To save some money on a Caribbean cruise, it is best to sail in off peak times such as January, May, and early fall. With kids back in school, there is less demand for cruising during these periods.
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Beyond during holiday periods such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Labor Day when there may be some flash sales, January and February are particularly good times to book a cruise, as the first two months of the year are considered “wave season” in the cruising industry.
What months should you not go on a Caribbean cruise? You can expect the highest level of rainfall in the Caribbean between the months of May and November. September and October are peak hurricane seasons, so there's a higher chance of disruption and some ports of call may be cancelled or changed.
Summer is peak season with family vacations and honeymooners, so prices will be higher then. Expect a lift during spring break weeks, as well. Even though January, February and March bring more rain, the winter months are also peak season for tourists … and whales.
Cruise lines often discount their prices a month or two before sailing to fill vacant cabins. However, it's worth noting that a last-minute cruise doesn't always offer the most savings to travelers. Those who plan far ahead may be able to save even more.
The summer months, especially June, July, and August, are the peak travel season for cruises. This is primarily due to families taking advantage of school holidays and vacation time. With increased demand, cruise prices tend to be higher during these months.
In terms of seasons, these are divided into two main types; the high season which runs roughly from mid-December through mid-April, and the low season which runs from June through November. In addition there are two shoulder seasons in the spring and autumn. The low season is also the hurricane season in the Caribbean.
Taking a Cruise in OctoberWhile the humidity is always a factor, October sees the start of a cooling trend in the weather. As well, while hurricanes can occur in October, the season is largely over so you don't have to worry about them disrupting your trip as much.
The cheapest months to cruise to the Caribbean are May, September and October. The peak season for the Caribbean is December to April when it is driest – cheaper months tend to experience more rainfall and the risk of hurricanes causing changes to itineraries.
Despite the potential of a downpour, many families choose to visit during summer break, from June to August. The best time to cruise the Caribbean in the summer is in June, when rainfall is not yet as heavy as during later months. The peak months of the hurricane season in the Caribbean are September and October.
Booking a cruise one to two years in advance is not practical for many families, so a great time to book a cruise is between six and 12 months before sailing. In addition to the lower prices, booking well in-advance of a cruise assures you of the ship and stateroom you want to reserve.
Dry Season in the Caribbean: December-AprilWith no shortage of people seeking to escape the freezing winter temperatures for the holidays, December is one of the most popular times for Caribbean cruises and vacations. January and February are almost as popular, as they have the lowest risk of rainfall.
According to an extensive study that followed price drops in the cruise industry, Thursdays may be the best day to book a cruise. Prices associated with travel are always in flux due to supply and demand, so the prices of a cruise can change daily. Prices could spike on a Wednesday and drop, well, on a Thursday.
September is a month when many schools are back in session and the summer vacation season is over. This means that demand for Caribbean cruises drops, and cruise lines lower their prices to attract more customers.
A shorter cruise of 3-5 days may be a good option for those who are new to cruising and want to test the waters, while a longer cruise of 7-14 days may be more suitable for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the experience and explore multiple destinations.
Meanwhile, in the Caribbean, it is the low season in many of the best Caribbean islands for families, making it a great time to score deals and avoid crowds. If you see the value to off-season travel, the Caribbean is one of the best places to visit in October and other fall months.
Aside from the prices, summer is the worst time for most people to visit the Caribbean. The weather can be uncomfortably hot and muggy at the best of times. More important, summer is also the hurricane season. The risk of hurricanes is especially high in August and September.
Northern Europe - May or OctoberIn other words, going during shoulder season while the temperatures and demand are lower will help you lock in some of the lowest prices of the season.
While there is not a clear winner across all of the categories, Carnival, MSC and Royal Caribbean offer the lowest prices for those wanting to cruise. These costs were compared solely on the cruise fare, which does include complimentary dining venues as well as most of the onboard activities and entertainment.