Best Time of Year to Cruise
Travel
Audio By Carbonatix
This time of year, the cruise industry wants to nail down your next cruise adventure and they are willing to make a deal. But you may be wondering are there better months to cruise than others? The answer is...perhaps. Read on, my friend, read on...
The wet season in the Caribbean runs from June through November. This is also Hurricane season. During the 2023 hurricane season, Tropical Storm Idalia disrupted travel plans for a variety of sailing vessels, including Disney Cruise Line's Disney Fantasy. The scheduled Western Caribbean route was altered, with the ship visiting the Eastern Caribbean islands of Tortola and St. Thomas instead of Cozumel, Mexico; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Grand Cayman. Similarly, Wonder of the Seas modified its itinerary, skipping Roatán, Honduras, and spending an additional day at sea due to Hurricane Lee's impact.
Fortunately, most cruise ships offer a wide variety of activities and events to keep passengers entertained, even if a port of call is canceled. Despite cruise lines' efforts to redirect ships to alternative destinations, there remains a possibility of outright cancellation in harsh conditions. Passengers sailing around storms might encounter rough seas or cloudy days, affecting outdoor plans.
Motion sickness could also be a concern, prompting passengers to reconsider spending the entire cruise feeling unwell due to the ship's rocking. Additionally, fewer ships operate in the Caribbean during the wet season, with increased deployment during the dry season (e.g., November, December, and January), providing more flexibility and options for travelers.
Booking a Caribbean cruise during the wet season, which aligns with the return to school for most American children in August, often results in lower fares due to decreased demand. For example, a 7-night cruise departing on July 20, 2025, may start at $879, while the same itinerary in August could begin at around $580 per person, saving nearly $600 for a couple.
Despite potential sellouts on cruise ships, islands are likely less crowded during the off-peak months, offering advantages such as cost savings and a more relaxed atmosphere. The best months for cruising to the Caribbean are considered to be January and May. January sees reduced prices post-holiday season, with warm temperatures in the Caribbean. May experiences less rainfall compared to later months in the wet season.
However, these optimal months may not align with American school schedules, and considerations like post-holiday leave availability may influence travel plans. Regardless of the chosen cruise period, purchasing travel insurance is crucial. Travel insurance, typically priced at 6-15% of the total cruise fare, provides peace of mind by covering various unforeseen circumstances such as travel delays, medical emergencies, and luggage mishaps. Each cruise line offers its version of travel insurance with varying coverage, ensuring that travelers have access to assistance and support throughout their journey.
