Cruise ships tend to operate in seasons – and these depend on the destination the ship is headed. We’ve narrowed down the best time of year to cruise for a variety of destinations so you can enjoy the best your cruise has to offer.

Alaska

The Alaska Cruise season begins in May and ends in September. Although July and August are the warmest months to experience these incredible sites, autumn and spring are the most fun, the most beautiful and the savings are the best.

USA & Canada

Northbound cruises operate in April and May. Southbound cruises operate in September. Canada cruises operate in summer and autumn to enjoy the warmer weather and in particular, the spectacular fall foliage. The season is from June to October with the majority of departures being in September.

South America

Major cruise lines visit this continent between September and March. For cruises that sail round Cape Horn this is the southern summer and in general cruise ships that do South American itineraries return to Europe or Alaska for the northern summer cruise season. Speciality cruises operate year round.

Caribbean

Cruises operate in the Caribbean all year round. However, many ships cruise here in the winter and then cross the Atlantic to cruise in Europe during the summer.

Transatlantic

The majority of crossings are in April/May when ships cross from West (the America’s) to East to commence their summer cruising season in Europe. Then in October and November they escape the northern winter and return to the warmer cruise destinations of the Caribbean, Mexico and South America

Canary Islands

Cruisers can visit the Canaries all year round to gain their annual suntan, however July to September are the hottest months so possibly the best time to cruise.

Mediterranean & Europe

For the Mediterranean is from March to October to take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather. However, they are available year round. The widest selections of ships are available to cruise Europe from April to November – however June to August tends to be the high season for most cruise lines.

British Isles

The cruise season is from May to September to take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather.

Norway & Fjords

While the Hurtiguten (Norwegian Coastal Voyages) does run a year round schedule, the cruise season here is quite short with cruises operating between May and September to take advantage of the long northern summer days.

The Baltics

This generally commences in late Spring, April and May, with the season ending in September.

Africa

Mediterranean cruises are now year round but most cruises including North Africa sail in the Northern winter months from October to March when the day time temperatures are pleasant. Repositioning cruises also visit or operate during these months.

Dubai & Middle East

The sailing season tends to run from December to March when you are guaranteed sun in the Middle East. Repositioning cruises usually occur in late October and late March so cruises are also available at this time.

Asia & Far East

Cruises are available year round in the region as weather in the South East part is warm all year round – though both cruising and weather are better in the non-monsoon period. Cruises to China and Japan tend to be in the Spring, from March to May.

Australia & New Zealand

Local cruises operate year round from Australia. The Australia/New Zealand cruises sail between October and March. While larger ship and Barrier Reef cruises are available year round, the Speciality cruises are seasonal. Tasmanian cruises operate in the Southern summer (November to March) while Top End cruises operate in the winter months (April to October)

Pacific Islands

Local cruises operate year round from Australia, Fiji and Tahiti. The Australia/New Zealand cruises sail between October and March as do the Trans Pacific/World sectors.

Take a look here to find out more about the variety of destinations you can visit with Vision Cruise.