What to Wear on a Nashville Brunch Cruise: Outfit Tips
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that handles two hours on the water is your best choice: sundresses or shorts with a casual top work for most guests. Most of the Pontoon Saloon deck has a covered roof, yet sun, breeze, and river splash reach you throughout the cruise. Your outfit needs to handle both shelter and elements.
Our brunch cruises run year-round, so the right outfit depends on the season. Spring and fall call for layers you can peel off as the sun climbs. Summer means breathable fabrics and sun protection. Winter demands a warm coat you’re happy to wear for the full cruise. We’ve seen guests nail the look with linen jumpsuits or polo shirts and boat shoes, the common thread is always comfort and a restroom-friendly silhouette (yes, there’s a restroom onboard, and you’ll thank yourself for skipping the romper with a dozen buttons).
Below, we’ll walk through seasonal outfit strategies, footwear that won’t betray you on a wet deck, and the accessories that make the difference between squinting through your mimosa and actually enjoying the skyline.
What Should I Wear for a Spring or Fall Brunch Cruise?
Nashville’s spring and fall mornings start cool and warm quickly once the sun climbs. Start with a base layer (a fitted tee or tank) and add a denim jacket, cardigan, or lightweight blazer you can tie around your waist once the temperature rises. We’ve found that guests who bring a layer always use it at the start or end of the cruise, even if they strip down mid-trip.
Bottoms: Go with jeans or chinos. Avoid anything too heavy (you’re not hiking) or too flimsy (river wind has opinions). A pair of well-fitted shorts works if the forecast tops 70°F, but bring that jacket, it’ll be cooler on the water than on Broadway.
Footwear: Heels higher than two inches risk a twisted ankle and can damage the boat deck; boat shoes or sneakers are the safer choice. The deck can get slick from morning dew or a splash, and you’ll be moving around for two hours. A rubber sole is non-negotiable.
Accessories: Sunglasses are non-negotiable. A baseball cap or wide-brim hat keeps the sun off your face without the drama of a floppy straw hat that’ll blow into the Cumberland River the moment you turn your head. If you’re bringing a bag, make it a crossbody or small backpack, something that stays put when you’re leaning over the rail for a photo.
How Do I Dress for a Summer Brunch Cruise in Nashville?
The river brings heat and relentless sun in summer. Prioritize breathable fabrics (linen, cotton, or moisture-wicking blends) and silhouettes that allow airflow. Sundresses and rompers are brunch-cruise staples: they’re breezy and look put-together with zero effort. For everyone else, a short-sleeve button-down or a lightweight polo with shorts hits the same notes.
Color strategy: Pastels and prints handle both stains and heat better than extremes. One guest told us her light blue linen shirt survived a mimosa mishap and a deckhand’s ice-bucket wave without looking like a disaster.
Sun protection: Three-quarters of the boat has a covered roof, but UV rays bounce off the water. Apply sunscreen before you board (the restroom onboard has a mirror, but not a lot of elbow room for a full reapplication routine). A lightweight long-sleeve shirt or a sarong you can drape over your shoulders works if you burn easily.
Footwear: Sandals with a back strap or slip-on sneakers are safer; flip-flops fit snugly only until a wave passes. If you’re wearing sandals, make sure the sole has some grip, wet composite decking and smooth leather don’t mix.
What About Winter Brunch Cruises?
Winter cruises run year-round, and Nashville’s winters are milder than the Midwest’s but still cold enough to matter on the water. You’ll want a warm coat you’re willing to wear for the full two hours, temperatures on the river often feel 5–10 degrees cooler than on land, and wind chill adds to that.
Layering: Start with a thermal or long-sleeve base layer, add a sweater or fleece, then top it with a windproof jacket or parka. Jeans or lined pants work well. Leggings under a skirt or dress are brunch-appropriate if you add knee-high boots. Bring gloves if it’s below 45°F—your hands will be cold holding a mimosa. A knit beanie fits under the covered roof without bulk.
Footwear: Closed-toe shoes or boots with traction. Leather-soled boots look sharp but turn into ice skates on a wet deck. Opt for rubber-soled ankle boots or insulated sneakers if you prioritize warmth over aesthetic.
What to skip: Blankets. The boat has bench seating, and you’ll spend the cruise managing the bundle instead of enjoying the view. Layer your clothing instead.
Footwear and Accessories: What Works on the Water?
Rubber soles and closed backs matter most. The deck is composite material, so it won’t splinter, but it does get slick when wet. Boat shoes (the classic Sperry-style) are named for a reason, and they work. So do Vans or any sneaker with a waffle sole.
Bags: A crossbody bag or a small backpack keeps your hands free. Totes and oversized purses end up on a bench or the floor, and you’ll spend half the cruise keeping an eye on them. If you’re bringing a phone and sunscreen, you don’t need more than a compact bag.
Jewelry: Skip anything you’d be devastated to lose. River wind has a way of working earrings loose, and we’ve heard stories of rings slipping off when someone’s hands are cold or wet. If you’re wearing a necklace, tuck it under your shirt so it doesn’t catch on a railing or a seatback.
