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While there are exceptions and times when a promotion seems lucrative, the best time to book a cruise is when you see a price that fits in your budget and and seems like a good price. If you think it's a good deal, go ahead and pull the trigger on booking it. The best month to cruise the Mediterranean depends on what you're looking for in a vacation. We took a look at factors like weather and sea conditions, festivals and, of course, pricing, to determine which travel dates are right for you.
Caribbean and Bahamas
When considering the best time to go on a cruise, there are multiple factors that have to be accounted for — namely the region you want to sail. The best time for a Caribbean cruise isn’t going to be the same as the best time for a northern Europe or Alaska voyage, for example. Other factors like cost, weather, and crowds might also be things you take into consideration. We breakdown the best time to go on a cruise based on the region as well as several different factors like price, weather, and crowds. Considering the type of passengers you prefer to cruise with can help you choose the best time for your cruise.
Caribbean Cruise in May or June: Hot, Humid and Less Crowded
June through September is also the cheapest time to go to Hawaii on a cruise and coincides with some of the nicest weather in Hawaii. Repositioning cruises happen in late October and early November in the Middle East. If you are looking to get a cheaper fare, those would be the months to consider. Asia is a vast region and has diverse weather patterns and micro-climate, making it important to choose carefully the time you will visit this area.
Why Are You Cruising?
During those months, it's more pleasant to engage in outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking, which are a highlight when visiting places like Panama and Costa Rica. The shoulder seasons will also have fewer passengers and tourists — and you may even have some attractions to yourself in the cities and towns. For example, a seven-night round-trip cruise in November or early December 2024 with Norwegian Cruise Line starts at $1,649.
The first consideration to make when choosing the time for your cruise is why you want to take a cruise at all. Expect more precipitation from June to September and drier conditions between November and April. The months of March, April, May, and November often see the most comfortable temperatures with little precipitation.
November/December
Alaska weather in October is manageable if you pack the right gear and protective clothing. On dry land, bears are more common in May, though not as frequently spotted as they are in peak summer. Finally, the cruise lines are simply looking to fill rooms faster so they can maximize revenue, plan berths and coordinate other logistics a little earlier in the year.
April through early June and September to November are typically when you'll find the cheapest prices. Norwegian Cruise Line has a seven-night itinerary sailing round-trip from Boston in April that starts at $779 per person. Summertime is busy in Canada and New England because of the optimal weather and family vacations.
Spring Cruises
From February onward, the number of visitors swells, as U.S., European and Canadian residents flee the cold. In March and April, spring break revelers descend on destinations like the Riviera Maya, Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada. But if your version of fun is a little more mature, opt for the November through January time frame. Summer into early fall is the best time to cruise Hawaii especially June and July.
You'll have options like splash zones for the little ones, monster slides for the adventurers and kids clubs for all ages. Tickets for cruises that set sail between January and March are usually among the most affordable. Temperatures can be warm and enjoyable, but many people find that the humidity can be unpleasant. Rain is also more frequent, which can make excursions and exploring ports of call far less enjoyable.
In April, mountains will still be snowy, and high temperatures will max out in the upper 40s for most cruise ports. The general consensus seems to be that there isn’t one best month for booking cruises. The best deals tend to crop up throughout the period between mid-November and Mid-March. Equally importantly, you'll have to pay the entire fare at once, because cruises booked less than 90 days before sailing require deposit and the full fare to be paid at the same time. Cruises sail Down Under year-round, and there is no cut-and-dry answer as to when the best season is to sail.
However, if you want a deal, the one thing that's certain is you should not sail over the holidays. The best time to cruise to the Caribbean without all the tourists is typically in late fall and between the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. You can also avoid the crowds in late April and early May after the spring break rush but before school lets out and summer vacations begin. The best time to cruise to Europe is between spring break and summer vacation (April/May) and in early fall (September/October). Prices are lower and crowds are smaller compared to peak summer months, and temperatures are cool without being simmering or frigid. For cruises visiting ports further north, such as in Japan and China, you will want to sail during spring, summer, and early fall.
The surprising takeaway from a recent study on the best time to cruise to Alaska - Cruise Blog
The surprising takeaway from a recent study on the best time to cruise to Alaska.
Posted: Tue, 02 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
If you're seeking a slightly cheaper river cruise in Europe, spring can mean flowers in glorious bloom and milder temperatures. Tulip-viewing itineraries in the Netherlands and Belgium are especially popular. Keep in mind that heavy rains and early-spring flooding can make the rivers swell and the locks impassable.
Pricing will vary, but you can expect 5-night cruises to cost as little as $650 per person or upwards of $1,050 if you cruise over a holiday, such as Christmas or New Year's. The warmest time of the year is between March and May, and the region’s monsoon season falls between June and October. Rainfall does not typically last all day, however; instead, it appears in short, strong bursts. January is the coldest month for Bahamas cruises, although temperatures can be unpredictable. One week may have lows in the mid-50s with high winds and rain, whereas the following week can be 75 degrees with sunny skies.
The months between December and April are conducive for activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and beach-hopping. Gray whales and Humpback whales begin their migration to warmer waters in October and November, so you still have a chance to see them in Alaskan waters in September. There is a chance you will see some snow, so a winter coat, gloves, and a hat are a smart addition to your packing list. Not only is the cracking sound shocking, but the calving also produces a giant wave of water and captivating icebergs. July and August are prime time for viewing glacier calving on an Alaskan cruise.
During the five month season, the weather can vary considerably, so it is important to know which type of weather should be expected before you book your cruise. When school is back in session, it’s much more difficult for many people to set sail. That means cruise lines offer cheaper cruises in an effort to get more people on the ship during these times.
With lows in the 50s, you don’t need to pack a winter coat and hat, but be sure to include warm, wicking layers to keep your temperature steady. They begin migrating from Hawaiian waters in the springtime to feed in the nutrient-rich Alaskan waters. If you have an exterior room and are sensitive to light while sleeping, a sleeping mask will help you rest during these long days.
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