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August Cruises

The height of summer remains one of the preferred times to holiday thanks to the legacy effect of ‘school holidays’ and the better climate at home igniting the desire to travel. Not only that, it is the perfect month to visit certain parts of the world, especially by luxury, river or expedition ship so August cruises are ideal.

Certain popular tourist spots particularly in Europe, can be busier as a result of national holidays which are common throughout the region, but as long as you know what to expect, you can be prepared. So we’ve put together some key information about cruises in August which applies to cruises in August 2023, August 2024, and August 2025. It includes information such as the best destinations to visit, to top tips and we also answer your most frequently asked questions.

Destinations

The Mediterranean

From the Italian and French Rivieras, to the colourful Amalfi coast, from the Western Mediterranean of Spain to the crystal-clear waters of the Ligurian Sea, The Mediterranean is one of the most popular destinations for August cruises with good reason.

amalfi coast

It is quite literally filled with so many touristic treasures that you cannot fail to be delighted wherever you go particularly if you take cruises in August here. Whether your interests lie in history, architecture, art, gastronomy, nature or fashion, there is something for everyone. And that’s not even to mention the glorious climate! August cruises in the Med will be hot in most parts so if you are looking for some sunshine with your sightseeing, you’re in the right place.

It will be one of the busiest months so it’s worth noting that you will have to share the more popular sights with others but it also means you will experience the best climate and an atmosphere that is alive with a shared enjoyment of the stunning places to see.

Wander the paths of the Romans, sip crisp white wine in St Tropez, uncover the secrets of Pompeii, sample the local tapas in Barcelona, unleash your inner athlete in Olympia or experience the classical antiquity of The Dardanelles. You can do all of this from August cruises in the Mediterranean and if you would like a little more time in a certain place, we can even arrange a land-extension so you get more out of your luxury voyage.

Russia and the Baltics

Explore traditional Russian Orthodox artwork in the form of ornate churches adorned in colourful mosaics in St Petersburg on more unusual August cruises. Or step into a blended world of old and new combined in the contemporary world of art and culture in one of the Russia’s cities. You’ll thrive in the exciting atmosphere that buzzes 24-hours a day and is steeped in heritage to immerse yourself in. Whether it’s luxury river cruises in August you’re taking down the Volga, or it’s one of the ports on your special ocean cruise, you will have more time to explore thanks to August having the most amount of daylight hours. As many August cruises include overnight stays in port, you’ll be able to see Russia by day and by night – and trust us, you will be captivated enough to stay as long as you possibly can. If your journey takes you to The Baltics, you will be impressed with each town you visit. Impressive churches, museums bursting at the seems with treasured pieces, ghostly ruins and magical lakes will all combine to ensure your end your August cruises here truly satisfied by the wonders of the multiple cultures you experience.

st petersburg

Iceland

WThe land of fire and ice (called so thanks to being shaped by the fire of lava and the natural glaciers it boasts) will welcome all August cruises with its warmest temperatures of the year. August cruises are in the last month of summer in this truly one-of-a-kind destination.

westman islands

Whilst never getting truly ‘hot’ as you might expect in the height of a summer season, you may experience temperatures as high as 20° which make it perfect for exploring the landscape that will take your breath away. The rainfall should be minimal but despite its summer season, you will still have the benefit of 8 hours of darkness per night so there might even be the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights on your visit!

As with most high seasons, this will be a slightly busier time of year to visit to ensure you book any excursions you will want to do in advance to avoid missing out – we will be able to guide you on the must-see attractions there such as food tours in Reykjavik, taking a nutrient rich dip in the geothermal spa of the Blue Lagoon and glacier hiking.

August sees festivals abound too. Nature, culture, culinary treasures, wildlife and just the most spectacular scenery all await you on your Icelandic cruises in August. Sail on August cruises from 2023 and beyond.

The Adriatics

The intoxicating blue waters of the Adriatic Sea, the most northerly part of the Mediterranean Sea, will enthral you from the moment you lay your eyes on them on your August cruises here. Set against a backdrop of ancient yet exciting cities such as Dubrovnik, Split or Venice you will be spoilt for choice with where you want to see. Croatia has become one of the most popular places to visit in recent years and it’s not hard to see why. Its sparkling Dalmatian Coast glitters with intrigue and as you set foot ashore in one of the dazzling and modern port cities or take a step away from contemporary glamour back in time to a quaint fishing village.

