Now that you’ve booked a cruise you are about to embark on one of the most exciting vacation adventures. From the moment you step on board its time join in fun activities whether it be the formal glitz and glamour of the Captains cocktail party, learning the latest dancing moves in the professional dance classes, relaxing by the pool or simply being pampered in the Spa.
We have had the pleasure of cruising, we love that once you come on board you unpack and feel at home for the entire cruise, unlike other vacations where you spend most of your time living out of a suitcase. My next question after the excitement of booking is “what will I wear?” This is where I go in search of the best plus size cruise wear.
- Preview chart for the best plus size formal cruise wear
- How to dress for a cruise
- Best plus size formal cruise wear reviews
- Captains Cocktail Party
- Preview chart for the best plus size cocktail dresses
- Best plus size cocktail dresses reviews
- Dresses to wear on a cruise dinner
- Preview chart for the best plus size casual dresses
- Best plus size casual dresses reviews
- Shore Excursions – Cruise Dresses vs Pants
- Preview chart for the best plus size evening & casual tops
- Best plus size evening & casual tops reviews
- Preview chart for the best plus size pants
- Best plus size pants reviews
- Preview chart for the best plus size skirts
- Best plus size skirt reviews
- Pool and Beach Cruise Wear
- Preview chart for the best plus size swimwear & cover-ups
- best plus size swimwear & cover-ups reviews
- Cruise Wear – Shoes
- Preview chart for the best cruise wear shoes
- Best cruise wear shoes reviews
- Cruise Wear – Jewellery
- Preview chart for the best cruise wear Jewellery
- Best cruise wear Jewellery reviews
- What to look for in plus size cruise wear
- What to look for when shopping for plus size cruise clothes for women?
- Enjoy your cruise
Preview chart for the best plus size formal cruise wear
Trying to figure out what to wear on a cruise? Plus size formal clothing should be stunning, stylish and make you feel beautiful. Finding cruise wear to suit your needs couldn’t be easier, to help you choose, we’ve listed a preview of some of the best plus size cruise wear dresses available. See below the chart for larger view and my review.
How to dress for a cruise
How do you decide what to wear on a cruise? Your cruise destination will be one of the deciding factors in what clothes to wear on a cruise. For example, Mediterranean cruise and Caribbean cruise outfits will have a fresh summery look due to the warmer climate, while Northern European cruise and Alaskan cruise outfits may have you rugging up for the cold.
Style of cruise also plays a part on cruise outfit ideas. When choosing a cruise line, decide whether you want your cruise vacation to be casual and laid back or to be a more formal dressed up affair.
Shore excursions will also influence your choice in clothing. Do you want to be wearing a long Maxi dress while walking the rocky uneven ground of the Acropolis in Athens? Maybe shorts and tank top isn’t the right choice for visiting the Vatican in Rome. Being comfortable while looking stylish adds an air of confidence that makes every woman glow.
These are things to think about when planning your style of cruise wear for ladies. Once you decide your cruise destination, cruise line and excursions, it’s time to get down to the fun bit, shopping for clothes!
Best plus size formal cruise wear reviews
R&M Richards Women’s Plus Size Empire Waist Cold Shoulder with Sleeves Large
What can I say, Va Va Va Voom! This dress is young and sexy, the dress to show off all those wonderful curves, definitely a winner!
**Check availability and read reviews here.
J Kara Women’s Plus Size Pop Over with Beaded Bottom
Floaty and feminine and in a colour that flatters most skin tones adds a touch of class to any cruise ensemble
**Check availability and read reviews here.
Alex Evenings Women’s Plus Size Long Sleeve Sweetheart Neckline Dress
If one word was needed to describe this dress it would be “Romantic”. A classic design that only needs that stunning pair of drop earrings and killer heels to complete the outfit.
**Check availability and read reviews here.
Captains Cocktail Party
Even the most casual cruise lines will have at least one formal night, this is usually the Captains Cocktail Party. This is the night to get out your designer cruise wear, your best jewelry and your glitziest designer shoes. This is the occasion to sparkle as you meet the Captain, make new friends and enjoy a glass of champagne or cocktail.
On more upmarket cruise formal dress will be required for all evening entertainment. On a casual cruise evening dress may only be required for the Captains Cocktail Party and cruise party dresses are a favourite when visiting the night club.
Most women use these occasions to buy cruise formal wear especially long cruise dresses. One thing to think about when buying plus size formal cruise dresses is the crushability of the fabric. Travel friendly fabrics will save time and money.
When thinking cruise wear, evening dresses are possibly the most important clothing item you will buy for a cruise, when looking spectacular is an absolute must.
