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Whether you’re walking around Mayan ruins in Costa Maya, lounging in a beach chair in St. Thomas, or going hiking in St. Lucia, you won’t feel as hot as you would in the peak of summer. When you book a cruise that sets sail between August and September, you almost guarantee that you will travel during the peak of the wet season. During the first half of the dry season, you can expect daily average temperatures to range somewhere between 70° F and 80° F.
Mistakes Made on First Cruise on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas - Business Insider
Mistakes Made on First Cruise on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas.
Posted: Tue, 09 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
New to cruising
Many travelers prefer cruising to the Eastern Caribbean during the winter months, as many islands in this region stay warm and sunny throughout the winter without getting too hot and humid. On-shore excursions are also more comfortable during this time of year, which is ideal if you plan on exploring. Since hurricane season can heavily affect this region, cruising during winter is best to avoid tropical storms. Winter can be ideal because the weather is less humid and rainy, so you can optimize your time outside for more time in the water and sun. Out of the winter months, January and February are more sometimes considered the best because they are less popular than December.
Fall
As the most popular time of year to cruise the Caribbean, the summer breathes even more life into the already-spirited islands. With slightly warmer temperatures in the mid-to-upper 80s, both days and evenings can be spent outdoors kayaking beneath the golden sun or dining under the stars. To beat the summer rush, plan a visit in May or early June, and book a private rum distillery tour or a cinematic Jeep safari ride. If you prefer to float through the most refreshing waters of the year, wait until June when the azure ocean has warmed to perfection. Although summer excursions don larger price tags, you can never truly place a value on the treasures of the Caribbean. To avoid the busy season, the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise is from November to early December.
Best time to cruise to Asia: November-February
These cruise lines offer a refined and elegant experience, perfect for those seeking the ultimate in relaxation and indulgence. 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. New Zealand's beaches are also a top attraction in the summer, along with outdoor activities and water sports.
When planning a Caribbean cruise, it’s important to weigh factors like weather, crowds, and prices to find the best time for you. If sunny weather is your top priority and you don’t mind dealing with larger crowds, the dry period from December to April is ideal. This time offers the best weather conditions, though it also comes with higher prices due to its popularity.
Best time to cruise New England and Canada to avoid crowds
Some islands may experience cooler temperatures but it is rarely ever below 60˚F (15˚C). These balmy conditions offer excellent swimming and snorkeling as well as warm evenings perfect for exploring local cuisine or simply relaxing after a long day at sea. Another factor to consider during this time is that most schools are in session so there will be fewer children onboard resulting in an overall quieter environment. Low season — May to September — is a cheaper time to travel to the Caribbean.
Cruise fares can be cheaper, though weather in the Riviera Maya and Cozumel will be oppressively humid. While it will still be dry in the Mexican Riviera, weather in Cabo and other Pacific Coast destinations will be incredibly hot. The best time to cruise Australia is from late November to March, when late spring crests into Australia's summer months. Major ports of call like Sydney, Adelaide and Perth will be quite warm and sunny, while Cairns in the northeast -- the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef -- will be steamy and hot. The cheapest time for Caribbean cruises runs from late summer into fall, when hurricane season is at its peak. If this is the only chance you have to cruise, keep in mind that itineraries can change or be canceled depending on the weather.
Best times to go on a cruise: Alaska, Caribbean, Mediterranean - USA TODAY
Best times to go on a cruise: Alaska, Caribbean, Mediterranean.
Posted: Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Royal Caribbean will absolutely, positively, avoid the path of any hurricane. Itineraries will be flipped, swapped or completely changed to avoid going anywhere near the storm. The cruise line has said time and time again that the safety of its guests, crew and ships are vital, and they will not send their vessels near any hurricane.
If you are hoping to participate in outdoor activities while in Alaska such as hiking or whale watching, the summer months are your best bet. Finally, there is shoulder season, where you will find lower cruise fares and fewer crowds along with relatively comfortable temperatures. Temperatures during the dry season are warm but comfortable, usually ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 24°C to 29°C), and the sea breeze keeps the evenings pleasant. This season is great for travelers looking to escape the winter cold and enjoy the Caribbean warmth without the worry 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. If you prefer childless cruising during the holidays, you can choose an adults-only cruise line like Viking.
If cruising during the holidays, join in the celebration of Jamaica’s Junkanoo – a Caribbean Christmas tradition. From vibrant costumes to rhythmic dancers, this parade of artists trots through the crowd-lined streets, appearing as one kaleidoscope of color. 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. 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.
You can also cruise the Caribbean during the wet season (June to November) as long as you’re prepared for rainfall and possible itinerary changes. From August to October, during the hurricane season’s peak, it’s best to avoid cruising the Western and Eastern Caribbean and cruise to the Southern Caribbean (especially the ABC Islands) instead. 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.
Nonetheless, April and May are excellent times to enjoy Bermuda outside of just beaches, from cycling the historic Railway Trail to horseback riding and celebrating local holidays. 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. To get the best price on a cruise, it’s generally recommended to book several months to a year in advance.
Nearly every month has something to recommend it, depending on what you're looking for. A 14-night cruise onboard Brilliance of the Seas that departs on November 7, 2023, for instance, starts at $1,076 per person. In comparison, a 14-night cruise in April 2024 is currently priced at $1,481 per person.
For example, if you can commit to cruise dates a year or more in advance, do it because rates will increase the closer you get to the trip. April and May are also wonderful months to cruise if you are looking for a great deal on a Caribbean cruise. Weather happens -- and in the Caribbean, it happens a lot in September and October. A few years ago, I cruised the Western Caribbean near the end of October and it poured the whole time. That's where I learned the meaning of the word "torrential." Even with all that rain, it wasn't a bad cruise.
The “best” time to cruise depends on your destination, budget, and travel style, and it can vary widely from person to person. Despite the cooler temperatures in the northerly Caribbean islands, the climate from December to May in the Eastern Caribbean is generally warm and pleasant. During this time, temperatures range from the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (around 24-29°C) across most islands. I also recommend that all passengers bring a passport on their Caribbean sailing. Yes, I know that the Bahamas is technically located in the Atlantic, but it's an easy mistake to think the balmy islands are found in the Caribbean.
