Which is best time to go?

[~Christie~]

Ok all I need some more advice please! We have finally decided on ship and all. We have chosen Carnival Magic for the Belize, Cozumel, & Roatan sailing. Now we need to figure out the best time to go for the ports, weather, and less kids on the ship.

 

Below are the three choices:

 

March 16-23, 2014

April 20-27, 2014

May 4-11, 2014

 

I am not sure when Spring break is so that has me concerned before we book, but I am leaning towards the May sailing. We would love to go in April if it is not during Spring break.

Edited December 5, 2013 by ~Christie~

[lgsshedden]

the March dates coincide with Spring break for Canadian schools (not sure about US). Either April or May would have less kids on board and marginally better weather especially on departure day but not that different in your three stops -- they will be warm and lovely regardless.

[DobberDog]

Spring break for Dickinson ISD (my kids district), Clear Creek ISD, Alvin ISD and Galveston ISD is March 10-14th 2014. Houston public school district is out the 17th thru the 21st.

 

There are also some state tests going on in some schools during the week in April you mentioned so I wouldnt think parents would want their kids to miss those.

 

Not sure on Louisiana schools spring break dates though.

 

Id vote for May if it were me.

Edited December 5, 2013 by DobberDog

[~Christie~]

thanks!

 

I am thinking May will be the best time to go too. I knew that it would have a less chance of kids etc b/c I know here (Louisiana) they will be in school. April could be a gamble b/c here the different Parishes have different dates for spring break and March I was unsure off.

[KenMo]

I'd pick May, for sure.

[asalligo]

Spring Break for Florida schools ranges across March, Leon county schools break the week in March you have listed along with most of North Florida. Most of South Florida is the next week. No week in March is safe to avoid spring break traffic really.

 

I personally prefer earlier in the year. January and February. The Caribbean gets too hot for me in April and May, but if I had to pick from your schedule I would go with the April date, but two weeks later would most likely make little difference. Just 14 days less on the countdown.

[Colorado Kat]

May will have the fewest kids.

[~Christie~]

Thanks all! I think May will be our best bet, even though I would love to go sooner.... lol!

 

I did find a good date in Feb. but I am just not sure we will have the money in time to go for then.

 

So, I will set my expectations for May and start planning! lol!

[DobberDog]

We are going on the Feb 2nd 2014 cruise with that itinerary. Currently we have 2 deluxe oceanviews booked for 6 people total at a rate of $1327 per cabin. best rate avail currently.

[~Christie~]

We are going on the Feb 2nd 2014 cruise with that itinerary. Currently we have 2 deluxe oceanviews booked for 6 people total at a rate of $1327 per cabin. best rate avail currently.

 

 

That is the sailing that I saw as well. Our anniversary is actually in Feb, but due to $$$ as of right now, we were thinking April or May so that we would have enough time to save up. If we can swing it for Feb I would LOVE to go then, but I am just not sure. It is the cheapest rate I have found for us too an any sailing.

[DobberDog]

sorry -- duplicate post. didnt realize it had already posted once

Edited December 5, 2013 by DobberDog
duplicate

[~Christie~]

We are going on the Feb 2nd 2014 cruise with that itinerary. Currently we have 2 deluxe oceanviews booked for 6 people total at a rate of $1327 per cabin. best rate avail currently.

 

 

do you get insurance?

[beachbum53]

That is the sailing that I saw as well. Our anniversary is actually in Feb, but due to $$$ as of right now, we were thinking April or May so that we would have enough time to save up. If we can swing it for Feb I would LOVE to go then, but I am just not sure. It is the cheapest rate I have found for us too an any sailing.

 

Our anniversary is in Feb. too, and that's when we used to take our cruises. However, after being in the Caribbean for a week with sunshine, warm weather, and, best of all, No snow!, it sucks to come back home (to Ohio) knowing that we still have about 8 to 10 weeks of winter to get through. Ugh! Two years ago, we switched to going in May, for a couple of reasons. First, it's great being able to go to Florida and back without having to deal with coats, hats and gloves. Second, early to mid May is an off-peak period when cruise prices are lower than during peak times. Also, after Spring Break, the kids are back in school, so there are very few school-age children on board. The weather in May is perfect for cruising (or at least it has been for us). Based on past experience, I would choose the May sailing dates without hesitation. On your real anniversary date in Feb., plan a little weekend getaway for yourselves, then get ready to whoop it up in May with a second celebration on your cruise.:D

[~Christie~]

Our anniversary is in Feb. too, and that's when we used to take our cruises. However, after being in the Caribbean for a week with sunshine, warm weather, and, best of all, No snow!, it sucks to come back home (to Ohio) knowing that we still have about 8 to 10 weeks of winter to get through. Ugh! Two years ago, we switched to going in May, for a couple of reasons. First, it's great being able to go to Florida and back without having to deal with coats, hats and gloves. Second, early to mid May is an off-peak period when cruise prices are lower than during peak times. Also, after Spring Break, the kids are back in school, so there are very few school-age children on board. The weather in May is perfect for cruising (or at least it has been for us). Based on past experience, I would choose the May sailing dates without hesitation. On your real anniversary date in Feb., plan a little weekend getaway for yourselves, then get ready to whoop it up in May with a second celebration on your cruise.:D

 

 

yeah - the more I look at everything the more I think May is best. It works for us money wise as well as time wise. Looks like we will be cruising May 4th!

