The best time of the year to cruise to these popular destinations
You need to know when to go! Here are the best times of the year to cruise to these popular destinations.
1. South Pacific – May to October
The South Pacific is one of the world’s few true year-round cruise destinations, with ships departing Australia in every month. However, for the best weather cruise from May to October. It’s the dry season, so you’ll encounter very little rain, and the trade winds bring a fresh breeze so you won’t get too hot.
2. Mediterranean – May to June or September to October
Summer (June to August) is high season in the Mediterranean, but it can get very hot and very crowded. You are better off aiming for the spring or autumn shoulder seasons. The weather is still excellent with warm, sunny days and little rain, plus there are far fewer cruisers and you may even be able to snag a bargain.
3. Alaska – May to June
The Alaska cruise season is quite short, running from April to September each year. The warmest months are June and July, but it can also be quite rainy at this time. May and June are warm, sunny months and prices will be a little lower. The further you get into the summer season, the more wildlife you will see on shore excursion, so keep this in mind if that's important to you.
4. Caribbean – December to April
The Caribbean is North America’s version of the South Pacific in terms of year-round cruising. If you want the best weather (and little chance of hurricanes) sail from December to April. And while North American schools have some holidays over Christmas, they don’t have the same long stretch over that period as we do in Australia – so no school holiday crush.
5. South America – November to May
The climate in South America can vary from day to day (or even hour to hour), so expect the unexpected at all times. November to May should bring warm weather, long days and plenty of sunshine. Even so, the high mountains around places like Ushuaia will still be snowcapped and this is also the only time of year you can sail further on to Antarctica.