I’ve been lucky enough to go to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Canaries and even through the Panama Canal on a cruise holiday with my mum. We loved the sightseeing and getting dressed up in the evenings and always travelled with her favourite P&O cruise line, so writing this blog post has been a trip down memory lane for me.

Like packing for any holiday, the location, temperature and time of year will dictate what you pack, but I find that with a cruise you need to be a bit more flexible. It is a great test of mixing and wearing things more than once.

It is also the only type of holiday where I use the laundry service. I quickly became a fan of having my white linen trousers washed, ironed and delivered to our cabin to wear again during the trip.

Pack like a pro

⚓  Pool side  – a vest top and shorts, swimming costume and shirt or coverup are the pieces you need to take you comfortably from sun bathing into one of the dining venues during the day, especially when you have an at sea day when you’ll be getting your steps in going round the decks!

⚓ Apart from the swim up bars, most ships will expect you to be modestly dressed inside eating areas.

⚓ Shoreside – be prepared for sun and showers with sun glasses and a light shower proof top that can scrunch up into your bag.

⚓ Sturdy pumps (not flip flops) are a must for sightseeing.

⚓ As an alternative to cropped trousers  – which cut your leg at too wide a point –  I wear knee length shorts which are super flattering for all body shapes.

⚓ A simple throw over dress with pumps and a bag will look effortless and feel great too.

⚓Relaxing on deck, walking around the ship and taking part in daytime activities here your gym leggings can usefully double up even if you have no intention of exercising!

⚓A thin zip up fleece or track top is ideal to pop over a tshirt, especially one with pockets to save you carrying a bag around for your cruise pass, glasses etc and takes up no room at all packing.

⚓ For evenings you want to look and feel like you but elevated. If you are not a dresses and skirts person then a jumpsuit, wide legged trousers in a luxurious fabric, a kimono type jacket and range of tops to co-ord with will keep you looking fabulous at pre-dinner drinks, theatre shows and restaurant dinners.

⚓Co-ords are your best friend when it comes to minimal effort and packing space as you will mix and match the pieces to create more outfits. I have a silk and satin skirt and blouse combination that makes a nice change from a dress.

⚓ Different ships have different evening dress codes. You will know how formal they are before you leave as you will have already chosen your dining options, so if a black tie or formal evening wear isn’t your cup of tea you have plenty of other options.

⚓ With black tie dresses think about whether you need a wrap, as the air conditioning in the theatres can get chilly. I’ve never taken a jacket for evening wear though.

⚓ And finally, if you haven’t already got one buy a jewellery roll to keep your items from getting tangled up.

What to pack

Whether I’m flying out to pick up the ship or embarking at Southampton, I only take one 20kg suitcase including:

• 1 pair of wide leg trousers
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 2 swimming costumes
• 1 tankini
• 2 pairs of gym leggings
• 2 day dresses
• 4 tshirts
• 4 tops
• 2 skirts
• 2 dresses
• 1 light jacket
• 2 pairs of shoes
• 1 pair of trainers.

Outfit inspiration 

For my client Sarah I researched both day and evening outfits for a cruise holiday. The illustration is for some smart casual looks she could wear at night and she wanted to avoid the more formal Black Tie dinners but still feel elegant and glamourous.

Taking into consideration the bits of body she wanted to cover up and her favourite items in her wardrobe I created this look book for her to explore and try on. She took onboard my suggestions of new styles to fit and flatter her body shape, so I can’t wait to see her holiday snaps of her looking amazing when she gets back.

Bon Voyage!