Cruising Dates questions

[ToodlesRN]

Hi,

It's been about 7 years since we have been on a Disney cruise! Now that our kids are school aged and need to follow the school rules (our state has a strict policy about kids being gone) and can only plan trips while on breaks.

We would like to cruise in Dec since it will be my big 40th birthday and why not go on a cruise right!

Here are my questions;
1. How is the weather in December in general, we plan to visit the parks as well.

2. Weather during the cruise, Bahamas and Cast Away Key?

My other thoughts would be end of August or November during thanksgiving break.

My main concerns are if we go in December the weather and of course the crowds at the parks, we've been at DL during the holidays not sure how FL compares?

Thanks for your input!

 

[Shanti]

Hi,

It's been about 7 years since we have been on a Disney cruise! Now that our kids are school aged and need to follow the school rules (our state has a strict policy about kids being gone) and can only plan trips while on breaks.

We would like to cruise in Dec since it will be my big 40th birthday and why not go on a cruise right!

Here are my questions;
1. How is the weather in December in general, we plan to visit the parks as well.

2. Weather during the cruise, Bahamas and Cast Away Key?

My other thoughts would be end of August or November during thanksgiving break.

My main concerns are if we go in December the weather and of course the crowds at the parks, we've been at DL during the holidays not sure how FL compares?

Thanks for your input!

We cruised the Eastern Caribbean & Bahamas on the Fantasy last month- mid December. The weather on the cruise was idyllic: warm and dry. December through March is the dry season in the Caribbean, btw. The pool decks were very windy at times- that was our only weather complaint, but it wasn't an issue last year during our Bahamas cruise over New Year's, which also featured clear, balmy weather. I'm a lifelong Texan who is used to warm weather & not comfortable being cold, so that gives some context about how nice the weather was on both cruises.

I've noticed when looking at Bahamas weather averages for different months online (those "What are the Bahamas like in February?" types of sites), the temperature averages posted seem low compared both to what we experienced over the past two years, and to what current forecasts state. My suspicion is that temps historically were slightly lower than they are now, due to global warming. So take those annual average temperature predictions with a grain of salt.

The water at Castaway Cay is chilly in winter, but not freezing or anything. It does take a few minutes to get used to.

I've never been to the parks in December, so can't speak to that.

 

[FSU Girl]

I went on a cruise over Christmas. The first two sea days were very windy, which made the waves a little rocky. It never rained the entire cruise although I've heard this is the wet season in the Caribbean. I'm from Florida and found the ocean to be warm enough to swim in and the pool water was heated. Even though our cruise went over the holiday the ship never seemed overly crowded. I've never been to the parks around that time, but I can imagine they are much more crowded. I say go for it, the ships are decorated so prettily for the holidays.

 

[DizMagic]

I haven't been on a cruise in December, but thought I would weigh in on the parks side. I have been both mid-December, and actually for Christmas. The mid December time was glorious. Christmas was crazy busy. You may get some cool nights (even possibly cold) but overall a fantastic time of year. And, don't forget to check out Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party if you do go - it runs most nights throughout the month of December.

 

[apathetic]

We just did a Bahamas cruise (mid-Jan). Weather was great at both stops. Water was a bit cold at first, but after a few minutes you will be acclimated. There is a greater chance for bad weather in the winter months, but I think it is mostly good. If the weather was normally bad I think cruise lines would sail someplace else.

 

[lanejudy]

I'm assuming December would be over the year-end break -- that is the absolute busiest time of year at the WDW parks. I would never go near the parks at that time of year, but if you plan for the crowds and adjust your expectations you can have a good time. Earlier in December isn't too bad crowd-wise.

I can't speak for cruising as we tend to go in February. But we have definitely been swimming at WDW pools in December, so I wouldn't find the Bahamas or Caribbean to be too cold at that time. But we are from a northern climate so that time of year is typically quite warmer than home for us; if you come from a warmer climate you may feel differently.

Enjoy your cruise!