Weather for January cruise ?

[luckeylasvegas]

Has anyone cruised in January ? We will be on the January 8th 2005 eastern and I was wondering how warm the water is.

 

[Billinaz]

We went in early February, and the water at CC was cool early in the morning, but by 10 or so it was pretty nice.

 

[abitjaded]

We cruised once in January. St Thomas and St Maarten were warm, but the water is a bit more churned up. Castaway Cay was cold enough that you had to scream a bit getting in when it got to-well-you-know-where. We managed to stay in the water and snorkel for an hour or two, but our kids were plenty chilled by the time we swam back in. The sun was warm and we managed to get back to non-blue-shiver-temperature pretty quickly. But honestly, I would describe the water temperature as brisk, at best. We did play around in the water near the shore off and on for the rest of the day, but it was a very warm day. I don't think you will spend much time in the water if it is chilly. But there is plenty to do otherwise. Fly a kite, take a bike ride, just chill on the beach and play in the sand.

Carla

 

[luckeylasvegas]

Thanks for your reply it was my first posting ! I was afraid that it would be a little to chilly for me , however I'll be happy to stay on the beach and watch. My DD was swimming in the pool as soon as it hit 68' so I'm not to worried about her. I hope her dad can take it when they go snorkeling.

 

[abitjaded]

Vegas,

You are welcome, and welcome! This is a pretty nice group, ask away.

Carla

 

[TheWog]

Originally posted by luckeylasvegas
Thanks for your reply it was my first posting ! I was afraid that it would be a little to chilly for me , however I'll be happy to stay on the beach and watch. My DD was swimming in the pool as soon as it hit 68' so I'm not to worried about her. I hope her dad can take it when they go snorkeling.

If thats the case then she will be fine. We found the islands to be very warm and CC warm as well. But I think it may be because what we are used to. If the ocean here were to get to 68 all the time in the summer we would be in heaven. Air temps were 80's with high 70's on CC. You will love it and have a great time then.

 

[RKB]

I just did the Western January 04. Honestly the weather was great everywhere, but the water was cold at all stops. I could't take Castaway Cay's water. My kids swam for awhile but were very cold. We are from Arizona so that may be part of our being so cold. We did get in the water for the Stingray swim and to swim with Dolphins, but if I hadn't prepaid I don't know if I would have gotten in the water!

 

[brack]

We have done three 7 day cruises in January on DCL(we'll be on the cruise with you on January 8th) the weather was very nice. The water was a little chilly but bearable. We love this time. See ya then

 

[wingawh]

We will be there too! Is it January yet?

No matter what, the water temp will be just fine!

 

[staylor]

Hey wingah and luckeylasvegas! We'll also be on the Jan. 8th cruise. We have a link on the cruise meets board, come join us.
I have to warn you about the disboards, they are very addictive. Feel free to ask any question here, everyone is very helpful and friendly.
Staci

 

[over50visits]

We were on last January. Picked it for the lower price, and maybe it would be less crowded (it wasn't full).

Perfect everything. Calm seas, sunshine, warm water at CC. I've heard some January weather can be stormy, but for us it was perfect. We'll be back again this January.

 

[wingawh]

Thanks everybody. This will be cruise #3 for us, the first on the Magic.

Like others here on these boards we have no kids, ( ie. Black Light Barb) but ever since our travel agent suggested DCL for a honeymoon cruise we are hooked.

Best to all.

 

[talicskai]

We have travelled on the Magic 2004 and 2003 both times late January. We had wonderful weather both years and swam at CC a lot. We are from Southern Ontario and our summers are hot but the lakes don't often get too warm. Maybe 70 if we are lucky. That could be why the CC water felt okay to us. The water in St. Thomas and St. Maarten was heavenly! Have a great time!
We are saving for #3 but it will be a few years yet.......

 

[mmouse37]

We were on board the first week in January of 2003.....could not make it to Grand Cayman due to high winds so we spent an extra day docked in Cozumel.

Key West was breezy but we went in the water, Cozumel was hot and CC was breezy with chilly water....I would go again in January but I prefer it to be warmer at CC.

Here is a photo so you can get an idea how breezy it was....

http://community.webshots.com/photo/61027011/61028686DazUCp

http://community.webshots.com/photo/61027011/61028753nnWUzE

MJ

 

[kristen821]

abitjaded-
did you bring your own kite or do they have them there that sounds like a wonderful idea

 

[cjsmith]

Originally posted by brack
We have done three 7 day cruises in January on DCL(we'll be on the cruise with you on January 8th) the weather was very nice. The water was a little chilly but bearable. We love this time. See ya then

Hey Brack, I was on the cruise with you this past January and I agree, it's a great time of year to cruise. Lucky you, you and your wife get to go again! I keep looking at the January cruises, but so far haven't booked yet. Enjoy!!

 

[abitjaded]

Kristen they do some kite flying as an activity, look at the Navigator's on Barb's site. We never did it, but I do not think they had kites for sale. You might want to pack one.

Carla

 

[logan1_2000]

I think you have gotten good accurate info on this thread. After my last January 7 day, when St. Thomas and St. Martin were great in the water but the water was abit too chilly on a 74 degree day at CC, I decided if I ever went in January again it would be later in the month, or early Feb. (DS plays baseball and practice starts around Feb. 9th, and I avoid Hurricane season, so the windows of time are narrow). But I wondered if the reaction to the water might be different on the last day of a 7 day to the eastern or western caribbean than on a 3 or 4 day without the comparison to more southern islands.

The best truth is that there is so much that is pleasant and relaxing on CC, that if the water is swimmable will likely be an individual tolerance matter and simply a bonus on top of a great day in any event. Remember, no one to disturb you as you try to just fall asleep on the beach to solicit you to buy a cheap shirt or braid your hair such as on St. Martin.

 

[marylee15]

I'm so glad you asked this question. I just found this board today and I am so excited. Have been on others about Disney vacations but none this informative or interesting. My family and I (DH and DS 5 year old) will also be on the January 8th EC. We have never been on a cruise before so this is very insightful for us. Thank you for all of the information will be on this sight several times a day until cruise time!!!!! We are also doing 4 days at WDW prior to the cruise arriving in Orlando 1/4. Cannot wait. Thanks again.

 

[luckeylasvegas]

Hi Marylee: Weare a family of three also. Our DD will just turn 8 before the cruise. There is a link on cruise meets for our cruise date if you would like to join in.

Luckey