30 juillet, 2026

Cruise Swimwear Packing Guide: What to Wear Poolside, On Deck, and Ashore

Cruise swimwear has to do more than look good by the pool. It needs to work for sea days, windy decks, shore excursions, buffet runs, beach clubs, and that awkward walk from your cabin to the pool when everyone else seems fully dressed.

For most cruises, pack two swimsuits and two cover-ups: one secure one piece or skirted swimsuit for active days, one prettier swim look for poolside lounging, one button-down cover-up, and one dress-style or flowy cover-up for lunch, photos, or walking around port. Ekouaer's Swimsuits & Beach Cover Ups collection is a useful place to build that kind of capsule because it includes one pieces, skirted swimsuits, button-down layers, short sleeve cover-up dresses, and long beach cover-ups.

The short version: what cruise swimwear should do

A cruise swimsuit has to fit the setting. Pool deck? You want comfort and straps that stay put. Shore excursion? You may need more coverage. Casual lunch? A swimsuit alone usually is not enough. Beach stop? You want something that dries fast and can be covered quickly.

Pack swimwear that can handle:

Pool deck lounging
Hot tubs
Water slides
Beach excursions
Walking through the ship
Casual outdoor lunch
Windy decks
Quick outfit changes
Photos you did not plan for

Condé Nast Traveler's cruise packing list includes swimwear, cover-ups, waterproof sandals, sunscreen, sun hats, and destination-specific clothing, which is exactly how to think about cruise swimwear. The swimsuit is only one piece of the outfit.

How many swimsuits should you pack for a cruise?

For a 3 to 5 night cruise, two swimsuits are usually enough. For a 7 night cruise with beach ports, pack three if you have room.

Cruise length	Swimsuits to pack	Why
3 nights	2 swimsuits	One can dry while you wear the other
5 nights	2 swimsuits	Enough for pool and beach stops
7 nights	2 to 3 swimsuits	Better if you swim often
10+ nights	3 swimsuits	Easier for repeat pool days and excursions

Do not pack five swimsuits that all do the same thing. Pack different jobs: one secure, one flattering, one backup.

Best first swimsuit: a secure one piece

A secure one piece is the easiest cruise swimsuit because it works for the pool, hot tub, beach stops, and walking around the ship. You do not have to keep matching pieces, and it layers cleanly under a cover-up.

The Ekouaer Women's One Piece Swimsuit Ruched Tummy Control is a good cruise base because it has adjustable straps, padded support, and front ruching. It feels more polished than a sporty suit, but it is still practical enough for pool days.

Choose this style if you want:

A swimsuit that feels secure walking around
Ruching through the middle
Adjustable straps
A one-piece shape under cover-ups
A suit that works for both pool photos and actual swimming

This is the suit to pack when you do not know what the day will become.

Best for more coverage: a skirted swimsuit

Cruises involve a lot of shared spaces. You may walk from your cabin to the pool, sit near families, stop for soft serve, or head back through an elevator full of dressed people. A skirted swimsuit makes that feel less awkward.

The Ekouaer One Piece Skirted Swimsuits is useful for cruises because it gives hip, seat, and upper-thigh coverage in the swimsuit itself. It is especially good for family cruises, water parks on board, beach excursions, and ports where a more covered swim look feels smarter.

Choose this style if you want:

More lower-body coverage
A swimsuit that feels comfortable walking around
A one-piece base
Less need for a separate sarong
A practical suit for shore excursions

A skirted suit is not just about modesty. It is about not needing to adjust the bottom every time you stand up.

Best cover-up for cruise ships: a button-down layer

If you only bring one cover-up, make it a button-down. It is the most flexible cruise layer because it can look like a beach shirt, a light dress layer, or a casual outfit piece depending on how you button it.

The Lightweight Button Down Cover Up Swimsuit works well for cruises because you can wear it open on the pool deck, button it halfway for walking through the ship, or close it for a casual lunch stop. It also packs flatter than many beach dresses.

Use it for:

Cabin to pool walks
Buffet or outdoor dining
Shore excursions
Beach club days
Windy pool decks
Lounging in the shade

Southern Living's cruise packing advice recommends cover-ups that can double as dresses or excursion outfits, along with waterproof sandals and mix-and-match pieces. That is the exact reason a button-down cover-up is so useful on a ship.

When to pack a cover-up dress

A cover-up dress is better when you want to look more dressed without actually changing. It is especially useful if your cruise has casual restaurants near the pool or if you want something easy after a beach excursion.

The Short Sleeve Swimsuit Cover Ups Twisted Dress makes sense for cruises because it gives a more complete outfit shape than a sarong or open shirt. It is good for poolside lunch, walking through the ship, or sitting on deck when you want more coverage.

Choose a cover-up dress if you want:

More coverage through the torso
A one-piece outfit feel
Short sleeves
Something that looks lunch-ready
Less tying, buttoning, or adjusting

If your suitcase has room for only one cover-up, choose the button-down. If you can bring two, add a cover-up dress.

When a long flowy cover-up works

A long cover-up is not always the most practical piece on a ship, but it can be beautiful for resort-style cruises, sea day photos, beach clubs, and warm evenings near the deck.

The Long Flowy Swimwear Cover Ups is better for relaxed moments than active pool days. Pack it if your cruise has tropical ports, beach clubs, or a more dressed-up poolside feel.

Choose it if you want:

More leg coverage
A soft resort look
A photo-friendly layer
Something breezy over a simple swimsuit
A beach cover-up that feels less casual

Skip it for water slides, splash zones, or excursions where the hem may get wet and sandy.

Cruise swimwear by itinerary

Not every cruise needs the same swimwear.

