Top Things to Pack for a Cruise to Europe

Europe has been one of the most popular destinations for cruise lovers. This continent offers an amalgamation of almost everything. You can enjoy pristine beaches, snowy mountains, and the busiest of cities. Also, the cuisine deserves a special mention. So, if you are planning a trip, here is your ultimate Europe cruise packing list of top things to pack for a cruise to Europe.

So, if you are planning a trip, here is a list of top things to pack for a Europe Cruise.

What To Pack for a European Cruise?

Here is a list of essentials that you shouldn’t forget to pack on your trip to Europe –

Clothing

• Casual Wear: In hot weather, opt for relaxed-fit outfits in cotton or linen and light slacks. In warm weather, depending on how long or short the trip is, it is wise to bring along shorts and skirts as well as casual yet elegant sundresses for day and night.
• Evening Wear: Like many cruises, many evenings are formal. Thus, remember to bring some decorated attire, such as cocktail dresses and suits. A man's jacket may be appropriate, as will a woman's shawl or wrap on cool nights.
• Swimwear: At least two swimsuits should be brought along on a cruise, one for regular pool days and one for emergencies. When moving around the ship or at the port, carry a cover-up or a sarong with you.
• Layered Clothing: In Europe, it is essential to wear layered clothing, considering the weather can be unpredictable. You may wish to take lightweight jumpers, cardies, or fleece coats. Where there is north Europe cruising or during cool evenings, a compactable down jacket or windbreaker will be useful.
• Activewear: Travel in yoga pants and tennis shoes, and wear breathable athletic shirts for any workout or hike on the deck. If the cruise ship has a gym, you may also wish to bring aerobics apparel.
• Rainwear: Should it rain, particularly in Northern Europe or British Isles, then a foldable rain jacket or poncho and a mini umbrella are necessary.

Footwear

• Walking comfortably: Opt for appropriate shoes with a fair amount of archival support, such as sneakers or walking shoes. Most European trips include many excursions that run on cobbled streets, not to mention others that include uneven surfaces. Ensure that these shoes are worn a couple of times before the trip to prevent blisters.
• Sandals or a pair of flip-flops: These are perfect for a relaxed day on the decks or day trips to the beach. If engaging in any water sports is part of the plan, consider getting waterproof ones.
• Dress code shoes: Such a pair will suffice for ladies who are likely to hit a cocktail dinner after a long day of sightseeing, and males can wear shoes such as loafers or dress shoes, which will be ideal under a suit pack.

Accessories

• Cabin luggage: The recommended cabin luggage must be fitted with a shoulder strap and sized appropriately for overhead compartments. Do not pack sharp objects in your hand baggage.
• Sunglasses and hats: Polarized sunglasses can reduce glare, especially when on the water. Also, wear a wide-brimmed hat or a baseball cap to protect yourself from the sun's rays while on port calls.
• Belt bag or backpack: There are occasions when a small and secure belt bag or even a waist pouch will protect my phone and wallet on land excursions. A day pack or backpack also comes in handy for carrying water bottles, guidebooks, and even souvenirs from unusual little shore trips, although it is not as common.
• Evening bag or clutch: For dinners and entertainment shows, ladies may decide to carry a small handbag or even a clutch to hold the most essential items. Ensure that it matches their dressed-up costumes.

Essentials and Documents

• Requirements for travel: Make sure to check whether you need a visa for any of your journey's destinations. Additionally, it is wise to carry along some copies of your passport just in case the originals get misplaced.
• Cruise tickets and travel documents: Store these in a folder or travel wallet, which is easily reachable. Nowadays, many cruise lines provide passengers with smart cards for boarding. However, it is always wise to have hard copies of such cards if required.
• Insurance details: Please carry global cover details and the 800 numbers that offer assistance in case of any challenges during travel.
• Visa cards and hard cash: Plan in advance and inform the bank of your intended travel period to avoid complications with your credit cards. Euros are mostly accepted, but to some ports like this, you might need to carry pounds or even other currencies.

Technology and Gadgets

• Mobile phone and charger: Since your phone is very likely going to be your camera along with your GPS device, it’s best to keep it charged at all times. You might consider turning on an international package or purchasing a SIM card to be used in Europe instead.
• Portable power bank: Power banks are particularly important when you intend to go out for the whole day to tour places without looking for a charging spot. Go for the larger capacity one as you might have to use more than one device.
• Euro plug adapter: In many parts of Europe, type C or type F plugs are common, so pack an adapter if your devices do not conform to these. A multi-USB point will also come in handy whenever you want to charge multiple devices at the same time.
• Camera: With smartphones capable of producing high-quality images, one may consider not carrying a camera. However, a zoom lens camera will be useful for taking pictures of the buildings and beautiful scenery outside the vessel. Do not forget to carry extra memory cards and batteries.

Additional Items

• Binoculars: These help spot animals either on water or on land while looking at beautiful scenery as the vessel sails closer to the shores.
• Travel journal or guidebook: Writing on a travel log completes the purpose of enjoying the trips. Some cruisers for instance also carry kiddies guides to every port or place they anchor for cultural values.
• Water bottle: As most ports and shore excursions involve walking instead of sitting, a refillable water bottle is essential. Some bottles also come with filters to make it safe to drink normal tap water.
• Snacks: Food is plentiful during cruises, but some snacks like granola bars or even nuts may be useful, especially when going out on excursions for very long hours, especially where the ship will be left for quite a while.

Final Words

Besides keeping this list of top things to pack for a cruise to Europe, do not forget to bring your passport and other essential papers. Nevertheless, once you book a cruise through CruiseBooking.com, their cruise experts will help you with all your packing questions.

Your Guide to European Cruise Packing Lists: FAQs

What do you think is the most important thing to put on the Europe cruise packing list?

In short, your Europe cruise packing list should consist of sunscreen, a sun hat, a couple of pairs of smart or casual clothes, appropriate shoes, beachwear, an adapter, and, most importantly, a battery pack for your gadgets. Finally, prepare your passport and other necessary documents for traveling.

Should I prepare some kind of special clothing for a European cruise?

While there is no formal dress code, it will be wise to carry preparatory attire for both the day and evening functions. Due to the nature of the cruise, it is also appropriate to wear separate clothes, preferably light ones. Some of the cruises contained strict dinner programs, so dress well for those as well.

What shoe wear should I carry during the European cruise?

Carry light walking shoes in case of sightseeing, pack sandals for less hectic days, and bring dress shoes for dinner formal events on the cruise. Carrying several types of shoes will enable you to cope with an array of activities.

Is it advisable to carry a travel adapter during the European cruise?

Yes, travelers in European nations use different kinds of plugs, so it is compulsory to carry a universal travel adapter for charging other electronics on board the vessel and on land.

What type of camera is most appropriate for a European cruise?

A waterproof camera is certainly a good choice for a cruise since there will be moments at sea that cannot be recorded without getting the camera wet.

How much sunscreen do I take on a European cruise?

Because countries in Europe, such as Spain, Greece, or even Italy, can be fairly hot, especially during summer, it is recommended that one carries enough sunscreen, which should last the whole trip. Broad-spectrum coverage is the best sniper.