is may a good time to cruise the mediterranean

Cinque Terre in Italy is one of the most colorful cities in the world.If you have the freedom to choose when to cruise, here's why our experts believe experiencing the Mediterranean in the fall months makes the most sense. 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). Spend a day bathing in the sun at Platis Gialos, one of Mykonos' most famous beaches. Here are a few reasons you may want to cruise the Mediterranean in spring or in summer: Although the Mediterranean looks picture-perfect during the summer, with crystalline waters hugged by lush vegetation, many travelers know its a feast for the senses during this time of year. But with so much to see and (typically) a limited amount of time to take it all in, maximizing your Mediterranean vacation is a must. Morocco, Greece, Malta, Corsica, Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia are some of the best countries to visit during spring season.

This means less tourists in port so must-see spots and can't-miss sites will be typically easier to explore and navigate. Top Greek Foods to Try While Traveling in Greece.

We value your privacy. Except Corfu, a thunderstorm cell caught us, 4 hours of continuous rain, then sun again. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! There are pros and cons of each time of year to visit the Mediterranean. If you dont mind rain or look forward to slipping into a cozy sweater when temperatures drop, youll have more options to escape the crowds. But during the fall and spring sweet spot months of April, May, September, and October, the lines of high and low season blur, and travelers can find not only good deals, but sublime weather and sightseeing conditions, as well. 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. 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, dcor. Its not unusual to see a school of sardines and anchovies when you head in for a dive or snorkel during the fall months. What ports do Mediterranean cruises leave from? Marguerite Island, Santorini: Luxury Small Group Catamaran w/ Meal & Open Bar, From Corfu Island: Day Cruise to Paxi Islands & Blue Caves, Travel film: Mediterranean cruise with AIDA, 1. General information and popular routes. Unfortunately we had a lot of rain, and on the only day at sea there was a storm but heavy, wind force 10 which was very unusual in this region. June in the Mediterranean offers beautiful weather and long, sunny days.

Register for our newsletter to receive exclusive deals, travel tips, InsiderExtras, and more! Cruise to the volcanic islands of Santorinis caldera region. Ships arrive at the end of April or early May, the start of the springs shoulder season in the Mediterranean. A classic beach day on the Amalfi Coast or French Riviera will be best during these months, with water averaging around 75-80F in places like Capri and Nice. The most widely available cruise length is 7 nights; however 10- to 12-night itineraries are also extremely popular. The crowds will have thinned out and youll have more space to enjoy popular attractions such as Las Ramblas in Barcelona.

Tips for traveling alone on Mediterranean cruisesCruising is geared towards those traveling in pairs, as the rate is for a cabin with double occupancy.

If youre ready to experience the beauty of Mediterranean in person, contact one of our vacation planners today! 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. And, despite not being in the Mediterranean, Englands Dover and Southampton (just outside of London) are popular jumping off points for Western Mediterranean itineraries. By September and October, the summer cruise crowds have usually dissipated. 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. Have questions?

