Are you going on a winter Mediterranean cruise vacation soon? Well, here is your perfect solution on how to pack step by step with the ultimate winter Mediterranean cruise packing list.
This guided packing list will help you whether it is your first cruise or your first time to the Mediterranean in the winter.
I will answer your questions so you will know the best things to pack and what to leave at home for a winter Mediterranean cruise.
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How To Pack For A Winter Mediterranean Cruise
I’m sure you are thinking of warm sunny weather as most people do when the Mediterranean comes to mind. But, in the winter months, it can be a lot cooler than in the summer.
It can be mild and sunny or cold and rainy, on a European cruise, so you need to be prepared. Also, on board the cruise ship it can be cooler inside with the air conditioning throughout the ship and in the cabin.
Things to Consider When Going to Europe on a Cruise
Before you spend a lot of time and money buying new clothes or shoes consider a few things first, before you select your items for your cruise packing list.
What is the Weather like in the Mediterranean in the Winter?
- Going to Europe in the winter months means the weather forecast can be different on each port day from sunny days and warm weather to cold and wet.
- A great way to find out the weather is to check online the average weather forecast for the cruise ports and cities you will be visiting.
- Here are approximate daytime temperatures (but of course, these do vary depending on the port):
- October: 15 – 24*C (59*F – 75*F)
- November: 10 – 21*C (50*F – 70*F)
- December: 8 – 18*C (46*F – 65*F)
- January: 6 – 16*C (43*F – 61*F)
- February: 8*C – 18*C (46*F – 65*F)
- March: 13 – 19*C (55*F – 66*F)
Add Appropriate Clothing and Comfortable Shoes to Your Mediterranean Cruise Packing List
Here are a few things to consider for the Mediterranean cruise port days:
- Bring comfortable walking shoes as there is a lot of walking in European cities. Especially if you are going on shore excursions to religious sites or ancient ruins.
- The streets/walkways are uneven and there are many stairs to take especially in older buildings.
- Pack appropriate clothing to visit cathedrals and churches as you will need to cover your shoulders, arms, and knees.
- It is always handy to bring a light sweater/cardigan, shirt or scarf as some places will not let you in if you do not cover-up. This is everyone male or female.
- Have a look at the official website of the building before you visit to check the dress code of a cathedral/religious site.
- Wear comfortable clothing and breathable clothing as the weather can change throughout the day in the ports of call.
- There are cooler evenings in the Mediterranean region in the winter months – remember this if you have a late sail. Also, on board in the evening, it will be colder outside.
- Bring an umbrella and a rain jacket for rainy days.
What are the Sea Days like on a Mediterranean Cruise?
- The sea days in the winter will probably not be spent sunbathing by the pool unless it is a lovely warm day as this time of year it is cooler.
- It can be windy out on the deck.
- The sea can be a little rough sometimes – weather-dependent.
- What to wear? It depends on the activities you plan to do on a sea day, but casual comfortable clothes or resort wear are fine.
- If you would like to use the hot tub or if there is an inside pool pack your bathing suit.
What Type of Clothes Do You Need for A Mediterranean Cruise?
The first step is figuring out what type of clothes you will need for the Mediterranean cruise. Here are a few things to think about:
How many formal nights will there be?
- On average there are one to two formal nights on a seven-day cruise, two to three formal nights on a ten-day cruise, and two to four formal nights on a 14-day cruise.
- This will depend on the cruise line you are sailing with as they do differ, as do their dress codes.
- On some cruise lines, the dress code for gala night/formal night/elegant night does not require formal wear of long dresses and tuxedos.
- Check the cruise line website for the official dress code.
- For example, on MSC you can wear formal attire or your smartest clothes. This makes a difference when you are packing your luggage.
- Here are the links for current formal night dress codes:
- MSC Cruises
- Princess Cruises
- Carnival
- Costa Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
- Celebrity
Will there be a White Night?
Some cruise lines have a white party which is held on the pool deck or in one of the lounges on the ship (weather dependent) – where you guessed it everyone wears the colour white. This is an easy one for most people if you like wearing white!
Dining – where are you planning on eating while onboard?
- Where are you going to eat; in the dining room, buffet, or speciality restaurants?
- If you are planning on eating in the main dining room, pack dressier clothing – smart casual.
- On formal nights you will need to wear the dress code of the cruise line if you would like to eat in the dining room for formal dinners.
