The Best Bathing Suits for a Cruise Vacation

Best Bathing Suits for a Cruise

There are quite a few styles of bathing suits for a cruise or anytime you head to the pool or beach. If you're wondering what style of bathing suit is allowed on a cruise, I'll say that there aren't really any limitations.

You can be as covered up as you'd like or maybe choose something a little more skimpy. As long as you are covered up enough, that's totally fine! It's all what you feel comfortable with wearing.

If you're going to be participating in any sports or even swimming in some wavy ocean water, you should consider wearing a bathing suit that will stay on you securely. It could be quite embarrassing if your swimsuit doesn't provide adequate coverage during an activity.

One Piece Swimsuits

My personal favourite bathing suit to bring on a cruise is a cute one-piece swimsuit. They're so versatile.

One piece bathing suits are flattering and provide a good amount of coverage. You can wear them to any beach or pool. They'll stay on you when you're participating in watersports, swimming through the waves or even surfing and body boarding.

They are great for pretty much all body types. It's an excellent balance between comfort and style. One piece bathing suits are timeless and will enhance your natural body shape.

Bikinis

Bikinis are a cute choice for hanging out by the beach or the pool. They're not just reserved for those with a slim or athletic body type. There are so many options beyond a string bikini.

There are high-waisted bikini bottoms that are really flattering for everyone. This is a great choice to define an hourglass shape. There are even bandeau bikinis for those with a smaller bust and other bikini tops that provide lift and structure.

Every body is bikini ready. It's possible to find bikinis from sizes XS - 4XL, so there's a bikini for everyone! I just wouldn't wear a bikini if you plan on surfing or doing any watersports. You might lose your top.

Tankinis

How about the of both worlds...a tankini! Tankinis became popular in the late 1990s. It combines a bathing suit tank top with a bikini bottom.

In a way, it provides the coverage of a one piece swimsuit, but you don't need to remove your entire bathing suit when you use the bathroom. Genius, isn't it?

Tankinis are also best for those who want to wear a bikini but want a bit more coverage around their stomach. This is usually a pretty good option for light watersports and activities, too.

Swim Dress

Have you heard of swim dresses? This is an alternative to traditional swimwear that are comfortable, versatile, and lightweight.

They cover your midsection and your bottom half. They offer full coverage while remaining girly and fun.

Another reason why women may want to consider a swim dress is for traditions or religious purposes. Some Christians, Orthodox Jews or Muslims may opt to wear a swimming dress (some may choose to wear a Burkini!).

More Cruise Swimwear Suggestions

When you're sailing aboard a cruise and venturing to the pool, you'll need to bring more than a bathing suit. When walking to the pool from your cabin or through the public areas, you'll need to wear clothes on top of your bathing suit or a bathing suit cover up.

It's also important to wear appropriate shoes and you might want to store all of your belongings in some sort of beach bag.

Bathing Suit Cover-Up

Almost as important as the swimsuit is the bathing suit cover up! This can be as casual or dressy as you'd like, and it's a whole fashion statement in itself.

When it comes to spending time at the cruise pool or a beach on an excursion, I'll usually wear a lightweight dress or an airy kimono coverup. These will keep you feeling cool and comfortable.

They also won't hold in any moisture if your bathing suit isn't quite dry after a swim, and it's easy to brush sand off them, too. Here are some helpful and specific ideas for what to wear over a swimsuit, and even more bathing suit cover-ups for cruises or holidays.

Appropriate Footwear

When you're walking around the pool, it's likely that you'll want to wear a pair of flip-flops or comfortable sandals that you don't mind getting a bit wet. I usually wear my most casual pair of black Roxy flip flops.

I bring these shoes everywhere I go when I travel since they're inexpensive and versatile. I'll wear them when walking around on a cruise ship, going to the beach, or even going to a spa or sauna.

If you're going to be spending time on a rocky beach, snorkeling near rocks or walking around waterfalls with slippery rocks, it is a good idea to wear a pair of water shoes. I grabbed a pair of water shoes at my local Walmart for less than $10, and they do the trick when needed.

It's also really important to always wear shoes when swimming on a cruise ship. You aren't allowed to walk indoors with bare feet. It's likely that you might want to pop over to the buffet at some point in time, so you'll need both a cover-up and a pair of shoes if you're headed indoors.

It's also pretty obvious, but you'll need a pair of shoes anytime you leave your room. So, don't forget the flip flops or sandals.

Beach Bag

Last, I always carry a small beach bag when I'm headed to the cruise ship swimming pool. While I might carry my towel (or store my towel in the bag if it's larger), I'll keep a few important items in my beach bag:

• Cruise key card
• Sunglasses
• A good book or an e-reader
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm with SPF

Best Cruise Swimwear: Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the main goal is to find a bathing suit where you feel comfortable. It needs to be suitable for whatever you plan to do, whether it's relax by the beach or pool or participate in watersports.

It's important to feel confident in your choice. After all, choosing a bathing suit can be a bit stressful. It's usually the thing I hate shopping for the most. Thankfully, I've been able to find swimsuits that I love, and I bring them on all my cruise vacations!