Traditionally, ships stationed in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe in the summer move to the Caribbean and other warm regions in winter. But a growing number of cruise lines are positioning ships in the Mediterranean in late autumn and winter when crowds are fewer and the weather tends to be comfortable.
Low-season sailings in Europe also offer itineraries at bargain prices, often half that of summer fares.
The Mediterranean is second in popularity only to the islands of the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda for cruising, according to the Cruise Lines Industry Association.
Its statistics show that off-season departures in the Mediterranean have risen 23 per cent between 2019 and 2023.
"As the number of ships has grown and tourism itself has grown, more and more travellers desire to visit places when there aren't tens of thousands of other people descending on Europe," said Mr Samuel Spencer, general manager of Ocean & River Cruises Travel, a travel agency based in Calgary, Alberta.
Ms Isabel Rushton of Stoke-on-Trent, England, is one of those off-season passengers. A veteran of 76 cruises, she has sailed in the Mediterranean as late as December.
"You've got to accept you're going to get rain and wind if you're unlucky," said Ms Rushton, 76.
この記事は The Straits Times の November 19, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は The Straits Times の November 19, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Ex-Riize member Seunghan to make solo debut in 2025
South Korean singer Seunghan had to leave K-pop boy band Riize due to controversy surrounding his private life. But he is set to rise again as a solo artiste in the second half of 2025.
Ex-Riize member Seunghan to make solo debut in 2025
South Korean singer Seunghan had to leave K-pop boy band Riize due to controversy surrounding his private life. But he is set to rise again as a solo artiste in the second half of 2025.
Spore-born hitmaker S. Atan wrote over l,000 songs
Singapore-born lyricist, composer and producer S. Atan died at his home in Selangor, Malaysia, on Nov 16. He was 75.
Obsessive fans pose threat to K-stars' safety
The darker side of fame continues to haunt stars, as the South Korean entertainment scene was recently rocked by a series of incidents involving \"sasaeng\" obsessive fans who engage in behaviours that invade the privacy of celebrities, including stalking.
Denmark's Victoria Kjaer Theilvig crowned Miss Universe
Victoria Kjaer Theilvig was crowned Miss Universe on Nov 16, the first contestant from Denmark to achieve the honour.
Stories hold power to open spaces for alternative voices
Two panels on the closing day of the Singapore Writers Festival found unexpected synchronicity in advocating alternative narratives.
Moderators make and break pop culture panels
The Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) closed on Nov 17 with examples of how moderators can make or break panels.
Closing debate ends event On a high
(From left) Jo Tan' Crispin Rodrigues, Melizarani T. Selva and Hafidz Rahman at the closing debate of Singapore Writers Festival at Victoria Theatre on Nov 17. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE
British folk singer Sam Lee jams with nightingales every spring
Nightingales are the jazz musicians of the bird world, said British folk singer and conservationist Sam Lee (right), who has jammed with the night-singing bird in the woods every spring over the past decade.
Off-season cruising in the Mediterranean offers bargain prices, fewer crowds
After a summer of overtourism in cruise ports such as Barcelona and Amsterdam, and talk of caps on ship arrivals in Greece and other places, the cruise industry has come up with a surprising suggestion for where to sail in winter: Europe.
