When is the best time to cruise?
If you are planning a cruise vacation then definitely read this article that answers the question about when is the best time to cruise. A lot of travelers think that there is an abundance of ships and therefore, plenty of cruise products to choose from. However, that is not quite the case. While a lot of cruise lines do dispatch their many vessels to year-round destinations like the Caribbean, there are some important things to know about cruise seasons. For example, Alaska and Europe are also popular destinations, but they are seasonal with limited cruising opportunities.
On the other hand, there are times throughout the year that you may want to cruise because there are fewer crowds in port, or there are better deals to be had.
Before going through the cruise planning process, take some time to think about the cruise seasons. Sailing during peak season often brings crowds to the larger ships, and prices tend to be higher. Sailing during shoulder season is often less crowded (especially in busy port towns), and there are usually some enticing promotions. With that said, seasonal cruises where weather dictates inventory will sell out in advance and also will fetch top dollar.
Cruise Seasons
Transatlantic
Peak: April thru early June; late Aug. thru Oct.
Spring cruise destinations: the Caribbean, River Cruises, Mediterranean and Greece, Repositioning cruises
Summer cruise destinations: Bermuda, Baltic, Mediterranean and Greece, Alaska,
Fall cruise destinations: Repositioning cruises, Canada and New England, Mediterranean and Greece
Winter cruise destinations: Caribbean, Asia, South America, Antarctica, Panama Canal, Australia, Hawaii, Mexican Riviera
Destination |
Peak Season (highest prices) |
Shoulder Season (value season) |
|
The Caribbean, and the Bahamas |
December – early April |
June – October (hurricane season) |
|
South America |
January – early April |
November through March |
|
Antarctica |
December – February |
|
|
Asia |
January – May |
November -December, and March-May |
|
Bermuda |
June through August |
Early June; late August -October |
|
Transatlantic |
April – early June; late August – October |
Shoulder season |
|
Alaska |
June through August |
May through early June; late August – September |
|
Canada and New England |
Late September through October |
May or early June |
|
Europe |
May through August |
May through early June; late September through October |
|
Europe Rivers |
May through the end of June |
River cruising depends on water levels. |