Setting sail in style is a challenge during the summer months. You'll want to dress well and comfortably, while also being mindful of the scorching sun.

On a Mediterranean cruise, you can expect the region to run hot and dry during the summer, averaging daily highs of 85º Fahrenheit.

Not only is it important to dress carefully, but you also have a limited amount of space to pack.

For my 7-night Mediterranean cruise, I knew I had to pack light while preparing for the hot temperatures and long days.

Here's what I packed and how I styled it.

What should I pack for a Mediterranean cruise?

I started packing by picking out my shoes, knowing I had to choose carefully because of how much space they take up in my luggage.

They're also unavoidably important for protecting your feet and supporting you during long tours.

I packed one pair of comfortable green sneakers, one pair of white heeled sandals, and one pair of simple brown sandals.

Since I wore the sneakers on the plane and during most of my travels, my shoes didn't take up too much space in my luggage.

To continue my packing process, I selected three simple, summery dresses. Dresses make great cruise outfits for women, especially in the heat. 

They can range from simple to elegant and you're able to dress them up or down depending on your shoes and accessories.

The open, flowy pattern of a dress also makes for cooler wear, and it can double as a swimsuit cover-up.

In addition to these dresses, I packed a white lace cardigan and a brown lace dress. 

Either of these would work as extra layers for indoor areas with air conditioning, or as cover-ups for swimsuits.

Bringing items that have multiple purposes is a great way to save packing space and dress efficiently while traveling.

For my swimsuits, I packed two bikinis and one tankini. 

I tried to choose colors that varied broadly, so I'd be able to put together a variety of different outfits.

Read more: What to wear on a cruise that works for all dress codes

Since I already packed several dresses, I selected just five small tops to wear on the cruise.

I choose a variety of, from tank tops to crop tops to a longer-sleeved shirt.

To go along with these tops, I also packed two scarves, so that I could stack layers on top if I got cold or needed to cover up more.

To layer over my tops, I packed three light jackets: two brown and one white.

These made for great layering pieces, because I could leave them open or button them up, depending on the temperature.

However, I did end up wishing I had brought one slightly heavier jacket to wear in cold areas like the airplane and the Main Dining Room.

I also selected one set of workout clothes, just in case I wanted to go to the gym.

As you might imagine, I never ended up going to the cruise ship's gym. My cruise involved so many long shore excursions and hours of walking that I didn't feel the need to exercise again.

However, the T-shirt still came in use for pajamas.

For pants, I packed three pairs of light, flowy pants. A patterned blue pair served as a more formal option for evenings, while my brown and black pairs had a palazzo cut for warmer weather.

Additionally, I packed one long skirt and two pairs of shorts. The skirt ended up being a great airplane piece, since it was long and covered my legs, but also had enough ventilation that I didn't overheat.

I also found that the shorts were my favorite pieces to wear out in the hot summer weather.

To prepare for the heat and the sun, I also packed two pairs of sunglasses and a hand fan.

The fan was a genius touch: I ended up using it everywhere and got many compliments on the idea. 

In fact, I used it so much that it broke near the end of my cruise, and I immediately went out to buy another!

In addition to my pieces of luggage (a large suitcase and a comfortable backpack), I decided to bring one wide tote bag and one black fanny pack.

The tote bag was large enough to store objects like books and a water bottle, so I could carry it around the pool and to the beach.

The fanny pack made a great shore excursion tool since it could hold my wallet, phone, and power bank safely close to my body.

Outfit guide for a Mediterranean cruise

For day one, I wore shorts to protect myself from the heat and all the movement I'd be doing to board the ship.

I also paired those with one of my light sweaters, since I knew I would be exploring the ship indoors for the rest of the day.

Read more: Best travel clothes for women on shore excursions

On day 2, we visited Palma de Mallorca.

I went to the Cala Mayor beach, so I brought my pink beach hat, along with a long dress. I wore these pieces with my brown sandals.

I wore my swimsuit under the dress so that I could easily change on the sand. 

That night was also formal night, so I changed into my blue pants and paired them with a sheer top and a white distressed bag I'd purchased in Spain.

To match the white elements of the outfit, I wore my white heels to dinner.

Day 3 was a sea day, so I dressed casually in a red tube top I purchased in Spain, paired with the brown palazzo pants.

Armed with my brown tote bag, this was the perfect outfit for wandering the Windjammer and longing at the pool under the sun.

For day 4, I prepared for a shore excursion to Naples by wearing jean shorts and a tank top under my light, longer-sleeved shirt.

I made sure to wear my comfortable sneakers since I knew we'd be doing a lot of walking.

Also, I styled the look with a big gold necklace but later regretted it because the waitress at a restaurant I visited told me to be careful wearing large jewelry, as it could attract thieves and put me in danger.

The cruise ship stopped near Rome, Italy on day 5, so I dressed in a crop top and jean shorts, along with my light white cardigan.

I wore comfortable sneakers again, preparing for a long day of tours.

I also brought a scarf in case I needed to cover up in air conditioning or to enter a religious building.

On our last port day—day 6—I wore a simple black skirt for my tours.

In the evening, I changed into shorts styled with a white top and jacket.

This was my outfit for dinner, karaoke, and going to the ship's nightclub.

On day 7, I styled a pair of pants that I purchased in Italy with a red tank top. 

