Mediterranean Cruising in Winter

What is cruising the Mediterranean like in winter?

Most cruise lines only cruise the around the Mediterranean from late spring to early autumn but some cruise lines, cruise all year around the Mediterranean.

In the winter there are some plus points that you do not get in the summer months, but of course there are some drawbacks as well.

The Mediterranean is a beautiful part of the world, but it is not hot and sunny all year around. The winter months can be mild and sunny or cold and rainy.

After returning from a fantastic winter Mediterranean cruise on the MSC Grandiosa over the Christmas and New Year period. I thought I would share with you the the pros and the cons of cruising at this time of year in the Med.

I was lucky and had great weather for the first week. The second week was still good weather, a little cooler and in one port it rained. It was a slightly rocky one night, but overall plain sailing.

Here are the pros and cons of Mediterranean cruising in winter.

Valletta Malta - Mediterranean Cruising in Winter - Lucy Williams Global

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What are the pros and cons of Mediterranean cruising in winter?

Taking a Mediterranean Cruise in Winter: Pros

Quieter (apart from Christmas and New Year) – Most of the weeks in winter there are less people travelling so it is much quieter on board the cruise ship and in some ports.

Great time to sightsee – Winter can be a better time to sightsee if you do not like the heat of the summer months and crowds. Usually there are less people trying to see the same thing.

Christmas markets – if you enjoy Christmas markets you will find these also in the Mediterranean ports in December.

Winter Sun – some days the temperature can be nice and warm, late teens to early twenties (Celsius). Not quite sunbathing temperatures, but nice if you have come from colder weather.

Cheaper – winter Mediterranean cruising is cheaper than the summer months, so if you are not fussed by about going in the summer you can get a good deal.

At Sea - Mediterranean Cruising in Winter - Lucy Williams Global

Mediterranean Winter Cruise: Cons

Weather – the weather can be mild and sunny, but it can also be cold and raining. Some ports will have better weather than others, this is the risk in winter.

No sunbathing by the pool – you may get some winter sun, but not bikini weather.

Sea can be rough – you can get rough weather in winter, not all the time, again luck of the weather!

Places may be closed – if you would like to visit a particular place, check it is open in the winter months as some tourist attractions can be closed.

Not all shore excursions may be available – again if you would like to go on a specific shore excursion, check it is running at the time you are going on the cruise. Also, remember shore excursions only run if there is a demand.