I can’t even go away for a weekend without someone joking about whether I’m moving house, so you can only imagine the scenes when I pack for an actual holiday. Anyone who knows me knows I am a chronic overpacker. I’m indecisive, which means I need enough options to last a month, and getting dressed up is genuinely half the fun for me. Wherever I’m going, my luggage becomes an issue.
So, when I started looking into a much-needed winter escape for the 2026/2027 season, I knew my gear had to be up to the task. If you are looking for early-bird deals to escape the British drizzle, TUI Cruises has launched some surprisingly good value 8-day Mediterranean itineraries departing from Mallorca on Mein Schiff 4. With prices starting from £599 per person for an inside cabin (or £749 if you fancy a balcony), it is a brilliant shout for a bit of winter sun. The best part? It’s premium all-inclusive, meaning all your meals, tips, and over 100 brands of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are covered, which genuinely sets them apart from the usual cruise lines that nickel-and-dime you for a beer.
But back to the packing dilemma. If I was going to log a week cruising around Spain and Italy, I needed serious luggage capacity. Flying out to catch a cruise means tight weight limits, and my old mammoth suitcase had unfortunately been ruined by damp in my old flat. I set my sights on Antler—they are currently running a massive 40% off sale on their website, which is perfect if you’re planning ahead for later in the year.
Last year, I fell in love with their Icon Stripe Cabin case, and it honestly saved me from hefty fines at Manchester Airport more than once. Naturally, I wanted the bigger brother for this trip: the Large Suitcase – Icon Stripe. I opted for the Taupe version to match my cabin bag, which sits at £255, but if you want the real bargain, the Meadow Purple version is currently knocked down to £155. It’s a stunning colourway and would easily stand out on any baggage carousel against the sea of black and navy bags.
At 5’1, this case comes up way above my waist, which I’m sure is an entertaining sight for other travellers at the terminal. That said, it’s not a heavy beast, weighing just 4.9kg. If you want something even lighter, Antler’s fabric alternative, the Lightest Large Suitcase in Sand, drops down to 2.7kg and is on sale for £200. You could also grab a FLYMAX 29″ case on Amazon for about £60, but it doesn’t come with the lifetime guarantee that Antler offers, which gives me massive peace of mind when airport baggage handlers start throwing things around.
The Antler Large Icon Stripe is designed for extended 2-to-3-week adventures, offering maximum volume for enthusiastic packers. It easily swallowed all the clothes, shoes, makeup, and tech I needed for a proper holiday, leaving plenty of room for any souvenirs picked up along the way.
And you’ll definitely want that extra space for souvenirs given the cruise itinerary. Setting sail from Palma de Mallorca, the ship gives you a relaxing day at sea before dropping you off at Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome. You get plenty of time to head into the city to see the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, or Vatican City. From there, it heads to La Spezia, which is the perfect jumping-off point for the stunning coastal villages of Cinque Terre or a quick trip to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. If you stay local, the waterfront and the naval museum are well worth a wander.
After another sea day, you hit Marseille. The highlights there are definitely the historic Old Port and the winding, atmospheric streets of the Le Panier district. Your final stop before heading back to Mallorca is Barcelona, where you can easily spend a day marvelling at the Sagrada Família, strolling down La Rambla, or exploring Park Güell.
As for the ship itself, Mein Schiff 4 is a proper modern vessel, stretching 293 metres with plenty of space for around 2,500 guests. Because of the all-inclusive setup, you can basically eat 24 hours a day across nine different restaurants and bistros, including a great pizzeria and the Gosch seafood spot. There are 15 bars, a theatre, a casino, and an open-air cinema. They even have a 280-metre jogging track that’s well-lit at night, though you’re more likely to find me relaxing in the complimentary sauna area or using the espresso machine that comes standard in every cabin.
