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With its sunny weather and stunning coastline, it’s an ideal destination for cruisers looking to relax and explore. Cartagena’s best shore excursions are the best way to enjoy Cartagena’s tourist hotspots, including the ancient walls of Cartagena and the nearby Roman ruins of Carthago Nova. 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.
The Ultimate Guide to Mediterranean Cruises: Best Time, Ports & Cruise Lines
You can also pay a visit to Mediterranean towns with German influences, like Palma de Mallorca, which host Oktoberfest festivals with beer, food and live music. Baltic and Northern European cruises have a shorter season, running from April to October. Keep in mind that April and October can still be quite chilly in Scandinavian and Baltic Sea ports. Lines like Viking and Hurtigruten offer Northern Lights sailings to the region's northern reaches from January through March. You're likely to find discounted rates for cruises from June through November, but keep in mind that both Mexican coasts are affected by hurricanes throughout hurricane season. Cruise fares can be cheaper, though weather in the Riviera Maya and Cozumel will be oppressively humid.
Best time to cruise the Mediterranean to avoid crowds
The warmest months in Northern Europe are mid-June to August, making the height of the summer season the most desirable time to cruise Scandinavia and the Baltic region. This is also the Land of the Midnight Sun, where you'll have nearly 24 hours of sunlight in places like northern Norway from early June to mid-July. Springtime will be the quietest time to visit the Aloha State, although you might find an uptick of families traveling for spring break during March and April.
Night Lands Of Legends & Eternal CitiesDetails
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. The northern ports in the Adriatic see a bit more rain than most of the Med. 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. Venice has recently cut back on its cruise tourism capacity, in part by forcing some ships to dock in alternate ports and bring guests to the city by bus. We included passenger counts from Trieste, Ravenna and Venice and found June numbers as high as 6,000 passengers arriving, but as low as 4,000.
March/April
Aegean cruises traverse the large open sea between Greece and Turkey and go as far south as Crete, with stops in Athens and Santorini in Greece and Istanbul in Turkey. Sailings through the Ionian Sea, located between the sole of Italy's boot and western Greece, bring you to the Italian island of Sicily and the Greek island of Corfu. Mediterranean cruises can last anywhere from seven days to two weeks, depending on the company and itinerary. Booking every excursion through the cruise line can add up, but luckily, there are typically more affordable options through third-party companies. My biggest tip for any cruise — but especially for Americans traveling to Europe for a Mediterranean cruise — is to arrive at your embarkation city at least a day before your sailing starts. Going early or late in the season usually means you'll have more tolerable weather and smaller crowds in some of the big destinations like Athens.
Along the coastlines of Albania, Greece, and Turkey, you'll have the chance to spot loggerhead turtles and endangered monk seals. Portugal, Spain, and Morocco host storks, flamingos, pelicans, spoonbills, and egrets, while Greece is home to golden eagles and giant black vultures. Albania and Montenegro boast the rare white pelican, and Montenegro is home to Europe's largest bird sanctuary, Lake Skadar, spanning 27 miles. Notably, Turkey serves as a prominent destination for birdwatchers, with approximately 250 bird species migrating through the country each spring and fall as they journey between Africa and Europe.
When to cruise to Canada and New England for the best weather
Along with the budding flowers of spring, the streets are decorated with local characters. Visit Florence and dine on seasonal produce in the home of a resident farmer. Or shop local markets with a celebrity chef in Corfu and learn about the region’s delicacies. Of course, North Americans taking Mediterranean cruise vacations will need a passport to fly to and from their ship's departure and arrival ports. A beach day is possible in the Greek Islands or along the French Riviera, and many ports will have sightseeing cruises.
