May Cruises
In May, the cruising season in Europe is just starting to warm up! Temperatures in the Mediterranean are starting to increase, and there will be many ships and itineraries to choose from sailing the Med! The Norwegian Fjords and Scandinavia will also begin to become more popular during this time. There are many other destinations that you may consider for your May cruise. We have fantastic cruise offers for May ready to book today!
Take a look at the fantastic Cruise Deals in we have in May, and give us a call if you need any further information.
Why Choose a Cruise in May?
May is one of the best months to book a cruise for as the weather is warm enough to be nearly perfect, yet the crowds are still reasonable as many people only book their cruises for June or later in the year. There are plenty of ideal destinations around the world and May offers an almost endless supply of choices.
The fifth month of the calendar is always a delightful juncture for a holiday, especially if you are sticking to a Europe that is rapidly shedding its winter coat for swimsuits and shorts. If you’re planning to head to the Mediterranean and want warm enough weather for sunbathing, however, the far south is the place to focus on. And if you want truly hot weather, the Caribbean and Asia has some excellent choices.
From incredible value-for-money cruise and stay holidays to last minute cruises, all-inclusive deals and our popular Smart Packages, Cruise Nation has a deal to save you money on your dream cruise holiday. With added extras, including flights, drinks packages and accommodation, you can get even more value for money with our great offers and deals. So, pick a date from our selection of bestselling May cruises, grab your diary, and pencil in a magnificent holiday to remember.
Most Popular Destinations in May
Mediterranean Cruises in May
Mediterranean cruises are a great way to explore the history and iconic sites of some of the world's most well-known cities, as well as making the most of the region's favourable climate, beautiful beaches and some of the finest dishes and most delectable wines in the world.
It’s a great time of year to visit the Greek islands. Greece has hundreds of islands with hotels and tourism, spread over a large area. There are a few within a short ferry ride to Athens, but the most famous ones are farther out. If this is your first visit to Greece you should consider Santorini, Mykonos, or Rhodes. They are the most popular and can easily be reached.
Other places to consider are to visit Croatia and explore the Dalmatian Coast, enjoy tapas in Spain or head to Italy and admire the Vatican Museums and some of the world’s greatest art collections. Cruising around the Mediterranean in May offers a range of culturally immersive destinations during some of the best temperatures of the year.
Caribbean Cruises in May
The Caribbean also continues to be a popular destination throughout the month of May, despite the region entering its wet season. You can still enjoy hot weather visiting the islands, relaxing on some of the most serene beaches in the world. Experience the tropical paradise of islands such as Antigua, Barbados, Saint Lucia and more with plenty of scope for either a lengthy break or a mini-cruise if that's what you'd prefer.
With zip-lines tours, island safaris and breath-taking mountain lookout points, Antigua boasts thrills for the most intrepid traveller. Beach bums will be just as happy as this lively island has 365 gorgeous beaches. This is a fantastic time of year to get a bargain on an Antigua cruise.
Alaskan Cruises in May
May is also one of the best months to visit Alaska, a stunning region with amazing sights as well as plenty of interesting history. You can't go wrong visiting Alaska anytime between May and September. The days are long, nature is in full bloom, and the air is alive with energy.
Why not take a cruise from the west coast of the USA up to Alaska and see what remains of the gold rush era and local tribes, along with many wildlife species in their natural habitats, including brown bears and bald eagles?
One of the other perks of visiting Alaska in Spring time, also known as the shoulder season, is that you will be avoiding the Summer crowds. Spring time will also give you a sense of what Alaska is like in Winter as there will be a few cold days and you will see a lot of ice melting as the weather turns warmer.
Best Hot Weather May Cruise Destinations
Far Eastern Cruises in May
The Far East is definitely hot in May. One of the best jumping off destinations is Singapore, where you can spend a few days discovering its exotic blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian and European influences – not forgetting the incredible designer boutiques of Orchard Rd.
