Cunard's helpful packing guide for Mediterranean cruises, for every style, season and suitcase.
Whether you plan on spending your Mediterranean cruise soaking up the views, lounging in the sun, or sipping your favourite co*cktail while gazing across unforgettably blue seas, worrying about your wardrobe should be the last thing on your mind.
To help you with your packing choices, we’ve compiled this comprehensive Mediterranean cruise packing guide, full of advice and FAQs to ensure you’re ready for every eventuality on your holiday.
Mediterranean cruise packing list
Packing essentials
Clothing guide
Accessory packing list
Toiletries packing list
What not to pack
How to pack light
Packing for every season
What to pack FAQs
Mediterranean cruise packing essentials
Let’s start with the essentials you’ll need for your holiday, including the documents you’ll be asked to present at the cruise terminal on the day of your departure.
- Passports
- Driving licences (if you plan on hiring a car when ashore)
- Travel documents
- Travel insurance paperwork
- Any prescription medication you take, plus a doctor’s note
- Spending money
- First aid kit – painkillers, antacids, allergy relief, plasters etc.
- Device chargers
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Mediterranean cruise clothing guide
As you cruise around the Mediterranean, you’ll discover a land shaped by ancient architecture, golden beaches and charming cities. While summers here can be hot and sunny (with the occasional thunderstorm), warmer temperatures can last well into October, so it’s important to pack clothes for your cruise that will keep you cool and comfortable.
Mediterranean cruise day wear
Days on board can be as active or as relaxed as you’d like them to be. A comfortable T-shirt with a pair of shorts or a sun dress would be a perfect choice for any of the bars or restaurants on board during the day.Swimwear is essential if you plan on using the pools, whirlpools and spa, while trainers and activewear are ideal for working out in the gym or taking part in a fitness class.
Mediterranean cruise beachwear
Throughout your trip, you’ll have the opportunity to sample the famously warm waters of the Mediterranean at the region’s many golden beaches. Along with a bathing suit, bikini or swimming trunks, a pair of flip flops, and a simple kaftan or cover-up, are all useful to pack for a Mediterranean cruise. Some areas offer choice snorkelling as well, so bring along your snorkel and flippers if your suitcase allows.
Mediterranean cruise eveningwear and formal nights
Evenings on a Cunard cruise are the perfect opportunity to let your personality shine. Along with the chance to dazzle at our one of our decadent Gala Evenings and our fine dining restaurants, you’ll find many venues on board where casual dress is welcomed - think trousers or skirts with a dressy top, or chinos, shirts and blazers paired with smart shoes.Gala Evenings (usually one or two per seven-night voyage) offer a chance to step out in full formal attire for a night of celebration, live music and speciality food and drink. Each one follows a theme, which is communicated in advance of sailing.
Formal dresses
Full-length evening gowns, ball gowns and co*cktail dresses are all perfect choices.
Men’s formal suits
For men, suggested attire for Gala Evenings includes black or white tuxedos, and dinner suits and formal jackets with cravats, and other formal accessories.For specific theme details and outfit ideas, visit our packing guide.
Gala Evening ideas
Mediterranean cruise shore experiences
We offer a full programme of unique and unforgettable experiences in each port on your Mediterranean cruise. You could find yourself in a tapas cooking class, taking in the sights on an architectural walking tour, or sampling regional wines in a local vineyard. Comfort should be your priority if you plan to embark on any of these Shore Experiences, so make sure you pack some sturdy trainers or walking shoes. Loose-fitting T-shirts, dresses, shorts, jeans and skirts are ideal for the warmer weather too.
If you’re cruising during the summer months, you may want to consider lighter-weight fabrics, such as cottons or linens. If you’re cruising in the autumn or winter months, it’s advisable to have a lightweight jacket, raincoat and/or umbrella to hand, just in case you encounter rain showers.
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Mediterranean cruise accessory packing list
With so many unique experiences on offer, it’s important to make sure you have the right accessories on hand to make the most of your Mediterranean cruise. We recommend you bring the following:
- Sunglasses
- Cap, visor or sunhat
- Backpack or day bag
- Umbrella
- Camera and tripod
- Refillable water bottle
- Binoculars
Mediterranean cruise toiletries packing list
Once you’re on board, you’ll find complimentary Penhaligon’s toiletries in your suite or stateroom, including shampoo, hand wash and body wash. Additional toiletries and cosmetics are also available to purchase on board, and there’s always the option to shop ashore, so there’s no need to worry if you’ve left something behind.
Useful toiletries to pack include:
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen –with a high SPF suitable for face and neck
- After sun
- Lip balm - with an SPF
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
In addition, you may also wish to bring:
- Face and/or body moisturiser
- Hand sanitiser
- Cosmetics
- Perfume/aftershave
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What not to pack for a cruise
There are several items that we ask you not to bring on board our ships.The on board electrical systems in your stateroom do not support high-current electronics.We provide lower current hair dryers in all staterooms and irons are available in our laundrettes. Please do not pack your own iron as this will not be permitted on board.We also ask that you don’t bring extension leads with you, unless they are accompanying essential medical equipment, such as CPAP and nebuliser machines. These will be checked for electrical safety along with your medical equipment prior to sailing. Surge-protected extension leads are not accepted in any circ*mstances, as they interfere with the ship's electrical distribution.
