Shoulder season \u2014 the travel period between a destination\u2019s peak and slow season \u2014 is a great time to travel if your schedule allows. Enjoy a cruise through the Mediterranean with fewer visitors than the summer to truly immerse yourself in the culture and feel unhurried while you tour the Colosseum or marvel at the Sagrada Fam\u00edlia.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Whether this is your first cruise or you\u2019re a seasoned traveler, Holland America offers a variety of Mediterranean cruises<\/a> to appeal to every interest with a blend of must-see cities and off-the-beaten-path ports. Traveling to the Mediterranean in the shoulder season (April\u2013May and September\u2013November) provides milder temperatures and time to explore the 200+ UNESCO World Heritage sites offered on our itineraries like the historic city of Valletta, Malta<\/a> or the Acropolis in Athens<\/a>.<\/p>\n Enjoy more time for leisurely exploration with extended evening calls plus overnights in places like Naples (Pompeii\/Amalfi), Barcelona, Piraeus (Athens), and more.<\/p>\n 15-Day Western Mediterranean: Lisbon Overnight<\/a> 7-Day Iberian Idyll: Spain & Morocco<\/a> 14-Day Western Mediterranean: Spain, Italy, & France<\/a> Ready to experience sparkling rivieras and seaside villages? Learn more about Mediterranean cruises<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> For any cruise, remember these essentials above all else \u2014 pack your passport, travel documents, and any medication in your carry-on luggage so you always have access to them.<\/p>\n Traveling outside of the popular summer months in the Mediterranean brings a new set of packing needs for clothes and accessories. Here’s a list of items to consider packing on your fall or spring cruise.<\/p>\n Subscribe to Holland America\u2019s Insider Calendar to see all that Europe has to offer in every season. Check it out!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>Featured Itineraries<\/h3>\n
\nNovember 20\u2013December 5, 2027<\/p>\n
\nApril 9\u201316, 2028<\/p>\n
\nApril 20\u2013May 4, 2028<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Mediterranean Packing List for Shoulder Season<\/h2><\/div>
\n