Many Far Eastern Cruises also stop off in Penang, which is nicknamed the 'Pearl of the Orient' and is a fascinating fusion of East and West whilst keeping its old-world charm. Listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2008, Penang has no shortage of cultural sights and natural scenery as well as scrumptious cuisines and beautiful coasts.
Another Far Eastern Jewel is Phuket, which is among the world’s finest beach destinations, with fine white sands, nodding palm trees, glittering seas and lively towns. It has something for any taste and budget, with hundreds of hotels to choose from, a wide choice of dining and partying options. Aside from visiting the fantastic attractions of Thailand’s biggest island, you can take an exhilarating speedboat trip to the many nearby tropical paradises, including the famous Phi Phi Islands, or enjoy a serene cruise around the mystical Phang Nga Bay.
Croatian Cruises in May
Sailing into the unique and enchanting 12th century Croatian walled city of Dubrovnik is one of the best things you’ll ever enjoy on a cruise. While Dubrovnik can be very busy in Summer, it is still easy to enjoy a relaxing time in May. Consider booking a car to enjoy the unspoilt countryside while enjoying the beautiful views, leisurely and easy walking around sites, sitting on the beach or catching up on a book.
And if you don’t mind a little hustle and bustle, make sure to take in architectural wonders of Dubrovnik’s spectacular Old Town with its with its centuries-old monasteries, churches, synagogues and even one of the oldest operating pharmacies in Europe. Climb Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls either on your own or with a guide that will teach you interesting facts about the city’s defence and political challenges. Game of Thrones fans can do a special guided tour to see the famous sites of ‘King’s Landing’.
Greek Islands Cruises in May
The month of May is perfect in Athens as it's plenty warm enough to enjoy the outdoor sights such as the Acropolis, but not yet so hot and crowded that it can get miserable. May is also the first month of the year that visiting the Greek Islands is perfect, so many people will spend 2 or 3 days in Athens before starting their cruise.
One of our favourite cruises is a seven-night cruise which departs from Athens (Piraeus) aboard the Celestyal Olympia. It stops at all the highlights of the Greek islands including Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, and the marvellous Santorini Island.
Best Cold Weather May Cruise Destinations
Northern European Cruises in May
May is the perfect time to explore Northern Europe and take your pick from our destinations including Norway, the Baltics and beyond. Witness the magnificence of the epic fjords in Norway or the enchanting fairy tale buildings in Estonia during your May cruise.
We are offering a seven night no fly MSC cruise from Southampton that covers all the highlights of Northern Europe, visiting fantastic locations like Zeebrugge, Amsterdam. Hamburg and Le Havre along the way.
You’ll discover why Hamburg is one of the best cruise destinations in May and why the Lonely Planet calls it one of the coolest cities on earth. Hamburg became a centre of international trade in the Middle Ages, a legacy that continues today. It remains one of Germany's wealthiest cities and Hamburg’s maritime spirit still infuses the entire city.
Alaskan Cruises in May
Cruise season in Alaska runs from mid-May to mid-September and Cruise Nation offers several excellent cruise itineraries in May. While Alaska has many highlights, Glacier Bay and Haines are definitely two of our favourite ports.
Several cruises stop at Glacier Bay, because its National Park is the highlight of any Alaska cruise. This huge bay gives cruises a front row seat to see how much our planet has changed over the last couple of centuries. It is said that some of the glaciers that covered the bay around 250 years ago have now moved back by forty miles or more.
Haines, on the other hand, is the kind of laid-back place you picture when you think about an Alaskan town. The first thing you'll notice when you arrive is how scenically beautiful Haines is as the setting is probably the best of any Alaskan town. The town is located on the shores of the Lynn Canal, the state's longest fjord, and is surrounded by glacier-covered mountains and rolling hills as well as some impressive lakes and rivers. Book your May Alaskan cruise adventure through Cruise Nation today!