I again wore a swimsuit under my outfit so that I could go straight to the hot tub.

Read more: Alaska cruise outfits: ideas of what to wear

What do you need to know before cruising the Mediterranean?

Cruises are most well-known for destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean.

However, cruising the Mediterranean is a marvelous method of seeing some of the world's best art and historical sites.

The Mediterranean Sea provides access to countries like Greece, Spain, Italy, France, Croatia, and Turkey.

Read more: How much does a Mediterranean cruise cost?

I love how much is included in a cruise, and they provide the opportunity to see many unique destinations.

If you're looking forward to trying a cruise to this region, there are some important details you should know first.

After taking my second Mediterranean cruise, here are the top things everyone should know before cruising the region.

Read more: I’ve been on 3 European cruises, and I see people making the same 12 mistakes: here’s how to avoid them

Know the history of your destinations

My most essential tip is to do your research beforehand.

Don't assume that your tour guides will provide all the information to you.

Before my cruise, I checked out several library books about the countries I'd be visiting. 

These books gave me something to do on the plane and provided some helpful context to the nations and sights I was looking forward to.

Be sure to also research the ports and cities you'll be visiting on the cruise. 

Don't assume that each city within a country is the same—many regions have distinct languages and cuisines.

Doing research prepares you to understand the sites you'll be seeing. Especially in historical cities like Florence and Rome, doing proper research on the past of the area will greatly enrich your experience.

Not only that, but when you do research you'll better know the cultures and customs of the area.

Avoid being an ignorant tourist, and educate yourself to better interact with the locals.

Learn a few words in the local language 

Adding on to the previous tip, I recommend learning as many words as you can in the local language.

Even if you feel unequipped to fully study a new language, learning just a few phrases will go a long way.

I recommend teaching yourself how to greet and thank people at a minimum. You could also learn how to ask, "Do you speak English?", instead of assuming that everyone does.

While stopping at a bathroom in Italy, I saw another American cruiser walk up to the bathroom attendant and ask her a question in English.

The woman stared back blankly, refusing to respond, and finally, the American had to walk away with her question unanswered.

Politely addressing someone in the local language shows respect and knowledge of the culture.

I noticed a lot of shopkeepers and restaurant owners perk up when I first tried to address them in their native tongue. This is especially true in France.

Even though I couldn't speak much, they appreciated that I tried to, instead of assuming that everyone around me should speak English.

Not only that, but the locals I met also helped me improve and learn more new words!

It's a great way to appreciate the culture and immerse yourself in a new country.

The summer season will be unbearably packed

You've probably heard it before, but let me reiterate: summer in the Mediterranean gets very crowded.

I chose to sail the Mediterranean in June because I saw a deal on an Oasis of the Seas cruise. I heard that the cities would be busy, but assumed I could handle the crowds.

Read more: Why you need to cruise the Mediterranean in winter with Royal Caribbean

After all, it's just some tourists, right? Wrong.

The crowds were nearly unbearable, especially when it came to popular destinations like the Uffizi Gallery or the Vatican.

Some areas were so packed full of people that I felt like I could barely enjoy the destination.

Especially at the famous Uffizi Art Gallery in Florence, it was hard to even see the classical art for all the people in the way!

I had to pick my way through the throngs of tourists and keep a close eye on my belongings. 

If I could do the cruise over, I'd choose a cruise early or late in the cruising season.

Bring clothing or cover-ups that cover your shoulders and knees

Many major destinations, especially churches, require that visitors dress modestly. 

Read more: 8 lessons learned after trying a European cruise for the first time

At a minimum, you should try to cover your shoulders and knees, and not wear anything low-cut.

To help me prepare for these requirements, I packed some pairs of pants, cardigans, and scarves.

On days out, if I wore shorts or a tank top, I'd make sure to bring a scarf along, just in case I wanted to enter a site that required more modest clothing.

In general, I also find that Europeans dress more formally than Americans, so I'd recommend packing less casual clothing. At the very least, don't wear flip-flops or sweatpants in public.

And feel free to go all out for formal night on the cruise.

Arrive at your embarkation port early 

We recommend getting to your port at least a day before any cruise.

The same applies to a Mediterranean sailing, but I'd suggest getting to the port as early as possible.

With so much international travel and potential airline delays, you'll want to give yourself as much of a margin as you can.

On my recent Mediterranean cruise, every single flight I took was delayed by at least an hour.

I was quite grateful to arrive at my cruise port the day before but wished I had decided to arrive in the city even earlier.

One day isn't enough time to get over the jetlag you'll experience from switching time zones.

Jetlag can make you exhausted all day long, and if you don't recover quickly, it could limit your cruise experience.

Getting exhausted right before a busy, port-intensive Mediterranean cruise (where you'll also do lots of walking!) is a recipe for disaster.

To rest up ahead of time, I recommend getting to the embarkation port at least 2-3 days before the cruise.

Plus, this gives you more time to explore the area before the sailing begins. 

My Mediterranean cruise was packed with exotic ports, historical sites, classical art, and incredible food. But I made one crucial mistake: not staying longer.

I sailed on a 7-night Oasis of the Seas cruise to Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain,  and Florence, Rome, and Naples, Italy.

When I stepped off the tour bus in Florence, Italy, I saw a scene that looked like it was out of an impressionist painting.

Plush green trees and medieval architecture lined the banks of the wide Arno River.

