Cruising with Marella Cruises and wondering what to pack? Wonder no more in my half-dress code guide and half-cruise packing list.
Packing for a Marella cruise and not quite sure what to wear? You’re definitely not alone. Figuring out the dress code can be confusing, especially if it’s your first time at sea.
The good news is that Marella keeps things wonderfully relaxed. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to wear on board, from laid-back daytime outfits to smart-casual evenings and that one “dress to impress” night where you can go all out if you fancy it.
Marella’s dress code explained
Marella breaks their dress code down into three styles
- beachwear
- casual
- smart
This gives you an idea of the types of clothes you should consider packing. However, before you start, have a think about the destinations you will be cruising to, the activities you plan to do and the weather you can expect.
A cruise around Northern Europe for example, where you are exploring cities would be very different to island hopping around the Caribbean.
What to wear during the day
The days on a cruise fall into one of two categories. Sea days and port days. You are pretty much guaranteed to have a bit of both on your itinerary.
This is where the beachwear and casual wear style comes into play.
Beachwear such as shorts and t-shirts, swimwear and flip flops all work for sea days where you might be in the pool or lounging around on deck. While casual clothes are suitable for exploring ports of call on your itinerary or using the facilities on the ship.
If you are heading to warm destinations, pack light breathable clothing that will keep you cool in the heat. For colder regions, bring items you can layer up easily.
Weather conditions can change quickly on a cruise so keep that in mind when packing. Even when I’m cruising somewhere warm, I always throw a light jumper or hoodie into my suitcase. Sea breezes can surprise you, especially when you’re watching sailaway from the top deck with a cocktail in hand!
Whether you are on the ship or out exploring in port, you’ll end up doing a lot of walking. So make sure you pack comfortable shoes. Trainers, walking shoes or sandals will do the job.
If you like to wear flip-flops, these are fine to wear around the pool and on deck; however, if you are after a bit of lunch or a snack you may not be able to visit the onboard restaurants wearing them. Stick to the poolside snack bars if in your flip-flops.
Sea days are a great time to try out some of the ship’s sporting facilities. From running tracks to fully equipped gyms there is plenty of opportunity to get some exercise on a Marella’s cruise ships, so pack your sportswear in case the urge takes you.
Don’t forget your swimwear if you think you’ll be having a dip in the pool plus a cover up to get from your cabin to the deck. That will also double up as some sun protection should you need it.
Port days are your chance to get out and explore the fabulous destinations on your itinerary, either independently or on a shore excursion. However, when you spend time in port you can expect to do lots of walking so you’ll want light casual clothes and comfortable shoes.
Depending on where you are visiting you may also need some culturally appropriate clothing. For example if you are planning to visit religious sites you may need to cover your hair or shoulders so pack something suitable for those occasions.
Suggested Daywear
For men
- Light trousers or chino shorts
- T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts
- Trainers or walking sandals for exploring
- A light jumper for breezy decks
For women
- Summer dresses or lightweight trousers
- Loose tops or blouses
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- A cardigan or wrap for cooler evening (or inside the ship as the air conditioning can be chilly)
Can you wear jeans on a Marella Cruise?
Yes you can. Jeans are fine in most restaurants and bars, as long as they’re neat and not ripped.
Evenings on board: smart but relaxed
Smart Casual Nights
All nights, other than the formal night, usually have a smart casual dress code. This means dressing in a way that is neat, stylish and comfortable, but most definitely not too formal.
Think along the lines of what you would wear on a night out at home. If you were going out for a meal or to see a show for example.
For men: trousers or tailored shorts paired with shirts or polo shirts fit the bill.
For women: Good options for this type of night include a light dress or a skirt/trousers paired with a nice top. It is worth having a light cardigan or shawl as well in case the air conditioning onboard is a bit chilly.
Flip flops, sportswear and non-tailored shorts should be left for the day.
Evening dress codes usually apply to venues such as the main dining room and some bars.
Dress to impress night: time to get glam
Many cruise lines have some kind of formal night on their itinerary (sometimes more than one) and Marella is no exception.
Except it is a little bit less stuffy than what you think a traditional formal night might be. They have a ‘dress to impress’ night where you can get out the glitz and glamour.
For men:
This usually means a tuxedo but a black or navy suit is also acceptable. Pair with a white or light shirt and jazz up with a bowtie or tie. Shoes should match your suit, think smart shoes rather than trainers.
For women:
Elegant evening dresses or cocktail dresses either in black or colours are good options. Alternatively, a skirt/trousers and a glam top work just as well. High heels or dressy sandals can complete the look. Accessorise with statement jewellery (such as a bracelet, earrings or necklace) or a clutch bag to jazz up your outfit.
However, if dressing up to the nines is not quite your thing, don’t worry you don’t have to miss out. As long as you have some smart attire you’ll be fine.
If you don’t want to have to dress up at all – and why not it’s your holiday – that is fine too. Not all venues have the black tie dress code. You can still eat in the buffet and other select venues on board.
Do I need to dress up every evening?
No. Most nights are smart casual, and you can always choose more relaxed venues like the buffet if you prefer to stay comfy.
Don’t forget these cruise essentials
Things you don’t want to forget when cruising with Marella (or anyone else) include
- Sun protection – hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must when cruising in sunny destinations
- Travel Tech – while there are lots of entertainment options on cruise ships you might want to bring any laptops, tablets, or reading devices you think you might use.
- Phone – essential for keeping in touch with family and friends
- Camera (maybe on your phone) – to make sure you don’t miss capturing any special moments
The last word
Cruise dress codes are often not as intimidating as you might think. Marella’s slightly more relaxed approach takes some of the pressure off packing the right clothes.
Pack what makes you feel your best, double-check your itinerary for themed nights, and don’t stress about being overdressed or underdressed.