Different cruise destinations require different packing necessities! European cruises offer some of the best opportunities for easy destination hopping while also including plenty of time for relaxation like a true vacation should. If you’re cruising through the Mediterranean in the summer, you’ll need to come prepared with plenty of sun protection, light layers, and sightseeing essentials.
In this blog, we’re covering the things you’ll need in your cruise cabin, around the ship, and while exploring different European ports. Looking for what to wear? Check out this blog on the best pieces for packing this summer. If you’re a savvy packer, everything in the list below should be able to fit in a backpack and a carry-on. Here are all the essentials you’ll want to have for your Mediterranean cruise!
IN YOUR CRUISE CABIN
1. PORTABLE Sound machine
Cruise ships can be hit or miss with noise. Drown out your noisy neighbors, late-night party animals in the hallway, or your snoring spouse with this compact sound machine will dampen any unwanted noises.
2. Poo-Pourri
Two words: tiny bathroom. Sharing a cabin with your travel partner might be fun, but sharing a small bathroom is never anyone’s favorite. This clever travel sized toilet spray creates a barrier of better scents than the ones you leave behind.
3. Wrinkle Releaser
Inevitably, clothes packed tightly in your suitcase are going to be pretty wrinkled. Unfortunately, most cruise lines don’t allow irons or steamers on board. A few brands will allow you to borrow an onboard steamer, but that process takes forever and trust us – you won’t be the only sailors with that exact idea in the morning! While we’re confused at how the science works, we love how well this wrinkle releaser works! It will quickly smooth out any creases, ensuring you look put together without an iron.
4. Small ROOM fan
While the AC is each cabin is strong enough for some, hot sleepers will need an extra boost in those warm Mediterranean nights. A small room fan can make all the difference in keeping your cabin cool and comfortable. This portable fan is compact and lightweight, perfect for creating a pleasant breeze wherever you are. It even makes for the perfect little desk fan back at the office after the cruise.
5. European Plug Adapter
Cruises don’t allow for voltage converters with surge protectors. Instead of a power strip, make sure to pack this European plug adapter. It has two different plug ins as well as two USB plugs to make sure everyone in your cabin’s devices are charged and ready to go. If you have extra devices or hair tools that need plugged in other places, we love these small, simple plugs to use freely around the cabin.
6. Identifying DOOR magnets
Fun fact: all cruise doors are fully magnetic…and they all look identical. Add a personal and identifying touch to your cabin door with these simple magnets that don’t look like children’s toys. Not only will they make your door stand out so you can easily find it.
7. PACKABLE laundry bag
There’s never much space to spare in cruise ship cabins, but you certainly don’t want to waist any precious drawer or closet space with dirty clothes! This convenient packable laundry bag will keep your clean clothes neat and tidy and your cabin organized throughout your cruise.
18. Portable phone charger
Ensure your phone stays charged throughout the day with a portable charger. And in order to not feel like you’re dealing with a leash with the portable charger, grab this inexpensive short USB cable to go along with it. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, and it’s compatible with most devices.
8. Over the counter MEDICINE
Every cruise has a medical center on board, but you don’t want to go to the on-ship nurse for simple medicine. Just in case you encounter any discomfort during the cruise, it’s always wise to have some over-the-counter medicine on hand. Be prepared with motion sickness and pain relievers.
LOUNGING AROUND THE CRUISE SHIP
9. Towel clips
While you don’t need to pack your own towel, you should pack little towel clips. Not only will these packable handy tools will prevent your towel from blowing off the deck chair in the wind, but it will also serve as a signifying to other cruise passengers
10. Packable straw hat
While laying out on the lido deck soaking up the Mediterranean sun sounds like the dream, sunburns aren’t! This packable straw hat not only provides excellent sun protection but also adds a cute touch to your poolside or beach look. Keep the ends straight down to keep the look of a trendy bucket hat or ruffle the edges for a more casual, classic sunhat vibe.
11. Sunglasses
You know how pricey sunglasses are always the ones to get scratched or go missing? Well these cheap yet classic pair have been my tried-and-true sunglasses for three years and they’re still going strong. The round shape is super flattering and the polarizing effect is key during days exploring the Mediterranean!
12. A SUMMER READ
Whether you prefer a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or an inspiring memoir, a paperback book is the perfect companion for a day at sea by the pool. Read through Mythos by Stephen Fry, a modern interpretation of Greek mythology as you cruise from Greek isle to Greek isle, or One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle, a classic beach read set on the Amalfi Coast in Italy.
13. Waterproof playing cards
Grab your travel partner and enjoy a game of cards by the pool or even on the beach when you go ashore. We bring these waterproof playing cards everywhere! They are durable and resistant to splashes, ensuring countless hours of entertainment. Fancy a game of Battle, anyone?
