You're spoilt for choice when deciding when to begin your voyage. A romantic getaway in February seems obvious, and if you’re after sun then July seems the clear choice, but there are 10 other months in the year offering equally incredible and unique experiences.
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Year-round cruise holidays
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Cruise Nation’s team of cruise experts have put their heads together, using their vast experience, to come up with the best cruise destinations month-by-month.
Whenever and wherever you choose to book, we have a cruise for everyone, with a range of itineraries available year-round.
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January
January
Start your year off with a bang with a cruise holiday in the first month of the year. You can either enjoy the summer of South East Asia or spot awe-inspiring Northern Lights across Iceland, the options are absolutely limitless for a January cruise.
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February
February
February is known as a month for couples because of the celebration of Valentine's Day, so why not strengthen your bond with your partner and book a romantic cruise getaway that you'll never forget?
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March
March
Spring has well and truly sprung in March and the party season starts across the Americas.
Mardi Gras and Rio's world-famous carnival are in full swing during March so get your gladrags on and get the party started.
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April
April
The Easter holidays are a great time to get away on a once-in-a-lifetime cruise holiday. It's also a great time to beat the summer rush!
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May
May
A cruise holiday during May offers the fantastic weather of the summertime without the crowds, allowing you to soak up the sun in tranquillity before returning to normal life feeling refreshed.
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June
June
The sun's out and you're feeling good; June is a fantastic time to slap the sun cream on and explore a part of the world you've never seen before!
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July
July
July welcomes the start of the summer holidays! Across the Northern Hemisphere, the weather is at its hottest, so make the most of the sun with a cruise to the greatest holiday destinations from across the globe.
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August
August
August sees some of the busiest times for holidaygoers across the globe and for good reason. The weather is gorgeous, the kids are off school, and the good times are flowing.
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September
September
Looking for a cheaper deal with the same great weather as summer? September is ideal. Although the tourist season is winding down in a lot of places, that doesn't mean you can't have a great time and enjoy world-class cruise itineraries.
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October
October
October is a great time of year for a cruise holiday. The mild days lend to cosy nights where you can enjoy the Northern Lights during a trip around the Norwegian Fjords. Or, head to warmer climes as the dark nights draw in across the northern hemisphere.
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November
November
As the year draws to a close, you might want to give yourself something to look forward to by booking a cruise late into the year. Places like Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and Australasia are still wonderfully warm well into November.
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December
December
Whether it's winter sun or a winter wonderland you're after, December is a fantastic time to book a cruise. New York is known for its festive magic, but you could just as easily enjoy Christmas while you catch a tan in the Caribbean.
FAQs
When is the best month to go on a cruise?
The best time to go on a cruise is entirely subjective. For some, the idea of a Mediterranean cruise during the peak of summer might sound like heaven, and to others, they’d prefer cooler months.
The year's global events are also important to consider. If you want to see Rio’s famous Carnival, you’ll have to go between late February and early March, for example.
What is the best month for a Caribbean cruise?
The best month to visit the Caribbean is during November. Strictly speaking, the driest and sunniest months of the year are between December and April, but they also incur the highest prices.
By choosing to cruise in November, you can get most of the dry, sunny weather without the high price tag that comes with peak season.
What is the best month for a Mediterranean cruise?
September is arguably the best month for a Mediterranean cruise because of the great weather across the region and fewer crowds than you might get throughout the peak season of the summer.
The weather is fantastic throughout the year in the Mediterranean, so whenever you choose, you won’t be disappointed by the gorgeous sunshine on offer.
What is the best month for a Norwegian Fjords cruise?
A cruise around the Norwegian Fjords is iconic for its peaceful atmosphere that connects cruisers with Mother Nature like no other experience. With that in mind, you might opt to go during one of the cooler months when the tranquillity of Norway is less disturbed by tourists.
For this reason, we’d recommend October, when the nights are just starting to draw in, the Northern Lights are on display, and the summer crowds have departed.
It’s worth noting that the weather in Norway can be quite fickle, so even during the summer you might not get the weather you’re expecting.
What is the best month for an Alaska cruise?
Parts of Alaska sit comfortably in the Arctic Circle, meaning that during the winter months, they are plunged into darkness for over 2 months. For this reason, you’ll want to visit during the lighter months of the year.
June is an ideal month to go to Alaska because the days are longer and the weather is milder, meaning you’re more likely to see wildlife like bears, moose calves, and certain marine life.
What is the best month for a Bahamas cruise?
The Bahamas is absolutely stunning year-round, but it can also be too hot for many tourists during the summer months. January is a great month to visit the Bahamas so that you can still enjoy a beautiful average daytime temperature of 25°C during your activities.
What is the best month for a Florida cruise?
Florida is known as the sunshine state, and for good reason! The best time to enjoy this sunshine as a Brit might be during April when the kids are off here but not in America, meaning that there will be fewer local tourists in popular attractions like Walt Disney World® Resort and Universal Orlando Resort.
