While smaller vessels can tender almost anywhere in the Mediterranean region, there are dozens of popular destinations frequently found on Eastern itineraries. This is also one of the best times to take a cruise to the region and explore it on waters. The Mediterranean waters also remain warm enough for a swim as late as November and calm enough for easy sailing. Mediterranean Cruises in Summer
Water temperatures during this time of year will not be as warm as they will be later in the summer, though. How long do Mediterranean cruises last?Mediterranean cruises typically last between five and 14 nights, and with countless ports to choose from in close proximity, one can expect destination-intensive itineraries, with not too many days spent at sea. Some even have dining rooms, butlers pantries, hot tubs, and baby grand pianos. Mediterranean cruises in Spring
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. 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. Upscale and luxury lines also offer longer itineraries of up to 30 nights (often bookable as a leg on longer world cruises). 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.
20102022Regal Sea Media LLC. Mediterranean cruise season begins in spring (May) and lasts until late fall (November). It is not uncommon for lengthier sailings to cover both regions, particularly with some of the luxury cruise lines. During the winter, many locals close up shop, making it difficult for travelers to enjoy the full Mediterranean experience. 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. Temperatures begin to cool down in late September and early October, but still remain relatively pleasant. Along with the budding flowers of spring, the streets are decorated with local characters. 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. 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. Early to mid-September can be looked at as an extension of summer in most Mediterranean cruise ports, with hot, sunny temperatures. Crew members aboard luxury lines like Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent Seven Seas define the term at your service. Prepare to be fully pampered in lavish spas and to relish exquisite cuisine designed by celebrity chefs. Santorini: Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit. Late September, for example, could be the perfect month to enjoy pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Major tourist sites and the majority of businesses within cities will remain open in August. Prime vacation time for those traveling to Europe and for Europeans themselves, Mediterranean ports of call will be bustling with energy and the regions beaches will be busier than normal. The seas are calmer by May and the temperatures start to climb into the mid-70s, which is a great temp for open-air plazas and beaches. All rights reserved. In that case, you may want to cruise the Mediterranean in the fall to attend autumn wine and food festivals. 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. 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. When is the best time for Mediterranean cruises. Western Mediterranean portsAlthough many luxury vessels and European-based cruise lines occasionally call on lesser-known ports of call, some of the most common Western Mediterranean destinations include: France: Cannes, Le Havre, Marseille, Nice Gibraltar: Gibraltar Italy: Livorno, Palermo, Rome (Civitavecchia), Savona Malta: Valetta Monaco: Monte Carlo Morocco: Agadir, Casablanca Portugal: Funchal, Lisbon, Portimao Spain: Barcelona, Cadiz (Seville), Ibiza, Lanzarote (Canary Islands), Las Palmas (Canary Islands), Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands), Tenerife (Canary Islands), Valencia, Vigo. Luxury lines like Silversea, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, and SeaDream Yacht Club include beverages and gratuities in their fares (as well as meals and entertainment). Is it ever the wrong time to cruise the Mediterranean? However, the draw of ideal summer vacation weather in June will bring more crowds than youll see in the shoulder season. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Royal Caribbean Blog. Whether you want to spend the day touring the Colosseum or taste the first Greek wines of the season, here are the best months to cruise the Mediterranean. dlg Regardless of the amount of cruise hours you may have logged, there is a ship stationed in the tranquil Mediterranean to fit every passengers desire mainstream mega-ships that are big on activities and value; intimate expedition-style vessels that focus on education; luxury liners that dole out pampering between ports; and tall ships that offer hands-on, back-to-basics sailings are just a sampling of the Mediterranean cruise experiences on hand. Send us your story for a chance to be featured on our blog. Cruise from 14 21 May 2017 Venice-Bari-Corfu-Athens-Dubrovnik-Venice. From Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with Meals and Drinks. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. It couldnt be better. Here are smart ways to go solo: Get a roommate. During the winter months, bargain shoppers will find the lowest rates for Mediterranean cruises, with temperatures hovering in the 50s and ports largely devoid of crowds. Stroll through Rome and toss a coin into the promising waters of Trevi Fountain. 3rd 2nd date week 2009 skateboard dailyskatetube bieber Upscale and luxury lines also offer longer itineraries of up to 30 nights (often as a bookable leg on a longer world cruise). Cruise agencies and online booking sites will usually list a major city (like the one that youd be flying into) on the itinerary and not the actual port, which can be several hours away. In the early season you can expect pleasant temperatures that are ideal for exploring the Mediterraneans cities. In Dubrov, taste local favorites through cooking classes and themed dinners. The weather at this time averages highs from 80 to 90 degrees (though temps can spike considerably in ports in Northern Africa and Israel), with a consistent humidity that makes for warm waters (primed for swimming) and little-to-no rain. 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. Comparing the pros and cons will help you get a complete picture of what to expect during each season, and ultimately help you choose the right time to cruise. Although no one definition of the Western Mediterraneans boundaries is set in stone, one can rightly consider the region to stretch from Agadir, Morocco, and the Canary Islands to the western coast of Italy. Depending on your sail date, you may even be able to sample Sicilys olives during their fall harvest season. What do you want to experience most during your Mediterranean cruise? Of course, cruising in the peak summer months does not always have to come with a huge price tag. Which size ship for a Mediterranean cruise? Whether you cruise the Mediterranean in the winter, spring or fall, youll have plenty to see, taste and explore all in one voyage. From Athens to Barcelona and everything in between, the Mediterranean offers unforgettable experiences all year. Leave room in your budget for shipboard expenses, because those extra costs like paying for espresso with dinner, or a service charge for pizza delivery to your stateroom can quickly add up. The same sailing and stateroom category on a cruise in mid-July is priced at $4,360 total. 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. We have the answers so your first time will be nothing but smooth sailing. With festivals all season long, you might be lucky enough to experience them for yourself. Or shop local markets with a celebrity chef in Corfu and learn about the regions delicacies. Sunny and dry weather. picernicbasket The summer brings endless sun to the Mediterranean. During the trip from Corsica to Rome, the weather was quite rough. Length of Western Mediterranean cruisesTypically, Western Mediterranean cruises last anywhere from five to 14 nights. Choosing when to cruise the Mediterranean can be a difficult choice, as each season brings its own benefits and drawbacks. This is the time of the year when flora is at its full bloom and greenery is lush. Read More, July - August is the best time to visit Mediterranean Region. Cities like Rome will be cooler, making a walk around town squares much more pleasant compared to the summer months. Prices can fluctuate a lot between the sale date and the sail date (usually a six- to 12-month span). It was sunshine every day, 25 degrees Celsius every day, no rain, hardly any clouds, magical sunrises and sunsets. Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. 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. July and August is the peak season of Mediterranean cruises, bringing the highest temperatures, prices, and crowds. We never post anything without your permission. Snorkel among the marine life, and enjoy a Greek buffet meal with drinks. The city of Nice stands out with its medieval town, gorgeous beaches, and golden hues against cloudless blue skies in the fall. It is advised to avoid travelling to the region during this time of the year unless you enjoy cold weather and some rains. Book the lower deck to save money and keep seasickness at bay. 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. Royal Caribbeans Mediterranean season continues to late October or early November, at which point ships return to the Caribbean for the winter season. Several luxury lines like Silversea, Crystal, and Seabourn offer lower single supplements than most other lines (averaging 10 to 25 percent extra). port piraeus athens cruise greece map iqcruising guide However, Savona, Genoa, and Bari, in Italy; Malaga, Spain; and Monte Carlo, Monaco, also see their fair share of action throughout the season. Other things to watch out for Double-check the destination. 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. Itineraries tend to be largely cookie-cutter, with ships calling on the largest and most popular ports of call. Sail to almost anyplace you can dream of. Balcony or Veranda The most popular choice: A sliding-glass door opens to a private deck with a table, chairs, and a safety railing. 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. The crowds will be thinner, as most kids arent out of school yet. While there isnt necessarily a perfect time to take a Mediterranean cruise, this guide should help you decide which season works best for you. 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. Choose from a morning or afternoon departure. Create and share itinerary, download PDF Guides and free access to Holidify's full content. With quintessential weather and bustling communities, summer is one of the best times to cruise the Mediterranean. What ports do Mediterranean cruises leave from? During winter there are few options for cruises and many places close for the season. Get special free access to our hand-picked deals and expert insider advice delivered right to your inbox. What the fare covers on Mediterranean cruises On mainstream cruise lines, the fare includes meals, room service, entertainment, and aside from a handful of special pay-for activities, the run of the ship. In Barcelona, expect highs of around 70Fthroughout most of May, with temperatures rising toward the end of the month. Not only that, but there will be fewer tourists in your ports of call. Food and wine is another highlight for Mediterranean cruises in the fall. Peak season is when students are out of school, and vacationers flock to the warm, sunny beaches and coastal attractions. Is November a Good Time to Cruise the Mediterranean? That being said, as the temperatures are still favorable in early fall, dont expect to have Mediterranean destinations to yourself. VacationsToGo.com and SinglesCruise.com bring singles groups on major boats for special activities, parties, dining, and roommate matching. Royal Caribbean has, Cruising on theMediterranean Sea is among one of the most popular cruising destinations available. Consider what you want to do the most at each port. 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. Departed from Venice,Bari,Olympia,Athens,Dubrovnik,Venice. July to August is one of the peak seasons for tourism in Mediterranean region when weather is weather is hot and sunny and water is warm. Further south in Cyprus, expect daily highs in the mid 80s in September and low 80s in October. 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. Certain premium (like Princess and Celebrity) and luxury (including Crystal, Oceania, and Seabourn) lines trade these standard routes for off-the-path ports in Northern African and Middle Eastern locales like Egypt and Israel. Your details are safe with us. Chances are, on these itineraries, youll visit one or more ports that you may have never even heard of. These often include several nights accommodations and tours that complement the itinerary. In addition, the temperature in early September remains excellent, making the month one of the best times of the year for a Mediterranean cruise. Dubrovnik comes alive in summer. Not covered are tips, alcoholic beverages, soda, special dining venues, and shore excursions. Calm sea, pure sun. 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 elements are critical to having a satisfying voyage? 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. Princess Cruises is a member of ABTA, (membership number V8764) which means you have the benefit of ABTAs assistance and Code of Conduct. Only in La Spezia it rained continuously and briefly in Rome. 
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. From the iconic monuments of Italy to the ancient mythology of Greece, the Mediterranean is teeming with opportunities for exploration. Junior Suites These are balcony cabins with more square footage, larger bathrooms, a separate seating area, and larger closets. Expect high temperatures no matter where you visit in the Mediterranean during July and August. 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). Many travelers recommended cruising during the shoulder months or the months that fall between low and high seasons, such as September or April. Springtime in the Mediterranean welcomes a wonderland of personalities. 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. Some cruise lines may include airfare as part of a promotion, which will be very clear in the wording of the price quote. salerno italy cruise language italian ports 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. 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. For a full description of the cruise line categories (mainstream, premium, deluxe/specialty, and luxury), see our frequently asked questions. Some ships charge more for higher-deck cabins with the same design. harbour departing If not, just leave blank. Spend a day bathing in the sun at Platis Gialos, one of Mykonos' most famous beaches. 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. Winter in the Mediterranean is mild, but some shops may close in preparation for the upcoming season. Ships arrive at the end of April or early May, the start of the springs shoulder season in the Mediterranean. Current Weather in Cte DAzur (Station Le Cannet), Weather information provided by OpenWeatherMap. 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.
Luxury Enter butler service, stringent dress codes, and evening canaps delivered to your suite. Plan your trip with experts and get best offers. If youre traveling further south to Athens, though, expect highs around 75-80F. The windows in obstructed view rooms are partially blocked by lifeboats or beams and sell for less. Copyright 2010 - 2022 CruiseInsider. 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. October sees slightly chillier weather than September, but is also considered one of the best months for a Mediterranean cruise, and a bit of a hidden secret among those cruising to Europe in the fall. We were in Greece, Italy (Naples and Sicily) and Marseille. It is also the best time for those who like it hot. By considering when to cruise the Mediterranean, you can plan a voyage that suits your needs and desires best. 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. msc cruises poesia fly disabled mediterranean holidays 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. This is the perfect time of the year to enjoy the sea and soak up sun. Arriving a day early for an overnight stay in your port of embarkation is always a good idea, but when you are cruising outside of the U.S., its a must. Many Royal Caribbean ships cross the Atlantic in April each year, traveling from the Caribbean to Europe in preparation for the cruise season. August is a popular vacation time for locals in Rome and there may be some closed shops and attractions. For more details on price variations for specific types=. Check the specials page. During low season, average mainstream cruise prices are usually priced $200 to $500 less than on the same itineraries in the summer months. 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.). For example, November is the wettest month in Rome, and July is the driest. Summer, fall and spring are the best times for Mediterranean cruises. Would love your thoughts, please comment. We want to know: how was the weather during your Mediterranean Cruises holiday? Maybe you cant wait to tour different wineries and leave all your worries behind. fell mediterranean croatia awake longstaff bahia The weather was simply super in the eastern Mediterranean, as well as the destinations would be more than worth seeing. See countrysides blanketed in lavender, cities sprinkled with oleander and balconies brimming with geranium.
