If you’re thinking about a cruise for your next adventure, May is a fantastic month to set sail. With spring in full bloom in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn gracing the Southern Hemisphere, you’ll be blessed with moderate weather that’s neither winter nor summer’s extremes. Better still, May tends to enjoy fewer crowds and more affordable prices.
So, where to? The possibilities are delightfully diverse, with something for every type of traveller – whether you’d like to explore iconic coastlines, marvel at remote natural wonders, or simply stretch out on a beach.
To help you plan, here are seven of the best cruise destinations to visit in May, from the rugged and nearby beauty of the Scottish Isles to the unique ecosystems of the remote Galápagos Islands.
1. The Mediterranean
May in the Mediterranean is a beautiful month. Still in the freshness of spring, with the summer’s heat only beginning to introduce itself, you’ll enjoy calm seas, balmy evenings, and bright, sunny days. From Malta’s ancient fortified cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua to the sun-soaked Grecian ruins in Crete and Athens, travelling by cruise ship allows you to explore the Med’s jewels in comfort.
The sparkling waters of the Mediterranean may still be warming at this time of year, but it’s perfectly swimmable if a little more…‘refreshing’ than in July or August. Whether you hit the beaches of Sicily or Italy, Nice or Greece, you’ll find them warm, pleasantly uncrowded, and perfect for relaxation.
From the hot-pink, beautiful bougainvillaea of the Turkish Riviera to the vibrant yellow and sweet scent of Amalfi lemons, May is a great time to witness the wonderful flora and fruits of the Med. You’ll find beautiful Mediterranean vegetables in season around this time, too – just make sure to sample the courgettes and tomatoes that might be the best you’ll ever taste!
2. Alaska
The Alaskan cruise season is only just kicking off in May, meaning some great deals are available. You’ll still feel some of the biting winter cold hanging in the air and may encounter ice, but that’s offset by it being Alaska’s driest month. Many would choose a dry, cold day over a rain-soaked one, especially in Alaska where the great outdoors are always calling.
And Alaska truly is a place for nature lovers. If whale watching and birding are your thing, you couldn’t choose a more perfect destination. In May, the shorebirds start returning in their droves, and you should see plenty of grey whales, humpbacks, and orcas. Of course, many come to Alaska to see bears, too. While they’re not around in peak numbers in May, you’ll see some on dry land – though it’s not until the salmon run begins in late May that they really start appearing.
Wildlife aside, the sheer beauty of Alaska is on (almost) full display in May. With most of the ice melted away, the scenery is magnificent and you can take it all in on calm May waters. For seafood lovers, the salmon might not be quite back but the Kodiak crab festival takes place on Memorial Day weekend each year and is a fantastic place to stop off and gorge.
3. Croatia
With throngs of tourists yet to descend upon the Dalmatian coast and temperatures still to reach the intense summer highs, May is a beautiful time to cruise Croatia. This is when the tourist season kicks off but, if you’re early enough, you’ll still find many attractions offering their off-season prices. And with some 5,000km of stunning golden coastline to explore, you won’t be stuck for beautiful places and attractions to visit.
In May, some of Croatia’s most outstanding spots are at their most beautiful, too. The turquoise falls and pools of the verdant Krka National Park are at their vibrant, freshest best and the days are perfect for hiking, making for an unmissable day trip if you get the chance. Island hopping is also great in May; again, hikers can explore without wilting in the high-summer heat.
Divers will be in their element in May, too, so if you want to go underwater as much as you’d like to cruise on top of it, you’ll enjoy clear, warm waters, great visibility, and seas that are chock-full of colourful, beautiful marine life.
4. The Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are just magical. One of the most far-flung places one could visit, the islands are famously untouched and full of some of the most fascinating and rare wildlife on earth. Every month is a great month to cruise the Galapagos Islands, but May is fantastic for a few reasons in particular.
For starters, the sea warms and the rain begins to dry out. The archipelago’s sea lions give birth to their adorable pups, and you can see them stretched out on rocks and along the islands’ coastlines. It’s turtle-hatching season, too, with Punta Cormorant, Puerto Egas, and Gardner Bay all filled with hatchlings trying to make their way to the sea. The famous marine iguanas hatch at this time, too, though they try to stay out of sight and trouble.
