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The Best Site to Book a Cruise Online Find a Cruise Discount and Book with No Fees

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Additionally, trips booked through this site are eligible for promotions offered by the cruise lines. From our findings, here are the top cruise booking sites for your next vacation, plus the pros and cons they offer travelers. If the ship docks in a secondary location and you have to travel to the big tourist destinations, I always book excursions through the cruise line. For instance, the day my family and I explored Rome, the ship docked in Civitavecchia, Italy, and we had to take a two-hour bus ride into the city. Thanks to this comprehensive price history, Cruisewatch can predict cruise prices and drops with an accuracy rate of around 80 percent.

Booking Through Specialized Cruise-Travel Websites

Cruise Critic has tons of filters and sort options to help you find what you want, including everything from cruise line to cruise style (family cruises, luxury cruises, cruises for the disabled). Each itinerary clearly lists what is and isn’t included in the fare; Wi-Fi, alcoholic drinks, gratuities, and port taxes and fees are among the common exclusions. What about booking last-minute cruise deals on websites? It makes sense that if a cruise cabin is about to sail empty the price would drop to fill it up. In fact, cruise lines consistently have occupancy rates above 100% — meaning that more than two passengers are in some cabins.

Un-carrier Customers Can Now Set Sail with Cruise Deals on T-Mobile Tuesdays

Uncover all the exciting family vacation ideas and travel activities that are waiting for you onboard a cruise getaway with Symphony of the Seas. If you’re looking to plan an amazing family cruise vacation, the brand-new Odyssey of the Seas overflows with fun activities for kids and family-friendly entertainment. Travel Tuesday cruise deals go live at midnight on Cyber Monday, and are designed to bring you discounts on experiences that you'll remember for a lifetime. And if you don’t know what to pack or need inspiration for short trips, weeklong Caribbean getaways, or last-minute family vacation ideas, take a look at our useful vacation travel guides. Finally, be sure to read our Set Sail Guide, that details everything you need to know, from checking in, what to pack and more before your cruise. \nAnd if you don’t know what to pack or need inspiration for short trips, weeklong Caribbean getaways, or last-minute family vacation ideas, take a look at our useful vacation travel guides.

How can I get the best deal on a world cruise?

But one seabound itinerary people often forget to add to their bucket lists is a Mediterranean cruise. Keep Cruisewatch in strong consideration—more than a typical cruise booking website, Cruisewatch bills itself as a “digital cruise advisor” that couples data power with personalization. Expert travel tips, dream destination inspiration, and timely travel news delivered to your inbox daily. In that case, you’ll want to contact the website that you booked through — not the cruise line (unless you booked through the cruise line’s website). For example, if you book through CostcoTravel.com, then contact them first for any price drops you see.

Featured Cruise Deals

These are some of the top spots for Grenada snorkeling near St. George's cruise port. Did you know some abbeys in England are still open for visits? This guide will help you discover the most glorious and influential abbeys in England. Even if you plan to lose yourself in your next cruise, you'll want to stay connected. Here's what you need to know about Royal Caribbean Wi-Fi .

Going early or late in the season usually means you'll have more tolerable weather and smaller crowds in some of the big destinations like Athens. After taking my first Mediterranean cruise last year, here's what I think everyone should know before booking the route. We teamed up with some of the best cruise lines in the industry to provide you added amenities, AAA Vacations® 24/7 Member Care, and AAA Vacations® Best Price Guarantee. You can sign up for price alerts, which will notify you by email when the fare on your selected itinerary drops. It can be a complicated, time-consuming process that involves dozens of open tabs and maybe a spreadsheet or two. But knowing the best site to book a cruise can help a lot.

Booking Through Costco Travel

If you have the flexibility to travel during the shoulder season or off season, you’ll likely enjoy big savings on popular stateroom categories, like Balconies and even Suites. The deals don’t only apply to your cruise fare, though. CruiseDirect is a leading online cruise travel company dedicated to providing customers with better deals than any other cruise website and access to great deals on cruise vacations. Offering special rates and savings on cruise bookings with some of the most popular cruise lines in the world, we are so confident in our cruise packages that each and every deal is backed by a price guarantee.

Princess Cruises – Find The Best Cruise For You

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The best holiday destinations are those that allow you to forget your stresses back home and spend time with your closest loved ones. Don't know the differences between the Caribbean islands? Here's how to choose between eastern vs. western Caribbean cruise itineraries for your dream vacation.

All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Search SmarterTravel Hotels for great accommodations in your port of call. To save you the hassle, SmarterTravel investigated the glutted space of cheap cruise sites to determine which are worthy of listing as the best cruise websites; below are a few that come highly recommended.

When booking a cruise on Cruise.com you can select your preferred cruise line, destination and many other search options to find the best cruise for your next vacation. Our agents are experts in cruising and are available 24/7 in case you prefer to book over the phone. As one of the largest cruise sellers Cruise.com is able to offer our clients exclusive discounts, onboard credits, upgrades and many other valuable amenities.

