When is the best time to go on an off-season cruise?

Question

I am looking at cruises and every destination seems to have a point where the prices drop dramatically ( for example, bahamas in september) Where is the best place to go when these prices drop. I know they drop for a reason and dont want to be caught in some really bad weather. Thank you!

Answer 1

Well, your example of September is at the height of hurricane season and the Bahamas are very vulnerable.

In general, the prices will drop at times when families cannot travel because children are in school.  However, different states have different vacations times, so it's not always easy to tell when that will be.  The prices are a good guide - they are higher when "everyone" wants to travel and lower when it's not so convenient for families.

September through just before Thanksgiving is generally cheaper, as are the weeks in early December.  Then again after New Year's week until February break, Easter break, and the various spring breaks [most of March and April].  Again in early May.

Don't worry about hurricane season.  The ships have sophisticated weather instruments and are quite able to avoid storms.  You might have some rocky seas and may miss or be late to ports because of weather.  However, the cruiselines are not going to risk their valuable ships or passengers' lives.  And you might even get some free days at sea [we did on one cruise!].  If you do travel then, you want to be sure and purchase insurance.

Answer 2

Caribbean drops in September mostly because of hurricane season and kids in school.

Historical storm paths are on the NHC web site. The so-called Cape Verde season starts August 15. It is more likely to produce activity in the eastern caribbean, although destinations like Aruba and Curacao are usually too far south to be affected. Gulf is a c**p shoot anytime from July to November, but especially from mid-August to mid-October.

If a storm is anticipated in your path, the cruise line will likely change your itinerary (e.g. a western trip will go to the Bahamas or vice-versa). Very rarely, they will depart early, extend/curtail by a day, or end in a different port and bus you to your final destination. This happened several times during 2005's record season.

There's also a drop in early December leading the Christmas holidays. Most folks don't want to travel then because of the upcoming holidays. Short daylight and little chance of a tropical weather event.

Alaska is cheaper and colder early season.

Answer 3

For some reason right after New Years prices drop for travel on cruises or land vacations. Another time prices drop is a week before Thanksgiving.

Dec 15 to April 15 th is considered high season. (High prices)

April 15th to June 1st is shoulder season.(prices start to come down from the highs) Great time to cruise.

June 1- Nov 30th is hurricane season. Tricky time to travel the Caribbean.

During hurricane season, I would cruise in June, July, October and November and not worry too much. The captain will not go into a port that is getting hit by a hurricane. They will go away from it, even if they ride it out in the middle of the sea. A day or two and it passes.

Enjoy your cruise)