What's the best time of year for a cruise??
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Tiki4 · 05-09-2010, 03:26 PM

Having never had the experience of a cruise and living in MN, we were wondering what the best time of year is cruising?? We don't want it to be sweltering HOT but we would enjoy 70-80 degree weather conditions. We were at WDW last Feb and while it was nice (63-71) we would like it a bit warmer the next time we land in Florida. We are also attempting to avoid the months of April-Sept. as it is difficult for DH to get off work during those months. What is it like Nov-Dec??? or possibly Oct??? We are not planning to cruise until 2013 but it is never to early to start planning, right

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Thanks!!!

bitterchickey · 05-09-2010, 03:46 PM

Avoid Hurricane Season!!!! It always amazes me that people cruise during it, then complain when a storm changes their cruise plans! Of course, May, and Late October storms are very rare.

modisney · 05-09-2010, 04:09 PM

I too would avoid the hurricane months if possible. We've cruised twice in March and found it to be a bit cool. Both times it took my DDs a while to get into the water at Castaway Cay. I've always thought May would be a nice month and think it would be warmer than Nov./Dec.

Tiki4 · 05-09-2010, 08:58 PM

When exactly is hurricane season???? That is something we don't deal with in MN......we read about them and hear about them on the news but I guess I just have not "mentally" made note of the season................

**Colexis Mom** · 05-09-2010, 09:17 PM

Hurricane season is June 1st thru November 30th, although most storms happen late August thru mid October. We've sailed twice in August and had nothing but good weather!

Tiki4 · 05-09-2010, 10:15 PM

Thanks for the info..........we will keep that range of dates on our minds and pay closer attention in the next 1-2 years while planning!!!!

nurse_mom · 05-10-2010, 07:09 AM

This is our 1st time cruising in May/June. Other times have been Feb, Sept, November, Dec. In Feb. I found it to be cooler, but nice change from Ohio. Sept yes it was the season for storms, but they changed our dates for the islands after we boarded. Nothing too big (love the $$$) Nov and Dec ok weather was nice once we were south, but Florida was cool.
I personally like traveling in "hurricane season" the price is good, and the chances of missing your entire cruise, is not very high, mostly likely they may change what island you visit. The cruise ship seems to be less crowded as well. Hope this helps

Tiki4 · 05-10-2010, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nurse_mom

This is our 1st time cruising in May/June. Other times have been Feb, Sept, November, Dec. In Feb. I found it to be cooler, but nice change from Ohio. Sept yes it was the season for storms, but they changed our dates for the islands after we boarded. Nothing too big (love the $$$) Nov and Dec ok weather was nice once we were south, but Florida was cool.
I personally like traveling in "hurricane season" the price is good, and the chances of missing your entire cruise, is not very high, mostly likely they may change what island you visit. The cruise ship seems to be less crowded as well. Hope this helps

Thanks!!!! Yes it all helps!!! ~~~~~~~~~~

**Dave Marx** · 05-10-2010, 01:37 PM

Daytime average high temperatures in the Bahamas vary by 12 degrees between summer and winter - high temperatures of 77 to 89 degrees. Since you're at sea and/or on islands, even the hottest of days won't be sweltering in the same way it would be in Orlando - there's almost always a good breeze to take the edge off. While indeed there can be an occasional cool snap during the height of winter, it's not that common. The question is, after leaving MN temperatures behind, whether a daytime high in January of around 77 is going to be "too cool?"

Hurricanes indeed have the potential to scramble itineraries - the ship will simply go somewhere else - but as I often say, it's better to be on a "resort" that can move, than be stuck somewhere on land that can't avoid the weather at all.

While there may be 15-20 tropical storms during the June-October season, no one storm affects the entire Caribbean/Bahamas region - most islands go for many years without being hit by a major storm. It's a huge region, and a storm has to track within a couple hundred miles of an island to have a significant impact. Consider, on the other hand, the chance of a scattered rain shower - that's about 30% every day when you're at sea.

Yes, there are folks who would rather not take the gamble, and as a result, part of hurricane season is value-priced (Sept/Oct) - is it the hurricanes, or is it just an unpopular time for vacations in general? June, July, and August are also part of hurricane season, and that's one of the busiest seasons for cruising - being able to cruise during summer vacation season is clearly more important to families than the possibility of a storm under those circumstances.

Seasonal weather conditions do not deter me from cruising. With all the things to do on a cruise, I'd rather focus on what can be done, rather than what may not be done. You can hope for perfect conditions during your vacation, but no vacation, anywhere, can issue a weather guarantee. Even back home during the summer, a bad day of weather may mess up your hopes to go swimming. While it's true you're plunking down more money for a cruise or most any vacation that entails a long plane flight than for a short drive to a local lake, there are limits to what you can do to improve your chances of good weather. Meantime, it's a whole lot nicer to be "cooped up" on a cruise ship on a rainy day than at a summer cabin. And even then, I have the fondest memories of playing cards in the cozy living room while a summer thunderstorm roiled the lake outside.

Tiki4 · 05-10-2010, 09:09 PM

Thanks Dave!!! All very good advice and the points well taken!!

dmpyron · 05-11-2010, 01:46 AM

A client last year commented that her Feb. cruise was the roughest she had ever been on.

We have never cruised other than during hurricane season. I've got to agree with Dave, the ship can almost always dodge the weather better than an island can (

to all the islands who have been hammered, you need lots of love).

Familygoboston · 05-13-2010, 05:32 PM

Even though the ship can move away from a hurricane, I would add that for folks who need to fly to port, hurricane season can affect your ability to meet the boat if there is a weather in the FL area. It can stall air traffic, just as the really bad weather in the winter months can stall you up north before you get to FL.
We have cruised for a few years now, just at the very edge of the shoulder season in early December. This still has the price advantage (because everyone is busy prepping for the holidays and doesn't want to take vacation days so close to them. ) But it usually is at the very tail end of hurricane season, so we have never encountered any of the traditionally wet or windy weather, and we have avoided the really stormy stuff up north too. It's a sweet spot, if you can pull your kids out of school, (they look young- do it while you can!! Mine are too big now and we can't do it anymore!)
Enjoy your cruise...a Disney cruise is great!

Mog's mom · 05-13-2010, 06:58 PM

We have cruised during the first week of Feb. during each of the last three years and loved it! It is much less expensive if you go before President's day. We were on the 7 night cruise that got stuck in Castaway Cay and turned into an 8 night, and even that bad weather didn't upset my sensitive stomach or our spirits! Part of the fun for us is wearing shorts (or at least short sleeves!) in the winter. The cool weather on land before and after the cruise this year was a bit disappointing, but still nicer than Feb. at home in Ottawa!

mouseclub4 · 05-14-2010, 10:38 AM

We sailed in May (early) and loved it and the fact the staff told us it is the best time to sail....We took the kids out of school and went for mothers day. Best mothers day gift every.

Cherylsue · 05-14-2010, 02:34 PM

I live in Florida and I planned our cruise for the first week in December. I've never been on a cruise but I know that the best weather in this region is winter. The temps are usually very nice (this past winter was a FREAK) and the humidity is LOW! That's my preference though. Like another person said....it just amazes me that people sail during hurricane season with flight interruptions and all. Also, the first week of December and the first two weeks or so in January is when we go to Disney

Better weather and NO CROWDS!!!!!!!!!!!