Thursday, April 11, 2024

The Best Months to Cruise Northern Europe NCL Travel Blog

best time to cruise europe

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. The Black Sea - Cruise ships sail from Istanbul or Athens into the Black Sea, with ports of call in Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria.

When to cruise to Alaska for the best weather

Cruise Critic's Best Cruise Itineraries for First-Timers - Cruise Critic

Cruise Critic's Best Cruise Itineraries for First-Timers.

Posted: Fri, 20 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

You can find a variety of weeklong Mediterranean cruises, but if you've got the time, nine- to 14-night sailings are not uncommon. Seven-night cruises are best if you're short on time or want to tack on a few days in Barcelona, Rome or Athens before or after your cruise. Longer itineraries are ideal for experiencing a greater variety of destinations and traversing more of the Med. 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.

Best time to cruise Hawaii to avoid crowds

Restaurants and bars remain open in port cities, and the atmosphere is, if anything, more relaxed than at the height of summer. 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.

When to book a Mediterranean cruise

Carol and I tend to like to travel to Europe in the shoulder seasons (April, May, Sept, Oct). The weather is generally cooler, the massive summer crowds gone, and you can often get more bang for your buck. A 21-night European cruise offers endless route options due to the easily accessible ports and short ocean passageways surrounding many European countries. During such a trip, it’s possible to dock in nine or even ten countries, making it a great way to explore multiple destinations in a single journey.

Are businesses closed in August?

Depending on your sail date, you may even be able to sample Sicily’s olives during their fall harvest 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.

best time to cruise europe

When to cruise to Hawaii for the best weather

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. If you dislike large numbers of children, avoid sailing late June through August or during school break times (late December, early January and March through mid-April). The seven-day Western Mediterranean cruise from Rome features sailings during May and June.

The Canary Islands are like a bridge connecting Europe, America, and Africa. Located off the coast of Morocco, these islands have moderate temperatures throughout the year. While it is winter in North America, you can enjoy the subtropical weather and dramatic scenery on a cruise to the Canary Islands. To decide what crowds would look like in various months, we looked at two popular ports where the effect of multiple ships is felt the most -- Santorini and Venice. 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.

Cruising to Europe in May through August

Planning a Family River Cruise - Cruise Critic

Planning a Family River Cruise.

Posted: Mon, 30 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Held every April 27th, cities in the Netherlands become a sea of orange as people party to celebrate the King's big day. Planning a European cruise is a dream come true, but with so many incredible destinations to choose from, narrowing down your itinerary can be a challenge. The enchanting cities of Barcelona and Monaco, along with picturesque Italian cruise ports, await you in the Western Mediterranean. Explore the captivating wonders of the Eastern Mediterranean, including stunning locations in Italy, Croatia, Greece, and the possibility of Turkey and Israel.

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 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. The best time to book a cruise for perfectly warm, sunny days include the months of July and August. However, keep in mind that this is one of the more crowded times of year to visit. That being said, if you’re spending your days in port lounging on a beach chair next to gorgeous turquoise water, we’re guessing you won’t really care.

Luckily, peak summer brings the best swimming temperatures in the Mediterranean, allowing you to cool off at the beaches in port. A classic beach day on the Amalfi Coast or French Riviera will be best during these months, with water averaging around 75-80°F in places like Capri and Nice. 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. For most schools in the United States, summer break runs from the middle of June until the end of August or the beginning of September.

Australia Day celebrations can also draw crowds, so be aware if your itinerary includes that January holiday. For example, Celebrity Cruises has an 11-night cruise sailing round-trip from Sydney in March for $1,320. As you get closer to the holidays in December, a 13-night round-trip itinerary from Sydney with the line costs $2,231. April is one of the best months to sail to Bermuda as the temperatures are pleasant and in the 70s, and it's one of the driest months of the year, along with May. May and early June are great options for cruises to the archipelago, and you can expect highs in the low 80s by June. The summer offers some of the nicest weather, with daytime highs in Boston and New York between 80 and 90 degrees.

A former tourism director for NYC, Laurie Jo is a dual UK/US citizen who covered the 2012 London Olympics for "Best of Britain" and received the 2013 Yahoo Contributor of the Year Award.

It encompasses some 45 countries and includes such cruise regions as the Mediterranean, the Baltic and Northern Europe, the British Isles and the Canary Islands. While not all high water occurs in the spring, spring rains and snowmelt are generally the culprits for most springtime high water events. If you look at the map I’ve included, you can see which areas of Europe are most prone to flooding. Going on a cruise is like entering a magical floating city dedicated to fun! There is something for everyone with bars, nightclubs, skating rinks, water slides, wave pools, kids clubs, outdoor movie theaters, evening entertainment, and so much more available to enjoy onboard.

You can visit ports like Belfast and Liverpool on cruises from Southampton; Florence and Rome (Civitavecchia) on Barcelona sailings; and Reykjavik, Copenhagen and Lisbon on open-jaw itineraries. Spain and Portugal are two of the most popular summer vacations and cruise destinations. With their rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and warm and friendly people, these countries offer an unforgettable experience.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Kind Design Wedding Suits & Tuxedos Denver, Colorado

Table Of Content Fully Linked Digital Planner Lower Division Courses Last living witness to the abduction of Emmett Till tells KU crowd it i...