When is the best time?

[wassuupmariposa]

Ok, I know this question has probably been answered a million times but I need to ask it because I don't know. We would like to go to the Carribbean (Southern or Eastern). What months are the best times to go and what cruise lines would you recommend?

My husband and I like to relax, be adventurous, explore new places and do new things. That covers quite a bit. We have been on one cruise and it was to the Western Carribbean. We enjoyed it. We were on the Carnival (I don't remember the ship's name) and did enjoy it. We did not participate in their activities. I think we would like to try a different cruise line.

Thanks for your help.

Dina

[RNSANE]

Dear Dina,

There are so many variables. I, pesonally, cruise mainly with Royal Caribbean since it offers

a variety of ships - though it is certainly going to the large, megaships these days. You have to

take into consideration the age of the passengers....the itinerary, the activities on board, etc.

I have friends, in their late sixties, who really do not like Carnival that much - they prefer Royal

Caribbean or Princess, my young friends only want to go on Carnvial!

I think you can get some good deals in the Caribbean after school starts...but you didn't say if you have children. The two week period between Thanksgiving and mid Dec is often marked down a

good deal if you have money to spare at that time...I was just looking at Royal Caribbean's website nad there are some unbelievable deals coming up at that time.

Need a little more info...

[sailinglisa]

Princess or Royal Caribbean........if you can take off anytime during the year, the cheapest times to cruise are between Christmas and Thanksgiving (early to mid-December), mid September and January to early February.

[elfed]

Oh Dear you can't remember the ship's name!! Tut Tut shame on you. (LOL) WE usually enjoy our cruises to the Caribbean in either late April or early October. These times are usually clear of hurricanes and active seas.Of course that's not guaranteed but having been on 14 cruises to the Caribbean we have had smooth sailing during those months.

Regards,

James.

[hazelson]

We have gone in early March and the weather has been perfect - but so far only on Carnival.

[rogue]

Late April to Early May is also a good time to cruise in the Caribbean. It's still relatively cheap, and the weather is great. No hurricanes. We've been on Carnival, and several other lines. Right now, our favorite is Princess, but I do find that most of the lines are getting closer to each other, and maybe soon there will be little in the way of brand differences. I don't think you can go very wrong with any of them. Enjoy.

[zebra]

I would say April & May are the best months.... glorious weather. With regards to ships. I would say choose either Princess and Royal Caribbean both are excellent.... go with the best deal that you can find.

[wassuupmariposa]

Thanks everyone for the input. We do not have any kids. So it would be just the two of us. Which islands do you all like? I know that is a pretty general question but there are so many places to check out. Also what about ports leaving from? Like SAn Juan, Miami etc.

Dina

[zebra]

Dina, Ft. Lauderdale is a great port to leave from and the hotel's are more reasonably priced than Miami. Princess leaves mostly out of Ft. Lauderdale. St. Thomas, St. Martin and Tortola are all great Eastern Caribbean ports. We're not fond of the Bahamas and Puerto Rico...... but you'll get many different opinions here - I am sure.

[sailingrose]

I prefer Ft. Lauderdale to Miami also. Choice of islands is harder to answer......it depends on what kind of a vacation I really want. My favorite islands are St. Martin, Cozumel, Aruba and Curacao. I never tire of going to those places no matter how many times I've been.

Pretty much any island is good for the beaches, some are better for snorkeling and diving then others, some better for shopping then others, etc. Depends on what you really want to do.