Make a list of what you need based on where you are going and what you are going to do. Consider any formal affairs or trips to the opera, sightseeing, swimming and dress codes the cruise ship may have concerning dinner and dances. Take into account the climate of the European and cruise destination.
Start by color coordinating your clothes so you can mix and match. Eliminate anything that does not match. Take lightweight clothes that do not need ironing as there's not irons in all of Europe's hotels. Spent your time seeing Europe and enjoying the cruise.
Take four pairs of comfortable shoes, one pair for walking, one dressy, one for pool area and one pair to use for walking or dressy. For formal affairs, take one long black skirt with two dressy tops and one suit coat with two pants, two shirts and two ties for men. If you need a tuxedo, rent it at your destination. Most European cruise ships offer this service. Take two pants, two shorts, four shirts and blouses, lightweight sleepwear and a robe. Plan to wash your clothes as you go. Take two swimsuits and a wrap for swimming.
Pack your shoes first and put underwear and socks inside shoes. Pack enough underwear for a week. Fill in around the shoes with small items. Include a 5-foot plastic rope to use as a clothesline. Some but not all European hotels have a laundry service. The cruise ship offers a valet service if you need it.
Roll your clothes. This creates fewer wrinkles and takes up less space. Wear a sweater or windbreaker and a fanny pack on the plane. Make a copy of your passport driver's license and cruise and plane tickets and put in suitcase.
Put passport, tickets, and hotel reservations in your purse along with a camera, toiletries and any miscellaneous items you may need. They need to be convenient in case you have to show them when you go through European customs and security.
If you have short hair and your hair dries in five minutes, don't take a hair dryer. You'll need a European electric converter for any electrical appliance you take as they have different outlets than the ones in the United States. Leave your computer at home, unless you have to have it for business. If you have to check your email, visit an on line cafe that are in almost every block in Europe.
