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You can find 9-night cruises priced around $750 per person or 13-night cruises that begin at $1,165 each. As fall rolls around, prices will begin to increase due to the peak foliage opportunities, and while many families may not be onboard, you can expect crowds in port. Voyages in the beginning of the season are subject to pleasant temperatures in the 60s and low 70s, and since it is not yet peak season, you can often find a great rate. Once June rolls around, summer festivals begin to occur, such as the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Canada Grand Prix, and more.
Best Cruise Destination for Food & Wine Runner-Up: Western Mediterranean
In some destinations, such as Australia, cruises are simply not offered by Royal Caribbean during the low season due to lack of demand. For example, Celebrity Cruises has an 11-night cruise sailing round-trip from Sydney in March for $1,320. As you get closer to the holidays in December, a 13-night round-trip itinerary from Sydney with the line costs $2,231. The summer months of December through February offer some of the best weather for cruising in Australia and New Zealand. Major cities will have high temperatures in the 70s and 80s during that time. The Mexican Riviera (i.e., the Pacific coast of Mexico) is a year-round cruise destination.
When is the worst time to cruise the Caribbean?
You can expect highs in the mid-80s in the Southern Caribbean, with lows typically no cooler than the mid-60s in more northern destinations like the Bahamas or Puerto Rico. The cheapest cruise fares to Alaska are found during the shoulder season months of May and September. In September 2024, for instance, you can book a 7-night one-way cruise on Radiance of the Seas for less than $450 per person for an inside cabin. Balcony cabins are always more expensive; however, they are often still less than $1,000 per person during the shoulder season. The best months for an Alaska cruise are in June, July, and August.
When is the Best Time to Take a Cruise Vacation?
You’ll see this change in October, where rates are also the lowest. Perhaps the only challenge is coming to terms with the 24-hour daylight. In fact, Northern Europe and the Baltics truly awaken from their winter slumber for the months of May through October, and alfresco dining and drinking is practically mandatory.
March/April
Are you worried about the cold weather interfering with your trip? This should be no concern if you’re cruising to a country with warm temperatures year-round, such as Mexico. While a cruise always seems like a great idea, there are certain times and seasons to embark on a cruise for the best experience. June cruises to this region are particularly splendid, as the first taste of summer heightens the energy and festivals bring the communities together to celebrate the arrival of the season. The best time to go on a cruise to Northern Europe is when the landscape and local hospitality thaws in anticipation of a summer filled with friendly faces and fresh air.
Best time to cruise Hawaii to avoid crowds
From Bordeaux to Porto to Vienna, the list of potential destinations on European river cruises tend to encompass at least one wine region and a gastronomic capital or two. That makes a European river cruise a must for foodies and oenophiles alike. Consider itineraries such as a Rhone River cruise, cruising the Bordeaux wine region or a Douro River Cruise for spectacular food and wine. Many food and wine cruises have excursions centered on local specialties and vineyards. What's even better is that you can bring your finds back on the ship with you; feel free to uncap that Burgundy and drink it on your balcony.
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High season is when you'll find the most cruise options, highest prices, most crowded ships and best weather. The shoulder season coincides with moderate demand and relatively nice weather, and fares will be lower. Low season is the cheapest season -- and least busy -- but may mean sacrifices in what you can see and possible cancellations due to weather. The best time to cruise to the Caribbean is, somewhat unintuitively, early December through mid-February. You’ll enjoy 80-degree weather and avoid hurricane season entirely, which runs from June through November.
Your Weather Preference
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If you plan a springtime Caribbean cruise, have a backup plan, including travel insurance, in case your travel itinerary gets rearranged at the last minute. But many travelers head to this region specifically to see the dazzling fall foliage, in which case the best time to visit is October. September can be a good middle ground, because crowds will thin out (as school is back in session) but the weather will still be warm. There’s also a chance to see the start of the leaves changing towards the end of the month, though it varies from year-to-year and is never guaranteed.
Spring Cruises
Earlier in the month brings a lull to the islands as hurricane season has ended, though by the end of the month expect higher prices and more crowds. Cruise traffic ramps up in May and June to prepare for the influx of summer-month vacationers. 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. South Pacific cruises to Vanuatu, Fiji, and New Caledonia are vastly popular, although most sailings are offering during the region’s rainy season from November to March. Just like the Caribbean, though, rain showers do not last all day and should not negatively impact shore excursions and activities.
One 2016 study by CruiseWatch.com found that, on average, cruise fares dropped the most on Thursdays. The data also found that Wednesdays were the worst for price hikes. These data points are constantly fluctuating so your best bet is to track fares throughout the week. Throughout the months of November to April, the weather is usually pretty favorable. The average day will be sunny and dry, with temperatures averaging around the mid- to upper-80s. Cruises that visit the UK, Baltics, and Scandinavia are great options for incredible scenery and historic sites.
Short cruises to Ensenada and Catalina Island are best during the summer months, when temperatures are in the mid-80s with sunny skies. During the winter, these more northerly ports can see temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Winter is one of the best times to cruise the Caribbean, especially if you are looking to trade out blizzards for beaches. In Australia, summer is the perfect season to enjoy the country's beautiful beaches, especially in the south near Sydney. However, if you plan to head north to destinations like northern Queensland, know that summer is that region's wet season. Most days are sunny, but you'll likely encounter an afternoon or evening storm.
As any seasoned traveler knows, you'll often find lower rates or free add-ons as the departure date approaches and the cruise line works to fill the ship. Saving money feels good — almost as good as sitting on the top deck of a Caribbean-bound cruise with a cocktail in hand. One of the best reasons to visit this area in the fall is the spectacular fall foliage, with brilliant colors of red, yellow and orange.
Be sure to pack reef-friendly sunscreen to protect your skin and an umbrella on the off chance you hit a patch of rain. March is a busy time in the Bahamas, with crowds of spring breakers heading to this warm-weather paradise searching for fun in the sun. Most experienced Caribbean cruisers will tell you to avoid the middle of the wet season. We tend to agree with this advice, as it helps you avoid the most unpleasant Caribbean weather.
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