Young people sunbathed on the river bank, reading and smoking cigarettes.

"Places like this really exist?" I wondered.

I longed to join the sunbathers and grab a cappuccino at the cute cafe I saw by the river, but I didn't have enough time.

Instead of getting to eat or walk around, I had to rush straight to my appointed time at the Uffizi Gallery art museum.

After the art museum, the time for the tour was over, and we had to get onto the bus for a two-hour drive straight back to the cruise ship.

"Next time," I promised myself.

I didn't have enough time to explore each port

Traveling by cruise ship barely gave me time to explore each port.

The vessel stopped in each town for about twelve hours.

However, I found that the largest, most famous cities near these ports (such as Florence and Rome) were quite far from where the vessel was docked.

When we visited Florence, it took longer than two hours to get from the port, La Spezia, to the famous Renaissance city.

So much travel time cut into my chance to explore Florence.

I only had three hours to spend there—leaving me wishing I could have tried more food and seen more historical sites.

Read more: 8 lessons learned after trying a European cruise for the first time

A day or more would have been ideal to explore.

The same happened in Rome, but even worse, I booked an afternoon tour of this rich historical city.

It took over an hour to travel from the port city of Civitavecchia to Rome, and we still had to return before the ship left at 8 P.M.

Because I had so little time in each port, I often could only book one tour or visit one museum.

In Naples, Italy, for example, I was torn between seeing the ancient city of Pompeii or visiting the famous Blue Grotto on the coast of Capri.

I could only choose one, and it broke my heart to be so close to these incredible sites and not be able to see them.

For this reason, I should have booked a much longer stay in Europe on either side of my cruise.

Some of my fellow cruisers told me that, after the cruise, they were planning on staying in Spain for a week or traveling around Europe for a month.

I quickly realized that I should have gone this route as well.

One week in Italy and one in Spain would have given me much more time to see all the exciting places I wanted to.

The cruise didn't provide many opportunities to try local food

I'm ashamed to admit this, but I traveled to Italy and still didn't try any local pasta.

Although I ate regional meals as often as I could, the cruise only stopped at each port for such a short amount of time.

I had to manage my schedule carefully. 

Rather than trying the food, I ended up prioritizing seeing historical sites, buying souvenirs, and visiting museums.

Since the cruise ship offered so many complimentary options, I put less effort into finding local cuisine, knowing that I could always eat when I got back on the ship.

While this was a convenient way to find food and save money, I missed out on trying some great local dishes.

Italy is especially famous for many foods, such as pasta, pizza, and lasagna.

While Royal Caribbean's dining staff did serve some of these meals onboard, I knew that it wasn't as authentic.

Because I didn't extend my stay in the Mediterranean past the length of the cruise, I missed out on trying actual local cuisine.

If I'd been able to stay longer on land, I would have been able to try so many more meals.

Staying longer would have given me a chance to recover from jetlag 

It took a Herculean amount of effort to recover from jetlag on this cruise.

With an 8-hour time difference and a 12-hour flight, I was exhausted by the time I arrived in Spain.

I had to force myself to stay awake until the evening so my body clock could adjust to the local time.

Even though I arrived in Spain the day before the cruise embarked, it was not nearly enough time to adjust.

While I made myself stay awake to experience the amazing sites and exciting amenities, I spent most of my cruise exhausted.

Not only was I suffering from jetlag, but the cruise was also packed with port stops: 5 out of the 7 total days were port days.

Each day at port required me to wake up early, get to my tour or go off the ship, and spend a lot of time walking around.

I would come back to the ship with sore legs and aching feet and still want to spend time experiencing the ship's amenities.

Because of this, I never fully adjusted to the local time.

I simply napped when I could, and for the last couple of days, I barely slept at all!

The cruise was so fast-paced that I had less energy to explore in the long run, making it even harder to see everything I wanted to.

Staying in the area for a longer time would have made the long flights worth it, and given me a chance to recover from jetlag and exhaustion.

It would have stretched out my time into a more relaxing pace.

Traveling to a completely new continent is an intimidating experience.

To help you prepare for your next European cruise, I’ll share 8 things I learned through experience.

My first trip to Europe happened last November, and I learned some important lessons from that cruise.

I sailed on Enchantment of the Seas for my first Mediterranean voyage.

Not only was this my first Mediterranean cruise, but it was also my first visit to the entire continent of Europe!

The 7-night sailing traveled to exotic locations at multiple ports: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Palma de Mallorca, and Barcelona.

As with any experience, I couldn’t have predicted the lessons I learned on this wintery cruise.

These are the 8 aspects that most surprised me, but all in all, my number one tip is to immerse yourself as deeply as possible in the culture, language, and unique sights.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so don’t be afraid to experience everything you can!

Read more: What is the best time to cruise the Mediterranean?

1. Shore excursions are the highlight of a Mediterranean cruise

From Alaska to the Caribbean, different cruises have different attractions.

Nature lovers might select an Alaskan cruise, while those who love beaches and culture will choose a cruise to the Caribbean.

Each location has its own set of features to draw cruisers in, but you don’t always know what to expect until you experience the cruise.

When it comes to a Mediterranean cruise, the shore excursions at historical locations are really the draw. 

A sailing to the Mediterranean is like to have more port stops than a Caribbean cruise. 

