Perfect Mediterranean Cruise Packing List

Wondering what to pack on a Mediterranean Cruise? You’re in the right place!

As a travel advisor and cruise specialist, one of the most frequent things my clients ask is “What should we pack for our cruise?”

Embarking on a Mediterranean cruise is an exciting adventure, filled with picturesque ports, ancient ruins, and captivating experiences. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable voyage, proper packing is essential.

It’s tempting to pack EVERYTHING you “might” need but keep in mind you’ll likely be flying to your embarkation city, so you will need to think about baggage fees, weight limits, and your ability to carry your luggage.

You also need to consider the fact that you’ll have to be transported from the airport to your hotel and then to the port, having too much luggage can make it really hard to get up and down narrow streets, hallways, and staircases.

The golden rule of cruise packing is to lay out everything you think you need, and then put half of that away!

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with the ultimate Mediterranean cruise packing list, covering everything from clothing and accessories to travel essentials.

So, let’s set sail and get ready to explore the stunning Mediterranean region!

Don’t feel up to reading the whole article? No worries, download a FREE Mediterranean Cruise Packing List ⤵️

What to Pack for a Mediterranean Cruise

Cruise Ship Essentials

When packing for a Mediterranean cruise, it’s important to consider the unique features and activities offered onboard. Don’t forget to include these must-have items:

Documents:

Passport: Be sure it’s valid, doesn’t expire for at least 6 months after your cruise, has at least 2 empty pages and the name matches your cruise documents EXACTLY.
Visa: This is not always necessary, but check with the countries you will be visiting to be sure, some, like Russia, have very specific requirements for visitors.
Boarding Pass for Cruise and Airline: Most of the time you can use the apps, but I like to have a hard copy with me just in case.
Travel Insurance Policy Paperwork: I strongly recommend travel insurance that covers medical care in foreign countries. It is not very expensive and is good peace of mind. Keep in mind the insurance you purchase through the cruise line is usually just for your cruise fare, and is not comprehensive enough. I like to use Travel Insurance Master to get free quotes on Travel Insurance, they make it easy to compare a few policies side by side.

➡️ Check Prices on Travel Insurance by Clicking Here

Excursion documents: It’s a good idea to bring hard copies of any tickets, instructions, or other information that your excursion company has sent you.
Printed Luggage Tags: After you have checked in, your cruise line will have luggage tags available for you to print out. These will show your cabin number. The exception to this is Disney Cruise Line. They will not let you print them out but will mail you your luggage tags instead. Don’t attach your cruise luggage tags until after you’ve gotten off your last flight and are ready to board the ship.
Credit Card: Be sure and tell your bank that you are traveling so they don’t decline your transactions.

➡️ I like to use these plastic luggage tag holders to keep my tag secure and safe from tearing off

Supplemental items to bring on a Mediterranean Cruise

Cruise Ship Lanyard: Keep your keycard handy and accessible at all times. Most cruise lines provide you with a keycard that unlocks your cabin door, allows you to make on-board purchases, and identifies you as you exit and return to the ship. I like to bring an inexpensive lanyard to help me keep track of my keycard.
Day Bag: A lightweight and versatile bag to carry your essentials during shore excursions. You likely will not have access to your cabin when you board your ship, so having a carry-on bag is a great idea. Pack it with a swimsuit, sunscreen, a book, and any medication you might need to get you by until your luggage is delivered in the evening.
Theft Proof Wallet or Purse: In busy areas, trains, and markets, you can be susceptible to pickpockets and theft. I love to wear a cross-body purse (fanny pack or money belt) to keep my essentials close to my body. This is a good one! ⤵️

Toiletry Bag: Pack travel-sized toiletries, including sunscreen (reef safe), shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and any personal medications. There will be body soap, shampoo, and conditioner on board, but if you are picky like me, bring your own in small bottles. Don’t forget lotion and chapstick for after a day in the wind and sun!
First Aid Kit: Include band-aids, pain relievers, motion sickness medication, and any other necessary medical supplies. While you can purchase most things on board, they will be super expensive. I spend $12 on a bottle of eye drops last year!
Guide Books: I like to carry a guidebook with me when I travel to look up things as I go.
Packing cubes: These may seem silly, I get it. For years I refused to buy them because I thought they were dumb. Can I tell you how obsessed with them I am now? I freaking LOVE these things! They make my bags stay so organized, and keep me from overpacking too! These are my favorites ⤵️

