No matter what time of year you decide to go on a cruise to San Juan, Ocho Rios, or anywhere else in the Caribbean, you are sure to have a great time! With hundreds of islands to visit, and excellent weather year-round, a Caribbean cruise is always a great idea. That being said, there are important factors worth considering when deciding the best time to take your vacation cruise.
Choose the Weather You Prefer
One of the most obvious reasons to vacation in the Caribbean is for fantastic weather during the vast majority of the year. With temperatures in the mid-80s to low-70s during the fall and winter months, the weather here is often far more preferable to the frigid temperatures in many parts of the United States. In addition, the weather throughout December and February is relatively dry, so you are almost guaranteed to avoid unexpected rainfall. That means more time in the sun working on your tan!
The climate is also amazing during the spring and summer months. With temperatures in the 80s and 90s, you’ll have plenty of time to make the most of a fun excursion on an exotic Caribbean island. There is a higher chance of rain from March to November, but don’t worry, you will be amazed by how quickly the rain comes and goes on the islands.
Book When Everyone is Available
Consider When School’s Out
Spring break has always been a popular time to go on vacation and a cruise getaway to the Caribbean is no different. Kids are out of school for a week and taking a short break to explore the Caribbean is a perfect reward for keeping those grades up.
If Spring break doesn’t align well with work, consider planning a trip during summer break. A lot of families take advantage of this 2-month period to get out of their regular routine and have fun with the entire family. There are plenty of exciting activities on a Carnival ship like SportSquare™ and WaterWorks™ or if your kids want to make new friends, there are clubs specific to their age group like Camp Ocean™ for ages 2-11, Circle “C”® for ages 12-14, and Club O2® for ages 15-17.
Go While Everyone is in School
If you’re not traveling with children and want to be around other adults, consider planning a cruise while school is in session since most parents plan vacations around school break. But, if you want to avoid kids altogether, you can always spend your sea days at Carnival’s Serenity Adult-Only Retreat™. Exclusive for ages 21 and up, this section is cornered off so you can simply relax and enjoy the ocean breeze without being too far from the excitement of the rest of the ship.
Cruise During The Holidays
If you want to do something extra special for the holidays, a cruise to the Caribbean is an excellent way to make the holidays really stand out.
Carnival specializes in making the holidays as enjoyable and memorable as possible. Each cruise has its own set of special activities, food, and events based on the particular holiday. You won’t have to worry about cooking, cleaning or taking care of any other chores once the holiday is over!
Whether you want to cruise for Christmas or Thanksgiving, or even ring in the New Year — a Caribbean cruise will help you make a memory you’ll never forget!
Where Should You Go?
With so many diverse islands to visit, every Caribbean vacation is bound to be a little different! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
San Juan
San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico, and an excellent place to soak in some Spanish culture! With man-made wonders to explore like the fortresses of El Morro and San Cristobal as well as its natural beauty in the rainforest jungle and its pristine beaches, there isn’t a city quite like San Juan.
With so many options, the only thing you know with certainty is any time is a great time to go on a cruise vacation to the Caribbean! When will you choose to go?
Ocho Rios
You won’t regret a cruise to Ocho Rios. This Jamaican town has plenty of adventure you can enjoy from bobsledding through 3280ft of twists and turns to horseback riding in the Caribbean Sea. Take full advantage of this Caribbean gem as you enjoy the exquisite taste of Jamaican cuisine while listening to famous reggae tunes.
St. Thomas
St. Thomas might be a relatively small island but that doesn’t stop it from having an abundance of outdoor activities. Deciding between activities like going on a parasail adventure or an extreme zip line tour won’t be easy. But rest assured, no matter what you choose, you’ll enjoy every minute of it!
