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Because this area is farther from any U.S. ports and there are so many potential islands to stop at, Southern Caribbean cruises are typically longer than cruises to the other regions. Many cruises to the Southern Caribbean will also make stops in the Eastern islands on their way through — the difference here is that where Eastern cruises turn around, Southern cruises continue on. Also, you'll usually only see luxury sailings in the Caribbean during the winter months — from December through March.
Seasons in the Caribbean: Dry Season and Wet Season
Like many warm destination getaways, the last week of December, including the Christmas holiday, is one of the busiest times to book a cruise. However, you're bound to find amazing deals if you choose to travel during the first two weeks of December, says Smarter Travel. You'll get a respite from the frosty northern hemisphere weather, not to mention you'll sail during the first of the dry months outside of hurricane season. If you do plan to book during the Christmas and New Year's holidays, understand that these dates usually sell out first and plan nine to 12 months in advance, advises Cruisemates. Fall is the peak of hurricane season, especially for the Eastern and Western regions.
Cultural Events and Holidays
Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. 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. As the name suggests, precipitation increases throughout the wet season, but showers are brief and sporadic during the first few months. Spring — late April and most of May — is regarded as shoulder season, with competitive pricing. Be aware, though, that April is spring break for American university students and cruises out of Florida’s ports, in particular, can be packed with partying students.
Best Months to Cruise the Caribbean
The Caribbean Sea is usually relatively calm during late fall and early spring. As you can imagine, this helps ensure all passengers enjoy a smoother, more relaxing cruising experience. Given the unpredictability of Caribbean weather, the dry season does not have a specific start and finish date, but it generally runs from early November until late April. During this stretch, temperatures tend to be relatively mild, while precipitation is at an annual minimum. 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.
There isn’t a single answer to what the cheapest time to cruise the Caribbean is, as pricing changes often based on many factors. However, the off-peak season—spanning from late August through early November—is generally the cheapest time to book a cruise. Regarding our top picks, we almost always point towards November and April, as they provide the least precipitation, the calmest waters, and plenty of sunshine. These are also some of the most expensive months to travel, so you may want to pick some other time during the dry season. 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.
When is the best Caribbean Weather?
The summer and fall seasons are the best times to avoid the throngs of tourists throughout the Caribbean. Holland America offers spacious midsize vessels that carry no more than 2,700 passengers, providing a relaxed and intimate cruising experience ideal for pairs seeking quality time at sea. For those who wouldn't be caught dead on a vessel that doesn't have butler service and free-flowing caviar, the Caribbean can be a tough spot.
With diverse geography, amenities, and culture throughout the Caribbean, the are different advantages to each month during the year. At the end of the day, the best time to take a cruise to the Caribbean is when you can fit it into your schedule since it is such a fantastic year-round destination. Pirates Week is the national festival of the Cayman Islands, taking place in November. 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. Beginning at the very end of April and into May, Antigua Sailing Week is globally known for its prestigious sailing races and parties. Tons of music and jazz festivals take place around the Caribbean this time of year, including the Pure Grenada Music Festival in May and the St. Kitts Music Festival in June.
If you prefer childless cruising during the holidays, you can choose an adults-only cruise line like Viking. The American Chronicle says July is a good month for cruising the Caribbean, even though it's technically the start of hurricane season. Many people like traveling during this time when the prices are surprisingly low, the traffic has thinned out and the islands are peaceful. There is hardly any change in weather during this month, which averages temperatures ranging from a balmy 78º F to 87º F. The most active hurricanes typically occur from August through September. In fact, there was less than one small hurricane per year in July between 1851 and 2006.
Cruising during hurricane season: What to know — and should you go? - The Points Guy
Cruising during hurricane season: What to know — and should you go?.
Posted: Tue, 09 Apr 2024 07:00:00 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. 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. Also, keep in mind that a higher storm risk doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a guarantee for a storm.
Here's a look at what each month of the year is like for a Caribbean cruise so that you can pick the best time for your family to cruise the Caribbean. The Greater Antilles refers to the bigger islands in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Cuba, the Cayman Islands and Hispaniola, which includes Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Yearly Carnival celebrations also draw crowds across the Caribbean, and the dates vary by island, but many happen in February and March or July and August.
There is an especially low chance of hurricanes hitting your islands if you're traveling to the Southern Caribbean islands like Aruba, St. Lucia, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago. According to Fodors travel guide, the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise is simply "year-round." Yet, for the discerning traveler, this information is simply not enough to make an informed decision. Sure, the weather may be warm all 12 months of the year, but there are rainy months, hurricanes and higher costs during certain months of the year.
Caribbean cruises in January and February can be extremely budget friendly, with sailings available from $50 per person, per night. Carnival and similar festivals are also celebrated in other Caribbean islands. Exact dates may change depending on the year, so be sure to check if you will be sailing to these islands during Carnival. With kids out of school in the summer, you should expect to see more families onboard. Summer can be a great time for families to cruise because they do not have to rely on a school schedule, giving them more flexibility in cruise itinerary and length. If you’re looking for the best deals, you need to know when to book your cruise.
There is no wrong way to do the Caribbean, whether your interests are above or under the waves, onshore or off. But one of the best ways to set yourself up for success is to head to the Caribbean during a time that aligns with your interests, budget, and vacation style. The line added Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The debut of the line's fourth ship in the fleet, Brilliant Lady, has been delayed but could take place in 2024. You'll now find these zones on Caribbean-focused vessels like Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Prima. Each of these solo cruiser zones, which are unrepeated in the industry for now, includes dozens of cabins for solo travelers, all clustered around each other.
You can experience fewer crowds but still benefit from the peak season weather and attractions by going in January and February. For the quintessential summer vacation, cruise to the Caribbean in July and make the most of your days and nights. During the daytime, bask in typical Caribbean cruise weather ranging from the mid-70s to upper 80s. Spend time floating in the warmest ocean temperatures of the year, or sunbathe on the golden beaches of the Western Caribbean during their driest month. If you’re cruising to the Eastern region, soak up the summer sun on any of the dazzling beaches, or head indoors for a taste of true Caribbean culture.
From street parades to calypso music, elaborate costumes, and dancing, a full port day of partying is guaranteed. The festival is celebrated with events from May to August, with the biggest celebration taking place on Grand Kadooment Day in early August. If you are looking to get the lowest cost for a Caribbean cruise, late August through early November see some of the lowest prices of the year. In rare situations, entire sailings have been cancelled if the path of the storm rules out any possibility of a ship making it in or out of its homeport.
April is one of those sweet spots that, while technically in the peak season, features fewer crowds, slightly better prices and ideal weather. However, beware of spring break and Easter dates, which can be very busy and expensive. May marks the wettest months in the Caribbean islands and hurricane season begins in July, which means that smooth April sailing is the perfect time to enjoy the dry season.
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