by Spending the summer cruising the sky-blue Mediterranean and visiting Europe’s most famous hotspots might sound tempting on paper. But when you consider the scorching heat of southern Europe, crowded tourist attractions and sometimes anti-cruise locals, the appeal is less.
Instead, savvy cruise passengers who prefer cooler temperatures—and are more flexible about vacation planning—are discovering that the shoulder season is really the only way to travel. As a result, more cruise lines than ever before are offering year-round Mediterranean cruises. So savvy guests benefit from easier access to museums and attractions (with fewer crowds and often reduced admission prices), quieter restaurants, cooler climes, and an overall more positive attitude from locals toward the humble cruise tourist. And even better, the fewer passengers on board, the more favorable the crew-to-guest ratio—and the more luxurious your vacation.
Here are 10 wonderful ways to enjoy an off-season Mediterranean cruise, whether you’re looking to book for this winter or next, and whether you’re more concerned with what’s onboard or the destinations you want to explore.
A paradise for gourmets
Want to leave the UK before the Christmas rush sets in? This option from Crystal Cruises takes you from Greece to Spain while enjoying all the culinary delights of small ship luxury – including the only Nobu at sea. Most cabins are suites, all of which include a butler, 24-hour room service and, if you wish, unlimited champagne.
Crystal Cruises offers the seven-day Athens to Barcelona cruise aboard Crystal Symphony from £2,800 per person, including all meals and drinks, gratuities and port fees. Calls in Chania, Valletta, Palermo and Valencia; departs 24 November 2024 (0808 178 3396).
A cultural festival
The Renaissance treasures of Italy and the South of France are the focus of Viking’s legendary Western Mediterranean cruise. The art, architecture and history of Catalonia and Tuscany are on offer in Marseille and glamorous Monte Carlo – all without the stress of the usual summer crowds – while guest lecturers and enriching lectures provide culture on board.
Viking Cruises offers the eight-day iconic Western Mediterranean cruise from £2,590 per person, including return flights from the UK, transfers, meals, drinks, included excursions, gratuities and more. Calls in Sète, Marseille, Monte Carlo and Livorno (with overnights in Barcelona and Tuscany); departs Barcelona on 2 December 2024 and arrives in Rome (0800 31966 60).
A touch of luxury
Although Portugal does not have a Mediterranean coast, it is often considered an honorary brother due to its climate and culture. This is also where Oceania’s Flamenco Fascination cruise departs. You’ll embark on a lavish itinerary (which includes a brief detour to Morocco) aboard the ultra-stylish Regatta Class Sirena, where sweeping staircases and crystal chandeliers are the order of the day.
Oceania’s 14-day Flamenco Fascination from £5,649 per person, based on double occupancy and including airport transfers. Calls in Portimão, Casablanca, Cadiz, Seville, Tangier, Almeria, Barcelona, Marseille and Livorno. Departs Lisbon on 4 October 2024, arriving in Rome (0345 505 1920).
Family outing
Marella is a great option for those looking for a budget cruise and is also a great choice for families. There’s plenty on board to keep the little ones entertained, including swimming pools, a climbing wall, mini golf and midnight movies, plus eight restaurants, a spa, a beauty salon and nightly Broadway-style shows.
Marella offers the seven-day Sights and Delights return cruise on board Marella Discovery 2 from £856 per person, including flights from London Stansted, 20kg luggage per person, transfers, gratuities and service charges. Calls in Lisbon, Cadiz, Casablanca, Gibraltar and Motril. Departs Malaga on 14 November 2024 (0203 4512682).
Room to breathe
Come February next year, we all need a bit of sunshine and a bit of post-Christmas peace and quiet. The antidote? Windstar Cruises’ excellent Spanish getaway aboard the small, all-suite ship Star Legend. The ship only accommodates 312 passengers at full capacity, so in the off-season there will likely be even more square footage than usual.
Windstar offers the innovative eight-day Winter Escapes tour of southern Spain from £2,688 per person, including return flights from Heathrow, overseas transfers, all meals and drinks, port fees and gratuities. Calls in Valencia, Cartagena, Gibraltar, Malaga and Palma de Mallorca. Departs Barcelona on 7 February 2025 (0808 178 2233).
Cooler Croatia
With Croatian summers getting hotter, spring is now the perfect time to go island hopping along the Dalmatian coast. Sail Croatia’s small ship cruise departs from Split and offers overnight stops in Hvar, Mljet, Dubrovnik and Korçaula – a perfect introduction to the country’s highlights for those who have never been before.
Sail Croatia offers the seven-day round trip aboard Olimp from £1,739 per person, including overseas transfers, breakfast, lunch, welcome reception, captain’s dinner and dinner in a local village. Departs 20 April 2025 (020 4525 7534).
The Balearic Islands, a must-see
Southern Europe is still busy in mid-October, the days are still hot (but pleasant) and the evenings are still strapless. The beautiful Balearic Islands in Spain make up the majority of this Emerald itinerary, and while it may be a stretch on the budget, it certainly delivers on the style front.
Emerald Cruises’ eight-day Exploring the Balearics round trip on board Emerald Sakara costs from £3,945 per person, including flights, transfers, free WiFi and excursions. Calls in Castellón de la Plana, Ibiza, Mallorca, Mahón, Palamós and Port-Vendres. Departs Barcelona on 11 October 2025 (0161 516 8456).
Serenity in Venice
With Venetian authorities now requiring smaller tour groups and large cruise ships banned from entering the lagoon, an off-season visit makes sense for guests and locals alike. Opt for this cruise aboard Uniworld’s glamorous but tiny La Venezia and you’ll have the chance to explore Venice and the surrounding area at its most tranquil.
Uniworld offers the eight-day Venice and the Jewels of the Veneto package from £2,398 per person (when booked before 30 September 2024), including return flights, transfers, all-inclusive food and drinks and a full activity programme. Includes overnight stays in Burano and Chioggia, after-dark visits to St Mark’s Basilica and early entry to the Doge’s Palace. Departs 3 November 2025 (0808 168 9231).
Sailing in southern Spain
This cruise from award-winning small cruise line Azamara is a well-timed whirlwind tour of Spain’s bustling coastal islands and cities – where average temperatures of 20 degrees in November provide a welcome dose of warmth and an ideal climate for strolling along the stunning sights.
Azamara offers the Spain In-depth Tour aboard Azamara Onward from £2,089 per person, including meals and drinks, gratuities and exclusive cultural events. Calls in Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Cartagena, Malaga, Gibraltar, Seville, Portimão and Lisbon. Departs 6 November 2025 (0344 4934016).
The road less travelled
If, like many British travellers, you have already explored many of the traditional highlights of the Mediterranean, this option might be of interest to you. Cruising aboard the luxury boutique ship Seadream II, the cruise takes in a variety of lesser-known destinations, including the colourful seaside town of Sanary-sur-Mer, historic Collioure, Tarragona with its Roman ruins and the beautiful port city of Cartagena.
Seadream Yacht Club’s seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise from Nice to Malaga costs from £5,275 per person, including return flights, overseas transfers, all meals and drinks, gratuities and port fees. Departs 26 October 2025. Book through Mundy Cruising (020 7399 7670).
