Taking a cruise in the winter and fall can mean big savings for travelers as it is the off-peak season. To help travelers choose their next cruise, Cruise Critic, the leading cruise reviews and information site, came up with a list of the top cruise destinations with the best deals this fall and winter.
The low season for Caribbean cruises is September through early January, with the exception of holiday weeks. The perk of booking in the fall is that there is a lot of last-minute availability and special bargains. Cruises are hundreds of dollars less per person for the off-peak season. There are also less crowds. The only concern is that hurricane season continues through November, so there is a chance that ports of call can be changed around Florida and the Caribbean if the weather is too bad.
The low season for European river cruises is October through December. Travelers can enjoy the castles, cathedrals and quaint shops without the summer crowds during this time. Several river cruise lines also offer special Christmas market shopping cruises. The only downside is that the weather is extra cold at this time.
The peak season for Hawaiian cruises is September through mid-December. The perks of going during this time is that there are less crowds and good deals, especially between Thanksgiving and Christmas vacation. There are also more ships that head to the islands in late September and October as the Alaska season is over at this point.
For Mediterranean cruises, the best time to go is October through April as there are more competitive fares and fewer crowds in port. Flights to Europe are also cheap during this time. Just be sure to look for cruises in the warmer regions of the Mediterranean such as Spain, Morocco and the Canary Islands.
"It's low season for a reason; sure, travel tends to slow down once kids return to school, but it's also a time when many of these destinations are susceptible to inclement weather," Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic said in a press release. "There are some significant deals to be had during this time, and weather shouldn't scare people off. But cruisers should be prepared and consider purchasing travel insurance to protect against any issues that may arise."
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
