David
It may be that the Mediterranean is one of the best examples of travelling experiences where the old truly does mix with the new, combining some of the most modern and fashionable cities with those boasting an amazing history and heritage of art, culinary styles and culture. For instance, you can opt for an absolutely stunning tour that takes in the Amalfi Coast, Athens, Barcelona, Cote d’Azur, Florence, Rome, and a couple of destinations in Turkey.
If you’re wondering why packing advice is an important topic, spare a thought for the hapless traveller who brings all the wrong things on their Mediterranean or Caribbean cruises, and doesn’t have enough room in their luggage to add more appropriate items while they’re on holiday. Certainly, when you’re looking at Alaska cruise deals you are likely to be given advice on packing if it’s your first time. Most daytime temperatures between May to September are very comfortable, however, it’s important to be prepared for both cold and warm weather.
Perhaps the best advice for any sort of packing, but especially for Mediterranean cruises, is to go for thin layers, as you can adapt these to reflect different weather conditions in a variety of countries. As the weather in the Mediterranean can vary by location, and this also depends on the season, remember that you can peel off thin layers, but being underdressed can be tough if you ’re unprepared for a harsher environment. This is also the case if you’re considering European river cruise deals.
Also, it can still be incredibly hot in the Mediterranean even in late autumn so you need to be prepared to be comfortable in anticipation of each stop. In Turkey and Greece, for instance, hotter weather can persist up to halfway through November, while in Florence and Rome at roughly the same time it can be slightly chilly.
Most people have some favourite items of clothing in which they feel comfortable, perhaps a pair of jeans or leggings that you absolutely love. By all means, pack these and a variety of tops or shirts to match. Comfortable shoes are also a must, particularly if you are planning to do a lot of sightseeing, as you will most likely be walking on cobbled streets at some point.
There are usually several events on board where dress code advice is given, for example at dinner in the formal dining room you will be expected to be smartly dressed. Sometimes it’s nice to have an occasion where you can dress up a bit, however that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to go over the top with formal evening wear, although it has to be said that some people do.
One essential item for cruises for women is a pashmina or a large shawl. It’s great for chillier evenings on deck and useful as a coverall for beach wear. Hats and sunglasses always come in handy as does a small backpack for days out. Towels will be supplied onboard, which saves you having to pack any. Flip flops are good for your trips to and from some of the pools and you could always pack one pair of ‘dressy’ shoes for those more formal events.
