Summer River Cruise Packing List

Here's a comprehensive packing list for a summer river cruise in Europe, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable and stylish trip.

Travel Essentials

✔️ Passport (check expiration date!) & copies packed separately

✔️ Travel insurance details

✔️ Credit/debit cards (notify your bank of travel plans)

✔️ Local currency (euros or other such as florints for Hungary and Swiss francs for Switzerland)

✔️ Flight & cruise documents

✔️ Emergency contacts & itinerary

Tips from Mary: You can usually order local currency from your bank and have it delivered to your home. Alternatively, you can use a bank-affiliated ATM when you arrive to withdraw local currency.

Clothing

🔹 Casual Daywear (for excursions & onboard)

✔️ Lightweight, breathable tops (linen or cotton)

✔️ Shorts, capris, or skirts

✔️ Comfortable sundresses

✔️ Light sweater or cardigan for cooler mornings/evenings

✔️ Rain jacket or compact travel umbrella

🔹 Evening Wear (Smart Casual – most river cruises don’t require formalwear)

✔️ Dressy tops or blouses

✔️ Slacks or skirts

✔️ Sundresses or maxi dresses

✔️ Lightweight blazer or shawl

✔️ Gentleman may opt for a collared shirt and lightweight trousers

Tips from Mary: SOME river cruises may have select nights when you want something dressier. For example, Scenic has the Scenic Enrich experiences that present an opportunity to dress up, if you would like.

🔹 Shoes

✔️ Comfortable walking shoes (for cobblestone streets)

✔️ Sandals (dressy or casual)

✔️ Slip-on shoes or flats for onboard comfort

🔹 Swim & Activewear

✔️ Swimsuit (if the ship has a pool or spa)

✔️ Cover-up or sarong

✔️ Workout clothes (if you plan to use the gym or take active excursions)

🔹 Accessories

✔️ Sun hat or packable visor

✔️ Sunglasses

✔️ Lightweight crossbody bag or backpack for excursions

✔️ Scarf or pashmina (for churches with dress codes)

✔️ Jewelry (minimal & secure options)

✔️ Belt or accessories to mix up outfits

✔️ Day bag for excursions

Tips from Mary: To keep from overpacking, decide on a simple color scheme for the week. I like to take inspiration from the itinerary or season. For example: For a Christmas Market cruise, I wore black and red and I brought a holiday plaid dress as well. For summertime, you might select white, pink and navy or something like that. Choosing separates that can mix and match with maybe one or two dresses mixed in will make the most of your suitcase.

Toiletries & Personal Care

✔️ Sunscreen (reef-safe if swimming)

✔️ Lip balm with SPF

✔️ Bug spray or wipes (for outdoor excursions)

✔️ Shampoo & conditioner (if you require something specific, otherwise the ships provide these)

✔️ Body wash & lotion

✔️ Razor & shaving cream

✔️ Deodorant

✔️ Toothbrush & toothpaste

✔️ Makeup & makeup remover

✔️ Hairbrush/comb & styling products

✔️ Feminine hygiene products

✔️ Medications (prescription & over-the-counter)

Tech & Gadgets

✔️ Smartphone & charger

✔️ European plug adapter (Type C or Type F)

✔️ Portable power bank

✔️ Camera or GoPro (extra SD card & batteries)

✔️ E-reader or book

✔️ Noise-canceling headphones

✔️ Travel-sized laundry detergent for hand-washing

Tips from Mary: If you live in the US, you may have TSA PreCheck where you can bypass some of the rules around flying. They may not require you to put your liquids in a quart size plastic bag, for example. PLEASE BE ADVISED that you will be required to abide by the local laws when you fly home from Europe. So be careful with what you pack and how you pack it.

Miscellaneous

✔️ Reusable water bottle

✔️ Small first aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers)

✔️ Travel laundry line (if washing clothes in the sink)

✔️ Packing cubes (for organization)

✔️ Ziplock bags (for liquids, snacks, or wet clothes)

✔️ Journal or notebook