Clothing and Accessories for a Mediterranean Cruise

Choosing the right clothing and accessories will ensure you’re comfortable and well-prepared throughout your Mediterranean cruise. Consider these items:

Formal Nights: Most cruises have formal dinners, so bring elegant evening wear, such as a cocktail dress or a suit and tie. Normally, on a 7-night cruise, there are 2 formal nights, you can check with your travel advisor to be sure.
Casual Attire: Pack lightweight and comfortable clothing suitable for daytime activities onboard and during shore excursions. Think shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and lightweight pants. If you are cruising the Mediterranean in the fall, be sure and bring layers for cool evenings.
Socks and underwear: Even if you are planning on wearing flip-flops most of the time, be sure and bring a few pair of socks. Bring underwear for every day, and a few extras in case you want to shower and feel fresh mid-day after being in the humidity.
Swimwear: Don’t forget to pack your favorite bathing suit for relaxing by the pool or enjoying beach days at the various ports. I like to bring 2 so that I can always have a dry swimsuit to put on. You can hang them to dry on the clothesline in your shower. Don’t forget a bathing suit cover-up to wear as you go to and from the pool to your cabin.
Comfortable Walking Shoes: Opt for sturdy and comfortable walking shoes for exploring ports of call and enjoying onshore excursions.
Flip Flops: Perfect for lounging by the pool or strolling on the ship’s deck. I also like Chacos for hikes near water and rocky beaches.
Lightweight Jacket or Sweater: Even during the summer months, evenings at sea can get breezy, so pack a lightweight jacket or sweater.
Accessories: Remember to bring sunglasses, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.

Destination-Specific Items to Pack on a Mediterranean Cruise

The Mediterranean region is rich in history, culture, and diverse landscapes. Consider these destination-specific items based on your ports of call:

Ancient Ruins: If your itinerary includes ancient ruins like Rome’s Colosseum or Greece’s Acropolis, comfortable shoes are essential for exploring these historical sites.
Religious Sites: When visiting religious sites such as cathedrals or mosques, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is respectful. Packing a lightweight scarf is a good idea if you are visiting the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.
Beach Days: If you plan to enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean beaches, pack a beach towel, water shoes, and a beach bag. While you can borrow a beach towel from your ship, they are often bulky and heavy, I prefer to bring my own quick dry, lightweight towel.
Local Currency: Carry some local currency for small purchases or in case credit cards are not accepted everywhere. You can stop at an ATM at the airport to exchange currency.

Cruise Line and Theme-Specific Items

Different cruise lines and themes may have unique requirements or activities. Consider these additional items:

Formal Attire: Check your cruise line’s dress code for formal nights and pack accordingly. A dark suit or evening gown may be required.
Theme Nights: Some cruises may have theme nights, so pack costumes or accessories to join in the fun.
Cruise Line-Specific Items: Check your cruise line’s website for any specific recommendations or restrictions.

Electronics to pack for a Mediterranean Cruise

Phone/charger
Portable Charging Bank
Go Pro/ Charger/ Memory Card
Headphones
Curling iron/flat iron
E-Reader
A power strip (not surge protector)

Toiletries to pack

Toothbrush/paste/floss
Daily Medications
Hand Sanitizer
Lotion
Soap
Shampoo and Conditioner
Chapstick
Hairbrush/ Hair ties
Deodorant (I love Lume for all-over body deodorant)
Shaving Cream/ Razors
Feminine Hygiene Products
Makeup remover
Nail Clippers/File
Seasick bands or meds (I like Bonine, but ginger also works)
Poopurri (Cabins are small, and you will thank me later!)

Conclusion:

With this comprehensive Mediterranean cruise packing list, you’ll be well-prepared for a memorable and stress-free voyage.

Remember to adapt the list to your specific needs, destinations, and cruise line requirements. By packing smartly and including the essentials, you’ll be ready to explore ancient cities, soak up the sun on stunning beaches.