Therefore, you can expect the disadvantages that come with crowds. Major tourist sites and the majority of businesses within cities will remain open in August. The months of April and May will bring fewer crowds on a Mediterranean cruise compared to mid-summer. Simple, safe and surprisingly affordable, a Mediterranean cruise allows you to experience a variety of destinations in comfort with a virtually endless amount of activities both on land and at sea. Along with the budding flowers of spring, the streets are decorated with local characters. In order to help you plan your perfect Mediterranean cruise vacation, our cruise experts have rounded up answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, as well as some useful tips for booking Mediterranean cruises. In fact, most migrant bird species of Northern Europe fly across the Mediterranean around autumn. While there isnt necessarily a perfect time to take a Mediterranean cruise, this guide should help you decide which season works best for you. Other things to watch out for Double-check the destination. Ports like Cannes, France can see daily highs in the upper 70s and low 80s, whereas cities like Valencia and Rome can see daily highs in the low to mid-90s. This is also one of the best times to take a cruise to the region and explore it on waters. Most itineraries either fall into one of two categories (or a bit of both): Greek Isles and ports in the Adriatic Sea, or mainland Greece, Croatia, Israel, and Egypt. 4. Deluxe/Specialty Smaller (less than 1,000 passengers), destination-focused ships that provide a personalized, high-end experience at a reasonable price are often branded as deluxe. This category includes Azamara and Oceania, as well as Windstar's tall sailing vessels, which each offer upscale environs, but a relaxed, casual atmosphere onboard. Water temperatures during this time of year will not be as warm as they will be later in the summer, though. Shoulder seasons can offer a great price point, but can also come with colder water temperatures and occasional rain. Mediterranean cruises typically depart anywhere from Atlantic-facing Lisbon, Portugal, to the west to Istanbul, Turkey, to the east, with literally hundreds of ports (some points of embarkation) in between. Azamara Club Cruises (deluxe) Celebrity (premium) Compagnie Des Iles Du Ponant (luxury) Costa (mainstream) Cruise West (specialty) Crystal (luxury) Cunard (deluxe) Holland America (premium) Louis (mainstream) MSC (mainstream) Norwegian (mainstream) Oceania (deluxe) Princess (premium) Regent Seven Seas (luxury) Royal Caribbean (mainstream) Seabourn (luxury) SeaCloud (luxury) SeaDream Yacht Club (luxury) Star Clippers (deluxe) Swan Hellenic (specialty) Travel Dynamics International (specialty) Variety (specialty) Voyages of Discovery (specialty) Voyages to Antiquity (specialty) Windstar (deluxe). We want to know: how was the weather during your Mediterranean Cruises holiday? The slightly cooler climate of the fall season doesnt mean you cant still enjoy the beaches of the Mediterranean but it does make sightseeing more comfortable. Eastern Mediterranean from/to Venice: wonderful weather, always sun, hardly any wind, hardly any waves. Some ships charge more for higher-deck cabins with the same design. Royal Caribbeans Mediterranean season continues to late October or early November, at which point ships return to the Caribbean for the winter season. We have the answers so your first time will be nothing but smooth sailing. June in the Mediterranean offers beautiful weather and long, sunny days. Travelers will encounter stunning beaches, remarkable landmarks of architecture and history, picturesque small towns, and thriving metropolises. Learn why September and October is, without a doubt, the best time of year to cruise the Mediterranean. Sip on refreshing beverages and feel the warmth of the sand beneath your feet as you look out to the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. When you cruise the Mediterranean in the fall, prepare to celebrate. Shoulder season is the time right before or after high season. The same sailing and stateroom category on a cruise in mid-July is priced at $4,216 total. In Barcelona, expect highs of around 70Fthroughout most of May, with temperatures rising toward the end of the month. At Windstar Cruises, were ready to accommodate you. The French Riviera is a bucket-list destination.Cities along the French Riviera that are normally jam-packed tend to wind down this time of year, allowing cruisers to enjoy nearby cruise ports at a more leisurely pace. The month of June can be looked at as a transition between the shoulder season of the spring and the peak months of July and August. Allowing a cushion of a day or more will ensure that you dont miss your cruise (although you can catch up with it later). Royal Caribbeans European cruise season runs from April through October or early November each year, with the busiest times for a Mediterranean cruise found in July and August. Click on multiple sites to get the lowest prices. Cons: Peak season means more tourists. (CC BY-SA), Palermo 3-Hour Street Food and History Walking Tour, Santorini: All-Inclusive Luxury Catamaran Small Group Cruise. Weve also broken down the cruise offerings into two main regions: the more popular Western Mediterranean cruises, which largely cover Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, and Morocco, and the more exotic Eastern Mediterranean cruises, which typically take in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Israel, and Egypt. October and November are at the very end of the Mediterranean cruise season. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider cruising on one of Royal Caribbeans older ships or sailing in an interior or ocean view stateroom as opposed to a balcony. You can use ABTA's approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process if you have a complaint that is not resolved. Marine mammals are found everywhere in the blue waters.Marine mammals throughout the Mediterranean include the monk seal and cetaceans like the fin and sperm whales, short-beaked common dolphin and harbor porpoise.
