Best Places to Cruise in August
It’s that time of year again. The sun is shining (some of the time). The jingle of the ice-cream van and smell of barbecue smoke fill the air. Everyone you know is seemingly jetting off on the trip of a lifetime and that little voice is your head is saying, ‘I wish I was on a cruise.’
We can’t blame you for wanting a piece of the action, but with August being summer holiday season (and the hottest month of the year is many places) you have to choose your destination carefully. Assuming you don’t want to be:
A.) Swallowed up by hordes of tourists.
B.) Refused entry to restaurants and excursions that are already filled up.
C.) Burned to a crisp by the scorching sun.
You need to plan your August cruise strategically. Luckily, we’ve compiled a handy list to help you do just that.
FRENCH POLYNESIA
If you set sail on the South Pacific and stop somewhere between Australia and West Coast USA, you’ll likely find yourself at paradise on earth. Glance to your left: powdery beaches and crystal-clear seas. To your right: a landscape which is part verdant rainforest, part volcano. Straight ahead: a glittering lagoon so blue you’ll do a double take.
Need we say more?
To be honest, there isn’t really a bad month to visit French Polynesia, but August really is pretty special, with tropical temperatures and little in the way of rainfall or humidity. Basically, conditions are perfect for hiking Tahiti’s Maroto Circuit, partaking in cultural celebrations and festivals, snorkelling around Rangiroa, sipping a crisp coconut water on a Moorea beach or anything else your heart desires. We don’t know about you, but island-hopping around this lush oasis seems like a pretty good way to spend the summer.
Temperatures usually hover around the high 20s, though the archipelago nature of this region means that conditions vary.
GREECE
Wait, hear us out.
Yes, ok, Greece in August will likely be overcrowded, which is the one thing we promised to help you avoid.
You may find yourself fighting the crowds…if you flock to the hotspots, with all the other tourists.
If you are a slightly more discerning traveller (which we know you are) then you’ll know that taking the road less travelled (i.e. a Greek island cruise hitting some lesser-known ports) leads to the most unforgettable escape. Luxury small ship or yacht-style cruising means that the pick of the ports is at your fingertips, just waiting to be explored. Forget Mykonos, Crete, Santorini, Rhodes. We’re talking true hidden gems, like Katapola (for an authentic taste of Greek village life), Patmos (for a wealth of religious and spiritual history) and Monemvasía (for fortress-style splendour). Stroll the streets, snag souvenirs, watch the sun go down whilst tucking into a plate of souvlaki—all sans crowds.
We must warn you, however, that Greece will be quite hot in August, with temperatures often in the early 30s, so be aware when planning your trip.
NORTH EUROPE
If you’re pining for the Euro-summer of your dreams but would rather give the Mediterranean a miss, might we suggest Northern Europe?
When you think about it, it ticks all the boxes. Not too crowded and pleasant, sunny weather without ever really getting sweltering. Your days will be spent perusing chic Scandinavian cafes and boutiques, touring castles, galleries and museums, walking cobbled streets, buying handmade souvenirs, watching the opera. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, why not tour a brewery, take a cycling tour, go wild swimming?
Ok, so it might not be the kind of summer scene you normally see on a postcard, but it’s a great option nonetheless—and we’d highly recommend
THE KIMBERLEY
The Kimberley is sometimes (unfairly) relegated to ‘the expedition cruise you take when you’ve done all the others’, but please believe us when we say it deserves to be top of the bucket list. A tucked away corner of Western Australia, the Kimberley shelters unbelievable wildlife, cascading waterfalls, world-famous Gwion Gwion wall art and breathtaking hiking trails within its rust-hued gorges and snaking rivers. Whilst here, pay a visit to a pearl farm, sail straight through the twin King George falls and marvel at what David Attenborough described as ‘one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.
In terms of weather, conditions in August are optimal, as it falls right in the middle of dry season, with warm temperatures in the late 20s and early 30s. Plus, if you want to spot the ‘Staircase to the Moon’ phenomenon, your chances are much higher at this time of year.
THE SEINE
If river cruising is more your bag, we would suggest the Seine for your August trip. Perhaps one of the most romantic waterways on Earth, the Seine passes straight through the heart of the City of Lights and onto the chocolate box towns of Normandy and pastoral landscapes which have inspired history’s greatest artists. From chic arrondissements and fairytale castles to rolling emerald hills and echoes of WWII history, there is something for everyone to enjoy along the Seine.
In August, the Seine is less likely to be affected by low water levels than the Danube or the Rhine. In addition, temperatures are warm, weather is sunny with a pleasant breeze and daylight hours are long. Put simply, the perfect conditions for exploring all day and into the evening, enjoying al fresco dining and street cafes throughout. Paris can actually be less crowded in August, as this is when the city-dwellers leave for their own holidays—who knew?
Itching to book that August escape? You can find out more here.
