What are the best months to cruise to Italy?

For optimal weather and adventures aplenty, the best time to cruise the Mediterranean is in the spring, summer or fall season, from early April through late November. During the winter, many locals close up shop, making it difficult for travelers to enjoy the full Mediterranean experience.



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To avoid crowds and experience cooler temperatures, consider traveling in the shoulder months of May and September or early October. Most Mediterranean cruises sail in the summer months, when the sun and sand in coastal ports are at their peak and cities come alive with activity.

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Best Time to Cruise Europe: April - Mid-June and September - October. Tourists flock to Europe in the summer, but the best time for a European cruise is in the late spring and early fall. Temperatures are more pleasant and the crowds of tourists tend to much smaller than the peak summer months.

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The Mediterranean Sea Can Be Surprisingly Choppy Year Round The biggest offender is the Mediterranean, which tends to be roughest in the fall and winter, due to winds and storms. However, avid cruisers have experienced rough seas in the spring and summer, so be prepared for anything.

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The 5 Most Dangerous Parts of a Ship for Passengers
  • Watertight Doors. Never try to outrun a closing watertight door. ...
  • Wet/Slippery Surfaces. ...
  • Ferries & Lifeboats. ...
  • Dining Facilities & Fast-Spreading Illnesses. ...
  • Balconies. ...
  • Talking to a Florida Cruise Ship Injury Attorney.


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There's never a bad time for a Mediterranean cruise, but I've recently discovered the best time to go. Known as the “Quiet Season” in touring lingo, this stretch of time in November and December is less crowded but still seasonally mild, weather-wise.

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Summer is peak season with family vacations and honeymooners, so prices will be higher then. Expect a lift during spring break weeks, as well. Even though January, February and March bring more rain, the winter months are also peak season for tourists … and whales.

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While the weather on a Transatlantic Crossing can always be mixed, many prefer the months of April and May to sail. This is after the cold winter months, and before the start of the stormy seasons.

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Cruise prices are usually the cheapest furthest from the sailing date when first launched or 60-90 days before the cruise sets sail. The prices of some cruises will decrease last minute – but this doesn't always happen. Booking a cruise within the last 60/90 days may not always be the best way to get a bargain.

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Due to land surrounding, the sea is very calm and you can enjoy the cruise. The Mediterranean weather is very hot and dry.

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Heat: The Mediterranean, particularly in southern regions, can feel sweltering during July and August. For example, temperatures in Athens average 82 degrees F in July and August, but can sometimes climb to 90 or higher.

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“Even on warm itineraries in season in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, it can get chilly at night on deck or in the mornings on excursions. Plan to wear layers that you can easily peel off and always include a layer to cope with downpours even if a small folding umbrella or lightweight rain poncho.”

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What's the ideal cruise length for a first-timer? A week or so is the sweet spot for most first-time cruisers, which will offer three to six ports. Three-day sampler itineraries won't allow you to explore more than one or two destinations, and you can't decompress as thoroughly, either.

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The summer months, especially June, July, and August, are the peak travel season for cruises. This is primarily due to families taking advantage of school holidays and vacation time. With increased demand, cruise prices tend to be higher during these months.

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To reduce motion sickness, choose a stateroom in the middle of the ship on a lower deck. You will feel any sway of the ship less in this section. Although it may seem counterintuitive, if you're worried about seasickness on a cruise, book a stateroom with a window or a veranda.

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To minimize the risk of seasickness, book one of the world's largest ships, such as Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas. Keep in mind that the ocean is much larger than even the most gargantuan ships, so when the seas are rough, you can still feel movement — just less than if you're sailing on a 100-person yacht.

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If you're worried about seasickness, pick a cabin that's as close to the water level as possible and in the center of the ship. You'll be at the ship's fulcrum point, which means you'll feel less movement than people on higher decks with cabins far forward or all the way at the back.

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