Cheapest Months to Book a Tropical Cruise

Cruising the tropics (especially the Caribbean) is by far one of the most popular vacation destinations. Who can resist warm beaches, bright blue skies, and fabulously fruity cocktails with little paper umbrellas?

When you hear tropical cruise, the Caribbean is likely the first place that comes to mind. But did you know that parts of South East Asia, Australia, and the Middle East are considered tropical destinations, too?

A cruise can be one of the cheapest ways to tour a tropical region, especially if you’ve got multiple destinations in mind. But the time of year that you cruise can also make a big difference in your vacation budget.

Generally, the cheapest season to cruise the tropics is during hurricane season, which varies slightly from region to region. Although the six-month Caribbean hurricane season officially ranges from June 1 through November 30, the peak of storm activity usually falls toward the beginning of September — right when cruise lines tend to lower their rates.

Although you may be more likely to encounter wind and rain during these times (plus the potential for a storm to derail your travels), you’ll also enjoy cheaper prices both on- and off-board the ship. And you’ll certainly have fewer crowds both onboard the ship as well as at your destination cities, giving you more room to spread out and relax.

From Mexico to South East Asia, here are a few tips on how to find the cheapest season for your ideal tropical destination.

When is Hurricane Season in the Tropics?

Hurricanes and tropical storms usually affect the Bahamas, Bermuda, the eastern Caribbean, and the East Coast of the U.S. earlier in the year, between August and mid-September. Mexico and the western Caribbean see storm activity later in the summer, from mid-August through October.

If you want to try and avoid storms altogether, the Southern Caribbean typically sees little (if any) storms during hurricane season. To stay on top of any tropical storms where you plan on traveling, we recommend downloading the Hurricane app from the American Red Cross.

When is the Cheapest Time of Year to go on a Tropical Cruise?

To find the cheapest time to go on a tropical cruise, you’ll want to look specifically at your choice destination to find the best times to set sail. Below we break up the best times to visit Bermuda, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, and South East Asia.

Cheapest Time to Cruise to Bermuda

Bermuda’s cruise season runs from April through November. However, the cheapest months to book your cruise are April and May, and in September and October. Though it may be too cool to swim in the ocean, you, your happy wallet and your family can enjoy fantastic sightseeing and explorations.

Bermuda is a small island — only 21 square miles. 21 square miles can feel awfully crowded during the peak season, so take advantage of Bermuda’s cooler weather and cheaper prices to walk the alleys of historic St. George’s without the crushing crowds.
Though there will be less events and some closed shops, the fewer crowds and more dollars in your wallet will make for happy sightseeing and mixing with the locals.

Cheapest Time to Cruise the Caribbean

You can cruise to the Caribbean year-round. However, the cheapest times for cruising the Caribbean is during the hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30.

Though the weather may be a bit riskier, the cost savings of cruising the Caribbean during the storm season is attractive. Plus, cruise ships have sophisticated on-board weather monitoring technology, allowing captains to track and avoid storms when necessary.

One thing to consider, the hurricane months encompass peak travel times of June, July, and August. Your savings aren’t going to be as good in July to cruise the Caribbean, even though it’s technically hurricane season.

To get the best bang for your buck, plan your cruise to the Caribbean during peak hurricane season and after the travel rush of summer (mid-September to mid-October.)

Cheapest Time to Cruise Hawaii

Like the Caribbean, you can cruise this tropical paradise year-round. However, the cheapest months to cruise Hawaii are during the off-season (shoulder season) which encompasses May and June and then again in September through mid-December.

The off-season in Hawaii still provides beautiful weather and fewer crowds. However, you’ll find a smaller selection of sailing dates to choose from, and fewer shore excursions to participate in.

But if Hawaii is your dream destination, the cheapest weeks to cruise are after Thanksgiving break, right before Christmas vacations start. With kids back in school for exams, you will find fewer crowds and lower prices.

Cheapest times to Cruise to Mexico

Mexico — like Hawaii and the Caribbean — can be cruised year-round. Mexico’s climate has two seasons, the wet season and the dry season.

Unlike most other tropical cruise destinations, the cheapest time to cruise Mexico is actually during peak season (dry season) October through April. Just make sure to book well in advance as cruise ships tend to fill up!

Though you may be able to score a great deal on your cruise to Mexico during peak season, keep in mind that the Christmas, New Years, and Easter holidays fall during this time, so expect more crowds to be joining you on your cruise.

Cheapest Time to Cruise South East Asia

If this region isn’t on the top of your list for tropical cruises, maybe it should be. Cruises to South East Asia offer unique culture, scenic beauty, fascinating heritage and warm, sunny weather.

Your cheapest times to cruise South East Asia are during the wet season, June through October. However, the rainy season does not mean constant downpours. Generally, you’ll find sunny skies in the morning followed by a rain shower in the afternoon — the perfect time for a nap after all that sightseeing.

Aside from fewer crowds, the landscape during the wet season is bursting with vibrant greens and yellows. So you can take in the extraordinary beauty of your surroundings without having to push and shove your way through the famed Grand Palace of Bangkok.

So pack a raincoat along with your bathing suit and some extra bug spray, and you’re ready to sail the seas of South East Asia!

Make Cruising the Caribbean Easy

Going on vacation is supposed to mean escaping from work, typical family responsibilities, and the overall craziness of life. But let’s face it, planning a vacation can feel stressful and overwhelming.

Between sorting through hotel options, buying plane tickets, and figuring out a weekly itinerary that suits the whole family (not to mention finding dining options that will satisfy any picky eaters in tow), most vacation planners have their work cut out for them. But booking a cruise means all the heavy lifting is taken care of for you, so you can save your strength for all those cannonballs into the pool once you’re aboard.

With a cruise vacation, you get an all-in-one experience, minus the hassle of complicated travel arrangements. With a cruise, everything can be purchased in one package, including airfare, quality food, drinks, entertainment, and an array of pampering options (like couples massages and a kid zone for the little ones while you relax).

A CloudBlue travel agent can take all the work of booking a cruise vacation off your hands so you can sit back, relax, and start dreaming of blue skies and white sand beaches. Contact us to book your tropical cruise today »

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