What is best time of year for Mediterranean cruise?

[cindygad]

We have never been to Mediterranean. After reading some resent Mediterranean cruise reports it has peaked my interest. What is the best time of year to cruise the Mediterranean?

[KathyPet]

We are about to embark on our. third Mediterranean cruise next week. I would say mid October would be the best time. Last year we took one that left early in September for 11 days and it was so darn hot.

[2theship]

I agree with KathyPet. We've sailed the Med in October, November and December either as a Med cruise or as the start of a transatlantic. The weather's been fine in November and December but it gets dark really early. In October you've got cooler weather and longer days.

[cindygad]

We are about to embark on our. third Mediterranean cruise next week. I would say mid October would be the best time. Last year we took one that left early in September for 11 days and it was so darn hot.

 

When you say hot how hot are you talking about? Would love to go in October but I read someplace where there was strong odor in Venus in October. I am just beginning to research so I have alot to learn. Any information you would like to share would be helpful. Have a great cruise.

[cindygad]

I agree with KathyPet. We've sailed the Med in October, November and December either as a Med cruise or as the start of a transatlantic. The weather's been fine in November and December but it gets dark really early. In October you've got cooler weather and longer days.

 

So is Nov and Dec cooler? How long are the times you are in port?

[KirkNC]

I would suggest Sept. You avoid some of the crowds and the temp is better.

[Denny01]

We've cruised the Med a number of times, heck in the Navy, I 'cruised' the Med even more.

 

Recently, we've cruised in the Fall. Both cruises were great. Smaller tourist crowds, fewer cruise ships with yours, usually lower prices, and we had great weather. One cruise was in Nov because we retuned on a crossing back to Florida. The weather was fine for most ports and the crossing.

 

We've also went in Apr/May and that was nice.

 

Those choices are hard for those needing Summer days off, but it worked for us.

 

We have another in A few weeks 04 - 30 Nov.

 

Den

[lovestx]

When you say hot how hot are you talking about? Would love to go in October but I read someplace where there was strong odor in Venus in October. I am just beginning to research so I have alot to learn. Any information you would like to share would be helpful. Have a great cruise.

 

We were in the Eastern Med from June 11 to 22 this year. There were times when we were very hot. Temps in Ephesus and Athens had to have been in the 90s and you are moving around quite a bit. It didn't bother us that much but we did say we could not imagine doing the trip in July or August due to the heat.

[cindygad]

I would suggest Sept. You avoid some of the crowds and the temp is better.

 

I am thinking 2014 for our 35th in October but I am open to suggestions.

[dln929]

When you say hot how hot are you talking about? Would love to go in October but I read someplace where there was strong odor in Venus in October. I am just beginning to research so I have alot to learn. Any information you would like to share would be helpful. Have a great cruise.

 

We've sailed into Venice in both mid-October and mid-July and we weren't bothered by any odor. I think that's one of those silly urban myths. The city is incredible! Where exactly are you thinking of sailing? The Mediterranean is a big place so you're going to experience a range of weather conditions.

[cindygad]

We've cruised the Med a number of times, heck in the Navy, I 'cruised' the Med even more.

 

Recently, we've cruised in the Fall. Both cruises were great. Smaller tourist crowds, fewer cruise ships with yours, usually lower prices, and we had great weather. One cruise was in Nov because we retuned on a crossing back to Florida. The weather was fine for most ports and the crossing.

 

We've also went in Apr/May and that was nice.

 

Those choices are hard for those needing Summer days off, but it worked for us.

 

We have another in A few weeks 04 - 30 Nov.

 

Den

 

Looks like you have lots of experience. What is your favorite Med itinerary? We are cruising Nov 3 but to Caribbean.

[Tangocherie]

We did the Med in late September. We had great weather and the temps were in the low to mid 80's. I thought it was a great time of year to do it and the summer crowds were gone.

[cindygad]

We've sailed into Venice in both mid-October and mid-July and we weren't bothered by any odor. I think that's one of those silly urban myths. The city is incredible! Where exactly are you thinking of sailing? The Mediterranean is a big place so you're going to experience a range of weather conditions.

 

Not sure where. I have always want to to to Venice but some of the recent trip reports have me wanting to explore.

[Denny01]

At least Celebrity doesn't have itineraries set for Oct 2014, probably sometime in early Spring.

 

Each itinerary has its draw. The East Med out of Rome has the Greek Isles, Athens, Ephesis, Rhodes, Sicily. Sometimes Malta.

 

Out of Athens you get those and usually Istambul. You also can either start or stop in Istambul. Fantastic city.

 

Out of Venice (we do that this Nov) you see the Adriatic with Croatia added. Yes, been to Venice when it had 'issues' but only once is probably 6 times. Well worth any chance of 'smell'.

 

West Med has Florence and French Riveria, and Spanish ports, especially Barcelona, close to my favorite port.

 

Too many choices. None bad. Would need a specific cruise to say more.

 

Den

[Ex-Airbalancer]

We have done 3 Medditerranean cruise, between May 16 to June 10

Great weather, sunraise up by 5:30 sunset at 9

Never had any rain, not many tourists

[navyrotorhead]

We have never been to Mediterranean. After reading some resent Mediterranean cruise reports it has peaked my interest. What is the best time of year to cruise the Mediterranean?

