Ladies Swimwear Essentials for the Perfect Cruise Holiday

Summer is here and that means cruise season! Whether you're staying on local shores or heading away for a tropical island adventure, cruising is a fabulous way to travel. While packing for your cruise is simple, it's important to be organised and prepared. With chlorinated pools and heated spas, choosing the right swimwear to wear on your cruise is essential. 

Not only will you need swimwear, but there are several other essentials that will add to your cruising experience. If you have never been on a cruise before then make sure you use this checklist to get holiday ready!

Swimwear

Chlorine resistant swimwear is essential if you are planning on using the pools and spas. Cruises are made to cater for a lot of people so the levels of chlorine can be quite high. Protect your swimwear by choosing pieces that can withstand chemicals and heat. You can still look stylish in chlorine resistant swimwear, feeling confident that your swimsuits will not be affected by pool chemicals or heat. Shop for styles in our chlorine resistant collection, made from 100% polyester.

If you are stopping at beachside destinations or just lazing on the deck, feel free to choose a swimsuit that is made from regular swim fabric. You don't need specific chlorine proof swimwear if you are not using the pools and spas. Choose strapless styles to avoid tan lines and pack a rash vest or long sleeve one piece if you are participating in water sports or spending long days in the sun. 

Cruising holidays are an ideal time to try a new style. Take the plunge with a cute bikini to wear on island stopovers or try a swim dress that keeps you covered when walking around the pool deck. Tankini tops and separate bottoms are also a stylish and practical choice for your cruise getaway. 

SHOP: Chlorine Resistant Swimwear

Woman with red hair stands in the pool wearing black swim dress with pink floral design

Two women with long brown hair wear navy and white polkadot one piece swimsuits

Woman reclines on stone stairs wearing bright floral bikinis

Choose chlorine resistant swimwear for the cruise and a bikini for your island adventures

Cover Ups

It is essential to pack some stylish cover-ups when you are going on your cruise vacation. Feel confident and chic as you are walking around the boat, prepared for anything the day may bring. A fashionable coverup will take you from breakfast, to the pool, out to lunch, and day trips ashore. With so many styles to choose from, you'll be sure to look and feel fabulous on your cruising holiday.

Our resort wear collection is full of beach coverups to suit all your needs. From sheer mesh and lightweight cotton to throw on over your swimsuit, to viscose and cheesecloth styles that can be worn from day to night, we have you covered in style! Choose from dresses, kaftans, sarongs, skirts, and more. These practical and easy to pack items will ensure you look and feel fantastic at all times. 

SHOP: Beach Wear and Cover Ups

Two women pose in beach cover ups. One wears a plain blue cotton overshirt. The other wears a black and floral silk t-shirt dress

Two women wear white cotton beach cover ups over their swimsuits

Move about the cruise ship and head ashore in a stylish cover up

Shoes

The ideal footwear for a cruise ship holiday is a pair of waterproof slides. The Birkenstock EVA sandals tick all the boxes for what you need on and off the boat. Not only are they on trend for summer with their classic Birkenstock design, but they are lightweight and waterproof. You can walk anywhere in these stylish sandals, even in wet and sandy conditions. Your Birkenstocks can be easily rinsed off at the end of the day, ready for another adventure. 

With your Birkenstocks covering you for all your daytime activities, all you need to pack are a pair of shoes for the evening and a comfortable pair of sneakers. Packing light is easy when you have pieces that work for multiple occasions. 

SHOP: Birkenstock Beach Sandals

Close up of woman wearing blue Birkenstock EVA Arizona sandals in blue

Birkenstock EVA sandals are the perfect footwear for a cruise holiday

Beach Bag

Set out for the day with everything you need in a stylish beach bag. Carry your swimwear essentials and necessities in a generous but lightweight tote, that doesn't take up too much room in your luggage. Choose a chic carry-all that is light and easy, big enough to fit a towel, your sunglasses, beauty bag and a book, and head off to enjoy your day. 

Your beach bag should include sun protection solutions such as a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing. Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and reapply throughout the day. You want to come back from your cruise holiday with lasting memories, not damaging sunburn.

RELATED: Beach Bag Essentials | What You Need In Your Beach Bag

Woman with long brown hair wears blue and white kaftan and holds a jute and white striped beach bag with a white sarong inside it.

Fill a generous beach bag with everything you need for your cruise and the islands

Sarongs

A sarong is a summer must-have. Not only can you wear it different ways to keep you covered as you move about the boat, but a sarong is a multifunctional item. Keep a generous sarong in your bag at all times to keep you warm, protect you from the sun and even use it as a towel or beach blanket. Our best selling cotton sarongs are ideal for you to take on your cruise ship holiday and are available in a rainbow of colours. 

Our cotton sarongs dry fast and work for every summer occasion. Use your cotton sarong as a thin towel on your day chair as you lounge. Wrap it around your shoulders to keep you warm as you watch the sunset over the ocean. Keep it in your carry on bag if you're travelling by air to board your ship. You can easily wrap yourself up if the air conditioning gets too fresh. Take it ashore to keep you covered from the elements or for when you need a little modesty. 

SHOP: Sarongs and Beach Skirts 

Woman wears bright floral one piece swimsuit and holds a hot pink sarong

Woman with long brown hair wears black triangle bikini top and skater skirt. Woman with brown hair wears metallic hot pink strapless one piece with floral mesh sarong skirt

Sarongs and beach skirts are an excellent addition for your cruising wardrobe

Clothing for All Occasions 

Nightlife is a big part of cruising. Be sure to pack something special for the evening and special occasions. Choose a simple dress or wide leg pants and dress your outfit up with accessories and a statement lipstick. Pieces that can perform double duty are ideal for packing in your luggage. Even a simple black strapless or one-shoulder one-piece can work as a body suit with an evening skirt or pants. 

If you want to keep fit on your vacation, pack some activewear. Our longer length swim pants, tankini tops, and rash vests are all ideal for training in. Then you can jump straight in the pool for a refreshing finish to your work out. Think about how your pieces can work extra hard for you so you can keep your packing light with extra room in your luggage for holiday shopping! 

SHOP: Statement Jewellery

Two women wear different styles of black one piece swimsuits 

Make your swimsuits work for you by wearing them as a bodysuit in the evening

November 17, 2023