A Comprehensive Packing Guide for a Mediterranean Cruise

Blue skies, blue waters and gorgeous coastal towns calling your name? If so, you’re likely headed off on a Mediterranean cruise soon! Whether this is your first voyage or you’re a seasoned cruiser, packing can make all the difference in your vacation experience.

‍

What should you pack for a Mediterranean cruise in the summer? Though temperatures can range from April to November, it’s a good idea to pack solid walking shoes, sun protection and versatile clothing for layering – accounting for hot days and cooler nights. Don’t forget to purchase a Europe eSIM to help you stay connected amidst your wondrous travels. 

‍

Of course, there are many other items you’ll want to consider bringing along to maximize your experience. We’ll also take a look at what not to bring on a Mediterranean cruise, like power strips with surge protection, expensive jewelry, excessive cash, and fresh produce. 

‍

The following guide is designed to help those preparing for a Mediterranean cruise ensure they have everything needed for a fun summer trip. 

General Packing Tips

Before diving into specifics, make note of the length of your trip. How do you pack light for a Mediterranean cruise? Pack outfits you can wear more than once, but enough for the duration of the cruise plus two additional days. If you plan to spend more time in Europe before or after your cruise, account for those days as well. Also, double-check your accommodations as they may offer laundry services. Refer to this guide’s sections for a detailed packing list covering clothing, electronics, and more.

‍

The best way to pack for a Mediterranean cruise is to use compression bags or packing cubes to save space, layer clothes, and choose items you can mix and match for varied looks. To prepare for summer weather in the Mediterranean, check the forecast, pack layered clothing, and ensure you have essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear and a water bottle.

‍

The best months to cruise the Mediterranean are April to November. The temperatures range from moderate to hot, providing plenty of opportunities for fun in the crystal blue waters this region is known for. 

Clothing and Accessories

What to Wear

How many outfits do you need for a 7-day or 10-day Mediterranean cruise? It depends on how often you change clothes throughout the day. If you pack items that are easy to mix and match, and you’re willing to rewear clothing, you can pack fewer items without sacrificing the number of outfits. It’s always a good idea to bring a rain jacket on a Mediterranean cruise since afternoon thunderstorms can be common in certain countries.

‍

The type of clothing you should wear on a cruise through the Mediterranean is light, breathable layers. Depending on the country and the time of year, you’ll likely want to wear shorts and short-sleeved shirts. Sun protection will be critical to ensure you don’t get sunburned. And comfortable, breathable walking shoes will protect your feet during long shore excursion days. 

‍

For shore excursions on a Mediterranean cruise, make sure you have layers you can shed or don depending on the temperatures. Solid walking shoes, as well as sunglasses, are recommended to protect your feet and your eyes, respectively. When visiting churches or religious sites in the Mediterranean, ensure you have a light jacket or scarf to cover your shoulders. You may also need to cover your legs; check the dress code for the sites you plan to visit online for accurate information. 

‍

Here is a comprehensive list of the clothing you’ll need to bring: 

• pajamas
• socks
• Undergarments
• casual pants and shorts
• casual tops
• casual dresses
• dress pants and top(s)
• cocktail or formal dress(es)
• swimsuit(s) and cover-up
• athletic clothing
• light jacket or cardigan
• rain jacket 

Footwear and Accessories

The best shoes for a Mediterranean cruise in the summer are comfortable walking shoes and sandals. Flip-flops are not ideal for shore excursions with a lot of walking, but they’re a great idea for pool time onboard or for days at the beach. 

‍

Here is a list of footwear and accessories to consider packing: 

• sandals
• comfortable walking shoes
• casual shoes
• dress shoes
• belt, scarf, hat(s)
• sunglasses
• jewelry

Toiletries & Personal Care

Bringing your preferred toiletries ensures you have everything you need during your trip, although most ships provide basic items (see below for items not to bring). What toiletries are provided on a cruise ship? The basics like shampoo, conditioner, body wash and soap are typically a safe bet. 

‍

Remember, whatever liquids you pack, make sure they comply with airline regulations.

‍

Here is a list of toiletries and personal care items to pack for your trip: 

• toothbrush, toothpaste & floss
• deodorant
• face wash & moisturizer
• hairbrush or comb
• hair accessories
• tweezers & nail clippers
• wet wipes or body wipes
• perfume or cologne
• razor & shaving cream
• makeup & makeup remover
• cotton swabs & cotton balls
• feminine hygiene products
• lip balm
• hand cream & sunscreen
• ear plugs & eye mask
• contacts & contact solution
• pack of tissues
• bug spray

Health & Medications

Ensuring you’re covered health-wise means bringing prescription medications, a travel first-aid kit, and any necessary over-the-counter medications. Preparing a travel first-aid kit is easy: include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal necessities. Purchasing travel insurance covers any unforeseen medical emergencies and is often a good idea. 

‍

Additionally, check the CDC website for recommended vaccinations based the stops for your cruise. Before you travel, think about packing the following items: 

• prescription medications
• travel first-aid kit
• OTC pain medication
• motion sickness tablets
• antacids or digestive enzymes
• cold & flu pills
• vitamins or supplements
• required vaccinations or health forms

Electronics

The best gadgets to take on a Mediterranean cruise in the summer are a portable charger, a portable battery pack, and noise-canceling headphones. If you’re traveling to Europe from another continent, a universal travel adapter is necessary to charge devices due to the different plug types and voltages across the continent.

