Best time to Go on A Cruise

As you plan your next cruise, you’ll want to take into consideration the best and cheapest times to cruise and see what jibes with your vacation schedule. Here’s a when-to-cruise guide to some popular destinations.

Alaska and Canada

Alaska has a very short cruising season; ships traverse its northern waters only between May and September. The months of June through August offer the warmest weather in this chilly state and are therefore the best and most popular times to cruise. In May and September, you’ll find some closures and a bit more chill in the air, but you’ll also find the best prices. In addition, May is the driest month of the Alaska cruise season, so you’re less likely to be rained out of your flightseeing tour or glacier walk.

Bermuda

Bermuda cruises sail from April through mid-November, mostly during Bermuda’s high or “beach” season. Most people travel during the summer months, making those voyages pricier, but you’ll find deals on spring and fall departures (April through early June and September through November). Bermuda has temperate weather year-round and is less affected by hurricanes than its Caribbean neighbors. If it’s too chilly for the beach in the shoulder season, you can always try out the island’s many golf courses and spas.

 

 
Caribbean

You can sail to the Caribbean year-round, but the best time to go is when it’s coldest in the northern hemisphere. Not only is the warm Caribbean climate a welcome respite from bad weather, but December through April are the driest months in the islands as well. The cheapest times to cruise are typically in the late summer and fall because of hurricane season. But you can often find patches of bargain sailings, especially during the early weeks of December and in the spring. The timing of spring discounts isn’t always consistent, so it’s best to keep an eye out and book when you see a low rate.

 

  

Europe and Mediterranean

Europe is so big that you can’t lump all its cruises together. The Mediterranean cruise season runs from April through November. Northern Europe and Baltic cruises have a shorter season running from May to October, while the warmer Greek islands and Canary Islands see cruise ships between March and December.

Most tourists come to Europe in the summer, but the late spring and early fall have more pleasant temperatures and not as many crowds. You’ll find the lowest cruise prices at the beginning and end of each season; prices rise dramatically for the summer months.

 

 
Hawaii

With four NCL America ships dedicated to Hawaii cruising, you can explore the islands year-round. The best time to go is during the summer and fall when the island gets the least amount of rain. Summer tends to be the most popular because of school vacation and honeymoon season. Hawaii cruises are cheapest from November through February, with the exception of holiday cruises.

Mexico

You can cruise to Mexico year-round, either as part of a western Caribbean itinerary or as a dedicated Mexico voyage. The best time to visit Mexico is during its dry season, November through May. However, it’s a popular destination even during the rainier summer months. You’ll find the best deals in the fall, between the two high seasons and during hurricane season.

 

New England and Canada

New England and Canada sailings depart from May through October. You’ve got a better chance for warm weather if you travel from late June through early September. However, if you’re interested in foliage viewing, you’ll need to go in early to mid-October. May and late-October sailings will offer the lowest rates, but don’t expect to be using the onboard swimming pool much.

 

  

Japan

Fall (September through November) sees foliage that begins to turn brilliant colors in October through early November. Visit Japan during the fall to see the renowned Japanese maples, ginkos, and ash trees turn yellow, orange, red, and purple. This is also a season of many regional festivals. Infrequent rainstorms characterize both spring and fall, and the weather is mild, making both ideal periods for a tour of Japan.  Winter months (December and February) bring moderate cold and snow, good news for the many Japanese ski resorts and winter sports enthusiasts. The weather rarely dips below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. New Year’s is widely celebrated and is a very busy time for traveling with airlines, highways, and trains crowded with passengers.

 

 
Southeast Asia: Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong & South Korea

The southern regions of these countries, particularly coastal areas, experience a monsoon season from May to October. Summers in these areas are hot and humid. A more enjoyable time to visit is later in autumn through January, when temperatures are cooler and rain is unlikely.  Cruise lines, for the most part, avoid the hottest, most humid and rainy months by scheduling most Southeast Asia cruises November through March. Not surprisingly, these months also attract the most tourists from inside and outside the region, resulting in large crowds at popular attractions. Holidays, like Tet in late January or early February make days long and noisy; prices spike, public transport is jammed and shops may be closed.

 

South Pacific

In general, the dry months from May through to October are the ideal for cruises to the South Pacific. The Ins and Outs of Sailing in the Off Season: This is considered as the wet season, and the weather is hot, wet and humid, with frequent tropical storms.  The South Pacific is blessed with a year-round tropical climate. The best weather, with little to no rain, occurs during the dry season from May to October (although trade winds pick up during these months). During wet season, between November and April, rain, temperatures and humidity increase. North of the equator in Micronesia, the seasons are reversed.

 

Australia & New Zealand

the busiest period for cruising in Australia and New Zealand is the summer school holidays between December and January. Covering a huge range of climates from the tropical North of Queensland to the snowy mountain ranges of Queenstown there is something for everyone all year round.

 

  

Antartica

 

The best time to visit Antarctica is between November and March - the months when the sun rises above the horizon, the sea ice melts enough to allow access, and the temperatures nudge above freezing. But within this period, each month has its own charms, including penguin chicks, vast iceberg "sculptures", rowdy elephant seals and the ability to cross the Antarctic Circle.