The beauty and culture of the Mediterranean
region makes Mediterranean cruises one of the most popular cruise
destinations in the world. The sights are unforgettable and the people
are warm and friendly. Learn how to find the best Mediterranean cruise
for you, including what to expect on your cruise and how to save on
tickets.
About Mediterranean Cruises
Mediterranean cruises travel through the Mediterranean region. Most of these cruises focus on either Italy or Greece, though some include stops in both countries. Some Mediterranean cruises also include stops in other countries bordering the Mediterranean sea, such as Spain and France.Mediterranean cruises tend to be on the longer side, with many cruises lasting 7 or 12 days. Some of these cruises are very focused on historical sightseeing, while others are more focusing on entertainment, partying and beach hopping. The great thing about Mediterranean cruises is that there are so many that just about anyone can find one that suits what they want to do, whether it’s mix and mingle with other young single adults or have a laid-back trip with older married couples. Most Mediterranean cruises have plenty of amenities and activities available, and several are considered to be “luxury” cruise lines.
The Best Mediterranean Cruise Lines
If you choose the Mediterranean as your cruise destination, you’ll find that the number of available cruise lines is overwhelmingly large. Major cruise lines like Carnival, Princess, NCL, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity all have multiple Mediterranean cruise options. In addition, there are European cruise lines that offer wonderful trips in this region, such as Costa Cruises, Island Cruises, MSC Cruises and P&O. Smaller cruise lines that offer an alternative to the typical Mediterranean trip include Star Clippers and Windstar. Then there are the luxury cruise lines like Seabourn, Hebridean and Silversea. Among all these options, major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean (www.royacaribbean.com) and Carnival (www.carnival.com) tend to be the most popular.Even among these options, it can be difficult to make a choice of which Mediterranean cruise is right for you. The best way to narrow down your search is to first decide which areas of the Mediterranean you’d like to visit and how long you want your trip to be. From there, further limit your search according to price point and the amenities you want.
Travel Tips For Mediterranean Cruises
The following are some of the top tips for getting the most out of your Mediterranean cruise:- Travel in May, September and October for great weather without the massive crowds that are found in the summer months.
- Bigger ships are only able to stop in larger ports in major cities. If you want to visit smaller towns and off-the-beaten-path places, book your Mediterranean cruise on a smaller ship.
- Many of the ports offer so many cultural attractions that it’s impossible to see it all in a day. Prioritize what you want to visit beforehand so you’ll get a chance to check out your must-sees.
- Use maps and look closely at port itineraries. Some ports are a bit of a distance from the main attractions in the area, so you may need to allow for extra travel time once you’re on shore.
- Many travelers find that dressing sharply helps them to fit in better in the port towns they visit since many natives are stylish and well-dressed.
Finding Cheap Mediterranean Cruise Tickets
There are several ways to find cheap Mediterranean cruise tickets. One of the best ways to save on these trips is to book your cruise during the off season. For Mediterranean cruises, the off season is any time from November to March. The weather is cooler (but not terribly cold) and there are no crowds. While some beaches and outdoor cafes are closed, there’s still plenty to do and the tickets will be much cheaper than if you traveled in the summer or spring.Another option is to search some of the many travel deal sites online. A Google search for cheap Mediterranean cruises will turn up dozens of results, so there are plenty of options for getting a deal. If you have time to plan, keep an eye on travel deal sites for the occasional promotion or sale. Plenty of cruise lines offer the occasional discount on certain cabins or cruises. Just make sure to check out reviews on a certain cruise before booking to make sure you’re getting a good deal.
Finally, don’t forget to cash in on potential discounts that are often available for seniors, students, members of the military and those traveling in groups. Find a few cruise lines that interest you and then call them to inquire about these possible discounts.