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Therefore, cruise lines often offer their best fares when bookings open to incentivize travelers to book early. For example, as of March 2023, I can book a cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line through spring or fall of 2025, depending on the ship. I could say that winter is the best time of year to book a cruise because that would cover the late-fall Thanksgiving week sales and wave season promotions.
Mediterranean
It's also the rainy season, and it's possible to have hurricanes during these months. For the best weather, book your cruise during the dry season, between November and May. Transiting the Panama Canal from the Caribbean to the Pacific Ocean is a bucket-list trip for many travelers.
Best time to cruise The Bahamas: March - May
You can reduce your risk of these by taking medication before your cruise and staying hydrated. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, go on excursions, and relax on the beach. You can also visit historical sites, shop, and dine at some of the best restaurants in the world.
Middle East
From balmy summers in the Mediterranean to winter escapes in the Southern Hemisphere, these are the best times to take a cruise all around the world. Browse our December cruises and book your next winter getaway today. Some itineraries visit Malaysia, with a chance to visit mystical, mountainous Langkawi and historic George Town, the capital of Penang. Indonesia is another thrilling destination, and a chance to take in Lombok’s volcanic beauty, where forested slopes give way to dreamy golden beaches. In the British Virgin Islands, take a break from lounging on the sand on Tortola and enjoy a rum tasting at a local distillery.
Winter: Moderate fares and quiet crowds (except during the holidays)
Or visit St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, where you can board a catamaran and sail towards the idyllic Honeymoon Beach, regarded as one of the most beautiful in the region. Speaking of thrills, many of our Bahamas cruises call at CocoCay, our award-winning private Bahamian island. Here, you’ll find everything from hair-raising waterslides and ziplining to a blissful lagoon pool, stylish beach clubs, and even overwater cabanas in the style of the South Pacific. Enjoy the perfect weather by kayaking off Balmoral Island Beach, or bathing in the clear waters of Blue Lagoon Island. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly cruises, are planning a romantic couples’ getaway, or looking for a unique adventure, here are some of December’s best cruise destinations. Also, just keep in mind that you should expect the highest cruise fares of the year during this time.
It was a wasted day for those hoping to enjoy water sports or the beach. These dreamy Christmas market cruises begin in November and are some of the best holiday cruises for building memories. While river cruises are known for celebratory market cruises, itineraries on mainstream cruise lines will still deliver when it comes to finding unique souvenirs on a European Christmas market cruise. If your cruise includes tendering to a port, expect lengthy lines for that, too. Winter cruising has its pros and cons, even when sailing in the beloved Mediterranean.
Festive Onboard Celebrations
While holiday sailings tend to fill up, cruises approaching the holidays offer just as much festivity with less crowding -- and often the same access to European Christmas markets. Christmas cruises add awe-inspiring decor, live performances, and a slew of onboard activities, like an ugly sweater contest and themed holiday trivia. Whether you want to sip eggnog by the pool or attend an onboard Christmas-carol singalong, Norwegian delivers plenty of reasons to set sail this season.
Prepare for cooler temperatures and take delight in whatever the sun delivers. Considering the above, the off-season can be tricky for cruise excursion selections. Taking a day trip to a vineyard or a walk around a beautiful national park might not be an option on a winter cruise. By the same token, if the ship is sailing part-full, you may not get enough people on a shore excursion.
Summer Cruises vs. Winter Cruises: 6 Things to Know - Cruise Critic
Summer Cruises vs. Winter Cruises: 6 Things to Know.
Posted: Mon, 27 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Rough seas can strike at any time year-round, so it's impossible to guarantee calm seas at any time of year. Chances are, though, there will be at least one bout of bouncy waves when cruising the Mediterranean in winter. When considering what to wear on a Mediterranean cruise in the off-season, the packing list becomes more interesting. The traditional lighting of the ship’s massive tree has become a mainstay of the celebrations, while many can’t get enough of the annual holiday-themed version of their famous Bottomless Galley Brunch.
December can be the best time to cruise the Caribbean or a slightly less awesome one, depending on you. Earlier in the month brings a lull to the islands as hurricane season has ended, though by the end of the month expect higher prices and more crowds. For the most part, the best time to cruise the Caribbean is January through April during the dry season, especially in April when temperatures are warmer. The worst time is September and October during the peak months of the Caribbean hurricane season. Alaska has a short cruise season that lasts from late April through October. June through August is Alaska's high season, when weather is warmest and summer vacation season is in full swing.
Peak season for European river cruises lasts from May through September. And if you're after the best of those European summer vibe, it's a hard time of year to top. Cafes are packed, streets bustle with life and days are long and warm. From the December holiday season through March, South America is at its best for weather and events, making it the best time to take a cruise. These months are sunny but temperate, with seemingly every other week hosting major celebrations.
Why now is the best time to book your 2024 cruise vacation - Cruise Blog
Why now is the best time to book your 2024 cruise vacation.
Posted: Wed, 10 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Also, some fares in the summer months can be higher with many families taking vacations. Prices for similar cruises with MSC between June and August range from $649 to $799. If you prefer childless cruising during the holidays, you can choose an adults-only cruise line like Viking.
Whether it’s the allure of snow-capped landscapes or the charm of tropical beaches during the holiday season, cruises in December unlock some exclusive travel experiences. 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. Even so, you can expect temperate weather year-round, and far less humidity than islands farther south.
Swapping blizzards for trade winds, winter cruises can be the tonic to your seasonal downswing. Not unlike birds, cruise ships head south for the winter, chasing the sun, sand, and appeal of tropical paradise. Though with an increase in expedition travel, shifting routes are leveraging the winter months as prime time for glacial destinations, from the northern lights to Antarctica. If you’re going to travel to the ends of the earth, 2019 was the year ships stepped up to take you there in luxury and style. Whether the destination is a remote island or an iceberg, these winter cruises are your best bet for the season. Whether the winter months are the best time to book a cruise depends on which itinerary you're hoping to book and how popular that sailing is that year.
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