However, May to June and September to October is the best time to take a Mediterranean cruise. Dont expect hot, sunny beach weather but cooler temps in the 40s to low 70s Fahrenheit. Families will appreciate the kid-friendly appeal and budget price tag with interior cabins ranging from $600 to $1,100 per person for a 7-night cruise. Crowds will not be as prevalent on a fall cruise to the Mediterranean due to the start of the school year and end of summer vacation. Springtime in the Mediterranean welcomes a wonderland of personalities. If so, make sure to book your cruise to Croatia some time from mid-July to the end of August. Peak season is when students are out of school, and vacationers flock to the warm, sunny beaches and coastal attractions. This is the time when temperature drops accompanied by winter rains making some days unbearably chilly. September and October are part of the shoulder season, when kids go back to school and vacation prices dip. Really hot. Ultimately, whichever season you cruise to the Mediterranean you will encounter incredible history, delicious food, extraordinary scenery, and diverse cultures. 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. The windows in obstructed view rooms are partially blocked by lifeboats or beams and sell for less. Visit Barcelona around the end of September for a chance to see spirited bands parading through the streets, attracting locals and visitors alike. The first step to planning a Mediterranean cruise is deciding which itinerary and ship to book. If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call 800-258-7245 for assistance, Copyright 2022 Windstar Cruises Travel Blog. Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to bea useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. Visit Florence and dine on seasonal produce in the home of a resident farmer. Most ships have alternative dining venues, and service charges can range from $10 to $20 (and counting) on most mass-market cruise lines. This is the perfect time of the year to enjoy the sea and soak up sun. including Climate Table and Climate Chart, From Corfu Island: Antipaxos & Paxos Blue Caves Boat Cruise, Mallorca: Island Tour with Boat & Train Ride from the South, Round-Trip Ferry Ticket: Cannes to Ste. The goal is to think about what you want to do during your adventure, whether that be sunbathing on a Mediterranean beach or eating pizza with locals as you watch the rain trickle down medieval rooftops. Often, if you visit in high season, you will have better weather and more open attractions, but thicker crowds. Furthermore, there are some charts you can use for quick comparison of climate between the regions. Only in La Spezia it rained continuously and briefly in Rome. For more details on price variations for specific types=. Choose from a morning or afternoon departure. Jump to: Western Mediterranean cruise season Length of Western Mediterranean cruises Departure ports for Western Mediterranean cruises Cruise lines servicing the Western Mediterranean Western Mediterranean ports Our favorite Western Mediterranean cruises, Western Mediterranean cruise seasonHigh Season: Late Mayearly SeptemberLow Season: NovemberMarchSweet Spot: Late Aprilearly May; late SeptemberOctober. To start planning your Mediterranean cruise, reach out to a Windstar Vacation Planner today! The sun wont be quite as fierce, which makes walking the hills of Santorini or the winding streets of Rome a much more enjoyable experience. Prices in September and October tend to be comparable to prices seen in May or early June, allowing for great savings compared to cruising in July or August. For more information please see www.abta.com. Inside These have no windows but offer the same room service and room stewards as other cabins. Weather during this time is in transition from wintery cold to upcoming summer heat.

Connect with a CruiseInsider expert today at 1 (877) 734-68508 to start planning your fall Mediterranean cruise. Cons: Peak season means more tourists. These often include several nights accommodations and tours that complement the itinerary. Try a singles cruise. Travelers will encounter stunning beaches, remarkable landmarks of architecture and history, picturesque small towns, and thriving metropolises. VacationsToGo.com and SinglesCruise.com bring singles groups on major boats for special activities, parties, dining, and roommate matching. Our cruise holidays are ATOL protected (No. Known to have the best weather of the year, these mid-summer months welcome guests to dip their toes in the crystalline ocean. While many Americans first acquire their sea legs hopping between the island paradises of the Caribbean (see our Caribbean Cruises 101), the siren call of the Mediterranean sounds out strong, enticing U.S. travelers to traverse the Atlantic in search of the regions treasure trove of ports steeped in rich histories and captivating cultures. Princess Cruises is a member of ABTA, (membership number V8764) which means you have the benefit of ABTAs assistance and Code of Conduct. For many people, visiting the Mediterranean is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Prices vary based on cruise line. First time cruising? Sunny and dry weather. Readers' Choice Awards: Best Cruise Itineraries. Cruising the Eastern Mediterranean generally delivers balmy weather, calm seas, and epic ports of call in Italy, Greece, and Croatia, in addition to less frequent stops in Turkey, Israel, and Egypt. When is Mediterranean cruise season?Cruising in the Mediterranean is possible year-round, though the peak season lasts from late May to early September. This time of year, raptors and flamingoes can be found in Spain, France, and Portugal while endangered species like the lesser kestrel, rock partridge and the legendary peregrine falcon are often seen in Croatia and Montenegro respectively. How much do Mediterranean cruises cost?Mediterranean cruises come with a vast range of price tags, with variables like ports of call, ships, sailing dates, and the number of nights all coming into consideration. During winter there are few options for cruises and many places close for the season. Mediterranean cruise season begins in spring (May) and lasts until late fall (November). Oceanview Also called an outside cabin, these have non-opening windows.

