Bahamas in February or March?

[sandydk]

We are currently booked on an early February 2017 4-day cruise in the Bahamas. However, now that the new dates are up, I've found a March 2017 cruise over my kids' spring break for $600 more than we're paying now, same room category, just one deck higher.

We're planning to go to Universal for 2 days before the cruise, so my kids would be missing 6 days of school. If we go with the March date, they'll only miss 1. They're both elementary, and this will be the last trip before my oldest hits middle school and then we won't be able to vacation during school time.

Still need to price airline and Universal, but if you had to choose, would you go with the February or March cruise?

 

[Allabouthemouse]

We recently cruised the Bahamas in mid February this year and then a month later in mid March. We much preferred March because it was MUCH warmer. That being said, the weather is variable and past trip reports and navigators report good, warm weather even in February. (the water may be quite chilly). I hate to say this because of how controversial this topic has been in the past, but if you were ok planning to take the kids out of school for February and the trip cost $600 less and is NOT over spring break, then keep that trip. Spring Break in Orlando is miserably crowded. We did not enjoy our Spring break trip to Universal/Disney last year - too. many. people.

 

[tink1970]

If you aren't planning to stay in the water for long periods of time at CC (or are fairly warm natured) then February for reasons above- less crowded, less expensive. The weather can be erratic, however. Although most kids, you'll notice will swim in anything (brrr...).

March weather is usually nicer but the crowds! Ugh.

Now that DD is in (public) high school and really can't be taken out for random vacation days, I so wish I'd done it more when she was younger. If I could do it all over again, I'd have said "exploring the world and time with me is an education" and taken her out on my time. Ah well...live and learn.

 

[sandydk]

I think we're leaning toward keeping the February. That will be the last year we can take the kids out of school, since my oldest will hit middle school after that and we won't be able to miss a week like that. Husband and I are both ok with them missing in elementary -- we've done it twice for WDW and both kids easily made up their work without falling behind.

I am a bit worried about the weather -- but I'm more worried about crowds and $$$!

 

[Allabouthemouse]

I think we're leaning toward keeping the February. That will be the last year we can take the kids out of school, since my oldest will hit middle school after that and we won't be able to miss a week like that. Husband and I are both ok with them missing in elementary -- we've done it twice for WDW and both kids easily made up their work without falling behind.

I am a bit worried about the weather -- but I'm more worried about crowds and $$$!

February weather can be chilly for the cruises but is more comfortable for the parks. You will enjoy it either way.

 

[jiminy14]

We sailed on the Fantasy this past February and had beautiful weather. Grand Cayman and Cozumel had temps in the high 70s-low 80s but CC was very windy and chilly. There were very few people in the water at CC. The family beach was definitely much better than SB with most people leaving SB after lunch.

 

[jillbean78]

We sailed the Bahamas just this past Februrary 26 - March 3. Weather was perfect. I was concerned about it not being warm enough but it was wonderful. We had high 70s and low 80s. Water at Castaway wasn't warm but it wasn't freezing. We spent all day in it.

I'm also from northern Ohio so my idea of hot is 60!! Haha

 

[darnheather]

Just check when Mardi Gras is which can effect prices and crowds at Universal.

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

We have done 3 Feb. cruises on DCL and booked another for next Feb. CC was very warm and the last one windy. The water is pretty chilly but that didn't keep folks out of the water. The crowds were low since most wait until spring break or later.