In your opinion, What is the best month to cruise? We are thinking about booking a cruise to Cozumel and Cayman Islands.

If I had to pick one month for the Caribbean, I would pick February; it's after the Holidays and before Spring break; it's less crowded and before the rainy saesaon.

It's hard to say for me. I liked the March cruise because of the weather, the college kids didn't bother me. It was a great way to come out of winter.

Dwayne

Hmmm....January, February, March, April, May, June, July...any of them are great. The weather doesn't change much any time of the year. Hurricane season is June through November, but we've cruised in September, October, November, and December without any problems. If children bother you, don't book during the summer, spring break, or Christmas when they're out of school. Late February, early March I guess would be optimum, but I'd go any time I could

I have only cruised once in my life....this past October 07. We went to the Western Carib, visiting Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize and Roatan. It did rain almost every day, but only briefly. The only excursion that we were rained on was swimming with the stingrays in Grand Cayman and we were already wet and in the water anyway - so it didn't matter to us. The sea was a little rough - but we thought that that's just how it always was....until more experienced cruisers informed us otherwise. I guess we were just thrilled to be there - so weather and rough seas didn't bother us at all. I would go anytime....but would love to escape NY weather in February!!! That's when the blues set in good and I'm craving sun, sand and saltwater!!

It probably partially depends on what part of the country you are from. About 11 years my husband and I did a cruise in January that left from San Juan. When we left our local airport the actual air temperature was around -30, with windchills in excess of -60. When we next where outside in San Juan it was in the 80's. In my opinion that makes January a pretty good bet if you live in a cold weather state.

Best dates for cruise pricing are Sept through early Nov and also early Dec has very attractive rates. I agree with the post that addressed where you live. If I lived in a cold climate I'd want to get away from the cold in either Jan or Feb. Anytime is a good time to be on a cruise ship though.

cheers, Neil

I prefer cruising in late winter or early fall. the open decks can be a bit hot for me in the middle of summer.

I've cruised in Sept, Nov, Jan & Feb and the weather was great for all of them. Those are the months we have found the best rates. I live in FL, & it does get chilly here at times. (When it's in the 80's during the day and in the 30's at night it's a pretty big shock to your system!) Even when it's chilly in the port, it's still beautiful in the Caribbean! And I have to say I agree with the poster who said any time is a good (GREAT) time to be on a cruise ship!

End of January/begining of Febuary. Weather,Kids,Prices. If your from the north get a break from the cold.

It depends on your outlook really. Spring breakers can really liven up a cruise ship. It can make for some pretty wild pool deck entertainment. Same goes for late May, right when school's out "for summer" (a little Alice Cooper ref for ya'll).
If you just want to get away and relax, then late January and February are good, as well as late September to early November (but then there is that darn hurricane possibility). I've been twice in October, with not a storm with 1000 miles.

I think the best month to cruise is any month that have a vowel in it's name...

From Minnesota, January and February are the two best months for me.....after 19 cruises, I've had good weather most of the time during those two months....March works too....anytime I can be on a ship is the best time to cruise...

Happy Sailing,

Bob E

quote:

If you just want to get away and relax, then late January and February are good, as well as late September to early November (but then there is that darn hurricane possibility). I've been twice in October, with not a storm with 1000 miles.

I am struggling to make a decision about this very topic. The last 2 years we have cruised in late October to minimize the hurricane threat. We still ended up with bad weather because of one comming or going. While late September was storm free. You can't predict mother nature for sure. It is hard to pass up the September prices though. I must be a hurricane magnet.

Dwayne

we had 3 huricanes to deal with cindy and dennis, one was coming striaght at us , then turn up north during the night, cindy hit up by mobile i think we rode the wake behind it.
i love to cruise, i dont like lots of kids on the ship,
never, stay on the bottom deck, kid find a safe haven to run down the long halls at all hours of the day and night..even at 3 am

On our past cruises, we've had the smoothest Gulf of Mexico cruises in January/Feb and the smoothest Atlantic/South Caribbean in November & March.

I have to say that the Southern Caribbean March cruise was the best weather wise in every way as well. Beautiful weather and no worries about the hurricanes.

Dwayne

I love early May and late September, early October. Our early May cruises (first week) have been glorious and our fall cruises have been just as nice except for one overcast day this past October (first week). The May cruises have been Key West, Playa Del Carmen (you can ferry over to Cozumel or enjoy a day at the flour-sand beach in Playa Del Carmen or head into Puerto Aventuras)with two fun days at sea. The other was out of Tampa to Cozumel with two fun days at sea... so relaxing. The fall cruises have been to Half Moon Cay - just love it, St. Thomas (St. John), San Juan (don't listen to what others say), and twice to Grand Turk - Margaritaville there is so much fun and the pool is gorgeous as well as the snorkeling. Another reason I love it at these times is that most schools are still in session so that means a lot less kids under foot. You might hit a high school trip but we haven't.