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Many cruise lines also run sales at the end of the summer or during Black Friday/Cyber Monday, and Caribbean sailings are almost always included. Sun, sand and sea are what most travelers want when they book a cruise to the Caribbean. If you want to trade chilly weather at home for warm, sunny days spent relaxing on a beach or swimming in clear blue waters, a Caribbean cruise is an ideal vacation. Unlike a resort stay, you can sample multiple beaches in various destinations, as well as the pool life on board the ship. As the most popular time of year to cruise the Caribbean, the summer breathes even more life into the already-spirited islands.
December
While the official hurricane season spans from June to November, it is typically mid-August to late October when the frequency and severity of storms reach their peak. Although modern cruise ships are engineered to handle rough seas and divert away from tropical storms, itinerary changes and rougher sailing conditions may still arise. By avoiding this period, you can mitigate any potential disruption and enjoy a more serene cruise experience. The dry season in the Caribbean typically occurs from December to April, coinciding with the peak season for cruising.
Winter: Moderate fares and quiet crowds (except during the holidays)
Family-friendly cruises ensure that everyone in the family has a fun and memorable vacation experience. Certain cruises in the Caribbean are in high demand due to their popularity and unique itineraries. These cruises often include stops at iconic destinations like St. Thomas, Nassau, and Cozumel. They may also feature exclusive onboard amenities and entertainment options. If you have specific destinations or experiences in mind, it is advisable to book these cruises well in advance, especially during the peak season, to secure your spot on board.
Best Eastern Caribbean Ports
As you might imagine, it's a week filled with reenactments and spectacle, paying homage to the islands' rich history and cultural ties to piracy. The festival is celebrated with events from May to August, with the biggest celebration taking place on Grand Kadooment Day in early August.
Best time to cruise the Mediterranean: April-May, September-October
When determining the best time for a Caribbean cruise, the only thing you need to consider is your availability. With temperatures dancing throughout the 80s, the soft sands and refreshing waters always welcome visitors. Whether you wish to float down transparent rivers on a bamboo raft or zipline through lush rainforest canopies, the wonders of the Caribbean are ready for your arrival. As you can tell from our breakdown of the wet and dry seasons, conditions tend to be at their most pleasant and calm right before the start of the wet season and shortly after it has concluded. May tends to be the informal beginning of the wet season, so temperatures increase alongside humidity levels.
That's because the autumn months are the peak season for hurricanes and tropical storms. When it isn't stormy, it might still be a bit warm and sticky for some early in the season. If you prefer childless cruising during the holidays, you can choose an adults-only cruise line like Viking. Of course, peak season cruising means higher prices and a winter cruise will cost you more on average than a summer or fall cruise.
You can usually find the best prices for an Alaska cruise during the shoulder season months of April, May, September and October. For example, starting rates are as low as $603 per person for a seven-night Inside Passage cruise sailing round-trip from Seattle with Royal Caribbean in May 2024. However, by the peak summer season in late June and July, the starting price is $921 per person. 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.
Best time to cruise the Caribbean and Bahamas to avoid crowds
This season is great for travelers looking to escape the winter cold and enjoy the Caribbean warmth without the worry of rain. If you’re looking for a luxurious and pampering experience, there are several cruise lines that specialize in providing top-notch service and amenities. From gourmet dining and spacious suites to personalized service and exclusive onboard activities, luxury cruises take indulgence to a whole new level.
Beach, beach and more beach — Aruba is definitely a port to be in, on or near the water. Animal lovers might want to check out its ostrich farm — not something you usually find in a Caribbean cruise port. Known for its lush green twin peaks known as the Pitons, St. Lucia entices travelers with postcard-perfect beaches set against jungle scenery. It even has its own volcano with sulphur springs to visit and all the usual land and sea activities.
Is January a good time for a cruise? - Royal Caribbean Blog
Is January a good time for a cruise?.
Posted: Thu, 07 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
That means ships may be below capacity as high season comes into swing later in the summer. Short cruises remain relatively cheap, but prices for weeklong sailings increase -- some into the four-digit range, per person. Ocean conditions tend to be fairly calm as well, and it's the reason why winter is the peak season for the Caribbean cruise market. Many destinations still have above average rainfall during October and November, which makes late fall a risky time to cruise. Anyone who considers going during the late fall may find that cruise prices are lower than average because of lower demand. The words “summer cruise in the Caribbean” may bring visions of warm weather and frollicking in the waves.
By late spring, summer and fall, there are more festivals, sporting events and golf tournaments that bring visitors to the islands. In the summertime, you'll have family vacations and people with vacation homes in Bermuda returning for the season and warmer weather. Look to the shoulder season to find the best deals on Mediterranean cruises. During April and May and September to November, the combination of cooler temperatures, a higher chance of rain and a lack of family vacations leads to more availability and lower prices for cruises.
Humidity will also be higher this time of year, and nighttime temps won't fall lower than the 70s. Water temperatures in the Caribbean can be cool in January and February, depending on how exposed your destination is to the chilly waters of the open Atlantic. The occasional winter storm and breezy conditions can make waters a bit rougher in January and February as well. But they also have the lowest temperatures of any islands in the Caribbean region. We have the answers so your first time will be nothing but smooth sailing. While on your dream cruise to Caribbean islands, celebrate special moments in life.
Now we're back where we started – with you booking a Caribbean cruise that works for you and your travel group. Each season has something to offer someone, which is what makes this whole year-round Caribbean cruise thing work. If we all thought early December was truly the best time to cruise to the Caribbean, it would cease to be so. These are the months when you rarely need to worry about weather shutting down onboard water attractions or causing cancellations of your in-port fun.
During this time, you’ll find lower prices on cruises and accommodations, making it more budget-friendly. The islands are less crowded too, allowing for a more relaxed and intimate experience. For those who prefer a more intimate and less crowded cruising experience, there are plenty of options available. These cruises often explore lesser-known ports and offer a more relaxed atmosphere on board.
If you want to avoid hurricanes and tropical storms, we recommend April over November, but remember that November can be a pleasant time to enjoy a cruise in the region. During the first half of the dry season, you can expect daily average temperatures to range somewhere between 70° F and 80° F. This means you can enjoy pleasantly warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine without risking the sweltering intensity of the summer heat. 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. While we recommend cruising to the Caribbean in the winter months, don’t expect to find the cheapest fares around the holidays.
Starting in late November, peak season in the Caribbean takes off again. Holiday cruises fill up quickly, so it’s wise to book as early as possible to get the stateroom, dining time, specialty dining reservations, and shore excursions you want. However, some ships sail a Western Caribbean itinerary that's more focused on Central America, with stops in Mexico, Belize and Honduras. These itineraries are great for travelers who are interested in Mayan or Mexican culture in addition to beaches and water sports.
