October cruises

October presents a particularly appealing opportunity for a cruise holiday, offering a chance to relax with family or friends before the onset of winter and the year's end. The weather conditions, not yet as harsh as in the deeper winter months, especially in destinations like Northern Europe, will allow you to explore countries in comfortable temperatures.
Furthermore, this month offers a holiday defined by relaxation and tranquillity, as many people have already enjoyed their summer breaks. This means you'll be able to visit typically crowded places with fewer queues, enjoying a more authentic experience as you discover local culture and historical landmarks with MSC Cruises’ excursions.

For your October holiday, MSC Cruises offers an inspiring array of destinations. In regions such as the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, temperatures, though cooler than the preceding summer months, remain pleasant, ideal for exploring historic cities or enjoying excursions amidst nature's beauty.
October also marks the final opportunity of the year, before winter's arrival, to visit some of Northern Europe's most beloved destinations, such as the Norwegian fjords. Experiencing Norway and its fjords, like the breathtaking Nærøyfjord or Lysefjord, bathed in the magical hues of autumn, is an experience you'll truly cherish.
This month is also particularly well-suited for visiting Japan, allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning autumn foliage, all while benefiting from fewer tourist crowds compared to the spring months. And for an October cruise centred on warm tropical waters and sandy beaches, the Caribbean remains a perfect choice.

The price of an MSC cruise is shaped by several elements, including your chosen experience for the holiday, the type of cabin, and your desired destination. Additionally, you might choose to enhance your cruise in October with extra services or activities, such as shore excursions or specific culinary experiences in the exquisite specialty restaurants on board.
MSC Cruises also offers various deals to its guests, including special Halloween deals, allowing you to embark on your journey whilst benefiting from savings.

Mediterranean countries are a great choice for your October cruise, offering a travel experience that beautifully combines the allure of celebrated and historic destinations with a more serene and relaxed atmosphere. In the Western Mediterranean, which embraces stunning destinations such as Malta, the coastal cities of Italy (including Naples, Rome and Genoa), the vibrant shores of Spain (allowing you to visit places like Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, Tarragona or Alicante), and France (Marseille and Cannes), temperatures remain pleasantly mild. Despite the gentle cooling compared to the summer months, the climate is ideal for exploring cities without the heat of July and August. Strolls through historic alleyways, visits to museums, and archaeological sites become a genuine pleasure, far removed from the frenzy of the high season.
Similarly, for a cruise in the Eastern Mediterranean, which encompasses the enchanting Greek islands, the Croatian coasts, and Turkey, October offers equally favourable conditions. The comfortable temperatures allow you to explore millennia-old archaeological sites such as the Acropolis in Athens or the ruins of Olympia, whilst the islands of Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos, and Syros offer a more intimate and relaxed ambiance compared to the summer months.

October in the Mediterranean is characterised by average daytime temperatures oscillating between 18°C and 25°C, with cooler evenings that can drop to 10°C−15°C. Sunny days are abundant, although daylight hours gradually decrease compared to summer. It is possible for brief, intense rain showers to occur, typical of the autumnal Mediterranean climate, but these are generally short-lived and quickly give way to the return of the sun.

For your October cruise in the Mediterranean countries, we advise to include light and breathable clothing for the day, such as t-shirts, cotton shirts, shorts, and skirts, which will be perfect for the warmer hours and shore excursions. However, it is essential to add warmer layers for the evenings and potentially cooler days, such as jumpers, light sweatshirts, cardigans, or a spring jacket. For footwear, comfortable walking shoes or sturdy trainers are indispensable for exploring cities and sites with MSC Cruises’ excursions.

October represents a period which can prove to be a great choice for a Caribbean cruise, calling at fascinating destinations such as The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and Mexican shores. The primary advantage of travelling in this month lies in the noticeable reduction in tourist crowds. With the end of the summer holidays, these stunning tropical destinations are less busy, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
This translates into more space on the beaches, and a general atmosphere of greater tranquillity, offering the opportunity to immerse oneself more deeply in the relaxed Caribbean vibes and enjoy stunning beaches without the frenzy of the high season.

October in the Caribbean falls within the end of the rainy season. However, average daytime temperatures remain consistently high and pleasant, generally ranging between 28°C and 32°C. Evenings are warm, with lows rarely dropping below 22°C. Sunny days are still abundant, although it could happen to experience brief tropical downpours. These rains are often short-lived and quickly give way to the return of the sun. The sea water is warm, inviting you to swim and enjoy water sports.

Considering the warm climate, packing for a Caribbean cruise in October should prioritise light and practical clothing. It is essential to include swimsuits, beach cover-ups and beach sandals. For onshore activities, opt for light and breathable attire such as t-shirts, shorts, skirts, and summer dresses. It is also wise to bring a lightweight waterproof jacket for sudden showers.