When to Take a Cruise by Destination, Weather, & Excursions
Finding the best time to cruise isn’t as straightforward as you might think. The ideal time for one traveler may not be the best time of year for someone else. Luckily, there is no wrong time to take a cruise. Just different times which may work better for different types of travelers.
For example, some people like the smaller crowds of shoulder season or low season, while others choose to take advantage of the perfect weather that’s common during high season for most places around the world.
Another factor to consider is the destination’s available excursions. If you’re looking for a particular experience, you’ll want to make sure it’s available during your cruise. For example, wildlife sightings may be more common during certain months.
Weather is also an important part of planning a cruise. Certain destinations, like Alaska and Antarctica, have limited cruise seasons. In other regions, like the Caribbean and the East Coast, hurricane season may impact your decision.
Here’s a guide to the best times to cruise according to the destination you want to visit.
When is the Best Time to Take a Cruise to the Caribbean and Bahamas?
Cruises to the Caribbean are available year-round. Winter is a popular time of year for those looking to escape the cold. If you’re looking for a warm reprieve from the snow, then the best time of year to cruise for you may be in February or March.
Spring is another favorite time to sail, especially for families who want to take advantage of their children’s spring break from school. Summer is also convenient for families. If you want to plan your trip when there is the largest percentage of summer sunshine versus tropical rain, plan to go right when school gets out in June.
Where you go in the Caribbean also plays a part in choosing the best time of year to go. For example, the ABC Islands are known for having some of the sunniest days in the Caribbean throughout the year. Sail there in July or August and you’ll still likely have a forecast of sunshine.
When is the Best Time to Take a Cruise to Alaska?
Cruises to Alaska sail during the months of May to September so guests can experience the best of this region in an enjoyable, temperate climate. Despite the short time frame, there are reasons to choose certain months over others.
The earlier in the cruise season you go, the more likely it is you’ll encounter snow or rainfall on your Alaska shore excursions. For some, experiencing these elements might be part of the fun and excitement of going to Alaska. Others might want to time their cruise for later in the season when the weather warms up. The number of families may also increase in the summer months when school is out.
Toward the end of the Alaska cruise season, cruises can be less crowded. Even in September, you can still find some lovely weather, though depending on the year, cooler temps might have already begun settling in over the port cities.
Aside from the weather and crowds, the best time to visit Alaska on a cruise depends on which attractions you’re most interested in. Whale watchers may choose different times to go versus travelers who want to experience Alaska’s best glaciers.
When is the Best Time to Take a Cruise to Bermuda and the East Coast?
Not all East Coast and Bermuda sailings are available year-round like in the Caribbean.
East coast cruises and Bermuda cruises normally sail in the fall and spring months from May through October.
Fall is an excellent time to visit New England and the southeast of Canada if you want to catch some of the region’s stunning fall foliage.
For Bermuda, you’ll find that every month during the Bermuda cruise season is an ideal time of year to be there.
When is the Best Time to Take a Cruise to Europe?
Europe’s cruise season lasts from April to November. Many people choose to cruise to Europe in the shoulder months of April and May or September and October. During shoulder months, there are fewer crowds and the weather is mild. On the flip side, there’s a higher chance of encountering rainy days during your cruise.
Summer might be better for you if you love warmer weather and want to visit as many beaches as possible while in port. You should also consider a summer cruise if you’re restricted by school or work schedules.
When is the Best Time to Take a Cruise to Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific?
Since Australia and New Zealand are located in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are reversed. During winter in North America, it’s summer there. Therefore, the best time to cruise to Australia and New Zealand is from September to April, when you can choose to experience the heat of their summer or take advantage of the shoulder seasons during spring and fall.
If your cruise includes the South Pacific islands, the rainy season will affect when you sail. The dry season usually runs from around April or May to October but varies slightly depending on the island.
When is the Best Time to Take a Cruise to Asia?
Asia cruises sail from September to April, which falls outside of monsoon season, particularly in Southeast Asia. If you’re traveling during the spring or fall months, you might still run into some rain. The winter months are drier with warmer temperatures.
Therefore, the best time to cruise to Asia depends on what type of weather you’re looking for and what destinations you most want to visit. Cruises to Southeast Asia are only offered for a few months of the year, while Japan cruises have a longer season, though they are still typically only offered in the shoulder season due to chilly winter temperatures.
If you want to experience the Chinese New Year in China, which typically occurs in January, look for an itinerary that sails there over that time so you can experience the festivities firsthand.
When is the Best Time to Take a Cruise to South America?
Like Australia and New Zealand, the majority of South America lies in the Southern Hemisphere. You can take full advantage of the continent’s reverse seasons by booking a South America cruise during North America’s winter months.
South America’s cruise season extends from November to March. Departure ports include Los Angeles, California; San Antonio, Chile; and Buenos Aires, Argentina.
When is the Best Time to Take a Cruise to Antarctica?
Antarctica cruises leave from South America, though they have a more limited cruise season than South America cruises due to weather conditions.
Our cruises to Antarctica sail round-trip from Buenos Aires, Argentina during the months of January and early February. This coincides with the Southern Hemisphere’s peak summer season.
Antarctica cruises have ports of call in the bucket list region of Patagonia as well, which is the southernmost part of South America.
When is the Best Time to Cruise for Wildlife Spotting?
If you’re planning your trip around wildlife sightings, keep an eye on recent migration patterns so you can sail during the best time to see them in person.
For example, orcas are often found in the waters near Vancouver, which is where many Alaska cruises depart. If you cruise when transient orcas are expected in the area, you’ll increase your chances of seeing the ocean’s largest apex predator.
Specific weather phenomenon can also affect the type of animals you’ll see and the type of weather you’ll have on a Galapagos cruise. For example, El Niño years affect the Humboldt Current and brings warmer water to the area, making it a better time to cruise around the Galapagos Islands for those who like warm weather and pleasant ocean temperatures while snorkeling.
When is the Best Time for Families to Cruise?
Families with school-aged kids often plan around school breaks when choosing a cruise. If you don’t want your children to miss classes, you’ll likely be sailing during high season.
Schedule in an extra day at the beginning of your trip to account for possible flight delays to your departure port. If you’re flying internationally, consider arriving a few days early so your family can adjust to the time difference before the fun begins. It’s a good idea to give yourself a couple of days between the end of your cruise and the start of school to take care of any last-minute errands and household duties.
If you don’t have kids and want to avoid traveling during peak family time, then plan your cruise outside of school breaks, especially in July and August. If you’re itching for an end-of-winter getaway, find out when school districts let out for spring break and book your cruise a week or two beforehand.
Another strategy is to plan to take a cruise where the seasons are flipped and head to the Southern Hemisphere for some fall or winter fun. Likewise, traveling families who want to avoid larger crowds can head somewhere where local families are still in school.
So Overall, When is the Best Time to Take a Cruise?
The best time to book your cruise depends on where in the world you’re sailing, what you hope to see while you’re there, the climate and crowds you prefer, and your school and work schedules.
