Why the Med is perfect for last-minute cruises

Cruise Infographic by Bolsover Cruise Club

Why the Med is perfect for last-minute cruises

We all know how it can be - life gets in the way when you’re trying to organise a getaway and before you know it the summer is upon you and you don’t have a holiday booked. Rather than scrabbling with everyone else for the best available package at a standard sun, sea and sand resort, go on a cruise.

We know what you’re thinking - ‘cruises are for old people’; ‘I don’t want to be stuck with lots of people I don’t know’; ‘won’t I get bored when I’m not visiting a port?’; ‘where can I even go on a cruise anyway?’.

Stop and throw all those preconceptions out of the window because not only are last-minute cruises fantastic value for money, but they could also introduce you to destinations you’d never otherwise have explored.

The Mediterranean is a classic example of a region that’s home to many hidden gems. Incredible beaches, cultural cities and fascinating heritage sites all await if only you’d give yourself the chance to try something different.

If you’re going for a last-minute deal, the Med is a particularly good choice because it’s so close to the UK. You won’t need to travel far, even if you opt for a fly-cruise option, before you meet your ship. Thanks to the wide-scale adoption of the Euro, you’re also unlikely to have to worry about exchanging your currency multiple times. And, of course, it’s an incredibly varied place to explore too.

For plenty of variety, go on an itinerary that takes in some of Europe’s most sophisticated cities and beautiful landscapes - a 14-day journey around Italy’s coastline, on to Croatia, Montenegro, Corfu and finally Corsica.

This particular trip really does feature a little bit of everything, with cities like Rome and Naples providing history in abundance. Florence and Venice, meanwhile, are renowned for being creative hubs and home to some of the world’s most spectacular artworks.

Spend time in Dubrovnik and you’ve got fantastic beaches just a short distance from the city’s amazing Old Town. Kotor in Montenegro is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful fjords you’re likely to see. And in Genoa and Corfu you can sample classic Mediterranean delicacies. Ajaccio in Corsica is the ideal place to relax, with its seafront promenade perfect for a gentle stroll and a profusion of pavement cafes where you can sip a coffee and watch the world go by.

As if fitting nine holiday destinations into one trip (without any stress or hassle on your part, we might add) wasn’t enough, you’ve also got several days at sea during which you can enjoy the delights of your cruise liner.

Modern cruise ships are huge and boast plenty of entertainment for all kinds of travellers. There are theatre shows, clubs, casinos and chic bars to keep you amused after dark, while the day time is reserved for leisurely trips to the spa, refreshing dips in the pool and working on your tan on the sundeck.

So, a cruise is part package holiday, part independent travel with a whole lot more thrown in. You’ll still come home from your break with a tan, but you’ll also have visited far more fascinating places than any of your friends who opted for a single-centre break - and you’re likely to be the envy of all of them once you tell them about your adventures on the high seas.