Best Time Of Year To Cruise The Polar Regions
ArcticThe main season for Arctic cruises is summer, as most ships head north into the “The Land of the Midnight Sun” from May to September. The “24-hour daylight” in the Arctic Circle means sailings tend to be shorter and stay in the south of the region, as the winter ice is still melting. July and August is when the Arctic’s flora comes into full bloom and the warmer temperatures make for ideal wildlife watching as Arctic birds, polar bears, walruses, seals and whales are actively hunting and raising their young.
Insider Tip: Smaller expedition ships use the warmer months of July and August to push even farther north, in some cases to the North Pole and through the Northwest Passage.
Despite freezing temperatures and days filled with darkness during the winter months, more and more people are taking Arctic cruises from October through April mainly due to Aurora Borealis. The chance to experience the natural spectacle of the Northern Lights in Norway, Iceland and throughout the Arctic Circle have gained in popularity and made expedition cruises to the Arctic a year-round adventure.
Insider Tip: November voyages tend to be colder and wildlife may be less visible as the polar ice is still breaking up. Access to some areas may be limited, but this time also offer the most impressive icescapes, most pristine snow and the most stunning scenery of the year.
Best Time To Cruise South & Central America
South AmericaAs South America is extremely vast with several altitude contrasts, there isnt necessarily a single best time to cruise this region. Temperatures will vary dramatically, even within the same country, and your experience will change depending on whether you’re on an Amazon River cruise or an ocean cruise.
Aqua Expeditions explores the Amazon River in South America in luxury. In most of South America, however, summer occurs from November through February while winter is between June and August. In our experience, October and November may be ideal for a cruise thanks to the spring-like weather conditions and the propensity of good travel deals that may be available. Throughout South America, temperatures are typically warm throughout the year, the only exception being the the chillier highland areas like Patagonia, high altitudes of the Andes mountains and the Southernmost regions closest to Antarctica.
Insider Tip: If wildlife watching and nature encounters are a priority for you, December and January are two of the best months to cruise to South America.
How To Pick The Best Alaska Cruise For You
Youll see from our chart below that dozens of ships are sailing Alaska in 2020. And this just includes the mass-market and luxury ships. There are even more if you count all of the small ship and expedition vessels. Thats a lot of information to parse as you determine which ship is right for you, so consider a cruise line that caters to your specific needs or interests. Consult this list, and then check the chart to find a vessel that might fit your own preferences, from ships with the fewest passengers to those with the least expensive cruise fares to the ones offering exactly the itinerary you want.
You May Like: All Inclusive Cruises Including Alcohol
Who Is Going On Cruise Holidays
With new measures in place and more routes being announced, holidaymakers appear to be gaining confidence. 2021 bookings are up, with Crystal Cruises last month recording its biggest single-day of bookings in its 30-year history.
The route ahead looks clearer still. Advanced U.S. cruise ticket sales for 2022 are so far exceeding those seen in 2019 for the 2020 season, according to Google data analyzed by travel site Trips to Discover, as travelers plan new and rescheduled trips.
Canada/new England: September And October
Canada and New England sailings depart from May through October. You’ve got a better chance for warm weather if you travel from late June through early September. However, if you prefer more crisp weather or you’re interested in fall foliage viewing, you’ll need to go from late September to mid-October.
May and late-October sailings will offer the lowest rates, but don’t expect to be using the onboard swimming pool much. Meanwhile, the summer months are ideal for exploring some of Canada’s most intriguing cities in milder temperatures .
Recommended Reading: Convert Marriott Vacation Club Points To Bonvoy Points
Pula: Enjoy A Beach Vacation
Pula is one of the top places to visit in September in the world, with weather that is considered mild and perfect for a beach vacay! Whats great about Pula is that in the month of September, an abandoned fort, Fort Punta Christo hosts the Outlook Festival. An incredible celebration for a week includes music performances including hip-hop, dub, reggae and techno. A line-up of top artists perform and entertain your way. This is amongst the best places to visit in September outside India.
