Mediterranean Cruising 101: Best Times, Costs, and More
If you’re looking to experience the getaway of a lifetime, a Mediterranean cruise is your best bet. The pristine waters, spotless beaches, and quaint towns dotted along the coast will give you an experience like no other. Here’s your ultimate guide to planning a Mediterranean cruise getaway.
When Is the Mediterranean Cruise Season?
Fortunately, you can cruise in the Mediterranean all year round, but the peak season starts from late May and extends through early September. The weather, during this time, averages between 80 and 90 degrees with a good sprinkling of humidity, making for warm waters with little (or, in the best case, no) rain.
If you’re looking to plan a budget getaway, you may want to embark on a Mediterranean voyage during the winter months.
Here are the different times you can plan a Mediterranean cruise trip:
Peak Season: Late May to Early September
Low Season: November to March
Sweet Spot: Late April to Early May and Late September to October
Pick your dates based on your budget and weather preferences.
How Much Will You Have to Pay for A Mediterranean Cruise?
Mediterranean cruises can have varied costs, depending on variables like the sailing dates, ports of calls, and the total number of days and nights you’ll be on board the cruise ship. That said, you can expect to pay around $900 per person for a 7-night cruise on a mainstream, mega-ship cruise during the peak season. Bargain shoppers, provided they time their booking, may be able to find all-inclusive cruises for as low as $500 per person.
A similar experience that lasts 10 or 14 nights can easily go up to $2,000 per person. During the low season, average cruise prices can drop to between $200 and $500 on the same itineraries.
How Long Do Cruises Through the Mediterranean Last?
Mediterranean cruises usually last anywhere between five and 14 nights. Given that there are more than a dozen ports located in close proximity to each other, you can expect to not spend too many days at sea. On a one-week cruise, for instance, you will likely be able to visit at least three to four countries during the course of the trip.