What's the Best Time to Cruise? It Boils Down to What You Want Most
What’s the best time to go on a cruise? To be honest, it all comes down to what you’re looking to get out of the experience. Some folks want nothing more than warm beach days and calm waters while others care more about snapping photos of glaciers, dodging crowds, or squeezing in a trip around the school holidays. And the good news is you can have a fantastic time on the water during many months of the year. It just depends on what matters most to you. Some people are bugged by things like hurricane season, school breaks, or unpredictable weather, and these can be major considerations in figuring out the best time to go on a cruise.
Rather than deciding on a specific month first, try working out what’s most important to you. Do you want the best chance of pleasant weather for strolling around the ports? Are you trying to steer clear of the busiest periods? Are you after a particular type of experience, like Alaska’s 20 hours of daylight or a Caribbean beach break? Cruise lines and travel agents also take into account what their customers are after when they’re recommending the best time to cruise, which can really help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
One other thing to think about is how you get your trip off to a smooth start. If you’re setting sail from Port Everglades, for example, booking a cruise parking spot with Park by the Ports before you leave can make a big difference on embarkation day. It gives you more time to relax and focus on check in and boarding rather than worrying about your parking. Some people are all about having a chilled out cruise experience right from the word go, and getting the logistics sorted in advance is all part of that for them.
Best Time to Go on a Cruise - Peak, Shoulder, and Low Season
If you’ve got no idea what all this fuss is about ‘peak season’, ‘shoulder season’, and ‘low season’, don’t worry it’s actually pretty simple. In a nutshell, most places follow a pattern of peak, shoulder, and low season, and these labels aren’t about ‘good’ or ‘bad’, they just tell you how many other people are likely to be on the water at the same time, and what the weather is likely to be like.
Peak Season
Peak season is the most popular time to cruise in any particular region – and it’s often when the weather is best, the schools have breaks, and there are big holidays on. If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere on the ship and loads of itinerary options, then this might be the perfect time for you. But, of course, it’s also the time of year when the ships and ports will be at their busiest.
Peak season is a good choice if:
- You’re a first-time cruiser and want to know what to expect
- You’re a family looking to take advantage of school breaks
- You want to be able to choose from loads of different sailing dates and routes
Shoulder Season
Shoulder season is that time of year when the peak crowd has gone but it’s not yet off season. This often sees a lovely balance. You’ve still got good weather, but the ports and ships are a bit less hectic than they were during peak season.
Shoulder season is a good choice if:
- You’re a couple looking for a more relaxed vibe
- You’re flexible and can avoid the school holidays
- You want a comfortable time of year without the biggest crowds
Low Season
Low season is the least popular time of year to cruise in a particular region – and that’s usually for a reason. Maybe there’s a higher risk of storms, it’s a bit chilly, the days are shorter, or the seas are a bit rough. But, if you’re flexible and okay with the idea that your plans might have to be adjusted a bit, then low season can still be a great time to go.
Low season is a good choice if:
- You’re on a tight budget and you want to save some cash
- You’re comfortable with the idea that your itinerary might have to change
- You’re really just after a super-quiet cruise experience
No matter what season you choose, getting to the port is the first hurdle to clear – and if you’re sailing from Port Everglades, booking a parking spot in advance with Park by the Ports can really make a difference.
The Best Time to Cruise by Region
Alaska
Alaska has a relatively short cruise season so timing can’t be overlooked.
- May – It’s a quiet start to the season that still has a fresh spring feel to it. If you don’t mind cooler air and smaller crowds that’s probably the time for you to go.
- June to July: That’s the classic Alaska window when you can make the most of long daylight hours and a whole range of different excursions. If you’ve never been to Alaska before it’s probably a good starting point.
- August: Alaska is still in the full swing of its summer but it can feel a bit less hectic than the peak weeks. Just be sure to pack layers as the weather can turn on a dime.
- September: By this time of year the weather is getting a bit cooler and it’s not as busy as the peak summer months. If you prefer fewer people and don’t mind the risk of some grey skies then this can be a great time to go.
Caribbean
Cruising the Caribbean is all about warm weather but your timing can make a real difference to how comfortable you are and how much risk of storms you face.
- Winter through to early spring – This is probably the most comfortable time to spend a day on the beach and do some exploring in the ports.
- Summer – It’s going to be hot and humid but a lot of families like to take their summer breaks around then.
- Late summer to early fall – This is when the Caribbean hurricane season really kicks in which means you’ve got to be prepared for storms and potentially having to make changes to your itinerary.
Bahamas
Bahamas cruises are all about short breaks and easy beach time and the conditions can vary a lot depending on the time of year.
- Winter through to early spring – That’s the time to go if you want to be comfortable while exploring the ports and spending time outside.
- Late spring – If you like the warmer weather but don’t want to be caught up in the peak week crowds this is probably the time for you.
- Summer – It’s hot and the water is warmer too, which is great if you love pool and beach time. Just don’t mind the heat too much.
- Late summer to early fall – This is probably the most uncertain time of year as the risk of storms is higher. Plan to be flexible with your itinerary.
Mediterranean and Europe
Mediterranean cruises on the other hand are all about walking around and doing some sightseeing so heat and crowds can be a real issue.
- Late spring and early summer – If you like the long days and the comfortable temperatures for sightseeing then now’s the time for you to go.
