Want to know the secret to packing for a luxury cruise? You need key wardrobe pieces and beauty items that elevate your look from your comfy everyday. You’ll feel extra special on your dream vacation, creating memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
It’s a challenge, especially if you’re like me and your closet isn’t full of designer dresses and special occasion gowns. For my first Danube River cruise, I stared at my empty suitcase for weeks, wondering what to bring for busy touring days and candlelight dinners.
Essential Luxury Cruise Fashion
Chic Trade for a Tee Dress
An equestrian-inspired floral print linen midi dress from Vanner House is a high-end swap for your basic black knit t-shirt dress. You can wear it day and night. Pair it with sandals and shades for a café lunch. Dress it up for dinner with a glam bracelet stack.
European-Inspired Swap for a Suit Set
Trade your favorite matching jacket and pants for an upscale two-piece combo in classic black. The sophisticated flare-legged pants and wrap-style jacket from Elegance Miss feature a breathable, forgiving fabric. You can easily change the look with different necklaces. Outfits that work more than once are the key to packing success, I’ve discovered.
Replace Knits with Luxe Linen
For basics to replace your favorite knit tees and sweats, go with washable linen separates from Cali 1850. The Malibu laid-back look works perfectly when cruising the Med. Even on the hottest days, breathable linen helps you stay cool.
The brand’s pull-on linen pants come in 15 different print options. Pair any of them with their relaxed, crinkle gauze button-down for a coastal-chic outfit that will feel fabulous all day.
Leave Your Hoodie at Home
We all love our sweatshirts, but a classic, contemporary blazer is what you need on a luxury cruise vacation. Choose a neutral option from Crescent to get the most flexibility out of this wardrobe basic. It’s an effortless way to elevate your look. Put your own style spin on this classic, minimalist design.
Water, Water Everywhere
Having a collection of beachwear is the key to your luxury cruise. Depending on your trip, you’ll need options for pool, beach and boat. I like to pack a one-piece in a solid neutral as my go-to suit. Flattering swimsuits from La Blanca fit like a dream and have glam details like dramatic plunging necklines.
The removable cups in WET Swimwear swimsuits help you get the fit right for you. Mix and match their swim separates in bold colors like poppy red, tangerine and lipstick pink.
Pack at least two cover-ups. An oversized button-down from Maxine of Hollywood in basic black will work with almost every bathing suit. It works as a wardrobe piece too – pair it with white jeans for a classic combo.
Treat Yourself to Luxurious Skincare and Toiletries
When you’re splurging on a luxury cruise, bring skincare essentials that match the vibe. The premium and natural beauty brand Lea Black Beauty® offers a spa-at-home bundle so you can indulge in mini treatments right in your ship cabin.
Dedicated to natural, cruelty-free skincare made with quality ingredients, Lea Black Beauty® also utilizes the rejuvenating power of CBD in their aloe-based after-sun & shave treatment. It’ll take your own personal cruise spa day up a notch!
If you have sensitive skin, try one of the Korean sunscreens from LA-based EYURS. Their protective sticks, serums and creams feel great on your skin.
This 5-step skincare routine bundle at EYURS includes everything you need for glowing skin from a few different popular brands, packaged perfectly for travel:
- Centella Cleansing Foam
- No.3 Super Glowing Essence Toner
- Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream
- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
A dazzling smile is the perfect accessory. Be sure to pack Davids Toothpaste. The good-for-you ingredients deliver superior whitening results. And they’re available in travel-sized tubes that meet TSA carry-on regulations.
The Little Extras
Special touches are needed to complete your luxury cruise looks. A pair (or two!) of movie star sunglasses offer glam and eye protection. Brighton features an extensive selection of styles, from classic aviators to retro oval shapes featuring silver-plated accents.
I don’t routinely wear jewelry, but I always pack necklaces, bracelets and earrings when I’m packing for a special cruise. Every outfit deserves a little sparkle. Everyone’s taste in jewelry is different, but we all need a way to pack it safely. The ideal jewelry travel case will have numerous compartments to keep everything organized and untangled.
Don’t Leave Home Without It
Don’t get caught posing poolside at golden hour with a dead phone. Even in the most luxurious ship cabins, there are never enough outlets. A multi-port travel charger goes with me everywhere. The HyperJuice 100W USB-C GaN Charger has 4 ports for all your devices.
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