Best time for a cruise?

[jfs9900]

Is there any time of the year or week that is really good for cruising with DCL?

Cons of Summer: Hot, Rainy
Cons of Fall: Hurricane season
Cons of Winter: A bit nippy...

Just wondering if anyone had a preference when they book their cruise - is there any time to avoid completely?

 

[makaylee]

I can only speak of May. Last year we went then and the weather was wonderful ( Eastern ). This year we booked for May again, and we even got a good rate since it is after spring break, but the kids are still in school. If you are going to the Caribbean on the Magic the weather is pretty much in the 80's there year round. I think that is pretty much true for the Bahamas also, except the water can be colder in the winter and spring months. If your looking for good rates I believe sept. thru feb. ( minus the holidays) are the cheapest times to sail.

 

[DOOGIERUNNER]

How is late November?

 

[alexandrew]

Late November is great....

end of hurricane season, cooler temps....However, week of Thanksgiving is very pricey compared to week just bfore....

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

best time for a cruise. thats easy. when you can afford it get the time off and when you really need it. i think that is the best time

 

[jfs9900]

Getting time off is really not a problem (as long as it's a two or three weeks out).

We want to go on vacation soon. But now with summer coming up the prices are high (not completely out of reach though) and I keep thinking its going to be HOT HOT HOT.... Why spend the extra money if it won't be a enjoyable.... (I think they should do ***something*** extra when charging double the fare for summer time)

Sept / Oct seems like a good time - prices are lower, but that's hurricane season. Having a port of call change would not bother me as much as if the ship didn't stop rocking. If castaway cay was canceled THAT would probably ruin the trip ......

Plus I don't think we can STAND to wait until 05 to go on vacation..... I don't know how some of you can plan for a vacation for Thanksgiving 05 - I'd go insane!

 

[HooKooDooKu]

Based on my experience with DCL, I'd say the best time to cruise is late October to early November.

The weather is significantly cooler than even September, but still warm enough for plenty of swimming.

Prices are cheaper.

Hurrican season isn't a big deal. After all, I think hurrican season is really from like June to Nov, meaning that nearly 1/2 they year is hurrican season. We've taken 5 cruises, all during "hurrican" season and never experienced an issue with them. The worst case is that you get to go on a "mystery" cruise.

 

[jfs9900]

Anyone know how many times DCL has missed Castaway cay???


Not going to this port would be the WORST part of the cruise - one of the main reasons why we are looking at DLC..... Where else would they go????