I found that the majority of my budget for the cruise went towards shore excursions, with my focus zeroed in on seeing the local architecture, history, landscapes, and monuments.

Read more: Is it worth booking an inside cabin for a Mediterranean cruise?

2. Learn a few words of the local language to be polite

This is one tip that I didn’t follow, but looking back, I wish that I had. 

American tourists have an unfortunate reputation for being ignorant and rude, and it’s something I always try to be mindful of when I travel internationally.

I noticed that some people I encountered on my cruise gave me more of a cold shoulder when they heard my accent.

Of course, almost everyone I encountered spoke English, so that I could get around Greece and Spain without any trouble.

However, I wish that I had learned a few words in Greek to be more polite.

There’s no requirement to be fluent, but just learning a few phrases such as “please” and “thank you” goes a long way.

It shows politeness and knowledge, and after my cruise there, I could tell that I would be appreciated.

3. Most shops rely on cards instead of cash

When you begin preparing for your first cruise, you’ll see that many blogs and experts recommend bringing a selection of cash onboard.

However, this doesn’t necessarily apply to a European cruise. Most of Europe has phased out the use of cash, only using credit and debit cards.

Not only that but paying with a card also means that you don’t have to exchange any bills.

Most American cards work at any hotel, shop, or restaurant in Europe.

4. When it comes to cards, don’t bring American Express

As you pack your credit cards for a Mediterranean cruise, remember that most places don’t take American Express cards.

I had to find this out the hard way, as I was attempting to pay for souvenirs at a shop on the island of Mykonos, Greece.

The shopkeeper regretfully told me they couldn’t accept any American Express cards, so I had to find a different card to use.

As you prepare for your cruise, try to bring a different card type, such as Visa or Mastercard.

To save yourself more time and money, look for a card that doesn’t have foreign transaction fees, and let your bank know that you’re traveling.

With this preparation, you’ll have quick and seamless point-of-sale transactions in any country on your cruise.

Read more: I’ve been on 3 European cruises, and I see people making the same 12 mistakes: here’s how to avoid them

5. You’ll need a good pair of walking shoes

With shore excursions being the highlight of a Mediterranean cruise, you’ll also need to be prepared for the amount of walking they involve.

Walkable cities are the norm in Europe, and sometimes your tours will consist of long walks around a historical site or shopping area.

Not only that, but sometimes taxis are harder to find, so you may need to walk to get where you need to go.

For example, at ports of call on my cruise, I found that I had to walk from the cruise port or wherever the tender boat dropped us off, to the next area of interest.

If I wanted to get to the beach on Mykonos or find a restaurant in Athens, I needed to walk.

Considering all the walking you’ll be doing, it’s important to prepare by getting a good pair of walking shoes.

Some of the roads are older and cobbled, so planning ahead will protect your feet for a whole cruise of walking tours.

6. Have modest clothing on hand

When I researched the type of clothing I should pack for my Mediterranean cruise, I found classic lookbooks of flowing linens, wide pants, and comfortable white shirts. 

However, I also learned that packing some more modest clothing would come in handy for my cruise.

Greece is still deeply influenced by its Orthodox history and is home to many beautiful, historical churches.

No matter your religious beliefs, these locations are worth seeing, but before you enter, there are some important customs to be aware of.

To enter any church, patrons should be wearing modest clothing, with their shoulders, cleavage, and knees covered.

Even if you don’t plan on attending any churches, I recommend bringing along a shawl or jacket just in case. 

You never know when you might stumble upon a particularly beautiful or old church, and long to see the inside.

7. Try the food recommended by locals, not just the most well-known dishes

When it comes to the food in the Mediterranean, it’s hard to be disappointed.

I went crazy trying everything I could: cheeses, fresh fruit, olives, salads, and more.

But when you’re looking at the menu and deciding what to order, don’t go straight for the dish that you recognize first.

While the most well-known dishes are certainly good, I found that I discovered some unexpected gems when I asked the waitstaff or other locals what they recommended.

More Americanized dishes still tasted great—even the ingredients were better—but the meals that I tried based on local recommendations were heavenly.

This applies to venues onboard Royal Caribbean ships, not just land restaurants. The food onboard the ship was better than on any other sailing I’ve experienced. 

8. Download WhatsApp for the quickest communication

For Americans who may not be familiar with WhatsApp, I highly recommend that you download the app before your cruise.

A secure messaging platform, WhatsApp works to text and call your current and new contacts.

It also loads on WiFi, so this makes it a great option for travelers who don’t buy local data plans.

Additionally, many hotels, tours, and guides in Europe use a WhatsApp number for contacts.

For example, when my cruise stopped in Spain, I was left waiting for my pre-ordered taxi to arrive.

When the taxi driver was late, I began to worry that I would miss my flight home.

The website offered a WhatsApp number, which I was able to use to contact and confirm the driver was coming.

If I hadn’t already had the app downloaded, my trip to the airport could have been even more delayed!

Read more: My European cruise wasn't what I expected: here's why

On a Mediterranean cruise, you’ll visit breathtaking landscapes, ancient monuments, and diverse cities.

Taking a cruise around the Mediterranean allows you to experience multiple destinations and cultures, all in one trip!

But with this variety of access to beaches, landmarks, and museums, what should you pack?

When you’re visiting multiple different countries and types of destinations, it will be important to pack wisely.

