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Yes, most cruise ships have a dress code, but it is relaxed. Daytime is casual, with swimwear kept to pool areas. Evenings in the main dining room usually call for smart casual clothes, and formal or elegant nights are optional dress-up nights on many lines. Each cruise line sets its own rules, so check yours before you pack.
For a 7-day cruise, plan on about 7 to 10 shirts: one casual shirt for each day, a couple of spares for hot afternoons in port or spills, and a few nicer tops for dinner. Count any matching group shirts in that total. Laundry service and re-wearing dinner tops can trim the list.
Wear something comfortable and easy on embarkation day: a breathable shirt, shorts or light pants, a layer for the air-conditioned terminal, and shoes you can walk and stand in. Keep a swimsuit and sunscreen in your carry-on. Many groups wear matching shirts so they are easy to spot in the terminal and look great in sail-away photos.
Your complete guide to cruising from Galveston, TX — covering cruise lines, top destinations, embarkation tips, and how matching group shirts make your trip even better.