When is the best time to go on a cruise?
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Timing is everything, including when it comes to booking your cruise. Where you cruise is definitely one of the most important parts of your trip, but when can affect what type of experience you’ll have from weather to excursion availability. To help you plan your perfect vacation with Princess, read on to learn more about the best time to go on a cruise for each of our most popular destinations—from Europe to Asia, Alaska and the Bahamas.
What are cruise seasons?
There are three different time periods that you can book a cruise during:
High season
High season usually means peak weather conditions for the location, like sunny skies and warm temperatures. Picture cerulean blue skies and sunshine as you relax on a white sand beach or stroll through a European city. Because of the great weather, there are often more crowds and the prices can also rise to meet the demand. Sometimes a location can hit high season with special events or seasonal attractions, like cherry blossom season in Japan.
Low season
Low season is the time when the fewest tourists are visiting a particular location, usually due to weather or because it lines up poorly with school schedules. It can still be a great time to cruise because you’ll often find lower prices, fewer crowds and unique experiences—like seeing certain wildlife.
Shoulder season
Shoulder season is the months that fall in between low season and high season. It’s the time when you are likely to have a balance of good weather, moderate crowds and more affordable pricing. Shoulder season can be a great middle ground for savvy travelers who want to enjoy decent weather without fighting crowds.
Planning your cruise by destination
Depending on where you want to cruise, there are different high, low and shoulder seasons for each one. Here are some of our top cruise destinations and each other their seasons to help you map out a perfect trip.
Best time to take an Alaska cruise
- High: June–August
- Shoulder: May, September
- Low: October–April
If you’re looking forward to towering blue glaciers, whales popping up in the ocean all around you and fresh salmon meals, you should visit Alaska with Princess. The ideal time to visit is during summer months because you get sun all day, the warmest weather you can find up north and the best views of wildlife like whales. The shoulder season can still be a good time to whale watch with fewer crowds—just bring your jacket for the slightly chillier weather. The low season in Alaska lines up with the low season of cruising, which is why Princess doesn’t sail during that time.
Best time to take a Caribbean cruise
- High: January–April
- Shoulder: May–September
- Low: September–December
Sprawl out on a sunsoaked white sand beach or zipline through the lush jungle on your Caribbean cruise. The Caribbean's high season boasts perfect sunny and dry weather, while summer and fall bring fewer crowds. The high season is the perfect time to get away from dreary weather at home, and the shoulder season lines up perfectly with summer vacation from school.
Best time to take a European cruise
- High: June–August
- Shoulder: April–May, September–October
- Low: November–March
Picture this: Strolling cosmopolitan cities like Paris, exploring picture-perfect fairytale villages or riding in an iconic double decker bus during your European cruise. Northern Europe is ideal in late spring to early fall for mild weather, while the weather is still fairly pleasant well into September and October for shoulder season. Because of the low season of cruising, Princess doesn’t go to Europe during the winter.
Best time to take a South America and Antarctica cruise
- High: November–March
- Shoulder: April–May, September–October
- Low: June–August
In the southern hemisphere, everything is reversed: summer is winter, and winter is summer. Dry season during the winter high season is prime for exploring rainforests and beaches, and shoulder months still offer pleasant weather with fewer visitors. Low season is chillier, but winter is pleasant in places like Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Best time to take a USA, Canada and Mexico cruise
- High: January–April, June–August
- Shoulder: May, October–November
- Low: September, December (excluding holidays)
There’s something for you all-year round in North America, from sipping amazing wines in the California hills to snacking on fresh crab cakes on the Canadian coast. New England cruises peak in autumn for vibrant foliage, while Mexico and Canada offer year-round options, with summer and fall being most popular. California is a great low season destination since it has practically perfect weather and stunning coastal scenery.
Best time to take a Bahamas cruise
- High: December–April
- Shoulder: May, September–November
- Low: June–November
Get ready for sunshine, beaches and relaxation on your Bahamas cruise. Winter and spring offer the most pleasant weather (hence why it’s the high season), while summer and fall bring great warmth and fewer crowds. During any season, you can get some much-needed R&R, sip a fruity drink and enjoy your Bahamas cruise.
Best time to take a Hawaii cruise
- High: December–April
- Shoulder: May–June, September–December
- Low: July–August
Hawaii is beautiful year-round, so you can’t go wrong, but the busiest times are winter and spring breaks. It’s the perfect break from dreary weather at home during the winter, where you can spend your days alongside azure seas and rich jungles. Shoulder seasons offer lower costs and quieter islands with still pleasant weather.
Best time to take a Mediterranean cruise
- High: June–August
- Shoulder: May, September–October
- Low: November–April
Whether you want to sip an Aperol Spritz in the Amalfi Coast, island hop under Greek sunsets or stand in awe at the foot of the Colosseum, a Mediterranean cruise is perfect for you. Summers in the Mediterranean are lively and warm with plenty of crowds, while shoulder seasons provide milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
Best time to take an Asia cruise
- High: November–March
- Shoulder: April, October
- Low: May–September
Imagine getting away to the stunning city lights of Singapore, the hallowed shrines of Japan or the breathtaking beaches of Thailand. That’s what you get with a Princess cruise to Asia any time of the year. Asia’s dry season (November to March) is ideal for exploring, which is why it’s high season. Low and shoulder season is typically hot—and you won’t want to forget your rain jacket.
Encountering inclement weather
While there could be rain or colder weather during the low season, any time of year you could run into a rainstorm or a chilly day. The good news is the weather won’t stop you from having the vacation of a lifetime. Princess Cruises makes sure to provide great excursions for any time of the year, including when the weather is less than optimal, so you’ll still be heading out for an unforgettable experience.
Disappointed the Panama Canal cruisetour was canceled due to heavy showers? Spend the day in Panama’s top museum or make a reservation at the Lotus Spa, where you’ll quickly forget about the unfortunate weather outside and instead enjoy an indulgent massage.
Best time to take an Alaska cruise
No matter when you cruise, Princess will provide you and your family with the vacation of your dreams. Whether that’s Alaska in the summer, Brazil in the winter or England during the shoulder season, Princess is the best way to see all the best sites, enjoy the best food on the seven seas and be surrounded by top tier entertainment on board.
Plan your cruise with Princess today!