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If so, you will likely prefer to cruise during the warmer spring and summer months when the water temperatures are also higher. If you are more interested in seeing the sights and prefer cooler weather, a fall or winter cruise vacation might be preferable. When it comes to planning a cruise vacation, choosing the right time to set sail can make all the difference in ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience. The timing of your cruise can greatly impact the weather, the crowd levels, and the overall atmosphere onboard and in the destinations you’ll visit. From tropical escapes in the Caribbean to scenic voyages through the Mediterranean or thrilling expeditions in Alaska, each region has its own best months for cruising. The Mediterranean is rich in history, and Azamara’s 11-night Best Of the Med Voyage dives right in, starting in Venice, with its cobblestone streets, overarching bridges and iconic canals weaving through the city.
Autumn in the Mediterranean (September to November)
As the school year has not finished yet, there tend to be fewer families and children onboard as well. In the early season you can expect pleasant temperatures that are ideal for exploring the Mediterranean’s cities. In Barcelona, expect highs of around 70°F throughout most of May, with temperatures rising toward the end of the month.
Hours of Sunshine per Day
The best time to cruise is right after the height of summer to take advantage of the beautiful weather and avoid the busiest tourist season. The huge demand for summer travel has subsided, but cruise prices won't go back to being extremely reduced. The Western Mediterranean is best visited in the early fall, but the later the dates are in October, the colder it may become. By October, nighttime lows drop into the low 50s while daytime highs fluctuate and may still reach the 70s. Mediterranean cruise itineraries vary depending on the length of the cruise and the ports of call. Some cruises focus on a specific region, such as the Western Mediterranean or the Aegean, while others visit various destinations.
25 BEST Eastern Mediterranean Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean on Cruise ... - Cruise Critic
25 BEST Eastern Mediterranean Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean on Cruise ....
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 15:01:59 GMT [source]
Summer in the Mediterranean (June to August)
The following cruise ports are generally standouts, no matter your travel style. This region of Europe is one of the most fun places to go in the summer for families, and the best time of year to visit the Mediterranean is during the school summer break. There’s no other vacation that can link, for example, Athens, Dubrovnik, Naples, Rome, Florence, and Nice, with all their cultural treasures, in one easy journey.
Temperatures rise throughout the month of June in the Mediterranean, leading to daily highs in the low to mid-80s in ports like Rome and Catania, whereas ports further north, like Nice and Genoa, will see highs in the mid-70s. It's a good idea to book your Mediterranean cruise early, even nine to 12 months in advance. You can take advantage of early booking discounts and promotions and have the widest selection of available cabins and suites and dining times (if applicable). An early booking is ideal if you're planning on using miles to book your flights or points for a pre-cruise hotel. You might want to skip the formal tours and merely wander around the port town, browsing local shops or grabbing a coffee or snack in a local cafe.
Best Mediterranean Cruise For Couples: Viking, Viking Saturn
A 7-night Greek Isles cruise on Brilliance of the Seas in mid-July is priced at $1,860 for 2 adults in an interior cabin, around $1300 cheaper than a cruise on Odyssey of the Seas. As the school calendar comes to an end and families prepare for summer vacation, expect crowds and prices to rise. The months of April and May will bring fewer crowds on a Mediterranean cruise compared to mid-summer.
Get a deep dive into the history of the region with Viking’s educational onboard lectures and discussions. Stroll along the famous Croisette and shop designer boutiques for a truly luxurious experience. Visit the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès to witness stunning views of Cannes from above or take a dip at La Plage de la Croisette.
I've been on 50 cruises. Here are 5 things I wish I'd known before sailing in the Mediterranean.
Temperatures begin to cool down in late September and early October, but still remain relatively pleasant. 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.
Unofficial blog about Royal Caribbean cruises - Royal Caribbean Blog
Unofficial blog about Royal Caribbean cruises.
Posted: Mon, 11 Apr 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
September
One of those itineraries is the 15-night Malta, Morocco and the Mediterranean cruise, sailing round-trip from Barcelona. The newly added itinerary lends itself to days of lingering longer to explore ports like Marseille, France, Valletta, Malta, Casablanca, Morocco and plenty more. Couples who want some alone time can also choose to wander off together and find their own way to spend each day. In the lovely region known as the Mediterranean, more than 20 countries border the Mediterranean Sea. It is the perfect schedule for a cruise because it includes both secular and religious sights, as well as large cities and calm islands.
Wildflowers are still in bloom and you can expect average high temperatures of 65°F (18°C) in Barcelona and 66°F (19°C) in Florence. Depending on when Easter falls, March is Easter holiday season for many European countries, and visitor numbers begin to rise. But there’s no such thing as Spring Break in Europe, so there are no rowdy student areas to avoid.
Mediterranean cruises in Fall Fall is a considered the best time to cruise the Mediterranean for cultural excursions without the crowds. September and October are part of the shoulder season, when kids go back to school and vacation prices dip. The sun won’t be quite as fierce, which makes walking the hills of Santorini or the winding streets of Rome a much more enjoyable experience. The crowds will have thinned out and you’ll have more space to enjoy popular attractions such as Las Ramblas in Barcelona. Combining the rich history and ancient cultures of some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic destinations with all of the fun of a Disney vacation, Disney Cruise Line is a great option for families of all sizes. Choose from itineraries that range from five to 11 nights, all of which sail aboard the Disney Dream.
In other locations, late spring is a fantastic time to cram in a Mediterranean cruise before the kids are out of school and summer is fully underway. The downside of the Mediterranean's bright, lovely weather and warm temperatures is an increase in cruise prices. Azamara is a luxurious option, but it’s not just about glitz and glamour on this line. The cruise line also emphasizes hyper-local experiences to allow its passengers to dive deep into the history, food, culture, and life of its ports of call, even if they’re there just for a day. The cruise line offers a variety of destinations and cruise lengths, including 10, 12, and 15-night voyages, some of which include overnight stays in the ports so guests can get the full scope of a destination. Oceania is a luxury cruise line that offers a variety of Mediterranean itineraries on its smaller, more intimate ships.
Cruises that overnight in Tuscany are a great opportunity to enjoy the buzz of Florence after dark, when locals emerge for their evening stroll and aperitivo hour. July 14 is Bastille Day in France, which is a wonderful time to travel, as the night sky will be ablaze with fireworks. The days are at their longest, the weather is fine, and the sea is warming up for swimming. Shops and restaurants are open, and there’s a good chance that you can enjoy outdoor dining, although taking layers is always a good idea in case the sun goes behind a cloud. Head to Greece or Cyprus in February and you’ll see swathes of snowy white in the fields. Not actual snow; this is almond blossom season, the beginning of spring, and is a wonderful time to visit.
Alaska cruises are best enjoyed from May to September, when wildlife is abundant and the weather is mild. European river cruises are ideal in April to June and September to October, offering mild weather and the beauty of spring blooms or autumn foliage. As we conclude this guide on the best months to take a cruise, consider your preferences, desired destinations, and the experiences you wish to capture. By carefully planning your cruise vacation and selecting the optimal time to set sail, you can create lifelong memories and truly make the most of your cruising adventure. If the ship docks in a secondary location and you have to travel to the big tourist destinations, I always book excursions through the cruise line.
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