Tourist Attractions: Temples of Augustus, Pula Arena, Arch of the Sergii Things To Do: Learn cultural history at the Archaeology Museum, offer prayers at St. Francis church, tour the Kastel fort Nearest Places To Visit: Trieste, Venice, Zagreb Places To Stay: Collins Apartment, Apartments Arena Pula Places To Eat: Kantina Restaurant, Farabuto How To Reach: The international Pula Airport serves as a major connector in the city. You can take a cab or taxi to reach your hotel or villa. Language: Croatian Currency: Croatian Kuna
Suggested Read:Nepals Mt Everest Fashion Show Bags A Title In The Books Of Guinness World Records. Heres How!
Best Cruises For Extended Trips To Alaska
If you want to cruise Alaska but also see some of the interior and enjoy a stay in a lodge or hotel, go for a cruise-tour package from either Holland America or Princess Cruises. Both have fantastic itineraries that take passengers not only to the Inside Passage, but also Anchorage, Denali National Park, the Yukon, Kenai Peninsula, Talkeetna and Fairbanks. Princess even owns a handful of its own lodges.
You May Like: Winter Cruises From Galveston
Mediterranean Cruises: Experiences Of Our Visitors
Weather Rating: 5 stars Excellent
We made a 10 day Mediterranean cruise with my ship 3 in Sept. 2016. Only in La Spezia it rained continuously and briefly in Rome. Otherwise only sun up to 30 degrees.
Weather Rating: 5 stars Excellent
The first night there was a massive storm and blue bags everywhere, but afterwards only sun, great weather. Beautiful sunsets and sunrises, just beautiful.
Weather Rating: 5 stars Excellent
We were in Greece, Italy and Marseille. Anywhere from 20 to 25 degrees. Just once rain in Greece.
Weather Rating: 4 stars Good
On our first cruise a dream cruise on the AIDAperla from Barcelona via Palma, Corsica, Rome, Livorno and back with the beautiful AIDAperla. During the trip from Corsica to Rome, the weather was quite rough. The crew had everything under control and we always felt very well taken care of.
Weather Rating: 5 stars Excellent
The weather was simply super in the eastern Mediterranean, as well as the destinations would be more than worth seeing.
Weather Rating: 5 stars Excellent
Partially rainy, cool and very windy, with a really autumnal touch.
Weather Rating: 2 stars Tricky
La Mamounia In Marrakech
La Mamounia in Marrakech is a glamorous hotel which has attracted many famous guests, including Winston Churchill, Franklin D Roosevelt, Alfred Hitchcock and Charlie Chaplin. The hotel was recently renovated, preserving its trademark look from the 1920s. The property is set on 17 acres with century-old gardens and a large outdoor pool. Choose from 210 guest rooms, including 71 luxury suites. Guest accommodations overlook city rooftops, gardens and the Atlas mountains in the distance. These rooms and suites are among the most spacious in Marrakesh. Ask for a private terrace with scenic city views.
The luxurious 27,000 square foot spa offers extensive facilities for relaxation and rejuvenation. Facilities include traditional Hammam, beautiful indoor pool, saunas, steam rooms and a beauty salon. Inside the spa you will find black and white traditional Moroccan tiling and a calm ambiance. There are four restaurants serving Moroccan, French and Italian dishes. Room rates start at $475 USD per night
More vacation ideas: NYC Tours, Romantic St. Augustine, Fast Food Desserts, Bend, Bellevue
You are reading “15 Best Places to Vacation in September this Weekend” Back to Top or Restaurants near me, stuff to do near me
Don’t Miss: Best Time To Visit Mediterranean
What Its Like Cruising In Greece Right Now
Ive been to Mykonos in previous years when at times you could hardly walk the narrow streets because they were so clogged with tourists, but that was not the case on this trip. There was no jostling to get into designer shops or tables at oceanfront restaurants. And you could pause and take photos of the picturesque, white-washed houses, windmills, and blue-domed churches without being photobombed.
