Best Places to Cruise in May

Spring has sprung and that can only mean one thing—it’s the perfect time to take a cruise!

Why is that, you ask?

Well, weather conditions are pretty much universally pleasant, sunny and dry without getting too hot. In addition, cruising in May means that you’ll be beating the summer holiday crowds, seeing some of the most sought-after spots on earth without having to battle hordes of tourists who all had the same idea.

What better time to set sail?

NORWEGIAN FJORDS

If you’ve written off the fjords as a ‘winter destination’, then you clearly haven’t seen it in spring.

With its cascading falls, mirror-like waters and dramatic terrain steeped in Nordic myth, it doesn’t get better than this if you're after a destination where wonder awaits around every corner. In May, conditions are cool, but clear and sunny, with temperatures averaging between 10°C and 15°C. Shoulder season means less crowds, allowing you to experience the majestic glaciers, wildflower-strewn hiking trails and vibrant painted villages at their very best. Highlights include Bergen’s UNESCO World Heritage-designated waterfront, Fram’s iconic mountain railway and the Art Nouveau splendour of Ålesund.

ADRIATIC AND DALMATIAN COAST

If the breathtaking Adriatic Coast has been on your bucket list, then we must tell you that May is the perfect time to visit. You’ll enjoy pleasant temperatures of around 20°C-23°C, which are optimal for exploring Dubrovnik’s Old Town or the Roman ruins at Split, without ending up dripping in sweat. You’ll find that the gleaming marble streets of this region are just waking up for the summer, markets and street cafes buzzing with an anticipatory energy.

Here, you can while away the days gliding down Venice’s teal waterways in a gondola, sipping wine on a beach in Hvar, marvelling at the fjord-like beauty of Kotor as you pull into port—and you can do it all at what is arguably the best time of the year.

GREEK ISLANDS AND TURKEY

Now, we know this destination is pretty much synonymous with ‘summer holiday’, but might we suggest visiting a little earlier?

I mean, why not? If you went in the summer, we’d hazard a guess that you’d spend your time meandering through bougainvillea-strewn streets, basking on sun-drenched beaches or indulging in some al fresco mezze, Aperol in hand. Well, you can do all of this if you visit in May, just minus the oppressive heat and heaving crowds. 

Yes, you can lose yourself in Santorini’s azure-roofed streets. Yes, you can marvel at the ancient history that imbues the stones of Ephesus. Yes, you can partake in some of Mykonos’ famous nightlife. Yes, you can do it all with an elevated sense of luxury by going slightly earlier in the year.

SOUTH PACIFIC ISLANDS

If you feel like venturing a little further afield, we think the South Pacific Islands could be for you. You’ll manage to neatly avoid rainy season (no one wants unexpected showers at the beach), so it’s nothing but golden sunlight, warm temperatures of between 28°C and 30°C, crystal-clear skies and calm waters. In May, the rainforests will be at their most verdant, the coral reefs teeming with tropical marine life, the sky spangled with stars, perfect for moonlit Polynesian dance performances. We’d recommend visiting Bora Bora for lagoon swimming, Rarotonga for catching some rays on pristine beaches, Tahiti for the markets and Moorea for the impressive water sports.

ALASKA

If an expedition cruise is calling your name, how about Alaska? 

May actually marks the beginning of cruise season as this is when the heaviest snow begins to melt, and wildlife emerges from hibernation. Basically, the very best of everything Alaska has to offer is right at your fingertips. Plus, you’ll enjoy long daylight hours (up to 19 hours in some regions!), which means more time for immersing yourself in Alaska’s awe-inspiring natural beauty and wildlife. We’re talking dizzying glaciers which seem to glow blue as they calve, playful orcas feeding and frolicking in the waters around Ketchikan and Juneau, brown bears fishing for salmon. The cool, dry conditions in May make it perfect for experiencing all of the above, as well as cultural excursions like the Tlingit Totem Poles and Wrangell’s Petroglyph beach.

Thinking of booking your May cruise? We hope we’ve given you some ideas! You can find out more here.