Packing for a summer Mediterranean cruise requires careful planning. Mediterranean cruises tend to be longer, temperatures can be warm, and there's a lot of touring involved - so make sure to bring the right clothes to wear. Here's a list of what to bring along on your trip.

First, let me make four suggestions. Pack a carry-on bag containing your cruise and travel documents, passport, credit cards, cash, medications, extra glasses, any valuable jewelry, a bathing suit, underwear, your first night's dinner outfit, reading material, sunscreen, and anything else that is critical to enjoying the cruise. This way, your important items will stay with you in case your luggage is lost or delayed and you can enjoy your time after boarding the ship. Sometimes luggage can take hours to arrive in your stateroom.

Second, make 2-3 copies of your passport and important travel documents. Keep one or two of them with you separate from the originals in case your documents are stolen. Leave another at home with someone who could get them to you if necessary.

Since packing for a European trip requires careful thought, don't pack at the last minute. Choose two or three basic colors so you can mix and match your clothes. In addition, make sure to bring several pairs of comfortable shoes.

Finally, try to arrive at your departure port at least one or two nights prior to your cruise. That way, you'll have an extra day to make it to the ship in case of flight cancellations or delays. You'll also have more time to recover your luggage in case it is lost or delayed.

Here’s a suggested packing list for a Mediterranean cruise. Feel free to modify it as necessary and let me know about anything I might have forgotten so I can add it to the list.

MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE PACKING LIST

Travel Documents, Funds And Papers

_ Airline tickets or e-tickets
_ Passports, visas and other proof of citizenship
_ Cruise documents
_ Cruise itinerary
_ Pre-purchased shore excursion information
_ Travel insurance information and contact numbers
_ Driver's license, picture IDs and insurance cards
_ Medical insurance card and medical/prescription information
_ Credit cards (call credit card companies in advance of your cruise)
_ Pre-paid phone card
_ ATM cards w/pin numbers
_ Cash (get some Euros in advance in case ATMs aren't accessible)
_ Foreign language phrase book
_ Guide book
_ Emergency phone numbers (home, or lost/stolen credit cards or traveler's checks)

Medicines & Sundries

_ Prescription drugs or other important medication (in carry-on bag)
_ Bonine/dramamine
_ Antibiotic cream
_ Anti-itch cream
_ Anti-diarrhea medication
_ Band-aids
_ Tylenol, Advil, Aleve and/or aspirin
_ Sunscreen
_ Sunblock for lips
_ Sunburn gel
_ Moisturizer
_ Anti-bacterial hand cleaner
_ Insect repellant
_ Stain remover stick and Woolite
_ Ear plugs
_ Vaseline or lip moisturizer
_ Make-up, make-up mirror and make-up bag
_ Make-up remover and cleanser
_ Nail polish/polish remover
_ Perfume
_ Shampoo and conditioner
_ Hair gel and hair spray (non-aerosol)
_ Hand sanitizer (small bottles for touring)
_ Deodorant
_ Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss
_ Feminine hygiene products
_ Razor and shaving gel
_ Brush/comb
_ Blow dryer, curling iron or curlers
_ Mini tissue packs (for rest rooms when touring)

Cameras And Other Electronic Equipment

_ Camera(s)
_ Camera bag(s)
_ Disposable underwater camera(s)
_ Video camera
_ Batteries
_ Extra digital camera memory cards
_ Extra film (do not put film in checked luggage)
_ Battery charger
_ Cell phone and charger
_ Plug adaptors and converters
_ Laptop computer
_ PDA and charger
_ iPod and charger
_ Small lighted travel clock with alarm
_ Small flashlight
_ Night light
_ Kids' electronic equipment and batteries
_ Walkie-talkie equipment for staying in touch

Reading Items

_ Books or magazines
_ Glasses (bring extras) or contact lenses
_ Contact lens cleaner
_ Sunglasses
_ Reading sunglasses
_ Guidebooks
_ Business cards/ family cards
_ Addresses for sending postcards to folks back home
_ Notebook or journal
_ Maps

Other Helpful Items

_ Zip lock bags (both quart and gallon)
_ Small umbrella or poncho
_ Empty folding tote or duffle (to use for souvenirs or as beach bag)
_ Sewing kit
_ Wrinkle release spray
_ Clothes pins
_ Travel pillow
_ Extra luggage tags
_ Bright colored bag tags or duct tape
_ Duct tape
_ Power strip
_ Water bottle
_ Post It Notes


Women's Cruise Clothing (formal nights and more casual/informal evenings)

_ T-shirts (should cover shoulders if visiting churches)
_ Shorts (not as many as for Caribbean cruise)
_ Bathing suits
_ Cover-up
_ Dresses for informal nights
_ Cocktail/formal dresses
_ Dresses for casual nights
_ Skirts/dresses for touring (should cover knees if visiting churches)
_ Slacks & capris for touring and informal activities
_ Jeans
_ Blouses or tops
_ Underwear (bras, panties, slip, camisole)
_ Pantyhose
_ Nightgowns/pajamas
_ Socks
_ Sandals/flip-flops
_ Comfortable shoes for walking/touring
_ Running shoes
_ Dress shoes
_ Workout clothes
_ Light jacket or sweater
_ Wrap scarf to throw over sleeveless tops (for churches)
_ Rain jacket or poncho
_ Sweatshirt or fleece
_ Purses/bags
_ Bag with cross-body strap for touring
_ Coin purse
_ Belts
_ Jewelry
_ Watch
_ Sun hat

Men’s Cruise Clothing

_ T-shirts or polo shirts
_ Long-sleeved dress shirts
_ Shorts
_ Casual and dress slacks
_ Jeans
_ Bathing suits
_ Workout clothes
_ Sport jacket
_ Dark suit or tuxedo
_ Tuxedo tie, suspenders, cummerbund, cufflinks/studs
_ Tuxedo shirt
_ Ties
_ Belts
_ Pajamas
_ Underwear
_ Socks
_ Sandals/flip-flops
_ Running shoes/water shoes
_ Comfortable walking shoes for touring
_ Dress shoes
_ Light jacket
_ Rain jacket or poncho
_ Sun hat
_ Watch