The 7 Best Mediterranean Cruise Outfits to Pack

Despite traveling the world professionally for over a decade, I actually went on my first cruise fairly recently. For my inaugural voyage, I decided to do it up with a seven-night cruise through Greece with Celebrity Cruises, and, boy, am I glad that I did. I loved the variety of activities on board, along with all the stops and sightseeing. You could do as much or as little as you wanted, whether you choose to stay on board or venture off when the ship docks. My husband and I enjoyed exploring Greece’s many shops and restaurants, and also equally loved dressing up for the cruise’s “evening chic” dinners.

This cruise, like most, was all-inclusive, which took the guesswork out of choosing activities and dining à la carte. But, I can’t say I had the same ease with my trip packing list. At first, I was concerned about all the outfits and accessories I wanted to bring, but as a seasoned carry-on-only traveler, I quickly culled down many of my options to these seven must-have Mediterranian cruise outfits, along with carefully curated (and versatile) accessories to match. Plus, you won’t have to spend a fortune to look fashionable – prices start at just $42.

Outfit 1

Petal & Pup Devlin Linen Crop Tank 

Petal & Pup Devlin Linen Wide Leg Pants

Breathable fabrics like these cotton separates from Petal & Pup are ideal for Mediterranean cruises because they can be warm during the day and get cooler at night. The crop top is flirty and feminine with a square neckline and the pants have a forgiving elastic waistband. As a carry-on traveler, I’m a huge proponent of matching sets because of their versatility as they can be worn separately to create multiple outfits. Both options are available in two colors, they’re easy to care for during travel; simply hand wash them and lay them flat to dry.

Outfit 2

Yexpine Sleeveless Cotton Shirtdress With Ruffle Hem

This cotton-linen blend shirtdress with a flounce hem is a great item to bring on vacations. The flattering silhouette is a half-button front with a swing body that keeps you comfortable while looking stylish and chic. It also works great as a beach cover-up or a tunic layered over leggings. The stand-up collar offers a dressier accent, which made it an excellent choice to wear when we went to the chic Blu Blu Cafe in Mykonos right next to the port. It’s available in seven striking colors; I liked it so much that I purchased the dress in two colors – blue and khaki. Add a belt like this one from Patricia Nash to give the dress more shape for those fancier outings. 

Outfit 3

Spanx Carefree Crepe Vest Top

Spanx Carefree Crepe Trouser Shorts

Spanx makes some of the best travel clothing, so whenever I’m heading out on an assignment or vacation, I always pack one or two items from the brand. This button-front vest is tailored for a fitted look with faux flap pockets in the brand’s signature machine-washable crepe fabric. Pair it with the matching shorts or the linen bottoms from outfit no. 1, and you’ve got yourself a bonafide cruise outfit.

These trouser-style shorts fit like a dream with an easy pull-on design and functional pockets to hold all your essentials. The longer, 6-inch inseam makes it a sophisticated piece that can be worn to elegant restaurants and museums. Match it back to the Trovata blouse listed below to create a cute ensemble for sightseeing during one of your stops. It was my top choice during our stop in Santorini visiting the Archaeological and Folklore Museums. For cooler temps, you might consider Spanx’sPerfectFit Ponte Micro Flare Pant, which shapes you in all the right places for a comfortable, elevated, and flattering look.

Outfit 4

Meetrendi Floral Midi Dress

This flowy midi-dress is lightweight and offered in 10 beautiful prints perfect for any season or cruise destination. The smocking around the waistline creates a slimming effect and the ruffle sleeves lend to romantic detailing. Made of 100 percent polyester for comfort and stretch, it’s also machine washable. It’s great for casual cruise nights and can even work for date nights and outdoor picnics when you’re not traveling. Also a playful daytime option, I wore it when we docked in Kuşadası, Turkey, and toured the ruins of Ephesus. 

Outfit 5

Anrabess Matching Two-piece Loungewear Set 

Anrabess’ two-piece knitted lounge set is not only ideal for travel days, but it’s also great for morning strolls on the deck, brunch, or a spa day. The crewneck pullover tank features high-low hem details while the bottoms have a comfortable elastic waistband with pleating along the front and back. The pleating is an excellent design attribute, giving them an edge and making them appear more expensive. The top can be paired with the Anrabess linen pants or Mavi’s Kylie High-waist Twill Shorts from outfit no. 6 (see below). They’re available in 17 colors, although the rich brown hue is my favorite. It works great for the transitional season.

Outfit 6

Trovata Della Shirt Napoli Stripe

Mavi Kylie High Waist Twill Shorts

Trovata makes some of my favorite printed dresses and also carries a stunning collection of charming tops. This casual short-sleeved shirt is made of 100 percent cotton, which offers ventilation and is suitable for both warm and cooler temperatures. It has shirring accents along the front body and features delicate antique buttons. It also comes in two other prints to help you spice up your cruise looks.

The Kylie High-waist Shorts from Mavi offer a polished look. Made of stretch twill fabric, it has front side pockets along with patch pockets in the back. Match it with the Trovata top for daytime adventures, or pair it with your Spanx Crepe Vest Top from outfit no. 3 for an edgier nighttime look, whether it’s at the ship’s casinos or for a live performance.