Best time to cruise Australia and New Zealand: December-February
However, November through March in Australia is also typhoon season, which may affect some ports of call (particularly in the northeast) and lead to some rough waters. Aussies generally vacation between late December and January, so expect big crowds and jammed ports during that time. New Zealand's beaches are also a top attraction in the summer, along with outdoor activities and water sports. The cruise season in Canada and New England begins in May and ends in October, with a few ships even making the voyage in April. You'll find more ships in this region between August and October as it gets closer to peak leaf-peeping season. For example, in May 2023, you can sail on a seven-night Western Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona to Rome with Princess Cruises starting at $699 per person.
16 of the best budget cruises in the Mediterranean for under £1,200 - The Times
16 of the best budget cruises in the Mediterranean for under £1,200.
Posted: Tue, 12 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Best time to cruise Bermuda to avoid crowds
Though, really, there's never a bad time to explore some of the most picturesque places in the world. Jenna DeLaurentis enjoys exploring new ports of call around the world on a cruise ship, learning about new cultures, discovering beautiful landscapes, and trying diverse cuisine. She loves to get active while at port, whether cycling through mountains in the Caribbean or scuba diving under the sea.
During these months, you can expect comfortably warm temperatures, abundant sunshine, and significantly fewer crowds compared to the peak months of July and August. In spring, the landscape comes alive with blooming flowers, while autumn offers mild and clear days before the arrival of winter rains. So, if you're seeking a more tranquil and enjoyable Mediterranean experience, we recommend considering these shoulder seasons for your travel itinerary. Cruising in the Mediterranean is possible year-round, though the peak season lasts from late May to early September.
When I'm not under a palm tree in the Caribbean, I can usually be found hiking the National Parks! Royal Caribbean International offers a wide range of Mediterranean itineraries with luxurious amenities and entertainment options. Enjoy innovative onboard activities like rock climbing, surfing simulators, and Broadway-style shows while exploring the Mediterranean’s captivating destinations. Escape to Nice, France for a truly unforgettable experience during your Mediterranean cruise. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais for breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. Tour some of Nice’s most beloved attractions like Castle Hill and Place Massena, or explore hidden gems like the Russian Cathedral and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
• Suites These come in several configurations but usually include separate bedrooms, larger bathrooms, walk-in closets, and extra services like a butler, concierge, and Internet access. Some even have dining rooms, butler’s pantries, hot tubs, and baby grand pianos. Beyond the most recent developments in the Mediterranean, here’s what you need to know about what each season holds.
There are pros and cons of each time of year to visit the Mediterranean. Often, if you visit in high season, you will have better weather and more open attractions, but thicker crowds. In terms of Mediterranean cruises, shoulder season would be spring or fall. A Greece cruise in spring brings warm Ionian breezes and bougainvillea bursting from windowsills.
Best time for Mediterranean Cruises in Italy 2024 - Best Season - Rove.me
Best time for Mediterranean Cruises in Italy 2024 - Best Season.
Posted: Wed, 30 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Stroll along the famous Croisette and shop designer boutiques for a truly luxurious experience. Visit the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès to witness stunning views of Cannes from above or take a dip at La Plage de la Croisette. 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.
Of course, cruising in the peak summer months does not always have to come with a huge price tag. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider cruising on one of Royal Caribbean’s older ships or sailing in an interior or ocean view stateroom as opposed to a balcony. Crowds will also increase in your ports of call, as many travelers begin summer vacations to Europe at this time. From college graduates backpacking through the Mediterranean to school travel groups, honeymoons, and family vacations, Europe’s most popular destinations will get more crowded throughout June.
The same sailing and stateroom category on a cruise in mid-July is priced at $4,360 total. In the early season you can expect pleasant temperatures that are ideal for exploring the Mediterranean’s cities. In Barcelona, expect highs of around 70°F throughout most of May, with temperatures rising toward the end of the month. If you’re traveling further south to Athens, though, expect highs around 75-80°F. Admire the hot pink bougainvillea flowers that bloom around Santorini’s white-walled homes and the vibrant green grass surrounding the Leaning Tower of Pisa. During July and August, cool down with fresh Italian gelato after relaxing on the beaches of Positano.
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