15 Things Mediterranean Cruise Essentials You Should Pack

After spending 24 hours in Nice, I set sail from Monte Carlo for 10 days of Mediterranean exploration, and my packing strategy made all the difference. As a die-hard carry-on-only traveler, I’m super intentional about what I bring on trips. And since this was my first cruise as an adult (and my second cruise ever), crafting the perfect packing list was a fun challenge to tackle.

From wandering the streets of French cities like Eze to exploring the winding streets of towns in the Amalfi Coast, with a stop in Turkey and our final destination in Athens, going on the Regent Seven Seas cruise required travel outfits that worked for elegant ship dining and coastal adventures off-ship. The key to success was focusing on items that were cute, comfortable, and versatile. When I got home, I felt proud of my packing list and wrote it all down to share with my cruise-loving friends. Here’s exactly what made it into my suitcase—and what you should pack for your own Mediterranean cruise.

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Gap Organic Cotton Poplin Big Shirt

This button-up shirt is consistently my ultimate travel multitasker, bridging the gap between casual and sophisticated outfits throughout. The flowy silhouette keeps me cool during hot afternoons, but the crisp fabric looks polished enough for ship dining and evening strolls. What I love the most about this shirt is how it never looks sloppy despite its relaxed fit.

The structure of this shirt really helps maintain its shape, even after you sweat in it and wash it, and it was ideal for unpredictable Mediterranean weather days when temperatures could swing dramatically between morning and evening. I like to layer it over tank tops during cooler mornings, and the long sleeves gave me great sun protection during days of sightseeing without feeling heavy or restrictive.

Calpak Packing Cubes

Calpak’s five-piece packing cube set is a cruise packing game-changer, especially when you’re bringing a carry-on instead of checking your luggage (psst: Travel + Leisure readers also love this $25 set from Amazon). The variety of sizes means you can dedicate different cubes to specific needs. I picked one for swimwear and cover-ups, another for dinner outfits, and smaller ones for my underwear and bras. When you’re living out of a cruise cabin for 10 days and want to quickly unpack and explore, these are perfect for keeping you organized.

What’s more, these cubes kept everything relatively wrinkle-free and accessible, and the breathable mesh tops let you see exactly what’s inside each cube. Plus, they did an excellent job of compressing my clothes efficiently, which left room in my suitcase for all the ceramics I bought while I was exploring the small towns in the Amalfi Coast.

Suuksess Cotton Ribbed Boatneck Tank

I’m completely obsessed with DL1961’s Tank, and I genuinely couldn’t stop wearing it throughout the cruise. It’s a splurge, but it’s well worth it (for $15, you can also snag this lookalike from Amazon). This isn’t just another basic black tank. It’s handcrafted by knitwear artisans in Rome using ethically sourced, sustainable wool blend yarns, and this semi-sheer knit and elegant neckline elevated every outfit I paired it with. I dressed it up for dinner with linen pants and kept it more casual with shorts for ship exploring. The fact that it’s made in Rome made wearing it while cruising the Mediterranean feel even more special. 

Higouta Crossbody Sling Bag

Cruises are carefree, but you’ll still need something to keep track of your state card, sunscreen, and other daily essentials. That’s where a reliable sling bag like this Higouta crossbody comes in handy. It’s small enough not to weigh you down while being spacious enough to carry everything you need for the day, whether you’re hitting the pool deck or meeting the group for an off-shore excursion. Plus, it drapes close to your body and is stocked with discreet zippers for extra peace of mind when you’re on the move. 

Cotton On All Day Crew Tee

While I’m all about an intentional and worth-it splurge, sometimes the best travel pieces are the most basic ones. For me, it’s Target’s $8 Universal Thread black cotton tee, but for other travelers, it’s Cotton On’s All Day Crew Tee. Whichever you choose, you’ll be delighted to know that you’ve picked your new suitcase MVP. Mine was a go-to layering piece that worked with a cute jacket for dinner or on its own when I was bopping around the Amalfi Coast during the day, helping me create multiple outfits with just one staple piece. 

Jeffrey Campbell Jellz Slip-on Shoes

I impulsively bought the blue Jeffrey Campbell Jellz Slip-on Shoes before my trip, and I’m so glad I did. They became my go-to footwear for casual moments aboard the ship, and honestly, I wish I’d bought and packed a second pair. These ’90s-inspired jelly shoes with their diamond-gridded uppers are a fun, nostalgic throwback that proved to be super practical for cruise life. The breathable material kept my feet comfortable while I explored the ship’s decks, and the slip-on design made them perfect for transitions.

I love how effortlessly they worked for ship activities while still looking fun and cute. Whether I was grabbing coffee at the café to shamelessly squeeze in a little work or lounging by the pool, I opted for the super comfortable Jellz. An added bonus: The flexibility of the material made them super easy to pack in my suitcase, and I stuffed them with socks to make the most of my limited luggage space.

Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan

This little Jisulife handheld fan became an absolute lifesaver during sweltering Mediterranean afternoons when the heat was almost unbearable. The three-in-one design is genius, providing instant cooling relief during long walks through Turkish markets and the Amalfi Coast. I used it all day without worrying about it dying when I needed it most, and the compact pocket design made it easy to slip into my day bag without adding bulk.

Beyond just keeping me cool during hot shore excursions, the flashlight feature came in handy during evening walks through dimly lit European streets, and the light green color is super cute and made it easy to spot in my bag. Plus, it’s surprisingly powerful.

