The Alaskan cruise season runs from May through September, with the warmer months being June, July and August. Because the warmer months are more popular, May and September will be cheaper and less crowded. In addition, May is the driest month in Alaska, so shore excursions are less likely to be rained out.
Cruise ships sail in Bermuda from April through mid-November. Most people travel during the summer months. April through mid-June and September through November offer cheaper rates, but even though the weather is nice year-round, it may be a bit chilly for water activities. According to USA Today, Bermuda is also less-affected by hurricanes than other places in the Caribbean.
Caribbean cruises run year-round. The cheapest times to take a Caribbean cruise is late summer to fall, because of hurricane season. According to USA Today, the driest months in the islands are December through April, so sailing when it's warm in the Northern hemisphere is often the best bet.
Cruises are a vast market in Europe and cruise seasons vary. The Mediterranean cruise season runs April through November, while the Baltic and North European cruises run shorter seasons. These cruises typically run from May through October. The warmer islands, such as the Greek Islands and the Canary Islands, run cruises between March and December. The summer months are the most popular times for tourists, therefore the rates are higher. Those looking to save some money should book European cruises in the beginning or end of the season.
Hawaiian cruises run year-round, with the more popular times being the summer months due to honeymoon season and school vacations. The summer and fall months in Hawaii are drier than winter and spring, so there is less chance of activities being canceled because of rain. According to USA Today, November through February are the cheapest times to take a Hawaiian cruise, with the exception of the holiday season.
Cruises in Mexico run year-round, with the drier months being November through May. Even though the summer is the rainy season, Mexico is still a popular cruise destination. The best deals come in the fall during hurricane season.
