Better Cruise Time- Feb. or Nov.?

[MamaKate]

Hello Everyone!

While I'm on my cruise in April 2005, I'm going to book a cruise for 2006 (3-night land/4-night sea), but I'm split between to dates.

Which time of year is better to travel (as far as weather & sea conditions):

The week before Presidents Days in February (9-16th) or
The week after Thanksgiving in November (23rd-30th)

I'm leaning more towards Feb. because it'll be my daughters birthday, but I've never been to Florida or a cruise in Feb & I don't know what to expect.

Also, we want to make sure Expedition Everest is open & since Feb is earlier in the year, we have a better chance of riding it in November (although I saw rumors it may open at the end of 2005).

Any advise when is the better time for a cruise!

Thanks!
,
Katie

 

[izzinmac]

February is definitely colder in Florida than November, but that may be all relative depending on where you are coming from. We love to cruise the week after Thanksgiving because it usually is still in the low 70s and the ship is decorated for Christmas. Same would apply to WDW. The water at CC is not as cold in November (but still cool) Both dates would have good rates. My choice would be (and has been) November!

 

[kcashner]

DD has a Feb. birthday, so we frequently cruise then. However...it can be cold. In 5 or 6 times, we had one cruise that was too cold to swim or even be comfortable on CC. I found myself on the beach wrapping myself in towels and cover up to keep warm before I got a dose of reality and went back to the ship. However, the other cruises were wonderful. November weather is definitely warmer, but that is hurricane season. You might have a "mystery cruise" where you don't know where the ship will go, but you'll have a great time. If there is a tropical storm in the area, the captain will go away from it!

 

[LAMPSKIES]

We sailed in both Feb and November........we prefer November. The week after Thanksgiving is "off peek" and less expensive. The ship is decorated for Christmas and is awsome. We have our family christmas cards done on the ship. I do believe "Presidents day" thru Valentines day is more $$$. We have our 3rd November sailing booked for 11/20/04..Good luck!

 

[cathie]

We've been on two February cruises (never been in November) & the weather was fantastic...in the 80's & sunny everyday! We went on our 1st 7 Day cruise in July & also had super weather ( of course much warmer). The only thing that was cool in February was the water @ CC, but being from NH we found it very comfortable. Enjoy your cruise in whichever month you decide to go in! (We'll be trying April 2005 for our next cruise!) Cathie & The Gang

 

[CurtS]

The water at CC is not as cold in November (but still cool)

izzinmac, we're on the same cruise as you. I was concerned over the water temperature--we have a 3 and 4 year old who love the ocean, but I am wondering if it will be too cold for them to go out into it.

 

[MamaKate]

Thanks Everyone for the Info !

I've decided to go in November because I'd rather not chance the colder weather. I'm from Southern California & anything below 75 degrees is cold to me !

But I'm used to cold water, because the Pacific Ocean is always cold, so if the water at Castaway Cay is cold, it should be fine.

Also, if I go in November I'll get an additional 9-months to save money !

I glad to hear the boat will already be decorated for the Holidays!!

After I got your replies, I looked for pricing for next November & decided it was more cost effective to book the 7-day cruise instead of the Land/Sea package. So we will do 5 days at the parks before the cruise and then the 7-day cruise.

Wow, I can't believe I'm already starting planning for Nov. 2006. I think I have issues that need to be resolved!!

Thanks again for helping me with planning!
,
Katie

 

[izzinmac]

Originally posted by CurtS
izzinmac, we're on the same cruise as you. I was concerned over the water temperature--we have a 3 and 4 year old who love the ocean, but I am wondering if it will be too cold for them to go out into it.

CurtS,

I think your 3/4 year olds will be fine. Kids can handle cold water much better than us adults. and it is not cold - just colder than we are used to. Our florida blood has gotten very thin, and my wife won't get in our pool until the water temp hits 90. I'm a little better than that.

BTW, as I recall you had a zillion kids! We had 7 ourselves, but the youngest is now 23. It was a blessing and still is! Lots of sacrifices, but great! One warning - you never get rid of worrying about them!

See you in November!

Bob and Mary