Best Time to Go Cruising

[wildcats7]

I will be taking a cruise on the Carnival Valor, but can't decide when to go. My two choice dates are Sept 3rd-10th or Nov 26th-Dec 3rd. This will be a Western Carr. cruise (Coz, Grand Caymens, Belize City, Roatan).

Both are during Hurricane season, but hypothetically, if no Hurricanes come through during these dates, I would like to know what the weather will be like and what dates would be better to go. Has anyone gone during these dates to the Western Carr that can add some insight. I am assuming the weather will be analagous to Florida weather. Sunny during the day with a quick down pour during the afternoon.

I also intend to go diving a few times, and wanted to know which dates would be better for diving.

Any Recommendations?? Thanks

Max

[teacp]

We went to Western Carribbean on Sept 20 and the weather was gorgeous the whole time..........We would definitely go again in September.

[JoeyandDavid]

We have only sailed after late October so we can't speak fo earlier .. however the islands were beautiful in november.. The best time to cruise? is when you can go! What ever you decide I know you will have a great time

[Mebert]

wildcats7,

I don't think you'll get a fair answer from these people. They are willing to jump on a ship at any time.

Since 2003 I have cruised in late August and early September. I have always enjoyed it, although I heard some people complain about the heat and humidity during that time. It is also hurricane season and there is a risk that it might effect your itinerary.

I have always been lucky and never had my itinerary adjusted during those periods. I was only bumped completely off of a ship sailing the southern Caribbean, Carnival Jubilee, because Carnival sold her to another company.

[Joanandjoe]

Well, of course we're all willing to jump on a ship at any time. I only wish we could, given our three narrow vacation windows in May, June, and November, none of which is exactly ideal.

We've only been in the Caribbean in November, and our next trip will also be in November. One factor you should consider other than the weather is the kid (school age) factor. Do you want dates that are kid-friendly or that avoid kids? The September dates are early in the school year, so you're not likely to encounter kids. The other cruise starts on the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend. Kids are probably unlikely then too, but more likely than in September.

Why not make life really easy, and join us on the HAL Noordam on 11/25?

[wildcats7]

I'm not too worried either way about kids. It will be my girlfriend and myself, even though she does love kids.

[Joanandjoe]

Post # 2. I hadn't noticed that this thread was your first poting on these boards. Welcome to Cruise Crazies, Wildcats7, and look for a post on the "Welcome" board.<]

[mrsogni]

wildcats7....welcome to the family! Of all the cruise boards this is my favorite. The people here are definately the most friendly.

We sailed the Valor last September. You will love her!! She's a beautiful ship. Plus, the bedding is some of the most comfortable I've ever had on a cruise. Anyway, last year was the first time we sailed in September. We encountered a little rain - nothing major that ruined the trip. There was a hurricane just a little before the sailing and we were wondering if we would be affected (we live in Florida so we have other issues to contend with other than just flying in) but everything went like clock work in the end. We usually cruise the Caribbean every November but we sail the 1st week. You're less likely to run into hurricanes at this time of year since it's the end of the hurricane season. Weather is usually beautiful and heading south at that time should still be comfortably warm without being overbearing. Although I don't dive, the water in Grand Caymen is absolutely beautiful. Since you love sea life, I'll recommend Stingray City. It is amazing, although my husband had the guide run a stingray up my back and send me into a panic attack....but you obviously would have that problem!

If you have any other questions about the Valor feel free to ask, and again, welcome to CruiseCrazies!!

[hamster92256]

I will have to agree with mrsogni the Valor is a beautiful ship, we did the same cruise Jan 05 so no help with the weather. Welcome to Cruise Crazies!!!