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If the ship docks in a secondary location and you have to travel to the big tourist destinations, I always book excursions through the cruise line. For instance, the day my family and I explored Rome, the ship docked in Civitavecchia, Italy, and we had to take a two-hour bus ride into the city. While Australia's weather varies, winter temperatures between June and early September are rarely as extreme in North America. Crowds are fewer, and there are bargains to be had, especially on larger ships and Great Barrier Reef cruises that are available year-round. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S.
What Kind of Weather Do You Prefer for Travel?
Ports in the Southern Mediterranean, including those in Cyprus and Egypt, enjoy bright, sunny days almost year-round. During the fall, temperatures cool to a range between 20 C and 25 C (68 F to 77 F), creating a more mild and comfortable temperature with less humidity. While rainfall is possible, it’s less frequent and intense than during spring.
Mediterranean Cruise Ports in Türkiye (Turkey)
Visit Ephesus in Turkey and you’ll have the ancient site virtually to yourself. Cities like Athens, Malaga, Barcelona, and Rome will be buzzing with locals, rather than tourists. Maximize your cultural activities in these historic cities as you’ll be able to fit in far more sights than you would in the heat and bustle of summer.
Why you need to cruise the Mediterranean in winter with Royal Caribbean - Royal Caribbean Blog
Why you need to cruise the Mediterranean in winter with Royal Caribbean.
Posted: Mon, 08 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
June
The month kicks off with Labour Day, on May 1, which is celebrated as a national holiday all over the Mediterranean, so expect locals to be out and about. Beginning in March, we found dozens of ships scheduled to visit Venice, Corfu and Santorini. Holland America, Princess, Seabourn, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises all have ships ready to sail the Med in March.
July and August is the peak season of Mediterranean cruises, bringing the highest temperatures, prices, and crowds. Prime vacation time for those traveling to Europe and for Europeans themselves, Mediterranean ports of call will be bustling with energy and the region’s beaches will be busier than normal. The weather is hot and sunny, perfect for sun-seekers and beach enthusiasts. The summer months offer extended daylight hours, allowing for longer exploration of the ports of call. 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.
BEST Royal Caribbean Cruises to the Western Mediterranean (with Prices) 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
BEST Royal Caribbean Cruises to the Western Mediterranean (with Prices) 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Sun, 21 Apr 2024 04:30:16 GMT [source]
March/April
You still won’t be swimming in the sea unless you’re inclined to cold water swimming, but this is a lovely month for strolling on the beach or walking in the mountains. 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. There are still very few tourists around, as it’s not yet beach weather, but you can expect average daily highs of 57°F (14°C) in Athens, with up to five hours of sunshine per day, perfect for sightseeing.
Night Lands Of Legends & Eternal CitiesDetails
Longer itineraries are ideal for experiencing a greater variety of destinations and traversing more of the Med. There are many compelling reasons to visit the Mediterranean in September. The summer crowds are beginning to thin out as European schools have gone back and the family holiday season is over. The sea is blissfully warm and perfect for swimming; in fact, this is one of the best months for watersports. May is one of the very best times to cruise the Mediterranean, with long, sunny days, al-fresco dining, comfortable temperatures, and manageable crowds.
Look for the best prices during the shoulder seasons, from September to November (spring) and from March to May (fall). The height of the cruise season in Australia and New Zealand begins in early October and runs through the end of April because these months are spring and summer in the Southern Hemisphere. The cruise season is short if you want to sail to Northern Europe, the Baltic or the Scandinavian fjords; itineraries run from April through October. However, if you love the cold and want to chase the aurora borealis in Norway, several lines offer northern lights itineraries in the winter months. Summer is peak season with family vacations and honeymooners, so prices will be higher then.
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. Head to Greece or Cyprus in February and you’ll see swathes of snowy white in the fields.
If you’re sailing from Santorini, for example, watch the sun sink beyond the caldera in a blaze of orange. If you’re coming to Europe for the culture rather than the beach, April is a great time to visit. You should enjoy fine weather (in the south, at least) and places like the art museums in Florence and the Parthenon in Athens won’t yet be teeming with visitors. 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 new for Windstar is that the Mediterranean season is being extended for 2024 and 2025 itineraries. And of course, the most intriguing itinerary just developed for the Mediterranean is winter sailings. In the winter of 2024, Star Legend travels between Rome and Barcelona, with calls at Livorno (for Florence), Nice and Marseille. In the winter of 2025, Windstar will announce five different itineraries for the season; we’ll keep you posted. Early to mid-September can be looked at as an extension of summer in most Mediterranean cruise ports, with hot, sunny temperatures. Temperatures begin to cool down in late September and early October, but still remain relatively pleasant.
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. Even though it means paying for lodging and likely a few meals before boarding the boat, getting a good night's sleep before a jam-packed vacation is worth it to me. After taking my first Mediterranean cruise last year, here's what I think everyone should know before booking the route.
If you're after that sweet spot of cheaper fares and perfect weather, the best time to cruise to Mexico is from November through January. Skies during this period are mostly clear, temperatures are warm and crowds are smaller (with the exception of Christmas and New Years). That's true if you're after bright and warm Riviera Maya weather or optimal conditions in the Mexican Riviera on the Pacific Coast as well.
Check the visa requirements for the countries you’ll be visiting during your cruise. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and that you have any necessary visas or travel documentation well in advance. Ensure you have transportation arrangements from your accommodation to the cruise port. Many cruise lines offer shuttle services, or you can arrange a private transfer or taxi in advance. This will ensure a smooth embarkation process and eliminate any last-minute stress. To avoid any potential travel delays or complications, it is advisable to arrive at least a day before your cruise departure.
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