Image credit: Explora Journeys
Love the idea of a cruise? You’re not alone. We’ve noticed the popularity of cruises increasing every year, and with year-round options to suit every travel style, it’s no surprise why. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the more popular cruise destinations, outlined the best times to visit and covered what you can expect based on when you go.
What’s great about cruising is that you can go to the same destination in different months and have two unique experiences. For this reason, the “best” time to cruise really is subjective. Don’t hesitate to contact our cruise experts for more guidance once you’ve got an idea of where or when you would like to travel.
The best time to cruise the Mediterranean
Peak season for cruising the Mediterranean has traditionally been the summer months – June, July, August – but a combination of high temperatures, high numbers and high prices has seen demand shift towards shoulder seasons and even the winter months.
Don’t get us wrong – there’s nothing quite like diving into that super-refreshing, crystal-clear water on a sweltering summer’s day, and summer will always remain peak season, but there are more options than ever when it comes to cruising Spain, Italy or Greece.
Cruising in the winter months allows for a more relaxed trip, with the Mediterranean’s famous sights experiencing far less traffic. This provides opportunities for you to not only interact with the locals in a more natural manner, but also experience what makes these places so special; instead of just seeing a city, you’ll be able to feel it, too.
Peak: June, July August
Shoulder: March, April, September, October
The best time to take a European river cruise
Europe’s rivers were made for cruising and we’re seeing ever-increasing demand for elegant journeys down the Rhône, Danube, Rhine and more. As with seafaring cruises, the river season peaks over European summer with June, July and August being the most popular months. While summer has always been a fantastic time to explore these regions, the two shoulder seasons of March/April and September/October are becoming more and more popular as travellers search for a way to escape both the crowds and heat.
Another option is a Christmas river cruise, which will have you sampling hot chocolate, mulled wine, gingerbread and more at cosy Christmas markets across France, Germany and Austria. This is a truly magical time to be travelling through Europe and cruising past the snow-dusted cities and landscapes is a memory you and your family won’t ever forget.
Peak: June, July, August
Shoulder: March, April, September, October
The best time to cruise the Caribbean
December through April in the Caribbean sees blue skies, calm seas and warm temperatures above and below the water. In a word: ideal. The summer months – June, July, August – are hotter and busier but preferable to September and October, which is considered the Caribbean’s hurricane season. One thing to keep in mind is that March and April sees the spring break college crowd converge on the Caribbean, so certain itineraries and destinations may not appeal.
Our cruise experts can help with planning for this busy period.
Peak: December–April
Shoulder: May, November
The best time to cruise the South Pacific
With its summer months known for cyclones and high humidity, the South Pacific is best experienced from May through October. The southern winter months – June, July, August – are the South Pacific’s peak cruising period thanks to cooler temperatures and less rainfall, but May, September and October offer equally enticing weather, comfortable water temperatures and an opportunity to see humpback whales (in September and October).
Peak: June, July August
Shoulder: May, September, October
The best time to cruise Australia and New Zealand
As you might expect, most of Australia and New Zealand is best enjoyed over the
summer months, when the weather is warm and mostly dry. The exception is Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, which sees peak season from May–October as stinger season starts in November.
The two shoulder seasons, March–May and September–November, may be slightly cooler but you can still expect plenty of sunshine and, more importantly, fewer people. Given that one of the appeals of cruising Australia and New Zealand is the landscapes, these quieter months will leave you with more space to appreciate our natural wonders.
Speaking of natural wonders – a wonderful winter option is a cruise in the Kimberley, in Western Australia, where temperatures hover around 27 degrees across the cooler months. The dry season runs from March–October and the region’s famous waterfalls are at their most powerful in April and May.
Peak: December–February (Queensland and the Kimberly: May–October)
Shoulder: March, May, September, October
Peak (Queensland or the Kimberley): June, July, August
Shoulder (Queensland or the Kimberley): April, May, September, October
The best time to cruise Japan
Japan is currently the most popular destination for Australian travellers and once you’ve cruised around the country, you won’t be left wondering why. The springtime – March, April, May – is the best time to cruise Japan as the cherry blossoms are blooming and the climate is as close to perfect as possible for sightseeing. Autumn – September, October, November – is also popular thanks to the dry weather and the different foliage shades of reds and browns.
Peak: March–May, September–November
Shoulder: Late May to early June, late November to early December
The best time to cruise Alaska
The northern summer is peak cruising season in Alaska, but the best time to travel really does depend on what you’re hoping to experience. Take an Alaska cruise in June and July and you’ll enjoy longer days and better opportunities to spot bears, moose and other iconic wildlife, though these are, understandably, the most popular months. May can be chilly, but is also the driest cruising month and coincides with the whale migration.
The animals are still out and about in August, with bears searching for salmon and bald eagles patrolling above. Rain is likely, however, and continues into September; that said, you may catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis if you’re cruising Alaska’s northern reaches in September and October.
Peak: June, July
Shoulder: May, August, September
The best time to cruise the Galapagos Islands
Good news! There’s never actually a bad time to cruise the Galapagos Islands because December through May tends to be warm and wet while June through November is typically cool and dry. The warmer months see the islands come alive with new blooms and wildlife, while the cooler season is known for migrating humpbacks and whale sharks.
Though December–January and June–August are the traditional high seasons, the shoulder months of May and September shouldn’t be written off. May, which marks the end of the rainy season, sees sea turtles hatching and boasts top-notch snorkelling conditions with good visibility and warm temperatures. September, though cooler, is known for especially active marine animals including dolphins, seals, whales and penguins.
Peak: December, January, June–August
Shoulder: May, September
The best time to cruise Egypt and the Nile
Cruising the Nile is an iconic experience, but whatever you do, avoid visiting from June through August. Summer temperatures can be very uncomfortable, which is why the best time to cruise the Nile is in December, January or February. With blue skies and mild temperatures, these months are perfect for exploring the pyramids and temples, though there will be plenty of other travellers around. If you’re happy to cruise with slightly warmer (albeit manageable) temperatures, March and April see the tourist crowds waning and offer a more serene cruising experience.
Peak: December, January, February
Shoulder: October, November, March, April
The best time to cruise Antarctica
Travel to Antarctica at the start of the cruising season – in November and December – and you can expect a real winter wonderland; heavy snow, enormous icebergs and all kinds of penguins plus seals and a whale or two. Later in the season, from January through March, the snow starts to melt and wildlife increases, with sightings of whales, orcas, seals and baby penguins all too common. The peak summer period will be warmest, with the most daylight hours, but you won’t miss out on wildlife or spectacular landscapes by visiting in the shoulder months.
Peak: December, January, February
Shoulder: November, March
The best time to cruise the Arctic (including Iceland)
The Arctic’s sea ice becomes navigable from April through September, opening the region up for some unforgettable journeys north. June and July provide the best wildlife viewing – think polar bears, whales and migrating caribou – while August and September come through with blazing sunsets and, if you’re lucky, spectacular displays of the Northern Lights.
Peak: June, July, August
Shoulder: May, September
Contact our cruise experts to find out more or to book your cruise.