Not only that, but a Mediterranean cruise involves international travel and will take a longer trip than other itineraries.

To conserve space and have the best vacation possible, you’ll have to pack carefully!

What should you bring to those popular ports like Mykonos, Barcelona, Athens, and Malta?

We’ve created a guide for all the essentials you’ll need to pack on your Mediterranean cruise.

Read more: 7 tips for a great Mediterranean cruise

Please note that we’ve linked items on Amazon containing an affiliate link. This affiliate link costs you absolutely nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog makes a small commission if you purchase it.

Passport

Unlike closed-loop cruises, where you can get along with just a birth certificate and ID, you will need a passport for your Mediterranean cruise.

Since this is international travel that requires you to cross multiple borders, you’ll be dealing with immigration.

Make sure you have a passport valid for at least 6 months to be permitted on the cruise.

And if you don’t currently have one, start applying now! The current processing time for a new U.S. passport is 6-8 weeks. 

Apply as soon as possible to avoid any delays.

Walking shoes

More than at any other destination, you can expect to walk when you visit the Mediterranean.

Whether you’re exploring a city, wandering a museum, or simply traveling from port to city, a lot of walking will be involved. 

Not only that, but the streets can be old and have uneven cobblestones, requiring you to have a steady foot!

Pack a couple pairs of good quality walking shoes that you can wear out over your cruise.

Good shoes are essential for pacing yourself over a Mediterranean itinerary.

If you’re not careful, you’ll end up exhausted and burned-out, with sore feet.

Read more: 115 Item Ultimate Cruise Packing List (Printable PDF)

Reusable water bottle

We usually recommend that you pack a reusable water bottle to save purified water onboard.

But, on a Mediterranean cruise, you’ll also want a water bottle to bring off the ship.

As mentioned earlier, you’ll be doing a lot of walking! 

And instead of stopping at restaurants or shops every time you need a drink, you should pack your own water along with you. Stay hydrated on those long treks to keep up your strength.

Scarf

You’ll want to pack several pieces of multipurpose clothing for your Mediterranean cruise.

The weather can be scorching hot during the day, but chilly and dark at night, or in the ship’s A.C. 

Packing layers is key.

To give yourself options while conserving luggage space, bring pieces like scarves. A scarf has multiple uses: covering your head in the sun, warming your neck in the cold, or covering up your body when necessary.

In countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain, women are required to cover their legs, shoulders, and cleavage when visiting sacred spaces like churches.  In many locations, men are also asked to cover their shoulders and legs.

Bringing along a scarf ensures that you can throw on a cover-up whenever necessary. 

Stay prepared so that you can visit all the sites that you find!

Bag with a zipper

European countries are infamous for pickpockets and thieves. 

You certainly don’t want to have your essentials stolen while on a trip. Nothing sounds worse than losing your phone, wallet, or ID in a foreign country.

But as long as you stay alert and avoid making yourself an easy target, you won’t have anything to worry about.

Bring along a sturdy bag that closes security (like with a zipper) and make sure that you keep it on your person at all times.

Also consider packing your most valuable items close to your body, like in a fanny pack that goes under your shirt.

Portable charger

Having your phone available and fully charged is always key on any trip.

And when you’re traveling to the Mediterranean and going out on long shore excursions, the need for a powered phone becomes even more important.

You’ll need your phone for local information, directions, and sharing all those beautiful pictures.

Especially when cruise ships have limited charging ports onboard, I like to bring along a portable charger or power bank.

That way, you can bring it along in a bag and keep your phone fully charged at all times.

We recommend Anker’s portable charger for its durability and ability to charge an iPhone multiple times.

Read more: The best travel tech gadgets for a cruise ship vacation

Credit card

Whether you’re buying souvenirs, paying for a tour, or just trying to get something to eat, you’ll need to have the right type of payment on hand.

European transactions can be different from American, so do your research ahead of time to make sure you’re bringing the right payment!

For starters, most European countries no longer rely on cash. Using a credit or debit card is quicker and preferred at most locations.

When you pack your credit card, also be sure that it is the right kind.

I was surprised to find that my American Express credit card was not accepted on my Mediterranean trip. Thankfully, I brought along a few other types just in case.

Visa or Mastercard is almost always accepted. 

To save money, I also recommend checking if you have a card without any foreign transaction fees.

Linen clothing

If you’re traveling to the Mediterranean in the summer, you’ll want to pack lightweight clothing.

Read more: What is the best time to cruise the Mediterranean?

Anything made from materials like polyester or satin will feel heavy, sticky, and sweaty in the heat. Remember that you'll be walking a lot, and spending lots of time outdoors!

Pack high-quality cotton and linen clothes. These will feel light and breezy on your skin, and they can also roll up tightly to fit into your luggage.

Jackets and sweaters

Planning on visiting the Mediterranean during the fall or winter?

The region can get more chilly than you’d expect!

Temperatures can fall into the 40s and 30s, with cloudy, rainy weather.

Bring along sweaters, cardigans, and rain jackets if you’re traveling during these months.

Since daytime temperatures can still rise to the 70s, having layers to wear on top of T-shirts and blouses is your best bet.

Medication

For your long Mediterranean trip, make sure you bring along all of your essential medication.

There’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to find your favorite on the cruise ship, or even on land.

For example, medication we might commonly find over-the-counter in the U.S., like cold, flu, and pain remedies, often requires a prescription in Europe.

