September cruises

September is a bridge between summer and autumn, offering the finest aspects of both seasons. You'll often find it feels like a genuine extension of summer, with ample sunshine and comfortable temperatures across prime Mediterranean destinations. Picture yourself enjoying the beautiful Adriatic coastlines of Croatia and Italy, or the idyllic Greek islands – all remain wonderfully inviting throughout the month.

As autumn gently takes hold, temperatures become pleasantly mild, providing a refreshing crispness without any real chill that sets in later. This makes it ideal for exploring cities like Rome, Barcelona, and Marseille, which can be uncomfortably warm in high summer, under much more agreeable conditions. Crucially, with the main tourist season drawing to a close, you'll discover typically crowded locations are much quieter, leading to fewer queues and a more tranquil experience at popular monuments and museums.

Beyond the Mediterranean, the magic of autumn colours truly comes to life. September sees spectacular shades emerge in places such as the enchanting Norwegian fjords and the captivating Baltic countries. Moreover, September is also a recommended time for a Caribbean cruise. While it does fall within the rainy season, temperatures generally remain high across most Caribbean countries, with an abundance of sunshine and daylight, typically punctuated only by brief, occasional showers.

An MSC cruise for your September holiday opens up a remarkable range of destinations. Given September's wonderfully mild climate, which genuinely feels like an extension of summer, an Eastern Mediterranean voyage could be just the thing. Picture yourself exploring the stunning Greek islands of Mykonos, Corfu, and Santorini, or perhaps the beautiful Adriatic coastlines of Italy and Croatia.

Alternatively, a Western Mediterranean cruise presents a great opportunity to discover some of Europe's most captivating cities, such as Barcelona, Granada, Rome, Naples, Florence or the charming Balearic Islands. September is also an excellent period for a visit to Norway, with its breathtaking fjords, or enjoy vibrant cities like Stockholm, Riga, Tallinn, and Copenhagen.

Ultimately, if you're dreaming of sun-drenched seas, tropical atmospheres, and soft sandy beaches, then a Caribbean cruise will be precisely what you're seeking.

The price of a September cruise can differ, influenced by the specific journey you're looking for, your chosen cabin, the excursions, activities or dining packages you’d like to add at your cruise holiday. However, MSC Cruises regularly presents various special offers and reduced fares, helping you secure your trip at the best possible price.

Yes, September is a favourable time for a Mediterranean cruise. This applies equally to the Eastern Mediterranean countries – including Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Montenegro, and Italy's Adriatic coastline – as it does to the Western Mediterranean, which includes Spain (with its Balearic Islands), France, Tunisia, and Italy's Tyrrhenian coasts, alongside Sicily.

September offers a decidedly more comfortable climate than the higher heat of the summer months. This makes exploring historically rich cities such as Rome, Barcelona, Naples, Venice, and Dubrovnik a far more pleasant experience. Furthermore, September also sees a noticeable decrease in tourist numbers, contributing to a greater sense of tranquillity compared to the crowded summer months of July and August. Overall, a September cruise is perfectly suited for anyone seeking a more serene and genuinely authentic atmosphere.

Given the typically warm and pleasant climate across both Eastern and Western Mediterranean countries in September, the best approach to packing is to favour light and breathable clothing. Think along the lines of t-shirts, shirts, shorts, and jeans. We also suggest dressing in layers for cooler days or evenings; so, do consider bringing a jumper or a sweatshirt. We also recommend including a few elegant outfits for those stylish evenings aboard your ship!

September is a wonderful month to make the most of the wonderful sea in destinations such as Greece, Croatia, and Spain. Therefore, it's essential to pack all your beach essentials: swimwear, light cover-ups for the beach, comfortable beach shoes, and, of course, sun cream. 

September stands as one of the finest times of the year to visit Norway and truly be inspired by the striking wild beauty of its fjords. With autumn's gentle arrival, these landscapes are transformed into a vibrant tapestry of warm colours, as tree leaves turn breathtaking shades of red and orange. This spectacular display makes exploring the fjords a truly memorable experience. Furthermore, while Norway's September climate is certainly cooler than the height of summer, it remains mild, offering a comfortable respite before the chill of the approaching winter months.

Norway in September presents a climate that gently transitions from summer into autumn, offering a generally cool and crisp atmosphere without the sharp chill of the later winter months. Along the coastal regions, daytime temperatures typically range from 10°C to 15°C, with overnight lows settling around 5°C. Naturally, inland areas generally experience somewhat cooler conditions. 

The packing for a Norwegian cruise in September should include the essential items to comfortably explore the magnificent landscapes, from the stunning fjords to the picturesque villages, that this country offers. Key items for your luggage will include long-sleeved tops, fleeces, or warm jumpers. You'll also want to pack short or long-sleeved t-shirts to wear as base layers beneath your warmer clothing. For trousers, we suggest comfortable jeans or technical trousers suitable for excursions. 

September is a favourable time for a Caribbean cruise, allowing you to discover stunning tropical destinations such as The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. It's important to note that September falls within the rainy season, meaning there's a higher chance of rainfall during this month. However, these are typically brief showers that don't last long and are quickly followed by sunshine.
This means that even in September, you can still enjoy warm temperatures and ample hours of sunshine for a truly fulfilling beach holiday. Furthermore, precisely because September is part of the rainy season, the tourist flow is less impactful during this month, offering you the chance to experience a beach holiday without the crowds that typically fill the shores during peak season.

September falls within the Caribbean's rainy season, which typically spans from June to November. Consequently, while the possibility of rain exists in September, there are generally brief showers, often quickly followed by sunshine. Temperatures remain warm and inviting, and the sea itself is wonderfully warm, making it perfect for swimming.

When preparing for your Caribbean cruise, the key is to bring items that will ensure a truly wonderful tropical escape. This naturally includes swimwear, beach cover-ups, and comfortable footwear for the shore.

For the activities beyond the beach, we suggest light and breathable clothing, such as t-shirts, light linen, and cotton shirts, as well as shorts and skirts. We also recommend bringing a slightly warmer layer, such as a jumper or a sweatshirt, which will prove useful should temperatures dip a little. Given that September falls within the rainy season, we advise packing a lightweight waterproof jacket to protect you from any brief showers you might encounter.