Mediterranean Cruise Packing: 5 Essentials You Won’t Want to Forget

There are a few essentials to consider for Mediterranean cruise packing that can make or break a vacation. The conditions of the Mediterranean can be as unforgiving as they are appealing, with an overbearing sun, a variety of terrains, and tons of activities for you to participate in. Making sure that you are properly equipped for different scenarios and excursions is crucial to ensuring that you are able to enjoy your vacation without worry or discomfort. Be sure to add these 5 items to your Mediterranean packing list, and you will be prepared to have the cruise vacation of your dreams! While these items are the most essential, you can print off our full Mediterranean cruise packing list to use as a guide for all your packing needs.

Bathing Suits

A cruise to the Mediterranean offers many opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports, making a bathing suit absolutely essential for your Mediterranean packing list. It is important to pick swimwear that is suitable for any occasion, whether that is swimming in an onboard pool, sunbathing on the beach, or partaking in water sports like snorkeling or jet skiing. You will very likely be doing these activities back to back, so it is a good idea to pack at least two swimsuits, so that you always have one dry and ready to go. You can also pack different types of swimwear, so that you are more prepared for different activities. A swimsuit fit for sunbathing might not be the most comfortable for water skiing, so you can add multiple swimsuits to your Mediterranean cruise packing list to ensure that you always have something suitable for any occasion.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen might seem like a no-brainer for Mediterranean cruise packing, but it is important to make sure that you get the best kind. You’ll need one with a high SPF to combat the unforgiving Mediterranean sun, and you will want it to be water-resistant, so it doesn’t get washed away during your first dip in the water. Reapplication throughout the day is essential, so packing a few travel sized bottles that you can take with you once you’re at port is your best option. Make sure you always have sunscreen on hand and you will not have to worry about coming back from vacation covered in sunburns!

Comfortable Walking Shoes

It might seem like a good idea to wear something like sandals for your whole cruise, but any cruise to the Mediterranean is sure to be filled with a lot of walking, making comfortable shoes a necessity for your Mediterranean cruise packing list. Whether you are visiting historic sites or just walking along the beach, you are bound to run into a lot of uneven terrain, so shoes with good support are essential. We recommend something lightweight and breathable, so that your feet don’t get too hot. You’ll also want to consider whether you are likely to participate in sports or fitness activities when picking your shoes. Packing a couple of different pairs of shoes can be a smart move, but comfortable walking shoes are the most essential to have on any Mediterranean packing list.

Camera

If you have a high-quality camera on your phone that suits your needs, then a camera might not be necessary for your Mediterranean packing list. But the stunning landscapes and inspiring historic sites of the Mediterranean really require a top-notch camera to do them justice. It is really best to have a high-quality camera with additional memory cards to make sure that you can capture as much of your vacation as possible. You’ll also want to make sure that your camera is compact enough that it is not a hassle to carry around. A visual diary is the best way to remember your trip while also allowing you to share your experience with the folks back home, making a quality camera crucial to consider when doing your Mediterranean cruise packing.

Hat/Sunglasses

You certainly don’t want to brave the Mediterranean sun without ample protection for your eyes. Add sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to your Mediterranean packing list to ensure that you are always able to enjoy the sun without being blinded by it. But not just any sunglasses will do; you’ll want to get sunglasses with UV protection to shield against glare for maximum protection. The combination of sunglasses and a wide brim will give you versatile comfort during even the sunniest of days, while also making for a nice bit of flare for your outfit. Consider bringing multiples of each, so that you can accessorize different outfits, while also ensuring that you will still be covered if you lose one.

If you are ready to put your Mediterranean cruise packing list to the test, visit Cruises.com for the largest selection of cruise line deals — we can help you book the smart way! We give you our exclusive bonus offers and all qualifying cruise line offers, plus all of the cruise line loyalty program benefits. Book online at Cruises.com or call 800-288-6006 today.

Related: Mediterranean Cruises: Top Ports to Explore