Really hot. Or shop local markets with a celebrity chef in Corfu and learn about the regions delicacies. Pros: Less crowds, cheaper prices, more food festivals for harvest season. However, many ships embarking from these ports follow similar itineraries, leading to crowding in cruise ports and at the typical tourist traps. For better variety and more authentic experiences, MSC Cruises, Costa, and others sail from smaller ports that are just a train ride or connecting flight away from the main hubs.
If youre traveling further south to Athens, though, expect highs around 75-80F. In addition, the temperature in early September remains excellent, making the month one of the best times of the year for a Mediterranean cruise. Springtime in the Mediterranean welcomes a wonderland of personalities. These include: Croatia: Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar Cyprus: Limassol Egypt: Alexandria Greece: Athens (Piraeus), Corfu, Delphi, Katakolon,Mykonos, Rhodes, Thira Israel: Ashdod Italy: Ancona, Bari, Capri, Messina, Naples, Rome, Sorrento, Venice Montenegro: Kotor Turkey: Istanbul, Izmir, Kusadasi. All rights reserved. Fall can also be a great time to visit the most southerly Mediterranean ports, such as Egypt and Israel, as the peak summer months are almost sure to be uncomfortably hot. Calm sea, pure sun. Call Your Travel Advisor or a Windstar Vacation Planner. What kinds of cruise lines operate in the Mediterranean?There are over 30 cruise lines plying the waters of the Mediterranean, ranging from tall ships with billowing white sails that carry a just a handful of privileged cruisers to mega-ships that entertain thousands with over-the-top amenities. Check the specials page. Cruises are generally placed into one of four categories: mainstream, premium, deluxe/specialty, and luxury, with each category carrying a corresponding price tag (with some overlap): Mainstream The typical mainstream cruise ship carries anywhere from 2,000 to more than 6,000 passengers and features a wealth of onboard activities to keep passengers entertained at sea. Some cruise lines may include airfare as part of a promotion, which will be very clear in the wording of the price quote. Azamara Club Cruises (deluxe) Carnival (mainstream) Celebrity (premium) Compagnie Des Iles Du Ponant (luxury) Costa (mainstream) Crystal (luxury) Cunard (deluxe) Disney (mainstream) Fred Olsen (deluxe) Hapag-Lloyd (luxury) Holland America (premium) Louis (mainstream) MSC (mainstream) Norwegian (mainstream) Oceania (deluxe) P & O (deluxe) Princess (premium) Regent Seven Seas (luxury) Royal Caribbean (mainstream) Seabourn (luxury) SeaDream Yacht Club (luxury) Silversea (luxury) Star Clippers (deluxe) Swan Hellenic (specialty) Travel Dynamics International (specialty) Voyages of Discovery (specialty) Voyages to Antiquity (specialty) Windstar (deluxe). Itineraries tend to be largely cookie-cutter, with ships calling on the largest and most popular ports of call. Temperatures begin to cool down in late September and early October, but still remain relatively pleasant. Oceanview Also called an outside cabin, these have non-opening windows. Next, consider the type of weather you enjoy the most, so youre comfortable as you explore different sites. Cons: More rain showers. If you are looking for a similar peak-season cruise but have more time to spare, a 10- to 14-night cruise will easily balloon to $2,000 and counting. Which size ship for a Mediterranean cruise? When is Mediterranean cruise season?Cruising in the Mediterranean is possible year-round, though the peak season lasts from late May to early September. They sail to every corner of the globe, from short-and-sweet 7-nighters to world cruises, which can span over three months.The price range is just as wide: Weeklong Mediterranean sailings start at around $2,500 per person (depending on the season, of course). The perfect mix of cosmopolitan cities and medieval towns, big and small islands, sandy beaches and rugged coastlines, ancient sites and modern marvelsa fall Mediterranean cruise is one of the best vacation values in travel. General information and popular routes. Cruise from 14 21 May 2017 Venice-Bari-Corfu-Athens-Dubrovnik-Venice. What kind of cruise lines operate in the Mediterranean? If youre cruising the Mediterranean during the month of August, you should be aware that this is when many Europeans take vacation, heading to the Mediterraneans beaches for maximum relaxation. Mediterranean cruises in Fall Families often book these for the kids (many include additional pull-down beds at a lower fare). Therefore, shoulder season should offer more pleasant sightseeing compared to the peak season. Prices vary based on cruise line. Use a cruise-only agency to make the purchase. During the peak of summer, families with children are common onboard as well, as a mid-summer cruise fits well in the school summer vacation schedule. 