When Is The Best Time To Visit The Mediterranean To Avoid Crowds
Summer has always been considered high season for travelers looking to visit the Mediterranean, and the months of and tend to get especially crowded at popular hot spots.
If you want to avoid the crowds as much as possible, opt for a cruise that departs during the shoulder seasons which run from April through May and September through November.
If you want to increase your chances of enjoying hot, sunny weather while avoiding crowds at ports and attractions, June is also a good time to cruise the Mediterranean. Cruises in June usually see less crowd than the more popular months of July and August since school is just getting out and many families havent started their summer vacations yet.
Best Tall Ship Cruise: Windstar Cruises
Courtesy of;Windstar Cruises
- Ship Name: Wind Surf
- Itinerary: Opatija, Croatia;;Zadar, Croatia; Split, Croatia; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; Piran, Slovenia; Venice, Italy
Feel the power of the wind on a voyage through the Adriatic Sea with Windstar Cruises, a luxury tall-sailing ship cruise line. On the Quintessential Croatia cruise, travelers will explore parts of the Eastern Mediterranean region including sleepy seaside resort towns like Opatija as well as bustling cities like Split, home to Diocletians Palace a UNESCO World Heritage Site.;As a partner to the James Beard Foundation, passengers experience exceptional cuisine onboard from award-winning chefs, plus themed voyages include live cooking demos, market tours and beverage pairings.;The recently-renovated, 310-passenger ship also has an open-bridge policy, a water sports platform and several elegant viewing lounges.;
River Cruises In Europe
Important rivers such as Danube, Rhone, and the Rhine are popular for their scenic cruising experience. Spring and fall seasons are perfect for river cruises. In April, you can witness the glory of blooming Dutch tulips while in September you get a chance to enjoy the charm of Monet’s garden. November and December is also a great time if you wish to enjoy Christmas markets in Eastern Europe, Germany, and Austria.
Depending on your personal preference you can book a cruise to Europe in summer, spring, fall, or even in the winters. Europe cruise vacation promises an unmatched, magical experience that you and your family will cherish forever.
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Whens The Best Time To Visit The Mediterranean For Wine Tastings
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.
Read: Best Wine Cruise Destinations
During harvest time, Celebrity Cruises can arrange a wine-focused group shore excursion or private journey, where youll be able to tour wineries and get an in-depth look at the harvesting process, which may include an afternoon of grape picking and wine tasting.
Packing For A Winter Mediterranean Cruise
Packing for a Mediterranean cruise in the winter takes a little planning ahead. You definitely want to consider layers since the weather is unpredictable. Depending on the ports you visit, it can be very cold during the winter, so you want to be prepared while not over-packing. For women, consider sticking to one color palette, which will help you mix and match items. Some winter essentials:
Have you experienced a Mediterranean cruise before? What’s your favorite time to visit? Let us know in the comments! And be sure to sign up for emails and stay up to date with the latest cruise deals.
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The Best Time Of Year To Take A Mediterranean Cruise
The Mediterranean climate is very similar to that of Southern California, with warm sunny summers and cool, wet winters. Traditionally, summertime is the peak cruise period for the Mediterranean, though shoulder season and even winter season cruises offer intriguing alternatives for tourists looking to avoid the crowds.
What Should I Pack For A Mediterranean Cruise
- Euros a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Translation apps on your smartphone so you can communicate with the locals, a credit card with chip technology
- Plug adapter if you have a pre- or post-cruise stay planned at a European hotel
- For Women: a scarf, shawl, or light sweater to cover your shoulders for church mosque visits ;
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Two bathing suits , a beach cover-up, and a water bottle
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Eastern Canada And New England Cruise Season
High Season: September and October
Sailing during this season: This time of year fetches high prices on land and sea for that
quintessential autumn in New England. You can see the leaves at various stages of colour as you cruise up the East Coast to Canada. The cooler temperatures make for nice walks in the numerous port cities, and as schools are generally not on holiday yet, the cruise itself is slightly quieter.
Low/Shoulder Season: July and August
Sailing during this season: The off-peak months have become quite popular as of late, with the excellent summer weather making the Canadian towns particularly nice. It is the best time for water sport enthusiasts and families, and these cruises have recently become high in demand.