And your name-brand favorites most likely come under a different name and strength than you’re used to.

Changing your prescriptions in the middle of a trip can lead to bad side effects.

To prevent any issues in the filling of your medication, bring along extra for your journey.

I usually bring allergy medicine, pain relief, motion sickness medicine, antacids, and Bandaids.

I recently returned from an incredible week cruising on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas. We sailed the western Mediterranean with port stops in Spain, France and Italy.

This was our family’s first cruise since the pandemic. My husband and I, along with our two university-age daughters, explored the region's marvelous food and historic sites. Both the ship and itinerary were fantastic, and we are already talking about another cruise, perhaps to the Greek Islands.

With a bit of planning, we were able to navigate the travel requirements and Covid testing and thoroughly enjoyed our vacation.

Here is a recap of our journey and my thoughts for those wanting to cruise in Europe.  

European travel requirements

Having never been to Barcelona, we wanted to spend a couple of days pre-cruise to enjoy the city's famous sites and legendary cuisine.

We did not need to take a Covid test to fly into Spain but had to complete an online form through the Spain Travel Health (SpTH) portal a couple of days prior to arrival. Once verified, you receive a QR code that you need to present upon landing.

Because we flew in early, we had to do our pre-cruise testing in Barcelona. To be honest, it was a little nerve wracking flying all the way to Europe, knowing there was the possibility that we could test positive and not cruise. But after a couple years of lockdowns, we decided it was time to travel again.

Testing in Barcelona

While exploring Barcelona and indulging in endless tapas, we did take some time out to complete our pre-cruise testing. Royal Caribbean recently added Canada’s Switch Health tele-proctored tests as an accepted testing option, so we purchased the kits in advance of our flights. They are available through Air Canada’s loyalty partner, Aeroplan (at a discount for members), or through Switch Health.

We did the tests in our hotel room, and they were quick and easy, with results in less than 15 minutes.

There are also many places around Barcelona, in central tourist areas, that do tests (around 40 euros) and can be booked two weeks in advance. I did not see any testing available at the port.

Embarkation day  

The cruise terminal is centrally located in Barcelona, and traffic was super light on a Sunday morning, resulting in a quick and easy ride.

We arrived right around our 11 am check-in time, and there were no lines. Staff completed a cursory review of our vaccines, passports, and negative Covid test results with no problems. In less than 15 minutes, we were onboard and enjoyed a delightful brunch at the Mason Jar.

This itinerary was a little unusual in that guests can join in Barcelona or Rome, so while we were getting on, some cruisers were getting off for a port day. Lucky for us, our cabins were ready before 1 pm.

Capacity

How full was the ship? I spoke to the head of housekeeping and was advised that there were around 4,000 passengers on our cruise. This is well shy of the 6,988 maximum, at 57%.

Unlike many Caribbean itineraries, our western Mediterranean cruise had only one sea day at the end, which meant most days passengers were off on excursions, making it feel even less crowded.

Our only sea day was the busiest on the ship, although there were still plenty of chairs left by the pool mid-morning. As usual, there were some chair hogs onboard.

Tourists everywhere

While the cruise ship did not feel crowded, places like Barcelona and Rome were full of tourists of all kinds. I have previously traveled in Europe during the peak summer season and was surprised at how busy things were, especially in Rome.

The Vatican was like nothing I had ever seen with wall to wall people, although most wore masks. People have asked me about being nervous about traveling on a cruise ship. Cruising pales in comparison to the density of people in the Sistine Chapel and other tourist hot spots and airports,

Even the famous Trevi Fountain was swarming with people without masks. The close proximity was more alarming than anything on the ship, and with heat in the high 80s, no one wanted to wear a mask.

Masks

While masks are optional on the ship, the rules for transportation vary by country in Europe. In our first stops in Palma de Mallorca and Marseilles, Royal Caribbean offered shuttles from the ports to the city centers, We were required to wear masks onboard the busses, but this was not uniformly enforced.

While waiting in line to return to the ship, the bus driver would not let a few passengers on the bus as they did have masks. Apparently, their previous driver had said nothing about the requirements and had let them travel maskless.

I had a few spare masks that I offered to the couple behind me, but some people were left behind. There weren’t many pharmacies close by, an inconvenience to say the least.

Protocols in Italy

Italy had the most protocols for cruise passengers.  

We had booked a tour for Rome through Royal Caribbean, and as we assembled in the theatre, they advised that we needed to wear an N95 mask on transportation and in the Vatican, as well as to bring along our proof of vaccination. They provided us each with an N95 mask for our day.

Some of the guests simply walked off the ship, missing this detail, and had issues once in Rome getting on the bus as they did not have N95 masks. It is imperative to review the Cruise Compass for each port day, especially when the requirements change by port.

Staff and service

Having worn a mask during our hot day in Rome made me appreciate the hardworking staff all the more, who wear them all day long on the ship (even outdoors).

The ship was well maintained, with workers constantly cleaning, and I noticed senior crew doing inspections. I chatted with lots of crew, and many mentioned that they were looking forward to going onshore after so much time on the ship. A few commented that the lack of shore leave and expensive internet was an issue for them.

Overall, the food was excellent. We bought the dining packaging for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed trying a variety of restaurants. 150 Central Park was delicious, and we went there twice for dinner savoring beef tenderloin and lobster thermidor. We also enjoyed the Mason Jar. 