Plus, the site waives deposits on eligible cruise reservations. Your Caribbean cruise will take you to beaches with unique features like pink and black sand, so make sure to pack organic and natural sunscreen so not only you can stay protected, but the coral reefs can too. If you're looking for a unique excursion that still gives you the highlights of a European city, I recommend booking a food tour. I've done tours in places like Amsterdam, Budapest, and Paris, and I've never been disappointed. If you're planning on checking out Vatican City in Italy or the Meteora monasteries in Greece, be sure to pack at least one outfit that fits the bill. Some of the major European tourist destinations have strict dress codes — typically everyone must at least cover their shoulders and knees out of respect.

However, you may miss out on promotions offered by third-party sites. You will find your favorite Caribbean cruise ports no matter what direction you go. Travel the Southern side and wander down the colorful streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico. On the Western, dive into the crystal clear waters of Grand Cayman or explore the ruins of Tulum when arrive in Cozumel.

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Marvel at the sparkling azure light inside Capri’s Blue Grotto. Or savor mezes in a hillside taverna while magical colors fill the Santorini sky at sunset. And when you’re not exploring dreamy coastlines, fill your days at sea with endless romance — like intimate dining at specialty restaurants, pampering couples massages and date nights with show-stopping entertainment. Make the most out of your adventure by adding exciting shore excursions and deluxe drink packages.

But I only book with third-party operators if the ship docks right at the city I want to explore because I never want to miss the all-aboard time. Food tours can be booked through third-party travel operators, like TripAdvisor or Viator, and offer the chance to see some of the major landmarks of a city, try local dishes, and learn some history all in one outing. In other words, these sites are more akin to having your own travel agent to help you with the booking process compared to only a website. In addition to the large cruise aggregators, there are a number of smaller websites focused solely on cruises. One thing to note is that many websites in this space are actually owned by a single company — Expedia.

Cruise.com was named Agency of the Year by Carnival Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. As well as these major industry awards, MSC Cruises named Cruise.com Online Partner of the Year and many other cruise companies have celebrated our years of service to the cruise travel industry. Ease in and out of your next cruise with transportation to and from your ship. You can pre-purchase airport shuttles, private transfers and even motor-coach travel on bus routes between major cities. When it comes to planning cruise vacations, we’ve done all the groundwork for a stress-free escape.

The other disadvantage is that you need to be a member of Costco to book. In addition, the Costco Shop Cards are only valid at the store. For more on getting the best deal on a cruise, see our 10 Rules to Getting the Best Deal on a Cruise here. My parents loved traveling to the island because of the amount of kid-friendly things to do in Jamaica. Preparing your house for an extended vacation can seem like a huge task, but doing a few things before you go will make your trip carefree. From the mainstream French and Italian Rivieras to secluded idylls in the Balkans, your search for the best Mediterranean beaches ends here.

10 of the Best Mediterranean Cruises for Every Type of Traveler

best time for mediterranean cruise

With a few villages close by, beautiful scenery, fancy shopping districts and rich history, it’s no wonder that cruisegoers enjoy this port of call. Fans of old Hollywood will love seeing sights featured in the 1955 Alfred Hitchcock film “To Catch a Thief” starring Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. For those who want to spend time shopping, be sure to book an excursion that gives you time to stroll the pedestrian-only zone on rue Meynadier that features boutiques and art galleries carrying luxury goods. If you or a member of your party require accommodations for mobility limitations, research the available excursions. While cruise ships will typically have accommodations onboard, some European cities have cobblestone streets that are difficult to navigate in a wheelchair and multistory buildings that don't have elevators.

Florence, Italy

This 22-day trip tracks its way through 20 ports via five countries, including Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, and Turkey. Walk the cobblestone streets on the Greek Islands, see the colorful coastline in Marmaris, admire the glittering lights from the homes that snake their way up Lovćen Mountain, and more. Onboard, dine in one of the ship’s eight restaurants, take a dip in the top deck pool, or lounge in a common space to regale your fellow guests about the day’s adventure.

best time for mediterranean cruise

Our Cruise Ships

With its picturesque coastal scenery, ancient ruins, and island paradises, the Mediterranean is an incredibly popular cruise destination. Yet with a diverse climate across various locales, the timing of a Mediterranean cruise is an important consideration. You can choose from roving food tours, cooking classes, winery visits and tastings, and meals made with local produce and cheeses in beautiful villa or farmhouse settings. If you've never been to Europe, you may feel overwhelmed by destination choices. If you know which ports are on your must-see list, you might be more stumped by which cruise line to choose or which specific itinerary will be the best for you. Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to be a useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean.

Your Guide for the Best Mediterranean Cruises

Not covered are tips, alcoholic beverages, soda, special dining venues, and shore excursions. Most ships have alternative dining venues, and service charges can range from $10 to $20 (and counting) on most mass-market cruise lines. Leave room in your budget for shipboard expenses, because those extra costs – like paying for espresso with dinner, or a service charge for pizza delivery to your stateroom – can quickly add up.

