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When you think of the Caribbean Islands, turquoise waters and tranquil white-sand beaches are most likely the first things that cross your mind. A Caribbean cruise takes your leisure holiday to a whole new level.
Based on our research, we have discovered the best time to cruise the Caribbean, to match your imagination with reality.
Mid-January and April
In the months of January and April, the weather is sunny and the sea calm. The climate is dry and comfortable, making this the right time to enjoy a cruise. Because the Christmas/New Year’s school break has ended, the crowds are also smaller during these months, so you don’t have to pay higher prices for tickets or rush to purchase them.
Hurricane season begins in June, lasting until November. Even if there aren’t hurricanes, tropical storms and heavy rains are more common during these months and bring with them rougher seas and a less enjoyable experience.
Though Caribbean cruises can be enjoyed throughout the year, this is a tropical region and ships may have to be re-routed to avoid bad weather, so certain months are better suited to water sports and cruise enjoyment.
From December to April, the climate is at its driest and you are most likely to enjoy your cruise.
The wet season has many hurricanes and heavy storms and lasts from June to November. During this period, it’s possible that there may be alterations or cancellations to your original cruise itinerary if you’ve booked one.
The high season lasts from just before Christmas to early January, and picks up again from mid-February until early April. Due to the Caribbean’s proximity to the US and Canada, crowds come back over long weekends and holiday periods including Presidents’ Day (February), Easter, Thanksgiving (October/November) and Christmas/New Year school breaks.
Best time to cruise the Caribbean, weatherwise: The weather is the most pleasant from December to April when it’s the driest and the sea is calm, making the conditions better suited to enjoying a Caribbean cruise
Cheapest time to cruise to the Caribbean: September to November are the cheapest months to cruise to the Caribbean as it's the rail end of hurricane season. While not ideal if you have your heart set on particular ports, cruise lines can alter their itineraries if there is a storm coming so you can still have an enjoyable sailing. Also make sure you have adequate cruise insurance if you are sailing during this time, as if you are affected by a storm you may be able to get cover for missed ports or major changes to your holiday.
CruiseAway
Up to 40% off + up to US$400 OBC with Royal Caribbean
Available on select voyages in 2020 and 20201. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Pacific, Europe, Mediterranean, Asia and more. T&Cs apply.
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Flight Centre - Cruises
South Pacific cruises from $999
Available on select travel dates from January - March 2020 with Royal Caribbean. Sample fare is for a 9-night South Pacific and Queensland cruise. T&Cs apply.
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My Cruises
$99 deposit + up to $8,000 bonus value
Available on select 2020 - 2021 voyages with Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Cunard and Celebrity Cruises. Destinations include Hawaii, New Zealand, South Pacific, Caribbean, Europe and more. T&Cs apply.
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CruiseAway
Up to 40% off + US$400 OBC with Royal Caribbean
Available on select voyages departing until 21 April 2020. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Alaska, Canada and more. T&Cs apply.
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Destination International
10 nights South Pacific cruise from $999
Available sail date is 23 March 2020 with Royal Caribbean to New Caledonia and New Zealand. Package include cruise accommodation and on board meals.
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CruiseAway
Up to US$2,000 OBC with Norwegian Cruise Line
Available on select cruises departing from 15 April 2020 onward. Destinations include Caribbean, Asia, Pacific, North America, Hawaii and more. T&Cs apply.
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Nexus Holidays
Singapore & China 22-day cruise with tours and flights from $2,499
Departure date on 29 April 2020 with Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Sea. Package includes airfare, accommodation, meals, airport and hotel transfers, high-speed bullet train from Beijing to Suzhou and more.
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Cruise Direct
Free WiFi + drinks + 10% off excursions with MSC Cruises
Available on select 2020 travel dates. Destinations include Caribbean, Bahamas, Jamaica, Virgin Island, Mexico, Belize and more.
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Cruise Direct
30% off + free WiFi, drinks, excursions, specialty dining
Available on select 2020 travel dates on Norwegian Cruise Line. Destinations include North America, Caribbean, Europe and more.
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CruiseAway
Up to $400 OBC with Virgin Voyages
Available on select travel until October 2021. Destinations include Mediterranean Sea, Western Europe, Caribbean, Central and Northern America, and more. T&Cs apply.
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Flight Centre - Cruises
10-night South Pacific and New Zealand cruise from $1,099
Cruise departs on 23 March 2020 with Royal Caribbean. Package includes accommodation, meals, up to $400 OBC and more. T&Cs apply.
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My Cruises
Up to $6,000 bonus value
Available on select travel dates in 2020 with Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises. Destinations include Japan, Alaska, Europe, China, Africa and more. T&Cs apply.
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Flight Centre - Cruises
7-night Caribbean and Mexico cruise from $855
Departing on 30 October 2020 with MSC Seaside. Package includes meals, drinks, onboard entertainment and more. T&Cs apply.
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CruiseAway
Up to 40% off Miami cruises
Valid for travel on select dates in 2019 and 2020. Other destinations include New York, Europe, the Caribbean and more. T&Cs apply.
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MSC Cruises
Free drinks of up to $1,000 value on worldwide cruises
Valid for travel between January and April 2020. Destinations include the Caribbean, USA, Canada, Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Grand Voyages and more.
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My Cruises
Up to $4,000 in free extras cruises + flights worldwide
Valid on select 2019 and 2020 dates with MSC, Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Cunard, P&O and more. Destinations include Vietnam, Philippines, England and Dubai. Inclusive of additional bonus nights, return flights, onboard meals and more. T&Cs apply.
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| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 16 Jan 2020 | Mediterranean cruises from just $99 with MSC | ******** |
| 15 Jan 2020 | Up to $900 off cruises + $200 OBC with Carnival Cruises | ******** |
| 15 Jan 2020 | $1 deposits + onboard credit with P&O Cruises | ******** |
| 21 Jan 2020 | $50 deposit on Rockies & Alaska tour and cruise with flights | ******** |
| 17 Jan 2020 | Australia Day sale: $1 deposit on Princess Cruises | ******** |
