Off Season Cruises

Regardless of where you want to sail, the sunny Caribbean or majestic Alaska, there are ways to save money on a cruise vacation. Sailing during shoulder season, that is, the period near the beginning or end of the peak cruising times, is one of the best ways to save money. Savvy cruisers who book during this period can benefit from major discounts, often 30- 40%. Money to keep for the next cruise, a once in a lifetime excursion, or other fun onboard activities like specialty dining or a massage. Just how much you can save varies by cruise line, ship and itinerary; however, we found some major differences when searching popular itineraries. Here’s a look at shoulder season by destination with some great saving opportunities.

Alaska

The cruise season is relatively short in Alaska, running from May to September. While many travelers enjoy the milder weather of mid summer, there are savings for those who can brave a little cooler weather.

Typically you will find the best price for an Alaska cruise if you sail in April, May, or September. If you can find a ship that sails earlier or later than those dates, expect even better prices. The reason why prices are lower in these times is it’s far colder in Alaska these months than the peak summer.

Bermuda

Bermuda is a bit of an anomaly in that cruises don’t sail there in the winter, typically a busy time for warm destinations. May to October is the destination’s short cruise season and many itineraries feature an evening in port, a great bonus. For the most economical fares, cruisers should try to travel in early May or September. For example, a seven-night cruise out of New York on the Norwegian Joy in a balcony cabin runs is $1,670 in May but jumps to $2,250 in July for the same cabin. A 35% increase in the cruise fare.

Northern Europe

Summer cruises that visit the UK, Baltics, and points beyond are pretty limited because of the shorter season. Typically, the Baltic and Northern European cruise season runs between April to October.

You will find the best price if you can visit at the very beginning or very end of the season. Try for the first or last sailing.

Caribbean

Cruising to the Caribbean continues to be the number one choice amongst cruisers, and the season has extended well outside traditional winter months. January, May, and September are good times to cruise to the Caribbean to save money.

Since the Caribbean is a year-round destination, you’re going to find the lowest prices on a Caribbean cruise if you sail during times of the year when school is in session. When there are less families looking to cruise, demand dips a bit and you can find a good deal.

Likewise, cruising during hurricane season can get you better prices. Hurricane season runs between the end of June through November, with the peak in the fall months. The prospect of a hurricane is enough to scare away some people. Combined with the fact school is in session, and you can find some great deals.

Mediterranean

The cruise season generally encompasses May to October, with the occasional outlier.

Flying to the Mediterranean is an added expense for most cruisers. Booking flights during non-peak times can also save a significant amount, a factor to consider when booking a cruise.

A great time for a low price and favorable weather during a Mediterranean cruise is to go in early fall, when the weather is still warm but kids are back in school.

Source: cruise.blog

The Best Cruise List

If you’ve been on a cruise before, then you likely have plenty of reasons why someone should take one. But if you’ve never been on a cruise, then you might wonder what all the fuss is about. The truth is, there’s no shortage of reasons that people take cruises. And each person will have their own favorite reason for setting sail. Cruises offer the uncanny ability to “disconnect”, there are no limits on baggage, and you can visit multiple places in one trip. There’s tons to do without going far and cruises are easy to plan. They give access to worldclass culture and offer a family-friendly vacations. They also leave year-round… meaning they fit any schedule. With so many cruises to choose from, here you’ll find the best cruises for you as put together by U.S.News Travel.

Best Cruise Line for the Money Virgin Voyages

Newcomer Virgin Voyages may not seem like the most affordable offering at a glance, but it presents cruisers with supreme value. Base fares include all onboard dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi access, group fitness classes and more. Add those benefits to Virgin’s ongoing sales, and you’re looking at a top-notch experience for less. The brainchild of British entrepreneur Richard Branson, Virgin Voyages is a hip, adults-only cruise line that aims to be a bit different from the other options on the cruising market. And according to recent cruisers, it succeeds; many rave that a Virgin Voyages sailing is unlike any cruise experience they’ve had before (in a good way). Virgin Voyages’ ships stand out with their superyacht-inspired atmosphere, upscale dining outlets, free Wi-Fi access, design-forward staterooms and wellness activities. There are four ships in the fleet – Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady – and the line sails to a variety of destinations around the globe, including popular spots in the Caribbean, Europe and the South Pacific. Virgin’s ships depart from ports in Miami; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Barcelona, Spain; Athens, Greece; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Singapore; Melbourne, Australia; and Auckland, New Zealand. Itineraries typically last anywhere from two to 15 nights. Cruisers can enjoy numerous amenities on Virgin’s ships, including swanky pools with plenty of lounge seating, group workout classes, unique evening performances and more. Meanwhile, foodies will appreciate the ships’ 20-plus dining venues and specialty bars. Shore excursion options range from snorkeling and exploring Mayan ruins in Mexico to cultural tours and beach club relaxation in the Bahamas to scenic bike rides and food tastings in Corfu, Greece.

Best Cruise Line In The Caribbean: Disney Cruise Line

Disney’s ships sail to ports across the Caribbean, including Barbados, Jamaica and St. Lucia. Most of Disney’s Caribbean cruises stop at Castaway Cay – the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas. In addition to offering character greetings and waterslides, the island boasts lesscongested beaches and prime snorkeling.

Best Cruise Line For Couples: Viking Ocean Cruises

Whether you’re in the infinity pool, by the common area’s fireplace or on your stateroom’s veranda, Viking Ocean Cruises’ adults-only ships offer ample ways to cuddle up with your loved one while taking in your surroundings. After admiring the view, reconnect while sipping tea at the airy Wintergarden lounge or relaxing in the Nordic spa’s snow grotto or sauna.

Viking Ocean Cruises appeal to active and intellectual adults who are interested in learning about the history and culture of the destinations they visit. The smaller size of Viking’s ships allows them to access more exclusive ports throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

Best Cruise Line For Families: Disney Cruise Line

From its signature Mickey’s Sail-A-Wave Party to its pirate-themed dinners, Disney attracts passengers looking for a full roster of entertainment options. Passengers can enjoy kid-friendly dining venues and amenities, plus visits from Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto. The line’s cruise ships also offer adults-only dining areas, quiet pool spots and nightlife options.

Disney Cruise Line’s ships – Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and the brand-new Disney Wish – receive kudos from families and critics alike for their kid-friendly atmospheres, whimsical amenities and well-equipped staterooms. The theme of Disney cruises is understated enough that sentimental adults looking to reconnect with their childhood fantasies will enjoy sailing just as much as the kids. In fact, each ship boasts secluded adults-only pools, restaurants, and lounges (though still not as many as other cruise lines). Although Disney’s ships vary in size, each vessel carries approximately one crew member for every three passengers.

Best Luxury Cruise Line Viking River Cruises

Smaller ships (with verandas in every cabin) and destination-focused itineraries set Viking Ocean Cruises apart from other cruise lines. Viking’s emphasis on cultural enrichment means you can expect activities like TED Talk screenings, cooking classes and riveting stage performances, as well as shore excursions like exclusive after-hours museum visits or culinary tours.

Best World Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Navigate the World

Starting on day 1,684 guests will call Regent’s Seven Seas Mariner home for its 143-night Navigate the World cruise. The ship sails from Miami to Barcelona, with stops in enchanting destinations across South America and idyllic islands like Bora Bora in French Polynesia. There are also stops in Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, Vietnam, India, South Africa, the Canary Islands and more.

Most cruise ships feature a fake funnel (or two, or three!). Funnels were originally introduced to expel smoke and fumes from the lower decks. And they’re still necessary today—just not as much. They’re still present but mostly for for aesthetic reasons.