Preview chart for the best plus size cocktail dresses
We have put together a preview of some of the best plus size cocktail dresses available. See below the chart for larger view and my review.
| Cocktail Dress | Image | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Kiyonna Women’s Plus Size Whimsy Wrap Dress | | See It |
| London Times Women’s Plus Size Cold Shoulder Round Neck Sheath Dress | | See It |
Best plus size cocktail dresses reviews
Kiyonna Women’s Plus Size Whimsy Wrap Dress
I love this dress, its young, fun and flirty, comes in a range of colours and flatters the figure. Just add those equally flirty shoes, necklace and earrings and get ready to dance the night away.
**Check availability and read reviews here.
London Times Women’s Plus Size Cold Shoulder Round Neck Sheath Dress
For that shimmer of creamy gold you can’t go past this dress, adds a touch of style to any cocktail party.
**Check availability and read reviews here.
Dresses to wear on a cruise dinner
When shopping for dresses for a cruise vacation, deciding what to wear to dinner is a little less stressful than in the past, these days there are no hard and fast rules on what to wear.
Style of cruise dinner dresses can range from the usual cruise evening dress to a floaty maxi dress with a more casual flair. Many women choose cocktail dresses for a cruise, this is a popular choice as it still retains a formal feel without being overdressed.
Another choice is separates, tops, pants and skirts can be dressed up for that more casual and comfortable style, just add some stunning jewelry or scarf for that extra glamour and you will be ready to hit the dance floor.
Just remember the choice is yours, how formal or casual you dress is your personal preference and style.
Preview chart for the best plus size casual dresses
Finding the best plus size casual dress to suit your needs can be a challenge. To help you choose, we’ve listed a preview of some of the best plus size casual dresses available. See below the chart for larger view and my review.
| Casual Dress | Image | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Anysize Spring Summer Soft Linen Cotton Lantern Loose Dress | | See It |
| Nemidor Women’s Cold Shoulder Plus Size Casual T-Shirt Swing Dress with Pockets |  | See It |
Best plus size casual dresses reviews
Anysize Spring Summer Soft Linen&Cotton Lantern Loose Dress
This popular choice in plus size cruise dresses is fresh, comfortable and youthful. The simple Boho lines gives you the chance to show your personality and pizzazz by adding a chunky necklace and bangles.
**Check availability and read reviews here.
Nemidor Women’s Cold Shoulder Plus Size Casual T-shirt Swing Dress With Pockets
A casual T-shirt style swing dress, easy to wear on those cruise port excursions and can be teamed with skinny jeans of capri pants.
**Check availability and read reviews here.
Shore Excursions – Cruise Dresses vs Pants
When looking for plus size cruise ship outfits to wear on a cruise it is important to choose a style you are comfortable with. For cruise wear, dresses, especially casual cruise dresses are easy to wear, come in uncrushable fabrics and are a cruise mainstay.
Choosing those essential sundresses for cruises in a warmer climate can be so much fun. Summer cruise dresses don’t have to be limited to short dresses, picking a maxi dress for a cruise adds a touch of romance that can take you from poolside to dinner in an instant, just add your flashiest jewellery and day turns to night in the blink of an eye.
When looking at plus size cruise wear for sale, remember to think of your vacation destination, it is always safer to have at least a couple of cruise dresses with sleeves for those times when covering up is needed, this may be for the evening when the weather gets cooler or on shore excursions to religious sites.
Cute cruise outfits aren’t limited to dresses, when choosing cruise wear, pants are another popular choice, especially during shore excursions when you need to be more active.
I like separates, it allows you to stretch your wardrobe by using different tops and pants. Plan well when using separates, incorporate a colour of a similar colour palette to get the most out of your cruise wear clothing.
Preview chart for the best plus size evening & casual tops
Plus size evening and casual tops are a cruise essential, to help you make the right choices, we’ve listed a preview of some of the best plus size evening and casual tops available. See below the chart for larger view and my review.
| Evening & Casual Tops | Image | Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Funfash Plus Size Women New Slimming Empire Waist Short | | See It |
| Funfash CF2 Plus Size Women Slimming Rhinestones A Line Top Blouse | | See It |
Best plus size evening & casual tops reviews
Funfash Plus Size Women New Slimming Empire Waist Short
A young sexy style, that would look great with palazzo pants. Add some gypsy earrings and its time to hit the ships nightclub.
**Check availability and read reviews here.
Funfash CF2 Plus Size Women Slimming Rhinestones A Line Top Blouse
Feel comfortable and casual, with the glitz of rhinestones. This top will jazz up even the most casual skirt or pant. Add fancy gold earrings and black slacks for an evening look.