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. Suites These come in several configurations but usually include separate bedrooms, larger bathrooms, walk-in closets, and extra services like butler, concierge, and Internet access. By considering when to cruise the Mediterranean, you can plan a voyage that suits your needs and desires best. During winter there are few options for cruises and many places close for the season. From college graduates backpacking through the Mediterranean to school travel groups, honeymoons, and family vacations, Europes most popular destinations will get more crowded throughout June. Since planning a vacation is often dictated by factors beyond your controlfrom budgets to big events, the crowds to the cruise line's itineraries or the amount of time off you have to others you're traveling withthe Mediterranean is one of those picture perfect places that can actually be enjoyed year-round. The weather was simply super in the eastern Mediterranean, as well as the destinations would be more than worth seeing. Whether you prefer the buzz of summertime beaches or the tranquility of sleepy harbors in the off-season, we offer Mediterranean cruises year-round. Several luxury lines like Silversea, Crystal, and Seabourn offer lower single supplements than most other lines (averaging 10 to 25 percent extra). Read More, July - August is the best time to visit Mediterranean Region. September and October are part of the shoulder season, when kids go back to school and vacation prices dip. During the months of September and October, it is the autumn season in the region when days are mild and clear whereas temperature is comfortably warm with bright sun. You cant go wrong with a Mediterranean cruise any time of the cruise season, but certain months are better than others depending on what you want to experience. The summer brings endless sun to the Mediterranean. Winter in the Mediterranean is mild, but some shops may close in preparation for the upcoming season. Pre- and post-cruise land packages are not included but are very popular with Mediterranean cruises. First time cruising? On our first cruise a dream cruise on the AIDAperla from Barcelona via Palma, Corsica, Rome, Livorno and back with the beautiful AIDAperla. There are two shoulder seasons during the Mediterranean cruise season each year: spring and fall. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. The most widely available length is 7 nights; however, 10- to 12-night cruises are also extremely popular (especially considering the lengthy flight times to embarkation ports for U.S. travelers). Not covered are tips, alcoholic beverages, soda, special dining venues, and shore excursions. Top Greek Foods to Try While Traveling in Greece. Mediterranean Cruises in Summer In the following, you will find climate charts for the regions. Overall, many Mediterranean destinations rarely see extreme temperatures on either end of the spectrum, but the weather is still something youll want to consider. For those looking for optimal tour conditions, the best time to cruise the Mediterranean may well be in the fall. Register for our newsletter to receive exclusive deals, travel tips, InsiderExtras, and more! Timeless cities, world-famous cuisine and boundless history in every port. Royal Caribbean releases 2021 Europe sailings, Royal Caribbean announces 2018 European itineraries, European Union publishes recommendations for cruise ships once cruises resume, Royal Caribbean cancels all cruise stops in Turkey in 2017, 2022 Royal Caribbean Cruise Planning Guide. While cities like Rome and Barcelona stay relatively busy each year, the peak tourist season is in the summer months, leading to the biggest crowds and lines at tourist attractions. Tips for traveling alone on Mediterranean cruisesCruising is geared towards those traveling in pairs, as the rate is for a cabin with double occupancy. Ships that embark from one of these three ports often call upon at least one of the others while en route to the Greek Isles, Turkey, Croatia, and Italys eastern coast. Certain lines, like Holland America, will match you up with a cabin-mate. Mediterranean cruise season begins in spring (May) and lasts until late fall (November). Departure ports for Eastern Mediterranean cruisesThe majority of Eastern Mediterranean cruises depart from Venice, Rome (Civitavecchia), and Athens (Piraeus). Prices vary, depending on the season and length of the sailing. Don't miss one.Sign up for our newsletter! Temperatures in the Mediterranean drop as leaves fall, making autumn days ideal for sightseeing. Sail into the Santorini sunset on a 5-hour cruise onboard a catamaran. Most ships have alternative dining venues, and service charges can range from $10 to $20 (and counting) on most mass-market cruise lines. However, the draw of ideal summer vacation weather in June will bring more crowds than youll see in the shoulder season. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! Why Fall Is the Best Time for a Mediterranean Cruise, best time of year to cruise the Mediterranean. Not only that, but there will be fewer tourists in your ports of call. A full list of Eastern Mediterranean departure ports are as follows: Egypt: Alexandria Greece: Athens (Piraeus), Rhodes Italy: Ancona, Bari, Naples, Rome, Venice Turkey: Istanbul. What is the best time to cruise the Mediterranean? We never post anything without your permission. It is advised to avoid travelling to the region during this time of the year unless you enjoy cold weather and some rains. Unfortunately it rained slightly in Corfu and in Athens it poured all day so that we didnt even go ashore. Although youll 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). Like what you see? Ultimately, whichever season you cruise to the Mediterranean you will encounter incredible history, delicious food, extraordinary scenery, and diverse cultures. We value your privacy. Mediterranean cruises in Spring The sweet spots for purchasing are early in the process, when prices are generally favorable and availability is high, and late, when prices decrease but availability may be limited. Send us your story for a chance to be featured on our blog. Late June through mid-August are the busiest times to cruise to the Mediterranean. The first night there was a massive storm and blue bags everywhere, but afterwards only sun, great weather. Known to have the best weather of the year, these mid-summer months welcome guests to dip their toes in the crystalline ocean.
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