 

RIGHT NOW... (Nov17) you can spend 29 consecutive nights (Holy Land b2b with a TA) on Celebrity Silhouette for UNDER $1,400PP and get $850 OBC. :)

 

The only concern would be airfare right now, I don't know how much that might set you back.

[dln929]

Not sure where. I have always want to to to Venice but some of the recent trip reports have me wanting to explore.

 

You should definitely go to Venice. I never saw Venice until I was in my early 50s. You want to know why? My mother-in-law went there when my husband was a child and told him it smells. So he never wanted to go. Finally I threw a temper tantrum about being the only woman in the world who hadn't seen Venice and he relented and we went on a cruise that left out of Venice. :D Now we both know what the magic is all about and we love Venice!

 

September and October are really nice months to be in Europe. A year ago this week we were in Venice on the Voyager cruise and I had on a scarf and all-weather coat. It was chilly! By the time we got down to the southern tip of Italy, though, we were in short sleeves and capris. It was sunny and mild. Anyway, I see you live in Indiana like we do. If you can take the ups and downs of Hoosier weather, Mediteranean weather is a piece of cake. LOL I wrote a trip report from our Solstice cruise this past June--you can find it in the Trip Report sticky at the top of the page. I put several Venice photos in it.

[cindygad]

At least Celebrity doesn't have itineraries set for Oct 2014, probably sometime in early Spring.

 

Each itinerary has its draw. The East Med out of Rome has the Greek Isles, Athens, Ephesis, Rhodes, Sicily. Sometimes Malta.

 

Out of Athens you get those and usually Istambul. You also can either start or stop in Istambul. Fantastic city.

 

Out of Venice (we do that this Nov) you see the Adriatic with Croatia added. Yes, been to Venice when it had 'issues' but only once is probably 6 times. Well worth any chance of 'smell'.

 

West Med has Florence and French Riveria, and Spanish ports, especially Barcelona, close to my favorite port.

 

Too many choices. None bad. Would need a specific cruise to say more.

 

Den

 

I agree a lot of choices! We only cruise once a year and I am a big planner so like to book way ahead. I will have to wait till the cruises come out for Oct 2014. It is good to see what everyone's favorites are and why?

[cindygad]

RIGHT NOW... (Nov17) you can spend 29 consecutive nights (Holy Land b2b with a TA) on Celebrity Silhouette for UNDER $1,400PP and get $850 OBC. :)

 

The only concern would be airfare right now, I don't know how much that might set you back.

 

 

Great deal but we get back on 10th of Nov and could not swing a trip that soon. Wish I could!!!!

[cindygad]

You should definitely go to Venice. I never saw Venice until I was in my early 50s. You want to know why? My mother-in-law went there when my husband was a child and told him it smells. So he never wanted to go. Finally I threw a temper tantrum about being the only woman in the world who hadn't seen Venice and he relented and we went on a cruise that left out of Venice. :D Now we both know what the magic is all about and we love Venice!

 

September and October are really nice months to be in Europe. A year ago this week we were in Venice on the Voyager cruise and I had on a scarf and all-weather coat. It was chilly! By the time we got down to the southern tip of Italy, though, we were in short sleeves and capris. It was sunny and mild. Anyway, I see you live in Indiana like we do. If you can take the ups and downs of Hoosier weather, Mediteranean weather is a piece of cake. LOL I wrote a trip report from our Solstice cruise this past June--you can find it in the Trip Report sticky at the top of the page. I put several Venice photos in it.

 

You have me laughing! The smell would never keep me away. I am 55 so older than when you finally made it! It sounds like the Med temp varies and is a place you would have to layer. I would have to learn how to pack for that.

 

You are right being from Indiana we are used to up and down temps. We get lake effect where I live.

 

Thanks for your trip report information i will check that out.

[cruise47]

I agree with KathyPet. We've sailed the Med in October, November and December either as a Med cruise or as the start of a transatlantic. The weather's been fine in November and December but it gets dark really early. In October you've got cooler weather and longer days.

 

In late November will the weather be very cooler than October and can you give us an example in weather degrees ? Like a drop from 70 to 65 degrees or more.

 

Thanks for any assistance on this subject.

[dln929]

You have me laughing! The smell would never keep me away. I am 55 so older than when you finally made it! It sounds like the Med temp varies and is a place you would have to layer. I would have to learn how to pack for that.

 

You are right being from Indiana we are used to up and down temps. We get lake effect where I live.

 

Thanks for your trip report information i will check that out.

 

Here you go Cindy (if I've cut and pasted correctly ;)).

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1676328

[TLCOhio]

We have never been to Mediterranean. After reading some resent Mediterranean cruise reports it has peaked my interest. What is the best time of year to cruise the Mediterranean?

 

"Best" can depend much on your personal interests, schedule flexibilities, budget, travel style, etc. We have done two different Med cruise cruise in early to mid June. Things have worked out super well on both "adventures" with great weather and nice conditions. This includes late June 2006, Athens to Istanbul, enjoying the Greek Isles and Turkish Coast over seven days on a smaller Seabourn ship. Then last June for southern France, Italy and the Croatian Coast from spectacular Barcelona on the larger, 2850-passenger Celebrity Solstice that is detailed below on my live/blog for that trip and ship.

