Winter and Spring Cruise Destinations
From winter sun to cherry blossom and the first sailings of summer.
Get Free Cruise QuotesJanuary to May: From Winter Sun to Spring Blossom
The first five months of the year move from the peak of the winter-sun season to the opening of the European and Alaskan summers. January to March is the busiest booking period of the cruise year, because it is when lines run their biggest promotions; it is also when many people actually sail somewhere warm.
| Month | Best cruise destinations | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, Panama Canal, South America, Antarctica, Australia and New Zealand | World cruises begin; Caribbean dry season. |
| February | The same warm regions, plus Carnival-season sailings in South America and the Caribbean | School winter breaks fill some weeks. |
| March | Caribbean and Mexico (spring break weeks are busy), Panama Canal, late Antarctica, Japan and the Far East | Antarctic season closes; Asia’s spring begins. |
| April | Mediterranean opens, Japan cherry blossom, Caribbean, transatlantic crossings, Bermuda begins | Repositioning voyages to Europe. |
| May | Alaska opens, Mediterranean, British Isles, Bermuda, Caribbean | Long days, lower demand than summer in the north. |
Spring in Asia
Japan’s cherry blossom typically opens in late March and early April, moving north through the country, and cruise lines build spring itineraries around Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto’s nearby ports and Hiroshima. The timing is never guaranteed, because the bloom follows the weather. Our sister sites Asia Shore Excursions and Cruising China cover the ports of Japan, Korea, China and Southeast Asia.
Late Winter in the Southern Hemisphere
January and February are the height of summer south of the equator. South America cruises around Cape Horn and through the Chilean fjords, Antarctic expeditions from Ushuaia, and sailings around Australia and New Zealand all run at this time. Antarctic voyages end by March as the ice and darkness return.
These long voyages often start or end at ports such as Buenos Aires, Valparaíso or San Antonio in Chile, Sydney and Auckland, so allow for long flights and a hotel night at each end.
Spring openers in the north
The Mediterranean season opens in April for most lines, and early sailings come with cooler days that are good for walking tours. Bermuda sailings from the US Northeast start in spring. Alaska opens in May; we explain what each month there is like on our best time to cruise Alaska page.
Spring Break and School Holidays
March and April bring the spring break weeks, when short Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico sailings fill with families and students. If you prefer a calmer ship, look at January (after New Year), early February and late April. If you are traveling with children, booking the school break early matters more than the destination. Our sister sites Cruising Kids and Student Cruisers cover those trips.
Plan a Winter or Spring Cruise
Tell us your dates between January and May and whether you want sun, culture or blossom. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will match you with the best cruise destinations for those weeks and send free quotes.
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