In Rhodes, my brother and I toured rooms at the Palace of the Grand Masters, built by the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, which occupied Rhodes from 1309 to 1523, with only a handful of other visitors in sight. On some summer days, with the normal gaggles of tourists, the place is so crowded that you cant even see the mosaic floors.
There is also the fall advantage that locals, recovering from the typically busy summer season, are getting back to their lives. Folks we encountered were universally welcoming and openly expressed gratitude that we had chosen to travel to Greece.
See The Latest Cruise Deals
From $247: Australia cruises in 2022-2023
Ends31 Dec 2021
Available on cruises in 20222023. Destinations include Brisbane, Adelaide and more. Sample fare is for a 2-day cruise from SydneyMelbourne.
8-day Alaska cruise from $999
Ends31 Jan 2022
Available on select dates from 129 May 2022 departing from Vancouver with Royal Caribbean. Includes onboard meals.
Up to 18% off New Year’s Eve fireworks cruise in Sydney
Ends
Available on 31 December 2021 for a 6-hour cruise. Includes a 5-course dinner and drinks.
Up to 30% off Royal Caribbean cruises
Ends3 Jan 2022
Available on cruises departing from 1 January 2022 onwards. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Bahamas and more. T& Cs apply.
Up to $200 OBC with Norwegian Cruise Line
Ends3 Jan 2022
Available on select sail dates until 30 April 2022. Destinations include Bahamas and more. T& Cs apply.
Free balcony upgrades + kids sail free on cruises
Ends3 Jan 2022
Available on select dates from February July 2022 departing from USA. Destinations include Caribbean and Bahamas. T& Cs apply.
Australia and South Pacific cruises from $789
Ends10 Jan 2022
Available on select voyages from 20222023. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Fiji, New Zealand and more. Sample rate is for a 7-night Queensland cruise from Brisbane.
Up to 35% off worldwide cruise with Norwegian Cruise Lines
Ends
Available on select dates in 2022. Destinations include Sydney, Cairns, Darwin, Auckland and more.
Ends31 Dec 2021
Ends1 Mar 2022
You May Like: River Cruise Norfolk
Types Of European River Cruise Outfits
- Casual clothes for cruising Comfortable but smart casual clothing is the go when cruising in Europe. A t-shirt or sleeveless vest with jeans, capris or a skirt is enough.
- Comfortable shoes Comfortable shoes are a must for European travel.
- Non-formal evening wear There often isnt time or a need to change for dinner on a river cruise so dont feel you have to. We usually prefer to change for dinner, even if that means a quick freshen up and changing from a t-shirt into a nicer top. Lightweight, chiffon evening tops are great to pack for evenings on cruises. Wear them over jeans or capris. They dont take up much space but add a little oopmh to your outfit.
- Formal evening wear Most European river cruises do not have a formal night. If they do, youll find the dress code for river cruises isnt as strict as for ocean cruises. Theres no need to go over the top on formal night on river cruises in Europe. You can wear black pants and dressier top or a simple black dress and pashmina. No need to bring heels, your sandals will do fine. Pop on a statement necklace and youre good to go. Men can pack a sport coat if they like but a long sleeved shirt and pants will do.
Summer Cruises To The Caribbean
Looking for an antidote to a too-crowded summer vacation? A summer cruise to the Caribbean may be just the ticket. When you cruise the Caribbean during June, July, and August, youll enjoy less crowded beaches and restaurants.
The Caribbean is one of the most fun places to go in the summer with your family since the kids are out of school. While the weather can get quite hot and humid during this time of the year, with some islands reaching 90 degrees on average in August, temperatures tend to cool down in the evenings, when they can hit a comfortable range within the low-70s.
During the summer, the chance of rain also increases, so make sure to bring a rain jacket or poncho in case you happen to get caught under some showers. Dont forget the bug spray either, as high humidity and rain typically mean there are more mosquitoes, too.
