When is the best time of year to go on a cruise?

The best time of year to go on cruise mainly depends on where you’re going and what your budget is. Just as itineraries and facilities vary massively from cruise to cruise, the most popular cruise destinations are at their best at different times of the year.

So if you’re looking to find cheap cruise deals for an unforgettable holiday, make sure you look into the best time of year to go for your ideal destination.
 
Alaska

The best time of year to go to Alaska is during the summer months – preferably between June and August. There are a couple of main benefits to this – in these months there will be a higher chance of seeing wildlife on any excursion you take, and the temperatures will be considerably warmer.

Of course, as this will be in peak season, be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.

South America

South America is best visited between November and March, during the continent’s summer. Then, you can expect the temperatures to be at their warmest and life in this most exotic of continents to be at its most vibrant.

Of course, you may then experience one of their famous raging summer storms, which admittedly are spectacular. Expect large crowds during this season, particularly in the major holidays such as Christmas or New Year.

The Mediterranean

The months between May and September are ideal for visiting the Mediterranean. The temperatures will be gloriously warm, although it may be busy. September is an ideal time as the crowds will be diminishing and restaurants that might have closed during August (more common than you might think!) will have opened their doors once more.

However, if you do choose to travel between October and April, you’ll benefit from less crowding and therefore have more chance for relaxed sightseeing. Fares will be lower too, though the weather will be considerably less warm.
 
Hawaii

Christmas is when it gets busy around Hawaii. But this isn’t when cruising around these tropical islands is at its best. While the snorkelling conditions are ideal around December, the weather certainly isn’t its most ideal.

If you want beautiful conditions, fewer crowds and better prices, then look at booking a cruise in late spring.

The Caribbean

The Caribbean is many people’s idea of the ideal cruising destination and with the beautiful seas and various islands its little wonder why the area is so popular. If you are travelling with kids then going any time during the school holidays will be great, as Caribbean cruise lines offer peerless distractions for the kids.

If you aren’t travelling with kids then go in the spring when the crowds are smaller and the weather perfect. The autumn also has plenty to offer, but this is the region’s hurricane season and itineraries can be disrupted as the seas become choppier.