**Check availability and read reviews here.
Preview chart for the best plus size pants
Finding the right plus size pants to suit your needs can be difficult. To help you choose, we’ve listed a preview of some of the best plus size pants available. See below the chart for larger view and my review.
Best plus size pants reviews
Star Vixen Women’s Plus Size Stretch Ity Knit Wide-Leg Palazzo Pant
These palazzo pants are so comfortable and versatile. They work well with a casual top during the day and can be dressed up into a classy number at night with a funky necklace or chunky bangle.
**Check availability and read reviews here.
HyBrid & Company Super Comfy Stretch Pull-On
I love these pants and the range of colours the come in. Super comfortable and would look spectacular with a floaty top.
**Check availability and read reviews here.
Riders by Lee Indigo Plus-Size Comfort Waist Cuff Capri
What can I say but these are a must have in any wardrobe. They go with anything, great for a casual day out.
**Check availability and read reviews here.
Preview chart for the best plus size skirts
Finding a stylish and comfortable plus size skirt to suit your cruise needs couldn’t be easier. To help you choose, we’ve listed a preview of some of the best plus size skirts available. See below the chart for larger view and my review.
| Plus Size Skirts | Image | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lock and Love LL WB1105 Womens Lightweight Fold Over Flared Midi Skirt | | See It |
| Karen Kane Women’s Plus Size Crushed Tiered Maxi Skirt | | See It |
Best plus size skirt reviews
Lock and Love LL WB1105 Womens Lightweight Fold Over Flared Midi Skirt
A super comfy skirt that suits many different shapes. This skirt comes in so many different colours and patterns it will be a pleasure to wear.
**Check availability and read reviews here.
Karen Kane Women’s Plus Size Crushed Tiered Maxi Skirt
Casual, fun and flirty, just perfect for those tropical destinations. Add a classic white shirt and enjoy your cruise port excursion.
**Check availability and read reviews here.
Pool and Beach Cruise Wear
When cruising finding the perfect plus size beach wear is important. In the past it was almost impossible to find something to flatter the curvier figure.
Thankfully these days when looking for cruise wear, swimsuits come in so many pretty figure flattering and sexy designs. There are a rainbow of colours and patterns to choose from which has made choosing plus size swimwear so much easier.
Cruise wear cover ups and kaftans are another essential, they offer protection from the sun and are perfect for relaxing by pool.
Beach wear cover ups and kaftans are one of those boat cruise outfits that can take you from pool to an evening out. They come in beautiful fabrics and colours, some are even jewel encrusted, just team them with slacks or capri pants and you are ready to go.
So! When looking at buying cruise wear, bathing suits and cover ups should be on the top of your list of fun items to shop for.
Preview chart for the best plus size swimwear & cover-ups
Finding the best plus size swimwear and cover-ups to suit your needs can be difficult. To help you choose, we’ve listed a preview of some of the best plus size swimwear and cover-ups available. See below the chart for larger view and my review.
best plus size swimwear & cover-ups reviews
Ebuddy Elegant Retro Inspired Boy-Leg One Piece Ruched Monokinis Swimsuit
I love this swim suit, it is super cute, hides imperfections and gives support. Hears to looking retro around the ships pool.
**Check availability and read reviews here.
Cocoship Vintage Sailor Pin Up Swimsuit One Piece Skirtini Cover Up Swimdress
Fun and flirty, accentuating the curves while giving a good shape. I love this figure flattering vintage inspired swimsuit.
**Check availability and read reviews here.
KEASUZY Womens Plus Size Swimsuit Halter Tankini Top and Skort Bottom Set
This sexy tankini style comes with a skirt bottom, perfect for hiding all those little imperfections. Add a little Wow factor to beach visits.
**Check availability and read reviews here.
Cruise Wear – Shoes
Shoes can make or break an outfit and when cruising you will want to choose a range of shoes that combine elegance, casual cool and comfort.
For formal wear its time to go all out with jewelled high heels and strappy sandals. For those more comfortable with a low heel, bejewelled sandals and ballet flats are a great alternative and a good choice when navigating a rocking ship.
When taking shore excursions, comfort is a must as you will be walking for most of the day. Choose a colour to compliment all cruise outfits, plus size or petite size we all need to consider the climate at the cruise destination.
When relaxing by the pool sandals and slip on shoes are the best option. There are a huge range of pretty sandals to choose from and like the pool wear cover up, they can be worn from pool to party.
Shoes, like jewelry, can make a plain dress shine and can change the its looks entirely, this is something to think about if you want to save on baggage space or are on a limited budget.
