Have You Been on A Cruise or Caribbean Vacation in January (or winter months)?

Question

I've only been on cruises and to the Caribbean during spring/summer months (April, May, & June) but I am going in January. What was your experience during this time of the year? How was the weather, rain, and waves? If you were on a boat was it more rocky than usual? Let me know your experience.....

Answer 1

I have been on cruises to the Caribbean in December, last year, and January, a few years ago and in both cases the weather was great.  On the first cruise which was about January 30, the weather in Miami when we departed was not as warm as usual and so it was kinda cool until we got further south to the Bahamas.  But it was pleasant on the deck of the ship and by the time that we made our first stop in St Thomas the weather was good enough/ arm enough to go to the beach and get in the water.  It was the same in St Maarten and in the Bahamas when we stopped for the beach party.

On my last winter cruise we stopped in Cozumel and it was as hot there as in the summer.  It was the same in Grand Cayman and I had a great day at the beach in the water.  Then our ship stopped at Haite and we got in the water again.  Clear skies and great water for swimming and/or sunning.

On both cruises we did sail through a light shower but that's typical of the Caribbean any time.  It lasted about half an hour and then it was sunshine again.  There was no rough seas and there was smooth sailing the whole trip.

I already have another cruise booked for this December to the Caribbean again.  You will have a great time and enjoy your cruise.

Answer 2

I have a great comparison - I went on the same cruise line, same ship, same week in January exactly 3 years apart.  They were 7 day Disney cruises in the Caribbean.

The first trip was absolutely awful weather-wise.  We missed all but one port because the ships were unable to dock due to the weather.  It was rainy, rough waters and cold.  The pools were closed on the ship and everyone basically stayed inside.  The only time that we got off the boat it was on Cozumel and the weather there was rainy all day.  So, it was not a very good time to travel.

The second trip, which was this year, was quite the opposite.  Nice sunny, but not too warm, weather.  All ports were enjoyed and most of the days were rain free.  The waters can get a little rocky on all cruise ships and this one was average.  Overall it turned out to be a great time to travel.

So you might ask why did I return for the same trip three years later?  I love to cruise!  Also, I know that the weather in January can be hit or miss and there was a good chance that we would have much better weather the second time around.

Answer 3

I'm glad to see this question too.  My wife and I are going on our first cruise in the beginning of January on Royal Carib.  Maybe I'll see ya and the other one who answered.  It'd be kinda funny if we were all on the same cruise.  Feel free to email me either of you.  Can't wait!

Answer 4

HI Lollipop,

Ohh, you are going to be so happy.  The average temperature in January is a low of 73 degrees and a high of 85 degrees.   Whilst most of the country back home will be buried in snow, you will be basking in the warm Caribbean sun.

I doubt you will see any rain, and the waves will be small, a very smooth ride.  

The only time to be careful going to the Caribbean is during hurricane season, which is well over by January.

You will have a great time.   Swimming, sunning and relaxing, whilst the rest of us toil away in the cold.  You have nothing to worry about, just enjoy.

Answer 5

thanks for the question....I'm going on Norwegian Gem to the souther Caribbean out of New York on January 4th.  Leaving New York should be interesting but once we get a bit further south I am sure it will be clear skies and clear sailing....thanks to your question I'm even more confident now...thanks...

Answer 6

I went to the eastern Caribbean in November and it was nice.The weather was perfect and the water was warm and beaches beautiful.There was no rain and the ship was steady with average waves that we couldn't even feel it.

Answer 7

Thank you for asking this question!! I am going on a cruise in January too and was worried about it being too windy for the boat! Have fun!! :)