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Thanksgiving is not celebrated in Europe, so your November cruise vacation won’t include any major holiday weekends. The only significant public holiday is All Saints’ Day, November 1, which is celebrated in most Catholic countries. Cruises that overnight in Tuscany are a great opportunity to enjoy the buzz of Florence after dark, when locals emerge for their evening stroll and aperitivo hour. July 14 is Bastille Day in France, which is a wonderful time to travel, as the night sky will be ablaze with fireworks.

I've been on 50 cruises. Here are 5 things I wish I'd known before sailing in the Mediterranean.

To decide what crowds would look like in various months, we looked at two popular ports where the effect of multiple ships is felt the most -- Santorini and Venice. Visit Santorini in June or July and you will find yourself fighting for breathing room among as many as 15,000 other cruise ship passengers. If your ideal Mediterranean cruise doesn't include crowds, winter is a good choice, other than December holiday weeks.

Popular destinations are beginning to get busy in June, but the summer crowds have yet to descend. You should think about pre-booking big attractions, though, to avoid standing in line. Your time is much better spent enjoying coffee in some sunny piazza or enjoying a gelato. If you’re coming to Europe for the culture rather than the beach, April is a great time to visit. You should enjoy fine weather (in the south, at least) and places like the art museums in Florence and the Parthenon in Athens won’t yet be teeming with visitors. There are still very few tourists around, as it’s not yet beach weather, but you can expect average daily highs of 57°F (14°C) in Athens, with up to five hours of sunshine per day, perfect for sightseeing.

What time of year has the best weather in the Mediterranean?

Barcelona, for example, sees daily highs in the mid 70s and low 80s in September, whereas in October the daily highs tend to be in the low to mid 70s. Further south in Cyprus, expect daily highs in the mid 80s in September and low 80s in October. You may encounter some businesses and restaurants closed during August, but this is unlikely to significantly impact your cruise experience. Major tourist sites and the majority of businesses within cities will remain open in August. Corfu is a stunningly beautiful island that effortlessly blends Venetian, French, and British history.

Hotels

While the primary Mediterranean cruise season runs during the warmer months of the year, you can still enjoy plenty of what the region has to offer during the winter months. There are pros and cons to cruising during each season, depending on your preference. If avoiding high prices and crowd congestion is your priority, rule out summer months and stick with either winter or the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.

Several luxury lines like Silversea, Crystal, and Seabourn offer lower single supplements than most other lines (averaging 10 to 25 percent extra). • Check out newsletters with cruise-bargain listings published by the cruise lines themselves, travel agencies, and online resources like our Europe Cruise Deals page. As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share!

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The crowds will have thinned out and you’ll have more space to enjoy popular attractions such as Las Ramblas in Barcelona. 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. Whether you want to spend the day touring the Colosseum or taste the first Greek wines of the season, here are the best months to cruise the Mediterranean. Santorini is a beautiful island in Greece, but it can get crowded when more than one cruise ship is in port.

On a typical one-week sailing, cruisers can expect to effortlessly experience three or four countries in a single trip. Cruises lasting up to 12 nights are typically classified as Western or Eastern Mediterranean itineraries, with Rome, Italy, serving as the unofficial dividing line between the two. It is not uncommon for lengthier sailings to cover both regions, particularly with some of the luxury cruise lines.

The Mediterranean Sea touches 22 nations and borders more than 28,000 miles of coastline, according to the Europe Environment Agency. From the Greek Islands to Egypt, Croatia to Morocco, and Slovenia to Spain, the rugged coastlines dip into the crystalline waters, providing a connection point to some of the most intriguing destinations on the planet. But, rather than traversing these destinations by car, train, or plane, visitors can see and do more by taking to the water for a Mediterranean cruise. Because European cruises span a large geographic area, we’ve outlined our seasonal strategies separately for Mediterranean cruises and European river cruises below.

On a Mediterranean cruise with Seabourn, travelers might stop in ports in Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Slovenia, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey. Oceania Cruises has several itinerary options, offering stops in Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Albania, Croatia, Egypt, Israel, Morocco, Turkey and others. The ships are smaller with an emphasis on guest service, and dining in the specialty restaurants — not just the buffet and main dining hall — is included in the cruise fare, one of the perks of sailing with Oceania.

Celebrity Cruises is known for its entertainment with Broadway-style stage shows as well as exciting circus performances, so you'll never be bored on sea days or during the evenings on your Mediterranean cruise. They feature itineraries that offer a mix of stops at ports in Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Montenegro, Morocco and Spain. Azamara is a luxury cruise line on which the ships hold a maximum of 700 passengers. In addition to Mediterranean cruises that are a tour of ports in different countries, the cruise line has country-specific itineraries for Croatia, France, Greece, Italy and Spain.

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