Table Of Content
- January, May, September through November
- What is the best time of year to book a cruise?
- Best Time of Year to Book a Cruise
- Caribbean - January, February, May, September, October, and early November + December
- Cheapest Cruise Months: January, February, September, October
- What is the cheapest month to book a cruise?
The cheapest times to cruise to the Caribbean coincide with the American school schedule, as well as hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 through November 30. Even though New England and Canadian cities begin to considerably cool down in October around the end of the season, the chance of seeing peak fall foliage usually brings a crowd. The beginning of the Bermuda cruise season usually begins in May, so prices will be lower due to it being the shoulder season.
January, May, September through November
Make every dollar go further by taking advantage of these strategies for finding the cheapest months to go on a cruise. She cautioned travelers booking nonrefundable deposits – which they may not get back if they have to change their plans – to be certain the reservation they make will work for them. But those booking refundable deposits "have nothing to lose," she said.
What is the best time of year to book a cruise?
These sailings are often the most popular, but “best” can quickly turn to “worst” when you face high prices and large crowds. The cheapest time to cruise is often when most travelers don’t want to go. You may find less ideal weather or some seasonal closures, but the lure of cheap fares and uncrowded ports might make you change your mind about what you consider the best time to cruise. Tourists flock to Europe in the summer, but the best time for a European cruise is in the late spring and early fall.
Best Time of Year to Book a Cruise
A cruise to Hawaii can be a more inexpensive way to island-hop and get a taste of several ports in this tropical paradise. The cruise season runs year-round, with sailings from the US west coast (only one ship, NCL’s Pride of America, runs seven-day cruises in Hawaii round-trip from Honolulu). Although hurricane season doesn’t affect Bermuda to the extent that it does the Caribbean, the chance of stormy weather can still drive cruise fares down. With schools back in session and cooler weather, booking for September through November can save you lots of money on your Bermuda vacation.
Crowds are fewer, and there are bargains to be had, especially on larger ships and Great Barrier Reef cruises that are available year-round. However, if we had our pick, we would suggest either April or October if you need to fly into a cruise port. The generally good weather and low prices combine to make it a cheap and easy time to sail. In this case the ‘shoulder’ months of May and September offer the lowest prices. Most cruisers make a decision to go on a particular cruise based on their schedule at home, primarily related to their work or school schedule.
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Play enough and cruise lines will offer you sharply discounted cruises, sometimes for seemingly pennies on the dollar. Generally speaking, April, May, and September, the months that align the typical academic schedule, see the coldest temperatures of the cruise season. Another pro of repositioning cruises is the opportunity to have many sea days. This can be a great way to relax, recharge, and enjoy all the amenities on board the ship. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the ship, try the different restaurants and bars, and enjoy the entertainment. Booking a cruise during the shoulder season can result in significant cost savings.
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Even though there is the threat of cruising during hurricane season, if you are flexible you will be fine. Your ship may have to change its itinerary because of an incoming storm, but pack your sense of adventure and you will still be glad you got such a great deal. With two Norwegian Cruise Line ships dedicated to Hawaii cruising, you can explore the islands year-round. The best time to cruise Hawaii for good weather is during the summer and early fall when the islands get the least amount of rain. Summer tends to be the most popular because of school vacation and honeymoon season.
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And in our experience the amounts can be substantial compared to the price of the cruise. Sure, it’s not necessarily a way to find a cruise for less money, but it is less money that comes out of your pocket for the vacation. So spend a dollar, get a point that can be put toward cash back, your statement, gift cards, travel, and more.
Best Time to Cruise European Rivers: May - September
In some cases, heat waves and low rainfall can cause European rivers to be too low for ships to sail. Additionally, depending on where you're sailing, July and August may mean some local cafes and restaurants are closed for summer holidays. Peak season for European river cruises lasts from May through September. And if you're after the best of those European summer vibe, it's a hard time of year to top.
Outside of the Caribbean, the Mediterranean is one of the most popular places to cruise. The typical season begins around March or April and goes through November. The temperature remains warm throughout most of the year, though there may be an occasional cold front during the months of November through February, but they are short lived. That being said, Norwegian Cruise Line has begun sailing there more frequently, meaning you might be able to find a good deal just about year-round.
Tracking prices allows you to watch the rise and fall of cruise fares over time, so when the fare drops, you'll recognize the price as a deal and be able to pounce on it. This strategy is best if you plan to book early and aren't as concerned about the ship selling out immediately. If it's the latter, that's when you get last-minute deals on cruise ships with unsold cabins. However, even if that last-minute cruise is cheap, the 11th-hour airfare or pre-cruise hotel booking could eat into your savings. In the cruise industry, a last-minute booking is considered any cruise purchased after final payment is due, generally 60 to 90 days before sailing.
As you’ll see below, there are trade-offs with each time of year to sail. However, many of the potential downsides are manageable in our opinion — and shouldn’t deter you from taking a cruise when it fits your schedule and budget. I haven’t been on a cruise and always intrigued about the cheapest months to do it. I remember seeing my friend and her friends went to the Caribbean in October and they got a very good price.
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