You may bring one bottle of wine or champagne on board to enjoy within your stateroom. You are welcome to buy alcohol ashore as a gift or souvenir, which will be held for the duration of your cruise, and returned to you when you disembark.There are also a few items you won’t need to bring with you on your Mediterranean cruise, as these are provided, such as hair dryer, iron and pool and bathroom towels.See our list of prohibited items for further information on what not to pack.
Prohibited items
How to pack light for a Mediterranean cruise
Unlimited luggage allowances on all roundtrip Mediterranean cruises is one of the benefits of sailing with us, but if you’re catching a connecting flight, packing a multi-functional holiday wardrobe is the key to keeping your luggage light.
For daytimes, choose shorts, T-shirts, skirts and tops in tonal and neutral colours, which will allow you to easily mix and match to enjoy maximum versatility out of each item.
For the evenings, consider adding accessories, such as shawls, belts or jewellery, to elevate a daytime outfit, which can give the illusion of an entirely new ensemble and save luggage space.
Each Cunard ship also offers several self-service laundrettes so you can easily refresh your clothes, and we provide complimentary pool and bathroom towels – particularly useful if you’re joining us for a 14-day Mediterranean cruise.
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Mediterranean cruise climates: how to pack for every season
Mediterranean cruises typically sail in spring, summer and autumn to take advantage of the best weather, but even between seasons the conditions can be changeable.
Summer (July/August)
If you embark on a Mediterranean cruise during the summer months, you’re likely to encounter warm waters and plentiful sun. Consider a cool wardrobe, featuring lightweight materials such as linen and cotton – and be sure to include plenty of sun protection, as well as sunglasses and a sunhat.
Spring (May/June) and autumn (September/October)
Often considered as the ideal time to cruise the Mediterranean, the temperatures during spring and autumn are comfortably warm. Dresses, shorts and T-shirts are likely to be fine during the day, but we recommend packing a cardigan, smart jeans, a wrap or lightweight cover-up in case of cooler weather, along with some long-sleeved eveningwear options.
As with all seasons, the weather in the Mediterranean can still be unpredictable and deviate from the norm, so it’s never a bad idea to pack an umbrella or waterproof jacket, just in case.
What to pack for a Mediterranean cruise FAQs
This all depends on whether your cruise is roundtrip or fly-cruise. On roundtrip cruises, you can bring as much luggage on board as you wish. If you’re catching a connecting flight at either end of your voyage, however, you’ll need to adhere to your airline’s luggage allowances, and size and weight restrictions, so please do check these prior to travelling. Likewise, if you plan on purchasing any items ashore or on board, and you have to catch a flight at the end of your cruise, please bear in mind any customs restrictions.
Cunard’s on board accommodation is among the most spacious at sea. Each stateroom is equipped with wardrobe hanging space and a safe for your valuables, as well as drawers for your clothes and accessories. In addition, your bathroom has counter space beside the sink where you may wish to keep your toiletries, while select Grills Suites on board also feature dedicated dressing areas. Explore our accommodation pages for more information.
It really depends on how often you’d like to dine out formally each night. We encourage smart attire in formal dining restaurants in the evenings, but for buffet dining and in our Golden Lion pub, no formal dress code applies.
On Gala Evenings, of which there are usually one or two (sometimes three) per seven-night cruise, we ask that you dress to impress, so do bear this in mind when packing; you may also want to dress for the theme of the evening, which will be communicated before you sail.
You can also take advantage of our full laundry service on board, which may help to reduce the number of formal evening options you bring on longer cruises.
This will depend on how much you plan to use the pool and spa facilities, but in general, we would recommend packing two or three swimsuits as a minimum.
No, we will provide fresh beach, pool and bathroom towels for you throughout your stay.
You are welcome to bring water, soft drinks and light snacks on board, although we encourage you to take full advantage of our dining options; most of which are included in your cruise fare. These include indulgent fine dining, hearty gastro fare, an informal buffet, and 24-hour complimentary room service.
You may also bring one bottle of wine or champagne on board to enjoy in your suite or stateroom.
You are welcome to bring entertainment devices such as laptops, tablets and music players on board. Please also pack headphones, if you wish to use these in public areas of the ship. For information on internet connection on board, see our Staying connected page.
Heated hair stylers, electronic shavers and tabletop fans can be used within your stateroom only. We provide hairdryers in all staterooms, so there’s no need to bring one with you. Some electronics are not permitted on board: see our section on what not to pack for details.
Please note, you are not permitted to bring irons on board with you. Irons are available in our self-service laundrettes.
For all complimentary on board activities, your equipment is included at no extra charge. You’ll find a varied programme of classes and activities to try each day, including fencing, table tennis, paddle tennis, shuffleboard, quoits, golf (chipping, putting and target nets), hoopla, darts and croquet among others.
You’ll find both self-service launderettes and specialist cleaning services on board.
The self-service launderettes are complimentary and include washing machines, washing powder (you may bring your own personal washing powder if you wish), tumble dryers and ironing facilities, which are available from around 7.30am until 9pm (subject to change).
For sensitive and non-washable garments, we offer a specialist wet cleaning service at a small charge, free from the use of chemical solvents. This method can be used for garments that typically require dry cleaning.
You will find a full selection of toiletries and cosmetics in our on board retailers, located on Deck 3 of your ship (the Royal Arcade onQueen ElizabethandQueen Victoria, and the Mayfair shops on Queen Mary 2). Complimentary toiletries are also included in your suite or stateroom.
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