Table Of Content
Find exclusive last minute deals, and book your cruise with flexible financing. 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.
Hours of Sunshine per Day
In addition, the temperature in early September remains excellent, making the month one of the best times of the year for a Mediterranean cruise. 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. The same sailing and stateroom category on a cruise in mid-July is priced at $4,360 total.
Free Vacation Planning Services
Celestyal Cruise Line is the premier cruise line for discovering Greek and Turkish ports of call. Offering itineraries from Athens, Izmir, and Piraeus, you can enjoy unique cultural experiences at each port while enjoying luxurious amenities onboard. MSC Cruises offers a diverse selection of Mediterranean itineraries, including unique stops in lesser-known ports. Experience their elegant ships, exceptional service, and a variety of dining options while exploring the wonders of the Mediterranean.
Hotel Reward Programs
Pricing during shoulder season tends to be slightly cheaper than mid-summer. An ocean view balcony stateroom for 2 adults on a 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise on Symphony of the Seas in early May is priced at $3056 total. The same sailing and stateroom category on a cruise in mid-July is priced at $4,216 total.
Water Temperatures
Springtime in the Mediterranean is a delightful season marked by pleasant temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds. July is one of the busiest and hottest months to visit the Mediterranean, with summer in full swing. It’s not quite as busy as August, when the whole of Italy, Spain, and France heads for the coast, but plan your sightseeing carefully. You’ll need to pre-book for visits to places like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Uffizi 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.
New To Cruising
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. If you prefer a quieter experience with pleasant weather, autumn is a great time to set sail. Autumn brings cooler temperatures and a more relaxed ambiance to the Mediterranean.
Best Months to Cruise the Mediterranean: A Year-Round Guide - Cruise Critic
Best Months to Cruise the Mediterranean: A Year-Round Guide.
Posted: Sun, 19 Mar 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
July 14 is Bastille Day in France, which is a wonderful time to travel, as the night sky will be ablaze with fireworks. Ports in the Southern Mediterranean, including those in Cyprus and Egypt, enjoy bright, sunny days almost year-round. Water temperatures during this time of year will not be as warm as they will be later in the summer, though.
When’s the best time to visit Mediterranean beaches?
Some so-called Mediterranean cruises actually spend most of their time on the Adriatic Sea, sailing from Venice and visiting ports in Croatia and Greece, and sometimes Montenegro and Albania. You may also find an Adriatic sailing wrapped into longer Western or Eastern Mediterranean cruises. Know that you can't see everything in one Mediterranean cruise — even on sailings that run multiple weeks. Once you let go of your need to see and do it all and accept that you're on a sampler tour, you'll be better able to make your cruise selections and enjoy the ports your ship does visit. With festivals all season long, you might be lucky enough to experience them for yourself. Visit Barcelona around the end of September for a chance to see spirited bands parading through the streets, attracting locals and visitors alike.
Known to have the best weather of the year, these mid-summer months welcome guests to dip their toes in the crystalline ocean. Spend a day bathing in the sun at Platis Gialos, one of Mykonos' most famous beaches. 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. With quintessential weather and bustling communities, summer is one of the best times to cruise the Mediterranean. Alaska has a short cruise season that lasts from late April through October. June through August is Alaska's high season, when weather is warmest and summer vacation season is in full swing.
Cruise lines servicing the Eastern MediterraneanNote that the following list includes major companies that cater to English-speaking guests, and is not inclusive of all cruise lines serving the Eastern Mediterranean. For a full description of the cruise line categories (mainstream, premium, deluxe/specialty, and luxury), see our frequently asked questions. Cruise lines servicing the Western Mediterranean Note that the following list includes major companies that cater to English-speaking guests, and is not inclusive of all cruise lines serving the Western Mediterranean. If you are all about discovering the best beaches in the Mediterranean, you’ll want to book your cruise when the weather’s hot and the sunshine endless. The days are at their longest, the weather is fine, and the sea is warming up for swimming. Head to Greece or Cyprus in February and you’ll see swathes of snowy white in the fields.
Check out Hawaii cruises in May, when the weather is relatively dry as well. Corfu is a stunningly beautiful island that effortlessly blends Venetian, French, and British history. Visit the Corfu Museum of Asian Art to explore a range of rare artifacts, take in the views from Achilleion Palace, or relax on one of its many idyllic beaches. Athens is the birthplace of democracy and the hub of ancient Greek culture.
Therefore, shoulder season should offer more pleasant sightseeing compared to the peak season. Winter is the off-season in the Mediterranean – November through February when the temperatures drop and the seas are choppy. Some cruise lines don’t run in the winter time at all, while others limit their cruises to southern regions such as Morocco and the Canary Islands. Rain can upset plans to lie on the beach, and some museums may have limited hours of operation. On the plus side, crowds are extremely light, and many cruises offer discounts on ticket prices.
However, if you enjoy a lively atmosphere, bustling markets, warmer water temperature, and vibrant nightlife, a summer Mediterranean cruise may be the perfect fit for you. The best month to cruise the Mediterranean depends on what you're looking for in a vacation. We took a look at factors like weather and sea conditions, festivals and, of course, pricing, to determine which travel dates are right for you.
They make a colorful addition to any cruise, not to mention a great shopping opportunity. What’s more, this is the month when the wine harvest begins in regions including Rioja, Tuscany, and Provence, a time of great festivity. Even urban destinations like Barcelona, Nice, and Athens have fantastic beaches nearby. Do your sightseeing in the morning and enjoy a long, lazy lunch before heading to the beach; the Greek Islands can easily reach a sweltering 84°F (29°C) in July, which for most, is too hot to be trudging around temples.
No comments:
Post a Comment