What To Pack For A Winter European Cruise
Some people reading this article might be scratching their heads right now, wondering who in their right mind would want to take a winter European cruise. I mean, a cruise vacation is all about fun in the sun is it not? Taking a Mediterranean voyage and sipping a drink with a tiny umbrella as you sun yourself by the pool and only sit up to catch a glimpse of the occasional Greek Island going by. Well, there are many differing opinions on what constitutes the best cruise vacation, and while the majority might describe their own exactly as I have above there are plenty of others who would be just as excited to see the Norwegian fjords in the dead of winter.
Whether you are traveling in the Mediterranean, the Baltic Sea, or even one of Europe’s many main rivers like the Danube or the Seine deciding what to pack is an important consideration, particularly if you are traveling in the winter. A bathing suit, some flip-flops and a bottle of sunscreen is just not going to cut it. Sure, clothes can be purchased aboard most ships, or in the various ports of call you will visit along the way, but you will most certainly pay a premium. Shopping in Europe is not cheap, and the shops aboard your cruise ship are probably even more expensive. Better to be prepared and bring smart sensible clothes from your own wardrobe.
Now, you don’t have to wander around the ship bundled up in a parka. Inside the atmosphere is much the same as you would find in any hotel, or even your own home for that matter. However, if you plan to spend a great deal of time on deck you will obviously have to bundle up. You will have to be prepared not only for the cold temperature, but for the biting wind that is an almost constant companion on a winter cruise. A thick jacket with a wind breaker, gloves, and a toque of earmuffs should all be worn if you want to spend a significant time on deck seeing the sights.
The main problem with packing winter clothing is the sheer bulkiness of it. On any vacation you want to keep the luggage as light and as compact as possible. This isn’t too challenging when most of your wardrobe consists of shorts and t-shirts. However, if you are packing jackets, sweaters and fleece lined pants you will find yourself running out of luggage space in a hurry.
The solution is to mix and match. If you take 3 sweaters and 3 pairs of long pants you will have 9 different outfit combinations. Take advantage of the cruise ship’s laundry service partway through your trip and start again. Some people are aghast at the notion of wearing the same outfit twice on a trip. Don’t be! Trust me, no one is going to notice anyways, and if you are on a 14 day cruise you are going to pay a hefty fee at the airport if you want to bring enough luggage to accommodate 14 separate winter outfits.
If you plan to do some adventurous shore excursions on your trip then you should also consider bringing a good sturdy pair of winter boots. Depending on what region of Europe your cruise takes you, and the activities you plan to partake in you may very well find yourself slogging through snow at some point. This will quickly become a soggy, unpleasant experience if all you’ve got on your feet are a pair of sneakers.
Though it is a winter cruise, don’t forget to pack a bathing suit. Obviously you won’t be dipping in the icy waters of the Baltic Sea, but many ships are equipped with indoor pools, and some will have hot tubs out on deck where the brave can have a warm, relaxing soak while their breath steams in the cold winter air. If you are going to do that make sure to have a nice fluffy robe with you to climb into after you step from the hot tube. The contrast between the jacuzzi and the cold air can be pretty shocking.
Overall, just use your common sense. A winter cruise is a far different experience than a summer voyage, and you don’t want to have to spend your whole vacation huddled in your cabin because you haven’t prepared for the elements. Whether you are exploring the more mild regions of Italy and the South of France or the frozen wonders of Norway’s coast, Russia, Sweden, and Finland by coming prepared you will help ensure you get the maximum enjoyment out of your European cruise vacation.
Related posts:
- How To Pack For A Cruise
- European Cruise Checklist
- What To Wear On A Mediterranean Cruise
- Europe Excursions - Take a Cruise
- Planning a European Cruise - Everything You Need to Know
Filed under: European Cruises, Mediterranean Cruises, Planning a Cruise