Mediterranean cruise.. Which lenses?

I have a 70d and will be going on a Mediterranean cruise to Spain, France, Italy.

What lens combo's should I bring?

1. Canon 15-85, sigma 30, 55-250 (or 40 pancake instead of sigma 30)
2. Sigma 17-50, 100f2, 55-250
3. Sigma 17-50, sigma 30, 55-250
4. Sigma 17-50, 55-250

Lexar wrote in post #16763681
I have a 70d and will be going on a Mediterranean cruise to Spain, France, Italy.

What lens combo's should I bring?

1. Canon 15-85, sigma 30, 55-250 (or 40 pancake instead of sigma 30)
2. Sigma 17-50, 100f2, 55-250
3. Sigma 17-50, sigma 30, 55-250
4. Sigma 17-50, 55-250

When I go on a cruise, I take my full kit and leave it in the cabin. Then I choose what lenses to take out depending on the situation.

Most of the time, on shore excursions, I'll just take my body and 24-105 on a Sun Sniper (similar to Black Rapid) strap. For you, the equivalent would be your 15-85. This minimal kit is ideal for extended walking around Barcelona, Rome, Venice, etc. If you want to take some artistic shots, take the Sigma 30 with you as well or pocket the pancake.

In the evening, I'll usually just use wide aperture primes to take shots of my GF or venues on the ship. For you, that would mean your Sigma 30 is probably on your camera every evening.

I typically only use my telephoto zoom on a cruise to take photos from the top deck of the ship as we're entering, leaving, in port, or passing something that's worthy of a shot (including the setting sun). I rarely carry it off the ship unless I know I'm going to see something that will warrant that focal length (rare).

Your 15-85mm cover 95% and your sigma 30mm cover the other 5% low light. Done.

I say your #3 option. I have learned to travel as light as possible because even though you can leave something behind in your cabin, you still have to carry all that suff on the plane, boarding the ship, etc.

Anything without the 55-250, plain and simple not needed in those countries unless you are into "tight" architectural photos of buildings like churches, cathedrals, etc.

Thanks for all the feedback!

I have been to Europe many times but not on a cruise.
I agree that 55-250 is usually not needed in the city but I figured I can get some nice pictures from the boat. Plus its so light it is no problem to bring along.

My main uncertainty is whether I should just bring the 17-50 or get the better range of 15-85 plus a prime. I always traveled with my 15-85 and Sigma 30 but recently got the 17-50 so now I have more options.