Here’s when you should cruise to the Caribbean

It is estimated that 32 million passengers sailed to the Caribbean in 2019. With its pure white sand beaches and turquoise waters, it’s easy to see why this cruise destination is one of the most popular. But when should you cruise to the Caribbean? Here, we detail the best time to visit these idyllic islands:   

With its year-round sunshine and beautiful scenery, there isn’t really a bad time to cruise to the Caribbean. The seasons vary, however, so it’s a good idea to plan your cruise around the weather you favour. The Caribbean’s weather is known for being glorious - the climate varies from island to island, but the warmth remains consistent. The summer months are hot and humid, the winter months are dry and warm and the in-between months are a mixture of the two. 

The Caribbean has two seasons; the high season and the low season. The high season runs from mid-December to mid-April and is generally considered the best time to cruise to the Caribbean. Tourism flourishes during these months as travellers escape the cold winter weather. The low season runs from May to November and although heat and humidity soar, this time of year overlaps with hurricane season and tropical rain showers are common. The lack of crowds in the low season may appeal to those wanting a quieter cruise, though. The high-risk period of hurricane season is confined to a shorter timeframe, typically from mid-August to early October and during this time, you can still enjoy lots of sunny weather. 

Many cruise lines operate cruises to the Caribbean. And, with hundreds of ships sailing the shores each year, you’re certain to find a vessel for you. Celebrity Cruises boasts a world of modern luxury for the modern traveller, P&O Cruises offer the best of both with adults-only and family-friendly cruise ships and Royal Caribbean International is great for the whole family - what’s more, the cruise line even has its own private Caribbean island!