Disney’s Caribbean cruises are some of the best they offer. You’ll get to explore multiple tropical countries, experience Disney Castaway Cay, and even celebrate “Pirate Night” on-board the ship. So when is the best time for a Caribbean cruise?
Like visiting Walt Disney World or other Disney destinations, the answer really depends on what is most important to you. Are you looking for the best weather? Specific activities? Or perhaps you’d like the best deal on your cruise.
There really isn’t a bad time to sail the Caribbean. But let’s break it down so you can decide on the perfect time to cruise with your family!
The Best Weather
When it comes to the weather, there are two big factors to consider: temperature and rainfall.
For warm weather without the blazing sun, I’d recommend April – June. This time of year is perfect for water-based activities, such as swimming and snorkeling.
For drier days I’d recommend December – April. Historically those months have a lower average rainfall across the board in the Caribbean. Temperatures will still be warm, but the water can be a bit cool for some.
One thing to be aware of is that Hurricane Season runs from June 1 – November 30. It peaks in September and October, so if you’re traveling during these months be sure to have a travel protection plan in place.
The Best Price
So maybe the weather isn’t that important to you (because you know it’ll be warm in the Caribbean anytime), but you want the best possible price for your vacation.
The cheapest times to sail the Caribbean are January – April. Prices peak during summer, holiday seasons, and Spring Break (pretty much anytime the kids are officially out of school).
If you’re really looking to save on your Disney Cruise, try to book as soon as the sailings are announced. Prices rise as the ship fills up, so in general the earlier you book the cheaper your cruise will be.
You can also sometimes find great last minute rates, so if you’re stuck on a good Christmas gift a cruise may be the perfect solution. Work with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner to see if there is anything available.
Special Events
The last things to consider when timing your Caribbean cruise are special events available throughout the year. If you want to take advantage of one of these, you’ll narrow down your search from the start.
Holiday cruises are very popular, especially for those trying to warm up during the winter months. Disney offers Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime cruises between September – December. They include themed activities and decorations throughout the ships.
Disney Cruise Line also offers two specially-themed cruises: Marvel and Star Wars. Select Caribbean cruises include a day at sea focused on one of these two franchises, including characters, deck parties, film screenings, games, and more.
If you have a special event in mind for your cruise, be sure to work with your vacation planner to choose the right cruise.
Overall, if I had to pick a winner, I’d recommend April as the best time to sail the Caribbean. And if you’re partaking in a Disney Cruise, you may even find some favorite Star Wars characters on-board.
But again, there’s no bad time to sail the Caribbean. I promise it’ll be a relaxing experience your whole family will love!
Ready to set sail? I am a vacation planner specializing in Disney Destinations, and I’d love to help your family plan your dream Disney vacation. I can help you find the best cruise at the best time with the best price. My goal is to help families take the stress out of planning vacations so they can focus on the fun parts. I’m here to walk you through the entire process and design your perfect trip. Oh, and did I mention my services are free?
Feel free to contact me via email (jtullino@themouseexperts.com), phone (321-222-DSNY), or using my web form to request a free quote. I’d love to hear from you!
When would you like to sail the Caribbean?
