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Sailing east, you’ll often enjoy a few days exploring Caribbean islands before crossing the Atlantic. Westbound crossings, in November, can be a good time to add on a few nights in a hotel before flying home. Official hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30, with September and October the most likely months for hurricanes to develop. Hurricanes are not, however, a reason to dismiss a Caribbean cruise in these months.
Caribbean Cruises FAQ
No matter the month you sail, it is recommended to bring a jacket, sweater, or other warm layers. It can be chilly as your ship sails down the coast of Baja California, so it’s common to need a light jacket during the mornings and evenings while onboard. A 7-night Norwegian Fjords cruise on Anthem of the Seas from Southampton begins at $1,270 for sailings that depart in July 2024.
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
I was compensated and flew out the next day, but what if I had been bumped on my cruise embarkation day? 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. In some cases, heat waves and low rainfall can cause European rivers to be too low for ships to sail.
Day Caribbean Round-trip San Juan: Curacao, Aruba & St. Kitts
We have the answers so your first time will be nothing but smooth sailing. Carnival and similar festivals are also celebrated in other Caribbean islands. Exact dates may change depending on the year, so be sure to check if you will be sailing to these islands during Carnival. In rare situations, entire sailings have been cancelled if the path of the storm rules out any possibility of a ship making it in or out of its homeport. First and foremost, Royal Caribbean employs a Chief Meteorologist to track every disturbance and storm out there, and provide guidance to each cruise ship on how to best avoid the storm.
Best Caribbean cruise lines
The Caribbean is a vast region and some areas tend to be far less prone to hurricanes than others. Barbados and St Lucia, for example, which are a long way east, or the southern islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, or Trinidad and Tobago, which tend to be out of the hurricane belt. It’s rare for cruise ships to be caught in hurricanes as they simply move out of the path of the storm.
The worst months to cruise the Caribbean - Royal Caribbean Blog
The worst months to cruise the Caribbean.
Posted: Tue, 20 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
When to cruise to Alaska for the best weather
Carnival is a widely celebrated festival in the Caribbean, with each island having its own unique version of the event. This vibrant and colorful festival features parades, music, dancing, and elaborate costumes. If you want to experience the true essence of Caribbean culture and party like a local, be sure to book your cruise during the carnival season. The festivities are contagious, and you’ll be immersed in the infectious energy and excitement that fills the air during this time. April through early June and September to November are typically when you'll find the cheapest prices.
During April and May and September to November, the combination of cooler temperatures, a higher chance of rain and a lack of family vacations leads to more availability and lower prices for cruises. If you are planning a cruise to Southeast Asia, the most important distinction to make between seasons is the rainy season versus the dry season. Humidity and temperatures are high year-round, but the coolest and driest weather is typically found between November and February. June, July, and August bring more crowds and higher cruise fares, but offer the best temperatures for water and beach activities. You can enjoy snorkeling, jet skiing, kayaking, and relaxing on the beach during these months.
And if you're after the best of those European summer vibe, it's a hard time of year to top. If you dislike large numbers of children, avoid sailing late June through August or during school break times (late December, early January and March through mid-April). If you don't enjoy big crowds with lots of partying, avoid a cruise to Australia during the New Year's Eve festivities, as it's one of the busiest times of year for tourists, especially in Sydney.
Plus, March and April are still well within the dry season, so you won’t have to worry about rain or storms during your trip down south. Another perk of winter cruises (outside of December) is that the high-peak holiday cruise season has just wrapped up. Cruises sailing during early January and February dates are often offered at a great price point since most travelers have headed back to work. During the months of January through March, you’ll find idyllic tropical weather with temperatures in the mid 70s to low 80s and low humidity.
Spring — late April and most of May — is regarded as shoulder season, with competitive pricing. Be aware, though, that April is spring break for American university students and cruises out of Florida’s ports, in particular, can be packed with partying students. On Christmas cruises, expect holiday decorations, carolers, and visits from Santa. You’ll find Easter egg hunts and other fun activities for the whole family during spring holiday sailings. Sail with us on New Year’s Eve and party on to midnight and beyond with a sensational champagne celebration. Holiday cruises fill up quickly, so it’s wise to book as early as possible to get the stateroom, dining time, specialty dining reservations, and shore excursions you want.
Hot temperatures make long days near the sea enticing, though you are more likely to encounter a day or two of rain in some parts of the Caribbean in May or June. The dry season in the Caribbean is generally from mid-December to mid-April. Little rain falls in these months and if it does, it tends to be short, sharp showers in the late afternoon. Not surprisingly, this is the most popular time to visit, especially over Christmas and New Year, so plan well ahead to get the best deals. Of course, it’s no surprise why travelers flock to the Caribbean during the early spring months. The weather is often blissful, with temperatures fluctuating between the mid-70s to low-90s.
Doing your research to determine the best cruising time for you is the best way to decide when to book a Caribbean cruise. Here are the answers to a few more common questions about Caribbean cruises. Prices during the first week of March aren't too high before they edge up throughout the rest of the month. If your aim is to cruise with your own children while they are on break, there are plenty of ships with age-appropriate facilities. You'll have options like splash zones for the little ones, monster slides for the adventurers and kids clubs for all ages. If you're seeking a slightly cheaper river cruise in Europe, spring can mean flowers in glorious bloom and milder temperatures.
With temperatures dancing throughout the 80s, the soft sands and refreshing waters always welcome visitors. Whether you wish to float down transparent rivers on a bamboo raft or zipline through lush rainforest canopies, the wonders of the Caribbean are ready for your arrival. Ships that sail seasonally in Alaska and Europe often call the waters of the Caribbean home for a few months in winter.
Given the unpredictability of Caribbean weather, the dry season does not have a specific start and finish date, but it generally runs from early November until late April. During this stretch, temperatures tend to be relatively mild, while precipitation is at an annual minimum. Weather is drier and warm in December, making the early part of the month a great relaxing getaway. Rain is generally limited to the Southern Caribbean, including islands like Aruba.
As schools close for spring break, the whole family can join in on this cultural celebration. With more families on board, kids can discover endless forms of entertainment while making lifelong friendships along the way – leaving more time for parents to savor the sweet taste of relaxation. Best of all, families can embark on unforgettable journeys together – like ziplining through lush canopies or exploring underwater World War II shipwrecks. Kids will bring home more than just souvenirs, but also lifelong memories of time spent with loved ones. Now we're back where we started – with you booking a Caribbean cruise that works for you and your travel group. Each season has something to offer someone, which is what makes this whole year-round Caribbean cruise thing work.
