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If you're looking for a more low-key Caribbean cruise this time of year, look to the smaller islands of the region. July and August can be the most expensive months to cruise the Caribbean, but there are plenty of exceptions. Because more and more ships sail the region every year, prices can be competitive for families, couples and friends planning their summer getaway. If you don't mind spring break crowds, spring is a wonderful time to cruise. The weather in the Caribbean in March, April and May is idyllic, and the seas are likely to be calm. Plus, escaping the last of winter's wrath at home can be just what the doctor ordered to save your sanity.
Best Times to Visit the Caribbean for Smaller Crowds
Given how the wet and dry seasons pan out, you are always better off booking your Caribbean cruise vacation during the calendar’s shoulder seasons, meaning late fall and early spring. While September might not sound like the ideal month for traveling, you can still visit the Caribbean if you choose the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao). These islands enjoy dry conditions and a lower risk of hurricanes, making them a popular destination in September. July is still within the hurricane season, but it’s a month before the season’s peak.
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Oftentimes, however, the length of a cruise can have a bigger impact on the ship’s atmosphere even more than the time of year. Shorter, 3 and 4-night cruises are likely to have a bigger party vibe and more families onboard, whereas longer cruises tend to skew quieter. In addition, cruises during spring break may see an influx of college-aged students, thus leading to a bigger party atmosphere.
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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. In November, the likelihood of hurricanes is quite low, with the official end of the hurricane season on November 30.
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. Prices during the first week of March aren't too high before they edge up throughout the rest of the month. If your aim is to cruise with your own children while they are on break, there are plenty of ships with age-appropriate facilities.
How to Choose the Right Time to Cruise the Caribbean
Because there is the potential for tropical storms, October may have fewer available cruise options. However, temperatures are still warm in many areas of the Caribbean throughout October, and the sun will likely shine most of the time. If you consider Caribbean cruises during hurricane season, stay flexible, as periodic rain showers are likely between times of sun.
Shoulder Season Cruise Deals: 5 Tips to Save - Cruise Critic
Shoulder Season Cruise Deals: 5 Tips to Save.
Posted: Wed, 27 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
December: Beat the Holiday Rush
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 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. Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy. We have a special discount code for our readers on this Intro to Cruising Master Class.
Are Bigger or Smaller Cruise Ships Better?
As well, when winter has gripped most of North America, the Caribbean still offers a warm getaway with lots of sunshine. Families considering a cruise with children on summer break should take advantage of June in particular because of the lower storm risk, followed by July. While on your dream cruise to Caribbean islands, celebrate special moments in life.
It's a fun way to create a break between Thanksgiving and the December holidays. If I had to pick based on weather, cost and crowds, I'd vote winter as the best time to cruise the Caribbean. One advantage of cruising in the summer is that the ocean temperatures tend to be warmer than in the winter. While the water in the Caribbean usually stays quite comfortable, the water temperature can get chilly in more northerly Caribbean destinations during the winter. This is something that you will not have to worry about by selecting a cruise in the summer.
The Caribbean Sea remains warm much of the year, with ocean temperatures staying in the 80s with minor variation. The warmest period is September and October, after the hot summer months. The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos can see ocean temperatures in the winter months in the 70s due to their more northern location, something to keep in mind. This can mean skipping a port or other deviations in the itinerary, as the ship sails around bad weather. While temperatures remains steady in September, October and November (70s and 80s), sunny days might be tempered by winds and rains during stormy conditions. Caribbean ports are open January to December, and variations in weather, cost and crowds will all factor into choosing the best time to cruise the Caribbean for you.
The winter months are often considered to be the best months to travel the Caribbean because of the ideal weather. While winter is the peak season, the islands will have more open opportunities for visitors because of the high volume of travelers during this time. When planning your trip to the Caribbean, you can find the best restaurants and shops to explore during your stops at the islands. 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.
Spring is a popular time for many people to go on a cruise, as they take advantage of spring breaks and perfect Caribbean weather. Many hometowns have yet to warm up by this time of year, making a vacation to the Caribbean the perfect way to warm up and start working on your summer tan. From the beaches to the tropical cuisine, a spring cruise to the Caribbean will get you in the perfect mood for summer. May and June are also great months to look for deals on Caribbean cruises because they fall during the shoulder season. During this time, you can often find lower prices and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to plan your cruise vacation.
If we all thought early December was truly the best time to cruise to the Caribbean, it would cease to be so. Cruise fares are higher overall in summer than in the other three seasons. Shops and attractions will overflow with passengers from other ships and land-based vacationers.
While every cruise journey offers intimate experiences, expeditions during this time will allow you to take in quieter beaches or more in-depth tours of Mayan ruins. Not to mention, November and December offer various voyages to help you escape the frosty Fahrenheits at home and dip your toes into the warm waters of a Caribbean winter. Revel in seasonal activities on board – like an elaborate Thanksgiving feast or a magical gingerbread house-making contest – and experience the holiday season like never before. On the other hand, if you’re open to the possibility of some rain in exchange for lower prices and fewer tourists, the off-peak season from May to November might be the perfect time for your cruise. Just be mindful to steer clear of the peak hurricane season if possible. The Southern Caribbean is a fantastic option almost any time of the year, offering a safe haven even during the height of the hurricane season.
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