Mediterranean Cruises
For most cruise regions there are periods of peak demand (high season), moderate demand (shoulder season) and low demand (low season).
Several years ago, high season tended to be when the weather was best in a particular area (and when all the northerners flocked to the sun), but as more and more families take to cruising, the summer months have become a peak-demand period regardless of the weather (at home or in the region).
Near to home and value for money, Mediterranean holidays are a magnet for first-time cruisers dipping their toes into the water and active types seeking offbeat adventure. Onboard there’s entertainment when you tire of the sun and sea. Ashore you’ll discover a different destination every day – from shopping in Marrakech’s spice markets to cruising cafés in Cannes.
Best temperatures are in the Spring and Autumn.
Greece, Turkey, the Rivieras, and southern Italy and Spain get especially hot in the summer, with temperatures approaching 32c away from the Atlantic Ocean.
Just remember that the best time to go to each destination is usually the most expensive.
Both European and American families flock to many of the summer sailing dates (especially August), making for a nice cultural mix of passengers. As with all places in season, the tradeoffs will be bigger crowds, higher prices and steamy temperatures.
Sailing out of season is the time to cruise the mega-ships minus lots of kids. Plus, the weather is ideal in late spring and early Autumn (note: November can be rainy in some areas of the Mediterranean), and great deals can be found with some of the luxury lines offering "2 for 1" or free airfare specials.
Not all lines consider this low season though; some ships are sent to the region only for the spring and fall months and sell out their sailings without much discounting. During the winter months itineraries tend to focus on Morocco and the Canary Islands and some cruise ships deploy their newest and most luxuriest ships here.
Some cruise lines are actively promoting the Southern Mediterranean as a fantastic winter destination -- Costa and MSC are among the lines putting new, amenity-laden ships in the market on a year-round basis. Temperatures are cooler, but still comfortable. And the crowds that plague these ports in spring, summer and fall are all but gone.
