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From the sun-drenched Greek islands to the romantic coastal towns of Italy and the captivating beauty of Spain and France, the Mediterranean is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to be a useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. Barcelona, for example, sees daily highs in the mid 70s and low 80s in September, whereas in October the daily highs tend to be in the low to mid 70s.
Thessaloniki, Greece
Although fewer people travel to the Mediterranean in the winter, the weather can still be pleasant. During the Advent season, Christmas markets appear in various cities and provide a spectacular shopping experience. The cost of a cruise can increase over the holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's), but overall costs can be cut in half.
Are businesses closed in August?
Whether you’re looking for a sun-soaked getaway or an immersive cultural experience, we have you covered. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and let’s set sail on a journey to find the perfect time to cruise. Princess Cruises first started sailing in the Mediterranean in 1985, and the cruise line has never looked back. In celebration of its 40th anniversary in the Med next year, the cruise line is sending the new Sun Princess to join her sister ship, Star Princess, for her first season of cruising. Until then, the 7-Day Mediterranean with Greece & Italy on the brand new Sun Princess is a terrific way to experience this part of the world. Departing Piraeus, near Athens, she calls upon Montenegro; Corfu, Greece; and Sicily and Naples, Italy, before arriving in Barcelona, with plenty of shore excursions from which to choose.
What is the Best Time for a Mediterranean Cruise?
But while you might be able to cruise the Mediterranean in winter, your choice of ports is somewhat limited. We found no sailings to the popular ports of Corfu, Dubrovnik or Koper, Slovenia in December or January. The vines are turning golden and beach destinations are beginning to take on an end-of-season feel, although you should still enjoy plenty of sunny days.
Mediterranean Cruise Ports in Montenegro
The Mediterranean, as it is known, is a year-round vacation spot with lively holiday markets and yearly wine festivals. Depending on whether you want to save some money while avoiding the crowds or enjoy the coastal sun, you should consider when the time of year you want to sail. The spring, summer, or fall, from early March to late November, when the weather is great and there are plenty of activities to enjoy, is the best season to cruise the Mediterranean. Many local businesses close their doors in the winter, making it challenging for visitors to fully appreciate the Mediterranean. 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.
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. If you've never been to Europe, you may feel overwhelmed by destination choices. If you know which ports are on your must-see list, you might be more stumped by which cruise line to choose or which specific itinerary will be the best for you. Sue has been writing about cruising for 20 years and is lucky enough to have sailed all seven continents. She lives in London, where she is cruise editor of The Times and The Sunday Times newspapers, as well as a freelance contributor to magazines and websites worldwide. If you’re looking to avoid high temperatures while on a Mediterranean cruise vacation, then it’s best to avoid the last half of July and the entire month of August when average temperatures can reach over 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Discover the historic city of Istanbul, Turkey, where you can explore a rich culture and heritage. Take in the grandeur of Topkapı Palace or marvel at the beauty of Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Enjoy an evening boat ride along the Bosphorus River or wander through one of Istanbul’s bustling markets. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican City, and immerse yourself in the city’s culinary delights and vibrant street life. Rest assured, these are all “Mediterranean” cruises, as are cruises that visit Nice France, and Portugal.
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. You'll learn the basics of itineraries, cruise lines, destinations, when to go and when to book your European adventure at sea. Rain is more common across the Mediterranean in October and November than most other months, but the average monthly rainfall, even in the fall, is three inches or less. Don't forget the famed Acqua Alta, or mega-tides in Venice, which will leave you sloshing through St. Mark's Square in rubber boots. Though a genuinely rare occurrence, the high tides are most likely to happen in November and December, making them a concern when booking a cruise on one of the handful of ships with November stops in Venice.
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. Fields are bright with wildflowers and temperatures can rise to 63°F (17°C) in Cyprus and 62°F (16°C) in Athens. Expect average highs of 62.6°F (17°C) in sunny Malaga, which is a long way south, and 59°F (15°C) in Barcelona in January.
20 best Mediterranean cruises for a great seagoing getaway - The Times
20 best Mediterranean cruises for a great seagoing getaway.
Posted: Tue, 09 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Ports in the Southern Mediterranean, including those in Cyprus and Egypt, enjoy bright, sunny days almost year-round. In these winter months, you’ll have museums and galleries virtually to yourself. Restaurants and bars remain open in port cities, and the atmosphere is, if anything, more relaxed than at the height of summer. Each European river has its own charm and attractions, so it’s important to research specific rivers and their highlights when planning your cruise.
25 BEST Mediterranean Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to the Mediterranean on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
25 BEST Mediterranean Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to the Mediterranean on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:35:23 GMT [source]
Even Carnival Cruise Line, known for its affordable cruises out of U.S. home ports, offers some Mediterranean sailings, as does Disney Cruise Line, which typically bases its ships near its theme parks. If avoiding high prices and crowd congestion is your priority, rule out summer months and stick with either winter or the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. If you want to enjoy wine tastings while in port during your Mediterranean cruise, tasting rooms are usually open for visitors during the entire cruise season. However, wine aficionados looking for a truly special time to visit the Mediterranean should book their cruise during wine harvest season in September and October, when the grapes become ripe and ready for fermentation. As you might expect, there are fewer Mediterranean cruise options in the winter months. If there are specific "must-visit" ports on your list, a peak season cruise might be a better option.
Now, let’s venture to the pristine wilderness of Alaska and discover the best months for an Alaskan cruise.
The trip includes stops in Italy (including Venice, Sicily, Amalfi, and Rome), Greece (including Katakolon, Souda, and Mykonos), Albania, and Malta (including Valletta and Mgarr). When not exploring at port, make sure to take advantage of the ship’s luxurious spa, which comes with the bonus of the soft rocking of the waves to lull you into tranquility. Silversea is tailor-made for those who like to cruise with fewer passengers onboard. The line offers ships with between 51 to 364 suites, meaning they max out at far fewer passengers than its larger counterparts, which enables more personalized service and higher-end amenities. It also offers all-inclusive packages to reduce the stressors that often come with pay-as-you-go travel.
Or relive history in the medieval city of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For those looking for optimal tour conditions, the best time to cruise the Mediterranean may well be in the fall. Royal Caribbean is known for its large, innovative ships offering plenty of onboard activities and amenities. The cruise line offers a variety of Mediterranean itineraries, with stops in ports such as Barcelona, Rome, and Santorini.
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