So you have decided to take a cruise, but when is the best time to take it? Other than “anytime,” there is no perfect time to sail. It will depend on what is important to you. Do you prefer warm weather, nature, or adventure? Are you traveling with children, or is it just you and your +1? What’s your budget? Are you willing to travel off-season or during the shoulder season? Finally, what’s your preference?
Every cruise destination is different and has its “best time” to sail. Let’s take a look at what cruising looks like by region and how each region shines.
The Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Bermuda are tropical destinations that are consistently popular year-round. The BEST time to sail is from December through April. This is the region’s dry season; the temperatures are more comfortable, the humidity is lower, and the waters are calm–it’s perfect. However, since this is peak season, you will experience larger crowds and higher prices. If you are looking for a deal, you will want to book your cruise from late spring through the fall. However, the Atlantic hurricane season occurs during the JJASON months, meaning June, July, August, September, October, and November, with peak hurricane season occurring from August to October. If there is severe weather, cruise lines will reroute ships by changing itineraries, keeping passengers and crew safe. The fall does provide the most budget-friendly cruises, just be aware, your cruise itinerary may be very different from what you planned.
Alaska has the shortest cruise season–late April through early October. Depending on what you want to see, sailing in May and September brings fewer crowds, lower cruise fares, and the possibility of cooler temperatures and more rain. The best time to sail Alaska is June through August. The summer months bring the perfect balance between temperatures and sunlight. More sunlight brings more opportunity for glacier spotting and exploring. Alaska wildlife is more active in the summer, giving cruisers more opportunity to see the wildlife for which the region is known.
Cruises in the Mediterranean and Europe run from April through October. The summer months are the most popular as this is when school is out, and families vacation the most. However, this means the cruise fare is more costly, the temperatures are more oppressive, and the ports are more crowded. Choose the shoulder seasons of May to early June or September to October, and you will find better temperatures, better prices, and fewer cruisers. You will find more availability for tours of historical sites and other shore excursions. Additionally, flights and hotels to this region are typically more affordable during the shoulder seasons.
The best time to cruise in South America and Antarctica is during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer–November to March. This window offers longer days and calmer waters, making docking at popular ports safer. You can also choose when to cruise based on what you want to do and see. November is the best month for viewing icebergs and seeing penguins begin their courting and laying eggs. December and January are known as peak cruising season in the region. These months feature near 24-hour daylight and warmer temperatures. It is during these months that penguin chicks are hatched. February and March are the best months for whale watching since ships are able to travel further south as the waters recede to their lowest points of the year.
The South Pacific and Australia experience their dry season from May to October, making this the best time to sail to the region. The temperatures are cooler, the humidity is low, and the seas are calm. This is the best time to see humpback whales or visit the Great Barrier Reef. This is also peak tourist time, meaning crowded ports and higher cruise fares. Visiting from November to April is more budget-friendly, but it also means heavy rainfall, hot and humid weather, and the possibility of tropical storms.
If your cruise is to New Zealand and southern Australia, you will want to cruise from January to March. The summer months of January and February are considered peak season and are perfect for beaches and festivals. Naturally, the cruise fare is higher, and excursions sell out quicker. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy the vineyards in Marlborough and the Yarra Valley in March. March is a shoulder season offering smaller crowds and mild weather.
Finally, the best time to sail to Asia is from November to March; however, the specific time depends on your destination. The peak season for Southeast Asia is from November to March. The temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities like festivals, snorkeling, and kayaking. The best time to sail to Japan and South Korea is spring and fall. The spring season of March to May brings the region’s iconic cherry blossoms while the fall season of September to November brings breathtaking foliage and mild temperatures. Indonesia’s dry season is during the summer months, making May to October the perfect time for viewing wildlife and diving.
Ultimately, the best time for you to cruise is the time that works best for you based on what is most important to you.