What’s the Ideal Time to Book a Cruise Vacation?

When you envision a cruise vacation, do you picture discovering new destinations, savoring delectable meals (both onboard and ashore), and watching the sunset from the ship’s deck? If so, you’re absolutely on the right track. These elements truly contribute to making cruising an exceptional experience.

So, when is the best time to book your cruise vacation? The following tips will assist you in making that decision.

Who Will Be Joining the Cruise?

Summer vacations present fantastic cruising opportunities for families. With the kids out of school, spirits soaring, and the weather just perfect, there are countless amazing destinations waiting for you to explore.

A summer cruise is an incredible way to create lasting family memories. Children will enjoy making new friends, and there are numerous onboard clubs and activities tailored for kids and teens:

Seuss at Sea® – Your kids can enjoy a variety of enchanting activities inspired by the delightful world of Dr. Seuss, including arts and crafts, a character parade, interactive storytelling, and movies.

WaterWorks® – An outdoor water park featuring waterslides, racing slides, splash pads, and stunning lighting effects. Let your kids fully embrace the cruise lifestyle as they splash and play throughout the day.

The Warehouse Arcade – Perfect for kids and teens, the ship’s dedicated video arcade is filled with a variety of games they know and love, including multiplayer options like air hockey and driving games.

If you’re not traveling with children, you might prefer to cruise during the school year when there are fewer families onboard. Fall could be the ideal time for a girls’ getaway, couples' cruise, or any other adults-only vacation plans to fully enjoy life on the cruise ship.

Regardless of the season, whether the kids are with you or not, you can retreat to the onboard Serenity Adult-Only Retreat™. This exclusive 21+ area offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the main deck. Here, you can relish the gentle sea breezes while sipping cocktails. Ahh.

Where Are You Heading on Your Cruise?

With a plethora of thrilling cruise destinations like the Caribbean, Hawaii, The Bahamas, Mexico, Alaska, and more, choosing your perfect location can guide you in deciding when to book your cruise.

You might find yourself enchanted by the rugged, outdoor beauty and incredible sights of an Alaskan cruise. Explore stunning glaciers and untamed wilderness, returning with unforgettable tales to share!

In Hawaii, you can get up close and personal with a volcano, bask on some of the world’s most renowned beaches, and learn to hula at an authentic luau.

Or, why not set sail for the Caribbean? With countless destinations among the region’s over 5,000 islands and cays, there’s a wealth of paradise waiting for you. A Caribbean cruise also provides a captivating blend of cultures and flavors to experience.

No matter where you choose to go, Dinogo has curated some amazing experiences and identified the best times of year for you to enjoy every moment of your cruise vacation.

Consider the Weather

Regardless of your destination, planning for optimal weather is straightforward. Those heading to Alaska should consider summer when the sun shines and temperatures are enjoyable. Fortunately, most cruises to Alaska are scheduled during these ideal summer months, with some also available in the late spring and early fall shoulder seasons.

If you’re envisioning sun-soaked beaches, cruises to popular locales such as the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and Mexico operate year-round. In these warm climates, temperatures remain relatively consistent throughout the seasons, with summer being the hottest. Even during the rainy season, expect brief showers that quickly dissipate and refresh the air.

For Hawaiian destinations, temperature and rainfall patterns will vary depending on your travel time and the islands you choose to visit. The weather is generally pleasant all year, but summer usually sees the highest temperatures, making it an ideal time to enjoy those renowned beaches. The drier months span from April to October, while the wettest period falls between November and March. Do some research to pinpoint your favorite islands!

Reserve Early for Savings

When you book your cruise in advance, you not only secure a fantastic price, but you also give yourself ample time to anticipate and plan your getaway! Research indicates that anticipation is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and having future plans enhances overall happiness.

You have various options for your cruise, but here’s a valuable tip – autumn offers some of the lowest prices of the year. After the summer rush subsides and the weather turns pleasantly breezy, you can take advantage of fantastic deals to incredible destinations. Where will your journey take you?

Maximize Your Savings with Dinogo® Mastercard®

While booking in advance or traveling during the fall are excellent ways to save on your cruise vacation, don’t forget about FunPoints®! How can you earn them? Simply use a Dinogo Mastercard. You’ll start earning bonus FunPoints with your very first purchase, which can be redeemed for statement credits.

But that’s not the only way to rack up FunPoints. You’ll earn them on all purchases made with Dinogo and the World’s Leading Cruise Lines brands, plus a FunPoint for every other purchase. This is fantastic news for shopping enthusiasts!

Shore excursions bring excitement and adventure for the entire family at any time during your cruise. You can save even more when you book your excursions using your Dinogo Mastercard. Select your preferred excursions and reserve them on Dinogo.com before your cruise to get a reFUNd.

If you're seeking new adventures, there’s truly no wrong time to set sail on a cruise. However, if you want to plan a last-minute escape, secure the best deals and availability, or simply find an amazing price, consider booking now for a fall cruise. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard!

Dr. Seuss Properties TM & © Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All Rights Reserved.

Please note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may differ by ship and destination.