Also Check: Free Bahama Cruise Scam
Alaska Cruises In September
Treat yourself to a custom Alaska cruise this fall after the kids go back to school. September in Southeast Alaska is when autumn starts to sink in, and just like any other season in Alaska, there are countless reasons to plan a vacation around this time.
Peak tourist season is over by September, so Alaska will once again be quiet as everyone prepares for another long, white winter, including the wildlife.
Black and brown bears will be stuffing themselves in preparation for winter hibernation and migratory birds will be preparing for a long flight south, while other animals are ready to hang in there for the Alaskan winter.
Bald eagles can be seen flying above or sitting in trees despite the season. Sea otters, sea lions, orcas and Dall porpoise aren’t picky about the weather either.
Alaska experiences some beautiful fall foliage in September, as well. The mountainsides turn beautiful shades of gold and yellow, and the mountains begin to collect snow on their peaks.
As the nights grow darker and longer, there is a very good chance to catch the awe inspiring Aurora Borealis, Alaska’s northern lights. Imagine cruising aboard the Sikumi and looking into the night sky to see dancing curtains and swirls of light.
Best Places To Vacation In September
September is a great time to go on vacation – you will find fewer crowds and great deals in many popular destinations. Whether you are dreaming of a quick weekend getaway or a longer vacation to a sandy beach, our list should give you plenty of vacation ideas. Be sure to browse these fall foliage watching ideas. Here are the best September vacations. Best islands to visit in September include Hawaii, Caribbean and Fiji. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Some restaurants are currently offering pickup only. Hours/availability may have changed.
Recommended Reading: Cruise From Norfolk Va
Charlottetown Prince Edward Island
Weather gets cooler yet again as ships travel north. The average high temperature for Charlottetown in September is 64 degrees Fahrenheit or 18 Celsius.
The average high takes quite a dip in October to 53 Fahrenheit or 12 Celsius. Cruise visitors who like warmer weather may want to visit in August instead when temperatures are near the high point of the year.
Best Times To Take New England Cruise
The best time to cruise to New England and Canada depends on whether visitors want more warmth or more color.
Summer visitors will find warmer weather and less color, while fall visitors will find cooler weather and more color.
Cruisers who take shorter trips just to New England may need light jackets and long pants for the Maine destinations while shorts are possible for southern ports such as Boston.
Anyone who visits the Canadian ports will need light jacks and long pants for most days, even during the summer. Although hot days are possible, the average temperatures often go no higher than the low to mid 70s Fahrenheit.
The average rainfall is consistent every month for the entire season from May through October at the U.S. ports. It gradually climbs each month at the Canadian ports until reaching a high point in October.
With an average of four or more inches each month, visitors should bring an umbrella just in case of rain, especially if the itinerary includes Canada. It rains about 10 days a month on average for many of the ports, give or take a few.
The following statistics for each port come from the U.S. and Canaian national weather services. The ports are listed from southernmost in the United States all the way north and west to Québec City in Canada.
Read Also: Cruises To Maui From California
What To Think About When Planning
Many destinations like Hawaii and Caribbean may be enjoyable all year long. Other places like Alaska or the the polar regions are more seasonal. And some experiences like Europe’s Christmas Market river cruises or a North American Fall Foliage cruise can only happen in a specific travel window.
Azamara Club Cruises exploring the Mediterranean.
Peak season is typically considered the “perfect” time to cruise, as it’s generally when the weather is the most pleasant and when a destination is at its most iconic, but it also means the largest crowds and highest prices. Typically, traveling just before or after this peak time of year known as a destination’s “shoulder season” will be the best time for enjoying mild weather, less crowded ports and lower fares, and more elbow room on board.
Beyond picking the destination, as you plan your next cruise you’ll also want to take into consideration your own vacation schedule. Summer may mean the kids are off from school but may also mean crowded beaches or packed ships. Also, factor in what you’d like to get out of your vacation adventure, relaxation, family time, etc. as each cruise ship and every itinerary offers a very different experience depending on what you desire. Sometimes the best deal may not coincide with the perfect dates, so you’ll also want to find the most economical options that fit your preferences.