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Perhaps you are loyal to one particular cruise line or have your heart set on cruising on a newly launched ship. I've been to Santorini when four mid-sized ships (approximately 5,000 passengers) were in port and found it challenging to walk through the narrow maze of shops, restaurants and hotels. It was crowded enough that I was concerned about returning to the ship on time because the lines at the cable car that takes cruise passengers down the cliffs to the tender dock were so long.
Day Temperatures
Visit Santorini in June or July and you will find yourself fighting for breathing room among as many as 15,000 other cruise ship passengers. If your ideal Mediterranean cruise doesn't include crowds, winter is a good choice, other than December holiday weeks. But most travelers will prefer a little more warmth and a larger choice of ports while still prioritizing a good price and lighter crowds.
Best time for Mediterranean cruises
In these waters, you can observe a diverse range of marine species, including swordfish, tuna, dolphins, and even some white sharks. 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.
The 6 Best Cruise Excursions in Alaska
Whale watching is good in both months, as gray and humpback whales migrate to and from the state. Other wildlife will also start to emerge from their winter slumbers in May or be in the middle of mating season in September. If you're considering a summer or early fall Hawaii cruise, note that seas can be rough in August.Wondering if September is a good time to go to Hawaii? Well, while the islands aren't generally hit by hurricanes, they come closest in September and weather patterns can bring hot, humid weather to the islands despite technically being dry season. They can also kick up storms that lead to rough seas and less-than-ideal excursion conditions.
25 BEST Eastern Mediterranean Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean on Cruise ... - Cruise Critic
25 BEST Eastern Mediterranean Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean on Cruise ....
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 15:01:59 GMT [source]
Days are hot and nights are still balmy, if a little cooler than in August. Expect highs of around 82°F (28°C) in Malta and 77°F (25°C) in Nice, tapering off as the month progresses. Even urban destinations like Barcelona, Nice, and Athens have fantastic beaches nearby. This is the beginning of the lavender season in Provence, while the vineyards are lush and green.
Best Time for a Canada & New England Cruise: Mid-September - Mid-October
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. Alaska has a short cruise season that lasts from late April through October. June through August is Alaska's high season, when weather is warmest and summer vacation season is in full swing.
Panama and the bordering countries in Central America have a tropical climate with lush landscapes and rainforests, so you can expect wet weather at certain times of the year. The height of the Panama Canal cruise season is between October and April. 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. Even though January, February and March bring more rain, the winter months are also peak season for tourists … and whales.
The Ultimate Guide to Mediterranean Cruises: Best Time, Ports & Cruise Lines
Santorini is a beautiful island in Greece, but it can get crowded when more than one cruise ship is in port. It’s best to plan ahead to ensure you can get up to the city of Oia and see the sights on your list if touring on your own. Shore excursions may include visits to wineries complete with wine tastings accompanied by an assortment of breads, meats and cheeses. There are also ouzo tastings as well as sightseeing in the villages on the island of Santorini. The picturesque, whitewashed buildings and the black sand beaches make this a favorite port for many visitors. If you wish to avoid the crowds or just spend more time in the water, catamaran tours sail around the island, offering a chance to swim (if traveling when temperatures allow) and view the beaches and caldera.
Five Things I Learned in French Polynesia’s Remote Marquesas Islands
25 BEST Western Mediterranean Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to the Western Mediterranean on Cruise ... - Cruise Critic
25 BEST Western Mediterranean Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to the Western Mediterranean on Cruise ....
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:40:04 GMT [source]
The Mexican Riviera (i.e., the Pacific coast of Mexico) is a year-round cruise destination. Most ships sail the itinerary in the fall, winter and spring because those same ships head to Alaska for the summer. The two shoulder seasons – from April to early June and September to October – offer comfortable temperatures, but you'll need to dress in layers.
In April, places like Sardinia, Corsica, and Malta offer warm days and pleasant nights. Late March through April is also a great time to explore destinations such as Morocco, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, and the beautiful Adriatic Sea. 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. The month of June can be looked at as a transition between the shoulder season of the spring and the peak months of July and August. Choosing when to cruise the Mediterranean can be a difficult choice, as each season brings its own benefits and drawbacks.
You'll want to book well in advance for an Alaska cruise between June and August, as itineraries tend to sell out quickly. High season is when you'll find the most cruise options, highest prices, most crowded ships and best weather. The shoulder season coincides with moderate demand and relatively nice weather, and fares will be lower. Low season is the cheapest season -- and least busy -- but may mean sacrifices in what you can see and possible cancellations due to weather. You will, however, want to avoid booking a cruise around the holidays at the end of the year and during spring break (March and early April).
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. Mykonos is the quintessential Greek island, with whitewashed streets, blue-domed churches, and stunning beaches. Take a dip in azure waters, stroll through picturesque villages, admire local art galleries and craft shops, or party the night away at world-famous beach clubs. 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. Plus, the vibrant flowers and blossoming landscapes in the late spring add an enchanting touch to your voyage.
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours. 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. With its picturesque coastal scenery, ancient ruins, and island paradises, the Mediterranean is an incredibly popular cruise destination. Yet with a diverse climate across various locales, the timing of a Mediterranean cruise is an important consideration.
I wanted the day to end before we even made it to the Vatican on our tour. Michelle Palmer is a development editor who has over 10 years of experience in the travel publishing industry. She loves telling the stories, histories and culture of places that inspire others to go and experience new destinations. When not traveling, she participates in circus arts, goes to live shows and is a “Murder, She Wrote” aficionado.
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