Taking a Mediterranean cruise can be the perfect way to relax and explore some of the most stunning destinations in Europe. Packing for a Mediterranean cruise on the other hand can be quite the overwhelming process and very much the opposite of relaxing! For that reason, we’ve put together this list of what we think are the top 25 must-have items to pack when going on a Mediterranean cruise to help make your Mediterranean cruise packing as stress-free as possible!
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1. Travel Insurance:
This may not technically be an “item” or something that packs in your suitcase, but travel insurance is something that we can’t recommend enough. It’s one of those “better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it” types of things. All it takes is one delayed/canceled flight or unexpected illness/injury to turn a dream trip into a nightmare!
We travel almost exclusively in carry-on luggage, and we’ve really enjoyed the 20” Carry-On Luggage from Level8 for short 3-5 day warm-weather trips, but for longer trips or cooler weather trips, we like the extra room that the Platinum Elite Carry-On from TravelPro provides.
3. Luggage Locks:
You never know whose hands your luggage is passing through when traveling. Especially if you’re traveling with checked luggage, so having luggage locks gives a little peace of mind when your bags are out of your care.
4. Luggage Tracker:
For a little extra peace of mind while your luggage is out of your care, be sure to place a tracker in each bag. If you’re an iPhone/Apple user, we recommend using Apple AirTags. If you’re on any other device we recommend Tile.
5. Luggage Tags:
To ensure that the checked-luggage tags from the cruise line stay attached to your bags (and make it to the correct room), we recommend using these luggage tags that are designed specifically for cruise line use!
Your cruise ID/card is essentially your entire wallet while on a cruise, so it is very important that you do NOT lose or damage it and these ID/Card holders are a great way to keep it protected!
7. Travel Adaptors:
Don’t forget to bring travel adaptors to charge your devices without any hassle since the power outlets in Mediterranean countries may differ from those in your home country.
Cruise lines do not allow the use of surge-protected power outlets/adaptors on board, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t bring a power strip or multi-socket outlet… You just have to bring the right one/ones!
A power bank is essential when traveling to keep your phone and other devices charged throughout the day.
Having a reusable water bottle makes it so much easier to stay hydrated throughout the day. Depending on your preferences, we recommend using either an insulated bottle, a filtered bottle, or a collapsible bottle!
11. Liquid IV:
Speaking of hydration, staying hydrated can be difficult when you’re spending your days in the sun especially if you opt for a drink package on your cruise. That’s why it’s important to have a hydration booster like Liquid IV to replenish necessary electrolytes. Some of our favorite flavors are Acai, Passion Fruit, and Lemon Lime. We also like the Lemon Ginger for hydration + energy and the Tangerine immune booster.
12. Day Bag:
A day bag is useful for carrying your daily essentials when exploring the ports of call, so pack a lightweight, foldable bag that can be easily stored in your luggage. It’s a bonus if it’s also waterproof!
13. Comfortable Shoes:
Exploring ports of call on foot is one of the best ways to experience Mediterranean cities, so be sure to pack comfortable shoes that are good for walking. If you’re looking for a sneaker, we really like Adidas Ultraboosts. If you’re wanting to look a little more stylish, we’ve got some options listed on our “Cruise Essentials” list on Amazon. Also, pro tip… Do NOT wear a new pair of shoes on these long walking days without breaking them in at home first. Natalie can speak from experience on this! Lol
14. Lightweight Clothing:
Lightweight, breathable clothing is a necessity for the warm, Mediterranean days, and a light coat and/or pants will make the cool nights much more enjoyable.
A waterproof phone case not only protects your phone from water damage but also allows you to take photos and videos while in wet areas like pools, hot tubs, water slides, and beaches.
16. Swimwear:
This one may seem obvious since you’ll likely be visiting some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Europe, but if you’re cruising in the Mediterranean during the cooler months, you might not think to bring a swimsuit. That said, we still recommend it because a dip in the hot tub during the cooler weather is a refreshing and relaxing way to spend an afternoon on the ship.
17. Water Shoes:
While you may be tempted to just bring flip-flops for water activities, there are some activities that proper water shoes are more suited for (i.e. water slides, rocky beaches, jet skis, etc).
18. Sun protection:
Sun protection is crucial, especially during the summer months, so be sure to pack proper sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to help combat the harsh UV rays.
Unless you want to pay for an internet package (which can be quite pricey and unreliable), communication with your party can be difficult while on the ship. That’s why we recommend getting a set of Walkie Talkies/Two-Way Radios for fast, reliable communication.
20. First Aid Kit:
A small first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and other basic medical supplies can be extremely useful if unexpected, minor injuries occur. Just be sure to remove any sharp objects (i.e. scissors) if packing in a carry-on.
21. Medications:
Remember to pack any necessary medications, including prescriptions and over-the-counter medications in your carry-on or personal item. Also, bring some pain relievers, allergy medications, and motion sickness remedies for any unexpected illness.
In addition to keeping your beach towel in place on your lounge chair, Beach Chair Clips/Bands are also a great way to let other cruisers know that your chairs are being used while you’re enjoying the pool or hot tub!
Leaving items like your phone and/or wallet at your lounge chair while taking a dip in the pool can be a bit stressful. That’s why we recommend bringing a small, portable lock box to give you peace of mind while your valuables are out of sight.
24. HDMI Cable/Adaptor:
TV and movie options can be quite limited and expensive on cruise ships. For that reason, we recommend downloading your favorite TV shows and/or movies to your devices (laptop, tablet, etc.) and plugging into the TV to watch your shows/movies. Depending on what device you plan to stream from, you will also need an HDMI adaptor. If you do happen to purchase an internet package and want to still have access to your favorite TV shows and movies from back home, be sure to use a VPN like Surfshark to change your device's virtual location and keep your device's data protected.
This one may seem obvious, but sometimes it’s the most obvious items are the ones that get overlooked. That said, don't forget to bring your valid passport, visas (if needed), and any other travel documents necessary for your trip. And remember… With US passports it is recommended that your passport have six months validity beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area and it is required to have at least 3 months validity beyond your planned date of departure.
We hope that this blog has helped you pack for your upcoming Mediterranean cruise, and if it has, we hope that you’ll consider following us on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube Channel for more travel tips!
If you're interested in seeing what our 7 Day Mediterranean cruise was like, check out our "7 Day Mediterranean Cruise - FULL REVIEW" vlog!
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