Clothes Packing Tips Rick Steves Wants You To Know Before A Mediterranean Cruise

A cruise around the Mediterranean is a fun and luxurious way to visit multiple destinations, from gorgeous Greek islands to the charming coast of Spain and beyond. However, just because you'll spend much of your time lounging on the pool deck doesn't mean you can get away with wearing swimwear and casual clothes during your entire vacation. Tourists need to be cautious of the clothing they pack on a trip to Europe, and that includes those cruising the Mediterranean Sea.

To take some of the guesswork out of crafting your travel wardrobe, heed the advice of travel expert Rick Steves. In an article on his website, he shares some useful tips for first-time cruisers, including how to approach on-board dress codes. Steves notes that most cruise lines plan formal nights where ship passengers are expected to ditch their flip-flops and slip into classier evening attire. However, the travel guru adds that formal night dress codes are "not as stuffy as you might think." Moreover, the events aren't mandatory to attend. To be safe, keep one cocktail dress or suit and a pair of dress shoes in your luggage, just in case.

Note that cruise clothing rules may apply in other instances, too, so you'll want to have a mix of garment styles on hand. Steves warns travelers to watch out for dining room dress codes in particular, which often forbid shorts, jeans, and other casual daywear. When in doubt, review your cruise's guidelines before departure day to ensure you come prepared.

When traveling by cruise ship, it can be hard to keep track of which country you're in and which port you're headed to next. However, if you want to be a respectful tourist, it's critical to dress with the local culture in mind. As Rick Steves writes, "some European churches (particularly in Italy) enforce a strict 'no shorts or bare shoulders' dress code." If your port of call takes you to one of these spots, Steves suggests dressing appropriately, even if it means sporting pants with zip-off/zip-on legs or carrying a cardigan in the summer.

On that note, don't forget the local weather when packing your bags. "First, the Mediterranean can be very hot in the summer, so it's smart to bring breathable, light-colored clothes and a hat," the travel expert explains. Temperatures are much milder come winter, though not generally cold enough to require thick sweaters and heavy outerwear. A comfortable jacket will often suffice.

Finally, Steves says not to take your clothing too seriously when going on a Mediterranean cruise. According to him, there's nothing wrong with looking like an outsider, so long as you're not being an annoying tourist in Europe. "Ultimately — as long as you don't wear something that's outrageous or offensive — it's important to dress in a way that makes you comfortable," Steves writes. That's advice that checks out whether you're on land or at sea.