Cheapest Months to Cruise (and the Months to Avoid)
The cheapest months to cruise are September, early December (before the holiday surge), and late January through early February. Avoid spring break (mid-March), summer (mid-June through August), Thanksgiving, and Christmas — fares can double versus shoulder months.
Key takeaways
- September — cheapest, but hurricane risk in Caribbean
- Early December — pre-holiday lull, big bargains
- Late January / early February — wave-season deals
- Avoid spring break and summer for the lowest prices
Pricing by season
- January (after the 5th): low - February: low to medium - March (spring break): high - April-May: medium - June-August: high - September: lowest, but hurricane window - October (after the 15th): low - November: low - December (first 2 weeks): low - December 18+: very high
Frequently asked questions
When is hurricane season for cruises?
Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 – November 30, peaking mid-August through mid-September. Cruise lines reroute around storms, but itinerary changes are possible.
Is it cheaper to book a cruise last minute?
Sometimes — last-minute deals appear 30-60 days from sailing on under-booked ships. Risky for families needing specific cabin sizes.