style works well over swimwear for beach to bar moments
- The bold floral print draws the eye rather than the figure
Style it with: Tied over a swimsuit or swimdress with flat sandals for beach days, or worn as a wrap skirt over a simple vest top for a quick port look straight off the pool.
What should plus size women wear for beach days on a cruise?
For beach days on a cruise, plus size women need pieces that transition easily from the water to a beach bar or coastal town without a full outfit change. A sarong or wrap skirt worn over a swimsuit or swimdress is one of the most practical and stylish options – it provides coverage when you want it, comes off easily at the beach, and takes up minimal luggage space.
A maxi dress with broderie anglaise flutter sleeves is the perfect shore excursion dress – it looks effortless, keeps you covered in the sun, and is comfortable enough to walk several miles in without noticing.
Why it works for a cruise:
- Maxi length provides sun coverage on exposed decks and in hot ports
- Flutter sleeve adds a detail that makes this look dressed without being formal
- Works for both daytime port trips and a casual ship dinner without changing
Why it works for plus size:
- V-neckline is a universally flattering detail that works across bust sizes
- Full maxi skirt is comfortable and easy to walk in across uneven port surfaces
- Flutter sleeve skims the upper arm rather than clinging
Style it with: Flat leather sandals, simple gold hoops and a small crossbody bag – nothing more needed. The dress carries the look.
What maxi dresses work best for plus size women on a cruise?
For plus size women on a cruise, the best maxi dresses are lightweight, breathable and easy to walk in across cobbled port streets and ship decks. Look for a V-neckline which is comfortable in heat, a relaxed skirt rather than a fitted or mermaid silhouette, and a colour or print that works across multiple occasions.
Evening On Board: Dinner and Beyond
Cruise evenings run the gamut from smart casual in the main dining room to formal nights and cocktail hours on deck. These four pieces cover everything from a relaxed dinner to the captain’s table.
The smocked bodice maxi dress is the most reliable evening piece you can pack for a cruise. This red stripe version from our Limited Collection has a ruched smocked top that provides a built-in fit across the bust, adjustable straps, and a full maxi skirt that looks elegant for dinner without needing heels.
Why it works for a cruise:
- Smocked bodice provides built-in fit so no shapewear or bra concerns
- Adjustable straps mean the fit can be personalised on board
- Full maxi skirt is comfortable for long dinners without restricting movement
Why it works for plus size:
- Smocked bodice stretches and adjusts to your bust and waist without gaping or pulling
- Full skirt is comfortable across all hip and thigh proportions
- Adjustable straps allow you to position the neckline exactly where it feels right
Style it with: Strappy heeled sandals, gold jewellery and a small evening bag. The smocked bodice means no shapewear needed.
What should plus size women wear to dinner on a cruise ship?
For dinner on a cruise ship, plus size women should look for smart casual pieces that feel elevated without being restrictive – a smocked maxi dress, a midi dress with occasion detail, or a wide leg trouser with a smarter top.
A black maxi skirt is the most versatile evening piece in the suitcase and this one earns its place on the packing list more than once. The elasticated smocked waist is comfortable for long dinners and the flowing fabric moves beautifully.
Why it works for a cruise:
- One skirt that creates multiple outfit combinations across the whole cruise
- Elasticated smocked waist is comfortable for long dinners
- Flowing fabric moves beautifully and looks elegant without being stiff or structured
Why it works for plus size:
- Elasticated smocked waist adjusts comfortably across all waist and hip sizes
- Full length maxi skirt is comfortable and flattering across all proportions
- Black is a versatile base that works with every coloured top
Style it with: A bold printed top, strappy heeled sandals and gold jewellery for a formal night look. Or a simple vest top and flat sandals for a relaxed evening meal.
How should plus size women dress for formal nights on a cruise?
Formal nights on a cruise typically require smart or semi-formal dress – evening gowns, maxi dresses, midi dresses, or a smart trouser outfit.
For the formal night or the evening you really want to remember, this is the dress. A pink floral print on a blush ground, keyhole detail at the neckline, ruffle hem and stretch fabric throughout – this is an occasion dress that also happens to be genuinely comfortable.
