Traveller.com
Sally Macmillan
[all photos supplied]
MSC Orchestra in the Med.
Just as river cruising in the European winter has become popular in recent years, a few lines – including MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line – are now operating ocean cruises in the Mediterranean almost year-round.
While peak season for the Mediterranean is June to August, high temperatures and big crowds at popular destinations can be off-putting. April to May and September to October used to be regarded as “shoulder seasons” but cruise lines are seeing increasing demand for cruises later in the year.
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Lynne Clarke, managing director of MSC Cruises Australia and New Zealand, says, “September is now our peak season. Both October and early November are still high selling months, so it is only mid-November that the winter season commences.”
Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef
Apart from avoiding the midsummer crowds, Clarke believes there are several reasons why winter cruising in the Med is taking off. “Many people have time off in December and January and want to get away over the Christmas break, but this is when holidays in Australia are most expensive,” she says. “Cruising is also a good-value alternative to skiing in Europe, or a short cruise can be combined with another land-based holiday to make the most of your time overseas.”
MSC Cruises’ newest ship, MSC Meraviglia – described by the line as the ship for all seasons – is sailing seven-night western Mediterranean cruises until April 2018, joining fleet mate MSC Orchestra, which is offering a new series of 10, 11 and 12-night itineraries from Genoa, Marseille, Barcelona and Civitavecchia.
And if you’re looking for a cruisey family Christmas in the northern hemisphere, MSC Cruises’ ships will be decked out in full festive rig and Santa will arrive distributing presents. Another bonus: children under 12 cruise free.
Travel back to the ’80s with Kim Wilde.
Norwegian Cruise Line has five ships based in the Mediterranean in summer and one during the winter, Norwegian Spirit. NCL Australia’s vice-president of marketing Ben Angell says the line has seen strong year-on-year increase in demand for the Mediterranean year-round.
“As Australians’ and New Zealanders’ cruising tastes continue to evolve, there is more and more interest in itineraries that include southern Spain, the Canary Islands, Greece, Italy, Malta and Morocco – all of which are stunning destinations and have very moderate winter climates,” Angell says.
He says NCL’s most popular itinerary is the 10-day Canary Islands and Morocco round-trip from Barcelona, which calls at Casablanca, two Canary Island ports, Funchal in Madeira, and Granada and Alicante in Spain.
Hobart’s waterfront.
So if fun in the sun is not your highest priority and reduced cruise fares and fewer crowds are, a winter cruise in the Mediterranean should be on your next Christmas wish list.
SHORE THING
THE PORT Hobart, Tasmania
WHO GOES THERE – Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America Line, Princess, P&O, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Silversea
WHY WE LOVE IT Tasmania’s compact capital is packed with art galleries, excellent restaurants, cute bars and lovely heritage buildings.
TAKE A TOUR OR GO IT ALONE? As ships dock within walking distance of museums, pubs, restaurants and the beautifully restored 19th-century shopping precinct of Salamanca Square, it’s easy to explore on your own. Salamanca markets are held on Saturday mornings, with about 300 stalls selling arts, crafts and fresh produce. The scenic 25-minute ferry ride to MONA (Museum of Old and Modern Art) leaves Brooke Street pier several times a day and can be booked online. A 2.5-hour kayaking tour offers a different perspective of the working waterfront and for sublime (chilly) city views, take a bus or taxi to the summit of Mount Wellington – or hike it if you have half a day to spare. Australia’s oldest brewery, Cascade, is on the way; craft brews are on tap at Shambles and the Hobart Brewing Company.
MUST SEE – MONA, Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum, Lark Distillery, Salamanca Arts Centre, Cascade Brewery.
MUST EAT – Tasmania is renowned for its fabulous fresh produce and Hobart is awash with eateries, from high-end restaurants to delis and cafes. Check out Pigeon Whole Bakers for bread and pastries, Crumb Street Kitchen for smoked meats, long-established Mures for fish dishes and Glass House for creative cocktails and Asian- influenced seafood.
NEED TO KNOW – Summer temperatures average 20 to 21 degrees; pack warm clothes and good walking shoes.
ESSENTIALS www.discovertasmania.com.au
CRUISE SCEPTIC
Myth: cruising is expensive. Reality: today, there are ships and itineraries to suit most budgets, but if you’re a first-time cruiser don’t book on price alone. An accredited cruise travel agent can walk you through what is and isn’t included so you can get maximum bang for your buck. See www.cruising.org.au
