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This period also coincides with the hurricane season, with the highest risk of hurricanes from August to October. As mentioned earlier, the peak season for cruising the Caribbean, from December to April, is when prices tend to be at their highest. If budget is not a major concern for you and you prefer to travel when the weather is at its best and the atmosphere is buzzing, then the high season rates may not be an issue.
Spring: Near-perfect weather with spring break crowds
The spring (April and May) and the fall (September and October) afford some of the best weather in the Mediterranean, with sunny days and comfortable temperatures. Though the busiest season for Mediterranean cruises is typically July and August, the temperatures can be unbearably hot (85 degrees and higher). The spring break rowdies start in March and often continue well into April. If your goal is to avoid crowds of kids and partiers, skip the cheapest and shortest cruises, as well as cruise ships with water parks and thrill rides. July is still within the hurricane season, but it’s a month before the season’s peak.
Best Time for a Caribbean Cruise
Cruises continue to operate; remember, this is still the tropics and even if you get more rain than in high-season months, the weather will be balmy. As such, these months can be a good time of year to visit the Caribbean islands — and as July and August are school holidays, there are bargains to be had for family cruises. During this period, the Atlantic hurricane season makes it less desirable for most travelers, leading cruise lines to offer significant discounts. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly cruise and are prepared for bad weather and itinerary changes, the off-peak season can be a great time to cruise. The best time to cruise the Caribbean is during the dry season, which lasts from December to May. The shoulder season, from July to November, offers the advantage of lower cruise rates compared to the peak season.
July/August
When is the Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean? - Cruise Hive
When is the Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean?.
Posted: Tue, 02 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
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.
Caribbean Weather in July
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. In other words, plenty of cruise lines offer Caribbean voyages during this period, but demand is lower than during the peak travel months. 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.
The Caribbean is a group of more than 7,000 different islands and 26 different countries. From pirate hideouts to mountain peaks, Cruising The Caribbean offers a range of experiences for travelers. Despite the cooler temperatures in the northerly Caribbean islands, the climate from December to May in the Eastern Caribbean is generally warm and pleasant.
Best time to cruise Canada and New England: September-October
June, July, and August are the most popular months to cruise to the Caribbean, and cruising in the summer comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. September is the month with the highest rainfall, with some areas getting over 13 inches of rain. The Cayman Islands and St. Lucia are among the rainiest locations, each experiencing 20 days of downpour. St. Lucia, for example, experiences 21 rainy days with an average of 6.2 inches of rain. In contrast, Aruba and Curacao are much drier, with each averaging less than 2 inches of rain per month.
These festivals attract talented musicians from around the world, providing an unforgettable experience for music lovers. Whether you’re into international stars or local artists, attending a music festival during your Caribbean cruise promises to elevate your vacation to a whole new level. Check the schedules and plan your cruise accordingly to make the most of this incredible musical experience. From Bacchanal in Jamaica to Carnival in the Cayman Islands, the sounds of rhythmic drums waltz through the island streets.
However, more ships sail this region of the world in the winter, when other destinations (such as the Mediterranean, Baltic, Canada/New England and Bermuda) are too chilly for vacations at sea. Many people would agree with me that a Caribbean cruise is the perfect antidote to the winter doldrums and work stress, plus a wonderful way to reconnect with friends and loved ones. The ship takes care of everything -- transportation, accommodation, meals and entertainment – so you can skip much of the daily planning drama and simply enjoy your vacation and travel companions. Every day you wake up to warm weather and sunny skies (well, most of the time) and a new destination promising white sand beaches, fun activities and memories to be made. When planning a Caribbean cruise, it is important to consider your weather preferences. If you enjoy warm temperatures and sunny skies, the peak season from December to April will be ideal for you.
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. The Caribbean is known for its stunning turquoise waters, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. From the rhythmic sounds of steel drums in the Bahamas to the serene beauty of St. Lucia’s Pitons, the Caribbean promises an escape filled with unforgettable experiences.
During this time, temperatures range from the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (around 24-29°C) across most islands. San Juan is both a popular departure port and port of call on Eastern and Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries. For something a little different, try SeaDream Yacht Club for a super-small ship that feels like a private yacht, complete with an emphasis on alfresco recreation and dining. Star Clippers appeals to sailing enthusiasts with its masted ships, simple entertainment and emphasis on water sports. You'll be hard-pressed to find a cruise line that does not sail to the Caribbean at least for a few months a year. The big-ship lines will station multiple ships in this region year-round, with additional ships swinging by during the colder months.
However, if you don’t mind a bit of heat and are looking for more affordable prices, the shoulder season from July to November may be a better fit. Consider the climate conditions that best suit your comfort level and choose the timing of your cruise accordingly. From snorkeling and scuba diving to jet skiing and paddleboarding, there is no shortage of thrilling activities to indulge in.
Ships that sail seasonally in Alaska and Europe often call the waters of the Caribbean home for a few months in winter. Except for the weeks that include holidays, ships aren't likely to be at capacity or filled with screaming children. Fares in winter are a bit below the yearly average (excluding the holiday weeks, which are often the highest of the year). Look particularly at last-minute options and those first two weeks in December.
We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. If you choose to travel during peak hurricane season, there is also the risk that a hurricane or serious tropical storm will disrupt your cruise vacation. 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.
Weather is drier and warm in December, making the early part of the month a great relaxing getaway. Rain is generally limited to the Southern Caribbean, including islands like Aruba. Ocean temperatures in the winter hover around a pleasant 79 degrees and average highs and lows in St. Kitts, for example, are 85 and 74 degrees, respectively. Once the calendar is closer to the holidays, winter break increases the demand and prices can spike to reflect that. While cruise lines are usually prepared to sail away from storms, it's always a good idea to supplement low fares with travel insurance for incidentals like flight changes. Most Caribbean cruises in March and April run close to $100 per person, per night.
