There are three cruising "seasons" - Premier Season, Shoulder Season, and Value Season
Premier Season - This is when weather is best in that part of the world, you have many choices about itineraries and cruise lines BUT this also means that demand is high which equates to higher prices and more people onboard, in addition to needing to book further in advance to get the cabin of your choice.
Shoulder Season - This is when the weather is only a little more risky and usually it's within a month or two of the Premier Season. There will be less tourists, and you'll be able to save some money on booking your cruise during this period.
Value Season - If you are trying to get the biggest bang for your buck and you want to avoid crowds, this is the season for you but the weather will be chancy and there will be fewer cruise lines and ships to choose from.
Alaska (only has one season)
Premier - May - September
Antarctica (only has one season)
Premier - October - March
Asia
Premier - October - March
Shoulder - April & September
Value - May - August
Australia/New Zealand
Premier - October - March
Shoulder - April & September
Value - May - August
The Bahamas
Premier - December - May
Shoulder - June & November
Value - July - October
Bermuda (has only one season)
Premier - May - October
British Isles
Premier - May - September
Shoulder - April & October
Value - November - March
Canada/New England
Premier - May - October
Shoulder - April & November
Value - December - March
Caribbean
Premier - December - May
Shoulder - June & November
Value - July - October
Hawaii
Premier - March - July & October - November
Shoulder - January - February & August - September
Value - December
Mediterranean
Premier - March - October
Shoulder - February & November
Value - December - January
Mexico
Premier - October - May
Shoulder
Value - June - September
Northern Europe
Premier - June - August
Shoulder - May - September
Value
Panama Canal
Premier - September - May
Shoulder - June & August
Value - July
Scandinavia
Premier - June - August
Shoulder - May - September
Value
South America
Premier - September - April
Shoulder - May & August
Value - June - July
South Pacific/Tahiti
Premier - May - October
Shoulder - April & November
Value - December - March
Transatlantic
Premier - March - April & October - November
Shoulder - February, May, September & December
Value - January & June - August
World Cruise
Premier - January - April & August - November
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I'm liking this site already! The first post I read provides me with the information I was looking for just the other day. I'm trying to book a cruise to the Caribbean but I didn't want to go with a million tourist. Thanks!
Thanks, this information is helpful. I've been on several cruises, but my kid hasn't. Will keep checking back.