New Zealand Cruise Season
High Season: December February
Sailing during this season: The weather in New Zealand is never so miserable that theres no point in going, but with temperatures ranging from 20 30 degrees Celsius, the summer months are the peak cruising times. This also makes it probable to be more expensive and more crowded. It is also worth noting that the South Island can be colder than the North Island, even in summer.
Low/Shoulder Season: May August
Sailing during this season: Cruises to New Zealand are offered all year round, and there are always things to see and do. May to August are the coldest months, and daylight hours are shorter, so cruising options are limited. The weather during September to November are, however, the hardest months to predict.
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Who Should Take One
It’s hard to find a more romantic cruise destination than the Med.;– Photo by Seabourn
Mediterranean voyages are a good match for many types of people. It’s the perfect;option;for couples who want to experience the romance of Europe, for families that wish to introduce their children to the deep history of the region, and for singles and friends who want a destination-intensive vacation that keeps them busy.
When’s The Best Time To Cruise To The Mediterranean
Rome can be crowded during the summer months.; – Photo by Shutterstock
Summer is a fantastic time to visit the Mediterranean because of the temperatures, but it’s also the most crowded. Many in-the-know cruisers prefer shoulder seasonApril/May and September/October, the time between high and low seasoninstead. If you do book a summertime cruise, note that much of Europe goes on vacation in August. That can mean certain tourist attractions, shops and restaurants will be closed during your visit. So, while August is a popular month to cruise the Med, it might not be the best option for you especially if you’re a first-time visitor to these ports of call and you want to see and do it all. Also, if hot weather bothers you, consider a Mediterranean voyage during offseason from October through April. Don’t be surprised if you see some rain in November and March.
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Best Time To Book A Cruise
The best time to make a cruise booking is from six months to a year in advance of the sailing. And as a general rule of thumb, booking early is your best bet.The best cruise ship rates are those that are offered when fares are first released for sale. Booking right out of the gate also allows you to snap up the top-tier cabins or the most preferred routes and dates before they sell out. Know that there will definitely be sales to take advantage of by holding back, but biding your time is a bit of a gamble. You may not be comfortable waiting until the last minute and you may not get exactly what you want.If youre looking to cruise on popular dates such as during school holiday breaks, peak religious periods or annual festivals, book extra-early. With luxury cruises and new ships, the earlier the better, because the prices will increase as the ship fills up.
The Cheapest Time For Mediterranean Cruises
Cruising the Mediterranean is one of the best ways to see the area. Youre sure to catch a lot of historic sites as well as gorgeous scenery while you sail, as theres much to see in this culturally rich region. Mediterranean cruise itineraries can often be jam-packed with activities, with ships calling at lots of scenic ports that double as quintessential European destinations like Rome, Barcelona, Venice, Dubrovnik, and the Greek isles. Youll also discover lesser-known highlights like Palma de Mallorca, Kotor, and Gibraltar.
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What Is Considered In Season And How’s The Weather
Beach days are less common in the Med, but ports like Mallorca can still give you a day of sun and sand. –
While you’ll find some ships sailing the Med yearlong, high season is from May to September . Ports in Greece and Turkey enjoy clear, sunny days throughout the summer, with temperatures in the high 80s and low 90s. Ports in the French and Italian Rivieras can be a bit cooler, but you’ll still be wearing short sleeves and shorts.
Our Top 10 Mediterranean Destinations To Visit
Santorini
This romantic island will take your breath away each time you turn a corner. With white-washed buildings and their iconic blue dome-shaped buildings are spotted everywhere you look, Santorini really will be one of the most beautiful ports you visit on your cruise.
Top Tip: If youre feeling energetic when arriving in Santorini, why not Hike from Fira to Oia. The route is well marked and you can even get a bus ride back to make sure you make your embarkation time.
Lisbon
Not only is Lisbon full of history and culture, but it is also really budget-friendly. So if youve spent all your pennies on every other port you have visited on your cruise so far, youll still be able to enjoy this beautiful city. Explore the citys unique infrastructure where it has the perfect combination of the old and the new.
Top Tip: Track down the local markets and restaurants for super-fresh seafood. The prices are very reasonable compared to other European countries. Why not try Arroz de Marisco? A medley of rice and a mix of all the local seafood.
Barcelona
The best thing about visiting Barcelona on a cruise is that the port brings you right into the centre of the city. So you can experience the buzz as soon as you step off the ship. Las Ramblas is filled with lots of interesting shops to explore as well as street artists for some light entertainment as you stroll your way through. Be sure to visit all of the famous work from Gaudi on your visit. It really is something special.
