These Spring cruises are your best bets for great weather
Photo by Alonso Reyes
After a long winter with cold temperatures, blizzard conditions, and bouts with the flu, spring feels like breath of fresh air—and there’s no better time to get out of the house and set sail on a cruise. Spring is ideal for cruises not only because of the mild weather, but also because there are deals for the taking. Do some comparison shopping of cruises and destinations, and you may find some can’t-miss opportunities.
Ready to pack your bags? Here are our favorite destinations for spring cruises:
Hawaii
There really is no bad time of year to be in Hawaii. But if you’re looking for a cruise deal, off-season for Hawaii cruises take place between May and June. You’ll enjoy the same amazing weather without the steep prices of high season (late December through April). A cruise a great way to explore the different islands of Hawaii, each of which have their own distinctive character and terrain. From the volcanoes of the Big Island to the lush rain forest of Kauai, you’ll see everything that paradise has to offer.
The Caribbean
With its warm climate and beautiful beaches, the Caribbean is oftentimes a winter destination for those looking for a short trip to escape the cold. But April is among the driest months on the islands, and you may be able to score some early spring discounts for cruises (Hurricane season hits late summer and fall.) As one of the most popular cruise destinations, many cruise lines set sail to the Caribbean. U.S. News & World Report ranked Disney as the top for the area. Disney's ships sail to a variety of ports including Barbados, Jamaica and St. Lucia.
Photo by Brandon Nelson
Mexican Rivera
In April, the sun is out in Mexico and the temperatures are perfect, hovering in the 70s and 80s (May, however, is the start of the wet season.) Why a cruise down the Mexican Rivera? You’ll get to experience the magnificence of the Mayan ruins, the flavors of Cochinita Pibil (Yucatan-style braised pork shoulder) in a taco, and crystal clear waters for surfing and snorkeling, just to name a few.
The only spring watch-out: port destinations like Ensenada and Puerto Vallarta can be filled with spring-breakers, creating a more raucous atmosphere.
European River Cruise
Unlike the Ocean liners that carry thousands, river cruises offer a more intimate travel experience. With about 150 guests on board, the boats feature the typical amenities (pool, fitness centers, dining) with the added advantage of easy excursions to some of the most beautiful spots in Europe. Spring is the perfect time to see flowers in bloom (think tulip season in the Netherlands).
You might find some good deals in April, before hitting peak cruise season in May, but keep in mind that early-spring flooding can potentially make for troubled waters and a not-so-scenic trip. But if the weather holds up, you will miss the crowds and soak in all the scenery.
Photo by Sheila Jellison
Once you’ve chosen where you want to go, here’s to keep in mind before you board:
Set a budget
Cruises are a lot like all-inclusive resorts. The basics of lodging, food, drink and entertainment will all be covered in one fee. But there will also be a lot of tempting options to spend more money once you’re on board and in a relaxed mood. If this is a vacation of a lifetime and money is no object, throw caution to the sea winds and put it all on your tab. But if you want to be more practical, do your homework before the trip and know what is included in your package and what is not before you get onboard. Again, a travel agent can help you navigate many of those decisions. One pro tip to consider: Finance your onboard spending account with cash rather than a credit card: this will help you keep track of incidental spending because you will see your account balance go down rather than running up all your spending on credit.
Photo by Jairph
Don’t skip the muster drill
The muster drill happens on embarkation day (AKA the day you set sail). During this drill, all passengers are asked to report to the muster station to hear the emergency procedures for the ship. The spirit of these instructions is much like the safety speech you hear before takeoff on a plane. And you will likely be doing something much more relaxing when they call you for the drill. But you must attend. If you don’t, you will likely be asked to leave the ship before you even set sail.
Book your activities in advance
Remember how spring is an ideal time for cruises? That means your cruise is likely to be packed. It also means activities you may want to do have already been booked. To avoid disappointment, register for the activities you want to enjoy in advance. This includes tours you might want to take during a port of call.
Always carry your medical insurance card
The last thing you want while on a cruise is to be sick. And if you do fall ill or become injured, don’t leave your care to chance. That means confirming that your insurance covers you during a cruise before you book. (Some insurance companies only offer partial coverage during a cruise, so you’ll want to know that too.) Also: keep your insurance card or information with you at all times.
Photo by Ben O'bro
Watch how you dress
Certain cruises have a dress-code and you have to follow these rules. If you are looking for a summary of dress codes, visit cruisecritic.com. A few cruises also have some formal dinners or events, so don’t be caught with only shorts and t-shirts. Laundry facilities are often provided on lengthier cruises but make sure to consider the weather and climate before you pack.
Now that you’re up to speed on spring cruises it’s time to say bon voyage!
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