January Cruises: Best Cruises in January 2023 Celebrity Cruises

Table Of Content

• Caribbean Cruise in July or August: Chances of Rain and Lots of Families
• The Seychelles Spreads Warm January Fun Across 115 Islands
• Canary Islands & Madeira
• Common Health Concerns During Winter Months
• Best Places To Cruise In January To Escape Winter
• Unique Destinations Shine
• What’s the Best Month to Cruise? Pros & Cons of Sailing Each Month of the Year

Being closer to the equator, this region has year-round warm weather. Outside of the hurricane zone, the ABC islands are an ideal destination. The hurricane season in the Caribbean Sea runs from June to November. As a result, January makes the Caribbean one of the best winter cruise destinations. In the winter, most Royal Caribbean ships offer cruises from North America. The abundance of ships in North America means there are more opportunities to find last-minute cruise deals and more flexibility over which ship to book.

Caribbean Cruise in July or August: Chances of Rain and Lots of Families

Tons of music and jazz festivals take place around the Caribbean this time of year, including the Pure Grenada Music Festival in May and the St. Kitts Music Festival in June. If your Caribbean cruise takes place over Easter, Virgin Gorda (part of the British Virgin Islands) holds a weekend filled with parties and calypso music. In Jamaica, parades known as Bacchanal, take to the streets during both months. Tuck into such dishes as papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce or fresh seafood on cruises in January 2024 and beyond.

The Seychelles Spreads Warm January Fun Across 115 Islands

To avoid excessive crowds, consider booking your cruise for mid-January, after the holiday rush has subsided. Whether you’re chasing summer in the southern hemisphere or seeking unique icy adventures, January serves up a smorgasbord of cruising delights with some of the world’s best cruise ports. Beginning the year on a cruise can set the tone for the months ahead. Whether it’s seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, cruises in January offer an opportunity to rejuvenate, make new friends, and create lasting memories. However, if we had our pick, we would suggest either April or October if you need to fly into a cruise port. The generally good weather and low prices combine to make it a cheap and easy time to sail.

Canary Islands & Madeira

Here, you’ll even have the opportunity to get up-close and personal with stingrays, dolphins and turtles. Charming George Town is just minutes from the cruise dock, for retail therapy. January cruises present an exciting opportunity to embark on an unforgettable voyage during the heart of winter. Plan your activities accordingly and be aware that you might not have as much daylight for exploration as you would during other times of the year. Research the ports of call on your itinerary and be prepared for the possibility of itinerary changes or missed ports.

As well, even if sailing to the Caribbean, the pools and water on a ship may still be too cool to enjoy fully. It is still really warm in the Caribbean and it is a nice break away from the cold winter. If you live in the northern U.S., sailing across the warm Pacific and seeing dolphins beside your cruise ship will be a fantasy come true. January is a great time to cruise because you’ll experience lower humidity and slightly cooler temperatures. The low end of Galapagos cruises starts between USD 8-10,000, with the top end exceeding USD 20,000. One of the cruises on most bucket lists is cruising the Panama Canal.

Princess Cruises Sets New Record for Alaska Bookings in January, with Over 20% Surge Compared to Prior Years - PR Newswire

Princess Cruises Sets New Record for Alaska Bookings in January, with Over 20% Surge Compared to Prior Years.

Posted: Tue, 06 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Explore Paradise Reef to see spotted morays and splendid toadfish – a species unique to Cozumel. Play a game of volleyball on Fury Beach, try kayaking or simply sway in a hammock to the sounds of island music. Cozumel is surrounded by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System which is teeming with exotic sea life to discover, like loggerhead sea turtles and foureye butterflyfish.

Why January Is the Best Month to Book a Cruise - Lifehacker

Why January Is the Best Month to Book a Cruise.

Posted: Tue, 09 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

You can go parasailing, deep-sea fishing, enjoy Mexican architecture, and savor authentic Mexican food in ports. Many cruise ships have Florida as their home port and provide alternate itineraries. If you would like to know more about our cruise deals for January or which January cruise would be best suited to you, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Unique Destinations Shine

Compare these temperatures to the summer, where highs are often 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). While November to February has cooler temperatures, January is the best month. In January, the average temperature is a comfortable 20 Celsius (68 Fahrenheit). If you don’t mind a flight outside of North America, a cruise including Dubai can be one of your best cruises.

As you’ll see below, there are trade-offs with each time of year to sail. However, many of the potential downsides are manageable in our opinion — and shouldn’t deter you from taking a cruise when it fits your schedule and budget. We've had cruises where you can sit out on the decks and enjoy the gorgeous scenery sailing down the Hudson and we've had 12 inches of snow on the deck as we left during a blizzard. It can be a little chilly and windy at night, but daytime is perfectly comfortable for me. The gulf water may be a little cool but I've never found it unbearable. I am accustomed to Chicago winters and also think the Caribbean is miserable in the summer and fall.

From street tacos to haute cuisine, this is a city you can eat your way through. Outdoor lovers will find plenty to occupy their time here including sailing, deep sea fishing, golf, and of course, there are beaches -- some of the most scenic you've ever laid eyes on. Water lovers can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, and boating options. With a marina called Love Boat, you’ll have an inkling of what’s in store at the classic cruise destination of Princess Cays.

Just like the cruises, flights tend to be cheaper too for a January cruise. With less people in general interested in a vacation, you may find that getting a flight to your embarkation port isn't as expensive as a month or two later. The average daytime air temperature throughout most of the Canary Islands in January is a comfortable seventy-five degrees (24C), with water temperatures to match. To put that into perspective, January temperatures in the Greek Islands of the Mediterranean average a chilly fifty-seven, or just under 14 degrees Celsius.

However, it can be the peak season for many of the warmer destinations. In January, you’ll enjoy cooler temperatures along the Mexican Riviera and avoid hurricane season. Mexican Riviera cruises are best suited to those living along the west coast.

The beginning of the year brings a refreshed calendar of onboard activities and entertainment. Cruises in January introduce travelers to a world where the ancient meets the modern in a seamless dance in some of the best countries to visit in Asia. Venture to the land Down Under and the paradisiacal islands of the South Pacific for a distinct January cruising experience. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. If you love snorkeling, many of the destinations listed above provide a perfect excursion as part of your cruise.