Hats: Baseball caps and close-fitting sun hats stay put. Wide-brim straw hats and floppy styles are photo-friendly on land but a liability on the water. If you bring one, be prepared to hold it half the time.
What Should I Avoid Wearing on a Brunch Cruise?
A few outfit choices consistently backfire:
Stilettos or smooth-soled dress shoes. You’re on a moving boat. The deck can be wet. Heels higher than two inches are a setup for a twisted ankle, and leather soles turn into skates. If you want to dress up, go with a wedge espadrille or a block-heeled bootie with a rubber sole.
Overly complicated rompers or jumpsuits. The restroom onboard is functional, but it’s compact. If your outfit requires a five-minute disassembly process, you’ll regret it. Stick to separates or a dress.
White pants or overly delicate fabrics. Outside beverages aren’t permitted, but we provide a variety of beers and seltzers, and spills happen. Silk, suede, or anything that stains easily is a gamble. Go with fabrics that forgive.
Heavy outerwear you don’t want to wear. There’s no coat-check, and bench seating is limited. If you bring a parka, you’ll be wearing it or holding it. Don’t bring something bulky unless you’re prepared to keep it on.
Brunch Cruise Outfit Ideas by Group Type
Bachelorette Parties
Matching tees or tanks with denim shorts are a brunch-cruise classic. Add matching sunglasses or hats for the group photo, then layer on a flannel or denim jacket if it’s cool. White outfits (the bride’s signature look) photograph beautifully against the river, but bring a backup layer, white shows everything. For more brunch spots around Nashville to round out your weekend, check out Nashville brunch spots for bachelorette parties.
Families and Birthday Groups
Kids should wear closed-toe shoes with grip and clothes they’re fine getting a little damp. Adults can match the vibe with casual resort-wear: a polo and shorts or a sundress. If it’s a milestone birthday and photos matter, coordinate colors (everyone in blues or pastels) without requiring identical outfits.
Corporate or Team-Building Groups
Business-casual works: chinos and a button-down, or dark jeans with a blazer. Skip the suit unless it’s a very formal offsite. You’ll be outdoors for two hours, and approachable beats overdressed. We’ve hosted corporate cruises where the CEO showed up in a branded polo and boat shoes, and it set the tone perfectly.
Date or Small Friend Group
This is your chance to lean into the Nashville casual-chic aesthetic. A flowy midi dress with ankle boots, a linen shirt with rolled sleeves and chinos, or a graphic tee under a denim jacket with your best sneakers. You’re aiming for “I thought about this, but I’m not trying too hard.” For more ideas on how to spend your Nashville weekend, see things to do in Nashville for an unforgettable weekend.
Packing for Your Brunch Cruise: A Quick Checklist
Before you leave for the East Bank Dock (2 Victory Ave, where all our riverboat cruises depart), run through this list:
- Sunglasses (polarized if you have them, river glare is real)
- Sunscreen (apply before boarding; reapply if you’re out in the sun)
- Light jacket or cardigan (even in summer, it can be breezy)
- Closed-toe or back-strap shoes with rubber soles
- Small crossbody bag or backpack
- Hat that fits snugly (optional but useful)
- Phone and ID (you’ll need ID if you’re drinking; outside beverages aren’t permitted, but we provide drinks onboard)
Leave at home: large totes and overly delicate fabrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a dress on a brunch cruise? Absolutely. Sundresses and midi dresses are among the most popular choices. Go for a length and fit you’re comfortable sitting and standing in, and pair with flat sandals or sneakers. Avoid floor-length gowns or anything so flowy it’ll blow into your face.
Are flip-flops okay on a pontoon boat? They’re allowed, but we recommend sandals with a back strap or sneakers instead. Flip-flops can slip off easily on a wet deck, and we’ve seen a few become permanent river residents.
What if it rains on the day of my brunch cruise? Three-quarters of the boat has a covered roof, so light rain usually isn’t a problem. Bring a water-resistant jacket or a poncho if the forecast calls for showers. If you’ve purchased Trip Protection, you can cancel up to 48 hours prior to your cruise if weather looks severe.
Do I need to bring a jacket even in summer? It depends on the day, but we’d bring a lightweight layer just in case. Mornings on the river can start cool, and breeze picks up once you’re moving. A denim jacket or a linen button-down you can tie around your waist covers you either way.
Can I change clothes on the boat? There’s a restroom onboard, but it’s compact. You can swap a jacket or add a layer, but a full outfit change isn’t practical. Wear what you want to wear for the full two hours, or bring a simple layer you can pull on or off.
Your Next Step
Comfortable clothing and practical footwear make the cruise more enjoyable. You’ll look good in photos, and you won’t spend the trip adjusting a slipping shoe or holding onto a hat. Match your outfit to the season and add a rubber-soled shoe.
We run brunch cruises seven days a week, and we’ve seen thousands of guests find the balance between style and comfort. If you’re booking for a group of 10 or more, we recommend reserving 90 days out. For all the details on what’s included (our licensed Captain and Deckhand, the variety of beers and seltzers, the sound system, and the two-hour route on the Cumberland River), visit Pontoon Saloon and pick your date. And if you’re planning a full Nashville weekend on a budget, check out Nashville on a budget for more ideas that pair well with a morning on the water.
