Best Tips For What To Wear On A Mediterranean Cruise (2024)

What Is A Cruise Capsule Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe would usually be 10 to 12 pieces of clothing, and with that number of items, you would need to do laundry on a seven- to fourteen-day cruise. On a cruise ship, you can either send out your laundry to be done midway through the cruise; re-wear items once or twice, depending on your activities; or wash a few items in your cabin’s sink and hang them to dry in the shower.

To avoid sending out laundry but not overpacking, we will shoot for a maximum of 15 items of clothing.

Here’s our guide to creating a Mediterranean cruise capsule wardrobe.

Keep An Eye On The Weather

Before you start packing, check the weather for your destinations. The Mediterranean region can be very hot, especially in the summer, and the sun is intense so you will want to protect your skin. Look for lightweight fabrics that you can layer as needed.

Adhere To A Color Palette

When creating a cruise wardrobe, use a color palette. This will give your wardrobe versatility and ensure everything goes together. Neutral colors like black, white, and navy are classics, but don’t be afraid to add some color. A pop of a primary color can brighten your outfit and make you stand out in the best possible way.

Essential Pieces To Pack

When it comes to packing for a Mediterranean cruise, versatility is key. You want pieces that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. Here are some essentials to consider:

• A comfortable pair of walking shoes: You will be walking a lot, both on the ship and on excursions, so comfortable shoes are essential.
• A dress or two: Dresses are easy to pack and can be dressed up or down. Look for styles that can be worn with flats during the day and dressed up with heels for dinner.
• Pants, shorts, or jeans: Pack a few comfortable pairs of pants, shorts, or jeans that can be dressed up or down. They can be worn with a tee for a casual day onboard or paired with a short-sleeve sweater or blouse with heels for dinner.
• Tops: Pack a selection of tops that can be mixed and matched. A couple of simple tees, a few blouses, and lightweight short-sleeve sweaters should do the trick.
• Swimsuit and cover-up: Pack a swimsuit and cover-up for a day by the pool or at the beach.
• Outerwear: You may want to pack a nice cardigan or dressy jacket for more dressy dinners.

Accessories To The Rescue

Accessories can elevate your outfits, making them look more dressy. Consider packing:

• Scarf: A light scarf can add color and texture to your outfit. You can wear it around your neck, tie it in your hair, or use it as a belt.
• Jewelry: Pack a couple of statement pieces that can be worn with multiple outfits. A necklace or earrings can instantly transform a casual outfit into something dressier.
• Handbag: A crossbody bag is a great option for onboard or exploring ports, while a clutch is perfect for taking to dinner.
• Sunglasses: Protect your eyes and look stylish at the same time with a chic pair of polarized sunglasses.
• Sunhat: A sunhat is crucial for touring in the Mediterranean, so find one that flatters you and will be easy to pack.

Be Realistic

Be realistic about what you’ll wear during your cruise. Stick to items you feel comfortable and confident in, and that you know you’ll wear multiple times. Be sure to try them on before you pack them so you know they are in good shape and still fit.

Creating A Mediterranean Cruise Capsule Wardrobe

For this capsule wardrobe, let’s go for 15 pieces, plus shoes and accessories, to avoid doing laundry in your sink or sending it out. You will probably be wearing two outfits a day, one for daytime and one for evening.

Selections featured are from Ann Taylor, which offers wonderful chic casual clothing, and Zappos.

Trip Parameters

I’m leaving for a cruise to Spain this summer and am thinking of packing for that, so we’ll use my trip parameters and the actual weather forecast for my trip for this cruise capsule wardrobe:

• Length of Trip: 7 Days
• Type of Cruise: Spain
• Season: July
• Temperatures Expected: Lower to upper 80s on average

With these parameters in mind, you would need to prepare for hot weather and sunny days. On the ship, the temperature will be temperate to cool, so we’ll pack mostly short sleeves plus a light cardigan.

Color Palette

For our color palette, let’s go with a classic neutral palette of navy, tan, and white. 

Dresses

I’d suggest two dresses, one casual and the other dressy. A cardigan could be worn with either dress for dinner in cool restaurants.