Athens
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The Cheapest Time For European River Cruises
River cruises have been surging in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Cruising Europes waterways can plunge you right into the heart of the continent, minimizing travel time between ports and attractions. With European rivers being the cheapest in the world to cruise, the Rhine and Danube are the cheapest to cruise in Europe. You can also discover the Seine, the Rhône, and the Main, among countless others wherever theres a river, there will undoubtedly be a river cruise.
The sailing season starts in March and runs through December, and unlike with ocean cruises, prices drop as the temperatures rise in July and August. Theres no shortage of things to see during those months, either while prices will increase for special events, this is the perfect time to catch the tulips in Amsterdam in April and early May, and holiday Christmas market cruises in November and December are the most affordable way to enjoy a river cruise and get into the holiday spirit at the same time.
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When Is The Mediterranean Cruise Season
The Mediterranean cruise season runs from April through November each year in order to avoid the winter season, when the weather isnt as favorable and activities at some popular ports of call are limited. Many restaurants and shops also close down during the off-peak season.
Read: What to Pack for a Mediterranean cruise
Summer June July August:
Summer is by far the most popular time to take a Mediterranean cruise as the weather is hot and sunny and the sea is warm. However, as summertime is peak tourist season, prepare for more crowds than usual. Temperatures will range from warm to hot and you shouldnt expect too much rain. If youre cruising during the summer, bring your swimsuits, sunscreen, loose shorts, tanktops, and coverups.
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Best Historical Cruise: Voyages To Antiquity
Courtesy of;Voyages to Antiquity
- Ship Name: Aegean Odyssey
- Itinerary: Piraeus, Delos, Mykonos, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Karpathos, Nisyros, Rhodes, Santorini, Athens
History buffs who want to learn more about ancient cultures of the Mediterranean ports should consider a cruise with Voyages to Antiquity. The company operates a single ship, the Aegean Odyssey, on longer voyages throughout the Mediterranean region, including the Classical Greece voyage that explores the Greek Islands and comes with a two-night hotel stay in Athens before the cruise. The journey features educational excursions such as the UNESCO World Heritage site of Epidaurus, the deserted isle of Delos, the religious center of the Cyclades and the villages of Karpathos all bundled in the fare. Additionally, the 378-passenger ship has two dining venues, a small spa, library and several lounges.
How To Find The Cheapest Mediterranean Cruise And Hit The Seas For Under $200
1/24/2020 By Colleen Stinchcombe
The Mediterranean is home to some of the most iconic destinations on the planet, but often the best routes come at a price. Here’s how to find the best deals on Mediterranean cruises.
Whether youre gazing upon the Trevi Fountain in Rome, dining on baguettes in the South of France, or trying to wrap your head around the Acropolis in Athens, a Mediterranean cruise is the trip of a lifetime.
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Mediterranean Region In Mediterranean Region In March April
This is the time of the year when flora is at its full bloom and greenery is lush. Weather during this time is in transition from wintery cold to upcoming summer heat. This is also one of the best times to take cruise to the region. Morocco, Greece, Malta, Corsica, Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia are some of the best countries to visit during spring season.
Best Time To Cruise To The Mediterranean
Wondering what time of year is best for a Mediterranean cruise? While the primary Mediterranean cruise season runs during the warmer months of the year, you can still enjoy plenty of what the region has to offer during the winter months. There are pros and cons to cruising during each season, depending on your preference. But there’s never a bad time to cruise to the Mediterranean.
Full of art, culture, romance, and iconic landmarks, each season offers its unique take on the Italian and Spanish ports that make up these beautiful itineraries in Europe. If you’re ready to plan your next cruise vacation, read on for our take on the best months and seasons to cruise The Mediterranean.
Ready to start planning? Explore all Mediterranean cruises.
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When Is The Best Time To Find Special Offers To The Mediterranean
Similar to those trying to avoid crowds, the best time to sail to the Mediterranean for cost savings is during the shoulder seasons , when there is a slightly higher chance of rain and cooler weather.
If youre looking for a spontaneous getaway, look for last-minute cruises to the Mediterranean. This approach can be risky if you have your heart set on a particular date, itinerary, or stateroom category, which may sell out in advance.
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