Take a kayak tour beneath the city walls of Dubrovnik, or wander yourself around the Baroque churches, sunbathe on beautiful beaches, sample local delicacies or visit Benedictine monasteries with religious art from as long ago as the 8th century. The sunny climes of August will be perfect to visit these gems as the sunlight creates the perfect ambience in which to enjoy the wonders of this treasured region. Yacht cruises in August would be even more special in this region as you’ll take in more of the beautiful region including Albania for something a little different.

croatia
mykonos

Greek Islands

One of the best ways to experience the Greek Isles is by the water and there is simply nothing that will top one of the small, luxury ships which go there on their August cruises. Whether it be on a discovery yacht or smaller, 6-star ocean cruising you will see and enjoy more of this idyllic location. The bright sun will bring the crystal-clear waters alive with dancing gems especially on cruises in August. You’ll be able to dine outside and watch the stunning scenery pass by while you enjoy a coffee on deck, all in the comfort of the ship you’re calling ‘home’ on your holiday.

You can see the birthplace of democracy and civilisation in Athens, explore archaeological ruins in Chania, stand on the shoulders of giants in Olympia or get lost in the twisting alleys of Mykonos. And if you’re feeling particularly energetic, you can brave the 600 steps to the summit of the capital of Santorini, Fira. But given this is your holiday, you can be forgiven for taking the cable car instead! Greece has long-since been a favourite destination of UK travellers and it isn’t hard to see why with the history, gastronomy, architecture, culture and glistening waters of its islands. With August cruises here, you will see more islands in a short space of time and get to the heart of the parts you want to see the most.

UK & Ireland

Holidaying closer to home is often on our radar as a ‘staycation’ in a cottage or hotel, visiting just a single area at one time.

But why not turn your staycation into a safari around the UK and Ireland? August cruises are perfect for this! After all, how much of our country and our neighbouring Emerald Isle, have you actually seen?

August cruises around the UK and Ireland will allow you to see more than you perhaps would by road or rail and better yet, you will be able to do it in complete luxury thanks to your special ship.

Falkland Islands
holyhead


With the added benefit of not having to fly to start your holiday, you can take as much luggage as you desire and you’ll start your holiday from the moment you step onboard.

You’ll spend time with travellers from the world over as they come to appreciate everything we have to offer on our doorstep including Holyhead to experience some Welsh charm, Dublin for a Guinness and the craic, Galway for castles and cliffs or Invergordon in the northern highlands of Scotland for rich naval history and water birds.

August cruises are the perfect time and travel method to explore the UK and Ireland as it is one of the better months weather-wise, although you may still need your raincoat in the outer reaches!

Alaska

Wild and naturally beautiful, Alaska has one of the shortest cruising seasons of all the destinations, taking ships from just May to September. You’ll experience some of the best weather on cruises in August, with temperatures reaching as high as 20° in this otherwise chilly state. Alaska is a destination for the most avid of nature-lovers and is perfect if you want a little adventure too. Take a flight to see the stunning landscape by air which can be arranged for you before you travel. Shop for souvenirs on charming Creek Street in Ketchikan. Spot a grizzly bear fishing for salmon. See the Caribou roaming free. Take a train ride through the Alaska Kenai Peninsula. Go whale watching to see these magnificent beasts in their natural habitat. Go panning for gold like the first gold rush residents. Take a scenic guided hike through remote wilds and indulge in the ancient history of the USA’s ‘newest’ state. Luxury cruises in August 2023, August 2024, and August 2025 to Alaska are experiences to remember forever. You can even book your cruises in August 2023 here now too!

Ketchikan Island

The Aegean & Holy Land

The Eastern Mediterranean is resplendent with charms all down the Aegean coastline and August cruises are the perfect way to explore them. Paradisiacal port towns laden with rich history have been perfectly preserved for years and will delight you at every turn whilst modern cities will excite you in entirely different ways.

kusadasi

Whether you choose to experience the area from a super yacht or a luxury cruise ship, you will get to the heart of these places and uncover the mysteries of the ancient world. You too can walk the lands where people go to make pilgrimage, in some of the most revered places in the world. From Nazareth to Mount Carmel, Temple Mount and Jerusalem plus the Sea of Galilee, you’ll get to the beating heart of some of the oldest religions in the world.

You can set foot in UNESCO world heritage sites, delight in the local culinary pleasures and see some of the traditions which are still in place today. Further along the Aegean you can pay visits to Kusadasi in Turkey, or Santorini, one of the most famous of the Greek Isles.

You can see triumphs of Byzantine architecture in Istanbul and enjoy the romance of Aphrodite’s Rock in Paphos, Cyprus. August cruises will certainly be warmer in this region so it’s perfect for a sun-drenched escape that is filled with culture and stories of bygone times.

