The winter months are my absolute favorite to cruise on the Mediterranean. There are fewer crowds and the weather isn’t too hot and the air is more peaceful and tranquil.
A winter cruise on the Mediterranean is a totally different experience. Although the climate is more temperate than in other areas however, it’s definitely not a holiday that you can call beachy. However, if you’re hoping to visit some incredible places, go exploring and are okay with not being hot, then you can expect a true delight.
10 Tips You Must Be aware of prior to your Mediterranean Winter Cruise
I was recently invited to the 8-day Eastern Mediterranean cruise by Celestyal Cruises and my husband and I had an amazing time. Through the 31st of March, 2020, they are running a fantastic sale through with cruises beginning at $489/person. Take advantage of it and see if you are able to get a bargain. It is my very first winter trip and I have a few useful tips for your the next Mediterranean winter cruise that you should be aware of before leaving:
Pack Layers, Pack Light and Pack Light
Don’t leave your heavy wool sweaters in the closet. They’re heavy to carry and wash. They are also difficult to clean and heavy. Also, they can be unbearably hot in the summertime. Also, the Mediterranean regions do not become extremely cold, even in winter.
I strongly recommend packing layers rather than. Pack clothes that are able to mix and match one another. I usually take a few long-sleeved blouses or shirts as well as some tank tops to keep warm during colder weather along with a handful of sweaters of various styles.
For top-of-the-line I’m wearing my 3 in 1 jacket, which is from Tommy Hilfiger. I am in love with this jacket. It’s so practical and great for any occasion.
When it comes to travel pants, I prefer to take a pair of thin jeans with a pair of slacks, 1 pair of travel pants or hiking, along with some leggings. I can wear them over my other clothes if it’s really cold, or put them on with a long tunic-style shirt.
For formal occasions, I’ll pack a couple of elegant tops that I can pair with slacks, some interesting scarfs, as with a dress that is long-sleeved.
My husband is bringing a few undershirts as well as a few button-down shirts, as well as a few cardigans or sweaters that he can over the button-down shirt. He also has a couple of long-sleeved button downs as well as a sport coat, jeans and one pair of slacks as with a couple of tie clips.
Laundry is typically quite cheap when you cruise, so you can take advantage of it too. We spent just twenty EUR for a big bag that included next-day delivery (about a week’s worth of socks and underwear for two people, 8x shirts 2x pajamas, 4x pantyhose). This makes the suitcase much more manageable, and also leaves room for your souvenirs.
Book Early
Although winter is technically not a season many cruise companies cut their sailings in order to cater to a lower demand. That’s why, even during off-seasons particularly in the case of significant holidays top cruises during winter are booked up quickly. Mediterranean cruises will be booked in a short time.
If you are planning to travel during the Thanksgiving week and Christmas break from the beginning in January would highly suggest booking at least a month in advance. If you’re flexible and travel outside of peak times I strongly recommend it to stay clear of the largest crowds.
Discover a Great Winter Cruise Itinerary
The selection of a good plan is crucial on an icy winter cruise on the Mediterranean. The cruise during winter is more about enjoying the sun and in the beach as much as it is about culture and historical sites.
Select a cruise route that will take you to destinations which offer more than snorkeling and beaches, including amazing castles, museums or palaces, so that you can have indoor options even if the weather isn’t ideal.
Our recent cruise, which took place in the month of December, we explored three continents: Egypt, Israel, Cyprus, Rhodes, and Turkey. Although we were blessed with the weather at each of our destinations we did spend quite a bit of time indoors. Make sure to bring an appropriate raincoat in the event that you experience less than ideal weather.
Find out what to expect from A Winter Cruise
Yes, wintertime in the Mediterranean is milder than many locations. Temperatures that freeze are not common however, they can happen. As do rain, and the odd gloomy day. So if you’re looking for a hot day, beaches, snorkeling trips, and sunbathing in the sun, an Mediterranean winter cruise may not be right for you.
If you’re looking for cooler, spring-like weather with less crowds and a romantic stroll on the beach can make you as content and happy splashing in the ocean for long hours, then a winter cruise may be the best option for you.
