Packing List for a European Cruise

Cruising is all about relaxation, and you don’t need much to enjoy it fully. With complimentary 24-hour room service and hassle-free travel arrangements, cruising is one of the easiest ways to vacation. However, packing for a European cruise requires a bit more preparation due to the diverse destinations and unpredictable weather. It’s essential to pack for all occasions to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

What to Pack for a European Cruise

This list won’t include everything you need for your cruise, but we’ll focus on what’s particularly useful for a European cruise because Europe has diverse weather and destinations. Your packing will depend on where your cruise takes you. Let’s look at what to consider when making your European cruise packing list.

For Casual or Everyday Items

Even though a European cruise might not have as many days at sea as a Caribbean one, you’ll still have ample time to enjoy onboard activities. But what should you wear on a European cruise? What do you need to ensure you’re ready? For a comfortable and convenient voyage, here’s a list of what to pack for the European cruise:

• Swimwear: Most cruise ships have pools and spas, so bring your swimwear for a relaxing day at sea.
• Sunglasses: Even in winter, the sun can shine in Europe. Bring sunglasses to enjoy the outdoor decks.
• Gym clothes: Even if you don’t plan to use the gym, consider signing up for a yoga or spinning class. You might feel motivated to exercise onboard.
• Comfortable shoes: Cruise ships are huge, so pack comfy shoes for getting around easily.
• Layers: European weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers to stay comfortable.
• A good book: There’s plenty of relaxation time onboard, so bring a book to enjoy by the pool or in your cabin.
• Card wallet/pouch: Keep your cruise card handy in a wallet or pouch to avoid searching for it in your bag.

What to Pack for Formal Nights

Formal nights on a cruise are really fun! If you don’t have any fancy clothes packed, it can be a problem. You might need to ask someone to bring you some dresses. It would be more enjoyable if you had dresses ready beforehand. Next time you go on a cruise, make sure you’re prepared for this. You can dress up however you want on formal nights, so it’s a great opportunity to wear dresses you don’t wear often. Remember to pack some fancy outfits for the cruise formal nights! Here’s a complete packing list for European cruise on formal nights:

• Dress/Suit: When it’s time for a formal night on the cruise, remember: when in doubt, choose the fancier outfit. For guys, that usually means wearing a suit. For ladies, it could be a fancy dress, a long gown, or even a sparkly jumpsuit. Think of what you’d wear to a wedding or a special event like a race.
• Shoes: As for shoes, consider packing sturdy ones for the ship. If you’re comfortable in heels, go for it! Many people wear them on formal nights.
• Bag: Don’t forget a bag. You might just need something small to carry your cruise card, maybe a phone case with a card slot works for you.
• Jacket: It can get chilly in the evenings, especially outside. Bring along a light jacket or cardigan just in case.

During Excursions

Europe has lots of different places to explore, like mountains, beaches, and busy cities. This means your shore excursions could take you to all kinds of places.

What you need to pack might change depending on the type of European cruise you’re going on. But here’s our Mediterranean cruise packing list you might want to consider:

• Hiking boots: When you’re choosing shore excursions, think about what you like and how you like to travel. There’ll be lots of chances to go hiking! Europe’s coastlines have great walking paths and short hikes. Bring hiking boots or walking shoes if you want to explore.
• Umbrella: You can’t predict the weather in Europe, so it’s a good idea to have an umbrella or a rain jacket with you, just in case it rains.
• Jacket: For your trip to Europe, it’s important to pack layers. Bring a lightweight jacket that you can easily carry in your day bag.
• Bag: Even though the cruise ship will have everything you need, it’s handy to bring a bag for your essentials when you’re exploring on shore.
• Camera: You don’t have to carry a heavy camera bag. There are lots of great travel cameras that are small enough to fit in your pocket.

Other Cruise Essentials

Now that you’ve picked out your clothes for the cruise, here are a few more things you might want to include in your packing list for your European cruise:

• Sunscreen: Don’t skip sunscreen, even if you’re going to northern Europe, where the weather can be unpredictable. It’s wise to bring SPF 30 sunscreen to protect your skin.
• Medication: Remember to bring your usual medication. It’s also good to pack painkillers and cold medicine just in case. I got sick on my first day of the cruise and couldn’t find any medicine onboard.
• Refillable water bottle: Did you know cruise ship water is really clean? It’s filtered well and checked to make sure it’s safe to drink, so bring a refillable water bottle.
• A watch: Consider packing a watch even if you don’t usually wear one. Europe has different time zones, so it’s handy to keep track of time.
• An adapter: Don’t assume plug sockets will match the region you’re in. Bring an adapter to be prepared.

Enjoy Your European Cruise by Sorting Your Packing List

Ready to set sail on your European cruise adventure? Pack wisely to ensure you’re prepared for every moment. From casual days onboard to formal evenings, shore excursions and essential items, this packing guide has you covered. Don’t forget your sunscreen, medication, refillable water bottle, watch, and adapter. Bon voyage!