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The resort city of Palma is the perfect spot to relax and take in the sun-kissed beaches and lush landscape. Spend your time here exploring its impressive Gothic cathedral, strolling through gardens, or shopping for local crafts in one of its many markets. Additionally, the holiday season brings a festive spirit to the Mediterranean cities, with charming Christmas markets and captivating decorations. If you prefer a quieter experience with pleasant weather, autumn is a great time to set sail. The landscapes transform into shades of red and gold as the trees change colors, creating a picturesque backdrop for your cruise. Autumn also presents a unique opportunity to witness local festivals, harvest celebrations, and wine tastings in the Mediterranean’s renowned vineyards.
What Weather Do You Enjoy?
Best times to go on a cruise: Alaska, Caribbean, Mediterranean - USA TODAY
Best times to go on a cruise: Alaska, Caribbean, Mediterranean.
Posted: Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
This is important to keep in mind if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t like the heat since many restaurants and shops don’t have air conditioning. Luckily, if you need a cool escape, you’ll always find air conditioning back on the ship. Countries all around the Mediterranean are gearing up for Christmas throughout December. Although you may envisage Christmas markets as being in snowy settings, you’ll find them everywhere, from Tenerife to Gibraltar. They make a colorful addition to any cruise, not to mention a great shopping opportunity. Even urban destinations like Barcelona, Nice, and Athens have fantastic beaches nearby.
Best time to cruise the Mediterranean to avoid crowds
Best things to know before booking a Mediterranean cruise, travel tips - Business Insider
Best things to know before booking a Mediterranean cruise, travel tips.
Posted: Sun, 21 Apr 2024 11:34:00 GMT [source]
The Mediterranean’s one of the most popular regions of the world for travel and the big news in cruise is that the season, already a long one from spring to fall, has extended to winter. October and November are at the very end of the Mediterranean cruise season. Don’t expect hot, sunny beach weather but cooler temps in the 40s to low 70s Fahrenheit. Winter in the Mediterranean is mild, but some shops may close in preparation for the upcoming season.
Florence, Italy
With your AAA membership, you can take advantage of member benefits that include things like onboard spending credit on select cruises. Contact a AAA Travel Agent who can not only help you plan but also help you find the best deals. Top things to see in Dubrovnik include the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries that date to the 14th century, the Pile Gate and Rectors Palace.
July
The tours are usually led by locals, which means the guides can also give you some good recommendations if you have time before you need to return to the ship. If you're looking for a unique excursion that still gives you the highlights of a European city, I recommend booking a food tour. I've done tours in places like Amsterdam, Budapest, and Paris, and I've never been disappointed.
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. For example, the Greek islands are vibrant and lively in the summer, while Italian cities like Florence and Rome are less crowded in the shoulder seasons.
Peak-season cruises tend to be more expensive, so if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn). The Mediterranean region has a temperate climate, but it still gets chilly in the spring and fall and can be brutally hot in the summer. Check the weather before your sail date and pack for the predicted temperatures — with layers, in case the forecasters are wrong and it's unseasonably hot or cold. The main Mediterranean cruise season runs from April through November each year, with June to September the peak months. But increasingly, the region is becoming a year-round destination as travelers discover the joys of “quiet season”.
When do cruises go to the Mediterranean?
Wildflowers are still in bloom and you can expect average high temperatures of 65°F (18°C) in Barcelona and 66°F (19°C) in Florence. Shops and restaurants are open, and there’s a good chance that you can enjoy outdoor dining, although taking layers is always a good idea in case the sun goes behind a cloud. What’s typically the low season is becoming increasingly popular for Mediterranean getaways.
Santorini is a good-sized island, but most of the things cruisers want to see are perched on the narrow rim of the cliffs. You might think the best time to cruise the Mediterranean would be summer because that's when the most ships are cruising in Europe. Along with more demand comes higher prices, with July usually the most expensive month of the season and August slightly cheaper.
It’s worth noting that summer cruises can be busier and the fares will have higher prices due to the high demand. 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.
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. Plus, the vibrant flowers and blossoming landscapes in the late spring add an enchanting touch to your voyage. Rest assured, these are all “Mediterranean” cruises, as are cruises that visit Nice France, and Portugal. You can choose from roving food tours, cooking classes, winery visits and tastings, and meals made with local produce and cheeses in beautiful villa or farmhouse settings. If you’re 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.
Sometimes flight delays or other problems out of your control happen on even the most well-planned vacations. By arriving one night in advance, you create a buffer that helps ensure you won't miss your cruise embarkation. You can also purchase cruise insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen problems. If your budget allows, consider arriving a few days before your embarkation date.
Take into account your personal preferences for temperature and weather conditions. If you enjoy warmer climates and don’t mind crowds, summer might be your ideal choice. Autumn brings cooler temperatures and a more relaxed ambiance to the Mediterranean. The summer crowds have dissipated, allowing for a more intimate and immersive experience. Springtime in the Mediterranean is a delightful season marked by pleasant temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds.
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. Depending on when Easter falls, March is Easter holiday season for many European countries, and visitor numbers begin to rise. But there’s no such thing as Spring Break in Europe, so there are no rowdy student areas to avoid. All of these cruise destinations are considered Mediterranean, along with Monaco, the southern coasts of France and Spain, and even Israel. Even though it doesn't have any coastline on the Mediterranean Sea, Portugal is considered part of the Mediterranean region.
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