I am often asked when can someone get the best deal cruising. My first answer is 'every day' since cruising is such a great value to begin with no matter what time of year you sail. Sailing off season can make cruising an even greater value, but there are some risks. Some ships have extended their European sailing through out the year ... but you might get snow! Cruising the Caribbean in the fall makes for dodging hurricanes. Cruising Alaska in September might find cold temperatures and snow in Denali. The rewards can be great with less crowded and quiet ports and great prices. Below I have outlined the in season and off-season months for popular cruise destinations:
Caribeban: Season is year round with the best months being December to April. The summer can be very hot with severe thunderstoms. Off season is August to October which is hurracne season. The ships do a great job of just sailing around them. But getting to the port might be difficult during a storm.
Northern Europe: Best season runs May to September.
Mediterranean: Season runs April to October but many ships now sail year round. August is the most crowded. Best deals will be found December to February but watch out for colder temperatures.
Alaska (one of my favorites!): Season runs May to September with best months July and August. Winter is fast approaching come September.
Trans-Atlantic: These are great values as most of these sailing are repositioning cruises. These cruises are when the ships are moving from their 'summer' ports to their 'winter' ports and vice versa. These typically are in the spring and fall. Cunard sails regular Trans-Atlantic routes with ships built specifically for that reason. Best time of year is June to August.
New England/Canada: Season runs April to October. Best time for foliage are the last weeks of September to early October. Off season April and May. I remember the April Fools New England Blizzard many years ago!
Antarctica: Best time to go is December to February and the least popular would be November or March. You should expect changing weather even in the high season. Ships have to cross the Drake Passage of the coast of South America which is one of the most challenging routes in the world.
Happy Cruising !!
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