Escape the cold weather on a wonderful out-of-season cruise

Visit destinations as diverse as Egypt, Casablanca and the Canary Islands as our ships head off in search of winter sun.

By Lesley Bellew

Arriving in a Mediterranean port out of season is one of the best feelings. From November to March, there are few other ships, the towns and cities are wonderfully free of crowds, and even major UNESCO sites can be surprisingly quiet. Rather than fighting through a sea of tourists you can savour the moment of visiting a beautiful city without feeling rushed (or, sometimes, crushed!).

Temperatures are pleasant and more conducive to exploring so enjoy the peace and take advantage of no queues for museums, galleries and other attractions.

If that’s your idea of luxury, then Saga cruises’ out-of-season sailings to the Med are for you. They tend to be at least 15 nights so there’s also plenty of time to appreciate the ship and take part in the daily programme of entertainment from talks and classes to deck games and theatre shows.

That’s not forgetting the first-class fine dining, speciality restaurants with a wide variety of choice, and excellent service from breakfast al fresco to afternoon teas and even barbecue feasts.

Tempted? Here are some alluring itineraries to consider:

The beautiful Balearics and the magical Western Mediterranean

After a call to Gibraltar with its extraordinary Rock and fascinating history, Spirit of Discovery sails to the pretty Spanish Balearic Islands and a trio of ancient Spanish ports.

In Mahon, Minorca, wander into town for drinks al fresco and shopping in the boutiques or take a stroll through Medieval Ciutadella, the old capital of Minorca, with its Moorish and Italian-influenced architecture and pretty cobbled streets.

Next, it’s a treat to wake up in Palma, Mallorca, where yachts bob in the sparkling harbour. Stroll along the waterfront to Le Seu cathedral and see the altar designed by Antoni Gaudi, plus the 1,236-piece rose stained glass window which throws out a kaleidoscope of colour.


There is an optional tour to Sóller, in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, famous for its oranges so try a Sóller Bomb – a giant orange ice cream sundae – while sitting in Constitution Square with a view of the cathedral. Valencia is next on the itinerary, where keen gardeners will love the Turia Gardens (Jardí del Túria) created in the former Turia River after a huge flood in 1957. It’s now one of the largest inner-city parks in Europe and the ship’s Explore Ashore team can help you decide on the best way to get there and back.

If you prefer a Saga excursion, there’s plenty of choice from an included city excursion; a tuk-tuk sightseeing ride; or a visit to San José Caves which hide the longest navigable underground river in Europe.

In Cartagena, it’s easy to walk from the ship to the impressive Roman amphitheatre which was unearthed in 1988. An optional tour to a horse ranch to see purebred Andalusian horses should not be missed, while wine lovers can choose the Jumilla Wine Route tour.

The final port is 3,000-year-old Cádiz, the oldest city in the Western world. Founded by the ancient Phoenicians, it’s a cradle of history, cultures and legends where Saga guests can see key landmarks including the Roman amphitheatre or simply enjoy a day on Playa de Calata beach between San Sebastian and Santa Catalaina castles.

Spirit of Discovery’s 15-night The Balearics and the Western Mediterranean sailing departs Portsmouth on 9 March, 2027

Classical Egypt and the wonders of the Eastern Mediterranean

If you fancy escaping the UK’s cold weather for longer, Spirit of Adventure’s 27-night Egypt and the Eastern Mediterranean sailing not only explores Spain and Italy, but Turkey, Greece and Malta before a highlight visit to Alexandria in Egypt.

You could choose an optional tour to see the UNESCO-listed Pyramids of Giza, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing, and an opportunity to browse treasures in the new Grand Egyptian Museum. For those interested in Second World War history, another tour option is El Alamein, the site of decisive battles in 1942.

You can also savour plenty of sea days to swim in The Lido before ordering a fish and chips lunch by the pool, followed by a cheeky whipped ice cream and a siesta.

Deck games are popular and you will always find plenty of guests ready to take up the challenge of quoits or table tennis.

On the return leg, Heraklion, on the Greek island of Crete, has a popular optional tour to the legendary site of Knossos, birthplace of the mythical Minotaur, half bull-half man. If you have already been there, another tour visits Phaestos, home to the Minoan palace of King Radamanthys, plus a stop at the archaeological site of Gortyn, the former Roman capital of Crete.

Be up early for the sail into Valletta, in Malta, where the ship enters the Grand Harbour with its honey-coloured limestone fortifications. You can then walk straight into the UNESCO-listed old town, built by the Knights of St John, and perhaps see Caravaggio’s only signed painting in the extraordinarily ornate St John Co-Cathedral.

During the last call before Portsmouth, get in touch with your arty side in Malaga where the city’s most-famous son is celebrated at Museu de Picasso in the artists’ quarter. Or visit the mountain-top town of Ronda where author Ernest Hemingway spent time writing his novel For Whom the Bell Tolls.

With three sea days before disembarkation, make time for farewell coffees, drinks, or dinner with friends you’ve made on the ship, laze on the deck to finish a book or meet your team for some final quizzes!

27-night Egypt and the Eastern Mediterranean sailing on Spirit of Adventure departs Portsmouth on 21 March, 2027

Winter sunshine in the Canaries, Casablanca, and Tangiers

As well as the Med, the Canary Islands are another winter sun favourite with Saga guests, so Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure have several cruises to choose from.

The Canary Island Sunshine cruise on Spirit of Discovery departs 20 January and features four of the islands (Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Tenerife and La Palma) as well as calls to Portugal’s capital Lisbon and the floral isle, Madeira.

Spirit of Adventure’s Portugal, Morocco and the Canaries cruise on 19 November is bound to be lively with fitness guru Mr Motivator on board. You can join his classes to have some fun and improve your level of fitness before returning home for Christmas!

In addition to the Canaries, this itinerary includes Casablanca and Tangier in Morocco, where temperatures are generally in the low 20Cs at the time the ship arrives.

Two calls in Portugal – Leixoes, for Porto with its historic wine cellars, and Lisbon, on the Tagus River – add to the fascinating destinations on this enticing cruise.

15-night Canary Island Sunshine cruise departs Portsmouth on 20 January, 2027

18-night Portugal, Morocco and the Canaries cruise departs Portsmouth on 19 November, 2026