Call Your Travel Advisor or a Windstar Vacation Planner. Temperatures in the Mediterranean drop as leaves fall, making autumn days ideal for sightseeing. What is the best time to cruise the Mediterranean? 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. What kind of cruise lines operate in the Mediterranean? Location, Location, Location The smoothest sailing part of a cruise ship is on the lower decks, midship. Book the lower deck to save money and keep seasickness at bay. Cons: Depending on where you cruise, water temps may be brisk for a swim in the sapphire seas. Length of Western Mediterranean cruisesTypically, Western Mediterranean cruises last anywhere from five to 14 nights. Expect high temperatures no matter where you visit in the Mediterranean during July and August. 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. Peak season, which generally runs from late spring to the end of summer, has its benefits, and there are reasons why many travelers sail this time of the year despite the crowds. Shoulder season is the time right before or after high season. How long do Mediterranean cruises last? What ports do Mediterranean cruises leave from? What kind of cruise lines operate in the Mediterranean? How much do Mediterranean cruises cost? On the other hand, if crowded places make you uncomfortable, its probably worth cruising the Mediterranean when everyone else has returned to work or school.

Eastern Mediterranean from/to Venice: wonderful weather, always sun, hardly any wind, hardly any waves. Length of Eastern Mediterranean cruisesLike Western Mediterranean cruises, these itineraries usually last five to 14 nights. Whether you are expecting the royal treatment, seeking a low-frills budget vacation, or opting in for an educational adventure, youll find it in the Mediterranean. Cruise from 14 21 May 2017 Venice-Bari-Corfu-Athens-Dubrovnik-Venice. Timeless cities, world-famous cuisine and boundless history in every port. With that in mind, figure that an inside stateroom on a 7-night, mainstream, mega-ship cruise in high season tend to start around $900 per person, though the bargain shopper with flexibility can find price tags as low as $500 per person (often for last-minute sailings). Experience the beauty of Santorini on a luxury small group catamaran cruise.

Is November a Good Time to Cruise the Mediterranean? 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. After a season of intermission, the cities awaken in April. When you cruise the Mediterranean in the fall, prepare to celebrate. Many travelers recommended cruising during the shoulder months or the months that fall between low and high seasons, such as September or April. A region of diverse cultures, natural beauty, rich history, great weather and more can't-miss sights than almost anywhere else on earth, the Mediterranean attracts millions of travelers every year and spans several must-see destinations from Italy to Israel, Croatia to Cyprus, the Amalfi Coast to the Turquoise Coast, Corsica to Sardinia and Portugal to Greece. Your answers to these questions will help you determine the best time of year to visit the Mediterranean according to your unique travel preferences. Fall harvest season means more wine festivals and Food and Wine Tours. Check out newsletters with cruise-bargain listings published by the cruise lines themselves, travel agencies, and online resources like our Europe Cruise Deals page. Whether you prefer uncrowded fishing villages or glamorous coastal cities, youll find something to take your breath away at any time of the year. Fall is a considered the best time to cruise the Mediterranean for cultural excursions without the crowds. Would love your thoughts, please comment. The Western Med averages around 65 to 80 cruises per month during the summer high season, with over 20 options for embarkation more than twice that of the Eastern Mediterranean. It is advised to avoid travelling to the region during this time of the year unless you enjoy cold weather and some rains. Whereas rain in the Mediterranean is rare throughout the majority of summer, the chance of precipitation tends to increase in October, although unlikely to bring heavy rainfall. 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. Summer is also peak season, so expect hordes of tourists everywhere. 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. 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 feel like you need sunny, warm weather to enjoy your cruise to the fullest, you may want to prioritize the weather when planning your trip. European tourists flocking to Mediterranean beaches in August have returned home by mid-September, and the peak season for land-based tours and travel has ended. For a full description of the cruise line categories (mainstream, premium, deluxe/specialty, and luxury), see our frequently asked questions. Here are questions to ask yourself before you book your cruise. Anticipate more rainy days and waves. In Dubrov, taste local favorites through cooking classes and themed dinners. Late June through mid-August are the busiest times to cruise to the Mediterranean. Departure ports alternate between Athens (Piraeus), Istanbul, and Venice, sometimes sharing Rome (Civitavecchia) as an embarkation point with their Western Mediterranean-bound counterparts.

