A Mediterranean cruise is a dream come true for many travelers, offering stunning landscapes, rich histories, and delicious cuisines. One of the joys of cruising is the opportunity to dress up for evenings on board and explore charming ports of call. Selecting the right dresses can enhance your experience, keeping you comfortable and stylish. Here’s a guide to choosing the perfect dresses for your Mediterranean adventure.
TL;DR
Beth shares dresses for a Mediterranean cruise
The outfits are shoppable via text and image widgets
Plus, find a shoppable collages at the end of the post
The Perfect Dresses for Your Mediterranean Cruise
consider the climate
The Mediterranean climate is predominantly warm and sunny, making lightweight and breathable fabrics essential. Look for dresses made from cotton, linen, or light rayon that allow for airflow. Additionally, consider the time of year you’ll be cruising:
Spring (March to May): Choose floral prints and pastel colors to embrace the season. Maxi dresses with a light cardigan are perfect for cooler evenings.
Summer (June to August): Opt for short, sleeveless dresses or sundresses to keep cool, and don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
Fall (September to November): Layering is key as temperatures can fluctuate. Long-sleeved dresses with leggings or a stylish shawl can provide comfort during any cool evenings.
Shop the Outfit
Mumi Midi Dress | Jedda Strappy Sandal | Straw Tote | Caviar Hoop Earrings | Caviar Bangle | Caviar Watchband
Dress for Casual Days at Sea
Days spent at sea provide the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the amenities aboard your cruise ship. During these days, comfortable yet chic dresses are ideal. Look for:
Beach Cover-ups: If your day involves lounging by the pool or heading to the beach, a vibrant cover-up can be both functional and fashionable. Choose bright colors or tropical prints to reflect the Mediterranean vibe.
Casual Sundresses: Lightweight sundresses paired with sandals are perfect for casual dining and exploring the ship. You can dress them up with accessories or layer with a light jacket if it gets breezy.
1.
floral kaftan
2.
printed maxi shirtdress
3.
sleeveless wrap midi dress
4.
shirtdress in cotton poplin
5.
linen jumpsuit
Originally my Mediterranean cruise was from August 22 – September 1st which meant warm weather was in play and I planned accordingly. There were was one day spent at sea but two other days when I could stay on the boat and enjoy the watersports platform. A swimsuit and coverup top and bottom were included on my packing list.
For the days spent touring Italy, Croatia and Greece I had planned on wearing dresses and more dresses. I fell in love with this multi colored dress from Ro’s Garden available at Anthropologie. Ro’s Garden is a resortwear collection brimming with vacation styles. The Mumi Midi Dress is cotton with a buttonfront and tie waist. The colorscheme transitions beautifully from summer to fall and will look adorable with a jean jacket when the temps begin to dip.
For this cruise I invested in the perfect walking shoe. It’s from Pedro Garcia so it definitely costs a pretty penny but the metallic color was versatile enough for this sporty sandal with serrated sole to go with every dress I packed. It was one and down with my shoes as well as my dresses and I have to sing the praises of the comfort level with this wedge sandal.
elegant evening attire
Evenings on a Mediterranean cruise often call for more formal attire. Depending on the cruise line, you might experience themed nights or formal dinners. Consider these options:
Cocktail Dresses: A versatile cocktail dress can easily transition from elegant dinners to evening shows. Look for styles that flatter your figure and fabrics that sparkle, such as satin or silk.
Shop the Outfit
Mumi Midi Dress | Jedda Strappy Sandal | Straw Tote | Caviar Hoop Earrings | Caviar Bangle | Caviar Watchband
1.
scattered dot satin dress
2.
viscose-hemp maxi dress
3.
one-shoulder glam midi dress
4.
sleeveless v-neck pleated midi dress
5.
textured midi dress
Maxi Dresses: A flowing maxi dress is a great choice for formal nights. It adds a touch of glamour while allowing for ease of movement; perfect for dancing the night away.
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strapless pleated maxi dress
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sleeveless maxi dress
8.
maxi a-line dress
9.
linen kaftan dress
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draped jersey maxi dress
Little Black Dress: An LBD is a timeless choice. You can accessorize differently for each night to create varied looks, making it an excellent staple.
port exploration
As you dock in captivating Mediterranean cities, you’ll want to feel both stylish and comfortable while exploring. Dress options for port days include:
Wrap Dresses: These can be flattering and adaptable for various body types. They’re easy to put on and take off and provide comfort for a day of walking.
Shirt Dresses: Casual yet chic, shirt dresses allow for ease of movement and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Pair with comfy sneakers for a day of sightseeing or sandals for a more relaxed look.
Shorter Hemlines: Depending on the culture of the ports you visit, you may want to opt for dresses that offer higher hemlines for a breezy, summery feel. Just ensure they align with local customs and always have a cardigan or scarf for coverage when necessary.
accessorize wisely
Accessories play a crucial role in elevating your cruise wardrobe. Consider the following to complement your dresses:
Versatile Footwear: Choose sandals for the daytime and heels or dressy flats for evening outings. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is also essential for port days.
Jewelry: Statement necklaces or earrings can add flair to any dress. Just remember to keep it simple for daytime explorations.
Bags: A stylish day bag for excursions and a chic clutch for the evening can keep your essentials handy while enhancing your look.
A Mediterranean cruise is as much about style as it is about adventure. Selecting the right dresses can significantly enhance your overall experience, ensuring you feel both comfortable and fashionable. From breezy sundresses for daytime excursions to elegant dresses for romantic evenings, embrace the opportunity to express your style amid stunning Mediterranean backdrops. Bon voyage!
Shop the Outfit
Mumi Midi Dress | Jedda Strappy Sandal | Straw Tote | Caviar Hoop Earrings | Caviar Bangle | Caviar Watchband
In Case You Missed It
Yesterday, Beth shared how to look expensive on a budget. Click the title or image below to read the article.
How to Look Expensive on a Budget: Featuring the Scoop Line
About The Author
You look great in that dress and the sandals! I hope you have a wonderful trip 🙂 Take notes for us ~
Thanks, Carolina Girl! I won’t be setting sail until October 1st now but I’m looking forward to the trip!
Your upcoming cruise sounds wonderful…ahhh…to sail from Rome and end in Venice. I want to be you!
Love these dress ideas. I would love to see a post with Kelly featuring dresses for petites for a cruise, as I am 5’1″ and maxis are a little overwhelming and off the shoulder, and bare shoulders etc. are just not my style.
I am looking forward to setting sail this October!
Thanks for stopping by!
Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is great, as well as the content!