France & Spain

Whilst right on our doorstep, it is likely there are parts of France and Spain you have yet to enjoy. Both are accessible by 6-star cruise ship but if you fancy something a little more intensive in France, you can explore the waterways of the Seine, the Rhone or even parts of the Rhine on August cruises. Your ultra-luxury river ship will take you right into the centre of the towns on your itinerary meaning that within no time at all, you are exploring the cities on the port’s edge. Paris is a one of the most famous on the Seine and August cruises make for a good time to visit – whilst it may have plenty of tourists, many of the locals take their annual vacation then and so it will have slightly fewer people.

The landing beaches of Normandy are another popular historic adventure for you to see our ancestry’s sacrifice. You can see the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Palace of the Popes in Avignon or take a funicular train in Lyon after sailing the Rhone. Luxury ocean cruises will take you around the ports of France and Spain too so you can enjoy gastronomic specialties from tapas or Iberica ham in La Bocqueria in Barcelona, see the lavender fields in Provence, watch the glamour of the world pass by in Saint Tropez or explore 3,000 years of history from Hannibal to Julius Caesar in Cadiz.

paris
nuuk

Northern Europe

Northern Europe’s cruise season is quite short with August cruises being some of the most popular thanks to the better climate. So if you want to visit at this perfect time, you might want to book early for cruises in August 2023, August 2024, and August 2025 sooner rather than later! The places to visit are as diverse as they are interesting, including the absolutely breath-taking majesty of the fjords of Norway, Greenland, Iceland, the Baltics, Scandinavia and even as far as Arctic Svalbard.

It also includes more local places such as the British Isles and Ireland. You can enjoy the diversity of cities from bicycle-rich Copenhagen to the Venice of the North, St Petersburg, with its bridges and canals loved by photographers. Stockholm’s resurgence as one of the most stylish cities in the northern hemisphere is tempered by the natural beauty of Helsinki and its perpetual summer. And you can now enjoy an unencumbered Tallinn, free of its past oppression on a range of August cruises.

Repositioning Cruises

The seasonality of cruise holidays means that ships won’t sail in the same region the whole year round. Indeed, they stay in places when the climate is right and when people most want to visit them before moving onto their next season in what is known as a repositioning cruise. These cruises offer somewhat unusual itineraries, dependent on where the ships start and where they have been scheduled to move to.

August cruises will see certain ships move from destinations such as the wilds of Alaska, moving over to the exotic Asian shores of Japan. It is unlikely that in any other holiday you would get to experience two such different destinations as these and they won’t be the only ones on offer. Ask us about what repositioning cruises in August are occurring and we’ll find the right one for you whether it be cruises in August 2023, August 2024, or August 2025.

japan
galapagos

Something a little different

August might just be the perfect time to try a cruise that’s a little different. Have you ever considered an expedition to the Galapagos, for example? It might be a little better climate if you prefer cool and dry when happening upon all kinds of incredible indigenous species whether they be plant or animal.

Trek the road (or waters) less trodden with a Great Northern Circle cruise from Yukon to Alaska. Visit the Arctic Islands of the polar regions for a voyage almost out of this world in terms of scenery. Or how about taking a yacht to the Aleutian Islands?

Speak to us about going off the beaten track in August 2023, August 2024, or August 2025.

Culinary Enjoyment

Today’s luxury cruise, whether it be by ocean, river, yacht or even an expedition is about so much more than the destinations you will visit. Of course, the places you will see will play a key role in choosing your itinerary but the onboard experience is just as important as what happens on land.

With that in mind, there has been nothing short of a revolution when it comes to gastronomy both in the home and when out of it – whether it be when we dine out or head off on our treasured holidays.

barcelona
costa brava

No matter what time of year you travel on your cruise ship, when you take a cruise onboard a superior ship such as the ones available through Panache Cruises, you will find that the cuisine is second to none. We really do mean it too. Restaurants that are Michelin quality abound and you will find that on some cruises, you can take trips ashore with the chef where he will show you local, seasonal produce they buy to create that evening’s menu.

You will find that now matter where you are in the world and no matter the type of luxury cruise you take, you will dine on local delicacies, have menus filled with regional specialities from wherever your itinerary is taking you and your sommelier will pair it all with the perfect wine accompaniment.

FAQs about cruises in August

Is August a good time to cruise?

