As a year-round cruiser, I'm no stranger to summer heat. When prepping for a voyage in June, July, or August, I take precautions to ensure I don't overheat while on my long-awaited vacation, regardless of whether it's to the Bahamas, Caribbean, or Mediterranean.
Recently, I returned from a 7-night Greek Isles cruise onboard Celebrity Ascent. Though Greece is typically subject to high temperatures in late July, our cruise was scheduled during an unusual heat wave. In fact, the Acropolis was closed from 12:00 to 5:00pm the day before we arrived in Athens.
Prior to learning about the above-average temperatures, my finacée and I had been preparing for warm days ashore. From bringing light clothing to purchasing body cooling products from Amazon, here are 7 ways we managed to stay somewhat cool during our summer cruise.
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Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is important on any cruise, whether a port-intensive sailing in Europe or a weekend getaway to The Bahamas. Otherwise, you risk getting dehydrated, which can come with unpleasant side effects like fatigue, headache, extreme thirst, muscle cramps, dry mouth, and more.
Before getting off the ship for your shore excursion, ensure you have a full bottle of water in your bag. Those with a drink package can stock up on bottled water, while passengers without one should visit one of the refill stations onboard.
Additionally, I prefer adding Liquid I.V. packets to my water for an extra boost of electrolytes. Since they help replenish lost fluids, they can be especially useful after a long day in the sun. I also like to ensure I have water in my cabin at night. Rather than waking up with an unquenchable thirst, having a full bottle allows me to stay hydrated and sleep more comfortably.
Read more: Simple tips to safely take a cruise ship vacation
Avoid afternoon activities
Before setting sail, my finacée and I spent two nights in Athens, Greece. Thankfully, I planned ahead and booked a small group tour of the Acropolis months in advance, knowing the afternoon heat would be a lot to handle.
With a daily high of close to 100°F, having a pre-booked tour at 9:00am meant we could explore the Acropolis in the cooler morning hours without getting too fatigued. Plus, our guide provided valuable insights and kept us in the shade as much as possible.
Though we wanted to wander the streets of Athens afterward, it was too hot. Instead of subjecting ourselves to overheating, we returned to our hotel and enjoyed the rooftop pool before going out to dinner once the temperature dropped a bit.
Whether you want to run on the ship's jogging track, explore the port of call, or enjoy the other onboard amenities, aim to start your day early. Additionally, cruise ships usually have at least one pool or hot tub open after sunset. On our Celebrity Ascent sailing, we enjoyed visiting the Solarium after dinner for a refreshing dip to unwind after strenuous days exploring Italy, Greece, and Turkey.
Do not overdo it
Initially, we had excursions booked in all four ports of call. The night before we docked in Kuşadası, however, we decided to skip our tour to Ephesus.
The main reason we booked the cruise was to visit Greece and Italy. With the temperature in Turkey around 103°F, we booked a visit to a traditional Turkish Bath instead. Afterward, we wandered the streets before returning to the ship to enjoy the relatively empty pools.
Though I wish I had thought ahead to cancel for a refund, losing $165 was worth having a day spent primarily out of the heat to rest up for our day in Mykonos. Despite not going on our original tour, I still got to try Turkish coffee and enjoy tasty kebabs!
Read more: Reasons Smart Cruisers Choose to Stay Onboard During Port Days
I'd also recommend booking a private tour. We had an amazing driver in Santorini who showed us the island's highlights. Though pricey, we enjoyed our time ashore more than we otherwise would have, as the day was tailored to our interests and needs. After every sight, we returned to an air-conditioned car rather than a stuffy tour bus. Plus, it wasn't as tiring as a traditional group tour.
In short, while it's tempting to push your body and cross as many things off your bucket list as possible, it's important to remember that it's okay to adjust your plans to prioritize comfort—you are on vacation after all!
Pack appropriately
Did we need three suitcases for a 10-night trip? Absolutely not. Am I glad we overpacked? For sure! Because of the extreme temperatures, we weren't keen on re-wearing smelly clothing. Instead, we changed our outfits at least once per day.
Speaking of packing for your summer cruise, avoid heavy articles of clothing when going on tours, like jeans and sweaters. Instead, focus on packing breathable and lightweight fabrics. Athletic shorts and dresses are great choices, as well as light, airy fabrics like linen and cotton. They will help keep you cool and comfortable while allowing your body to move freely during active excursions.
While you'll want nicer outfits for evenings onboard, it's easier to re-wear them since they won't get soiled as easily. Moreover, the ship can be chilly, so you will want a cardigan or light jacket, especially if you tend to get goosebumps easily (like me!).
Read more: 15 Packing Tips for First-Time Cruisers
Purchase cooling devices ahead of time
Our trip would have been pretty miserable without our fans and cooling patches. Though I can tolerate heat pretty well having grown up in the South, my finacée, who was born and raised in New England, overheats easily. A few weeks before our cruise, she began scouring the internet to find the best cooling devices to help manage the extreme temperatures.
Out of everything we purchased, the portable fan was the most worthwhile, and with over 3,500 5-star reviews on Amazon, we were not led astray. It has six different wind speeds, so you can adjust it to help the battery last as long as possible.
Aside from the fan, my finacée frequently used cooling patches. They worked the best when placed on her forehead or cervical spine (neck). If you're sweating a lot, they may need to be replaced frequently; however, we discovered it was best to place them before venturing into the heat.
One tool we had but forgot to bring was a portable mister. It has worked well on other trips, so I'd recommend purchasing one, perhaps a mister-fan combo, if you are planning a summer cruise.
Seek out indoor activities during sea days
On sea days, we tried to limit our exposure to the sun. Though I usually like to be an early riser on vacation, I took advantage of our first day at sea and slept in, something I rarely do. Afterward, we ventured to the Resort Deck for an afternoon in the pool.
However, we didn't force ourselves to stay out longer than our bodies could handle. Instead, we spent a few hours enjoying poolside bar service before returning to our cabin to freshen up for dinner and an evening of indoor activities, including Celebrity's nightly gameshow in The Club and a production show in the main theater.
Before our cruise, we reserved a private cabana for our last sea day, so we could recharge after three long days in port before a 9-hour excursion in Italy.
The cabana provided us ample shade for the first few hours, albeit with forceful winds due to the wind tunnel created by the ship's architecture near the Magic Carpet. In the afternoon, however, the wind died down, and we enjoyed the cabana and its amenities without subjecting ourselves to the blazing Mediterranean sun.
When at sea, consider alternating between spending time outdoors and seeking activities in the air conditioning. Throughout the day, the ship's activities team will offer trivia, games, arts & crafts, lectures, bingo, and other events to keep guests entertained while staying cool.
You can also explore the ship's various lounges and cafes, which provide an escape from the sun while allowing guests to refuel with a caffeinated beverage or small treat.
Frequently apply sunscreen
Returning home from vacation with a nasty sunburn isn't ideal. You do not want to spend the second half of your trip with red, peeling, or itchy skin! A severe enough case also can cause fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration.
Before heading to the ship's gangway, apply your sunscreen generously. It's best to reapply every two hours, though some with sensitive skin may need to do so more frequently. Additionally, wear protective clothing like hats and sunglasses. Those heading to the beach or participating in water-based activities may want to invest in a swim shirt with SPF. You should seek shade whenever possible, too.
Above all, while in the heat, constantly monitor yourself for signs of heat exhaustion. If you're excessively sweating, dizzy, nauseous, or suffering from a headache, you'll want to move to a cooler area, hydrate, and rest.
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Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
