Taking a Cruise in JanuaryCruise lines typically have discounted rates to fill up the ship in January; the same cruise departing at the height of the busy summer can cost hundreds of dollars more than in January.
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What is the cheapest time to book a cruise? Prospective cruisers can usually find a lot of good deals at the beginning of the year during wave season, Goldberg-Glazer said. That period typically lasts from January until March.
As the start of the dry season, January yields the least amount of rain all year. While climates will vary depending on which region you're sailing, expect temperatures to range from the upper 80s during the day to the mid-60s in the evening.
With the exception of Christmas and New Year's cruises and possibly late-winter cruises to warm-weather destinations, you'll find fewer crowds when you sail in the winter. November and early December are shoulder season pretty much everywhere, so you'll have more breathing room and find fewer lines onboard and ashore.
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.
Vacations can be expensive, so naturally, whenever there's a study that suggests ways to travel cheaper, it's worth digging into. According to an extensive study that followed price drops in the cruise industry, Thursdays may be the best day to book a cruise.
Cruise prices do not get cheaper closer to the sailing date in all cases. Cruise prices are usually the cheapest furthest from the sailing date when first launched or 60-90 days before the cruise sets sail. The prices of some cruises will decrease last minute – but this doesn't always happen.
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.
However, September and October are peak months for hurricanes. Even though ships try to steer clear of these storms, the weather still might be less than ideal.
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.
The best deals in the Caribbean can often be found when the weather is at its worst — during hurricane season. At the same time, a small window exists in the dead of winter when good deals can be found. The most ideal bargain period extends from early January to early February, said Bennett.