Best Time to Cruise

Understanding when is the best time to cruise is an important part of choosing when to cruise.  At the same time you should consider the type of cruise that you would like to do and then consider the time of year that the cruise will take place. Most of the cruise operators follow an annual cruise programme which takes them around the world benefiting from the best possible cruising weather.

Other considerations to help you decide when to cruise will be if you need to take your holiday at a specific time of the year. ie school holidays or festive season etc. If these times do not effect you then consider travelling outside of them to get the very best offers available to you. The cruise season is normally split into 3 seasons, High, shoulder and low season

Best time to cruise Europe – April to Mid October (High Season May to September)

Best time to cruise Alaska – May to September (June to August is High Season)

Best time to Cruise the Caribbean – Year Round although best weather to avoid hurricane season is November to April (High Season June to August, Christmas New Year, February and April – Basically school Holidays!)

Best time to South America – March to October (High Season November to March) NB August and Sept waters can be choppy for the Galapagos cruises, so avoid if you are prone to sea sickness

Best time for Round the world cruises – Normally tend to start in January and end March, April or May. Some Sydney round trips are now starting in the month of May or July.

The other thing to consider is the feel of the ship as some cruise ships will be predominantly British whilst others will American, Italian or have a more equally International feel to them. To find out more about the different types of cruise ships read our guide on which cruise ship is best for you.