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Dreaming of your summer getaway? Whether you’re looking to uncover the treasures of the Mediterranean, find your slice of sun-soaked paradise in the Canary Islands or an epic Norwegian Fjords adventure off your bucket list, there’s a summer holiday waiting for you. If you’re already bedazzled by the choices on offer for your summer holiday, then we can help you make up your mind.

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On a summer cruise, you might stroll the harbour sides and people-watch on the French Riviera one evening, peruse the great artworks of Rome during an afternoon, and kayak along Dubrovnik’s glistening coast the next. So many new experiences are yours to enjoy, both ship and shore, on a P&amp;O Cruises summer holiday.
From May through to September, you can enjoy a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/europe">European</a>&nbsp;summer cruise holiday across the seas, from soaking up the magic of the Mediterranean and the epic vistas of the Norwegian Fjords to the breathtaking beauty of Northern Europe and Scandinavia and beyond.

Whether you’re heading to the sunbathing-worthy shores of the <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/mediterranean">Mediterranean</a> or off on a carefree <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/caribbean">Caribbean cruise</a>, we’d recommend packing the same few staples:
<ul>
<li>Swimming costume/swim shorts</li>
<li>Sunscreen with SPF</li>
<li>Sunglasses</li>
<li>A hat for sun protection</li>
<li>Shorts</li>
<li>A light jumper</li>
<li>T-shirts</li>
<li>Flip-flops or sandals</li>
<li>A good book</li>
<li>Walking shoes</li>
<li>Your dinner jacket, cocktail dress or ballgown (for our Black Tie evening)</li>
</ul>
Or if your summer cruise is heading for less clement weather, the <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/norwegian-fjords">Norwegian Fjords</a> for instance, your luggage might need to contain at least some of the following items:
<ul>
<li>Layers</li>
<li>Jumpers</li>
<li>T-shirts</li>
<li>Long-sleeved tops</li>
<li>Waterproof or water-resistant trousers</li>
<li>Sunscreen and lip-balm with SPF (if travelling to a snowy region)</li>
<li>Salopettes, goggles, sunglasses and thermals (if travelling to a snowy region)</li>
<li>A good book</li>
<li>Winter jacket/raincoat</li>
<li>Boots</li>
<li>Your dinner jacket, cocktail dress or ballgown (for our Black Tie evening)</li>
</ul>
Evening dress codes: We have two dress codes that apply in the evenings: Evening Casual and Black Tie. Nights where the dress code is Evening Casual, you can bring out your best shirt, dress and smart, dark denim. For nights where the dress code is Black Tie, make sure to pack your best tux, suit or cocktail dress.

What should I pack for a summer cruise?

Before you head off on your summer cruise holiday with the family, there are a few important things you’ll want to make sure you’ve packed for the younger ones. While some of the following will depend on age, they’re a solid guideline that you can amend as appropriate. Here’s what we’d suggest bringing:
<ul>
<li>A bucket and spade</li>
<li>Bedtime books (if your luggage is short on space, no worries – our on-board library stocks a fair few)</li>
<li>Entertainment, e.g., colouring books, modelling dough or other simple crafts</li>
<li>Children’s movies and music (downloaded onto your device) plus earphones</li>
<li>Snorkelling gear</li>
<li>Shorts</li>
<li>T-shirts</li>
<li>Sandals</li>
<li>Comfy walking shoes</li>
<li>Swimming costume/swim shorts</li>
<li>A wetsuit</li>
<li>A sun hat</li>
<li>Sunscreen with a high SPF rating</li>
<li>Insect repellent</li>
<li>Nappies</li>
<li>Warm clothes (for cooler evenings)</li>
<li>Night light</li>
<li>Water bottles and/or sippy cups</li>
<li>Your dinner jacket, cocktail dress or ballgown (for our Black Tie evening)</li>
</ul>
For those travelling on family-friendly ships, dress codes also don’t apply to children aged 17 and under. However, they can still dress to impress if they want to!&nbsp;

What should I pack for the kids when going on a summer cruise?