- In most speciality restaurants you can wear casual/smart casual (even on formal nights).
- In the buffet, clothing can be casual (even on the formal nights).
Will you be going to the gym or fitness classes?
Pack your workout wear if you plan to use the gym or take a fitness class on board. But only pack it if you are going to use it!
What wear on port days?
- My tip is to pack layers as if it gets warm you can take layers off or put them on.
- If you are planning on going on shore excursions or walking around the ports on your own, wear comfortable footwear, as most paths are uneven.
- There is nothing worse than your feet hurting halfway through the day or getting a blister.
- In Europe, the stairs need to be used in most buildings and your walking route may be longer than you are used to.
- Trainers (sneakers), walking shoes, slip-on comfortable shoes that go with your outfits I recommend.
- Depending on the duration of your cruise you may need to use the laundry facilities. Some cruise lines have passenger laundry rooms that you can use or there will be laundry services on board.
What to wear on sea days?
You can wear whatever you like as it depends on the activities you plan to do. Follow the dress code for the evening.
How To Pack the Ultimate Winter Mediterranean Cruise Packing List
Now let’s start talking about how to pack for a winter Mediterranean cruise without bringing too much luggage!
When packing for a winter Mediterranean cruise check the weather (see above for weather help) for all the ports as it can vary from the north to the south of the Mediterranean.
The easiest way is by packing layers and by sticking to a colour theme, so all your clothes mix and match.
Colour Theme for your Mediterranean Cruise Packing List
First, decide on the colours you would like to wear, this way you can mix and match your clothes.
- 2/3 base colours for pants/skirts/shorts – For example black, navy, beige, brown, white, cream, etc.
- 2/3 colours for tops/tees/sweaters/cardigans – For example white, red, pink, green, blue, black, etc.
This means not adding any random colours that do not match anything.
Ultimate Winter Mediterranean Cruise Packing List for Women
Here is your ultimate cruise packing list for a winter Mediterranean cruise broken down from daywear to evening wear for women.
This cruise packing list is for a seven-day cruise, but you can double it if you are going on a 14-day cruise. Or add a few more items for a 10-day cruise or just wash/send to the laundry some of your clothes while on board.
Cruise Daywear for Women
Daytime cruise wear for shore excursions or doing your own thing in the Mediterranean cruise ports or on the sea days, these are all clothing items you will need:
- 2 – 3 Pairs of jeans/trousers
- 1 Pair of shorts or a skirt (optional)
- 5 – 7 Casual tops/shirts (long/short sleeve)
- 3 – 4 T-shirts/tank tops/thermal layer (for layering)
- 3 – 4 Light Weight Light Sweaters/Cardigans
- Lightweight Jacket/Rain jacket
- Warm Hat, scarf & gloves
- 1 – 2 Pairs of Waterproof Trainers/Walking Shoes/Flat Shoes
- Money belt for cash/credit card/ local currency
- Umbrella
- Pair of sunglasses
- Bathing suit/Cover-up/Flip Flops /Beach bag (pool towels are available to use on board)
- Water bottle
- Day bag/Day pack/Backpack/Small Bag
Cruise Evening Wear for Women
For the evening on board this is all evening wear and formal wear you will need:
- 2 – 3 Pairs of smart pants/skirts
- 3 – 5 Smart tops/blouses
- 1 Smart dress/little black dress (optional)
- 1 White Dress (optional for white party)
- 1 – 2 Formal Dresses – cocktail dresses/evening gown
- 1 Pair of high heels
- 1 Pair of Ballet Pumps/Flats
- Formal clutch bag/purse
- Light Weight Scarves
Cruise General Daily Items for Women:
- Workout wear (if you use the gym/fitness classes)
- Swimwear/Overup/Flip Flops (if you use the swimming pool onboard)
- Sleepwear
- Underwear
- Socks/tights (pantyhose)
- Jewellery/Watch
- Belt
Cruise Toiletries for Women:
There are usually hair dryers, shampoo, and shower gel in the cabin, so you can leave those out at home if you like. Here are the toiletries you may need:
- Cleanser
- Makeup remover
- Toner
- Serum
- Eye cream
- Moisturiser
- SPF
- Shower Gel
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body Lotion
- Razor/Shaving gel
- Perfume
- Hair Spray
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Medications
- Make-up
- Hair dryer / Curler / Straightening irons
Ultimate Winter Mediterranean Cruise Packing List for Men
Here is your ultimate cruise packing list for a winter Mediterranean cruise broken down from daywear to evening wear for men.
