What is the best time to cruise the Mediterranean?
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Or step out of the daylight and into the Accademia in Florence, where Michelangelo's David sits gracefully on display. You'll learn the basics of itineraries, cruise lines, destinations, when to go and when to book your European adventure at sea. Some bring travelers to the French and Italian rivieras for food, wine and cultural pursuits. Others head east to the Greek Islands, where passengers alternate days sipping ouzo at a beachfront taverna with trips to ancient sites.
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In April, the list of mainstream, premium and luxury lines cruising Mediterranean waters grows larger, and includes Windstar, Royal Caribbean, Silversea and Celebrity Cruises. The Mediterranean is a vast region consisting of numerous countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and is typically split between the subregions of Southern Europe and North Africa/Middle East. Because the Mediterranean is almost entirely closed by land, it has a unique climate and ecosystem, with the shores of Europe to the north, Asia to the east, and Africa to the south. Because the Mediterranean Sea is so vast, it lends itself to spectacular cruise opportunities that give visitors a chance to explore the region by boat and check off multiple countries on their wish list. In this guide, we walk through the best time to cruise the Mediterranean and what you can expect during each season.
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The region's moderate climate allows passengers to enjoy comfortable weather year-round. As shown in this guide, each season offers its unique set of qualities, from the liveliness of the summer to the fewer crowds in the fall and winter. From educational ocean cruises to Mediterranean cruises, we have an expansive collection of voyages at Road Scholar. With colder temperatures ranging between 10 C and 15 C (50 F to 59 F), travelers can still enjoy a moderate climate without the need for a heavy parka or snow gear.
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Tulip-viewing itineraries in the Netherlands and Belgium are especially popular. Keep in mind that heavy rains and early-spring flooding can make the rivers swell and the locks impassable. The Bermuda hurricane season lasts from June through November, as it does for the Caribbean and U.S. But the island is generally far less likely to be struck than either of those regions, and a strike is most common between late August and October.
✅ Tips for Spring Cruising:
The shoulder seasons, when temperatures are warming up or cooling off, are a less busy time to cruise Australia and New Zealand and offer slightly lower fares. Bermuda's cruise season runs between April and November, with a few ships calling on Royal Naval Dockyard in December. While the pink-sand beaches and glistening, turquoise waters offer a slice of paradise, the archipelago in the western North Atlantic Ocean does not stay warm year-round. The subtropical climate of these British islands has winter temperatures that dip down into the low 60s and high 50s.
March
The spring (April and May) and the fall (September and October) afford some of the best weather in the Mediterranean, with sunny days and comfortable temperatures. Though the busiest season for Mediterranean cruises is typically July and August, the temperatures can be unbearably hot (85 degrees and higher). During this time of year, you’re likely to see ships near full capacity, and not only will ships be busy, but the ports of call you visit are likely to be busier, too. Tourists from around the world flock to Europe’s world-class destinations in the summer months, which may lead to more lines and higher demand for popular activities in port. Known to have the best weather of the year, these mid-summer months welcome guests to dip their toes in the crystalline ocean.
On your winter Mediterranean cruise, you can stop in countries like Morocco to discover the exotic charm of cities like Tangier or Marrakech or walk through the vibrant cities of Barcelona and Valencia in Spain. You can even ring in the new year on a winter Mediterranean cruise in areas like Rome’s Piazza del Popolo, Athens’ Syntagma Square or Barcelona’s Plaça d'Espanya. Peak season for Western Mediterranean cruises runs from April through November, with stops generally in Spain, France, Italy and Malta. The Canary Islands and the warmer Eastern Mediterranean (Croatia, the Balkan countries, Greece and Turkey) welcome cruises between April and December, with a sprinkling of winter cruises from select lines.
Which cruise lines go to the Mediterranean?
It's hard to determine the best time to cruise the Panama Canal at the lowest prices. Many cruise lines offer short seasons or mix up itineraries, so there's not much grounds for comparison. However, if you want a deal, the one thing that's certain is you should not sail over the holidays. The spring and fall are the optimal times to visit, with fewer tourists, cooler temperatures and lower prices. You'll also find that most everything is open during that time and easier to see without battling the crowds.
