Cruise Destination Guides

The Caribbean is the most popular cruise destination by a wide margin, accounting for about 35% of all cruise itineraries worldwide. It offers year-round sailing, warm weather, and hundreds of port options from short 3-day getaways to 14-day island-hopping adventures.

The best time is November through April, outside hurricane season. December through March offers the driest weather and most comfortable temperatures (75-85F). Hurricane season runs June through November, with August-October being the riskiest months. However, you can find excellent deals during shoulder season.

May through October is Mediterranean cruise season, with June and September being ideal. These months offer warm weather without the extreme heat of July-August. Shoulder months (May, October) have fewer crowds and lower prices. Winter Mediterranean cruises are available but limited.

Alaska cruise season runs from mid-May through mid-September, approximately 4.5 months. June and July offer the longest daylight hours (up to 19 hours). Late August and September bring fall colors and potentially lower prices. May can be cooler but has fewer crowds.

Short Caribbean cruises (3-5 nights) from Florida ports are ideal for first-timers. Popular starter routes include stops at Nassau, Cozumel, and cruise line private islands. These itineraries are affordable, close to US ports (no flights needed), and give you a taste of cruising without a big commitment.