Sunday, April 14, 2024

Best and Worst Times to Cruise the Caribbean

worst time to cruise to bahamas

Other islands in the Bahamas, such as Freeport, also host their own distinctive celebrations. The most popular times to cruise, such as spring break and summer break from schools, usually have higher cruise prices and more crowded cruise ports. The worst time for a Caribbean cruise weather-wise is August to September, as it is the peak of hurricane season. However, the best time to cruise the Caribbean is from December to April when the weather is dry, sunny, and there is a lower chance of hurricanes.

Best time: When ‘repositioning trips’ are available

The impact of Spring Break means that not only are you likely to find cruise ships more crowded, but the ports of call in the Bahamas will be impacted as well. November is also a good month to consider for a cruise to the Bahamas. Temperatures are still an average of 75 degrees and the water temperature is an average of 79 degrees. Each cruise season during the year has a different combination of weather, prices and crowds. The weather is a major factor because rainfall is often quite heavy in the Caribbean during certain times of the year. Then don't book a cruise to the Bahamas in July, August or September.

Weather Considerations

For the most part, the best time to cruise the Caribbean is January through April during the dry season, especially in April when temperatures are warmer. The worst time is September and October during the peak months of the Caribbean hurricane season. We found the suites in early to mid-November average only $167 per night, with other categories running just slightly more than hurricane season rates. You can expect few children on board other than home-schoolers and preschoolers. With the holidays right around the corner, the ships often will be a bit emptier than usual, making for a quiet cruise. May through October, the rainy season, is the worst time to visit the Bahamas.

worst time to cruise to bahamas

The advantages of cruising in the off-peak season

Consider planning your trip during these quieter periods to have a more relaxed and serene experience in the Bahamas. It might seem contradictory since most families travel during summer break, but if you want to visit The Bahamas when the crowds are thinnest, aim for June or July. While these months still fall within hurricane season, you'll likely experience fewer storms than in August, September, and October. The Bahamas is at its busiest during the high season from late November to April and sees particularly large crowds during the holidays and spring break. Tourists begin to disperse as temperatures rise in late April, although the Bahamas Carnival typically draws visitors for the four-day festival in April or May. The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season is June, though it is historically not an active month for storms.

If your schedule is flexible, check for last-minute deals and resort packages, which frequently pop up during October. Many hotels and restaurants use these months to renovate, so you might encounter construction and reduced services. But with so many beautiful beaches to explore, you likely won't even notice (or care). Keep reading for the best times to visit The Bahamas for the smallest crowds, the lowest prices, and the best weather for swimming, diving, and fishing. While some seasons are busier or rainier than others, it's worth visiting this go-barefoot, let-your-hair-down group of islands in the Atlantic in any month of the year. If you’re planning a trip to the Bahamas, timing is everything to make it perfect!

Even though it is pretty unlikely, there is always the risk that your cruise vacation will be cancelled or postponed if a major hurricane or tropical storm strikes. Along with more precipitation, the wet season also brings much higher daytime temperatures. While some people might enjoy the heat, it can be uncomfortable if you are not used to it. This is particularly true for the higher humidity levels you usually get during the peak wet season.

Although temperatures seldom get over 32.2°C (90°F), the humidity makes living conditions unbearable. While everything is subjective regarding traveling, it is clear that peak hurricane season months are the worst months to cruise the Caribbean. Even if the voyage goes as planned, storms can result in port closures, rough seas, cloudy days, heavy rainfall, and many other factors that could impact your cruising experience. Not only that, severe storms and hurricanes can also ground flights for days at a time, which could affect your travel plans. The start of the high tourist season in the Bahamas is around Christmas and New Year's Eve, which also coincides with the huge Bahamian street parade, Junkanoo. If you are not interested in the high prices and tourist hoards of the most popular Bahamian season, avoid the weeks around Christmas and New Year's.

Best and Worst Time to Cruise the Caribbean

The World's Roughest Waters for Cruising - Cruise Critic

The World's Roughest Waters for Cruising.

Posted: Tue, 07 Jan 2020 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Remember, you won’t be the only one who wants to get out of the cold weather, which could mean high prices and crowding during those peak times. In addition, this year’s unusually hot summer caused a drought in Europe that forced some cruise lines to change itineraries due to low water levels. River cruises are in demand and tend to book up quickly for summers, which can mean higher prices and crowded options. There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. Cruises are rarely canceled due to storms, as ships are designed to handle rough seas and can be rerouted to avoid danger.

worst time to cruise to bahamas

What is the weather like on a cruise to the Bahamas in November?

She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams. This is particularly true if you are going to spend time in the ocean. It is especially true during the Caribbean hurricane season, which lasts from the beginning of June to the end of November. During that period, total rainfall rises until it reaches a high point in September and October.

While there’s nothing wrong with cruising during winter, the Bahamas experience occasional cold fronts during January and February. With year-round sailings available, selecting the right month for your cruise can make all the difference. Major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line even have their exclusive private islands nestled within the Bahamas. If you want to join the party scene in the Bahamas, Spring Break is unquestionably the finest time to visit.

Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member, you could be missing out on huge travel perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on hotels and resorts, airfare, cruises, car rentals, and more. If you have some flexibility, consider things like weather and peak travel periods when choosing when to travel. That way, you can avoid throwing away money on a vacation that doesn’t deliver.

Here are the averages we found for price per person per night across the mainstream cruise lines along with what kind of crowd you can expect to find on board. Exceptions to these averages are always possible, especially on odd-length cruises like four- and five-night sailings. Though I found several blogs promoting January as the best month to cruise to the Bahamas, I personally have experienced chilly weather in the Bahamas in both December and January. Remember, the Bahamas are located in the Atlantic Ocean, not the Caribbean. They're not truly tropical islands, and most are at more northern latitudes than Key West.

During the rainy season, the Bahamas typically experiences 12 to 20 tropical storms annually, with an average of six developing into hurricanes. But it is rare for Caribbean islands to be directly hit by hurricanes; instead, they usually pass nearby, resulting in significant rainfall. If you plan to visit the Bahamas during hurricane season, be sure to monitor weather updates closely. There’s always a chance that a storm can delay or cancel your travel plans. And even if you do make it to the islands, you may encounter multiple rainy days that can squash your dreams of lounging on the beach.

Whenever you cross a large body of water, you’re more likely to encounter some rough waves since there’s no land nearby to provide any protection. Transatlantic cruises tend to see their roughest waters in November, December, and February. The months of December to April generally see a higher influx of tourists in the Bahamas, as they coincide with winter vacations and peak travel season. The months of December to mid-February see the most tourists in the Bahamas.

The summer months are the tourist season for many people who want to see the sights of Europe. That’s why you may want to consider booking a European cruise in the spring instead. The best time for a Caribbean cruise is from December to April when the weather is dry, sunny, and there is a lower chance of hurricanes. These months offer pleasant temperatures and clear skies throughout the region. While September can offer potentially discounted cruises, it is also during the peak of hurricane season.

This rainy season brings with it about 12 to 20 tropical storms each year with an average of six becoming hurricanes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They rarely hit Caribbean islands directly; instead, they pass in the vicinity and bring heavy rains. These are months between the holiday parties and spring break, so you can usually sit back and enjoy smaller, quieter crowds. If you're trying to stick to a budget or avoid crowds, the worst time to travel to The Bahamas is during the high season, from late November to mid-April. However, for many, this is the best time to visit due to the milder, less humid weather. Once you’ve booked your cruise, choose the appropriate travel insurance.

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