UGreen 100W Portable Charger

If you’re someone who documents every moment of your travels (guilty as charged), a high-capacity portable charger is absolutely essential. The UGreen 100W Power Bank became my lifeline during my trip, especially when I spent entire days off the ship exploring. This powerhouse can keep your iPhone and laptop charged for five to seven days without needing to hunt for outlets, which is incredibly impressive and helpful, especially if you’re working at all from the ship. 

It charges super quickly, bringing my iPhone to 60 percent in just 30 minutes, which is perfect if you just want to power up quickly on the ship during breakfast without leaving your phone in your room. The device’s three-port design lets you charge multiple devices at the same time, which is great if you have a digital camera with you, too.

DL1961 Women’s Hepburn High-rise Wide-leg Jeans

I am completely in love with DL1961’s Hepburn wide-leg high-rise jeans. They fit so perfectly, and I found myself reaching for them constantly during my cruise. The high-rise waistband sits exactly where it should without digging in or gaping, while the relaxed fit through the hips and thighs provides incredible comfort for long days of exploring. I truly tell all of my friends to buy these jeans because they’re unlike any other pair I own.

The wide-leg silhouette gives them an almost trouser-like look that is perfect for blending in during European travels, and these jeans manage to be incredibly comfortable while still looking polished and intentional—a difficult feat in the denim world.

Keriffe Flowy Palazzo Pants

These palazzo pants were a dream. They nearly felt like pajamas, which I absolutely loved, and were the perfect combination of comfort and effortless style for hot weather exploring. They’re made from a lightweight blend that feels like linen, which kept me cool and sweat-free during sweltering afternoons without having to worry about wrinkles.

The high-waisted design with the drawstring is both flattering and comfortable (there’s nothing I hate more than dealing with an uncomfortable, tight waistband cutting in after a big dinner on the ship or a long day of sightseeing). I dressed them up with a nice top for dinner and kept them casual with a tank for daytime activities. 

Exlura Women’s 2-piece Summer Shorts Outfit

The fewer outfits you have to plan, the better, which is why I always reach for matching sets like this one from Amazon-loved brand Exlura. Together, the duo makes the perfect cruise outfit for daily activities (and a great swim cover-up, I might add). Apart, you can mix and match the top with your favorite shorts, pants, and skirts to dress them up, while the set’s shorts can be saved for a versatile tank, T-shirt, or blouse. Another perk? The striped design plays up the nautical theme without being too camp. 

Hoka Vibrant Bloom Clifton Sneakers

Walking countless miles exploring Mediterranean ports, Hoka’s Vibrant Bloom Clifton Sneakers were essential for feeling comfortable. The strategic off-white color with subtle floral embroidery strikes the perfect balance between sporty and stylish, which was perfect for long adventure-focused walks or lunch on the ship while we were at sea. The matte texture hardly shows dirt, even after full days of sightseeing across multiple countries (snag the rest of the Clifton colorways on sale at Amazon, or upgrade to the Clifton 10s).

The shoes have amazing cushioning that provides serious support, which was ideal for long walks in Athens. I rocked them on cobblestone streets and the ship deck on cooler days; they were perfect transition shoes when we were docked, and I went from a day of exploring to dinner and an evening stroll. For extra cushioning, I paired them with my trusty Bombas ankle socks, which are specially designed to deliver long-lasting arch support on heavy walking days. 

Exquise Tobie Mini Shirt Dress

The Exquise Tobi shirt dress was perfect for days when I wanted to look effortlessly dressed up without trying too hard or sacrificing comfort. The exaggerated sleeves and pleats at the waist are incredibly flattering and perfect for photos, and the dress still feels refined with the classic shirt collar. The side seam pockets were great for keeping my phone and room key close to me while I was exploring, and the button front made it easy to adjust the neckline throughout the day. I wore it for hours without feeling restricted. What more can you ask for? It was perfect for those moments when I want to look cute without overthinking my outfit.

If $178 is a little steep, check out this lookalike version at Amazon that’s on sale for $31. Despite being a new addition to the retailer’s fashion catalog, it’s already racking up an impressive amount of five-star ratings, and it comes in 10 colors and patterns.

Crocs Brooklyn Platform Wedge Sandals

There’s something so satisfying about finding heels that actually deliver on both style and comfort, and Jeffrey Campbell’s Bubblegum block heels quickly earned their spot as my most-worn dress shoes on and off the Mediterranean cruise, from elegant ship dinners to waterfront restaurants in Italian coastal towns—sans the blisters. For extra comfort and walkability, there are the Crocs Brooklyn Platform Sandals, which are on sale in their classic design). You can get away with wearing from day to night thanks to their low-profile look and memory foam, arch-supporting insoles. 

Nike One Women’s 5-inch Shorts

One of my smartest packing decisions was bringing these Nike shorts to wear under every dress and skirt. As someone who loves to blend in and look cute while exploring pieces but hates the discomfort that comes with walking miles in dresses, these shorts were my secret weapon for staying comfortable during long days.

The 5-inch inseam hits the perfect sweet spot. It’s long enough to provide full coverage and protection, but short enough to stay discreet under even shorter dresses, and I loved that I didn’t have to deal with any rolling or shifting throughout the day, which is crucial when you’re constantly moving.

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