The pre-vacation checklist can feel endless, with tasks ranging from documents to packing and purchases.
To add to that list, you also want to look your best during a cruise.
Depending on your preferences, you might want your hair, lashes, and nails done before a cruise.
However, there's a way to shorten this to-do list and simplify the process.
Getting beautiful nails before your cruise doesn't have to be time-consuming or expensive.
Here's how I get cute, sturdy cruise nail styles in just a few minutes.
How to do your nails for a cruise
For a convenient and cheap way to do your nails, I highly recommend press-ons.
The nice thing about press-ons is that they range in price, so they can fit any budget.
If you'd like a cheap set, you can find options for as little as $6. If you'd like a more quality set of nails, you can find handmade and custom options for $50 and above.
All you need to apply them are the nails, nail glue, and a nail file.
They can easily fit inside a carry-on bag, or quickly be applied before your cruise.
Press-ons have risen in popularity in recent years, with celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Rihanna sporting them on vacation.
You can find endless styles of press-ons in stores and online—I purchased mine from Amazon.
First, you'll want to start with a set of press-on nails.
Your pack of nails should come with a nail file and a cuticle pusher.
Your set may also come with a pack of jelly tabs for adhesive.
I don't recommend using these, especially on a cruise. These tabs are designed to come off in water, so washing your hands or going into the pool will cause your nails to fall off.
Instead, purchase a strong nail glue—I like the Kiss or Sassi brands.
To prepare your nails, make sure they are clean and dry, and cut as short as possible.
Use an alcohol wipe to clean them off, and then push back your cuticles.
After this, you'll need to file your nails thoroughly. Filing them gives the nail glue a rough surface to stick to.
The nail file that comes with your press-ons should work fine, but I also like to purchase my own for a stronger hold and finer grit.
After filing, you can start to glue down the nails.
Start from your pinky fingers and do your thumbs last (this gives you enough strength to push down the nails with your thumbs).
Apply a small amount of glue in the middle of the press-on nail, and then spread a thin layer over your real nail. Make sure the glue is distributed evenly, without getting any on your skin.
Let the glue dry for a minute to 30 seconds, and then carefully press the fake nail onto your real one.
Be careful to line it up evenly, because you only have a short amount of time to adjust the angle before the glue dries.
After the nail is applied the way you like, press down on the nail to stick it to your finger.
Continue this process with each hand.
Once all of your nails are applied, try to keep your hands dry for about half an hour. This will give them the chance to set and dry securely.
Depending on how experienced you are, the whole process should take 15-30 minutes.
You can easily apply press-ons while in the packing process, instead of trying to rush to make an appointment with a nail salon before your departure.
Press-on nails don't use many supplies. You don't need a UV light to cure them or an electric nail file.
They can also be packed up in a bag, and you can apply them at the beginning of your cruise!
Cruise nail ideas
What kind of nails should you do for a cruise?
Nail styles are so fun because you can change the theme depending on the occasion.
Press-on nails are also a great way to do this because they can be applied and removed quickly and easily.
Even if your cruise is just for a weekend, you can apply these nails in a matter of minutes and remove them when the cruise is over.
The classic patterns for a cruise would involve blue or ocean themes, such as blue swirls or seashell and pearl styles.
However, you can also switch up your style and go as creative as you want.
Tropical flowers, summery fruit, or sea animals would all be cute styles for a cruise.
You could even style your nails based on the cruise's itinerary.
For a Mediterranean cruise, try designs like:
- Blue and white tile
- Classical or Impressionist art
- Simple French tips
For a Caribbean cruise:
- Beach waves
- Hibiscus flowers
- Sunset colors
- Palm trees and coconuts
For an Alaskan cruise:
- Glow-in-the-dark
- Whale tails
- Mountains and icebergs
For a cruise to Mexico:
- Tequila and lime
- Tropical fruit
- Starfish and sea turtles
For a cruise in Asia:
- Lily pads
- Cherry blossoms
- Cute cartoons like Sanrio characters
For my recent cruise, I went with a light pink and white pearly pattern.
The textured patterns and pearl charms were reminiscent of sea animals and a mermaid theme, while the pink and white took the nails beyond a basic ocean look.
I choose a medium-length almond style, perfect for a cute look while also leaving me lots of room for movement.
I also tried a long coffin style on a recent cruise.
These nails were a cute nude to blue ombre, featuring white hibiscus flowers.
The pattern was cute and stylish, matching the blue and ocean themes all around.
However, these nails were very long. The longer your nails, the less mobility you'll have.
If you're less experienced with wearing long nails, consider what activities you want to do on your cruise before applying them.
If you'd like to be active and have a lot of mobility on your cruise, I recommend purchasing shorter nails.
More press-on nails ideas for cruisers:
