Table Of Content
The shoulder seasons may not be the warmest, but they typically offer better pricing than summer cruises. For example, a 14-night sailing to the Baltic with Holland America is $949 in early May 2023 but $1,329 in mid-June. Summer is from May to October, and winter falls between November and April. There's not much variation in temperature between the two seasons, with daytime temperatures hovering around 80 degrees in the summer and not falling much more than that into the high 70s in the winter. Since the temperatures are similar during both seasons, the best time to cruise the islands is when there's less chance of precipitation, which is during the summer months of June, July and August.
About Mediterranean Cruises
• 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). Prices can fluctuate a lot between the sale date and the sail date (usually a six- to 12-month span). 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.
I've been on 50 cruises. Here are 5 things I wish I'd known before sailing in the Mediterranean.
Most ships stay in Europe through summer before beginning a global dispersion between October and November. Disney Cruise Line is the first to leave, with its last summer Mediterranean sailing usually falling in July. Celebrity is among the last to leave, often continuing its Mediterranean cruises well into December and even January, incorporating the holiday season. What makes the fall months an exciting time of year for a Mediterranean cruise is its plethora of special events and festivals that lend themselves to unique cultural experiences travelers can immerse themselves in. The Grape Harvest Festivals in regions known for winemaking, such as Peloponnese in Greece or Tuscany in Italy, are excellent for wine lovers.
Distances to Mediterranean Cruises
During those months, it's more pleasant to engage in outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking, which are a highlight when visiting places like Panama and Costa Rica. • Pre- and post-cruise land packages are not included but are very popular with Mediterranean cruises. These often include several nights’ accommodations and tours that complement the itinerary. That being said, as the temperatures are still favorable in early fall, don’t expect to have Mediterranean destinations to yourself.
Several luxury lines like Silversea, Crystal, and Seabourn offer lower single supplements than most other lines (averaging 10 to 25 percent extra). • Airfare is not included in a cruise rate unless it’s specifically advertised. Some cruise lines may include airfare as part of a promotion, which will be very clear in the wording of the price quote. • Check out newsletters with cruise-bargain listings published by the cruise lines themselves, travel agencies, and online resources like our Europe Cruise Deals page.
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]
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.
Embark on an unforgettable Mediterranean adventure and discover a region brimming with diversity. From the magnificent beaches and historic sites of Eastern Mediterranean ports to the vibrant and artistic cities of Western Mediterranean ports, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Immerse yourself in the stunning architecture of Spain and Italy, bask in the sun on Greece's beautiful shores, or marvel at the ancient treasures of Istanbul and Malta. Even though there are festivities during the month (including Easter and the Peppercorn Ceremony), it's still early in the tourist season. April through early June and September to November are typically when you'll find the cheapest prices. Norwegian Cruise Line has a seven-night itinerary sailing round-trip from Boston in April that starts at $779 per person.
THE 25 BEST Romantic & Couples Cruises to Mediterranean (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST Romantic & Couples Cruises to Mediterranean (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Sat, 20 Apr 2024 16:14:46 GMT [source]
It’s worth noting that summer cruises can be busier and the fares will have higher prices due to the high demand. Springtime in the Mediterranean is a delightful season marked by pleasant temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds. 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. Thanksgiving is not celebrated in Europe, so your November cruise vacation won’t include any major holiday weekends.
Best time to cruise the Panama Canal: December-March
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. Sample traditional dishes in the lively waterfront promenade, explore 2,300 years of history at sites like White Tower and Byzantine churches, or take a food tour through the city’s renowned street markets. Athens is the birthplace of democracy and the hub of ancient Greek culture. Take a stroll through historic Plaka, ascend to the Acropolis for stunning views over the city, explore world-class museums filled with ancient artifacts, or venture out to nearby islands like Hydra and Aegina. Mykonos is the quintessential Greek island, with whitewashed streets, blue-domed churches, and stunning beaches.
The varied choices of itineraries, cruise lines and ships can be intimidating, but rest assured, you can't really go wrong with any of them. Just know that once you go, you may feel a need to return — either to see a port you loved more in-depth on a land vacation or to sail to the Mediterranean countries you missed on your first go-round. Another smart time to book a Mediterranean cruise is during January or February when cruise lines run their "wave season" sales, often with lots of extra freebies thrown into the cost of the sailing. You might find last-minute deals on spring cruises to Europe or still be considered early for fall itineraries. Most major cruise lines send at least one ship to the Mediterranean every year.
However, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises stand out for including a large variety of shore excursions in their cruise fares. If you're a foodie, these two lines plus Oceania Cruises are notable for their culinary tours in port, plus destination-themed cooking classes on board. Livorno is a port city located in the Tuscany region of Italy, and it’s one of the most popular cruise stops in the Mediterranean Sea. The city features a centuries-old town center with narrow cobblestone streets that are lined with quaint shops and cafes. Livorno also has incredible natural beauty with its beaches, rolling hillsides, and breathtaking views of the sea.
The only significant public holiday is All Saints’ Day, November 1, which is celebrated in most Catholic countries. 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.
Do you want to visit the Mediterranean to lie on the beach and swim at most ports you visit? 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.
This charming seaside town is home to ancient ruins, white sand beaches, and beautiful bays. Adventure seekers can take a boat tour around Pigeon Island or explore some of the nearby caves. For shopping, head to the bustling bazaars or pick up some souvenirs at the local markets. Research the specific destinations and ports of call you’d like to visit during your cruise. Cruising in the Mediterranean during spring offers the advantage of comfortable temperatures, allowing you to explore ports of call without being overwhelmed by summer heat.
No comments:
Post a Comment