Preview chart for the best cruise wear shoes
Finding that perfect pair of cruise wear shoes is a must, to help you choose, we’ve listed a preview of some of the best cruise wear shoes available. See below the chart for larger view and my review.
| Cruise Wear Shoes | Image | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Badgley Mischka womens Kiara Dress Pump | | See It |
| Badgley Mischka Women’s Storm Sandal | | See It |
| BOBS from Skechers Women’s Highlights-Set Sail Flat | | See It |
Best cruise wear shoes reviews
Badgley Mischka Women’s Royal Dress Pump
Badgley Mischka’s ultimate Princess shoe, let your fairy tale begin on your next ocean cruise.
**Check availability and read reviews here.
Badgley Mischka Women's Storm Sandal
I absolutely adore these Badgley Mischka sandals, they add a touch of glamour to those of us who feel more comfortable in a small heel.
**Check availability and read reviews here.
BOBS from Skechers Women’s Highlights-Set Sail Flat
These shoes are so versatile and comfortable, they go with jeans and dresses and come in a range of styles and colours.
**Check availability and read reviews here.
Cruise Wear – Jewellery
I love jewellery and accessories, I love pulling an outfit together with that stunning piece of jewellery or scarf. Just add those statement sunglasses and handbag and you are ready to head off on your next cruise adventure. Accessories make your cruise wear individual and show the world your personality and style.
Preview chart for the best cruise wear Jewellery
Jewellery it can make of break an outfit, to help you choose that perfect piece of cruise jewellery, we’ve listed a preview of some of the best cruise wear jewellery available. See below the chart for larger view and my review.
| Cruise Wear Jewellery | Image | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ben-Amun Jewelry Swarovski Crystal and Glass Pearl Drop Earrings | | See It |
| Ben-Amun Jewelry Eclipse Collection Shooting Star Swarovski Crystal Modern Jewelry | | See It |
Best cruise wear Jewellery reviews
Ben-Amun Jewelry Swarovski Crystal and Glass Pearl Drop Earrings
Absolutely stunning, these Swarovski Crystal statement earrings are elegant and put the finishing touch to cruise ship formal wear.
**Check availability and read reviews here.
Ben-Amun Jewelry Eclipse Lunar Swarovski Crystal Y-Shaped Necklace
This Swarovski crystal necklace will add a little sparkle to the Captains Cocktail party. The perfect addition to that gorgeous evening dress.
**Check availability and read reviews here.
What to look for in plus size cruise wear
Being on the curvy side myself I also shop for plus size clothing. What I find difficult is finding flattering cruise clothing. Let’s face it a lot of plus size clothing is just plain ugly, we want something to accentuate our curves, a lot of the plus size cruise outfits look like sacks, making us appear bigger than we actually are and do nothing for our confidence.
Being plus size does not mean you have to look dowdy, I have met so many stunningly beautiful larger ladies and they all have one thing in common, they are impeccably groomed and have fashion flair.
What makes these women different from others is their ability to use colour, jewellery and accessories to make themselves stand out from the crowd. So, find a bold colour that suits you, my favourite colours are red and hot pink, having white hair they inject a much-needed splash of colour and flatter my skin tone.
For evening, plus size cruise formal wear gives us a chance to add a bit of glamour, I like to keep plus size women’s wear simple, often using classic lines in basic black and allowing my accessories to add that Wow factor.
Jewellery not only gives you a signature look it changes an outfit, for example a basic black dress can change its look many times by simply using the right necklace, bangle and earrings or add a dash of colour or sparkle with a scarf. Accessories add a touch of femininity and panache to plus size cruise fashion.
What to look for when shopping for plus size cruise clothes for women?
When shopping for women’s plus size cruise clothing, I look for style, comfort and fit. Spending your time adjusting clothes that are either too tight or too loose, will take away from your cruise pleasure, feeling comfortable is key to confidence.
Find the styles that suit you and stick to them. I have two styles I like, clothing that skims my body and accentuates my curves and floaty kaftan tops decorated with a touch of bling that go great with capri pants.
Like every woman, I like pretty clothes, I want to look as attractive as I can, I love looking for those little feminine touches of wispy fabrics, beading, embroidery and lace when looking for cruise wear for ladies. I hope you enjoyed this article. Happy Shopping!
Enjoy your cruise
Now that you have your cruise wardrobe, it’s time to relax and enjoy the wonders of cruising. We hope we have helped you select the best plus size woman’s cruise wear for your next cruise itinerary.
Drop us a line, we would love to hear about your next cruise destination. We have visited many wonderful cruise destinations some of our favourites are Santorini, Venice and Copenhagen. What are your favourite cruise destinations?
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