Best Time to Go on a Cruise Adventure – Pick The Perfect Season

When is the best time to go on a cruise? Several factors influence this answer. Price, crowds, weather, excursions, and activities all play a role in determining the best time to travel.

Cruising has gained popularity, offering trips to hundreds of destinations worldwide throughout the year. The ideal months for cruising differ by location, and being flexible with your schedule can enhance your cruise experience.

For example, to avoid large crowds, consider cruising in October instead of July. Conversely, if you’re looking to save money, consider sailing during the shoulder season, as peak season brings higher fares due to demand.

Where to start? Here’s an overview of top cruise destinations and suggestions for the best month to go on a cruise, considering price, weather, and activities.

Choosing the Perfect Time for Your Cruise by Month: Tips for the Best Experience

1. Traveling on Cruises to Alaska

Season: April, May and September

The cruising season in Alaska is relatively short; it is limited to summertime. Cruises operate from the end of April to September, however, exploring “The Last Frontier” between mid June and early August will provide longer days, better weather and wildlife sightings.

For the cheapest cruises, it is advisable to travel during May or September. May is the driest month, though some excursions like glacier walks and flightseeing might be less ideal. Wildlife is quite active in May; you can expect to see bears on grassy hillsides, moose grazing, whales breaching, birds overhead, and more.

2. The Caribbean

Season: January, May and September

Cruising to the Caribbean is the top choice among cruisers, with the season extending beyond traditional winter months, making it a great year-round destination. To save money, it’s best to sail during off-peak times like January, May, and early fall when demand is lower.

Early fall is the height of hurricane season, yet cruises are often rerouted around storms, making it a flexible and cost-effective time to travel. The ABC islands—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao—are located below the hurricane belt, rarely impacted by tropical storms, offering a safer alternative.

For drier, consistent weather, the winter months are ideal, though more crowded. The Caribbean has diverse weather patterns; the Bahamas, for instance, can see temperatures drop into the 70s during winter, affecting both land and ocean temperatures.

3. Australia & New Zealand

Season: February, March and November

Most people who go on cruises to Australia and New Zealand do so from November to March. Since the seasons are opposite to those in America, these months align with holiday breaks and offer the best weather for exploring this amazing and diverse area.

The most preferable time to explore the continent often referred to as “down under” is within early February through mid of March as it is rather hot during this time in this region. New Zealand has a temperate climate with less climatic stability than Australia, therefore irrespective of the time of year it is advisable to pack for layers.

4. Best Time to Cruise Hawaii

Season: April, May, and September

Hawaii is a fantastic year-round destination (among our top 10 vacation spots). The best times to cruise Hawaii are April, May, and September. May features “Mele Mai,” a month-long Hawaiian music festival marking the end of the winter trade winds. These winds bring cooler air, resulting in occasional rain in mountainous areas like Oahu’s Ko’olau Range and the Big Island’s highlands. However, you will enjoy pleasant breezes at the top Hawaiin islands.

In September, cruises align with Honolulu’s Aloha Festivals, which showcase traditional dances, music, costumes, crafts, and cuisine through block parties and parades. Spinner dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds can be sighted in both of the months. Due to its geographical position on the Pacific Ocean’s periphery, Hawaii is also host to bird, insect, and sea life not seen in other locations on Earth.

5. Canada and New England

Season: May and October

Maine and Eastern Canada offer stunning nature, Atlantic Ocean views, and abundant seafood. The cruise season typically runs from May to October, with many ships visiting during late summer to early autumn. The best prices for a Canada/New England cruise are often found in May or October, as sailings beyond these months are rare due to cold weather and the likelihood of snow or rain.

Autumn is another recommended season to visit, because of the stunning foliage colors ranging from red, yellow, and orange as well as the autumn harvest festivals but it is also packed by many people. The warm weather being experienced over the summer with temperatures ranging from Seventy to Seventy-eight and even Eighty is ideal for festivals and family-related activities. Summer cruising also creates opportunities to observe marine life like humpback whales and enjoy lots of seafood like lobsters and scallops with maritime aura.

Canada & New England cruises also provide an excellent opportunity to extend your trip with a pre- or post-cruise stay in departure cities like Boston or New York, which are filled with attractions and activities. Offering stunning scenery, romantic atmosphere, and diverse experiences, these cruises make them perfect for honeymooners. I highly recommend opting for the Great Lake Cruises through the top cruiselines like the American Cruiselines or the Viking Cruiseline.

6. Bermuda

Season: May – September

Bermuda lies on the same latitude as North Carolina. Though often mistaken for a Caribbean island, it’s actually 900 miles north of the Caribbean with a distinct climate. The prime time to cruise to Bermuda is during the summer when the island enjoys warm sunshine and clear blue skies. This is the ideal season to relax on the iconic pink sand beaches or play a round of golf on the island’s renowned courses.

The pubs and bars near the Royal Naval Dockyard are lively. It’s also a perfect time for a romantic catamaran cruise at sunset or a hike along the scenic Railway Trail. As August turns into September, conditions become more humid, and while it’s storm season further south, you can still expect plenty of sunshine.

7. Asia

Season: Year-round

The ideal time for an Asia cruise depends on where you’re headed. Even pinpointing the best month for a Southeast Asia cruise, covering Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, can be tricky due to varying weather, rainfall, and geographic differences. For instance, in Asia’s coastal regions, you might need a sweater and long pants for cool evenings, but just a few miles inland, it could be significantly warmer. Ports close to the equator are usually hot and humid, with the occasional afternoon downpour.

Most Asia cruises take place between November and March, as cruise lines generally steer clear of the hottest and rainiest periods. If your journey extends north toward Russia and the Arctic Circle, expect the warmest temperatures in July and August. The shoulder seasons of May, June, and September through early October offer a nice mix of mild weather and fewer crowds onboard. Autumn in northern Asia also showcases stunning fall foliage and breathtaking scenery.

Final Words

So there you have it; the best places of the world to cruise by month. Depending on your budget, you can sail and visit these places in the world’s most expensive cruises or choose a shoulder season to make your journeys affordable. It does not matter which cruise line you choose, you will always be able to enjoy the stunning scenery, romantic atmosphere, thrilling excursions, entertainment activities, and culinary delights.