Cruises in July

The long, sunny days and calm weather of July make it a popular time for cruising. Families, in particular, appreciate the opportunity to travel during the school holidays and enjoy time together. Whilst it's true this is peak season, relaxation is provided through our thoughtfully planned excursions, the onboard comfort of our ships and a range of engaging activities that will ensure your July holiday is one to remember.

Indulge in fine dining, relax in spacious accommodation, take a dip in an onboard pool or aquapark, unwind in the splendid Balinese MSC Aurea Spa, or stay active in the Technogym-fuelled fitness facilities with its up-to-the-minute equipment and panoramic sea views. Be captivated by the bountiful entertainment programme from Broadway-style shows to enriching workshops – all while the ship navigates to new horizons, and each sunrise dawns on a day full of new memories.

Our programme of excursions, expertly curated and led by multilingual guides, ensures you can discover every destination the way you want and make the most of every moment. Plus, with dining in the main restaurants and adult and kid's entertainment included in the price, as well as the availability of pre-paid extras and Fly and Cruise or Stay and Cruise packages, your July cruise will surely outshine the rest.

For your July holiday, MSC Cruises offers a variety of itineraries. Head to the Eastern Mediterranean to experience its perfect blend of beautiful scenery and cultural riches. A cruise through the Aegean and Adriatic Seas allows you to visit historically rich sites such as the Acropolis in Athens, Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, the Rialto Bridge in Venice, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Corfu, Kefalonia, and Mykonos, as well as the beautiful Croatian coastlines.

Would you prefer the Western Mediterranean, with its spectacular coastlines and unrivalled diversity of delights? From golden Spanish shores to lavender-scented rolling hills, there’s natural beauty and historical hotspots to discover at every turn. Imagine switching from the world-famous antiquities of Rome before savouring the shimmering seas and stunning scenery of the Cinque Terre and Portofino. In Naples, head to Pompeii for a tour of the ancient Roman city frozen in time or relax in sensational Sorrento and sample some lip-smacking limoncello. From cultural must-dos and epic sunsets to glamorous beaches and delicious bites, there are awe-inspiring sights to see and well-deserved moments of relaxation.

In Northern Europe, discover myths, majesty, legends, and landscapes. With a colourful palette of historic cities and stunning scenery, every destination is a work of art. The long summer days and cooler climes will give you time to take it all in, from the awe-inspiring beauty of the Norwegian fjords to the midnight sun of Iceland.

For your July sea cruise, reach the Caribbean where palm trees, picture-postcard beaches, warm waters, and colourful flora are just the beginning. Sailing from the hot buzz of Miami, you will have the opportunity to swim among the colourful corals of the Honduran island of Isla de Roatan. Next, head to Mexico, and explore the characterful parrots and ancient Mayan temples of Costa Maya. Then, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Cozumel, famous for its turtle-filled beaches, mangrove swamps, and underground rivers. Enjoy a full day at the MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises' own private island in the Bahamas. Here, you can indulge in water sports, catch the sun on the beach, or pamper yourself with rejuvenating treatments at the luxurious spa. Escaping to this idyllic part of the world will introduce you to an abundance of tropical treasures, beautiful bays, and relaxing rhythms.

For your holiday in July, MSC Cruises presents a diverse array of itinerary lengths, encompassing short cruises of 3 or 4 nights, traditional 7-night itineraries, and extended cruises of 8, 9, 10, and up to 14 nights. Therefore, MSC Cruises' itineraries afford significant flexibility to meet your July travel preferences.

Pricing for July cruises varies depending on the desired experience, accommodation, and destinations of interest. MSC Cruises features a selection of deals and discounts, enabling travel at the most advantageous rates.

When cruising the Mediterranean in July, you'll want light and comfortable gear like t-shirts and short-sleeved tops, as it's warm and dry. For Northern Europe, layered clothing is best, like breathable long-sleeved shirts, sweaters or sweatshirts, trousers, and comfy footwear, especially trekking shoes for excursions. A jacket is needed for evenings. In the Caribbean, swimwear and light summer clothes are essential.

A dream destination for holidaymakers of all ages, this captivating region is home to reefs, rainforests, and clear waters. Though July is part of the rainy season, you can still expect plenty of sunshine and lovely sea conditions in the Caribbean. You'll find many sunny days, with occasional rain, which makes it quite a pleasant month for a beach break. Plus, being the rainy season, it's generally quieter, so you can enjoy those beautiful Caribbean beaches in relative peace.

 July in the Caribbean offers a warm and largely sunny climate, even though it's the start of the rainy season. Countries like the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Puerto Rico enjoy a tropical warmth, with average temperatures in the high twenties. Therefore, you'll find plenty of sunshine, with few rainfalls more common in the afternoons. This makes July a viable month for a sun-soaked beach holiday.

Enjoy the Caribbean's lovely tropical vibe. Pack your beach holiday must-haves: swimwear, sarongs or cover-ups, and flip-flops, plus plenty of sun cream. Light summer wear is perfect for days away from the beach, cotton or linen tees, dresses, shorts, or light trousers. And don't forget comfy shoes for your outings. A jumper or light raincoat is a good idea, just in case of rain.

July presents a fine opportunity for a Mediterranean cruise. You have the choice of the Western Mediterranean, covering Italy, France, Spain, Malta, and Tunisia, or the Eastern Mediterranean, where you can explore Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, and Turkey. In both cases, you can expect warm, sunny days ideal for enjoying both beaches and city trips.

August across the Mediterranean means warmth and sunlight, a time of long, bright days encouraging everyone to enjoy the sea and explore cities steeped in history. Daytime temperatures typically sit between 25°C and 35°C, with humidity usually moderate, though it can rise along the coast, making the heat feel a touch more intense. The sea itself is pleasantly warm, with water temperatures around 25-28°C, ideal for a good seaside cruise.

In Italy, you’ll find temperatures higher in the south and on the islands. The Croatian coast offers a comparable climate, with slightly cooler temperatures thanks to sea breezes. Greece is warm and sunny, with temperatures sometimes can exceed 33°C, especially on the islands. 

The Mediterranean coasts of Spain and France are characterized by a hot and dry climate, ideal for summer holidays. Turkey, lastly, offers a varied climate, with high temperatures along the coasts and milder conditions in the inland areas.

With its warm and sunny climate, July is a lovely time to cruise the Mediterranean. For exploring cities like Naples, Rome, Barcelona, Valencia, Venice, and Istanbul, lightweight and breathable clothing is a wise choice. Be sure to pack short-sleeved tops – whether that's polos, t-shirts, or linen shirts – along with shorts or light trousers and comfortable walking shoes for your Mediterranean cruise. A jumper or sweatshirt is a good thing to have for cooler evenings. And if your cruise includes plenty of seaside destinations, such as Greece, Croatia, and the Balearic Islands, then swimwear, light beach cover-ups, beach sandals, and sun cream are, naturally, essential.

The gentle weather and extended daylight hours provide ideal conditions to explore the region's breathtaking natural landscapes in July.

Norway enjoys comfortable conditions in July, with mild temperatures and sunny days It's typically one of the drier months, so you're less likely to see much rain. The extended daylight hours, particularly as you go further north, make for a rather special experience.

For a July Norwegian Fjords cruise, layering is highly recommended. Pack lightweight, breathable shirts and tees for the warmer days, and add jumpers or jackets for cooler moments. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, especially if you plan on excursions. Consider trekking shoes for more adventurous outings. Remember, even in July, the weather can change quickly, so a light, waterproof jacket is advisable. And don't forget your camera – you'll want to capture the stunning scenery.