[Lerin]

Probably May.

But if you are really trying to avoid all children then you are on the wrong ship, the wrong line at the wrong time of year, for the wrong length, to the wrong location.

There are going to be tons of kids on all the dates you listed.

Spring breaks start as early as March and go to late April. Some colleges end in early May, so you may end up with late teens partying it up before they begin summer jobs.

 

A good way to find out about spring break is to go to local and large school districts websites. All their calendars are usually posted on the main page. Don't forget to check a few large universities as well. We usually look at LA, New York, Chicago, and the largest school district and university closest to port.

[~Christie~]

Probably May.

But if you are really trying to avoid all children then you are on the wrong ship, the wrong line at the wrong time of year, for the wrong length, to the wrong location.

There are going to be tons of kids on all the dates you listed.

Spring breaks start as early as March and go to late April. Some colleges end in early May, so you may end up with late teens partying it up before they begin summer jobs.

 

A good way to find out about spring break is to go to local and large school districts websites. All their calendars are usually posted on the main page. Don't forget to check a few large universities as well. We usually look at LA, New York, Chicago, and the largest school district and university closest to port.

 

 

Yeah - I did not think about college ending early in May. We are not saying "no kids" - lol, just wanted "less kids" - hehe.

[sofietucker]

Re: spring break--we're always a bit more concerned about the college spring breaks, as we have witnessed plenty of underage drinking, rowdiness (pool fights, etc.) & overly intimate behavior in random public places... Those breaks can run anytime from mid-March to mid-April, depending on the school. (Ack--just saw Lerin said all this. It bears repeating tho')

 

I know this wasn't your time of choice, but for future, consider this:

Our favorite (and cheapest!) time to cruise the Caribbean is the first 2 weeks in Dec. Why?

1. kids (all the way through college age) are still in school

2. it's after hurricane season (ending on Nov. 30), so weather tends to be excellent

3 many folks don't cruise then since it's between Thanksgiving & winter holidays, when they have already traveled or plan to

4. that means you have better chances of a great cabin by booking a guarantee--or even get upgrades

4. it's still a winter weather getaway

5. did I mention the excellent prices??? After Dec. 20th prices jump dramatically for Xmas/New Year's cruises & then stay high though the "high season", which is Jan-March.

Have a blast whatever you choose!:cool:

[~Christie~]

thanks! I wish we could swing it right now for Dec., goodness knows I need a vacation......lol.

[asalligo]

Re: spring break--we're always a bit more concerned about the college spring breaks, as we have witnessed plenty of underage drinking, rowdiness (pool fights, etc.) & overly intimate behavior in random public places... Those breaks can run anytime from mid-March to mid-April, depending on the school. (Ack--just saw Lerin said all this. It bears repeating tho')

 

I know this wasn't your time of choice, but for future, consider this:

Our favorite (and cheapest!) time to cruise the Caribbean is the first 2 weeks in Dec. Why?

1. kids (all the way through college age) are still in school

2. it's after hurricane season (ending on Nov. 30), so weather tends to be excellent

3 many folks don't cruise then since it's between Thanksgiving & winter holidays, when they have already traveled or plan to

4. that means you have better chances of a great cabin by booking a guarantee--or even get upgrades

4. it's still a winter weather getaway

5. did I mention the excellent prices??? After Dec. 20th prices jump dramatically for Xmas/New Year's cruises & then stay high though the "high season", which is Jan-March.

Have a blast whatever you choose!:cool:

 

I did a December a couple of years ago, but here is why I do not like December cruising. I use the cruise as what I look forward to as I trudge my way through my soul sucking job and the dead of winter. In December, I am good as the Christmas season is getting ramped up. I also cannot dedicate myself to cruise preparation since I am preparing for Christmas and there is so much to do. Now January to February, I can dedicate my time to cruise prep and it breaks up the dreary winter. March would be cool if not for Spring Break, but I like to be here when the snow starts melting.

 

Also, don't get me wrong, I am talking optimal time of the year. I would sail monthly if I had the time and the means.

Edited December 5, 2013 by asalligo
Wrogn word

[JimAOk1945]

We were there in 2011 but on a different cruise line. It's a great itinerary! You will have an awesome cruise.

[Jimmy Geegitz]

Ok all I need some more advice please! We have finally decided on ship and all. We have chosen Carnival Magic for the Belize, Cozumel, & Roatan sailing. Now we need to figure out the best time to go for the ports, weather, and less kids on the ship.

 

Below are the three choices:

 

March 16-23, 2014

April 20-27, 2014

May 4-11, 2014

 

I am not sure when Spring break is so that has me concerned before we book, but I am leaning towards the May sailing. We would love to go in April if it is not during Spring break.

 

Don't ever go in March. Flights are pricey during spring break all month.

April May your good.

[~Christie~]

thanks all!