Good things come to those who wait: The benefits of end-of-season Med cruises

Everyone loves Europe in the height of summer. But not everyone loves that everyone else loves Europe in the height of summer… so why not wait a little?

Holland America Line sails in Europe for an extended season, giving you the option to visit the key sights of the continent without the crowds. And with the warmer weather lingering longer in Greece and Italy than at home, a late-season cruise is the ideal way to extend summer.

Geared towards guests who want to connect more authentically with the destination, Holland America Line offers a range of cruises, from 7 to 14 days from four European homeports (Athens, Barcelona, Civitavecchia, and Trieste). Oftentimes, guests opt for back-to-back voyages – known as Collectors Voyages – to extend their cruise and visit even more ports in one trip.

Escape the crowds

Europe is notoriously busy in July and August. You want to sit in St Mark’s Square and have a coffee? You want to get a close look at Michelangelo’s ‘Davide’? Or take an uninterrupted moment to experience the awe of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia? Summer might not be your moment… but autumn could be.

The school children are back in class, and so the crowds at Europe’s most enthralling attractions ebb away and you’ll be rewarded with the time and space to truly indulge in the destination.

On Oosterdam’s 10-day ‘Greece & Adriatic Antiquities’ voyage this could mean more time shopping in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, or better photos at the famous windmills of Mykonos. Back in Athens – the homeport – you’ll be able to absorb the ancient wonder of the Acropolis without the hustle and bustle of peak season.

Embrace the comfort

It’ll still be warm in the Mediterranean, but the temperature difference between summer and autumn is definitely noticeable… and for the better.

By waiting a month-or-so to set sail, you’ll be treating yourself to really comfortable days in the mid-20s instead of the roaring 30s (and sometimes 40s) that Europe is increasingly experiencing over the summer months.

On a southern Europe itinerary, such as the week-long ‘Malta & Aegean Jewels’ cruise, departing September 1, 2024, this offers you two gorgeous, balmy days in Valletta, where summer temperatures can regularly soar past 40 degrees. When exploring the historic ruins at Ephesus, where there isn’t so much shade given its age, the autumn months are a real gift to an interested traveller.

Seasonal intrigue

Of course, with the changing of the seasons, local cuisine shifts into its autumnal flavours. So, if you’ve previously explored Europe in the summer and adored the fresh feta salads in Greece, or Gazpacho in Spain, why not introduce yourself to an autumnal menu with a later-season cruise?

Holland America Line’s Port to Table program extends this seasonal culinary experience onboard with regionally-inspired dishes, featuring locally-sourced ingredients.

Oosterdam’s 11-day ‘Mediterranean Romance’ voyage invites you to sample some of Greece’s homely baked goods, or Italy’s rustic risottos and seasonal funghi pizza this September.

See more in September and beyond

As the seasons blend into each other and the trees start to drop their leaves, Europe’s wildlife starts to ready itself for winter. This means that the autumn months are an ideal time for wildlife spotting as birds migrate, and marine wildlife skips through the Med heading South.

If you’re looking for a voyage to carry you between seasons, Niew Statendam sets sail from Athens on October 5, 2024 on a 28-day ‘Land of Legends, Eternal Cities & Greek Isles’ cruise.

This extensive end-of-season extravaganza presents Europe’s southern gems in the shifting lights of autumn and winter, and offers a new perspective on favourite destinations – something enhanced onboard with destination-rich programming, such as the documentary-style ‘Europe Up Close’ presentation series.