THIS is what you must pack for a Mediterranean cruise with P&O Cruises

A cruise packing list can be seriously helpful when you’re staring down the barrel of an empty suitcase and your Mediterranean cruise is looming closer.

There’s no need to panic if you’re a first-timer with P&O Cruises though, packing for a cruise is just like packing for a land-based holiday!

Sailawaze has teamed up with travel agent Bolsover Cruise Club – which offers a wealth of P&O Cruises getaways – to help you pack for a Mediterranean cruise.

Whether you want to know “How strict is the P&O dress code?” or “Can you pack razors on a P&O Cruises ship?” we’ve got the answers in our handy guide.

How much luggage can you take on a P&O cruise?

If you’re leaving from Southampton great news – you can bring as much or as little luggage as you like – as long as it can all fit into your cabin. So if you can’t decide between outfits… bring them both! Just remember your bags should weigh no more than 23kg for handling purposes. Just remember if you’re flying to embark on your Mediterranean cruise, you’ll need to check the luggage requirements for the airline.

Packing for a Mediterranean cruise requires you to think about what you’ll need both off and on your P&O Cruises ship. Onboard you’ll want both casual and more fancy clothes – as well as anything else you like to take with you when you travel. As for ashore, remember to always think about the sorts of activities you’ll be doing – or hope to try out – during your trip and factor that into your packing accordingly.

What clothes to pack for a Mediterranean cruise

Of course just because you can bring everything doesn’t mean you should. The following should keep you covered (literally):

Casual wear
– T-shirts and tops
– Shorts, skirts and sun dresses
– Lightweight trousers

Evening wear
– Smart casual outfits (dresses, shirts, smart jeans, nice tops etc.) – for most evenings on P&O Cruises this dress code is perfectly acceptable, although no tracksuits, football shirts or trainers please.

– Formal wear for Celebration Nights (cocktail dress, suit or blazer with dress trousers etc. – you can even wear a ballgown or national dress if the mood takes you!). Every P&O Cruises holiday includes at least one five-course Celebration Night dinner. So, if you’re wondering how many suits to pack for P&O Cruises escapes we’d say at least one (depending on your cruise length and how formal you want to go) although feel free to dress up every night! A benefit of booking with Bolsover Cruise Club? They’ll be able to advise you on how many formal nights to expect on your holiday.

Swimwear
– Swimsuits
– Cover-ups or sarongs
– Flip-flops or water shoes

Outerwear
– Light jacket or jumper for cooler evenings – warmer if you’re travelling during the shoulder seasons
– Scarf or shawl (useful for less toasty nights and visiting religious sites)

Footwear
– Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
– Sandals
– Dress shoes for evening wear

Hats and sunglasses
– Wide-brimmed hat or cap
– Sunglasses with UV protection

Bags
– Daybag or tote bag for shore excursions
– Beach bag
– Evening bag

Jewellery and watches
– Minimal and versatile pieces for day and evening

Toiletries
– Basic toiletries
– Toothbrush and toothpaste
– Conditioner (just ask your cabin steward)
– Razor (“Can you pack razors on a P&O Cruises ship?” is a common question but don’t worry, personal grooming items are allowed as long as the blade is shorter than 4 inches)
– Deodorant
– Hairbrush or comb
– Make-up and beauty products

Skincare
– Sunscreen with high SPF
– Moisturiser
– Lip balm with SPF

Medications
– Prescription medications
– Over-the-counter medications (pain relievers, motion sickness pills etc.)

Electronics
– Phone charger
– Portable power bank (if you think your phone battery won’t last a day)

Documents
– Passport
– Boarding pass downloaded from My P&O Cruises
– Travel insurance details
– Emergency contact information

Miscellaneous
– Books, e-readers or magazines
– Reusable water bottle
– Binoculars
– Small first aid kit (plasters, antiseptic wipes and other basic first aid items) – although fear not, all P&O Cruises ships have well-equipped medical centres onboard should an emergency occur
– Small amount of local currency

P&O Cruises: What not to pack

– Hair dryer
– Soap, shower gel and shampoo
– Pool and bath towels

What items are prohibited on P&O Cruises luggage?

– Pen knives
– Handcuffs
– Items containing heating elements (immersion heaters, heating blankets, flat irons etc.) – although straighteners and curling irons are allowed
– Remotely controlled or autonomously flying devices, drones or toys
– Balloons
– Inflatables (although children’s swimming aids are permitted)
– Fancy dress and novelty clothing (although this does not apply to children 16 years and under)
– Outfits featuring inappropriate or offensive language or images
– Illegal narcotics/drugs
– Weapons

Note: this list is not exhaustive so do check the P&O Cruises website for further details – you risk items being permanently confiscated if you try to bring anything banned onboard. Remember, you and your baggage are subjected to security screening every time you board the ship.