A cruise can be a fun, unique way to travel by offering you the opportunity to stop and explore multiple ports. Fewer crowds and travel deals are two main reasons for taking a cruise during off-peak months. Off-peak months for cruises vary depending on the region you visit. Some areas do not offer cruises during certain months, in which case the first and last month of the cruising season, also known as the shoulder months, are when off-peak deals are offered.
Alaska's cruise season runs from May until September. May and September are the shoulder months in which cheaper, less-populated cruises are available due to the higher potential for inclement weather. Canadian and New England cruises have similar off-peak months of May and October due to cold weather. However, while early October cruises may be chilly, they offer the best opportunities to see fall foliage.
Hurricane season cruises are from late July through early October. This is an off-peak season for cruises in regions strongly effected by hurricanes such as the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Gulf of Mexico. This is the off season for cruises in these areas because itineraries may be changed to avoid bad weather. When bad weather cannot be completely avoided, waters may be choppier and harder to enjoy for travelers prone to seasickness. Bad weather can also increase the length of your cruise, potentially causing you to miss a return flight home.
Northern Europe's shoulder months for cruises are May and September. Very few cruises are offered during cold winter months. While winter cruises offer the chance to see the northern lights, cloudy cold weather can often obscure the sight. European river cruises offer off-peak travel in March and late November through December. Again, these trips can be chilly, but offer great shopping opportunities and fewer crowds to those willing to brave the cold.
Hawaii is a popular family cruise destination, so the months of May through June and September through mid-December when children are in school offer less crowds. September tends to have the hottest, most humid weather with occasional storms. Air travel to Hawaii is cheaper post-Labor Day through September, which may be helpful for budget travelers taking cruises that depart from Hawaii.