Palma De Mallorca, Spain
Cruise the Mediterranean for over a month for less than $5,200 - USA TODAY
Cruise the Mediterranean for over a month for less than $5,200.
Posted: Tue, 25 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Visit the ancient Minoan palace of Knossos, explore the historic city of Chania, or head off on a hike and discover hidden natural gems along the way. The resort city of Palma is the perfect spot to relax and take in the sun-kissed beaches and lush landscape. Spend your time here exploring its impressive Gothic cathedral, strolling through gardens, or shopping for local crafts in one of its many markets.
Along with more demand comes higher prices, with July usually the most expensive month of the season and August slightly cheaper. A 7-night Greek Isles cruise on Odyssey of the Seas in mid-July, as an example, is priced at $3,163 total for 2 adults in an ocean view balcony room. June's pricing tends to be slightly higher than cruises in May, but typically several hundred dollars less per person than in July or August. An ocean view balcony stateroom for 2 adults on a 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise on Wonder of the Seas in mid-June is priced at $3501 total.
Popular destinations are beginning to get busy in June, but the summer crowds have yet to descend. You should think about pre-booking big attractions, though, to avoid standing in line. Your time is much better spent enjoying coffee in some sunny piazza or enjoying a gelato. Similarly, wine enthusiasts may prefer to book their cruise around peak harvest season, while beach seekers will want to cruise the Mediterranean when there’s the least chance of rain. Compare that with an April or November stop there, where the daily cruise passenger load tops out around 3,000. We found days in April where only one or two mid-sized ships were scheduled to be in port.
My favorite is April for the confluence of reasonable fares, pleasant weather, manageable crowds and an abundance of itinerary and ship choices, but I have loved sailings in other months as well. Among the mainstream lines, only Carnival Cruise Line is still absent in June, opting instead to sail a short season of 10-and 11-night cruises in September and October. The spring offers comfortable temperatures that typically range from 15 C to 25 C (59 F to 77 F) but can range based on the specific location. With plenty of sunny days, exploring the Mediterranean by boat during the spring is a great time of year. If you're after peak wildlife viewing in Alaska, though, high season is the best time to cruise the state.
May and late-October Canada and New England cruises are the cheapest times to cruise, but don't expect to be using the onboard swimming pool much. If you're choosing between May and September, note that May is the driest month of the Alaska cruise season, so you're less likely to be rained out of your flightseeing tour, glacier walk or other shore excursions. If you dislike large numbers of children, avoid sailing late June through August or during school break times (late December, early January and March through mid-April). A wide variety of large, small and luxury lines cruise the romantic ports of the Mediterranean. These include Viking Ocean Cruises, Norwegian, MSC, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Holland America, Crystal and Azamara.
Find exclusive last minute deals, and book your cruise with flexible financing. Are there certain activities that you are most interested in experiencing during your Mediterranean cruise? Visiting in the off-season may coincide with festivals and events you wouldn't get to see during the summer months. Luckily, peak summer brings the best swimming temperatures in the Mediterranean, allowing you to cool off at the beaches in port.
During low season, average mainstream cruise prices are usually priced $200 to $500 less than on the same itineraries in the summer months. Although you’ll still find casinos, theaters, and a robust schedule of daily activities, offerings are more skewed towards enrichment (think historical lectures, cooking demonstrations, and guest speakers). Premium cruise lines step things up a notch with less-crowded, mid-sized ships (averaging around 1,000 to 2,000 passengers); finer cuisine; and cultivated, yet subtle, décor. Due to comfortable temperatures, the early shoulder season in the Mediterranean is a nice time to explore ports that can get uncomfortably hot in the peak summer months.
The best time to cruise the Mediterranean - The Points Guy
The best time to cruise the Mediterranean.
Posted: Sat, 24 Sep 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Take a romantic gondola ride through the Grand Canal, explore St. Mark’s Square, or take in some of Venice’s impressive art galleries and churches. You can also venture out to the nearby islands for picturesque beaches and relaxing coastal views. Barcelona is a vibrant city known for its unique blend of Gothic and modernist architecture, stunning beaches, and lively food and nightlife scene. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the iconic Sagrada Familia, stroll along Las Ramblas, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time cruiser, understanding the ideal timing for your Mediterranean voyage is crucial for a remarkable and memorable experience.
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