when is the ideal time to cruise? About This Page:

[msnoble]

I haven't even taken my first Disney cruise, and am already contemplating the 2nd one . Anyway, I'm thinking of maybe trying to surprise DH with a cruise...he will be on Sabbatical in the '11-'12 academic year allowing us to travel at more flexible times of the year. So given that, in your experience when is the optimal time to cruise the Caribbean/Bahamas, balancing weather and cost. We'd likely be doing a 4 or 7 night cruise, and leaving from Port Canaveral. I am cruising in Feb '10 and might want to do on-board booking for this surprise cruise then...

[Tink and co.]

We've cruised in early November twice and just loved it. Had great weather and the cost was about half that of our March cruise. I'm thinking early May might be good too, after spring break, but before summer.

[pflamingo]

I'll let you know about late October in two weeks, when we go on our 4-nighter. (I CAN'T WAIT!!!)

I'm inclined to think the best time to go is whenever you can!

[msnoble]

Originally Posted by pflamingo

I'm inclined to think the best time to go is whenever you can!

yes, well that is true As I'm thinking about this, the possibility of also hitting Epcot for Food and Wine Festival is making Oct seem pretty appealing...anyone know when to expect posting of dates/prices for Oct 2011 3/4 day cruises?

[Dave Marx]

I'm thinking we just might learn something about the '11 schedule at the end of this month, when DCL makes its big announcements about the new ship. After all, we already know the schedule for the Magic and Wonder.

[msnoble]

Originally Posted by Dave Marx

After all, we already know the schedule for the Magic and Wonder.

Oh! I hadn't even processed the fact that it would be one of the new ships that would likely be doing the Bahamas cruises then--even more reason to go

[pflamingo]

Originally Posted by msnoble

As I'm thinking about this, the possibility of also hitting Epcot for Food and Wine Festival is making Oct seem pretty appealing

We're spending 3 days (well, more like 2 1/2) at the BC for the F&WF after the cruise and going to MNSSHP on the 31st. We LOVE the fest, so this is going to be one great trip!

[Moxrox]

We've done Sept, October, Nov, and December. We have not had bad weather on any cruise yet.

[iamgrumpy]

We did the end of April and beginning of May and we liked that time. It was not overly hot for us, and no rain for us. We did the 7 day eastern and it was great!

But since 2011 other then the Wonder's and Magic's Plans, we are still waiting on the new Ships Itinerary to be announced so that may dictate what your able to book based on itinerary /time etc.

[dmpyron]

We cruised out of Miami last month on RCI's Liberty of the Seas and had spectacular weather the entire trip. The only "bumpiness" was the first evening as we cross the Gulf Stream. But most of that was just a gentle shake, not a roll or anything harsh.

September from the week after Labor Day weekend until the week prior to Thanksgiving is usually well priced. For many from the CGN, October and early November provide a welcome weather change. As far as hurricanes are concerned, big ship + big ocean + modern storm tracking = no surprises. You may miss a port, but unless a super storm (think cat 4 & 5) comes up, the water won't be too rough.

January from the week after the 1st until early March are usually good. A little cooler in The Bahamas, but, once again, warmer as you head south of the Tropic of Cancer. I'd skip March until a week after Easter, then go until the week before Memorial Day. Short cruises will have issues around Mother's Day and Presidents Day, though.

[msnoble]

thanks dmpryon! that is very helpful