Black Sea Cruises 2023/2024

Black Sea Travel Guide

Black Sea Cruises Things To Do

• 
  Istanbul, Turkey

  If experiencing diverse cultures and areas of fashion, religion, and cuisine is your cup of tea, then Istanbul is a must-visit on a Black Sea Cruise. Spanning both the European and Asian continents, Istanbul offers a wide array of bazaars (most notably the Grand Bazaar, with 4,000 shops filled with everything from clothes to carpets) and cafes as well as defining places such as the Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia Museum, and the Blue Mosque. Visiting Istanbul, with its vast diversity, is almost like visiting several cities in one site! 

  Best Time To Visit

  You can enjoy Istanbul at any time of the year; however, crowds are at their lowest and temperatures at their most comfortable between March and May and September and November. The city can get rainy and chilly from December through February.

   

  You Should Know

  The city is known for its romance and serenity, providing the perfect place for a honeymoon. Day trips are available to popular landmarks, such as the Bosphorous and Ortaköy. Walking and biking tours are available.
• 
  Trabzon, Turkey

  Historical and natural attractions await in Trabzon. From the cliffside structure of the Sumela Manastırı monastery to the spectacular Cal Magarası cave, there is much beauty and important history to be found in this city. Mansions, churches, and villages offer breathtaking sights and ancient beauty are worth a stop when you take a Black Sea cruise.

  Best Time To Visit

  The most comfortable temperatures and least rainfall is experienced in Trabzon from June until September.

   

  You Should Know

  The Trabzon Castle is actually a series of walls used to defend the city; the oldest dates back to the 4th Century BC. Private tours are available.
• 
  Constanta, Romania

  The seaside port of Constanta is an ancient city and the third-largest in the country. There's a square honoring the poet Ovid, the Genoese Lighthouse, an archaeological park, and plenty of museums, mosques, and churches that will appeal to those who are interested in artifacts and distinctive architectural achievements.

  Best Time To Visit

  Year-round, though you will experience cold and wet weather in November and December.

   

  You Should Know

  The Constanta Casino is of unique design and a favorite of photographers. You can participate in games played with dolphins when you visit the Constanta Delphinarium. Watch the sunset from outdoor terraces, enjoy great food, and shop, shop, shop when you visit the Tomis Harbor.
• 
  Sochi, Russia

  Picturesque mountains are set as a backdrop to this resort town. If you like to be active, Sochi is the stop for you: you'll find a skypark where you can zip line, bungee jump, and walk over a suspension bridge; go walking and see the magnificent views of the mountains when you visit Roza Pik; or hike the trails of Khostinsky Tisosamshitovaya Grove, a national park.

  Best Time To Visit

  Much of the year is warm in Sochi; in fact, you can swim in the Black Sea through October!

   

  You Should Know

  Like wine? More than half of the country's wine productions happen in and near Sochi, so restaurants offer a variety of these locally-made wines. The Olympic Coastal Cluster on the Black Sea, home of the 2014 Winter Olympics, is a fun walk-through attraction. The Sochi Discovery World Aquarium is the largest aquarium in Russia.
• 
  Varna, Bulgaria

  Referred to as the Sea Capital of Bulgaria, you can enjoy a beach experience when you spend time off the cruise ship in Varna. A favorite spot for families is Nirvana Beach, which is undeveloped and has only a beach bar to cater to visitors. Once you cool off at the beach, there's plenty of natural rock landscapes (notably the Stone Forest, with unique naturally-formed columns, and the fortress-like formations of The Wonderful Rocks), gardens, parks, and majestical architectural structures (such as the copper domes of the Varna Cathedral) to gape at when you visit Black Sea port.

  Best Time To Visit

  Guests can visit almost any time of the year as the weather is often moderate; the best times are from May to October. The ideal weather is April to August.

