Is February A Good Time To Take A Cruise?

February is a popular month for cruises in the Caribbean, as it offers discounted fares and offers a break from gray, wet winter weather. The best time to cruise in the Caribbean depends on personal preferences for weather, prices, and crowds. Some months are better than others, especially late winter, spring, and early summer when temperatures are cooler.

The best month to cruise the Mediterranean depends on what you’re looking for in a vacation. Factors like weather, sea conditions, festivals, and pricing can help determine the best month to book a cruise. Caribbean cruises in February are popular with people in the northern hemisphere who want to get away from winter. March to April is also a good time to go, as the weather is excellent and many ships maintain a party-like atmosphere.

The best time to cruise Australia is from late November to March, when late spring crests into Australia’s summer months. Major ports of call like Sydney, Adelaide, and Perth will be quite South Pacific Dreams. If you dream of a tropical paradise, the South Pacific offers warm temperatures and lush landscapes in February, making it a perfect time for island-hopping.

When booking a cruise, everyone wants to get a good deal, and the truth is that you can get the same exact cruise for hundreds or sometimes thousands of dollars less just by sailing. The absolute best time to go is mid-January to end of February, as it allows you to get away from the cold, even for a week.

From the December holiday season through March, South America is at its best for weather and events, making it the best time to take a cruise. If you’re looking for a mix of sunshine and slightly cooler temperatures, try a cruise to the Mediterranean in June, September, or October. As in North America, the season for cruising northern Europe is from April through October, with the weather being warm, becoming hot in July and August.

How busy are cruise ships in February?

With the exception of Christmas and New Year’s cruises, and possibly late-winter sailings to warm-weather destinations, you’ll find fewer crowds cruising in the winter months. Early cruises in December offer shoulder season deals pretty much everywhere, so you’ll have more breathing room and find fewer lines at the ship buffet.

Depending on the warmth of your destination, you’ll have less deck chair hogs to contend with, perhaps more space in the solarium, and even families will find less congestion in the kids club during a cruise in winter.

In the summer, families are everywhere in the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe and so many more destinations. If you and your kids want to make friends, this is the time to cruise. Just note that even the best cruise ship water parks can be brimming with crowds, particularly on sea days.

When not to go on a cruise?

The Caribbean is also popular with families, so going outside of the summer months can mean more availability and better fares – though ships are likely to be crowded during other school holidays like spring and winter breaks. Banks also recommended avoiding hurricane season, which runs from June through November.

Are seas rough in February?

Avoid: Water here can be rough year-round. The months from October to February are particularly stormy, so watch out for the tail end of the cruise season.

Typhoon Haiyan batters the Philipines. – Richard Whitcombe.

Routes: Most cruises depart from Singapore, although Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, and Bangkok also serve as departure ports. China, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam are the most frequently visited.

What are the cheapest months to cruise?

Best Time of Year to Book a Cruise. The best time of year to book a cruise is often January through March. During this period — also known as wave season — industry-wide sales occur and the price of that cruise you’ve been dreaming of may drop significantly. It’s also a good time to find booking promotions, like free upgrades, prepaid gratuities, or onboard spending money.

Best Time of Month to Book a Cruise. While there isn’t a “best time of the month” to book a cruise, monitoring fare changes over several weeks can help you spot any price drops. Cruise prices fluctuate frequently based on availability, demand, and special deals. Unless you’re interested in a high-demand sailing, be patient and look out for flash sales.

Best Day of the Week to Book a Cruise. People often wonder if there is a specific day of the week when cruise prices consistently drop. Unfortunately, fares don’t rise and fall on a set schedule, and it’s impossible to predict when they’ll change. One 2016 study by CruiseWatch.com found that, on average, cruise fares dropped the most on Thursdays. The data also found that Wednesdays were the worst for price hikes. These data points are constantly fluctuating so your best bet is to track fares throughout the week.

What is the low season for cruise ships?

• Region-Specific Advice. CaribbeanDuring winter and spring (December to April) expect dry weather and smoother seas. Consider cruising in May or early June for fewer crowds and good deals right before the hurricane season starts.
• Alaska Late June to early September offers the warmest weather and best wildlife viewing opportunities. May and September are less crowded and offer lower prices, with the chance to see the Northern Lights in September.
• EuropeFor Mediterranean cruises, shoulder season months like May and September offer comfortable temperatures and lighter crowds. Baltic and Northern Europe cruises are best in June and July for the longest days and mildest weather.
• Asia and Australia Timing depends significantly on avoiding the monsoon and cyclone seasons, so late winter to early spring (February to April) is typically best for Southeast Asia, and spring (September to November) is ideal for Australia and New Zealand to enjoy pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

Consider Special Events and Festivals. Planning your cruise around special events or festivals can also be a great option. Experiencing Carnival in the Caribbean, the cherry blossom season in Japan, or the Northern Lights in Norway can make for an unforgettable cruise vacation, but be sure to book well in advance as these times can be popular.

