How to decide when to cruise

Deciding that you want to take a cruise but choosing "when" to sail depends on a few things.


1.  Are you looking for a colder or warmer climate than where you live?  Living in Michigan provides a calendar with four distinct seasons.  I happen to like the warmer climates.  So sailing in the Caribbean November through April offers me the chance to escape the cold.  If I lived in Arizona, I might consider taking an Alaskan cruise in July.


2.  Consider hurricane season when selecting your destination.  Although the ships will still sail during hurricane season, the rough waters and the possibility of a hurricane passing through may dampen your cruise.  Unless you are a thrill-seeker, I would recommend avoiding the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Panama area during the months of July through November.  Even if you don't actually encounter a hurricane, one of your destinations could be struck and that won't be pretty.

3.  Are your sailing dates flexible?  Most cruises are priced higher the week leading up to or just after a major holiday.  So if price is an issue, avoid these periods.  (That goes hand in hand with airfare too.)  The holiday weeks are also when the ship has the most passengers.  Most school breaks are around holidays so you will notice more kids aboard then too.  Although the ships are quite large, you will notice longer waits in food lines; less choice seating at the shows; the casino is more crowded as will be the pool areas, arcade, and just about everywhere else.


4.  Do you need to request vacation time well in advance or can you sail at a moment's notice?  Rather than sail ships that are less than full, some cruise lines offer special pricing the closer it gets to a cruise date.  Past guests are usually notified of specials prior to the general public, so you also pick up a great deal this way too...if you can respond quickly.

5.  Maybe pricing isn't an issue for you but going on a cruise instead of spending the holidays with family sounds better?  Almost all the cruise lines have special events, parties, or themed activities that coincide with the holidays.  Those can offer a different experience than a normal cruise.


6.  Looking for celebrities?  Carnival is becoming known for cruises that feature certain celebrities.  Royal Caribbean and Norwegian recently got in on the act (no pun intended).  Some that have occurred or are planned include: musical performers such as Kid Rock, Brett Michaels, Kiss, Motley Crue, New Kids on the Block, R Kelly, Beatles Tribute, or Motown talent.  Even comedians Lewis Black and Kathleen Madigan created a wave of laughter on their cruise. On the rise are sailings with popular Chefs.  These are becoming very popular because of the daily exclusive concerts, sing-a-longs, impromptu performances, and meet n greets you can experience.


7.  Planning a special occasion?  If you are getting married and want to honeymoon on a cruise, consider all of the above.  Celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversary, invite the family to join you and turn it into a real party!