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February is also a popular month to book a romantic couples’ cruise, thanks to Valentine’s Day, which falls on February 14th. Foodies in particular will find that each island has its own unique flavors (and loves to celebrate them). It's a week-long celebration of local cuisine challenges, inviting chefs to create dishes featuring one key homegrown ingredient. A good portion of Magner’s clients are visiting the Caribbean for boat charters. "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." One of the highlights of taking a cruise to the Caribbean during the holidays is celebrating with Celebrity Cruises on board.
Best time to cruise the Panama Canal to avoid crowds
Cozumel is an island in the Caribbean just offshore from Playa del Carmen and just south of Cancun. You can head to the beach, go scuba diving or snorkeling or head to the mainland to see Mayan cultural sites like Tulum and Chichen Itza. Stick around town to find cheap drinks at Senor Frog's or shop for souvenirs. Luxury lovers should look at the smaller ships of the Seabourn, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas fleets for opulent accommodations and fine dining while sailing the tropics. Oceania, Azamara and Windstar Cruises are less inclusive, but still high end. The Caribbean is also known for its music festivals, which showcase a variety of genres including reggae, soca, calypso, and salsa.
When is the Caribbean’s dry season?
Spring break is a popular time to cruise and fares can fluctuate during that time. 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.
Luxury Cruises
Best Time to Cruise to Cozumel: A Month-by-Month Guide - Cruise Critic
Best Time to Cruise to Cozumel: A Month-by-Month Guide.
Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
However, it’s also when prices are highest and crowds can be larger due to increased demand. Additionally, it’s worth noting that December to May coincide with the Caribbean’s peak tourist season. This means that while you’ll be enjoying the best weather conditions, you’ll also be sharing the islands with more visitors. The increase in tourists can lead to crowded beaches, higher prices for accommodations and activities, and the need for reservations at popular spots.
Best Caribbean cruise ports
The months of May and June also fall under the peak season for cruising the Caribbean. Although temperatures may start to rise during this time, it is still a great time to visit. The crowds are not as overwhelming as in the previous months, making it an ideal time for those looking for a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. The prices for cruises are usually lower during May and June compared to the peak winter months, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers. Once you reach July, you are at the very peak of the Caribbean’s wet season, which means you can expect high temperatures, plenty of rain, and humidity levels that can be uncomfortable. During these mid to late summer months, the Caribbean is also at the greatest risk of experiencing tropical storms, multi-day rainfalls, and even hurricanes.
Best weather in the Southern Caribbean
The shoulder seasons will also have fewer passengers and tourists — and you may even have some attractions to yourself in the cities and towns. You'll also need to plan for mosquitos in port and for serious sun protection. Most of the Caribbean averages a UV index of 7 (considered a high risk) during the summer months, holding at a high or extremely high level for long stretches of the day. Luckily, you will likely have nice weather no matter what time of the year you sail to the Caribbean. Certain times of the year may be more warm, humid, or rainy than others, but in general, the weather in the Caribbean is warm and breezy.
On Thanksgiving cruises from Florida, you’ll get a traditional feast with all the trimmings. During the summer, the chance of rain also increases, so make sure to bring a rain jacket or poncho in case you happen to get caught under some showers. Don’t forget the bug spray either, as high humidity and rain typically mean there are more mosquitoes, too. Seriously, you can almost always find a deal on a Caribbean cruise if you're flexible enough with your travel dates and cabin types.
Southern Caribbean
Water temperatures in the Caribbean can be cool in January and February, depending on how exposed your destination is to the chilly waters of the open Atlantic. The occasional winter storm and breezy conditions can make waters a bit rougher in January and February as well. The summer months are also the best time to see several species of whales off the coast of Newfoundland, including humpback whales. Fares for seven-night cruises in May 2024 are as low as $499 per person on an MSC cruise sailing round-trip from Miami and even less expensive at $399 per person come September.
Lower Rates in Shoulder Season
Is January a good time for a cruise? - Royal Caribbean Blog
Is January a good time for a cruise?.
Posted: Thu, 07 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Cruise fares are higher overall in summer than in the other three seasons. Shops and attractions will overflow with passengers from other ships and land-based vacationers. If you don't mind spring break crowds, spring is a wonderful time to cruise. The weather in the Caribbean in March, April and May is idyllic, and the seas are likely to be calm.
Springtime will be the quietest time to visit the Aloha State, although you might find an uptick of families traveling for spring break during March and April. The summer is the busiest time for vacationers, and the winter months bring whale-watching enthusiasts and surfers. There are also two major sporting events in January, so you'll want to avoid the crowds on Oahu and Maui during that month. Although cruises around the holidays tend to be more expensive, they provide excellent opportunities to enjoy holiday festivities away from home.
The Caribbean is dotted with popular ports of call that attract millions of cruise ship passengers each year. Destinations such as St. Maarten, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman are known for their stunning beaches, exciting excursions, and rich cultural heritage. These ports offer a wide range of activities, from shopping and dining to exploring historical sites and participating in thrilling adventures. While some ports can get crowded during peak season, they are popular for a reason and definitely worth a visit.
The Caribbean hurricane season is a period of the year when hurricanes are most likely to occur in the Caribbean. It runs from June 1st to November 30th, peaking between August and October. During these months, the warm sea temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions make it possible for hurricanes to develop.
The lively atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and numerous activities and events make for an unforgettable cruise experience. The cruise season in the Mediterranean usually begins in April and ends in November, with peak season falling between June and September. If you're looking for warm weather, excellent snorkeling opportunities, and beautiful beachfront destinations, then the winter months are often ideal. Winter in the Caribbean sees plenty of sunshine with temperatures ranging from 70s-80s Fahrenheit (20-30 Celsius).