This cruise packing list is for a seven-day cruise, but you can double it if you are going on a 14-day cruise. Or add a few more items for a 10-day cruise or just wash or send to the laundry some of your clothes while on board.
Cruise Daywear for Men
- 2 – 3 Pairs of jeans/pants
- 1 – 2 Pairs of shorts (optional)
- 5 – 7 Casual tees /shirts (long/short sleeve)
- 2 – 3 T-shirts (for layering)
- 3 – 4 Light Weight Light Sweaters
- Lightweight Jacket/Rain jacket
- Warm Hat, scarf & gloves
- 1 – 2 Pairs of Waterproof Trainers/Walking Shoes
- Backpack
- Money belt for cash/credit card/ local currency
- Umbrella
- Pair of sunglasses
- Swimming trunks / Flip Flops (pool towels are available to use on board)
- Water bottle
Evening Wear for Men
- 2 – 3 Smart pants/chinos/jeans
- 3 – 5 Smart shirts/Polo shirts
- Tuxedo/formal shirt/bow tie/cumberbund or Suit/shirt/tie
- White outfit (for white night – optional)
- Smart Shoes/Dress shoes
General Clothing Items for Men
- Workout wear (if you use the gym/fitness classes)
- Swimwear / Flip Flops (if you use the swimming pool onboard)
- Sleepwear
- Underwear
- Socks
- Jewellery/Watch
- Belt
Cruise Toiletries for Men
- Face Wash
- Moisturiser
- SPF
- Shower Gel
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Shaving Gel
- Razor
- Cologne
- Medications
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
Cruise Carry-on Luggage
This is one of the most important parts of your luggage as a carry-on (hand luggage) is the only piece you will be able to take to the stateroom (cabin) straight away. Your main luggage will be delivered to your stateroom before the cruise ship sails.
So pack all the essential items you will need for the first day of your cruise:
- Carry-on bag
- Travel documents
- Change of clothes (pack in packing cubes)
- Shoes
- Essential items – medications/money/credit cards/passport, etc
- Toiletry bag
- Makeup
You may also enjoy reading the best cruise accessories to add to your packing list, which has lots of cruise essentials that will make your cruise go more smoothly.
Between helping you with your packing, making your stateroom more functional, and handy gadgets for time in port days and on board. Read now:
BEST CRUISE ACCESSORIES TO ADD TO YOUR PACKING LIST
I hope this Mediterranean cruise packing list has helped you and answered your questions. Did I miss anything? If so, please comment below I would love to hear your thoughts.
Cruise Lines that Cruise the Mediterranean in the Winter
Most cruise lines go to the Mediterranean in the summer months for Europe cruises. Only a few sail around the Mediterranean in the winter months, for example, MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises.
Most cruise lines like Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean sail until November and start again in the spring. Winter is a great time to visit the Mediterranean as it is cooler and a good time to go sightseeing.
Pros and Cons of Cruising the Mediterranean in the Winter
There are pros and cons of cruising the Mediterranean in the winter, and it is completely different to going on a Caribbean cruise.
It can be one of the best times to go and is a great way to see a lot, as it is not so hot. The winter months can be the perfect choice if you prefer it to be quieter on board and in the cruise ports.
I have written an article weighing up the pros and cons, read more here:
MEDITERRANEAN CRUISING IN WINTER PROS & CONS
Cruise Essentials
Here are some cruising accessories from Amazon you may find useful on your next cruise. To see more, have a look at my Amazon shop page and click here.
More Cruise Packing Guides for Your Next Cruise
6 HANDY THINGS IN A CRUISE SHIP CABIN
HOW TO PACK A CAPSULE WARDROBE FOR A 7-DAY CRUISE TO ALASKA
THE ULTIMATE CRUISE FORMAL NIGHT GUIDE
WHAT TO WEAR ON SMART CASUAL NIGHTS ON A CRUISE
5 TIPS HOW TO BUY & PACK A CAPSULE WARDROBE
I hope you have found this information helpful and now know how to pack for a winter Mediterranean cruise, using the ultimate Winter Mediterranean cruise packing list.
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Happy Cruising!
