Sarah BretzIf you’re planning a cruise in the Mediterranean, you might be wondering what you should pack. From outfits and toiletries to electronics and things for the cabin, we detail everything you should consider packing to help eliminate pre-cruise stress. In our Mediterranean cruise packing list, we’ve divided everything up into categories so it’s easy to plan your own packing accordingly.
Even if you’ve already got lots of cruises under your belt, you might find a few additional items here that you’ll want to bring on your next voyage.
Things to Know BEFORE You Pack
The length of the trip and the laundry situation
During most days on a Mediterranean cruise, you’ll need two outfits. One casual and comfortable outfit for daytime wear, and another dressier ensemble for dinner in the evening. To help save room in your suitcase, pack versatile pieces that you can rewear in multiple outfits. While you might not spend as much time at the beach as you would on other cruises, don’t forget to bring swimsuits and a cover-up anyway — after all, your ship still has hot tubs and a pool!
Some cruise ships have self-service launderettes for guests to use. This amenity can help you drastically reduce the amount of clothes you bring — especially on a longer voyage. Keep in mind that there are often more passengers that want to do laundry at a given time vs. the amount of washers and dryers available. If you have this issue, try to do laundry early in the morning, late at night, or while the ship is docked in port.
Valet laundry service is also an option. Laundry is charged either per-item or by the bag, and is returned washed and folded a day or two later. If you need something pressed or dry cleaned, the ship provides that service as well. Many travelers try to avoid utilizing valet laundry because of the high cost, but it is available if needed. It might even be a perk if you have loyalty status with a brand.
What the weather should be like
Obviously, you should pack according to the climate you’ll be visiting on your cruise. Temperatures in the Mediterranean can vary quite a bit depending on when you visit. During the busy cruise season (summer), expect hot and sunny weather in most places. Winters are mild, with temperatures often ranging from the 40s to around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
As you’re preparing to start packing, check the forecast for the ports you’ll be visiting. If rain is expected for some of the ports, consider bringing a light rain jacket or travel umbrella. If conditions look to be windy during your sailing, make sure you have enough sweatshirts or sweaters for chilly evenings out on deck. Remember that weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to pack for the unexpected if you can.
Luggage size limits on international airlines
If you’re flying an international airline to/from Europe, the carry-on size limits might be smaller than you’re used to on U.S. airlines. That’s right, this means that the suitcase you usually put in the overhead bin might not make the cut on a European carrier, so be sure to check their required dimensions. If you’re flying a U.S. airline, you should be fine with your usual suitcase.
Another note: European airlines may also have weight restrictions on carry-on luggage, so keep that in mind as well.
Proper attire
If you’re planning to visit any religious sites during your time in port, be sure you wear appropriate attire for the visit. For example, if you’re visiting a cathedral or mosque, you will probably be required to cover your shoulders and possibly knees as well. If it’s an especially hot day and you’re planning to wear a sleeveless top or dress, bring along a scarf or light sweater to wear while inside — you can always take it off once you’re back outside.
What’s already included in your cabin
While the exact items available for your use in the cabin can vary, here are some staples you can expect across most cruise lines.
- Shampoo (and sometimes conditioner)
- Shower gel
- Bar soap/hand soap
- Body lotion (depending on the cruise line and your cabin category)
- Towels and washcloths
- Bathmats
- Beach towels (either in your cabin or out on deck)
- Hairdryer
- Use of robes and slippers (this can depend on your stateroom category)
- Pen and notepad
- Clothing hangers
- Safe for valuables
- Mini fridge (more like a cooler; not usually as cold as a regular fridge)
- Bucket of ice (by request)
What’s not allowed on board
There are a number of things that are prohibited onboard. Here are the most popular ones.
- Weapons
- Explosives
- Illicit drugs and substances
- Clothing irons and steamers
- Surge protectors
- Candles
- Electric tea kettles
- Coffee makers
- Skateboards
- Hover boards
- Alcoholic beverages beyond the allowed limit (which is usually a bottle or two of wine)
- Homemade/non-packaged food
Mediterranean Cruise Packing List By Category
Travel and arrival day items
- Plastic cruise luggage tags
- Lanyard for your cruise card
- Travel documents: IDs, passports, boarding pass (printed or digital), reservation confirmations
- Cash, preferably in local currency (for tipping porters, etc.)
- Health insurance cards
- Travel insurance info (if applicable)
- Cell phone, charger, and power bank
- Headphones
- Change of clothes (in case your bags are delayed getting to your cabin)
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, basic essentials)
- Lip balm
- Gum/mints
- Medications
- Reusable water bottle
- Disinfectant wipes/hand sanitizer
- Prescription glasses/sunglasses
- Sweatshirt or sweater
Items for your stateroom
- Cruise-approved power strip (no surge protector) or multi-port USB charger
- Outlet converter (if your ship has European outlets)
- Nightlight
- Small portable fan
- Ziploc bags (for wet clothes, etc.)
- Disinfectant wipes (to wipe down surfaces in your stateroom)
- Small laundry bag or plastic grocery bags for dirty laundry
- Travel umbrella
- Basic first aid supplies
- Over-the-counter medicines (ibuprofen, allergy medicine, etc.)
