What to Wear on a Cruise: A Modest Swimwear Packing Guide

The short answer: for a cruise, pack two or three swim tops and bottoms that mix and match, all in quick-drying, chlorine proof fabric with UPF 50+ sun protection. Choose pieces that look like regular clothes, so you can go from the pool deck to lunch or a shore excursion without changing.

Why cruise swimwear needs to work harder

A cruise is a week of water: the ship's pools and hot tubs, beach days in port, snorkeling, water parks and long hours on a sunny deck. Your swimwear has to handle all of it.

• Chlorine: ship pools and hot tubs are chlorinated, and hot tubs are the toughest on fabric. Chlorine proof fabric keeps its shape and color. Here's why.
• Sun: on deck and on the beach, sunlight reflects off the water. UPF 50+ fabric blocks about 98% of UV rays. What UPF 50+ means.
• Space: cabins are small and suitcases are full. Lightweight, quick-drying pieces pack small and are dry by dinner.

"I wore my HydroChic on my vacation to Aruba this summer. I barely took it off!"

— Clara G.

A simple cruise swim capsule

You don't need a new swimsuit for every day. Mix and match five pieces and you have a week of outfits:

1. Two swim tops: one with sleeves for long sunny days on deck, like the Coral Bay Ruched Swim Shirt, and one lighter top, like the Sea Breeze Two Tone V-Neck Swim Top.
2. Two bottoms: a swim skirt with attached shorts, like the Swing Skirt 21", and a pair of shorts or capris for water parks and snorkeling, like the Clam Digger Below the Knee Shorts.
3. One swim bra: the Supreme Swim and Sports Bra, our best-seller, works under every top.

Choose tops and bottoms in colors that go together, and every combination works.

"I love the skirt, it's my go to vacation outfit, and I wore the swim top with my jeans simply because it was comfy and who knew it was a swim top?"

— Teresa H.

From pool deck to shore excursion

The best cruise swimwear doesn't look like swimwear. A swim skirt and a sleeved swim top look like a sporty outfit, so you can walk through the buffet, sit down for lunch or step off the ship in port without hunting for a cover-up. Zippered pockets on many of our pieces hold your cabin key card, too.

Packing tips

• Rinse after every swim. A quick rinse in fresh water after the pool, hot tub or ocean keeps your swimwear like new.
• Hang to dry in the cabin. Quick-dry fabric is usually ready for the next activity within a couple of hours.
• Bring water shoes for rocky beaches and hot decks.
• Pack a hat and sunglasses. UPF fabric covers your body; your face needs its own protection.

Frequently asked questions

How many swimsuits should I bring on a 7-day cruise?

Two or three tops and two bottoms that mix and match are usually enough, since quick-dry swimwear is ready to wear again the same day.

Can I wear a swim skirt on a water slide?

Yes, as long as it has attached shorts or leggings. A skirt with a snap at the hem stays in place even better.

Are modest swimsuits allowed in cruise ship pools?

Swimwear made from real swim fabric is the same as any other swimsuit, just with more coverage. Cruise lines generally ask guests to wear proper swimwear in pools, which is why a cotton T-shirt may not be allowed. Check your cruise line's policy if you're unsure.

What sizes do you carry?

Most of our styles run from S to 5X. See our plus size fit guide.

Ready to pack? Browse Cruise, Beach & Water Park Swimwear.