   

  You Should Know

  The Archaeological Museum displays the oldest collection of gold items in the world, with some dating back an incredible 6,500 years. The huge Sea Garden has a casino, zoo and Dolphinarium, museums, planetarium, and terrarium and is known as the "largest landscaped park in the Balkans." Like New York City, Varna never sleeps: there's plenty of nightclubs and bars that cater to young partygoers on summer nights.
• 
  Batumi, Georgia

  A walking tour of Batumi, Georgia is a trip of stunning old architecture mixed with modern structures. There are lots of casinos if you're the Las Vegas type; historic gardens and walking areas if you're into natural beauty; and cafes, restaurants, monuments, and statues in the city's Europe Square, a great place to take family photos (especially in front of the large water fountain at the center of the square).

  Best Time To Visit

  Late spring/early summer are when most visitors come to Batumi. Temperatures as well as hotel prices are mild in April. December through February are cold months.

   

  You Should Know

  Entry to Georgia is easy for U.S. citizens and they can stay for up to 365 days! Georgia has its own language, try to learn a few phrases before you travel. Travel around Batumi is safe and taxis are cheap. Batumi is Georgia's premier vacation spot.
• 
  Odesa, Ukraine

  Known as the "Pearl of the Black Sea", this Ukraine port city is a cultural experience of theaters, cafes, shops, nightclubs, parks, and museums. Walk the symbol of the city, the Potemkin Steps, which is the entrance to the city if you're entering from the sea; visit diverse Deribasovskaya Street, with the Ballet Theater and the Opera House as well as shops and restaurants and plenty of nightlife; or take in the architectural wonders of hidden courtyards on a walking tour of the city.

  Best Time To Visit

  The climate of Odessa is best between May and September, though you could be uncomfortably hot in August. October is cool but very nice for a visit. 

   

  You Should Know

  The Odessa Catacombs in Nerubayskoye Village are the longest catacombs in the world and a guided tour is the best way to visit this attraction. An opera or ballet performance at the Odessa Opera and Ballet Theatre are reasonably priced. A visa is not needed to enter Ukraine if the visit is less than 90 days.

Black Sea Cruise Packages

• Spring/Summer

  Early spring and summer are the best times for a Black Sea cruise, as many attractions at port cities are located outdoors. From March to May, high temperatures tend to be about 82.8 degrees Fahrenheit. July and August have the least amount of rainfall during the spring/summer months, through early spring tend to see little rainfall as well.

• Fall/Winter

  September and October can be comfortably cool months to travel to the Black Sea, with October seeing a mean temperature of 61 degrees Fahrenheit. The average temperature during the winter months (December – February) is between 53.6 and 41.2 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a bit too cold for most tourists. January is one month that sees the least amount of rainfall.

Black Sea Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Black Sea Cruise?

  The Black Sea is encircled by the countries of Turkey, Romania, Russia, Georgia, Bulgaria, and Ukraine, and this cruise is one that ports at many of the major coastal cities in these countries. In this all-inclusive trip, you can be exposed to various cultures and historical landmarks and view both man-made architectural and natural structures and formations that are highlights of European life. A cruise makes for a worry-free vacation where you will not have to book hotels or arrange transportation as you experience this eastern European region in a relaxed manner.

• What Comes with a Black Sea Cruise?

  A Black Sea Cruise is considered all-inclusive, which means that everything you need will be included in the cruise such as food and drinks, including tips. Alcoholic beverages and excursions off the boat are offered at an additional fee. Shopping and dining in cities off the cruise ship are not included in the inclusive price unless dining is part of an excursion, so extra cash will be needed for these events.

• How Much Does a Black Sea Cruise Cost?

  The price of a Black Sea Cruise will depend on the length of the trip (most Black Sea cruises are 7 – 14 nights), destinations, excursions, port of call, and any other additional amenities. It is also dependent on the type of room you choose, whether interior, oceanview, balcony, or suite. Generally, the price might range from about $1,000 to $4,600 per person. All-inclusive can keep the price down and make it more reasonable.

• What is the Best Black Sea Cruise to Take?

  The best cruise to take to Belgium will depend on what you are looking for, the length of cruise you want, what is offered on the cruise, the price, and any extras you may want to add. As you look through your available options, you can narrow down your search to find the cruises that best meet your needs.