What are the most crowded cruise months?


What are the most crowded cruise months? Most people travel during the summer months (June through August), making those voyages pricier, but you'll find deals on spring and fall departures (April through early June and September through November, respectively).


Should I avoid the Caribbean in October?

Meanwhile, in the Caribbean, it is the low season in many of the best Caribbean islands for families, making it a great time to score deals and avoid crowds. If you see the value to off-season travel, the Caribbean is one of the best places to visit in October and other fall months.


Is it better to cruise in January or February?

January to March is typically the most cost-effective time to cruise, but there is a better chance of inclement weather and ships may have to change course to steer clear of storms.


How crowded are cruise ships now?

Florida-based Royal Caribbean said earlier this month that the load factor, or percentage of seats filled, of its cruise ships rose to an average of 102% in the first quarter of 2023. By comparison, the occupancy rate was 57% a year ago and 107% in 2019 just before pandemic lockdowns.


When not to go on a cruise?

Hurricane Season Storms in August and October have a moderate risk of developing into hurricanes while September has the highest risk of all. For these reasons, September is the worst month of the year to take a cruise.


When not to cruise in the Caribbean?

What months should you not go on a Caribbean cruise? You can expect the highest level of rainfall in the Caribbean between the months of May and November. September and October are peak hurricane seasons, so there's a higher chance of disruption and some ports of call may be cancelled or changed.


Is October a bad month to cruise?

Taking a Cruise in October While the humidity is always a factor, October sees the start of a cooling trend in the weather. As well, while hurricanes can occur in October, the season is largely over so you don't have to worry about them disrupting your trip as much.


What is the least expensive month to cruise?

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.


What is the best time to board a cruise ship?

The best time to board a cruise ship is obviously when there are few lines and short waits. The trick is knowing when that will be. Unfortunately, it can vary from port to port and ship to ship, but I prefer arriving in the early afternoon, usually around 1 or 2 p.m.


What time of year is least busy to cruise?

To avoid crowds and experience cooler temperatures, consider traveling in the shoulder months of May and September or early October. Most Mediterranean cruises sail in the summer months, when the sun and sand in coastal ports are at their peak and cities come alive with activity.


Where do you feel less on a cruise ship?

The middle of the ship and not too high is your safest bet. A mid-ship stateroom with a balcony for quick access to fresh air may be ideal. If not available, consider a room that is either lower or closer to the back, as the front of the ship tends to experience the most movement.


How do you stand out on a cruise?

Here are our favorite tips for making your cruise extra-special.
  1. Tip 1: Enjoy a Pre-Cruise Splurge. ...
  2. Tip 2: Upgrade Your Cabin. ...
  3. Tip 3: Arrange an In-Cabin Surprise. ...
  4. Tip 5: Turn Dinner Into an Event to Remember. ...
  5. Tip 6: Dress Up on Formal Night. ...
  6. Tip 7: Treat Yourself (or Someone Else) to a Splurge.


How many days is enough for a cruise?

If you're bringing the whole family, a 5 or 7 day cruise might be the best way to make sure everyone has an awesome getaway. And for those lucky folks with even more time to spare, a cruise of 10 days or more will give you an incredible experience of all the best things a cruise has to offer.


Do cruises get cheaper the closer you get?

The prices of some cruises will decrease last minute – but this doesn't always happen. Booking a cruise within the last 60/90 days may not always be the best way to get a bargain. If you leave it this late you run the risk of the cruise line only having a few cabins left and the prices increasing.


How do you avoid cruise crowds?

Here are some of the best ways to avoid the crowds on a cruise.
  1. Make priority boarding a priority. ...
  2. Check in on the exact date check-in opens. ...
  3. Pick a smaller ship or more premium cruise line. ...
  4. Book the ship-within-a-ship experience. ...
  5. Enjoy some of those comfy lounges during off-peak hours. ...
  6. Get up early.


Can you sleep on the balcony of a cruise ship?

Can You Sleep on a Cruise Ship Balcony? There are no rules that say that passengers on cruise ships can't sleep on their balconies. That said, cruise lines do generally advise against it. Despite this many people enjoy sleeping on their balconies and you won't have any problem doing so if you want to.


What months to avoid for cruising the Caribbean?

Caribbean Seasons
Rain is more frequent in the wet season, but the temperatures are warmer. Wet season and dry season are both good times to cruise the Caribbean. The worst time for a Caribbean cruise weather-wise is August to September, as it is peak hurricane season.