This post is brought to you by MSC Cruises.
We’re in the deepest darkest midst of winter in Western Australia. Well, I shouldn’t complain because it’s hardly frosty but that doesn’t mean that we don’t wish to be somewhere else on a grey rainy day.
My son (who took the lovely photos in this post) and his fiancee have just returned from a Mediterranean cruise around the Greek Islands, and absolutely loved it. So of course it’s got me champing at the bit to go on one and discover what all the Bruhaha is about, because several of my friends, Kathy Maris (Are you ready for a cruise holiday) I’m looking at you, have recently been cruising in different parts of the world too.
For many, the Mediterranean is synonymous with natural beauty, great food, friendly hospitality and a rich cultural history. So it comes as no surprise that the Mediterranean is one of the best cruise destinations in the world, perfect for both new and seasoned cruisers.
What’s so great is the variety, you know … art and culture, surf and sand, or café hopping and boutique shopping … ooh la la!
Amanda Hennessy, Product Specialist at MSC Cruises, is sharing her top tips with us today about how to get the best Mediterranean cruise deals in this stunning region. So if you’re thinking of cruising, read on.
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Cruise out of peak season
Everyone knows that the Mediterranean experiences hot summers with lots of sunshine. But spring, autumn and even winter are also mild in the Med, creating lots of opportunity for off-peak cruising, with benefits that go beyond just cost saving.
Cruising the Mediterranean in the low season will not only allow you to bag a great cruise deal, but you’ll enjoy the fact that there are fewer crowds and less crowded attractions, while still being able to experience the relaxed and laid back European way of life.
Subscribe to Cruise Liner newsletters
Subscribing to e-mail alerts is a good way to receive the latest cruise deals direct to your inbox. For example, each Tuesday MSC Cruises send a Cruise of the Week sale to subscribers. Getting a regular newsletter is a great way to keep on top of money-saving deals, cruise ship sneak peeks and expert information about popular destinations.
Sign up to a Cruise Loyalty Program
Members of Cruise Liner loyalty programmes are the first to hear about upcoming and current cruise deals, sometimes with exclusive pre-sale periods. Loyalty Club members can also gain access to discounts as well as a wide range of benefits. Once you are on board your chosen cruise you can also expect to look forward to other special offers and savings on a wide range of on-boardproducts and services.
Know about special fares
When researching your cruise holidays, it’s always a good idea to research the types of fares available. Some Cruise Liners, like MSC Cruises offer special Senior Club fares with discounts of up to 20% for cruisers over 65 years. Similarly, the Young & Young fares offer discounts of up to 20% and are applicable for cruisers between 18 and 29 years.
Get in early, or bag a last-minute deal
As the saying goes, the early bird does indeed get the worm. Booking early is often rewarded through early bird cruise deals, and if the deal is good then you can be sure it won’t be available for long. When people book early, ships fill up quickly which means that Cruise Liners no longer need to slash their prices to sell the remaining cabins.
On the other side, those who are booking closer to their departure date can often enjoy last minute cruise deals. The internet is a great source for last minute cruise deals to the Mediterranean, so if you are flexible with your dates and enjoy spur of the moment living then holding off for a great last minute deal could pay off.
Trying to figure out the best time of year to buy your cruise is like trying to predict the outcome of a sports match; all you can do is look around and try to make an educated guess. But if you follow these expert tips and try to be as flexible as possible you stand a strong chance of getting a great deal on your next Mediterranean Cruise.
Have you been on a cruise? Or would you like to book on one? Do tell where?
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thanks for the great tips Jo. I know several people on a cruise in Europe right now. It seems to be the thing these days. And I am hoping we might do this sometime in the next couple of years. So your post this week will be a great place to come to. I am hoping when my hubbie retires that we might be able to take advantage of last minute deals.
There seems to be a lot of people taking cruises right now hey Jill. Glad that this post has given you a little food for thought for the future maybe.
I just love the cruise lifestyle. MSC Fantasia ship did not disappoint in anyway at all. How can you not love cruising. You unpack, then over night your in another Country. You don’t need to go looking for your luggage or think about where the next meal is coming from. So much to do on Fantasia (or not), do what you want. Food is amazing and staff so helpful and friendly XXXX
It sounds amazing Christine. I think the not having to unpack and make decisions about where to eat must be lovely. As for waking up in another country – fantastic!
This is great information. I am embarking on a Mediterranean Cruise in 2017 for a special birthday (but Shh don’t tell anyone!). Obviously it is a little too early to book yet but I will definitely be subscribing to MSC Cruises Newsletter and maybe I’ll even get ‘senior discount’.
Ohh that’s so exciting Kathy …. shhhhh!
Great info, Jo. I’ve done two Greek island cruises, although they were a number of years ago now. It certainly is a relaxing way to travel and see a lot in a short space of time. My only warning – be wary of the buffet!! There is SO much food it is very hard to resist!!
Oh gosh Carolyn, I can only imagine. How on earth is it possible to pace yourself! Thanks for popping by 🙂
We sailed on the MSC Armonia and the MSC Lirica when cruised the Mediterranean in May and had a FANTASTIC time. It was quite hot we found, especially in port. Prices were very reasonable too, we booked through the Union Shopper. 🙂
Thanks for the heads-up Jan. It’s always lovely to hear real stories about companies mentioned on this blog. I had heard that MSC were a great cruise company as other friends have been with them too, and my son and his fiancee followed one of their ships around to various places on their cruise and said it looked a lovely ship! Now you’ve got me wanting to go on a cruise.
You never knoe I just might one day take the plunge and go on a cruise xxx
I think it’s time for you and me both, Rae. I once vowed Never when I was much younger! Now I’m increasingly tempted.