Cruising is a wonderful way to see the world, and with so many amazing destinations to choose from, it can be difficult to decide when to go.
To help you plan your next cruise vacation, here’s a look at the best times to visit some of the world’s most popular cruise destinations:
The Best Time Of The Year To Cruise To Alaska
The best time to cruise to Alaska is during the summer months, from June to August.
During this time, the weather is warm and the days are long, allowing you to take advantage of all the outdoor activities the state has to offer.
However, keep in mind that this is also the peak season for cruising, so you’ll need to book early to secure your spot on the ship. The shoulder seasons from April to May and September to October are growing in popularity because there are fewer crowds and reduced rates.
Late September or early October are the months that maximize the chance of seeing the mesmerizing northern lights. Most travelers prefer the June and July months because those are the months with the most sun and daylight.
The Best Time Of The Year To Cruise The Southern Caribbean
The best time to cruise to the Southern Caribbean is from July to September when the weather is warm and sunny. During this time, you’ll be able to explore beautiful island destinations, such as Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire, and enjoy water sports, beach activities, and more.
The Southern Caribbean has the majority of the region’s islands. That makes it a popular area for cruise lines. December through April is the peak season throughout the Caribbean because the summers are warm without huge seasonal temperature fluctuations.
Another reason for this being the favored time for cruises is that hurricane season is from June through November. Some of the southern Caribbean islands like Aruba, Barbados, and Bonaire lie below the hurricane belt. Those areas can still get winds and rain but usually are spared hurricanes.
The Best Time Of The Year To Cruise Western Caribbean
The best time to cruise to the Western Caribbean is from December to April when the weather is mild, warm and sunny. It is an ideal time to explore destinations such as Cozumel, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands.
The months between December and April are conducive for activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and beach-hopping.
The weather during this time is in the low to mid-80s, the humidity is at its lowest, and there is almost no rain. This makes it ideal to visit the Mayan ruins and hike in the rainforest.
The Best Time Of The Year To Cruise The Mediterranean
The best time to cruise to the Mediterranean is from April to June and from September to October when the weather is warm and sunny.
These months are the best time to explore destinations such as Barcelona, Rome, and Santorini, and enjoy the local culture, food, and history.
You will be able to find Mediterranean cruises from April through November, but June to September are the peak months for travelers.
The Canary Islands and Croatia, Greece, and Turkey will see cruisers from April to December. May or September. These months are also good times to go, as rates are cheaper and there are fewer kids onboard, which can make for a quieter cruise.
The Best Time Of The Year To Cruise The Bahamas
The best time to cruise to the Bahamas is from December to April when the weather is warm and sunny.
During this time, you’ll be able to explore destinations such as Nassau and Freeport and enjoy activities like snorkeling, beach-hopping, and island exploring.
If you are looking for a specific month to cruise the Bahamas, you might want to consider January. During January temperatures have little fluctuation, and it is also the beginning of the dry season.
The Best Time Of The Year To Cruise The South Pacific
The best time to cruise to the South Pacific is from May to October when the weather is warm and sunny. These months will be the best for exploring destinations such as Fiji, Tonga, and the Cook Islands.
Activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and beach-hopping are popular during these months. May to October is also the dry season when the winter trade winds keep the daily temperatures between 70-80℉.
This is also the time that there is less humidity. The South Pacific has a hurricane season that runs from November through April, so plan accordingly.
The Best Time Of The Year To Cruise To Australia
The best time to cruise to Australia is from late November to March when the weather is warm and sunny. Brisbane and the Great Barrier Reef, are the places to snorkel, scuba dive, and visit sunny beaches.
Late November to March is when spring is turning into summer. The major ports of call like Sydney, Adelaide, and Perth will be warm and sunny during this time.
The Best Time Of The Year To Cruise To Asia
Asia is a vast region and has diverse weather patterns and micro-climate, making it important to choose carefully the time you will visit this area.
The cooler and drier weather is between November and February. The weather tends to be warm and sunny over most of the region during these months.
During this time, you’ll be able to explore destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan, and enjoy local culture, food, and history. The hottest times of the year are between March and May when the temperatures can be hot and oppressive.
The Best Time Of The Year To Cruise The Middle East
The best time to cruise to the Middle East is from late November to March when the weather is mild and sunny. There are numerous places to explore such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Oman, where you can enjoy local culture, food, and history.
Repositioning cruises happen in late October and early November in the Middle East. They also happen again in late March and early April. If you are looking to get a cheaper fare, those would be the months to consider.
Whether you’re cruising to Alaska, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, or another amazing destination, it’s important to choose the right time of year to make the most of your trip.
By considering the weather, local events, and other factors, you’ll be able to plan a cruise vacation that is warm and enjoyable from start to finish.
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About
Joy is the Co-Founder & Content Manager/Expert for CruisePortAdvisor.com and one of the founders of the site. She loves to travel, sing & bake.
