Tuesday, April 9, 2024

6 Bahamas Cruise Tips You Need to Know Before You Go

best time to go on a cruise to bahamas

However, showers are often light and quick, so they shouldn’t dampen your plans. While some seasons are busier or rainier than others, it's worth visiting this go-barefoot, let-your-hair-down group of islands in the Atlantic in any month of the year. The variety of activities available is another significant benefit. From snorkeling and diving among vibrant coral reefs to exploring the historical sites and swimming with pigs, the Bahamas offers an extensive list of experiences.

January brings the crowds and parties

best time to go on a cruise to bahamas

February also maintains these same average temperatures and low rainfall, making a Valentine’s cruise to the Bahamas an equally solid choice. The winter holidays of December will no doubt jack up the price of your cruise as families look to get away as a Christmas or Hannukah gift and forgo the cooking and cleaning. The same idea applies to cruises over New Year’s in early January; a voyage to the Bahamas is an ideal way to celebrate.

When's the Best Time to Cruise the Bahamas

Cruisers can expect highs in the mid-80s that never dip below the mid-60s in winter. June, July and August cruise rates average around $90 per night for inside cabins, $100 per night for ocean-views, $120 and up for balcony cabins and $225 per night and up for suites. Fares typically start to fall toward the end of August when schools start back up and hurricane season kicks into gear. October tends to be the lowest-priced month to cruise to the Bahamas, with inside cabins averaging around $60 per person, per night. Ocean-view cabins are yours for an average of $75 per night, while balcony cabins are a bit higher, at around $85 per person per night. October sailings do not usually include very many children or college-age partiers, but the lower fares do attract working folks looking to let off steam, especially on three-night sailings.

When is the best time to cruise to the Bahamas?

In March, April and May, you'll have to shop around for deals or hope for a last-minute special, but you can find lower prices if you look. March cruises will always include spring breakers of all ages, so expect children on board, just not as many as in summer. These are months between the holiday parties and spring break, so you can usually sit back and enjoy smaller, quieter crowds. There isn’t really a “bad” time to cruise to Mexico’s west coast, as the weather ranges from balmy to hot the majority of the year, and cruise ships sail there year-round. For the lowest crowds, look for one of the few voyages sailing in the winter or early spring.

Keep Your Head on a Swivel When Stepping Off Your Bahamas Cruise

The Bahamas is a great place to visit, as long as you set your expectations. Nassau, which is the largest port and the country's capital city, is often crowded with cruise ships. Locals will approach you with offers for everything from taxi rides to hair braiding. It can be overwhelming, so be prepared to politely decline if you're not interested. One of the best reasons to visit is that the islands are close to Florida -- the cruise capital of the world.

Know What Your Bahamas Cruise Port(s) Is and Preplan Your Shore Excursions

If you’re looking for warmth and sunbathing weather, June and July are good bets — avoid August if possible due to the hottest temperatures and highest crowd levels. Flights, hotel and resort rates during low season can stretch your budget farther, and you’ll likely still find plenty of beach days in between rain showers. Bahamas weather in July barely takes a break from June with more than six inches of rain, 17 rain days and temperatures reaching 89 Fahrenheit. The Bahamas hurricane season runs from June through October based on the total rainfall each month. Although June and August have the worst average rain at nine inches each, the other three months average six inches apiece.

There’s always a chance that a storm can delay or cancel your travel plans. And even if you do make it to the islands, you may encounter multiple rainy days that can squash your dreams of lounging on the beach. If this is a concern and you can only go during the hurricane season, do your best to avoid August, September, and October — the months that historically experience the most hurricane activity. The Dry Season, spanning from December to April, is characterized by lower humidity and cooler evenings, making it an ideal time for those looking to escape colder climates.

best time to go on a cruise to bahamas

In addition to being hot, August is also a very humid month in the Bahamas. Bahamas weather in May is historically the best month for lower risk of rain and warmer temperatures. The average monthly rainfall of four inches is actually a bit high for the Caribbean during this month.

