🌸 Lazy Girl Packing List: Carry‑On Only for My 10‑Night European Cruise
Mediterranean summers are no joke — hot port days, long walking tours, and zero desire to lug giant suitcases through European airports or Roman cobblestone streets. So for my 10‑night Barcelona ➜ Rome cruise (plus two days in Rome afterward), I went carry‑on only.
Yes, even for Europe. Yes, even for 10 nights. And yes, it was glorious.
Here’s exactly what I packed, why it worked, and how you can recreate the same lightweight, Lazy Girl‑approved packing strategy. If you’re curious how I book cruises using casino deals, miles, and points, I shared the full breakdown in my Solar Eclipse Cruise post — it’s one of my favorite examples of stacking deals to save big.
This post contains affiliate links and personal referral links. I only share products and tools I personally use and love. If you choose to book or buy through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — thank you for supporting No Point Left Behind.
🧳 My Carry‑On Setup
Away Carry‑On— my ride‑or‑die suitcase. Lightweight, durable, and fits everything I need.
See my full Princess Cruises 2026 Guide for planning tips
Away Packing Cubes — I bought these because I wanted them to match my red Away luggage (aesthetic matters).
If you’re looking to save money, the Amazon packing cubes work great — I just wanted mine to match.
TSA Clear Bag — I use my own TSA‑approved clear pouch for liquids.
Mini Portable Fan — a MUST for hot port days in Gibraltar, Cartagena, and La Spezia.
👗 Clothing Staples (Lightweight, Breathable, Mix‑and‑Match)
Athleta Linen Pieces
My secret weapon for Mediterranean heat. Linen is breezy, breathable, and looks cute even when wrinkled. I packed:
2 linen shorts/pants
2 linen tops
1 linen button‑down for layering
Lightweight Dresses (Athleta)
Perfect for:
Sea days
Casual dinners
Wine tasting in Tuscany
Exploring Rome post‑cruise
Alo Yoga Outfit
My go‑to for travel days and casual excursions. Lightweight, breathable, and still polished.
Bleu Rod Beattie Swimsuits
My favorite swim brand ever. I get so many compliments — but more importantly, I feel confident. I packed two suits for pool days and the spa.
☀️ Beauty + Toiletries (Carry‑On Friendly)
Supergoop Sunscreen
My fave. The 3‑oz spray is TSA‑friendly and perfect for port days. Glow Screen for face is a must.
Dry Shampoo
Because I did not have time to wash and style my hair every day — especially with early excursions.
Minimal Makeup
Mediterranean heat + cruise humidity = keep it simple. I packed:
Tinted moisturizer
Mascara
Travel‑Size Essentials
Deodorant
Toothpaste
Moisturizer
Mini hairbrush
Razor
Hydrating mist
☀️ Bonus: My Sunburn‑Savior Kit
I’m also packing my Lacks by the Sea Sunburn Kit— not sponsored, just something I genuinely love. The brand’s founder is in my Facebook group, and her products are chef’s kiss for soothing post‑sun skin. I always toss one in my carry‑on because Mediterranean sun can be intense, and this kit saves me every time.
🥿 Shoes
I keep this super minimal:
Comfy walking sandals
Lightweight sneakers
Flip‑flops for pool + spa
🎒 Port‑Day Bag Essentials
For Gibraltar, Cartagena, and La Spezia:
Refillable water bottle
Sunglasses
Light linen layer
Euros for small purchases
🍷 Post‑Cruise Plans: Rome + Tuscany
After disembarking in Rome, we’re spending two days exploring the city and heading to Tuscany for wine tasting. I packed:
One extra athleta dress
Comfy sandals
A small crossbody
Lightweight scarf (for sun + church dress codes)
💡 Lazy Girl Packing Tips
Stick to one color palette (neutrals + blush tones).
Roll your clothes — saves space and reduces wrinkles.
Rewear linen pieces creatively.
Leave space for souvenirs (hello, olive oil + Italian ceramics).
Don’t overpack shoes — they take up the most space.
Keep Learning:
⭐ About the Author
Julie Davis is the creator of No Point Left Behind, where she teaches families how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable trips using points, miles, and smart travel strategies. She cruises Princess 4–5 times a year and shares real examples, beginner‑friendly guides, and step‑by‑step systems to help you travel smarter without overspending.
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If you’re prepping for your own Mediterranean cruise, check out my Princess Plus Package 2026 guide and How I Book Cruises & Save.