- Motion sickness medicine (if you’re prone to it)
- Lint roller/anti-wrinkle spray
- Curling iron and/or hair straightener
- Jewelry
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Anti-theft purse or small backpack to carry with you into ports
- Beach bag (if you’re planning to go to the beach)
- Battery operated “candles”
- Magnetic hooks for the cabin wall (it’s metal!)
- Over-the-door organizer
Toiletries
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (if you prefer to use your own)
- Face wash and facial moisturizer
- Body lotion
- Sunscreen
- Deodorant
- Makeup and makeup brushes
- Makeup remover
- Makeup setting spray
- Hairbrush/comb and hair accessories
- Hairspray/gel
- Perfume/cologne
- Razor and shaving cream
- Nail clippers/file
- Tweezers
- Feminine hygiene products
- Vitamins (if you take them)
- Insect repellent (if needed)
- After sun lotion or aloe gel
- Q-tips
Clothes and shoes
Try to group outfits into daytime use and nighttime use. For a standard seven-night cruise with a pre-cruise hotel stay, we typically plan eight daytime and eight nighttime outfits, choosing many items that can be repurposed for a couple uses. Of course, you should consider how you are going to be spending your days when packing for your cruise. For instance, if you plan to lounge around and spend lots of time at the beach and/or pool, you’ll want to bring several swimsuits and cover-ups for daytime use. If you have shore excursions planned like sightseeing tours or hikes, you will want to pack outfits to fit those requirements.
Also, keep in mind that your ship may have themed nights like white night (wear white), 80s neon night (wear neon 80s-themed outfits), Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Night (wear red) or Disney’s Pirate Night (dress in your best pirate gear). Pack accordingly to join in on the fun!
- T-shirts/tank tops
- Shorts/pants
- Skirts/dresses
- Nicer outfit for formal night (multiple if your sailing has more than one formal night)
- Bras and underwear
- Socks
- Pajamas
- Swimwear and cover-up
- Lightweight long-sleeve shirt (for sun protection or cooler evenings)
- Gym clothes (if you plan to work out during the trip)
- Hat/visor (we recommend at least one hat with a full brim)
- Sweatshirt
- Nicer sweater (the restaurants can be chilly with the a/c)
- Sandals/water shoes/flip flops
- Sneakers or other closed-toed walking shoes (some activities on board and in port may require them, plus they’re best for more active days ashore)
Electronics
The amount of electronics you add to your Mediterranean cruise packing list will heavily depend on who you are as a traveler. Are you into photography? You might bring a camera with multiple lenses. Plan to work remotely while on board? You’ll probably need your laptop and mouse. Whatever electronics you’ll need during the trip, make sure to pack them securely — and carry them in your hand luggage when you board the ship. Here’s a list to help you remember what electronics you might want to bring.
- Phone and charger
- Portable power bank
- Tablet and charger
- Smart watch and charger
- Headphones/earbuds
- Laptop and charger
- Camera, batteries, battery charger, and memory card
- AirTags or other item trackers
Miscellaneous items and extras
- Magnets and other door decorations (if allowed on your cruise line)
- Towel clips
- Packaged snacks (like protein or granola bars) for a quick bite while in port
- Luggage scale
- Travel journal
- Books to read
- Playing cards
- Glow sticks (if your ship has a white hot or 80s party)
- Extra pair of glasses
- Printed emergency contact list
- Baby/toddler care items (if applicable)
- Holiday or celebration decor for the cabin (crepe paper, balloons, signs, etc., if applicable)
What the Ship May Be Able to Provide
If you have a baby or toddler, have someone in your group with special needs, or need special accommodations for another reason, your cruise ship may be able to provide needed items for free or for a nominal charge. Of course, if you do need any of these items, confirm that your cruise line has them available prior to setting sail. Examples include:
- Pack ‘n Plays or portable cribs
- Distilled water for CPAP machines or other medical needs
- Wheelchairs (usually just for embarking/disembarking)
- Mattress toppers
- Extension cords for medical needs
- Extra pillows
- Strollers
Packing Strategy: Tips and Tricks
Use packing cubes
Packing cubes are a great way to organize your clothes so they’re easier to find once you’re unpacking on board. You can group them by type (tops, bottoms, underwear, etc.), by outfit, by person, or by day. If you love organization and to have everything in its own “compartment,” packing cubes are the way to go.
Pack outfits by day
Having your outfits planned ahead of time takes the guesswork out of what to wear each day, meaning you can get to the fun even faster. Take the time when you’re packing to pick out each day’s daytime and evening outfits. Then, roll your clothes up (it helps save space and prevents wrinkles!) and pack outfits together (this is where packing cubes can come in handy). Heavier or larger items, such as hoodies or jeans, can go towards the bottom of your suitcase.
Leave room for souvenirs
If you’re like most vacationers, you’ll bring home at least a few things to remember your trip by. Ships sell both luxury and cruise line-branded goods, and you’ll probably want to pick up some souvenirs in various ports, too. Be sure to leave some wiggle room in your suitcase for the mementos you’ll inevitably want to head home with. This is where a travel luggage scale comes in handy as well!
Comments
Have you taken a European cruise? What other items do you have on your Mediterranean cruise packing list? Drop us an anchor below to share your travel and cruise must-haves.