Bahamas Weather in June: Warmer Temperatures and More Rain

6 Bahamas Cruise Tips You Need to Know Before You Go - Cruise Critic

6 Bahamas Cruise Tips You Need to Know Before You Go.

Posted: Thu, 09 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

This rainy season brings with it about 12 to 20 tropical storms each year with an average of six becoming hurricanes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They rarely hit Caribbean islands directly; instead, they pass in the vicinity and bring heavy rains. These cruises are the best Bahamas sailings for those who prefer the intimacy of an older ship and don't care about flashy amenities and onboard attractions on newer vessels. Plus, they're ideal for travelers who live north of Florida and are looking for a more convenient drive-to departure port. Short sailings on this new ship will appeal to all sorts of cruisers. Historically, new ships are reserved for longer itineraries, so this is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a snack-size sampling of a brand-new ship without spending the money on a longer sailing.

9 Best Reasons to Get Off Your Cruise Ship in Nassau - Cruise Blog

9 Best Reasons to Get Off Your Cruise Ship in Nassau.

Posted: Thu, 07 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Families, couples and friend groups will appreciate the unstructured nature of a Norwegian cruise. The line's "freestyle cruising" mantra — cruising without rigid dining schedules, dress codes and formal nights — is perfectly suited for short sailings. With a wide range of eateries and no assigned seating times, passengers have lots of flexibility for their limited time at sea. This an ideal cruise for older travelers who are new to cruising and want to sample one or frequent cruisers who might prefer a shorter time at sea. Disney waited a decade to build its next new ship, but Disney dreamers had their wish granted in 2022. Designed to be the perfect complement to a visit to Orlando's Disney theme parks, these short cruises visit Nassau and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.

But my own experience has been that outside of relatively rare hurricanes and tropical storms, the late summer and early fall months often bring calmer seas. In fact, the calmest seas I have experienced anywhere in the world were on a September cruise to the Bahamas, on which we enjoyed glassy calm waters the entire trip. Cruise ships sail in the Mediterranean all year long, but the primary season runs from April into early November. For more mild weather and less crowds than during the busy summer season, aim for a Mediterranean voyage in early May or September. Bahamas weather in December is the second coolest of the year with an average high of 79 Fahrenheit or 26 Celsius. Rainfall takes another drop to only two inches and rain days to eight.

Yet the itinerary for this four-night Bahamas cruise on Scarlet Lady is fairly ordinary. Ports of call include Key West and a private beach club on the Bahamian island of Bimini. Utopia of the Seas' inaugural voyage is set for July 22, 2024, and will be a four-night cruise to Nassau and the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The second sailing will be a three-night cruise to the Bahamas that departs on July 26, 2024. Freedom of the Seas has plenty of onboard fun to occupy travelers of all ages on sea days. It's loaded with top-deck slides and water features, specialty restaurant choices and more entertainment options than you can take in on a short cruise.

What’s the best time to cruise to the Bahamas for you depends greatly on what you want to get out of it. If you have small children, you might consider cruising during school holidays. These periods see a spike in young families traveling with kids, which gives your own kids the chance to make new friends and find playmates. Cruisers wanting to get away during the winter season often book holiday cruises to warm-weather hotspots like the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

That means prices tend to be more affordable, particularly for shorter Bahamas-only voyages. But, brightly colored buildings, expansive beaches and ample opportunities for shopping and dining quickly make up for the chaos. Additionally, BPCL has joined forces with Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville to offer Margaritaville at Sea cruises, rebranding and renaming its sole ship -- Grand Classica -- to Paradise. In the Eastern Caribbean, expect to visit a combination of Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, the U.S.

After the excitement of the winter holidays and a new year dies down, many people go back to work and school until the spring or summer beckons them to book a trip. The benefit of booking a cruise is that ships — unlike land-based hotels and resorts — are able to move to avoid a storm brewing. Still, cruise routes only have so much wiggle room and a larger storm could cause rough seas, bad weather, or even cancellations. The Atlantic hurricane season, which encompasses the islands of the Bahamas, typically runs from June to November. However, it’s typically unlikely to experience a hurricane so early in the season, so June and July are normally in the clear. Average high temperatures in the Bahamas during August climb up to 91 degrees F, and lows don’t usually dip below the high 70s.

No comments:

Post a Comment

21 Iconic Mid-Century Modern Chair Designs

Table Of Content Use modern furniture to create a welcoming, contemporary home. Dining Room and Kitchen Furniture Outdoor Furniture Uchronia...