7 Reasons to Book a Mediterranean Cruise in the Off-Season

The Mediterranean has a way of calling you when you least expect it. This winter, if you find yourself fantasizing about the fresh burrata and cliffside views of Positano, or the cafes and moules frites you had in Marseilles, perhaps you should consider booking a Mediterranean cruise in the off-season — as in, right now.

Technically, the off-season in the Mediterranean is November to March, when most cruise lines move their ships to the Caribbean, South America, or Asia to meet demand for sailings in warm-weather destinations. But, the temperate Med can be quite inviting — and far less crowded — during these months. Sure, some sights and businesses in seasonal resort areas will be closed or have limited hours, but the cruise lines know which ports are best to visit.

Here are seven reasons to experience the off-season in the Mediterranean.

There Are More Ships in the Med Year-Round Than You’d Think

For fall 2022, Norwegian Cruise Line is currently offering an 11-night Mediterranean sailing (which departs from Rome and visits Florence, Naples, Athens, Santorini, Kusadasi (Turkey), Istanbul, Patmos (Greece), Rhodes, and Limassol (Cyprus), and Jerusalem before disembarking in Tel Aviv aboard Norwegian Epic. This November 2022, the cruise line is also offering a seven-night Greek and Israel itinerary aboard Norwegian Jade. 

Additionally, from November 2022 to February 2023, MSC Cruises is offering a whopping 72 voyages, starting at $249 per person for a two-night sailing. Similarly, during that same time frame, Costa Cruises is hosting over 130 different cruises. 

Cruise Fares Can Be Up to 60% Cheaper

MSC is offering a 10-night cruise on MSC Magnifica roundtrip from Marseille for just $719 per person. Or, you could opt for a seven-night itinerary to ports in France, Spain, and Italy on Costa Cruises starting at $589 per person. Alternatively, if you love the cozy vibe onboard Viking’s upscale, mostly inclusive ocean ships — with a covered pool, a fabulous spa, and no casino or kids under 16 — perhaps a seven-night Western Mediterranean sailing may seal the deal (from $2,599 per person, a steal compared to $3,799 in peak season). Also worth noting: Airfare to Europe is cheaper in the off-season, too.

There is Often Last-Minute Availability

Have you met someone new and would love to get away for a romantic Mediterranean cruise this Valentine’s Day? Or, are you looking for a way to celebrate a milestone birthday or anniversary in March? Off-season cruises often don’t sell out, so you can be spontaneous and decide to book with just a few weeks’ notice.

The Weather Is Better for Touring

If you’ve cruised the Med in the peak of summer, you know that the temperature often tops 100 degrees, making exploring a hot, stifling challenge. Yes, the mercury can dip into the 40s (January is the coldest month, yet it rarely gets close to freezing), but more likely you’ll enjoy daytime averages in the high 50s, 60s, and even low 70s — perfect for active days of touring.

Top Sights Will Be Less Crowded

Both Barcelona and Rome — two top cruise ports in the Med year-round — can be nightmarishly crowded during peak season. If you’ve ever tried to get into the Vatican Museums or La Sagrada Familia between the popular months of May and September, you’ll appreciate that this time of year the tourist hordes are noticeably thinner, lines are shorter, and you’ll be able to enjoy the sights in comfort.

There Should Be Fewer Kids Onboard

Unless you misjudge and book a cruise during a mid-winter (typically mid-February) or spring break (usually the week before or after Easter), you should find yourself sharing the ship with more adults and fewer kids. However, this can’t be guaranteed, as both Costa and MSC are known for attracting families year-round. Still, there will certainly be fewer children than you'd find during the summer school break period.

You’ll Get a Truer Sense of Local Flavor

Without so many tourists in the mix, you’ll be able to experience your destinations more authentically. The restaurants and bars that are open will be those frequented by locals, the pace of daily life will be a bit slower, and the low-key charms of the Mediterranean from November to March may just make an off-season cruiser out of you for good.

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