Outfit 7

Grace Karin Sleeveless One-shoulder Sequin Wrap Dress With Slit

I loved getting dressed up for “evening chic” night during our time on Celebrity Cruises. Although the cruise line no longer mandates formal nights, it was fun to get dolled up and dance the night away with my husband. This one-shoulder sequin number was a great find on Amazon. I’m a fan of the side ruching and the self-belt tie. Completely lined on the inside for comfort, it comes in 15 dazzling colors and is available in sizes ranging from S to 2XL. Not a fan of sequins? No problem, take a look at Jamil’s Amra Sari Gown, an elegant one-shoulder dress made from 100 percent satin. 

As much as I love coordinating outfits for my travels, I have just as much fun adding the accessories to go with them. In fact, they can even help you expand your outfit options, even when you’re working with a limited packing list. Keep scrolling to see the eight must-haves I’d suggest to any carry-on-only traveler. 

Best Accessories for Mediterranean Cruise Outfits: 

ChicGal Chiffon Puff-sleeve Kimono

A refined kimono works as an opulent sleepwear robe, a beach cover-up, or a fashionable cardigan. I like to pack this one from Fable England, which is made of 100 percent sustainable wood pulp and feels soft and luxurious when draped on your skin. This affordable option from Amazon is another solid choice; wear it over your Petal & Pup’s Devlin Top and the matching bottoms (or the Spanx combo) to make the classic outfit look brand new.

Hilor One-shoulder One-piece With Asymmetric Ruffle

Finding a flattering swimsuit can be challenging, so I’m here to tell you about Hilor’s One-shoulder Bathing Suit. It has an absolutely amazing fit and comes in 36 colors, ranging from sizes 6 to 18. I recommend sizing up for a more comfortable fit, but you’ll be in good hands with its mesh paneling, which creates a compression-like smoothness. The swimsuit also has removable bra pads for extra coverage. At $38, compared to other brands, it’s definitely a steal. 

Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes

Packing a pair of comfy walking shoes is a must for any trip. These are the perfect recovery and all-purpose sneakers. Lightweight, yet supportive, the Clifton 9s are Hoka’s best-selling pair. The brand’s newly launched foam creates a plush interior, allowing for miles of walking with maximum cushion support. These were my go-to shoes for long days of sightseeing and exploring. Being a fitness expert, I also wore them while cross-training in Celebrity Cruises’ state-of-the-art gym.

BBjinronjy Clutch-to-Crossbody Bag

This classic clutch was the best bag to bring for my cruise. Not only did I wear it with my casual two-piece loungewear Set, but I also worked well for our “evening chic” nights aboard the ship. At just $15, it’s the perfect price to buy in multiple colors, which I did (I got the nude and leopard print ones). The neutral color goes with everything while the print looks great with monochromatic solid colored outfits.

For such a compact bag, it sure does carry a lot of stuff. Measuring 8.6 inches by 1.96 inches by 5.3 inches, it comfortably fits my Samsung Galaxy, two tubes of lipstick, a perfume roller, and a credit card case. If it’s in your budget, splurge on Cuyana’s Mini Double Loop Bag in Cappuccino, which is a similar and stunning bag crafted in soft Italian leather. Despite its sleek size, it also holds a significant amount of essentials. 

Vera Bradley Ripstop Packable Tote

Cruise itineraries are often jam-packed, and odds are, you’ll be spending a lot of time by the pool, venturing to nearby beaches and parks for outings, or local shops to pick up some souvenirs. If that’s the case, I recommend bringing a packable tote like this gorgeously printed Vera Bradley option. It can be your beach bag, shopping tote, or whatever else you need it to be. And when you’re done, just fold it up and stick it back in your carry-on or personal bag item (it won’t take up any precious space, I promise).

Born Libra Sandals 

What I like most about Born’s Libra Sandals is the traction on the outsole. You won’t have to worry about slipping or sliding while in these adorable sandals. The cushioned footbed supports your arches for a day of activities. Choose from four colorways in sizes ranging from 6 to 11. My favorite option is the light gold metallic hue, which is such a pretty neutral color that could be worn with any of the above outfits on both casual and formal occasions. 

Lucky Brand Cotton Blend Utility Jacket

A versatile lightweight jacket (like my go-to one Duluth Trading Co. or this all-around cute option from Lucky Brand) is a good idea to bring on a Mediterranean cruise. Even in the summertime, it can get cool at night, so you’ll want something to cover you up and keep you warm. This shirt jacket won me over because it’s made with cotton, offering some cozy softness and comfortable breathability. There are two deep side pockets for stashing your essentials while on the go, making it a functional and versatile piece to pack. I also love the vintage feel of the utility jacket. 

Gonex Compression Packing Cube Set

If you haven’t tried compression cubes yet, believe me when I say they’ll change your life. Being a carry-on-only traveler, I rely on Gonex’s packing cubes to fit all my outfits and essentials efficiently. This set comes with four cubes, including small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes. Not only do they compress all your belongings so they fit, they help you stay organized during your vacation. No more rifling through your luggage searching for that single item. I put all my day outfits in one cube, my night outfits in another, and so on. You can also organize by categories: tops in one compartment, bottoms in another, etc.

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