Why it works for a cruise:
- Stretch fabric means it’s comfortable for a full formal evening without adjustment
- Keyhole detail and ruffle hem give it genuine occasion impact without needing a separate gown
- The investment price is justified by the impact it delivers on formal night
Why it works for plus size:
- Stretch fabric throughout moves with your body rather than restricting it
- Keyhole neckline draws the eye upward and works well across bust sizes
- Ruffle hem adds volume at the skirt rather than the waist or hip
Style it with: Strappy heeled sandals in nude or blush, simple pearl or gold jewellery and a small evening clutch. Hair up to show the keyhole detail.
What is the best plus size dress for a cruise formal night?
For a cruise formal night, the best plus size dresses are those that combine occasion impact with all-evening comfort – stretch fabric, a secure neckline and a skirt that moves easily. A floral print maxi or midi dress in a dressy fabric like chiffon or mesh reads as formal without requiring shapewear or discomfort.
From the YOURS LONDON range, this abstract print knot front top is the evening piece that works hardest across the whole cruise. The tie-dye pink and orange print is vivid and distinctive, the knot detail at the front adds structure and definition, and it pairs perfectly with the black maxi skirt for a formal night look or with the brown embroidered shorts for a dressed-up day outfit.
Why it works for a cruise:
- Works across daytime and evening depending on what it’s paired with
- Bold abstract print is distinctive enough to anchor an outfit without accessories
- Stretch fabric is comfortable across a full cruise evening
Why it works for plus size:
- Knot front detail creates waist definition without being tight or restrictive
- Sleeveless cut is cool and practical in warm cruise temperatures
Style it with: A black maxi skirt, strappy heeled sandals and simple gold jewellery for a formal night outfit that looks intentional and elegant.
Swimwear: The Pool & Beach
A cruise wardrobe isn’t complete without the right swimwear. Whether you’re by the ship’s pool or at a beach stop, you need something that you actually want to wear.
A swimdress is one of the most practical swimwear options for a cruise – it works by the pool, at a beach stop, and can be worn straight to a casual lunch on board without needing a full cover-up.
Why it works for a cruise:
- Works by the pool, at a beach stop and straight to a casual deck lunch without changing
- Built-in bra means no separate swimwear support needed
- Navy polka dot is a classic print that never feels like an afterthought
Why it works for plus size:
- Swimdress skirt provides coverage and confidence without compromising on being genuinely swimwear
- Built-in bra support is designed for a fuller bust
- Stretch fabric accommodates movement in water comfortably
Style it with: A wrap sarong tied at the waist for a beach stop, or a lightweight vest over the top for a casual deck lunch look.
What swimwear is best for plus size women on a cruise?
For plus size women on a cruise, a swimdress or skirted swimsuit is one of the most practical options as it provides coverage and support while still being genuinely swimwear rather than a cover-up.
Not strictly swimwear, but the pink poplin midi deserves a mention as the dress you put on after the beach. The bow strap detail, ruched bodice and full midi skirt make it feel special, and the fresh pink poplin is the kind of colour that looks brilliant against a tan.
Why it works for a cruise:
- Fresh pink poplin looks brilliant against a holiday tan
- Bow strap detail and ruched bodice make it feel special without needing accessories
- Midi length is smart casual appropriate for most cruise dining rooms
Why it works for plus size:
- Ruched bodice creates definition at the waist without being tight or constricting
- Midi length is flattering and comfortable to walk and move in
- Full skirt sits comfortably across hips and thighs without pulling
Style it with: Strappy heeled sandals in nude or white, simple gold jewellery and your best tan. That’s all this one needs.
What should plus size women wear on the last night of a cruise?
The last night of a cruise is the occasion to reach for the dress you’ve been saving. A midi or maxi dress in a bold colour or a fresh pastel is a popular choice as it photographs well and feels like a proper occasion without the formality of a gown.
Show us your cruise outfits over on socials using the hashtag #ThisIsYours – you might even get featured!