Booking and Flexibility. Finally, it’s essential to book early if you aim for the high or shoulder seasons to ensure availability and lock in the best rates. However, if your schedule allows, taking advantage of last-minute deals in the low season can lead to significant savings.

How rough is the Caribbean in February?

Strong to near gale conditions can occur across the west-central Caribbean Sea and western Gulf of Mexico during February. The highest risk of encountering rough seas of 8 feet (2.4 meters) or more is 30-40% over the west-central Caribbean Sea off the coast of Columbia and mostly 10-15% over the Gulf of Mexico. Over the eastern Caribbean winds and seas tend to be lighter and the risk for encountering rough seas is 10% or less.

Air temperatures during February average 25 to 26 C ( 77 to 79 F) across the Caribbean, 15C-22C (59 to 72 F) over the northern and western Gulf of Mexico and 22 to 25C (72 to 77 F) across the Bay of Campeche and southern Gulf of Mexico.

Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean February mean air temperature and air pressure.

Is it cold on a cruise ship in February?

Caribbean Cruise Weather in January and February. Even in the middle of winter, Caribbean cruise weather feels like a tropical oasis. As the start of the dry season, January yields the least amount of rain all year. While climates will vary depending on which region you’re sailing, expect temperatures to range from the upper 80s during the day to the mid-60s in the evening. If you’re cruising to ports like Aruba or Bonaire in the Southern Caribbean, you’ll likely experience the warmest conditions, as they’re the closest to the equator. Take advantage of the unique winter climates by jet skiing along one of Aruba’s pristine beaches or strolling through the lush botanical gardens in Martinique.

Caribbean Cruise Weather in March and April. The Caribbean springs to life in March and April as festival season begins. With slightly warmer temperatures and little-to-no-clouds in sight, there are even more reasons to celebrate. Visit Grand Cayman in April and experience Cayfest, the island’s annual celebration of art, music and cultural diversity. During the dry season, let the radiant sun feed your imagination without worry of anyone — or anything — raining on your parade. With waters around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, take a dip in the Caribbean Sea while visiting Bamboo Beach Club. Even Eastern Caribbean islands — like Princess Cays® in the Bahamas — anticipate ideal Caribbean cruise weather.

Caribbean Cruise Weather in May and June. Summer weather forecasts on a Caribbean cruise bring a variety of flavors to each region. While the Southern Caribbean maintains its sunny disposition, other destinations welcome refreshing ocean breezes. Occasional light showers are the perfect excuse to head inside and tour the Graycliff Chocolatier, where you can create your own decadent masterpiece with local ingredients like mango and lime. Or sip on an aromatic flight of wines at Bahama Barrels while hearing stories from locals. Then, cruise into clearer conditions and partake in one of the many music festivals that dot the rural roads like the Pure Grenada Music Festival in May or the St. Kitts Music Festival in June. Whether swimming in the crystalline ocean or singing in the refreshing rain, come prepared with a light rain jacket, loose clothing and a heart full of wonder.

Is February good for Caribbean?

February is one of the best months of the year to visit the Caribbean. It’s high season with warm temperatures, gentle breezes and little chance of rain. And of course the weather in the UK tends to be pretty miserable, making the 8-hour flight all the more attractive.

TakeBarbados, for example, in the southern part of the Caribbean. It’s one of the most popular tourist islands with high-end hotels along the west coast and more affordable accommodation on the popular south coast. You can expect daily highs of 29°C in February, dropping to a comfortable 20°C at night. There’s no need for air-conditioning with those temperatures. The average sea temperature is 26°C, perfect for bathing.

On average you’ll enjoy nine hours of daily sunshine in Barbados during February. You can expect a light rain shower on eight days during the month, but nothing to spoil your enjoyment. Humidity can be high and the UV index is a very high 11, so pack plenty of sunblock.

Is cruising in February a good idea?

January and February are two of the best months to cruise the Caribbean for those who need a break from gray, wet winter weather. You’ll also find the some of the most diverse cruise lengths and itineraries throughout the region in January and February.

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• Best Months to Cruise the Caribbean

The best time to cruise the Caribbean isn’t as clear cut as you might think at first. Yes, the winter is warm and sunny and the region is an incredible year-round cruise destination. For the most part sun and mild conditions are the norm, so deciding what month is best for you can be a challenge.

Caribbean ports are open January to December, and variations in weather, cost and crowds will all factor into choosing the best time to cruise the Caribbean for you. With that in mind, we’ve weighed factors like price and activities to help you figure out the best month for a Caribbean cruise. Read on and get planning your next cruise vacation.