14. Reusable straw
Paper straws suck…well, actually, they really don’t, and that’s the problem. While we’re happy to see less single use plastics on the sea, it’s hard to enjoy your favorite poolside beverage if you can’t even sip it through the straw. This collapsible reusable straw takes up no space in your bag, cleans easily, and gets rid of the annoying effects of both plastic and paper straws.
EXPLORING CRUISE PORTS
15. Casual Straw Day Bag
Explore the European ports in style with a practical, very European-vibe straw bag. It’s incredibly packable since it folds down flat in your luggage and then is perfect for carrying your essentials, such as your ID, a camera, sunscreen, hat, and a bottle of water.
16. Reusable Water bottle
It’s easy to get quickly dehydrated while exploring the Mediterranean ports like Venice, Santorini, and Nice. Carry a reusable water bottle like this durable Swell bottle to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day and it’s many modes of transit. Pro tip – fill it up with ice water on the ship before heading out for the day.
17. Waterproof floating phone case
Though this isn’t the sexiest phone accessory, it’s certainly useful if you want to capture any memorable moments in the water! This waterproof floating phone case will, of course, protect your device from water damage, but probably the most important feature is that is keeps the phone afloat is you happen to drop it in the water. Whether you’re in the pool, kayaking, taking advantage of a beach port, or enjoying a boat day, you’ll never lose your phone to the depths of the water with this case.
18. Portable phone charger
Ensure your phone stays charged throughout the day with a portable charger. And in order to not feel like you’re dealing with a leash with the portable charger, grab this inexpensive short USB cable to go along with it. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, and it’s compatible with most devices.
8. Over the counter MEDICINE
Every cruise has a medical center on board, but you don’t want to go to the on-ship nurse for simple medicine. Just in case you encounter any discomfort during the cruise, it’s always wise to have some over-the-counter medicine on hand. Be prepared with motion sickness and pain relievers.
LOUNGING AROUND THE CRUISE SHIP
9. Towel clips
While you don’t need to pack your own towel, you should pack little towel clips. Not only will these packable handy tools will prevent your towel from blowing off the deck chair in the wind, but it will also serve as a signifying to other cruise passengers
10. Packable straw hat
While laying out on the lido deck soaking up the Mediterranean sun sounds like the dream, sunburns aren’t! This packable straw hat not only provides excellent sun protection but also adds a cute touch to your poolside or beach look. Keep the ends straight down to keep the look of a trendy bucket hat or ruffle the edges for a more casual, classic sunhat vibe.
11. Sunglasses
You know how pricey sunglasses are always the ones to get scratched or go missing? Well these cheap yet classic pair have been my tried-and-true sunglasses for three years and they’re still going strong. The round shape is super flattering and the polarizing effect is key during days exploring the Mediterranean!
12. A SUMMER READ
Whether you prefer a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or an inspiring memoir, a paperback book is the perfect companion for a day at sea by the pool. Read through Mythos by Stephen Fry, a modern interpretation of Greek mythology as you cruise from Greek isle to Greek isle, or One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle, a classic beach read set on the Amalfi Coast in Italy.
13. Waterproof playing cards
Grab your travel partner and enjoy a game of cards by the pool or even on the beach when you go ashore. We bring these waterproof playing cards everywhere! They are durable and resistant to splashes, ensuring countless hours of entertainment. Fancy a game of Battle, anyone?
14. Reusable straw
Paper straws suck…well, actually, they really don’t, and that’s the problem. While we’re happy to see less single use plastics on the sea, it’s hard to enjoy your favorite poolside beverage if you can’t even sip it through the straw. This collapsible reusable straw takes up no space in your bag, cleans easily, and gets rid of the annoying effects of both plastic and paper straws.
EXPLORING CRUISE PORTS
15. Casual Straw Day Bag
Explore the European ports in style with a practical, very European-vibe straw bag. It’s incredibly packable since it folds down flat in your luggage and then is perfect for carrying your essentials, such as your ID, a camera, sunscreen, hat, and a bottle of water.
16. Reusable Water bottle
It’s easy to get quickly dehydrated while exploring the Mediterranean ports like Venice, Santorini, and Nice. Carry a reusable water bottle like this durable Swell bottle to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day and it’s many modes of transit. Pro tip – fill it up with ice water on the ship before heading out for the day.
17. Waterproof floating phone case
Though this isn’t the sexiest phone accessory, it’s certainly useful if you want to capture any memorable moments in the water! This waterproof floating phone case will, of course, protect your device from water damage, but probably the most important feature is that is keeps the phone afloat is you happen to drop it in the water. Whether you’re in the pool, kayaking, taking advantage of a beach port, or enjoying a boat day, you’ll never lose your phone to the depths of the water with this case.
18. Portable phone charger
Ensure your phone stays charged throughout the day with a portable charger. And in order to not feel like you’re dealing with a leash with the portable charger, grab this inexpensive short USB cable to go along with it. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, and it’s compatible with most devices.