Pants

For pants, we’ll want a couple of pairs of shorts for excursions and sea days, and long pants for dinners and other times that you might not want to wear shorts.

Tops

I’ve chosen an assortment of tops in varying lengths of sleeves that mix and match well with the bottoms chosen. They can be dressed up or down, depending on your shoes and accessories.

Outerwear

For when you’re feeling chilly while either on the ship or traveling, a lightweight cardigan such as this one is a great choice.

Shoes

Trying not to go overboard, I limited the shoes to four pairs. Your sneakers need to be comfortable and supportive for excursions over cobblestone streets and possible uneven terrain. You will also be wearing the sneakers often onboard the ship. Comfortable penny loafers can bridge the gap between casual and dressy.

Accessories

The right accessories can take an outfit from so-so to amazing, so be sure to bring jewelry, scarves, and other accessories to make your outfits stand out. Also pack some jewelry, including a statement necklace or two. I’ve chosen a pair of polarized sunglasses for those bright Mediterranean days, as well as a sunhat. A belt for dressing up outfits is a nice touch.

For purses, I chose a small phone crossbody bag for carrying your phone and cruise card while onboard, a crossbody bag for travel and excursions, and a woven clutch for dressing up. 

Outfits You Can Make

Using the 13 pieces of clothing I’ve chosen, we can make many outfits. Here are just a few combinations.

Sea Days

Onboard ship, the temperature will be controlled, so you’ll have to judge for yourself whether you will need a cardigan. I tend to wear long pants onboard because of the air conditioning, even during hot weather, but you could wear shorts instead.

Sea Days Outfit 1

Sea Days Outfit 2

Sea Days Outfit 3

Excursions

I’ve created outfits for excursions on four port days, including comfortable shoes, a sunhat, polarized sunglasses, and a purse. If you plan to tour cathedrals, wear an outfit that covers your knees and shoulders or you may be denied entrance. 

Excursions Outfit 1

Excursions Outfit 2

Excursions Outfit 3

Excursions Outfit 4

Casual Dinners

Sometimes for casual dinners, such as when you plan to dine at the buffet, you will simply wear your day outfit. Other times, you will want to change into something a little nicer, depending on the kind of restaurant you plan to dine in. If you want to dress up a little but still be casual and comfortable, these outfits will work well.

Casual Dinners Outfit 1

Casual Dinners Outfit 2

Casual Dinners Outfit 3

Dressy Dinners

For dinners at specialty or exclusive restaurants, you will want to dress nicer. Here are three options, and you may want to take a cardigan for the third outfit in case the restaurant is chilly.

Dressy Dinners Outfit 1

Dressy Dinners Outfit 2

Dressy Dinners Outfit 3

Travel

On travel days, you will want to be comfortable but have an outer layer in case you have to stand outside in chilly air, or if the aircraft is too cold.

Other Clothing Needs

Of course, you will also need underwear, socks, sleepwear, and swimwear, which I’m not covering here.

Other Packing Needs for A Mediterranean Cruise

A few cruise essentials you might want to take on this trip are compact binoculars to watch for wildlife on sea days, an international power travel adapter for your pre- or post-cruise hotel room, and a compact travel umbrella for rainy-day excursions.

For more ideas of things you might want to consider taking on this trip, check out our Shop.

Occer 12×25 Compact Binoculars for Adults and Kids – Large Eyepiece Waterproof Binoculars for Bird Watching – High Powered Easy Focus Binoculars with Low Light Vision for Outdoor Hunting Travel

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter One International Wall Charger AC Plug Adaptor with 5.6A Smart Power and 3.0A USB Type-C for USA EU UK AUS (TA-105, Grey)

SY COMPACT Travel Umbrella Windproof Automatic LightWeight Unbreakable Umbrellas-Factory outlet umbrella (Black)

Final Thoughts On What To Wear On A Mediterranean Cruise

Choosing what to wear on a Mediterranean cruise doesn’t have to be hard. Planning ahead for the weather, sticking to a color palette, and choosing mix-and-match pieces will make the process a breeze.

Happy cruising!