Plus, mating season for blue-footed boobies often begins in May and, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to witness their hilarious and elaborate ritual courting dances. Males like to show off their beautiful bright blue feet to the object of their desire – trotting around her to give her a good look. The male will also show off his nest-building materials before taking the dancing up a notch, to reel the female in. It’s a wonderful thing to witness, and one of the many reasons that May is such a great time for a Galapagos Cruise.
5. The Caribbean
In May, the Caribbean’s high season begins to wind down but the sun, sea, sand and relaxation remain. The temperature stays between 25º-30ºC, making for beautiful days spent on exceptional beaches, with fewer people to share the sands. Some of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations like Jamaica, the Bahamas, and St. Lucia are so busy in the high season that it can be overwhelming, so visiting in May allows for a more relaxed, intimate travel experience.
You can make the most of the islands’ stunning sea and abundant marine life in May, with hurricane season not starting until June. From kayaking or paddle boarding to diving or even petting sharks (not for the faint-hearted), May is a great time to enjoy those bathtub waters.
Day trips and excursions may be discounted at this time of year as the season changes. You can find some incredible activities like gentle horseback safaris, jungle treks, or a visit to the crystal caves in Grand Cayman – and, all without the chaos of the high-season crowds. Whether you’re seeking an adventure, pure relaxation, or full cultural immersion, a May cruise in the Caribbean promises an escape to paradise.
6. The fjords of Norway
In May, Norway’s fjords are something else. Picture breathtaking walking trails lined with millions of colourful wildflowers, lush meadows as far as the eye can see, glassy waters, and those dark cliffs and mountains contrasting against a bright blue sky. A May cruise of the fjords is one of the best times to experience what they can offer, as the cold Scandinavian winter melts away, the days lengthen, and life springs forth.
The fjords boast some outstanding scenery. The mountain peaks will still wear snowy caps, reflected perfectly in the crystal waters you’ll be sailing, and you’ll be surrounded by beautiful, colourful plant life. The towering cliffs, powerful waterfalls, and fabulous green landscapes are like nowhere else on earth – a mesmerising juxtaposition of moody rock and mellow meadowlands.
But Norway’s nature isn’t just in its geography; the wildlife here is marvelous, too. In May, you can see lots of whales – humpbacks and minkes will be around at this time of year, as will schools of dolphins and porpoises. Gulls, cormorants, and puffins fly over the water or gather on rocky cliffs and outcrops, and seals bask there, too.
With fewer tourists around than in the peak summer months, a cruise of the Norwegian fjords in May is a tranquil, bright, and unforgettable experience.
7. The Scottish Isles
Given their northern position, the beautiful Scottish Isles can be a little dark and dreary in the winter months – still with their charms, of course, but with many businesses closed and shorter days, perhaps not in their prime. Come May, the Isles come alive again and make for a fantastic May cruise destination. From the wonderful, welcoming locals to the glorious scenery, sailing Scotland’s rugged islands is a cruise you won’t soon forget.
You’ll get a little bit of everything here, from white sand beaches that’ll make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean (apart from the temperatures) to imposing castles that wouldn’t be out of place in Westeros. There are some incredible megalithic sites, too, like the Callanish standing stones on the Outer Hebrides that are older than Stonehenge.
But what’s best about the islands is the fantastic people. The locals have kept alive a vibrant and fun Gaelic culture and, in May, many feel it’s at its most energetic as the days finally get longer and the weather warms. Drink in the local culture, festivals, music, and – yes – the whiskey, too! A Scottish Isles cruise in May is an absolute joy.
Final thoughts…
Whether you fancy sailing the high seas to the farthest reaches of earth or simply nipping up north to Scotland’s beautiful rugged islands, each of these destinations can offer an out-of-this-world May cruise experience.
You might find one of the destinations on our list hits the spot for your may getaway, or perhaps you’d like more inspiration. If so, check out our guide to the 20 best places to cruise, month by month. If May is your travel month but you’re unsure whether a cruise is the right choice, check out our list of the best May destinations for landlubbers.
Are you ready to choose a cruise? Will it be one of the above destinations? Let us know where you’d like to set sail in the comments below.