Budget $150–$400 for a solid cruise-ready swimsuit and resort wear wardrobe depending on where you shop — and yes, where you buy matters massively. Fast fashion hauls from Amazon or ASOS can land you pool-ready for under $150, while dedicated resort wear brands like Hunza G or Vix can run $300–$500+ for just a few pieces.
Photo: Travel Mutiny
First cruises with internet friends hit different — the pressure to look good for people you've only seen through a screen is real, and you're probably overthinking the wardrobe budget. Here's what you actually need to spend, where to find it, and how to survive your first cruise without blowing your budget before you even board.
How Much Should You Budget for Cruise Swimwear and Resort Wear?
A full cruise-ready wardrobe — think 2–3 swimsuits, cover-ups, a sundress or two, sandals, and one semi-formal outfit for elegant night — runs $150–$450 depending entirely on where you shop. You don't need to spend more than $200 to look genuinely great on a cruise ship.
| Tier | What You Get | Where to Shop | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | 2 swimsuits, 1 cover-up, 1 sundress, flip flops | Amazon, ASOS, Target, Shein | $80–$150 |
| Mid-Range | 2–3 swimsuits, 2 cover-ups, 1–2 sundresses, sandals, 1 linen set | Cupshe, Anthropologie sale, Free People, H&M | $150–$300 |
| Splurge | 3 swimsuits, resort-worthy separates, a proper sarong, statement sandals | Vix, Hunza G, Zimmermann, Revolve | $300–$600+ |
The honest truth: Nobody on a cruise ship is scrutinizing your swimsuit label. Pool decks and beach days are democratic. Spend what makes you feel confident, not what you think will impress people.
Photo: Travel Mutiny
What Actually Drives the Cost (and What to Pack)
How many days is your cruise? A 3–4 night Bahamas run needs 2 swimsuits max. A 7-night Caribbean itinerary? You'll want 3 so you're not living in damp lycra every day. Pack at least one swimsuit per every 2–3 days at sea or in port.
Formal nights matter. Most mainstream cruises (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian) have 1–2 "elegant nights." This doesn't mean a ball gown — a sundress or a nice jumpsuit absolutely works. Don't buy a new formal outfit just for this; repurpose something you already own.
Cover-ups are underrated. You'll walk through the ship, into the buffet, up to a bar — all in your swimsuit with a cover-up. A $20–$30 sarong from Amazon covers everything. Don't skip this.
Shoes. One pair of flip flops for the pool, one pair of nicer sandals for dinner and port days. That's it. Don't overpack shoes on a cruise.
The friend group factor. Since this is a group of people you haven't met IRL, the pool deck and casual bars will be your social home base. Comfort beats Instagram-perfection every time. You want to be relaxed, not tugging at a swimsuit that doesn't actually fit properly.
Photo: Travel Mutiny
Best Places to Shop for Cruise Swimwear and Resort Wear
Budget-Friendly (Under $150 total haul)
- Cupshe (cupshe.com) — Affordable, surprisingly decent quality, huge selection. A solid one-piece runs $30–$45, bikini sets $25–$40.
- Amazon — Search "swimsuit coverup set" and sort by reviews. Risky, but the return policy saves you. Budget $15–$35 per piece.
- Target (in-store) — Better quality control than Amazon for swimwear. Their All in Motion and Kona Sol lines are legitimately good for $25–$45/suit.
- ASOS — Great for resort wear separates and coverups. Search their sale section specifically — markdowns are aggressive.
- Shein/Temu — If you go this route, order 6–8 weeks out and size up two sizes. Quality is a gamble but the price is unbeatable for accessories and cover-ups.
Mid-Range Sweet Spot ($150–$300 total)
- H&M — Underrated for swimwear. Quality has improved, trendy cuts, $25–$50/suit.
- Free People — Sale section specifically. Their boho-resort aesthetic is perfect for cruise vibes. Full price is too much; sale is worth it.
- Anthropologie sale — Same logic. Full price is aggressive, but clearance is excellent resort wear.
- Revolve — Good if you're buying 1–2 hero pieces. Wide size range, fast shipping.
- TJ Maxx / Marshalls / HomeGoods — Criminally underrated for resort wear. Designer surplus ends up here constantly. Go in person, not online.
Splurge (If You're Going All-In)
- Vix Swimwear — Brazilian-made, incredible quality, $100–$200/piece. If you want one swimsuit you'll wear for 5 years, this is it.
- Hunza G — Signature crinkle fabric, flattering on every body, cult-followed for a reason. Around $180–$250/suit.
- Zimmermann — Resort wear that is legitimately resort wear. $300+ per piece but stunning.
What to Actually Pack for a 7-Night Cruise (Real List)
| Item | Quantity | Budget Spend | Mid Spend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swimsuits | 3 | $60–$90 | $120–$180 |
| Cover-ups/sarongs | 2 | $20–$40 | $60–$100 |
| Sundresses/casual dresses | 2–3 | $40–$60 | $80–$150 |
| One "nice" dinner outfit | 1 | $0 (use what you own) | $50–$100 |
| Flip flops (pool) | 1 pair | $10–$20 | $25–$40 |
| Sandals (dinner/port) | 1 pair | $20–$40 | $50–$120 |
| Sunscreen (buy before boarding) | — | $10–$20 | $10–$20 |
| Total | $160–$270 | $345–$710 |
Warning: Do NOT buy sunscreen on the ship. It's marked up 3–4x what you'd pay at Target. Same goes for basic toiletries. Load up before you board.
Quick Cruise Tips for First-Timers Meeting IRL Friends
Budget for onboard costs beyond clothes. Gratuities on most mainstream lines run $16–$20/person/day and are often added automatically. A drink package will run $50–$120/person/day pre-cruise (check your Cruise Planner for your exact sailing price — it varies). These costs dwarf what you spend on swimwear.
Don't wear your nicest cover-up to port excursions where you'll be in water, on boats, or on beach chairs. Save the pretty ones for ship pool days.
The group dynamic: Meeting internet friends IRL on a cruise ship is actually ideal — you have built-in activities, shared spaces, and zero awkwardness about what to do next. The pool deck is your best friend for the first 24 hours of breaking the ice.
Book your cruise through a solid platform to make sure you're getting the best cabin and pricing — CruiseHub is a reliable booking partner worth checking before you commit.
Once you've sorted the wardrobe, the real cruise costs — drinks, gratuities, excursions, specialty dining — are what'll actually move the needle on your budget. Run your full trip cost estimate (including all those sneaky add-ons) through CruiseMutiny before you sail so you're not shocked at the final bill.