When it comes to booking your summer holiday cruise, you’ve got a fair few options. If it’s bask-in-it heat that you and your family seek, consider <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/spain-and-portugal">Spain</a>, <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/france">France</a> or <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/italy">Italy</a> as your holiday hub, or the <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/norwegian-fjords">Norwegian Fjords</a> if it’s milder climes still packed with sunshine that you’re after. If you’d prefer even cooler weather, maybe for the kind of outdoor activities available or just because you like the air to have a bit of a bite, you might enjoy a Scandinavia and Northern Europe cruise; we travel to Germany, Finland, Estonia, Sweden and Denmark, where you’ll want to forget it’s technically sunshine season and of course pack for winter instead.

Where can I cruise during the summer holidays?

In the summer months between June and September, you’ve a variety of exciting cruise holiday destinations to choose from. Whether you like it warm, hot or wintry, take your pick of the following locations as the perfect base for your kind of summer cruise:
<ul>
<li>Scandinavia and Northern Europe (Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Norway and Sweden)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/mediterranean">The Mediterranean</a> (Italy, Greece, Croatia, France, Spain and Malta)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/norwegian-fjords">The Norwegian Fjords</a></li>
<li>Western Europe (Guernsey and the Netherlands)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/norway-iceland">Norway</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/norway-iceland">Iceland</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/british-isles">The British Isles</a> (Guernsey, Ireland and Scotland)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/spain-and-portugal">Portugal</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/north-america-and-canada">The USA and Canada</a></li>
</ul>

Where can I cruise in the summer?

Frequently asked questions about summer cruise holidays

Leave the lounger behind and treat the family to a world of eye-opening culture, mouth-watering cuisine and hair-raising adventure on a Mediterranean Cruise Holiday.

River running between two mountains in Geiranger in Norway

One of the most spectacular regions of the world, many argue that the only way to truly appreciate the scenery of the Norwegian Fjords is to sail through them. We, of course, agree. Fjord cruises offer more than any land based experience ever could.

The coastline is your gateway to a sprinkling of spectacular Spanish and Portuguese cities and you’re in for a treat. Those seeking variety from their holiday will love Spain and Portugal cruises which contrasts fishing villages with ornate cities and an eye-watering mix of architectural styles.

Beautiful view of amazing tropical scenery with exotic palm trees and mountain valleys above wide open sea in golden evening light at sunset with blue sky and clouds in summer, Canary Islands, Spain; Shutterstock ID 512796058; project: olly; job: ; client: pocruises; other: 

Island-hop, city-swap and explore all that the region has to offer on your first cruise holiday. And while there is undoubtedly more to enjoy than the beaches and blue skies, some days the turquoise waters and mountain-backed shores might just prove irresistible.

From peaceful pavement cafés to pulsating nightlife, Amsterdam has many faces. Keen to discover rich local culture or simply soak up the atmosphere? You can find your own rhythm in this diverse city.

Trakai castle at winter, aerial view of the castle; Shutterstock ID 794024011; project: Deals; job: ; client: pocruises; other: 

Longing to get off the tourist trail and lose yourself in a world of glorious cathedral domes, spellbinding city squares and coastal castles all steeped in fantastical folklore? Welcome to a playground of cultural riches in some of Europe’s prettiest places.

Man standing on a cliff in Lofoten, Norway

Cruise holidays to Norway and Iceland take you to the heart of Mother Nature. To a world of vivid landscapes, punctuated by deep fjords, soaring peaks and cascading waterfalls. And the best way to unlock these treasures? Through a cruise.

How much of the British Isles have you explored? With us, you can visit the incredible cities, encounter the diverse landscapes and meet the local wildlife, all on one holiday. With each stop just a stone's throw away, you can visit seven destinations on a 12 night holiday and see more of the British Isles than you might have thought possible.

Two people paddle boarding in the Norwegian Fjords

The beauty of a P&amp;O Cruises holiday is anything goes; you might kayak along a fjord or explore by bicycle or catamaran by day and kick up your heels to a live band by evening. This is your chance to holiday like never before.

Couple drinking wine on a sun lounger on deck on a P&O Cruises cruise ship

Cabins, dining times, deposits – there’s more to our prices than just the cost. But with three to choose from, which will work best for you?

On board every cruise ship you'll enjoy the same P&amp;O Cruises experience. But what you'll also find is that each cruise ship has a number of unique features and facilities...

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