What To Pack For Your Mississippi River Cruise
Congratulations, you've planned to embark on an exciting river cruise with American Cruise Lines. The question is “What to wear?” The good news is that river cruising is much different than large ship cruising, with a more casual, laidback onboard atmosphere. There is no formal dress code, and you can do as much or as little as you choose. However, it is helpful to be prepared, and less is more. For cruise itineraries and dates, explore our Mississippi River cruises.
Review The Cruise Itinerary
Consider your day-to-day activities detailed on your cruise itinerary. Daily excursions could include a Great River Outdoor Adventure or a Cajun Pride Swamp Excursion, or be more leisurely like the Civil Rights Museum or Historic Vicksburg. Regardless of the specific attire you may need for more active activities, you will definitely want to pack your best walking shoes to comfortably navigate all of the ports we visit. See the best time to cruise the Mississippi River for weather and crowd tips.
Travel Light
Plan to bring one suitcase per traveler, preferably one less than 10 inches high so that it may be stored under the bed. Also, bring a smaller purse or small day bag for daytime excursions. Many of the cities and towns we visit include walking or bike tours, so you'll want to be sure you have a separate bag to keep your belongings (extra clothes, water, etc.).
Dress Code: Mix, Match, & Layer
Comfort is key. During the day, dress casually and comfortably for your daily activities. For the evening cocktail hour and dinner, men may want to kick it up a notch with a jacket and/or collared shirt, and long trousers. For women, a top and slacks or casual dress is appropriate.
When packing your wardrobe, keep your color scheme simple so that you can mix and match clothing easily - whites and neutrals work well. Also, bring a few scarves to dress up an outfit.
Layering clothing will help you adjust to changing temperatures along the river, from cool breezes in the evening to the hot southern sun in the daytime. A smart traveler is always prepared for various weather conditions, so bring a jacket, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses, as well as light rainwear and a small collapsible umbrella.
All our ships have a fitness area and sun deck, so if you plan to use these spaces, you may want to bring exercise apparel and/or a swimsuit.
Cruise Shoes
A pair of comfortable walking shoes with a padded footbed and sturdy insole is essential. Proper footwear is important when walking on the cobblestone streets found in the historic cities you will visit or if you decide to hike at a particular port. Also bring a pair of comfortable dress shoes for dinner or an evening on the town. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for parks and historic sites.
Pack by Season
- Spring (April-May): light jacket, scarf, rain shell
- Summer (June-August): breathable fabrics, sun gear
- Fall (September-October): packable jacket, closed-toe shoes
Daily Essentials: Toiletries & Personal Hygiene
Before traveling, pay attention to your daily routines to note what is essential for you; use this base checklist as a guide:
- Prescription medications (enough for the trip plus a few extra days)
- Pain/allergy relief (e.g., ibuprofen, antihistamine, motion-sickness tabs)
- Vision care: eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, and solution
- Sun care: travel-sized broad-spectrum SPF 30+ and SPF lip balm
- Insect protection: repellent (DEET or picaridin)
- Compact umbrella or light rain jacket
Note: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, body lotion, and a hair dryer are provided in your stateroom.
What To Leave At Home
If you don’t plan on working from the ship, leave your computer or other bulky technology at home. While you’ll spend some leisure time in your stateroom, the majority of your journey will be outside exploring, enjoying coffee on your private balcony, or getting to know the other passengers in lounges & social areas. No need to bring a hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner, or body lotion, as they are provided in your stateroom bathroom.
Capture The Moment
Don’t forget to pack your camera, as well as extra memory cards and batteries, so that you can share your memories with friends and family when you return home. A pair of binoculars may also enhance the journey, so you can view the incredible wildlife and scenic beauty of the various river cruise itineraries up close.
River Cruise Packing List
- Weather appropriate clothes/accessories
- Raincoat or jacket
- Walking or hiking shoes
- Purse or small bag
- Sunglasses
- Daily medication and other toiletries (many are provided for you, please see above)
- Phone charger
- Camera
- Binoculars
Compare Mississippi River cruises or view dates for the Lower Mississippi River cruise, Upper Mississippi River cruise or Music Cities cruise.
Get excited for the trip of a lifetime!
FAQs
What is the dress code on a Mississippi River cruise?
Smart-casual by day and resort-casual at dinner. No formal nights. Men often wear a collared shirt, an optional jacket, and long trousers; women wear a blouse and slacks or a casual dress. Keep layers handy for changing temperatures.
Do I need rain gear in summer?
Yes. Pack a light, packable waterproof shell or compact umbrella year-round. Summer pop-up showers are standard on the Lower Mississippi River.
Are guest laundry services available onboard?
On most ships, yes. Plan to pack lighter and refresh mid-cruise. Check your pre-cruise materials to confirm availability on your cruise itinerary, or call a Cruise Specialist at 800-460-4518.
What shoes are best for excursions?
Closed-toe walking shoes with cushioning and good traction. There could be cobblestones on some excursions. Consider a second pair for wet weather and a dressier pair for dinner.