The best time to cruise to the Caribbean

Table Of Content

• Best time to cruise the Panama Canal for low prices
• What About Sea Conditions in the Caribbean?
• Are Bigger or Smaller Cruise Ships Better?
• Best Time for a Mediterranean Cruise: April - June and September - October
• What about the summer?
• Best time to cruise New England and Canada to avoid crowds
• What to bring on a Caribbean cruise

You can expect the highest level of rainfall in the Caribbean between the months of May and November. September and October are peak hurricane seasons, so there’s a higher chance of disruption and some ports of call may be cancelled or changed. A Caribbean cruise vacation conjures up images of swaying palm trees, sun-warmed beaches, aqua waves, and frosty tropical drinks. Also, keep in mind that a higher storm risk doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a guarantee for a storm. With this in mind, most cruise lines offer significant savings and deals on cruises during the fall season because fewer people want to sail. Early November can be a great time to explore the Caribbean through a late fall cruise.

Best time to cruise the Panama Canal for low prices

Instead of spending your winter break shoveling snow, why not enjoy a week or two at sea sipping margaritas poolside? If you do plan to cruise over the holiday break in December, make sure that you book your cruise early. Booking early will ensure that you get your pick of the best stateroom categories on the ship. Make sure you also reserve specialty restaurants and shore excursions early, too.

What About Sea Conditions in the Caribbean?

Keep in mind that the off-peak season brings more rainfall, humidity, and higher temperatures, especially in the Western Caribbean. It also coincides with the peak hurricane season, which runs from August to October. Trinidad and Tobago, along with the ABC islands, are great destinations year-round, even in the height of hurricane season. Many cruise lines also run sales at the end of the summer or during Black Friday/Cyber Monday, and Caribbean sailings are almost always included. Sun, sand and sea are what most travelers want when they book a cruise to the Caribbean.

Are Bigger or Smaller Cruise Ships Better?

The shortest Southern Caribbean cruises are five or six days and leave from places such as Barbados, San Juan and St. Thomas. You can find weeklong sailings from Florida, but more commonly, they're eight nights or longer. Common destinations on Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries include Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Barbados, Trinidad, St. Lucia, Dominica, Martinique and Grenada. You'll find everything from gorgeous beaches and diving destinations to lush rainforests and flowing waterfalls.

Caribbean Cruise in September, October or November: Hurricane Season and Deep Discounts

Many families take advantage of these months when school is out to enjoy summer break and see the world. You can explore the ancient Tulum ruins and learn about the ancient Mayan city that overlooks the sea. This experience provides a great learning opportunity for kids of all ages. Take an adventure catamaran tour and snorkel among the marine life that occupies a shipwreck below the sea. Since the Caribbean Sea averages about 81 degrees during May and June, this time of year is great for water activities as well.

For those who prefer a more intimate and less crowded cruising experience, there are plenty of options available. These cruises often explore lesser-known ports and offer a more relaxed atmosphere on board. They provide an opportunity to discover hidden gems and experience the local culture of the Caribbean. These cruises are particularly popular during the shoulder season when the crowds are smaller, and the prices are more affordable.

One advantage of cruising in the summer is that the ocean temperatures tend to be warmer than in the winter. While the water in the Caribbean usually stays quite comfortable, the water temperature can get chilly in more northerly Caribbean destinations during the winter. This is something that you will not have to worry about by selecting a cruise in the summer. That said, temperatures tend to be much higher during these months reaching up into the 90s (30s Celsius).

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That's why we've broken down when you should cruise everywhere from the Caribbean and Mexico to New England and Alaska. The Caribbean is also known for its music festivals, which showcase a variety of genres including reggae, soca, calypso, and salsa. These festivals attract talented musicians from around the world, providing an unforgettable experience for music lovers. Whether you’re into international stars or local artists, attending a music festival during your Caribbean cruise promises to elevate your vacation to a whole new level. Check the schedules and plan your cruise accordingly to make the most of this incredible musical experience.

Situated in the Atlantic hurricane belt, the Bahamas has more frequent hurricanes and tropical storms. Additionally, the Southern Caribbean is known for having less rain compared to the rest of the Caribbean. Aruba, for example, receives about 18 inches of rain per year, while Curaçao averages slightly higher, with about 22 inches annually. In contrast, other Caribbean islands like Jamaica and Puerto Rico experience a much wetter climate, with average annual rainfall reaching up to 78 inches. Swimsuits and warm-weather clothing should top your Caribbean cruise packing list, but don't forget the sunscreen. The sun is stronger than you might expect in this part of the world, and you can easily burn during a long day at the beach if you don't apply and reapply plenty of sunscreen.

The Caribbean is one of the most fun places to go in the summer with your family since the kids are out of school. If you’re looking to book your vacation at a specific time of year, here are some of the highlights of traveling to the Caribbean during different seasons. Southern cruises often stop at islands like St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Bonaire, Aruba, Curacao, Guadalupe and more. Depending on where your cruise departs from and stops, you may have a day or two at sea.

Of course, that does not mean there is a hurricane every day, nor does it mean when there is one, the entire Caribbean is affected. If you choose to travel during peak hurricane season, there is also the risk that a hurricane or serious tropical storm will disrupt your cruise vacation. To understand the best time to enjoy a cruise in the Caribbean, you first need to know how the seasons in the region work. Essentially, this tropical climate experiences two noticeably different seasons – the dry season and the wet season.

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 height of the cruise season in Australia and New Zealand begins in early October and runs through the end of April because these months are spring and summer in the Southern Hemisphere. However, many travelers choose to cruise to Canada and New England specifically for the fall foliage.

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The late season (September and October) is also a nice time to visit the island. Temperatures are still warm during these months, but there are far fewer tourists. This makes the island’s pace much more relaxed than the peak summer season, although you do have to remain flexible with your itinerary since September and October fall in hurricane season.

The early season in Bermuda (April and May) sees some of the lowest prices and has comfortable temperatures in the 70s. The water temperature, however, can be cold at this time of year, so it is not the best time to visit for those hoping to enjoy beach activities. Summer is also a popular time to cruise the Caribbean, and many guests appreciate more hours of daylight during this time of year. However, summer brings some of the highest crowds and temperatures, so it is not necessarily the best time to sail for all guests. Winter is one of the best times to cruise the Caribbean, especially if you are looking to trade out blizzards for beaches.

If you’re seeking a more authentic and tranquil experience, consider visiting these lesser-known ports of call. The region is home to some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs and underwater ecosystems. Explore the vibrant marine life, encounter tropical fish, and be mesmerized by the kaleidoscope of colors beneath the surface. Numerous snorkeling and diving excursions are available at various ports of call, catering to all experience levels. Whether you choose to snorkel in shallow reefs or embark on a thrilling dive, the Caribbean’s underwater world will leave you in awe.

Hurricane season begins June 1st but doesn’t usually ramp up until mid-August, so you’ll usually have calm Atlantic and Caribbean seas through June. Additionally, avoid dates around major holidays, as demand is higher during these times and rates will reflect that. For example, consider the first week or two in January rather than booking a cruise between Christmas and New Year’s. Sail on the Norwegian Bliss, the newest ship in the fleet, and everyone in the family will enjoy a nonstop fun day and night. The Entourage Teens Club gives older teens the chance to meet friends, dance, and play video games. Younger kids will have a blast at Splash Academy where they can play sports and participate in supervised themed activities.