Budget $150–$400 for a solid cruise-ready swimsuit and resort wear haul — fast fashion sites like ASOS and Shein can get you there for under $150, while mid-range picks from Anthropologie, Free People, or Amazon's swim section hit $200–$300 for a complete look. Here's exactly where to shop and what to budget for your first cruise with a friend group.
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
First cruise with internet friends in your 30s? That's genuinely one of the best ways to do it — a shared itinerary, built-in squad energy, and zero awkward family drama. But before you board, you need to look the part without torching your budget on resort wear that only gets worn four days a year. Here's the honest breakdown.
What You Should Actually Budget for Cruise Swimwear & Resort Wear
The cruise ship pool deck is not a fashion show — but it's also not your backyard. You'll want 2–3 swimsuits minimum (trust me, wet suits in a humid cabin are miserable), a few cover-up options, and something passable for casual dinner nights. Here's what that realistically costs by tier:
| Category | Budget Tier ($) | Mid-Range Tier ($) | Splurge Tier ($$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swimsuits (2–3) | $30–$70 (Shein, Amazon, Target) | $90–$180 (ASOS, Cupshe, Summersalt) | $200–$400 (Free People, Zimmermann) |
| Cover-ups (2) | $20–$40 (Amazon, Old Navy) | $50–$100 (Anthropologie, Madewell) | $120–$250 (Ulla Johnson, Seafolly) |
| Casual resort dress/outfit (2) | $30–$60 (H&M, Shein) | $80–$160 (ASOS, Revolve sale) | $180–$350 (Reformation, Farm Rio) |
| Sandals/flip flops | $15–$30 (Old Navy, Amazon) | $40–$80 (Birkenstock, Havaianas) | $100–$200 (Ancient Greek Sandals) |
| Sun hat + bag | $20–$35 | $50–$100 | $120–$300 |
| Total Estimate | $115–$235 | $310–$620 | $720–$1,500+ |
For a first cruise with a friend group in your 30s, mid-range ($300–$500 total) hits the sweet spot — you'll look great in photos without regretting your life choices when you get home.
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
The Best Places to Shop Right Now (2025–2026)
Online — Best for Price + Selection
- Amazon Swim — Surprisingly solid. Search brands like Cupshe, Tempt Me, or Hilor. Read the reviews, check the size charts, and order 2 sizes to try. Free returns make it low-risk.
- ASOS — Huge selection across all body types, strong 30s-woman energy, frequent 20–30% off sales. Their house brand swim is legitimately good.
- Shein / Temu — Budget tier only. Quality is genuinely inconsistent. Order 4–6 weeks early to allow for returns. Don't rely on these for anything structural (underwire, support).
- Cupshe.com — Dedicated swim brand, $25–$55 per suit, designed for real bodies. Fan favorite in cruise Facebook groups for good reason.
- Summersalt — $95–$115 per suit but exceptional quality and fit. Worth it if you want one great suit that actually stays put on a waterslide.
- Revolve — Shop the sale section. Full price is steep but their clearance is real.
- Anthropologie / Free People — Resort wear cover-ups and dresses are genuinely cruise-perfect. Wait for a 20% off code (they send them constantly).
In-Store — For When You Need to Try Things On
- Target — Genuinely underrated swim section, especially May–July. $25–$45 for decent suits. Great for cover-ups and casual dresses.
- H&M — Resort dresses for under $30. Quality is what it is, but for one cruise? Fine.
- TJ Maxx / Marshalls — Hidden gems. You can find $120 suits for $35 if you're patient. Worth a browse 4–6 weeks before your trip.
- Old Navy — Good basics, solid cover-ups, plus-size inclusive sizing.
- Nordstrom Rack — Step up from TJ Maxx with better curation. Great for sandals and accessories.
Photo: Travel Mutiny
What to Actually Pack for a Cruise (First-Timer Checklist)
Since this is your first cruise and you'll be with a new-irl friend group, here's what matters beyond the swimwear:
Pool/Beach Essentials:
- 2–3 swimsuits — You need rotation. A wet suit in a 70°F cabin is still damp the next morning.
- 1–2 cover-ups — One casual (sarong or shorts), one that works for lunch without looking sloppy.
- Waterproof sandals — The pool deck is slippery. Flip flops work; Tevas are better.
- Sun hat with a chin strap — Wind on the top deck is no joke. Floppy hats become frisbees.
- Waterproof tote — Your cabin keycard, sunscreen, and phone need a home at the pool.
Evening/Dinner:
- Most mainstream cruises (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC) have casual and smart-casual nights — sundresses, linen pants, nice sandals. You do NOT need formal gowns unless you specifically want them.
- One slightly nicer outfit for formal night if your ship has one — a cocktail dress or nice jumpsuit does perfectly.
- Comfortable walking shoes — For port days. This isn't negotiable.
The Friend Group Dynamic:
- Plan a group WhatsApp/Discord before the cruise with outfit inspo — matching colors for the pool day photos is peak chaotic fun and makes for amazing content.
- Don't overspend trying to match an aesthetic — everyone will be in a different body, budget, and headspace. Buy what makes you feel good.
Practical Tips to Save Money Without Looking Cheap
- Shop off-season. If you're sailing in fall or winter, buy swim gear in August when summer stock goes 40–70% off.
- Use student/teacher discounts — ASOS, H&M, and Madewell all have discount programs via UNiDAYS or ID.me that don't require you to actually be a student.
- Amazon try-before-you-buy — Prime members can try 6 items and only pay for what you keep. Zero risk for swimwear.
- Set a hard budget before you start browsing. Resort wear rabbit holes are real. Decide: I'm spending $X, then stick to it.
- Skip the cruise ship boutique. Onboard shops sell logo t-shirts and basic sundresses at 200% markup. Buy everything before you board.
- Bring your own reef-safe sunscreen. Ports in Mexico and the Caribbean require it, and onboard sunscreen is $18–$25 a bottle.
Don't Forget: The Other Cruise Costs Sneaking Up on You
Since this is your first cruise, the swimwear budget is just the start. Here's a quick reality check on what you'll actually spend once you're on the ship:
| Cruise Add-On | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Daily gratuities | $16–$25/person/day |
| Drink package (pre-purchased) | $50–$120/person/day |
| Individual cocktails + 20% gratuity | $13–$19 each |
| WiFi | $15–$40/person/day |
| Specialty dining (one night) | $40–$50/person |
| Port excursions | $50–$150/person |
For a 7-night cruise, budget an extra $500–$1,200 per person beyond your fare for onboard spending. Your swimsuit budget is real — but that number above is what surprises first-timers most.
Before you book anything, run your specific sailing through CruiseMutiny to see exactly what your drink package, gratuities, and Wi-Fi will cost on your cruise line — so you can shop for the cute swimsuit and still afford the cocktails to go with it.