When is the best time to cruise? Here’s where to go and when
The best month to go on a cruise depends on many factors — Photo courtesy of E+
Similar to any travel planning you do, the best time to go on a cruise vacation depends on many factors, like the high and low seasons of your target destinations, your budget, and the weather. Also, some cruise itineraries are available year-round, while others have seasons. In this article, we look at popular cruise destinations and ideal times to book your cruise vacation.
Best time to cruise the Caribbean
You might want to avoid popular school breaks and holidays when Caribbean cruise packages tend to go up in price — Photo courtesy of Marina113 / iStock Via Getty Images Plus
The best thing about Caribbean cruising is that cruise lines navigate these waters year-round. The cruise industry historically cut its teeth in the Caribbean Sea and, to this day, there are an abundance of cruise lines that explore the islands in this part of the world.
Whether departing from a Florida port or elsewhere, you can find some of the deepest discounts on Caribbean cruises during hurricane season, which begins in June and extends through November. Counter to what you might think, cruising during hurricane season is quite possible. Cruise lines are very accustomed to diverting away from significant weather patterns; you’ll just need to be a little flexible if you book during these months, as scheduled ports might change or be canceled along the way.
Another factor to consider: You might want to avoid booking a cruise vacation to the Caribbean during widely observed school breaks and holidays, when many families take their vacations and cruise prices increase in line with demand.
Best time to cruise the Mexican Riviera
The Mexican Riviera is also an ideal destination for year-round cruise travel. From the California home ports of San Pedro, Long Beach, and San Diego, cruise lines explore tropical destinations like Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta. Following the holiday season, January tends to be less busy, so a Mexican Riviera cruise early in the year could make for a nice cold-weather escape with less crowds.
Best time to cruise to Hawaii and the South Pacific
From those same California home ports, sailings head to Hawaii and the South Pacific — usually when Alaska-bound ships re-deploy in fall and winter months. There also are year-round shorter cruise itineraries that begin and end in the Hawaiian Islands, forgoing the need to cross the Pacific.
Similarly, several cruise lines operate out of Tahiti year-round. Balmy temperatures make the South Pacific a popular cruise destination no matter the time of year, but keep in mind that November through April can be rainier months, which brings with it higher humidity.
Best time to cruise Alaska, New England, and Canada
April to October is the best time to take an Alaskan cruise — Photo courtesy of Andrew Peacock / iStock Via Getty Images
Alaska, Canada, and New England are cruise destinations that have a season; therefore, they can be a bit pricier. To supply burgeoning demand, the Alaska season has expanded over the years to encompass the months of April to early October, which is also the best time to cruise around Canada and New England.
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Perhaps the best time to cruise Alaska, New England, and Canada is at the core of cruising season, when businesses and attractions are guaranteed to be open and in full swing. The latter months of a season can amount to picked-over shops and inclement weather.
If you cruise early in the season, the weather can be chilly, but those wishing to see more snow will be happy. July and August offer a greater chance for bear sightings in Alaska, and whale watching is best from April to September.
Best time to cruise Europe, the Greek islands, and the Mediterranean
April through October is the best time to cruise Europe, the Greek islands, and the Mediterranean, but a growing number of cruise lines are offering itineraries to this part of the world in the off season. While the summer months offer idyllic weather, those willing to cruise during colder months are rewarded with fewer crowds at must-visit points of interests, like the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, or Antoni Gaudí’s whimsical La Sagrada in Barcelona, Spain.
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Best time to cruise Arctic, Antarctica, and Patagonia
Antarctica’s summer is our winter, so November through March is the best time to cruise there — Photo courtesy of Page Chichester / iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Voyages to the Arctic and Antarctica are increasingly popular last-chance tourism destinations. Our summer north of the equator — roughly June to September — is the most comfortable time to cruise to the Arctic. However, if you cruise here between November and February, you’ll have an increased chance of seeing the northern lights.
Being south of the equator, Antarctica’s summer is our winter, making November to March the best time to cruise Antarctica. Ideal cruising season in nearby Patagonia spans from September to April.
Best time to cruise the Great Lakes
Many expedition ships navigate from pole to pole to maximize time in either the Arctic or Antarctica, but some cruise lines offer alternative destinations in between, including the Great Lakes. Small-ship cruises to domestic spots — such as Chicago, Illinois, and Detroit, Michigan — are popular May through September, when the lakes aren’t frozen and vacationers can enjoy cooler summers up north.
