Cruising the Mississippi River is an incredibly popular tourist endeavor. Whether embarking on a week-long cruise, or just a day-trip, Mississipi river cruises attract thousands of travelers every year, who come to marvel at the beauty of this grand river and all it has to offer. With so many different cruises available and varied styles of dress that suit the different events and activities that can occur on-board, one of the most common questions we hear at the cruise desk is: what should I wear on my cruise? The answer to this question depends greatly on the type of cruise you book. For instance, a formal cruise may require more of an evening dress code, while a more laid-back cruise may be more suitable for a relaxed resort attire.
Oftentimes, vacationers might decide to use the cruise’s resort attire option, so let’s break down what that entails. Resort attire typically consists of light, breathable clothing for a day of exploring. It is important to note that some resorts may have specific dress codes that guests must adhere to such as no open-toed shoes. Generally, however, resort wear can range from casual to dressy depending on your day plans. If you plan on just relaxing on-board, a pair of shorts, a t-shirt or a light sun dress can be suitable items of clothing for the day. If you are planning an adventurous day, for instance canoeing, hiking or swimming, activewear might be more suitable.
When it comes to formal evenings on certain cruises, you might be expected to dress up a bit more. This typically means wearing a smart-casual look such as collared dress shirts, dress pants, skirts, or sundresses. A good rule of thumb is to avoid t-shirts, and wear something that is a bit more dressy. If you are attending a formal event on-board a more luxury cruise, more elegant attire is usually required. Think cocktail dresses, pencil skirts, and trousers, as well as more formal sundresses. For men, ties and jackets are expected.
It is best practice to layer your clothing and pack accordingly, as the weather can often be unpredictable during a Mississippi River cruise. Comfortable clothing such as jeans, sweaters, blouses or windbreakers will make the cruise much more pleasant. Furthermore, you will want to ensure that you are practical and comfortable with your footwear. You will probably be doing a lot of walking on-board and around the various ports of call, so comfortable shoes such as running shoes, canvas flats, and sandals are recommended.
Overall, there is no one size fits all when it comes to choosing an outfit for a cruise. Dress codes can and do vary depending on the type of cruise, so the best thing to do is to understand what the cruise has to offer and to plan your attire accordingly. Knowing what to expect ahead of time will ensure that you feel comfortable and enjoy your cruise to its fullest!
Beach Wear
When in doubt, beach wear is a great go-to look on a Mississippi River cruise. On many cruises, there is a swimming pool or hot tub available for guests to enjoy, so it is a great idea to pack appropriate clothing such as a swimsuit and shorts for those days when you feel like taking a dip. Sandals and sunglasses are also essential accessories to complete your beachwear look! Additionally, if the cruise you are embarking on offers stops at beaches, beach wear will come in handy for those days when exploring in and around the area.
Be sure to pack items of clothing that are breathable and lightweight, as the weather in the South is usually quite hot and humid. Wearing loose-fitting fabrics or clothing with natural fibres such as cotton, denim, and linen will keep you ventilated, cool and comfortable throughout the duration of the cruise.
Although there are no strict dress codes on a Mississippi River cruise, staying stylish and feeling comfortable should be a top priority when deciding what to bring along. Beachwear is a classic look that is both stylish and practical and can act as a versatile look for your cruise.
Fashionable Casual
Cruising the Mississippi doesn’t have to mean that you have to sacrifice your personal style when deciding what to wear. Thankfully, you can easily combine both fashion and function when packing your suitcase, so you can look good and feel comfortable throughout your entire cruise.
Consider adding to your wardrobe items such as breezy linen tops, printed maxi skirts, and stylish shorts that can be paired with classic sandals, loafers or flat shoes. Packing classic basics such as denim jackets, white tees, and printed smock dresses will always come in handy on those days where comfort and practicality is key. If you decide to spend any nights at a theatre or restaurant, you can dress up the look with some statement earrings and a pair of classic wedges for an evening look that is both stylish and comfortable.
When cruising the Mississippi River, establishing a capsule wardrobe of basics is essential. Neutral colours, mix and match pieces, and breathable printed items are a great place to start when packing. With the right outfit, fashion and function can go hand-in-hand!
Accessorize
Accessories can easily take a look from ordinary to extraordinary without having to sacrifice comfort. Items such as statement necklaces, printed handbags and colourful jewellery can take a look from just being casual, to stylish and chic. On the other hand, if you prefer a more classic look, a pair of simple earrings and a thin belt belt can also help spice up an outfit and provide added visual interest.
If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing and exploring, a backpack can be a great accessory to bring along on your cruise. Pack it with essentials such as sunscreen and a hat, and you are good to go! Alternatively, if you plan on attending events or simply want something fashionable, handbags such as tote, shoulder bags and clutches can help you add a touch of glamour to your cruise wardrobe, without compromising on practicality.
Accessorizing is a great way to show off your own personal style on a Mississippi river cruise. Incorporating accessories can also help to express your own individuality, and ensure that you look and feel your best during the duration of the trip.
Stay Stylish with Footwear
Choosing the perfect shoes to wear on your Mississippi River cruise can be a difficult decision, with so many different activities available and so many different possible dress codes. The key to a successful cruise trip is to stay comfortable while also looking stylish, and the same can be said for your choice of footwear.
When deciding what to wear on your cruise, practicality should always be at the forefront of your thought process. Comfortable, breathable shoes such as, sandals, canvas flats, and running shoes are all great choices. If fashion is more of a priority and you want to add a touch of glamour to your look, there are some great options such as metallic slides, silver sneakers and embellished sandals, that can complete any outfit.
Whichever you decide to go for, always strive for comfort and practicality over fashion. After all, your feet are what keep you standing for hours at a time, so make sure you have the perfect pair of shoes to carry you throughout your entire trip.
How to Stay Cool
Although the weather in the South can be unpredictable, most Mississippi River cruises are pretty hot during the summer months. To ensure that you maintain your comfort and style, lightweight, breathable fabrics are usually the safest bet when choosing what to wear. Materials such as cotton, linen and blended fabrics are great for humid climates, as they are lightweight and allow your body to ventilate and not overheat.
In addition to lightweight fabrics, loose-fitting clothing can also help you to maintain a comfortable temperature. Clothes such as wide-leg trousers, full-length skirts, and flowy maxi dresses can all help you stay cool while sailing down the river. Additionally, bright and colourful prints can help to reflect the heat, while helping you to stand out on-board.
As most Mississippi River cruises are of a longer duration, it is important to think about comfort and function when deciding what to wear. Dressing for the weather and layering your clothes can help to make sure that you enjoy your trip to the fullest.