- Peak summer – Very popular but also hotter and often a lot busier in the major ports. Plan ahead.
- Early fall – If your itinerary is port-heavy a lot of people prefer late spring or early fall as its just more comfortable for sightseeing and you can take your time.
If you have a port-heavy itinerary then late spring or early fall is probably the best time to go, to make the most of the sightseeing without the heat of the peak season.
Mexico
Mexico cruises offer a great combination of beach time and exploring local ports. Ultimately, the best time to go on a Mexico cruise depends on your tolerance for heat and what kind of shore days you’re after.
- Late fall through to spring – This’s generally the most comfortable time for walking tours and longer excursions – and tends to be less crowded.
- Summer – It’s hot and humid in many areas, but it’s still a great trip if you plan your days, keep an eye out for shade, and make time for a few dips in the pool to cool off.
No matter where you’re setting sail from, getting the embarkation day organised really helps. If Fort Lauderdale is your departure point, then booking parking with Park by the Ports in advance is a good idea and worth doing early.
Pre-Cruise Planning Checklist for a Hassle-Free Start
Pre-Cruise Planning Checklist for a Hassle-Free Start
Getting ready for your cruise is a big part of the excitement, and a wee bit of pre cruise planning can go a long way in making your trip smooth and stress free. Whether you’re after a Bahamas cruise, a Caribbean adventure or just a quick getaway to Mexico.
- Sort out the season and weather before you book. Before you part with your cash, take a close look at the weather forecast for your destination. For the Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico, bear in mind that hurricane season runs from June through to November, but the peak months are late summer and early autumn. If you prefer milder weather and fewer crowds, consider cruising from mid November to mid-March, as this’s often the best time for deals and a chill vibe.
- Book up early for the best price and deals. If you want to get the best price and secure your dream cabin, it’s a good idea to book early especially if you have your heart set on a peak time or a holiday cruise. Wave season (January to March) is a great time to find some cracking deals on cruises, with lots of lines offering special promotions. And if you’ve got a credit card with some decent rewards on it, you might be able to earn yourself some extra perks on your booking.
- Pack smart and check the luggage rules. Each cruise line has its own luggage policies, so be sure to double-check size and weight limits before you start packing. If you’re travelling with a bunch of people, or a lot of gear, it’s a good idea to colour-code your luggage tags so you can spot them easily. And remember to keep a few essentials in your carry-on, like travel documents and your medication.
- Book up your shore excursions early. Popular shore excursions – like snorkelling in the Bahamas or swimming with dolphins in Nassau – can get booked up quickly, so it’s a good idea to get them sorted well in advance. If you’re travelling with kids, look out for cruises with loads of family-friendly activities and amenities to keep them entertained.
- Get your travel documents in order. Check the entry requirements for your cruise destinations – some ports might need a visa or travel permit, so be sure to apply early if necessary. A travel agent can help you sort out any paperwork and make sure you’ve got everything covered.
- Sort out your budget and payment method. Get your cruise budget sorted out early and stick to it. Use price comparison tools to find the best deals, and consider paying with a credit card or debit card with some decent rewards or protections. And if you’ve got travel credits or miles, see if you can use them to pay for your cruise or flights.
- Arrive early and kick back. This gives you some breathing room for any unexpected delays and lets you start your holiday feeling chilled. If you’re driving, sort out your parking in advance to guarantee a spot close to the terminal.
- Explore, discover and have a blast. With your planning done, you’re ready to start exploring the world – whether you’re snorkelling in the Bahamas, lounging on a beach in Mexico or discovering the vibrant ports of the Caribbean. Pre-cruise planning helps you make the most of every moment, from embarkation to your last splash in the pool.
For more cruise planning advice, tips and posts, check out our website. With a bit of advance planning, you’ll be ready to set sail on an unforgettable trip – no matter where your cruise takes you!
Fort Lauderdale Cruise Parking With Park By The Ports
Once you’ve sussed out the best time to go on a cruise, the next step is to make the embarkation day as smooth as possible. Even a great trip can start off feeling stressful if you’re dashing around trying to find parking, or unsure about what to do with your vehicle. If you’re sailing out of Port Everglades, parking at Park by the Ports is a great way to start the day feeling organized.
Park by the Ports is designed for people who want a hassle-free process, a secure place to leave their car, and a reliable way to get to the terminal.
Here’s what you can expect from Park by the Ports:
- Online cruise parking reservations in advance so you know you’ve got a spot sorted
- Self-parking, so you get to keep your keys
- This is a secure facility right near Port Everglades
- Shuttle service available 24/7 to help you get to and from the terminal
- Little extras like help with luggage, jump starts and tire pumps are all on offer
Important note: no RV’s allowed.
If you’re cruising from Port Everglades, cruise parking with Park by the Ports is a no-brainer way to keep the start of your trip running smoothly.
Your cruise planning in a nutshell
So, when is the best time to go on a cruise out of Fort Lauderdale? It all comes down to matching up the season with what you want, then choosing a destination that fits the bill.
A simple way to decide is to:
- Start by picking your destination type, are you after Alaska, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, the Mediterranean or Mexico?
- Then, choose the season that suits your comfort level, how much of a crowd you’re happy with and what kind of port days you want.
Finally, booking your Port Everglades cruise parking with Park by the Ports in advance can help make embarkation day feel that bit less stressful.