Excursions

I wasn’t sure how relaxing the cruise would be if we did lengthy excursions every day, so I booked a couple of activities, and for port stops in Palma de Mallorca, Marseilles, and La Spezia we explored on our own.

For Rome, we chose a small group tour to visit the Vatican, Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum. The day started at 7 am, and it took us almost 2 hours to get to Rome, but it was an unforgettable experience. Our guide was top notch, an art historian at the Vatican Museum.

For Naples, I initially thought we would spend the day sampling pizza in the birthplace place of the famous food, but my travel agent had recommended Pompeii, which is only a 30 minutes drive away. I am glad she did, it was my favorite excursion, and again we had a fantastic guide who made the experience that much better.

Although you pay a premium to book with the ship, not worrying about time and logistics was a major benefit. Thanks to our guided tour, we skipped a lot of lines and had special access to areas at the Vatican.

Activities and Entertainment

There is currently no Broadway show on the ship, but there was plenty of entertainment as always. We really enjoyed listening to jazz in Central Park, and my family raved about the show Intense.  

My daughters enjoyed rock climbing and ice skating, and the lineups for activities like zip-lining were not long. There were fewer kids than on the Caribbean cruises we have sailed on previously.

I have to say, having back to back ports, in addition to easily walking 15,000 steps a day, evening entertainment was not the main concern for me. Sunset was as late as 9 pm, so it was lovely to sit out and savor the picturesque views of the Mediterranean coastline and islands.

Disembarkation

The worst part of a cruise is the day you have to leave. We carried our bags off early, around 7 am. As you are still in the European Union, you do not need to clear customs/ immigration, just a simple walk off the ship.

There are plenty of taxis waiting at the cruiser terminal, although I did notice that most were not that large, We just fit out four suitcases and us in our car, so I would suggest arranging something specific if you have a large party/ lots of bags.

The airport is about 20 minutes, and check in was quick. Thankfully we did not have to do a Covid test to return to Canada. Barcelona airport has Covid testing that you can pre-book. The lines for those who did not pre-book were quite long, so it may be best to arrange ahead of time.  

Some final thoughts

• I strongly recommend using a good travel agent. Connie, my trusted travel agent of nearly 10 years, was invaluable in planning this trip. From hotels to excursion ideas, she was a huge resource.
• Ensure you keep up to date with Royal Caribbean’s communications, as protocols can change at any time.
• Review all your travel requirements and arrange testing beforehand.
• Ensure you have adequate travel and medical insurance.

• If you do excursions on your own, be mindful of distance and traffic.
• The cruise planner has a glitch in the system and did not work well for guests joining the cruise in Rome.
• Many of the excursions involved lots of walking, especially on old cobblestone streets. Make sure to bring good, comfortable footwear.
• Euros are preferred for small purchases and local vendors, especially if you are negotiating price.
• The weather was warmer and drier than normal for May, but it cooled down quickly at night.

Cruising on the Mediterranean Sea is among one of the most popular cruising destinations available. With ports of call in France, Italy, Greece, Turkey and more, each port of call offers  its own incredible cuisine, architecture, historical sites and modern culture.

If you are considering your first European cruise, here are some helpful tips for an incredible first Mediterranean cruise!

1. Pace yourself

Most European cruises are at least 7-nights long and include multiple port stops. In fact, Mediterranean sailings usually offer less sea days than a Caribbean cruise, and that means lots more touring time.

Even before you step foot onboard your Royal Caribbean ship, you may be dealing with a long airplane flight to your embarkation port.  Flying across the world comes with its own challenges, such as fatigue and jet lag.  Add a busy itinerary of shore excursions and you have a recipe for burnout.

The key is to plan breaks and acknowledge you cannot do it all.  If possible, fly in a few days ahead of your cruise to adjust to the local time and recover from the lost sleep.

Once on your cruise, plan your excursions to vary the activity level.  Try alternating "culture days" spent in museums and historical sites with "sun days" spent on the beach or enjoying outdoor activities. If on one day you want to walk all around Rome, then try for a lighter activity level before tackling the mountains of Nice and Villefranche.

When it comes to nightlife onboard the ship, while heading to bed at 10pm seems sacrilegious, your body will thank you the next day when you are well-rested.

2. Try to blend in

While you are a tourist visiting these amazing countries, there are some easy ways to avoid becoming that guy and not become a spectacle.

While no one expects you to be fluent in Spanish, French, Italian and Greek, it means a lot if you can learn some basic phrases to communicate with the locals. Even a friendly bonjour, or grazie will go a long way when talking with the locals (especially if you are trying to get help).

Unfortunately, crime and scams are common in Europe so you want to avoid sticking out to not be a target for thieves. Wallet snatching, pick pockets and flower sellers usually go after tourists, so be vigilant and careful about these scams.  Carry only the credit cards you need and a minimum of cash. Men should carry their wallets in front pockets and women should use purses that have a zipper.

3. Dress appropriately

Most of the ports of call feature ancient cities and villages, replete with cobblestones and uneven pathways, so comfortable shoes are absolutely important if you want to enjoy the adventure (and avoid injury).

If you are planning to visit religious sites, keep in mind that the expected dress code is more conservative than what one typically wears on a shore excursion.   For example, you might need clothes that cover your shoulders and knees to visit a mosque.

