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Rainfall does not typically last all day, however; instead, it appears in short, strong bursts. Nonetheless, April and May are excellent times to enjoy Bermuda outside of just beaches, from cycling the historic Railway Trail to horseback riding and celebrating local holidays. Bahamas cruises are popular year-round, but what many passengers do not realize is that The Bahamas are located further north than other Caribbean cruise ports. The location of the islands can impact their weather patterns more than ports located further south. Book an early shoulder season cruise in May to take advantage of the best weather with fewer crowds.
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Many cruise lines offer short seasons or mix up itineraries, so there's not much grounds for comparison. However, if you want a deal, the one thing that's certain is you should not sail over the holidays. You can usually find the best prices for an Alaska cruise during the shoulder season months of April, May, September and October. For example, starting rates are as low as $603 per person for a seven-night Inside Passage cruise sailing round-trip from Seattle with Royal Caribbean in May 2024.
When is the Caribbean’s rainy season?
June, July, and August are the most popular months to cruise to the Caribbean, and cruising in the summer comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In addition, cruising between December and April means an escape for many guests who are coming from colder locations further north. When it is 5 degrees at home, spending the day in the Caribbean can be a really great idea. The Bahamas have average high temperatures in the upper 70s Fahrenheit or mid 20s Celsius from January through March. Nassau is still a good one-day stop for its attractions, but a Bahamas-only cruise is not a good choice during this time of year for beach goers.
Best time to cruise The Bahamas: March - May
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. Summertime is busy in Canada and New England because of the optimal weather and family vacations. You can also expect more ships and crowds in town during late September and October at the height of the leaf-peeping season. January is the beginning of the dry season, so the humidity is lower, and the temperatures are in the 70s and 80s. Beach, beach and more beach — Aruba is definitely a port to be in, on or near the water. Animal lovers might want to check out its ostrich farm — not something you usually find in a Caribbean cruise port.
July to November
These lines offer a range of itinerary lengths, port combinations and departure cities from the Gulf Coast to the East Coast. These lines cater to all ages, including older couples and families with children. As the name suggests, precipitation increases throughout the wet season, but showers are brief and sporadic during the first few months. Because fall weather in the Caribbean is unpredictable, you'll find some of the best cruise deals of the year. As the end of November transitions to the holidays, though, Caribbean cruise prices begin to increase again. Most Caribbean cruises in March and April run close to $100 per person, per night.
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In addition, cruises during spring break may see an influx of college-aged students, thus leading to a bigger party atmosphere. Cruise pricing during this time in March or April can also be higher than choosing to cruise in February or May instead. There are always exceptions, but the key to finding the best price on a Caribbean cruise is to try to go when most others cannot cruise. Avoiding religious holidays and the school vacation calendar is a good start. Royal Caribbean will absolutely, positively, avoid the path of any hurricane.
"For example, if you go to Anguilla, you can take a boat over to St. Barts. Or you can experience all the little islands around the Dominican Republic or Turks and Caicos." Tickets for cruises that set sail between January and March are usually among the most affordable. This is because these months and those between them are when demand is high enough to warrant an increased number of cruise voyages, but they miss the most pleasant months of November and April. Temperatures can be warm and enjoyable, but many people find that the humidity can be unpleasant. Rain is also more frequent, which can make excursions and exploring ports of call far less enjoyable.
If you are hoping to participate in outdoor activities while in Alaska such as hiking or whale watching, the summer months are your best bet. Book a June cruise to the Eastern Caribbean for a combination of warm temperatures and low rainfall. 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. 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. However, many travelers choose to cruise to Canada and New England specifically for the fall foliage.
With slightly warmer temperatures in the mid-to-upper 80s, both days and evenings can be spent outdoors kayaking beneath the golden sun or dining under the stars. To beat the summer rush, plan a visit in May or early June, and book a private rum distillery tour or a cinematic Jeep safari ride. If you prefer to float through the most refreshing waters of the year, wait until June when the azure ocean has warmed to perfection. Although summer excursions don larger price tags, you can never truly place a value on the treasures of the Caribbean. May in Bermuda is your best bet for shoulder season travel if you're after discounts and the highest likelihood for sunny skies and warm temperatures.
How Caribbean cruises offer easy, affordable international travel - USA TODAY
How Caribbean cruises offer easy, affordable international travel.
Posted: Thu, 05 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know to book your Caribbean cruise at the time that’s best for you. While temperatures rise in many places across the U.S. during the height of summer, July and August temperatures in the Caribbean are in the upper 70s and 80s. Beginning at the very end of April and into May, Antigua Sailing Week is globally known for its prestigious sailing races and parties. Tons of music and jazz festivals take place around the Caribbean this time of year, including the Pure Grenada Music Festival in May and the St. Kitts Music Festival in June. If your Caribbean cruise takes place over Easter, Virgin Gorda (part of the British Virgin Islands) holds a weekend filled with parties and calypso music.
Though the weather in the Caribbean is generally good year-round, December through April has more sunny days and less rain on average than other times of the year. The rainy season for the Caribbean runs from May to December; so ideally, it's best to avoid travel there during these months. This region is also popular among first-time cruisers, as these cruises offer a nice combination of on-shore and at-sea days. For budget-conscious travelers, avoiding the busier season can help you save some extra bucks. During this period, the increase in demand often leads to higher cruise fares and airfares. Additionally, many popular tourist spots tend to jack up their prices to capitalize on the influx of visitors.
Voyages in the beginning of the season are subject to pleasant temperatures in the 60s and low 70s, and since it is not yet peak season, you can often find a great rate. Once June rolls around, summer festivals begin to occur, such as the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Canada Grand Prix, and more. Cruises to Canada and New England typically operate between the months of May and October. Sailings in the latter half of the season are popular because of the fall foliage. Contrary to what some may believe, Bermuda is not located in the Caribbean!
Besides the tropical scenery, the Caribbean also boasts an alluring culture. If cruising during the holidays, join in the celebration of Jamaica’s Junkanoo – a Caribbean Christmas tradition. From vibrant costumes to rhythmic dancers, this parade of artists trots through the crowd-lined streets, appearing as one kaleidoscope of color. As you can tell from our breakdown of the wet and dry seasons, conditions tend to be at their most pleasant and calm right before the start of the wet season and shortly after it has concluded.
Given how the wet and dry seasons pan out, you are always better off booking your Caribbean cruise vacation during the calendar’s shoulder seasons, meaning late fall and early spring. Fall, especially September and early October, is not a bad time to cruise to the Caribbean – unless you are a worrier or someone who can't go with the flow when travel plans go awry. That's because the autumn months are the peak season for hurricanes and tropical storms. When it isn't stormy, it might still be a bit warm and sticky for some early in the season. Of course, peak season cruising means higher prices and a winter cruise will cost you more on average than a summer or fall cruise. The cheapest time for a Caribbean cruise is between August and November because school is back in session and the threat of hurricanes and a higher chance of rain.
While some ports can get crowded during peak season, they are popular for a reason and definitely worth a visit. The Caribbean is prone to hurricanes, with the season usually lasting from June to November. If you are planning a cruise during this time, it is important to keep an eye on weather updates and be prepared for itinerary changes or cancellations in case a hurricane is approaching. Cruise ships are equipped with advanced technology to detect and avoid hurricanes, and they prioritize passenger safety above all else.
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. 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.