 

If your work schedule permits, May could be super, allowing less crowds, nice weather and maybe a little cheaper costs. As noted by others, late September and October can work out well, too (if you're not a football fan who has their favorite college and/or NFL teams). Early to mid June are good as many in Europe and other locations are not yet totally done with school schedules, etc.

 

You have several choice and decisions to consider. Where to depart from? Barcelona is becoming very popular with good air, port, main city, etc., options and facilities. Do you do more western Med and/or reach out and cover some of the eastern Med that includes the Greek Island and/or Turkish Coast. Then, there is wonderful Venice and key, spectacular cities such as Dubrovnik. Below are some added links and my visuals options to help spur your thought process. How much are you interested in history? Countrysides vs. cities? Museums, food, wine, art, music, shopping, architecture, culture, etc.? How much of it in a leisurely style versus fast-paced? Then, with more detailed and specific information from you, we can make better, more specific suggestions on what best fits your needs and interests.

 

Reactions and added questions??

 

CHECK OUT THESE POSTS FOR MORE INFO, VISUALS:

Super loved Dubrovnik!!! See more details and lots of great visual samples/examples at this link. Have had over 10,540 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and dropped by.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

 

More on wonderful Kotor and nearby, check these postings. Have had over 8,950 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and commented.:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

 

Since Venice is one of your key stops, you might look at this earlier posting that I did on the Italy board that shows many options and visual potentials for this city that is so great for "walking around", personally sampling the great history and architecture. This posting has now had over 15,275 views and I appreciate those who have dropped by and tuned in. Don’t be shy in sharing any questions or comments.

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

You can check out my earlier post on “Athens Tips, Suggestions, Examples to Enjoy!” for many details, ideas and interesting visuals on this great city. Lots of ideas here from me and others experienced with Athens. This posting has had over 6,000 views. Appreciate those who have dropped by, made comments, etc.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 106,897 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

 

Don’t miss the sail-in and/or sail-out for Venice. This was our view from the top of the ship as we approached the historic center of Venice. On a beautiful day, as we enjoyed, this is so spectacular!!!:

 

 

 

This is a view of the historic Dubrovnik wall at an upward and outward point built on top of the rocks and where it overlooks the Adriatic Sea. Walking this wall is a wonderful and unique way to sample and see up close and personal what makes this city so special.:

 

 

 

It was a big “WOW” for our first visit to Pisa. This tower is much taller than I expected. They just completed a major cleaning of it a few weeks earlier in the spring, making things perfect, except for that little foundation problem with one tower. Also impressive here are the Pisa Baptistry and Duomo (main) church. Pisa has a couple of major universities here. There is another church here that also also a learning (and shorter) tower. We drove by that site. Two leaning towers in Pisa! How many knew that?:

 

 

 

Looking downhill towards the library and other ruins from when Ephesus, along the Turkish Coast, was Rome's capital of Asia Minor. The history here is real and totally amazing! This Library of Celsus was built in honor of a Roman Senator and completed in 135 AD by his son, a Roman Consul and powerful official. The library was built to store 12,000 scrolls and to serve as a tomb for his father. The interior of the library and all its books were destroyed by fire in an earthquake in 262 AD. Only the facade survived, but was later destroyed by another earthquake. In a restoration during the 1960's and 1970's, the front was restored and serves as a key example of Roman public architecture.:

 

 

 

Here was our first view of Istanbul in 2006 from our just-docking cruise ship as we smelled the sweet blend of this historic Turkish city. YES, you could really smell how “special” is this unique city with so much culture, charm and interest! Istanbul has so much variety, history, culture, architecture, people, food, charm, etc. It’s the total experience here that is so amazing.:

 

 

 

Here’s a sampling of the narrow, flowered street in Mykonos in the Greek Isles with its many shops. The streets were made so narrow in order to fend off pirate attackers. It is an island with lots of history and legend dating back thousands of years, including connections to ancient Greek mythology. Ionians settled on Mykonos in the early part of the 11th century BC. As Delos developed as a sacred center, Mykonos was under the influences of the different people, including Phoenicians, Macedonians and Athenians. With the rise of Alexander the Great, the fate of Mykonos became a commercial center for agriculture and maritime trade. Mykonos flourished with enormous wealth during Roman occupation during the reign of Augustus Caesar. During the Middle Ages, Mykonos fell under the Venetians and later were victimized by the Saracens and latter the Turks. Starting in the 1950’s, its unique architecture, seclusion and hospitality have made it a haven for the rich and famous.:

 

[FloatSomeMore]

Okay, we have been in the Med in July, August, September, October and November. Our best time has been in October. Very little humidity, temperate days and nights (65 - 75 degrees F), very little rain. We are doing it again this year! (We live in the South, the Med can be as brutal in the summer!)

[cindygad]

Here you go Cindy (if I've cut and pasted correctly ;)).

 

Thank you it worked I just bookmarked it!