The short answer: from November to March the ships follow the sun — the Caribbean, the Canary Islands, the Arabian Gulf and South America. From April to October the season is in Europe: the Mediterranean, the fjords and the Baltic. The northern lights are a winter trip, Alaska a summer one.
The year at a glance
| Month | Where to go |
|---|---|
| January | Caribbean, Canary Islands, Arabian Gulf, South America, Cape Horn and Antarctica, northern lights |
| February | The same winter-sun routes, plus carnival in Rio, Madeira and Tenerife and a Valentine's cruise |
| March | Last weeks of the Caribbean high season, the Canary Islands, the end of the Gulf and South America seasons, northern lights |
| April | Start of the Mediterranean season, ships crossing the Atlantic back to Europe, the Canary Islands |
| May | Mediterranean in spring, the first fjord cruises, the start of Alaska |
| June | Norwegian fjords, Baltic, Alaska, the North Cape under the midnight sun, the Mediterranean |
| July | Peak summer: fjords, Baltic, Iceland, Alaska and the Mediterranean; the school holidays fill up first |
| August | As July, with the warmest sea in the Mediterranean |
| September | Mediterranean with a warm sea and fewer people, the last fjord and Alaska sailings |
| October | Mediterranean in autumn, the Canary Islands, the first crossings to the Caribbean |
| November | Canary Islands, Caribbean, Arabian Gulf, the start of the South American season, crossings |
| December | Christmas and New Year at sea, Caribbean, Gulf, Canaries, South America, northern lights |
Every month has its own detailed guide — click a month in the table. Seasons depend on the weather and on where the cruise lines position their ships.
How to use the calendar
- Start with the weather, then the route. The same ship sails the fjords in summer and the Caribbean in winter. Choosing the month first narrows the choice quickly.
- Holiday weeks fill up first. Christmas, New Year, carnival and the summer school holidays are the most popular sailings.
- Count back nine months for points. To pay up to 100% with points, the booking must be made at least 270 days before departure — about nine months — and you need to have accumulated enough points by then.
- No flight? From Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Hamburg there are cruises almost all year: Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Hamburg.
Common questions
What is the best month for a cruise?
It depends on the region. For the Mediterranean: May, June and September. For the fjords: June to August. For the Caribbean: December to April. For South America: December to February.
Where can I cruise in winter?
In the Caribbean, the Canary Islands, the Arabian Gulf and South America — or, for the opposite of sunshine, along the Norwegian coast to see the northern lights.
Where can I cruise in summer?
In Northern Europe — the fjords, the Baltic, Iceland — in the Mediterranean, or in Alaska.
How far ahead should I plan?
For popular weeks, such as the holidays, many travellers plan up to a year ahead. To pay fully with points, the booking must be made at least 270 days before departure.
Weather figures are typical values; ships, routes and dates are based on cruise line announcements for 2026–2027 and may change. Percentages describe the club's rules and are indicative. Reislite is an independent information site run by partners, not a website of inCruises.