‍

Here is a list of electronics you should pack for your trip on a Mediterranean cruise: 

• universal power adapter
• portable battery pack
• GigSky Cruise data plan
• chargers
• earphones or noise-cancelling headphones
• e-reader
• cellphone
• computer or tablet
• camera, lenses & batteries
• GoPro
• straightener or curling iron

All new customers receive a free trial eSIM with GigSky! To get your 100MB of free data, simply download the GigSky app and create an account. Then, choose the destination where you want to use your free trial. 

Travel Documents

Essential documents like your passport, valid ID, and airline tickets are necessary for travel – and should be no-brainers. Other travel documents are helpful to have, like copies of your IDs. Also, ensure your passport isn’t set to expire within six months of your trip; you may be denied boarding or entry to certain countries if your passport is too close to its expiration date. 

‍

Here is a list of the documents you should pack for your cruise in the Mediterranean: 

• passport
• valid ID/driver's license
• cruise tickets
• boarding passes
• copies of passport & IDs
• travel insurance
• medical documentation
• debit/credit cards & cash
• travel itinerary & confirmation emails

Vacation Essentials

From exploring centuries-old cities to basking the sun on a beach, there are many activities to enjoy during your shore excursions on your Mediterranean cruise. Regardless of how you plan to spend time on the ship and in port, you’ll want to be prepared. 

‍

Bring your own snorkel gear if you already have it. But, if not, many beaches, resorts and cruise lines provide rentals. If you’re trying to save space in your bag, skip it. A backpack is handy for carrying essentials during your daily travels. But any kind of bag that can hold what you need and has zippers to prevent theft will work. 

‍

You can bring your own beach towel on a Mediterranean cruise, though it’s usually unnecessary. A good compromise is to bring a packable, quick-drying towel. It’ll save space and is easy to pack in your luggage or daypack. 

‍

Here’s a list of vacation essentials to pack for your Mediterranean cruise: 

• backpack or purse
• water bottle
• portable charging cable
• wallet and coin purse 
• reusable shopping bag
• handkerchief
• polarized sunglasses
• sun protection (including reef-safe sunscreen)
• waterproof phone case
• travel picnic tarp
• umbrella
• wet bags/zip-top bags
• quick-dry towel
• trekking poles

On-Board Essentials

Not all of your time will be spent in the amazing countries on your cruise itinerary. There will be days when you’re at sea, admiring the breathtaking views of the shore from afar or enjoying all of the amenities your ship has to offer. 

‍

Here’s a list of on-board essentials to pack for your Mediterranean cruise: 

• pool chair towel clips
• costumes for theme nights
• compression bags or packing cubes
• book or other reading material
• slippers
• deck of cards
• pen
• travel pillow & blanket
• keycard lanyard
• magnetic hooks
• reusable tumbler or mug
• magnetic whiteboard and marker

What to Avoid Packing for a Mediterranean Cruise

Now that we’ve covered what to pack on a Mediterranean cruise, let’s dive into ways you can maximize space in your luggage and ensure you’re only lugging along what you actually need. While people often ask what to pack, they usually don’t ask, “What should I not bring on a Medterranean cruise?”

‍

A few of these items are simply not needed – like heavy jackets, thick sweaters, too many formal outfits and excessive pairs of jeans. Other items simply take up space and are unnecessary – like too many fancy outfits and full-sized toiletries. Some of the items will be provided by the ship – like hair dryers and irons. – so leave those items at home. 

‍

Here’s a list of what not to pack for a Mediterranean cruise in the summer: 

• heavy jackets
• thick sweaters
• too many formal outfits 
• too many dress shoes
• power strips with surge protection
• Irons, steamers or kettles
• candles or incense
• illegal substances
• hair dryer
• full-sized toiletries
• uncomfortable shoes
• excessive cash
• valuable jewelry
• flashy designer bags
• laptops 
• too many books
• excessive snorkel gear
• alcohol
• fresh fruits or perishables

Special Considerations

In addition to packing all of the above items (and avoiding the most recent list), you may have some special considerations for you and your travel companions. If you’re traveling with kids, include items like kids' entertainment, snacks, and essential baby supplies when packing for your Mediterranean cruise. If you’re wondering how to physically pack for a Mediterranean cruise with kids, we suggest prioritizing comfort and convenience with easy-to-pack and quick-access items.

Conclusion

Cruising in the Mediterranean from April to November is a fun season that allows you to appreciate the beauty of this wild part of the world. Once your trip is planned, it’s time to pack your bags. By following this comprehensive packing guide, you will be well-equipped to enjoy a stress-free and enjoyable Mediterranean cruise.

‍

Make sure to download our FREE Mediterranean Cruise Packing Checklist. It includes all of the items on this list plus a special discount on GigSky eSIM data plans! Download it today and get packing. Then, download the GigSky app and purchase your data plan for your trip. 

‍

Happy travels!