It’s perfect for many reasons depending on where you go. Cruises to the Mediterranean, Europe, Alaska, the Baltics, Northern Europe and even Iceland are fantastic in August as the weather in those places is at its peak in August. However, if you prefer to go when it’s much quieter and cooler, you might want to look at ‘shoulder’ seasons or low seasons. It certainly isn’t perfect for every destination – for example, you will struggle to find cruises to the Caribbean as this isn’t the best time to visit there.

Will it be busy wherever I go in August?

If you are choosing a popular cruise itinerary then the likelihood is the destinations you visit will be quite busy too. For UK travellers, August is one of the peak months to go on holiday and preferred places to go often include places such as the Mediterranean, Europe and so on. August is often a typical time for residents of other countries to holiday and if they seek the same sunny weather then the chances are they might end up in the same place as you!

Can I river cruise in August?

Yes! You can take a river cruise all year-round, it might just be limited in terms of where you can take it. August is certainly one of the most popular months to take a river cruise in Europe but the climate can sometimes mean changes in water levels which result in occasional amendments to itineraries.

What is the service like on August cruises?

Luxury cruise ships are equipped with teams who can offer the perfect service to all the guests even when the ships are at full capacity. 6-star cruises, luxury river cruises, yacht and expedition cruises all have some of the best passenger to crew ratios so you can rest assured that the service you receive will be the absolute best available at all times.

When is best to book August cruises?

Quite frankly, the earlier you book, the better when it comes to luxury cruising. That’s because many cruise lines offer a best price guarantee so you can rest-assured the prices won’t fluctuate. Furthermore, there are often some incredible early booking discounts and offers available from money off to additional onboard credit offered.

More discerning guests might wish to select their preferred suite too and given the size of the ships, the options will be limited so booking early is necessary to avoid disappointment. So whether you want to book your August 2023, August 2024, or August 2025 cruise, it is better to do it sooner rather than later!

loch ness
half moon island

Will cruises be expensive?

As with any peak season, holidays can go up in price, however this won’t always be the case. For example, you can choose to travel to one to a destination which isn’t at its peak in August. Alternatively, there are other ways you can ensure you get the best value for money – by booking early, you are likely to secure the best deal available. Furthermore, by booking with an expert agency such as Panache Cruises, you will have access to exclusive prices, discounts and offers that you won’t find anywhere else, even direct with the cruise line themselves.

Can I take an Expedition cruise in August?

Yes, there are several expedition cruises available in August that can take you to the far reaches of the globe including the Arctic Circle, Australia, the Galapagos and more. Regardless of the type of cruise holiday you want, our Connoisseurs will find the perfect one to suit you without any hard work from you.

Panache Cruises' Words of Wisdom

spain
Flights

Your flights might be slightly more expensive due to the increased demand of travelling in the peak season when so many others want to get away. This is of course compounded by the fact that schools are on their annual summer break and so there are many families also trying to get away. But with this demand comes increased supply so you will find that easier flight paths are open, for example, your regional airport might be flying to airports it doesn’t all year round with many different times available to suit you.


iceland
Weather

If you are visiting a well-known destination such as the Mediterranean, the chances are you know what to expect from the climate. However, if you are travelling somewhere you haven’t been before, we can help to advise you. For example, you might hear that August is summer in Iceland. And while this is true, you should not expect scorching hot temperatures. Peaks of 20 will occasionally be hit but sometimes so will lows of 10 and there might well be some rain too! You’ll need to pack for a variety of weather situations, not to mention suitable clothes for the activities you plan on doing.

Wildlife & Nature

If you want to head to a region to see a specific species then make sure you plan when to go. Don’t just expect to see them whenever you turn up! For example, there is a high chance you could see grizzly bears fishing for salmon in Alaska in August but the Northern Lights in Iceland are not as likely as at other times of year.






galapagos
Culture

Regardless of the time of year you travel, it is always important to respect local cultures. The motto “take only pictures and leave only footprints” is particularly important in remote areas of stunning scenery with delicate ecosystems.





australia
Once-in-a-lifetime opportunities

Whilst many cruises will focus around more popular destinations in the peak season that might not seem as likely to deliver a unique experience, you can still enjoy things you might never have before. Speak to your Connoisseur about planning something special, whether it be a cultural experience with a local family, a helicopter flight over incredible landscapes or a culinary walking tour around a famous city. Memories can be created whenever and wherever you travel.

Travelling further afield

Europe and the Med are right on our doorstep and August seems the perfect time to visit them but you can also venture much farther afield if you wish. Cruises to the South Pacific can be enjoyed in August, as can expedition cruises to island wonders such as the Galapagos, the Arctic and Greenland and even Australia. So don’t be swayed to stay close to home if it’s far-flung adventure you seek!


August Itineraries

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