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In a year when Alaska cruises are popular, the wave season promotions in January and February might not be especially good because the lines don't need to discount to fill cabins. But if Alaska cruise bookings are soft, the wave season specials could be the best of the year as cruise lines pull out all the tricks to fill ships. Tourists flock to Europe in the summer, but the best time for a European cruise is in the late spring and early fall. Temperatures are more pleasant and the crowds of tourists tend to much smaller than the peak summer months. You'll also find the lowest Europe cruise prices during these two shoulder seasons, which run from April through early June and September into October.
Best Time to Cruise Alaska: June - August
Of course, peak season cruising means higher prices and a winter cruise will cost you more on average than a summer or fall cruise. The cheapest time for a Caribbean cruise is between August and November because school is back in session and the threat of hurricanes and a higher chance of rain. The weather isn't all bad in the fall and Caribbean cruises prices are low during these months. I've been on lovely cruises in the Caribbean in September and October with calm seas and uncrowded, quiet ships, all at a fraction of the price of cruises just a handful of weeks earlier in the year. Fall, especially September and early October, is not a bad time to cruise to the Caribbean – unless you are a worrier or someone who can't go with the flow when travel plans go awry. That's because the autumn months are the peak season for hurricanes and tropical storms.
When is the worst time to cruise the Caribbean?
While every cruise journey offers intimate experiences, expeditions during this time will allow you to take in quieter beaches or more in-depth tours of Mayan ruins. Not to mention, November and December offer various voyages to help you escape the frosty Fahrenheits at home and dip your toes into the warm waters of a Caribbean winter. Revel in seasonal activities on board – like an elaborate Thanksgiving feast or a magical gingerbread house-making contest – and experience the holiday season like never before. This is one of the reasons why Caribbean cruises during the summer tend to be relatively affordable. Not only is there a higher risk of rainfall and high humidity levels, but you also risk trip disruptions due to storms and hurricanes.
Summer Cruises vs. Winter Cruises: 6 Things to Know - Cruise Critic
Summer Cruises vs. Winter Cruises: 6 Things to Know.
Posted: Mon, 27 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
When is the best Caribbean Weather?
The northernmost islands in the Caribbean-- the Bahamas-- have some cooler temperatures in late fall and winter when the thermometer can dip into the 70s. However, this also corresponds to the driest season, which is great for outdoor activities. The late summer and fall can reach into the 90s with high humidity and a greater chance of rain. The late spring and early summer months are great for enjoying the Caribbean at its relative quietest. Hot temperatures make long days near the sea enticing, though you are more likely to encounter a day or two of rain in some parts of the Caribbean in May or June. During the months of January through March, you’ll find idyllic tropical weather with temperatures in the mid 70s to low 80s and low humidity.
What happens to your Caribbean cruise vacation if you book during hurricane season?
For the quintessential summer vacation, cruise to the Caribbean in July and make the most of your days and nights. During the daytime, bask in typical Caribbean cruise weather ranging from the mid-70s to upper 80s. Spend time floating in the warmest ocean temperatures of the year, or sunbathe on the golden beaches of the Western Caribbean during their driest month. If you’re cruising to the Eastern region, soak up the summer sun on any of the dazzling beaches, or head indoors for a taste of true Caribbean culture.
Experience the best of these incredible Western Caribbean destinations. If you have a sudden impulse to travel, enjoy a flexible schedule or no schedule at all, and are not picky about stateroom selection, you might be able to snap up a last-minute offer. Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy. We have a special discount code for our readers on this Intro to Cruising Master Class. The Greater Antilles refers to the bigger islands in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Cuba, the Cayman Islands and Hispaniola, which includes Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Yearly Carnival celebrations also draw crowds across the Caribbean, and the dates vary by island, but many happen in February and March or July and August.
When is the Cheapest Time to Cruise the Caribbean?
In general, the cheapest time of the year to cruise to the Caribbean is during hurricane season, which offers the best prices of the year and the lowest crowds. During this time, cruises can be priced 50% lower than other more popular times of the year-- a significant saving! You will be able to use the money saved on other cruise add-ons to help make the most out of your time onboard. December can be the best time to cruise the Caribbean or a slightly less awesome one, depending on you. Earlier in the month brings a lull to the islands as hurricane season has ended, though by the end of the month expect higher prices and more crowds.
That's true if you're after bright and warm Riviera Maya weather or optimal conditions in the Mexican Riviera on the Pacific Coast as well. The Western Caribbean includes Mexican stops like Cozumel and Cancun, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Belize. Cruises into this region typically depart from Florida ports, though cruises also commonly depart out of Gulf Coast states like Alabama and Texas. You’ll typically have a few different stops on Western cruises, with at least eight hours at each port. You can also expect a couple of full days at sea since the islands are more spread out in the Western region.
The best time to cruise to the Caribbean
In June, the climate remains quite humid, with temperatures ranging between 77°F and 88°F (25°C to 31°C). Additionally, you’ll find that temperatures in the northern Caribbean start to resemble those in the south. Guests can participate in the activities on both December 26th and New Year's Day.
Back home, everyone else is busy buying turkeys and cranberries and catering to the in-laws. You, however, could be lounging on deck sipping a frozen tropical concoction while waiting for your samba class to start. During this time, you’ll experience the best weather and some of the most entertaining holidays and festivals. If you’re looking for optimum weather and reduced fares, one of the best months to cruise to the Caribbean is May, the beginning of shoulder season. Shoulder season is that time just before and just after peak or high season, from December to April. Therefore, cruise lines often offer their best fares when bookings open to incentivize travelers to book early.
It used to be that lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line would offer midweek sales on select cruises every Tuesday or Wednesday. These lines still offer the occasional flash sale, but they don't always fall on the same day of the week. Western cruises in particular are known for heavy rainfall in the interiors of the Central American countries that lie along the Caribbean coast, such as Costa Rica and Belize. May and late-October Canada and New England cruises are the cheapest times to cruise, but don't expect to be using the onboard swimming pool much. While Australia's weather varies, winter temperatures between June and early September are rarely as extreme in North America. Crowds are fewer, and there are bargains to be had, especially on larger ships and Great Barrier Reef cruises that are available year-round.
Summer months are also perfect for multi-generational cruising, as they are often the only months when everyone's schedules align. And when you have a group to manage, you need as many activities as possible to keep everyone entertained. Summer cruises in the Caribbean make that easy with plenty of options, both on board and in port. The weather at home can be unpredictable in the winter, possibly affecting your departure travel plans and preventing you from reaching your Caribbean cruise. Plus, winter storms in the U.S. can increase wave action in the Atlantic and in the Gulf of Mexico.
Because European cruises span a large geographic area, we’ve outlined our seasonal strategies separately for Mediterranean cruises and European river cruises below. Check out Hawaii cruises in May, when the weather is relatively dry as well. That's why we've broken down when you should cruise everywhere from the Caribbean and Mexico to New England and Alaska.
On Thanksgiving cruises from Florida, you’ll get a traditional feast with all the trimmings. During the summer, the chance of rain also increases, so make sure to bring a rain jacket or poncho in case you happen to get caught under some showers. Don’t forget the bug spray either, as high humidity and rain typically mean there are more mosquitoes, too. When you cruise the Caribbean during June, July, and August, you’ll enjoy less crowded beaches and restaurants. Cruising to the warm, sunny Caribbean during the winter months, when the weather up north can be cold, gray, and snowy, is a terrific way to beat the winter blues.
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