Cruise type	Best swimwear plan
Caribbean cruise	Two swimsuits, button-down cover-up, cover-up dress, sandals
Mediterranean cruise	One swimsuit, polished cover-up, comfortable walking outfit
Alaska cruise	One swimsuit for hot tubs, warmer layers, robe or cover-up for cabin-to-spa
Family cruise	Skirted swimsuit, secure one piece, quick cover-up
Adults-only cruise	One polished one piece, one trendier suit, dressier cover-up
Port-heavy cruise	One swimsuit, one beach layer, more shore outfits

Condé Nast Traveler's what to wear on a cruise breaks cruise wardrobes down by destination and ship style, which is the right approach. A Caribbean pool deck and an Alaska hot tub do not need the same suitcase.

Pay attention to dress codes

Cruise ships are casual during the day, but swimwear usually belongs near the pool, spa, or beach. For dining rooms, specialty restaurants, and some ports, you will want a cover-up or a full outfit.

People recently reported on Norwegian Cruise Line's dining dress code updates, noting that some restaurants may not allow items like tank tops, flip flops, distressed jeans, caps, or shorts. The details vary by cruise line and venue, so check your own ship before you pack.

Ports can be stricter than the ship. New York Post reported on Carnival reminding passengers to dress more conservatively at Lifou in New Caledonia, where local customs call for more covered swimwear in public areas. The takeaway is simple: what works on the pool deck may not be right ashore.

For cruises, a cover-up is not optional. It is part of the outfit.

Fabric and care on a cruise

Cruise cabins are not always great drying rooms. Bathrooms can be humid, balconies may have restrictions, and wet suits left in a pile start to smell quickly.

Look for swimwear and cover-ups that:

Dry reasonably fast
Do not wrinkle badly
Can be rinsed in a sink
Hold shape after chlorine or salt water
Do not become sheer when wet
Pack flat or roll easily

The Federal Trade Commission's textile labeling guidance is useful because fiber content and care labels tell you how a garment should be washed and dried. On a cruise, that matters. You may not have the same laundry setup you have at home.

Basic cruise swimwear care:

Rinse swimsuits after pool or ocean use.
Press out water with a towel instead of wringing hard.
Hang suits where air can circulate.
Rotate suits so one can dry fully.
Do not pack wet swimwear into luggage at the end of the trip.
Use a separate pouch for damp pieces on excursion days.

Sun coverage on deck

Ship decks can be windy, bright, and more exposed than they feel. A cover-up, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen make sea days easier.

The Skin Cancer Foundation explains that clothing can help protect skin from UV radiation, though protection depends on fabric, color, weave, fit, stretch, and wetness. A button-down cover-up helps with coverage, but it is not the same as UPF clothing unless the product says so.

For sunny routes, pack:

Sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses
Cover-up
Sandals
A dry bag or pouch for wet swimwear

A cruise pool day sounds simple until the wind takes your hat and your swimsuit is still damp at dinner. Pack for the real version.

What to avoid

Cruise swimwear should not create extra problems.

Avoid:

Bringing only one swimsuit for a week
Packing only bikinis if you have active excursions
Wearing swimwear alone to dining areas
Choosing cover-ups that are too sheer for the ship
Bringing heavy pieces that dry slowly
Wearing long flowy cover-ups for water slides
Forgetting sandals that can handle wet decks
Packing a suit you have never tested before

Try on your swimsuit and cover-up together before the trip. If the outfit feels awkward in your bedroom, it will feel more awkward in an elevator.

A simple cruise swimwear packing list

For most warm-weather cruises, pack:

One ruched or supportive one piece
One skirted swimsuit or second swim option
One button-down cover-up
One cover-up dress or long flowy cover-up
Waterproof sandals
Hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Small wet bag or pouch
One beach tote
One casual outfit for shore excursions

That is enough for pool decks, beach ports, casual lunches, and repeat wear without turning your suitcase into a swimwear drawer.

FAQ

Q: How many swimsuits should I pack for a cruise?

A: Two swimsuits are enough for most short cruises. For a 7 night cruise with several beach or pool days, two to three is better so each suit has time to dry.

Q: Can you wear a swimsuit around a cruise ship?

A: Usually near the pool, spa, or water areas, yes. For restaurants, shops, theaters, and many indoor spaces, wear a cover-up or regular clothing. Cruise line rules vary, so check your ship's dress code.

Q: What swimsuit is best for a cruise?

A: A secure one piece is the easiest choice. A skirted swimsuit is better if you want more lower-body coverage, while a ruched one piece works well for poolside photos and casual swimming.

Q: Do I need a cover-up on a cruise?

A: Yes. A cover-up makes it easier to walk through the ship, go to lunch, leave the pool area, and respect port or dining dress expectations.

Q: What cover-up is best for a cruise?

A: A lightweight button-down cover-up is the most versatile. It can be worn open, half-buttoned, closed, or tied, and it works with one pieces, bikinis, and skirted swimsuits.

Q: What should I wear for a cruise beach excursion?

A: Wear a secure swimsuit, a cover-up, comfortable sandals, sunscreen, a hat, and a small bag for wet items. If the port has local dress expectations, choose a more covered swimsuit and an opaque cover-up.

About Ekouaer

Founded in 2014, Ekouaer is a women’s sleepwear and loungewear brand offering pajama sets, nightgowns, robes, sleepshirts, lounge sets, maternity sleepwear, plus-size styles, and family matching pieces. The brand focuses on real-life comfort across sleep, home, travel, gifting, and special occasions. Ekouaer uses OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified fabrics and has had selected products featured by CNN Underscored, Forbes Vetted, and TODAY.com. Its current brand story centers on “My Comfort Era” and the EKOUAER × VANESSA collaboration with Vanessa Hudgens.