Spring is the season of new beginnings and the perfect season to take a cruise! It’s that time of the year when a vacation is needed. Spring is also the first time in months that many families and children have spring break vacation, giving a week of relaxation. In addition, college students may need a break away from their dorms after the stress of midterms, and many in the workforce may need to recover from winter’s coldness at this point of the year. Several short itineraries to destinations such as the Caribbean, ranging from 3 days to a week, can fit everyone’s schedules. Need more convincing? Here are five reasons why you should cruise during the spring season.
Warmer Weather
The weather will largely depend on where you’re traveling. For example, if you travel to Alaska, it is going to be colder than, say, the Caribbean. The warm weather and clear water this region holds are the perfect opportunities for a head start on summer. The Caribbean isn’t one destination, and cruise lines will have different islands they visit. One may stop at the ever-popular Bahamas, while another stops in Jamaica. These islands have beaches that go on for miles which is the perfect place to go for a dip in the warm, crystal clear waters. Or you can relax on the white sandy beach, with a good book in one hand and a pina colada in the other.
Better Deals
Cruise companies often offer deals and discounts during the spring months because it is before the busy summer sailing season. In fact, guests can get amazing deals if they book at least a year in advance. These deals sometimes extend to excursions and drink packages where guests can stack discounts. For example, Oceania Cruises is currently offering an All Three for Free promotion. Guests can save on over 80 select cruises in 2023 and 2024 and get free shore excursions, a beverage package, and shipboard credit. Taking a spring cruise also gives you more availability and choice in excursions and cruises.
Different Availability for Excursions
While taking a shore excursion is not a requirement for enjoying a cruise, they are an excellent way to learn about the city you are in and a great addition to enhance your trip. These excursions can range from sightseeing monuments and ancient cities to snorkeling underwater or going on a local food tour. Because spring cruises are less packed than during the summer, some excursions will still be available at different times throughout the day. So you do not have to worry about being unable to make an excursion because of the distance between the locations.
Visit Australia
Australia’s seasons are flipped, so from March to May, it will be autumn in the land down under. With the milder weather, you can visit several ports in Australia to see wildlife and experience nature. In addition to the usual surfing and scuba diving excursions, you can climb to the top of the Harbor Bridge in mild weather. You can also visit Broome, where you can ride a camel, or stop in Brisbane to see koalas. Australia has it all, with nature and the city coming together to offer guests an unforgettable experience.
Or Take a Cruise That’s Sailing Somewhere Offbeat
While the most obvious place to visit during spring break is somewhere warm, like the Caribbean, you can always go the opposite route. Cruises to the Caribbean will be packed with families escaping for the week or college students on spring break. If you want some quiet time, then picking a cruise that is headed for Alaska or Egypt, and Japan is what you should ideally do. The weather will be milder in Alaska, and there is a chance to see the Northern Lights. Meanwhile, in Japan, you can experience the sakura blossoms in full bloom. Sailing to somewhere in the offseason comes with the benefits of not having to deal with large crowds and experiencing excursions without the lines.
Spring cruising is perfect for everyone – whether you have a family with children who need to get away for a week or college students who want to have fun for a few days before returning to books. So consider this your sign to book your spring cruise for 2024!
Will you be booking a quick getaway this spring? Let us know in the comments!
By Niko Balkaran