Cruise Seasons?

[bigsis1970]

Hi do the Cruises have Seasons like the Resorts ? I know I will be traveling during Feb Vacation -2005- which I assume will be a LARGE amount but wanted to double check.. Thanks Michelle

 

[MFan]

Just like resort seasons, the DCL season is primarily linked to school holidays, and secondarily to climate patterns. Prices will be the highest during the summer and school holidays. We're accustomed to travel during off season because our kids are young. However, that luxury is coming to an end because my son is entering 1st grade this fall. We are trying to get over the sticker shock for booking next summer. It'll cost almost twice as much as what we paid this year.

In terms of climate, the hurricane season for the Caribbean and the Bahamas begins in June and lasts thru Oct. The dry season begins in Dec. thru May. The ambient temperature doesn't change too much between winter & summer (from hot to very hot). However, the seasonal differences in beach water temperatures can be very noticeable, from shivering in 5 minutes (Castaway Cay in Jan) to playing in it for hours (Castaway Cay in Aug). Younger/smaller you are, the more affected you'll be (less body mass to handle the colder water).

 

[bigsis1970]

Thank you - is there anyway to see what the prices are for each season or do you just have keep plugging in dates ? I am wondering if the week before or week after school vacation is less expensise then the other type of comparison shopping

 

[MFan]

The best source that I've found to research on seasonal prices is All Seasons Travel. Just click on the desired itinerary and then the date range, it'll display the rates for the various cabins levels. The prices shown are discounted and are cheaper than booking directly with DCL. Be sure to read up on the assumptions they used to calculate the prices. I've never booked with them, but many on this board have.

 

[bigsis1970]

Thanks very much for that .. I will take a look.. Michelle