Not covered are tips, alcoholic beverages, soda, special dining venues, and shore excursions. Water temperature in Mykonos, Greece, for example, tends to average around 66F in May versus 78F in August. Specialty cruises like Voyages to Antiquity can also into fit this category, bundling shore excursions with onboard enrichment programs to give each voyage a sense of theme (history, culinary, etc.). Along with the budding flowers of spring, the streets are decorated with local characters. By switching to a smaller ship and room category, youre guaranteed to find lower prices. Premium Premium ships place an emphasis on off-the-path itineraries, offering lengthier cruises that allow more time to sample the regions ports Holland America, Princess, and Celebrity all fall into this category. Also occurring every fall, the Mediterranean shores and coasts come alive with a diversity of marine wildlife and bird species. 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. 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. Aside from architectural gems like La Sagrada Familia and Parc Gell, the city hosts the Sitges Wine Harvest and Cavatast Festival in October drawing from nearby Rioja and Ribera regions. It couldnt be better.

Check the specials page. Junior Suites These are balcony cabins with more square footage, larger bathrooms, a separate seating area, and larger closets. Youll also want to think about rain and how much youre willing to tolerate to avoid crowds. 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).

For optimal weather and adventures aplenty, the best time to cruise the Mediterranean is in the spring, summer or fall season, from early April through late November. Your details are safe with us. Shorter flight times to Western Mediterranean embarkation points for U.S. travelers than to those for Eastern Mediterranean sailings contribute to its widespread appeal, and nearly all major cruise lines service this region, opening it to cruisers of varying backgrounds, budgets, and interests. In the following, you will find climate charts for the regions. See countrysides blanketed in lavender, cities sprinkled with oleander and balconies brimming with geranium. Sail to almost anyplace you can dream of. A solo cruiser pays a singles' supplement, usually a 50 percent markup of the per-person rate.

If you dont mind a lot of fellow travelers and would prefer to visit when its hot and sunny, you might want to cruise the Mediterranean in the summer. Send us your story for a chance to be featured on our blog. The peak season for Mediterranean cruises runs from May through August, with July and August being the most popular months. 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. Swim in hot springs, admire views from an active volcano and explore the typical villages of Thirassia and Oia. Great deals happen. Site content may not be reproduced without express written permission. Jump to: Eastern Mediterranean cruise season Length of Eastern Mediterranean cruises Departure ports for Eastern Mediterranean cruises Cruise lines servicing the Eastern Mediterranean Eastern Mediterranean ports Our favorite Eastern Mediterranean cruisesEastern Mediterranean cruise seasonHigh Season: Late Mayearly SeptemberLow Season: NovemberMarchSweet Spot: Late Aprilearly May; late SeptemberOctober. High Season: Late Mayearly SeptemberLow Season: NovemberMarchSweet Spot: Late Aprilearly May; late SeptemberOctober. In terms of Mediterranean cruises, shoulder season would be spring or fall. With quintessential weather and bustling communities, summer is one of the best times to cruise the Mediterranean. This is the time of the year when flora is at its full bloom and greenery is lush. For those looking for optimal tour conditions, the best time to cruise the Mediterranean may well be in the fall. Use a cruise-only agency to make the purchase. The same sailing and stateroom category on a cruise in mid-July is priced at $4,360 total. It was sunshine every day, 25 degrees Celsius every day, no rain, hardly any clouds, magical sunrises and sunsets. Some small-ship companies like Voyages to Antiquity and Cruise West will sometimes reduce or waive the single-traveler supplement as part of promotional efforts, or to fill smaller cabins. We never post anything without your permission. Shop for homemade souvenirs along the quaint streets of Capri. Here are smart ways to go solo: Get a roommate. With that said, you likely have specific preferences when it comes to world travel, and seasons can affect the type of experience you have.

The key to a pleasurable journey regardless of the season is to prepare ahead, know what to expect and remember to relax youre exploring one of the most desirable regions in the entire world. 4. Is it ever the wrong time to cruise the Mediterranean? 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. Sailing the storied waters of the Mediterranean offers a sense of romance and adventure on the high seas that is virtually unsurpassed, with its shimmering, cerulean sea providing access to a staggering array of diversified ports, ranging from sleepy old-world fishing villages nestled by coastal cliffs to bustling and exotic metropolises that span Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East.