July or September Caribbean Cruise Differences?

[Starryjean]

Hello!

Debating on booking a 3 or 4 day cruise next year in July or September. It's the standard Nassau/Castaway Cay itinerary but given that both months are in hurricane season, I'm not sure if one is better than the other? Anyone with experience sailing during these months able to give feedback? Any Floridians/Bahamians with advice for these months?

All feedback is much appreciated, thanks!

 

[Mickey of the Villages]

In my opinion there is a much better chance of storm in September than July. This is because the warmth of the ocean is what gives the hurricane its strength. By September the ocean is significantly warmer than June so more storms, bigger storms in September. That said, the risk of a storm impacting your cruise is very low.

Other things to consider: July is cooler than September (especially early July). I know it may feel hot in July but in September it is as punishing as August. Also, July cruises will have many more school-aged children. However, prices should be much lower in September due to school starting and demand dropping.

Just my opinion, your mileage may vary.

 

[Cruising Engineer]

Historically, July has fewer hurricanes than September. I know October is bad. Then again, July's prices are much higher than September, just for the hurricane season reason.

 

[Scalemaster34]

That said we tend to go in September for the off season rates.... never missed a cruise or a visit to CC, so we have beaten the odds.

In the past September, is also full scale Halloween on the High Seas.... which too me is also a negative to the vibe and decoration of the elegant ships.

 

[a1tinkfans]

More H activity or rainy nasties in sept over July imho

 

[kathi]

View attachment 575761

That said we tend to go in September for the off season rates.... never missed a cruise or a visit to CC, so we have beaten the odds.

In the past September, is also full scale Halloween on the High Seas.... which too me is also a negative to the vibe and decoration of the elegant ships.

We often sail in September for our anniversary (which happens to be peak hurricane day - September 10th). Only once did we run into an issue in the North Atlantic (Canada sailing out of NYC). The captain was able to sail around the worst of it and we just had a bumpy sea day. It wasn't ideal, but it wasn't horrible.

 

[AquaDame]

It sounds like we are moving back into the El Nino pattern... that typically means less chance of storms in the Atlantic... right? Relatively?

 

[MomOTwins]

In the past September, is also full scale Halloween on the High Seas.... which too me is also a negative to the vibe and decoration of the elegant ships.

Oh ugh, you're right. I had just convinced myself I need to wait for fall 2022 to do the Wish, but with hurricanes AND halloween now I am thinking we need to do June/July after all. I am NOT A FAN of that creepy nightmare before christmas stuff that seems to be everywhere on the Halloween itineraries.