Planning the dream cruise isn’t just about selecting the destination. Identifying the best time to go is equally important, with weather conditions, price, and crowds all influencing your experience. In this comprehensive guide, we identify the key information to help you pick the best time of year for your cruise, especially when it comes to destinations like Alaska and the Canary Islands!
When booking your cruise, it’s integral to understand the three main seasons of the cruising calendar.
The peak season refers to the busiest period for a destination, during which most people will look to go there. During this time, a destination will offer the most favourable weather and events, but the prices and crowds will reflect this higher demand.
The shoulder season refers to the pocket of time between the year’s busiest and quietest periods. Striking a unique balance of value and experience, this time is known for its deals during periods of usually less reliable weather.
The off-season refers to the quietest period of the year, primarily due to poorer weather conditions. Prices are at their lowest during this time, and guests can enjoy quieter, less crowded experiences at the cost of better weather or available events.
| Season | Weather conditions | Events | Prices | Crowds? |
| Peak season | Great – usually sunny, warm, and optimal for activities | Lots of events and ideal conditions for activities | Highest of the year due to high demand | Yes – the busiest period of the year |
| Shoulder season | Good – milder than peak season and slightly less reliable | Fewer events but plenty of activities when the weather allows | Great potential for deals | Fewer – generally calmer than peak season but still popular |
| Off-season | Unreliable – often turbulent/non-ideal conditions | Quiet period for events – weather more likely to disrupt activities | Lowest of the year due to lower demand | No – the quietest period of the year |
The “wave season” (January to March) is also worth looking out for, as this time sees cruise lines offer discounts and deals in order to generate lots of New Year bookings.
The Alaskan cruise season runs from May to September, but is there a best time to cruise Alaska? The answer depends on the various factors that may affect your ideal holiday.
Beginning in May, the Alaskan shoulder season features fewer crowds and lower prices. Blooming wildflowers are a treat during this period, alongside the first wildlife spotting opportunities. It can be quite cold, however, with lingering snow.
Heading into June, the days get longer and warmer. Wildlife spotting opportunities, such as whale watching, also increase in availability, making for dream encounters with nature. These nicer conditions also mean increased prices and crowds.
At the height of summer, the best weather of the year means shore excursions are fully up and running. The highlight of this period is the active wildlife, with the famous salmon runs bringing beautiful bears into view. Such highlights incur the highest prices of the year and draw the largest crowds. It’s also worth noting that rainfall is usually high in August.
As autumn rolls around, the crowds begin to reduce. The falling of the leaves also grants opportunities to see the Northern Lights! The weather does turn, however, becoming much chillier with a higher chance of rain.
With their “eternal spring” of year-round sunshine, it may seem like there is no best time to cruise the Canary Islands. But different periods offer different benefits that are worth considering.
Those looking to put their hiking boots to good use will love the cooler temperatures and vibrant flora of this period. There are also fewer crowds, making for a calmer experience. This temperate weather does mean the ocean may not be quite warm enough for everyone!
The hottest and sunniest time of the year, this period is every sunbather’s dream. Great for days on the beach, these warmer months do come with a high volume of holidaymakers, families and higher prices.
As the crowds begin to ease, the sea reaches its warmest temperature for the most leisurely swimming of the year. For wine lovers, this is also the ideal period, and there are a number of harvest festivals to enjoy.
Offering the ideal escape from the colder European weather, this period presents great outdoor activity opportunities, such as hiking, and also makes for a comfortable festive getaway. The winter sun may, however, draw larger crowds.
The cheapest months to go on a cruise are generally January and February, in line with the coldest and darkest months of the year. However, peak seasons and off-seasons do vary between destinations.
The official hurricane season in the Caribbean begins in June and ends in November, with the most intense storms tending to begin in September.
How early you should book a cruise depends on the destination. More distant destinations such as Australasia are best booked between 12 and 18 months in advance; however, cruises around the British Isles, for example, can be booked between 6 and 12 months ahead.
The best period for seeing the Northern Lights on an Alaskan cruise stretches from August to April. Once ashore, September presents great opportunities for this as the leaves begin to fall from the trees.
The best time to go on a cruise depends on a variety of factors, and it comes down to each individual to decide which they deem most important for their cruise experience. Alaska’s incredible wildlife experiences and colder weather are key components, as are the Canary Islands’ hotter temperatures and summer crowds.
Have experience of booking an Alaskan or Canary Islands cruise? Still unsure of the best time to go? Leave a comment below or get in touch with your questions or personal experiences, or let us help you book a cruise that’s perfect for you!
Get ready to book your next cruise getaway with all of the major cruise lines available here at Bolsover Cruise Club. If you need help booking a cruise, please don’t hesitate to contact us. A member of our team will be happy to assist you.
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