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The shoulder seasons will also have fewer passengers and tourists — and you may even have some attractions to yourself in the cities and towns. Shoulder season in the Caribbean is May through November, the months just before peak season, which is December through April. This is the time when you'll typically find better deals on pricing, especially in May and September to November. Some of the Caribbean's nicest weather is in May, at the start of shoulder season.
Silversea Cruises
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. You'll have fewer crowds on shore and in the port towns during the shoulder season in the spring when kids are in school and before mid-September, which is the beginning of peak foliage season in Canada. Transiting the Panama Canal from the Caribbean to the Pacific Ocean is a bucket-list trip for many travelers. 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 cruise season is short if you want to sail to Northern Europe, the Baltic or the Scandinavian fjords; itineraries run from April through October.
When to cruise to the Caribbean and Bahamas for the best weather
The two shoulder seasons – from April to early June and September to October – offer comfortable temperatures, but you'll need to dress in layers. July is the height of peak season, with the warmest weather of the year and long daylight hours. It's also the best month for wildlife viewing, especially for humpback whales, brown and black bears and migrating shorebirds and puffins. However, you should know that you'll have to deal with pesky mosquitos in late June and July, especially in the interior part of the state. The best time of year to visit is typically when warm, sunny days are plentiful and rain is scarce. These cruises also cater to every type of traveler — from multigenerational families to solo travelers with options for adults only and all ages.
Packing for a Winter Mediterranean Cruise
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. The tiny Mediterranean island of Malta is home to the stunning capital city Valletta, where you can explore a number of historic sites and monuments. Spend some time at St. John’s Co-Cathedral, wander through Barrakka Gardens, or relax on one of Malta’s many picturesque beaches.
Day Mediterranean from Athens to Rome: Italy, France & Greece
Whether you prefer uncrowded fishing villages or glamorous coastal cities, you’ll find something to take your breath away at any time of the year. The key to a pleasurable journey regardless of the season is to prepare ahead, know what to expect and remember to relax –– you’re exploring one of the most desirable regions in the entire world. Perhaps the best time for a Mediterranean cruise is the summer, and for good reason. While the summer months are the busiest, with large influxes of tourists and crowds, the refreshing sea breeze and the vibrant and bustling atmosphere make for an unforgettable experience. Silversea Cruises is a line that offers small-ship luxury experiences, and they prioritize customer service providing butler service to guests in every suite.
Best Months to Cruise the Mediterranean: A Year-Round Guide - Cruise Critic
Best Months to Cruise the Mediterranean: A Year-Round Guide.
Posted: Sun, 19 Mar 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
I'm also a travel advisor with extensive training and certifications in cruise vacations and Disney properties. When I'm not under a palm tree in the Caribbean, I can usually be found hiking the National Parks! 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.
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Pack layers and a light waterproof jacket for October cruises, as well as good walking shoes as cobblestones can get slippery in the rain. What’s more, this is the month when the wine harvest begins in regions including Rioja, Tuscany, and Provence, a time of great festivity. Expect highs of around 82°F (28°C) in Malta and 77°F (25°C) in Nice, tapering off as the month progresses.
Day Temperatures
Even though there are festivities during the month (including Easter and the Peppercorn Ceremony), it's still early in the tourist season. April through early June and September to November are typically when you'll find the cheapest prices. Norwegian Cruise Line has a seven-night itinerary sailing round-trip from Boston in April that starts at $779 per person. To avoid crowds in port, try not to cruise during the Panamanian festivals that take place in early spring and from November into the winter. These festivals can also affect the opening of attractions, restaurants, banks and other venues you might want to visit ashore. December, March and April also offer nice weather, although the rainy season sometimes starts as early as mid-March before continuing through the fall.
Let’s delve into the details of each season to help you determine the perfect time to embark on your Mediterranean cruise. The following cruise ports are generally standouts, no matter your travel style. However, for vacationers who want all the attractions without the hassle, a cruise is an ideal way to explore the Mediterranean. This type of European cruise can be especially alluring to honeymooners, families and older couples. December 6 is St. Nicholas Day in Catholic countries, when children leave their shoes out at night, hoping to wake up finding them filled with chocolate.
The peak season for Mediterranean cruises runs from May through August, with July and August being the most popular months. Peak season is when students are out of school, and vacationers flock to the warm, sunny beaches and coastal attractions. If you don’t mind a lot of fellow travelers and would prefer to visit when it’s hot and sunny, you might want to cruise the Mediterranean in the summer. On the other hand, if crowded places make you uncomfortable, it’s probably worth cruising the Mediterranean when everyone else has returned to work or school. Shoulder season is a favorite travel season for people who can be flexible with their travel times and don’t need to wait for spring break or summer break from school.
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. 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.
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. If price is a major factor in choosing the perfect cruise travel date, you'll also want to look at cruises in the shoulder season, when fewer people are traveling and fares are typically lower. You might be able to find cheaper cruises on older ships or in less desirable cabin categories, especially if an abundance of ships sails to your preferred destination. Travelers vacationing with the entire family — from grandma to kids — should check out Celebrity Cruises. The cruise line offers more options for everyone onboard (think kids club to casinos), as well as varied shore excursions and affordable pricing options to make it a more viable trip for larger groups.
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. Among the mainstream lines, only Carnival Cruise Line is still absent in June, opting instead to sail a short season of 10-and 11-night cruises in September and October.
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