Be Prepared For More Gritty Seas
Since the temperatures are colder in winter and the sea may be a little rougher than it is in summer. Two nights ago, we had a rough time at sea, when we were able to sail across the open waters in the Mediterranean. While it was not dangerous in any way however, the waves were evident and powerful enough that certain items rolled off the tables and shelves. The ship we were on was that is the Celestyal Crystal, was stabilized, which helped to make it much more smooth however.
If you even have the slightest thought of getting sick, I would strongly advise that you bring your medication and take it in case you need to.
Take your time planning your Shore Excursions.
Conduct some research on the weather conditions at the ports you’re planning to visit prior to signing to any excursion. Be sure to inquire for alternatives available, in the event that the weather is bad , and what happens if you are able to get an exchange in the event of bad weather, or if it’s deemed “an act of God”.
If you decide to participate in an event that is predominantly outdoors, be sure you wear appropriate attire. I’m always saying: “There is no bad weather, just bad clothes coupled with a bad mental attitude.” If you are able to keep warm, dry and keep a positive outlook it is possible to still enjoy yourself even when the weather isn’t ideal.
Pay Attention To The Time In Port
Based on the cruise lineyou choose, you will have more or fewer time in port. Be sure the times in port make the longest daylight hours. In winter the darkness can come fairly early, so be sure you choose a route which gives you the longest daylight hours at port.
This is one of the reasons I truly was enthralled by Celestyal Cruises. They offer the longest durations in port I’ve experienced for any cruise company. In Egypt we enjoyed more than 15 days of onshore time. A few of their Cruise stops within Greece also offer overnight stays in certain ports (Mykonos) So you can enjoy the sunset from your land and also enjoy the nightlife of the island.
Important Things to Pack
- Rain coat (I have mentioned my top one earlier!)
- An rainproof backpack or a couple of ziplock bags that keep things like passports and cameras dry in your backpack/purse.
- Booksand the Kindle that will keep you busy on days of sea and bad weather.
- Travel towel for your purse/backpack for the occasion that you are trapped in a torrential downpour.
- A positive attitude is essential to get the most of your travel experience.
Find out if Kids Clubs and Other Amenities are Available
On winter cruises, some of the facilities on the vessel might not be accessible due to the lack of demand. For example, some bars are open all times, or the children’s club may be closed on non-school cruises during holidays. Be sure to verify when you are planning to make use of specific facilities during the cruise in winter.
Holiday Cruising
If you’re planning to travel during the winter holidays I would not just recommend to make reservations early but also to consider some other things. If you’re away from your family, home and friends during the Holidays You might want to take along thing to help you remember these memories.
Our cruise ship was decorated to celebrate the Holidays. It was filled with festive Christmas decorations and Gingerbread houses all over. We went sailing in the first part of December. However, if I had to sail through the Holidays specifically I would be bringing 1-2 of my most loved ornaments from my home to set up that bring me back to home. Also, I’d make a planned Face-Time call to call my loved ones back home and send them a Happy Holidays. Maybe you can take your most loved Holiday holiday tradition along when you cruise?
Keep in mind that people dress more festively in the holiday season So, you might want to bring a couple of more elegant outfits to your holiday dinners and gatherings. Perhaps you’ve got some special holiday-themed attire you’d like to wear for a photo shoot?
Do not forget the gifts If your travel companions are like that. But, I believe it’s a Holiday cruise could be the ideal occasion to concentrate on the gift of experiences instead of things. So you don’t have to fret about packing, wrapping and breaking your presents and you can instead make wonderful memories together.
An Mediterranean winter cruise is a memorable experience however, it is certainly a lot of enjoyable. I prefer cruising during winter because I am not a fan of hot weather and I prefer visiting places that aren’t so crowded.
To reserve this winter cruise that I mentioned earlier you can visit the Celestyal Cruise website and get more information regarding sailing times and cabins. Then, of course, you have to complete the process of booking.
Thank you once again for the entire team from Celestyal who arranged for us to join this cruise through in the Eastern Mediterranean in December and helped us make this trip possible. We thank you Chuck, Marios, and Frosso for taking such excellent care of us.