4. Plan for the weather

Summer is the most popular time to go on a Mediterranean cruise,a nd that means the sun will be shining and the temperatures on the rise. If you go in the summer, plan for the heat. Bring broad-rimmed hats and plenty of sunscreen. 

Just like at home, when the temperatures are high, you will get tired quicker. Prioritize your destinations and take frequent breaks.

5. Sometimes you do not actually dock in the city listed

If your cruise lists a stop in Paris, Rome or Athens, your ship is not actually dropping you off in the city.

Since these cities are inland, Royal Caribbean will dock at a seaside port, which are often several hours away.

If you wish to visit these major cities, allow ample travel time in your itinerary to get there, and pad your estimates to account for traffic and other delays. 

6. When to go

Just like the Caribbean, there is prime time for Mediterranean cruises, as well as shoulder seasons.

June through August is the "high season" for most itineraries, with the prices during the other months being lower. Sometimes tourist facilities close during the offseason or have shorter operating hours, but the money saved by cruising in the shoulder season could be substantial.

The most comfortable temperatures will be found in the spring and fall.  Greece, Turkey, the Rivieras, and southern Italy and Spain get especially hot in the summer, with temperatures approaching 100 degrees away from the ocean.

7. Currency

No matter which cruise you take, having some cash for emergencies, refreshments, taxis or souvenirs is a really good idea. Many of the countries you visit on Mediterranean cruise will use the Euro including France, Spain, Italy, Greece and Malta. Before you leave for the cruise, double-check which currency the countries you will be visiting use if you plan to tour on your own or go to local markets. 

Be sure to also keep in mind that only US currency is accepted onboard Royal Caribbean ships. While the ship will offer currency conversions, you will likely get a better rate elsewhere.

Your tips

If you have taken a Mediterranean cruise before, what would be some tips to share to someone new to the experience? Did we miss important advice? Let us know in the comments!

Rhapsody of the Seas and Splendour of the Seas offer cruises in summer 2015 to Greece, Turkey and – for the first time for Royal Caribbean – Black Sea itineraries. Rhapsody of the Seas and Splendour of the Seas’ summer 2015 Europe seasons also are now open for bookings. 

In June 2015, Rhapsody of the Seas will mark Royal Caribbean’s first time in the Black Sea, offering passengers three round-trip sailings, 10- and 11-night in duration, from Istanbul, Turkey. Guests will join the ship in making maiden port calls at Burgas, Bulgaria; Odessa, Yalta and Sevastapol, Ukraine; and Sochi, Russia, with overnight stays in Odessa, Sochi and Istanbul. Rhapsody of the Seas’ arrival at Istanbul will be preceded by a series of sailings that will reposition the ship from Sydney, Australia, to the Black Sea on Apr. 17, 2015. The ship will sail Australia’s north coast to Singapore; follow the Indian sub-continental coast to Dubai; and transit the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean to arrive for the summer season on June 1. 

From July to mid-November, Rhapsody of the Seas will homeport at Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, and sail seven- to 11-night Greece and Turkey itineraries. The seven- and nine-night itineraries focus on smaller ports such as Katakolon, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini in Greece; and Bodrum, Turkey.  Rhapsody of the Seas will then reposition to Sao Paolo, Brazil, for the winter season on a Royal Caribbean trans-Atlantic Ocean Voyage, departing from Barcelona, Spain, on Nov. 19. 

Rounding out Royal Caribbean’s summer 2015 Europe season, Splendour of the Seas will return to homeport at Venice, Italy, for the 10th consecutive summer season, and sail seven-night Adriatic and Greek Isles round-trip itineraries for an extended season through November. A special 12-night itinerary from Barcelona to Venice will kick off the season and sail on May 4 to the French and Italian rivieras as well as Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia. 

Royal Caribbean Italy general director Gianni Rotondo says that Naples, Italy plays a strategic role in Royal Caribbean's 2013 cruise plans with 84 ports of call, which will bring more than 250,000 cruise passengers through the city.

Liberty of the Seas will be one of four Royal Caribbean ships to call on Naples this year.  In 2014, Naples will be a port of call when Oasis of the Seas arrives for a short European cruise season as well. All of this is "a great opportunity for the city in terms of economic return and tourism development."

The company has bet their cruise strategy on Naples, in the belief that "the whole South of Italy", said Rotondo, "has great potential and we hope to increase more and more our presence in the area thanks to the significant synergies with the local authorities" .

Through August 30 guests aboard Liberty of the Seas can take a seven-day cruise with stops in Barcelona (Spain), Toulon (France), Villefranche (France), La Spezia, Civitavecchia and return to Naples.
 

Royal Caribbean launched its Mediterranean cruise season with Liberty of the Seas cruising out of Naples and Legend of the Seas sailing from Genoa and Civitavecchia.

Yesterday Legend of the Seas began its 2013 season in the Mediterranean from the port of Civitavecchia, offering a 7-night itinerary to the western Mediterranean, with stops in France and Spain.

Last Friday saw Liberty of the Seas at the port of La Spezia, where she began her cruising season.  Liberty of the Seas will  be calling 27 times during 7-night itineraries along the Western Mediterranean route and transport more than 98,000 cruise passengers. In June, Liberty of the Seas will officially begin cruising out of her new home port of Naples.