23rd February 2026

The shoulder season represents that sweet spot before or after the summer peaks, when prices are lower, crowds are fewer, and the experiences feel a little more local. If your interests lie beyond the beach, cruising with Princess during these months lets you sightsee in comfortable weather, discovering destinations in a whole new light.

Shoulder season destination highlights

Irresistible Italy

Wave arrivederci to UK shores and set sail for La Belle Italia. The country that has it all, Italy, hoards Renaissance masterpieces, ancient architecture and iconic works of art within its boot-shaped borders. From Roman ruins in the capital to the Leaning Tower of Pisa standing precariously askew, the shoulder season is the perfect time to experience museums, galleries and UNESCO World Heritage Sites without such large crowds. Princess Cruises kick off Italian itineraries in early April, just as the cities are beginning to awaken, with some sailings still heading out in mid-November when the Mediterranean light is soft and golden.

Romantic cities & ancient ruins

In Florence, you’ll be able to walk through the famous Uffizi at leisure, allowing you to gaze upon the mind-blowing masterpieces from big names like Giotto, Botticelli and Raphael at your own pace, getting lost in the gargantuan 16th-century palace’s maze of 100-odd rooms. Nature lovers will appreciate the quieter cliffside trails in Cinque Terre during the shoulder season, too, making it an optimal time for hiking and exploring the colourful villages and harbours. Likewise, sightseeing at Rome’s showstopping landmarks – the Colosseum, Vatican museums and the Trevi Fountain (to name a few) – means shorter queues and more time to soak in the city’s atmosphere.

Adriatic adventures

Stretching between the Italian and Balkan peninsulas, the Adriatic Sea is a high priority on most travellers' wish lists. Known for its sapphire waters, dramatic bays and collection of ancient-walled towns, a trip timed with the shoulder season means you’ll get a front-row seat to the region’s cultural landmarks. Princess sails to the staples of the Adriatic, namely Croatia’s Split and Dubrovnik, and Montenegro’s Kotor, with itineraries available in March, April, October and November.

UNESCO wonders await

Stroll through a real-life fantasy land (literally) in Dubrovnik’s old town, where its medieval maze of limestone-paved pedestrian streets reveals a treasure trove of historic attractions like Rector’s Palace, Franciscan Monastery & Museum and Sponza Palace. Known for its starring role in Game of Thrones, fans will recognise much of the city’s amazing architecture as the infamous King’s Landing. For the best views, be sure to walk around the city’s walls and forts. Further up the coast, Split’s old town holds similar charms, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diocletian’s Palace, Split Cathedral, Voćni Trg and the Venetian octagonal tower.

Bay-eautiful Kotor

Kotor enjoys mild temperatures during the spring and autumn months, perfect for exploring the old town (Stari Grad), taking a guided walking tour, hopping on a boat trip around the bay and hiking to the San Giovanni Fortress. Wedged between moody mountains and hemmed in by steep rock walls, the dramatic vistas of the Bay of Kotor never disappoint - regardless of the weather.

Spectacular Spain

A country that lends itself perfectly to shoulder season travel, Spain is so much more than sun, sea, sand and sangria (although there’s plenty of that too). Visiting outside of peak summer means iconic cities like Barcelona and Seville can be experienced in a more authentic way, whilst the Balearic’s usual wave of beach-loving holidaymakers are notably absent. Princess' Spanish itineraries sail from March 1st (2026) all the way through until mid-November, so you'll find plenty of choice when it comes to planning an off-peak break.

The Catalonian capital

Cruising to Barcelona during shoulder season comes with the usual crowd-avoiding perks, meaning you can admire the atmospheric Gothic Quarter and cutting-edge galleries at your own speed. The city has a busy calendar of seasonal events, in March, music lovers can enjoy a classic concert courtesy of the Barcelona Obertura Spring Festival, on April 23rd locals celebrate love be exchanging books and roses (even Casa Batlló gets dressed up for the occasion with special rose decorations on its balconies). In September a party atmosphere sweeps through the streets for La Mercé, a festival that celebrates the city’s patron saint, resulting in free concerts and cultural demonstrations over a long weekend. The Barcelona Jazz Festival also hosts free performances from the world’s premier artists from October to December.

Celebrate Spring in Seville

The ‘crowd-free’ guarantee doesn’t extend to Seville (Cádiz) in Spring, instead the city enters festival season with colourful processions, one of Spain’s most elaborate Holy Weeks, and Feria de Abril, which celebrates all things Andalusian. Expect good food, horse parades and locals in their finest flamenco attire. October and November can get a little wet, but the trade-off means UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as The Alcázar Palace and gardens can be toured in relative peace (pictured above).

Intimate Greek Isles

Get to grips with Greek culture and local life, blending ancient history with whitewashed villages and quieter ports to experience a more personal side to the Mediterranean hotspot. Princess Cruises offer plenty of itineraries during March, April and October, with some departures as late as mid-November. From the Palace of Knossos in Crete to Corfu’s lush green landscapes, get ready to immerse yourself in a world of ancient and natural wonders.

Autumn in the Aegean

Foodies and wine enthusiasts will be rewarded with a cruise timed in the autumn months. Grape harvest season gets underway in September, with family-owned vineyards welcoming visitors for tastings, often paired with traditional meze. Santorini is known for its crisp, refreshing white wine, Assyrtiko, and as luck would have it, Princess run an excursion that combines a visit to the picturesque village of Oia with a trip to a local winery. In late October olive harvesting begins in Crete, with the island being famed for producing some of the world’s finest extra virgin oils, while Mykonos holds an annual Harvest Festival with traditional music, dance, and local food.

Land of myths and legends

Spring sightseeing presents a more serene experience. Marvel at the Minoan Palace of Knossos, built with over 1200 rooms and connected with world-famous legends, like the Labyrinth, the Minotaur and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Discover tiny Delos (from Mykonos), the birthplace of twins Apollo and Artemis, where you’ll witness ruins of shrines to the gods and mosaic-adorned ancient dwellings. A common feature of Aegean cruises is Ephesus (Turkey), where iconic archaeological sites are much easier to access without the summer crowds.

Fancy seeing these destinations next Spring? Sail round-trip from Barcelona...

Spanning three weeks, this voyage includes destinations across Spain, the South of France, Italy and Greece, with an overnight in La Spezia (for Florence/Pisa). Departing in April aboard Sun Princess, one of the newest ships in the Princess fleet, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the best of the Med as it bursts into life for Spring. Includes flights & a Barcelona hotel stay.

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